Classic Eventing Nation

Horses in History: Mr. President, Tear Down These Stables!

By on Feb 18, 2019 3:30 pm -

It’s Presidents Day! Pop quiz: Whose idea was it to replace the White House stables with a four-car garage? From the archives of Horse Nation‘s “Horses in History” series, Lorraine Jackson explores a bit of horsey presidential history.

President William Howard Taft on horseback. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

I couldn’t help but wonder while writing about Britain’s Royal Mews whatever became of good ole’ USA’s First Horses and presidential stables. Were the horses elected out of office? Run out of town by the horseless carriage? Impeached after a treasonous tumble? Well, more or less, all of the above turned out to be true.

According to official White House history, the presidential stables were, throughout its many incarnations, always quite simple and modest in design. The first was built in Georgian brick in 1800, the second in 1806, rebuilt again after the war of 1812 saw their complete annihilation, a fourth time after they burned down accidentally in 1864, rebuilt once more when the previous was torn down to make way for the War and Navy Building (now the Executive Office Building) and finally, permanently demolished in 1911. It would seem the only person who had a more unlucky stay at the White House than the horses was William Henry Harrison, who only made it a grand 32 days in office as President.

The final incarnation of the White House Stables in 1873. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Gander a guess at which U.S. President did the White House Stables in for good? It was in fact William Howard Taft, the giant of a man and 27th president of the United States. While it would seem that W.H.T. had it out for horses, you might say that they had it out for him too. At the age of nine, the family horse went running off with the carriage, William in tow, and the ordeal ended with him sporting a skull fracture and a terrible cut to the head. And so began an infamous relationship.

Taft by carriage. Photo via Library of Congress.

In 1909, President Taft  took a long tour of the American West, and as part of the visit was slated to ride down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon on horseback. His aides repeatedly begged him not to, on the basis of his “hearty constitution” (at this point in his life Mr. President weighed a mighty 345-360 pounds) noting that the trail would require multiple mounts and dismounts along a narrow trail. Up until the morning of, Taft insisted he’d be going, but after looking down the steep edge of the canyon, Taft paled to a ghostly white and thought the better of it, supremely disappointed.

He was thwarted yet again on the tour when visiting Yosemite Forest, when the assigned horse “appeared to be unequal to the President’s bulk, so Taft was advised to walk” and a soaking perspired President arrived at the site without a change of clothes for a day of meetings.

Hearty Taft in Yosemite–poor man. Photo via Library of Congress.

In fact, the President’s equestrian jaunts were generally frowned upon by staff, as demonstrated by the following exchange. After a hack on the White House property, President Taft sent a telegram to Secretary of War Elihu Root stating in regards to his health “Took long horseback ride today; feeling fine.” To which Mr. Secretary responded, “How is the horse?”

Not all rides went so smoothly on the White House grounds, and President Taft was the last president ever to be thrown on the property. Only weeks later, he was riding again and took a bug to the eye which laid him out for several days. (That must have been some bug!)

In 1911, Taft finally did away with the stables and the horses, as well as the White House’s last personal milk cow. It is not said what became of the president’s horses, but it seems Taft’s transportation back luck voodoo didn’t end by replacing ponies with a four-car garage and a Model M. After switching to cars, he was involved in a number of traffic accidents, including having his “horseless carriage” collide with a New York City street car and being dragged eight blocks, among other mishaps.

Taft traveling nominally safer by car.

Horses have made a few re-appearances at the White House since then for special occasions, but Taft was the end of the practical use of horses at America’s presidential seat.

Go riding.

Originally published April 16, 2012.

Weekend Winners: Rocking Horse II, Paradise Farm, Fresno County Horse Park

By on Feb 18, 2019 8:00 am -

Lots of winter eventing action afoot this weekend, from Rocking Horse in Ocala and Paradise Farm in Aiken to the first FEI event of the year at Fresno County Horse Park in California. That amounts to several dozen blue ribbons — each of whom we think is deserving of a shout-out!

An extra congrats in is order for our lowest scoring finishers in the country of the weekend, Stephanie Cauffman and Lamondale Florinia, who posted a 20.7 to win the Open Training-A division at Rocking Horse.

Hey look who’s got the ride on her mum’s four-star horse? Really neat to see Taylor McFall getting on so well with High Times at Fresno County Horse Park — they finished 1st in the Jr. Training Rider division.

Your weekend winners:

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. [Results]
Advanced Test A: Felix Vogg & Cayenne (28.9)
Advanced Test B: Selena O’Hanlon & Foxwood High (28.3)
Intermediate Rider: Elizabeth Bierman & Highland Storm (44.2)
Open Intermediate-A: Lynn Symansky & Under Suspection (26.3)
Open Intermediate-B: Leslie Law & First Class (32.7)
Open Intermediate-C: William Coleman & Off The Record (30.5)
Open Preliminary-A: Robin Walker & SBT Clover Road (26.5)
Open Preliminary-B: Brittany Kart & Filomena (30.9)
Open Preliminary Friday A-1 Day: Mike Huber & Deauville Beekhoeve (30.5)
Open Preliminary Friday B-1 Day: William Coleman & Cooley Mahgeeta (29.6)
Preliminary Horse: Leslie Law & Rock on Cooley (29.7)
Preliminary Rider-A: Donna Miller & HC Celtic Mark (35.4)
Preliminary Rider-B: Sami Crandell & Fernhill Chaos (34.6)
Jr. Training Rider: Corey Jarman & O’Meara (32.5)
Open Training-A: Stephanie Cauffman & Lamondale Florinia (20.7)
Open Training-B: Elisa Wallace & Munson Slew (24.8)
Open Training-C: William Zuschlag & Go Happy (23.2)
Sr. Training Rider-A: Lauren Chumley & Atlanta B (35.4)
Sr. Training Rider-B: Lauren Chumley & Santa Barbara Dash (26.5)
Training Horse-A: Nicole Hatley & Aspen (28.6)
Training Horse-B: Samantha McCleerey & Fernhill B First (26.6)
Jr. Novice Rider: Sophia Pivero & Cupido SE Z (29.8)
Novice Horse-A: Cole Horn & MBF Cooley Permission To Land (25.7)
Novice Horse-B: Ellen Doughty-Hume & Two Step Program (27.1)
Open Novice: Kendyl Tracy & HSH Golden Boy (28.1)
Sr. Novice Rider-A: Lydia Anderson & Russell’s Reserve (27.9)
Sr. Novice Rider-B: Carol Tresan & Knight Skye’s Zensation (26.9)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Maddie Heckaman & Incredibly (35.3)
Open Beginner Novice-A: Anna Loschiavo & Fernhill Hole Shot (27.5)
Open Beginner Novice-B: Abigail Dennis & Remarkable-54 (27.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Julie Gilbert & Canadian Exchange (27.3)

So this happened today! Salty finished once again on his dressage score this time making the big leap from 8th to 4th…

Posted by Donna Miller on Saturday, February 16, 2019

Paradise Farm H.T. [Results]
Open Preliminary – Friday: Elizabeth Bortuzzo & Belongs To Teufer (27.4)
Open Preliminary: Colleen Rutledge & Cooley Ironic (26.6)
Preliminary Rider – Friday: Olivia Hayes & Astrana De La Galerna (32.7)
Preliminary Rider: Samantha Hay & Tre Jolie (30.4)
Preliminary/Training – Friday: Kim Severson & Exclusively Cooley (27.2)
Open Training – Friday-A: Lillian Heard & Dassett Olympus (29.5)
Open Training – Friday-B: Daryl Layfield-Insley & LF Florida Georgia Line (31.7)
Open Training – Friday-C: Michael Pendleton & Copper Classic (30.0)
Open Training: Kevin Keane & HH Ontario (25.5)
Training Rider – Friday-A: Jack Curtis & Playmate III (33.3)
Training Rider – Friday-B: Sam Curtis & Cooley Cut Copy (34.1)
Training Rider: Susan Gallagher & Chacco Chip (36.0)
Novice Rider – Friday-A: Sally Rosen & Mayson (27.1)
Novice Rider – Friday-B: Madison Gilbert & Dylano Q (30.7)
Novice Rider-A: Anna Billings & Wexford Cruise (26.0)
Novice Rider-B: Kathleen Bertuna & Millye’s Mojave (30.2)
Open Novice – Friday-A: Lindsay Beer & Billy Shamrock (22.6)
Open Novice – Friday-B: Bennett Camp-Crowder & Sherran (26.7)
Open Novice – Friday-C: Booli Selmayr & EEF Sampson (26.4)
Open Novice: Susan Thomas & FGF Actively Engaged (31.4)
Beginner Novice Rider – Friday: Sara Stone & For Goodness Sake (30.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Caroline Nagrodsky & Spartacus (32.8)
Open Beginner Novice – Friday-A: Alison Eastman-Lawler & Lexington II (32.3)
Open Beginner Novice – Friday-B: Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride & Slick Moves (28.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Michele Kuchta & Sparking Cider (33.0)
Starter – Friday: Aaron S Hill & Denali (34.7)
Starter: Elizabeth Bagsby & Out of the Rain (45.0)

Fresno County Horse Park CCI & H.T. [Results]
CCI3*-Short: Tamra Smith & Danito (37.2)
CCI2*-Short: Alexis Helffrich & M Creme De La Creme SE (34.3)
Advanced: Amber Levine & Carry On (63.0)
Open Intermediate: Auburn Excell Brady & BSP Tuxedo (44.5)
Open Preliminary: Kelsey Holmes & NZB The Chosen One (30.6)
Preliminary Rider: Jeanette Gilbert & The Alchemist (36.6)
Jr. Training Rider: Taylor Mcfall & High Times (25.0)
Open Training: Rebecca Braitling & Dassett Ricochet (26.0)
Sr. Training Rider: Jaclyn Thomas & Aella (36.9)
Training Horse: Madison Temkin & MVP Madbum (22.4)
Jr. Novice Rider: Sophia Merz & Bird Is The Word (23.3)
Open Novice: Amber Levine & I’M Jaguar (24.1)
Sr. Novice Rider: Miranda Olagaray & Tanqueray (27.1)
Jr. Beg. Novice Rider A: Paige Priest & Charlotte (29.7)
Jr. Beg. Novice Rider B: Hailey Weber & SE Gin Fizz (33.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Amber Levine & Chicago (29.4)
Sr. Beg. Novice Rider: Linda Carley Rosen & REHY USA (24.3)
Introductory: Noelle Dever & Mercedes (40.8)

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Best pony EVER!!

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Arnell Sporthorse’s Dassett Ricochet kicked off the year with a win in the Open Training Tough Mudder. These weather…

Posted by Bec Braitling on Sunday, February 17, 2019

Congrats to all! Go Eventing.

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Feb 18, 2019 12:01 am -

If you’re anything like me, you struggle to do one clean flying change at any given time, much less five on a diagonal in a dressage test. On that note, we’re sending three cheers to Liz Halliday-Sharp for tackling her first Prix St. Georges with Fernhill By Night on Saturday at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida. The test requires four-tempis and three-tempis — 10 flying changes in all. Consider this your #MondayMotivation — get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.

National Holiday: National Drink Wine Day (Editor’s Note: I was born ready for this.)

U.S. Weekend Results:

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. [Final Scores]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Final Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park CCI & H.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

The 2019 USEA Educational Symposium kicks off today at Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale, Florida. Maxime Livio, WEG team bronze medalist for France and five-star winner, is teaching the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) portion of the symposium with dressage lessons today, followed by show jumping and cross country lessons tomorrow. Follow the link for the full two-day schedule, and stay tuned for EN’s coverage. [ICP Schedule with Maxime Livio]

Sir Mark Todd is returning to racehorse training for Eminent’s campaign in Australia, including his race against unbeaten super mare Winx. Eminent’s owner, New Zealand Bloodstock principal Sir Peter Vela, has also owned event horses for Mark. The horse is now in quarantine at Newmarket in preparation to fly to Australia on Feb. 28. [Eventing’s Mark Todd to take on Winx in new racing venture]

As horse owners, we agonize over the best care to provide for our hard-working equine athletes. Luckily, Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak’s staff veterinarian and medical director, is available to answer any veterinary questions you might have each month in the #AsktheVetVideo series. Follow the link to submit a question for April’s video. [Ask your horse health questions for the April 2019 Ask the Vet video!]

Best of Humans of Eventing: 

“Will I get penalized for throwing up on the jump?”

Overheard during a course walk

Monday Video:

ICYMI — Hannah Sue Burnett is now campaigning Leo Distinction, Blyth Tait’s former four-star ride. Check out their dressage test from Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. courtesy of our friendly neighborhood videographer David Frechette. Click here to view more videos of the weekend action.

What’s Happening This Winter? [Updated 2/17]

By on Feb 17, 2019 4:00 pm -

‘Tis the season for self-improvement! And wearing ALL the clothes. Sinead Halpin braved 20-something temps to teach a clinic at Road Less Traveled Eventing earlier this year. Photo by Katherine McDonough.

What’s Happening is EN’s guide to lessons, clinics, schooling shows and other riding and educational opportunities during the winter. It’s free to post a listing. Just email the date, location, contact information and any other details to [email protected]. (Note: This is a list generated solely from submissions. If no one sends us the details of your event, it won’t be included.)

Location Quick Links: Area I | Area II | Area III | Area IV | Area V | Area VI | Area VII | Area VIII | Area IX | Canada

Area I

Area II

Feb. 23 & March 2: Winter Gymnastics Clinic Series with Martin Douzant (Upperville, VA)
Eventers, young horses and hunter/jumpers of all levels are all welcome for this eight-week winter gymnastic clinic series at Deerfield Stables! Gymnastic and adjustability exercises will build on the prior week’s lesson so riders of all levels can perfect their basics and prepare for their 2019 goals, whatever they may be. Dates include Jan. 12, 19 & 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16 & 23, March 2.

Feb. 23: Kelley Williams Clinics (locations vary)
Join Advanced-level eventer and popular instructor Kelley Williams for her annual Winter Clinic Series! Known for her absolute dedication to her horses, her students, and her wonderful supportive family, Kelley has developed A Bit Better Farm from a small family barn to a leading event facility. Possessing an enviable amount of patience, she is a naturally gifted trainer and instructor who always seems to know what her pupils need, whether they be human or equine. Kelley draws great gratification in her teaching and coaching, and firmly believes that she learns as much from her students as they learn from her. Dates include Dec. 29 at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD), Jan. 5 Winter Clinic Series #1 at A Bit Better Farm (Brookeville, MD), Jan. 19 Winter Clinic Series #2 at A Bit Better Farm, Feb. 16 Winter Clinic Series #3 at A Bit Better Farm, Feb. 16 Winter Clinic Series #4 at A Bit Better Farm.

Feb. 23-24: Andrea Davidson Clinics at Pinnacle Farm (Califon, NJ) 
Join us for winter clinics with Andrea Leatherman Davidson at Pinnacle Farm! The winter series clinics are designed to be two-day experiences (but entries for one day are also accepted!) that continue to progressively build skills through the winter season. The first day uses gymnastic exercises to sharpen and balance the horse and rider, and the second day puts new skills to practice over full jump courses. FB group with info on how to sign up: https://www.facebook.com/events/371789876908990/?active_tab=about

Feb. 23-24: Equine Management Training Center Winter Horse Care Clinic Series #5 – “Beyond the Braids with Sam Henley”
Everything you need to know about show turnout, packing for you and your horse, managing your horse at a competition, stall set up, aftercare and more. Clinics held at Sandy River Equestrian Center. They will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and include lunch at noon in the bunk house. The cost is $175 for each clinic, or $750 for all five clinics when you pre-register and pay in advance. To register please contact Sam Henley, [email protected] or (549)488-5416; or Vicky Williams, [email protected] or (434)489-6414.

March 3: Cavaletti Clinics with Meghan Truppner (Mt. Airy, MD)
Join USDF Silver Medalist Meghan Truppner at her Karmic Run Stables for a day full of cavaletti! All levels welcome from walk-trot beginners through more advanced pairs. Groups are limited to 3-4 riders to guarantee personalized attention. Looking for something interesting and beneficial to add to your horse’s exercise program this winter? Cavaletti work may be the answer! There are many variations you can use to benefit yourself and your horse. Cavaletti work encourages your horse to become more rhythmic and balanced, while adding a little interest to your flatwork. Dates include Jan. 5-6, Feb. 3 and March 3.

Through March 8: Cross Country Schooling on All-Weather Footing at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD)
School cross country obstacles on eight acres of all-weather footing. Ditches, banks, water, and portable fences from Intro height (18″) through Preliminary. By appointment only. The cost is $50 per horse/rider combination and includes use of the regular schooling course and trails. A ground person is required and safety vests must be worn. Call ahead and jumps can be customized to what you’re working on. Derby course is closed for schooling during competition days, but the schooling course remains available. Call or text Carolyn at 301-514-0111 or email us at [email protected] to schedule an appointment. More information and download the waiver and rules at https://themarylandhorsetrials.com/schooling-opportunities/cross-country-schooling.

Area III

Feb. 19, 26: Tik Maynard and Cathy Wieschhoff Clinic Series at Majestic Oaks (Reddick, FL)
Tik Maynard and Cathy Wieschhoff are teaming up to host a clinic series on natural horsemanship solutions to eventer training problems, with sessions scheduled for every Tuesday in February at Majestic Oaks. Cathy and Tik will help you and your horse work through performance, behavior and connection issues in a hands-on learning environment designed to create a safer and more reliable partnership. Click here for more details on dates and pricing.

Feb. 18-21: USEA Educational Symposium (Weirsdale, FL)
The 2019 USEA Educational Symposium will take place February 18-21 at The Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale, Florida. The ICP symposium will be February 18-19 and you can register here. The YEH/FEH will be February 20-21 and you can register here.

Feb. 20 & 27: POP Winter Wednesdays (Ocala, FL)
Partners of the Park series at Florida Horse Park. Cross country schooling ($50/horse), jumper show (18″-4′), dressage clinic (clinician TBD). More info here.

Feb. 23-24: Stable View Eventing Schooling Day & Academy Schooling Show (Aiken, SC)
Open cross country schooling on Saturday; Academy Schooling Show on Sunday. Horse trials offered at Sprouts (<18”) through Prelim/Training levels; combined tests offered at Sprouts through Advanced level; dressage tests and show jumping rounds — choice of any USEF/ USEF/USDF/USEA test/jumping height. Closing date is Feb. 18. Cross country schooling info is here; schooling trials info is here. Visit www.stableviewfarm.com.

Feb. 23-24: Lellie Ward Clinic at Timber Acres (Buhl, AL)
The University of Alabama Eventing Team is hosting a Lellie Ward clinic on February 23-24 at Timber Acres in Buhl, Alabama. Dressage will be Saturday with individual lessons for 1 hour. On Sunday there will be group jump lessons. It is $150 for both days or $80 for one day only. Stabling will be $20 per night, and the haul in fee is $10 per day. The audit fee will be $25/day. Lellie Ward has gone to the Rolex Kentucky 3-day event a total of four times on three different horses. She has also competed in many other US and Canadian events such as Bromont, Jersey Fresh, Gladstone, and Buffalo Texas. She has a USEA level III teaching certificate as well as certificates from Germany and the UK. She has produced 10 unstarted horses to the advanced levels including Peter Pan and Next Dance. She has also trained horses through Grand Prix dressage and show jumping.  She can help any rider with any discipline. Please contact [email protected] to enter the clinic.

Feb. 24-26: Christoph Hess Clinic at Magnolia Farms (Live Oak, FL) 
Christoph Hess is an author, clinician and FEI “I” dressage and eventing judge. He is highly respected around the world as a teacher of riding and the development of the horse according to classical principles. He authored the book “Ride Better,” wherein he collects some of his very best riding and training tips along with well-honed insight related to the topics that he finds most often challenge equestrians and their equine partners. This clinic is hosted by Cathy Willson/Magnolia Farms and Andrea Haller. The clinic will be at Magnolia Farms, with Olympic-caliber covered arena, 16×16 stalls, LQ Trailer spaces, guest housing, and other amenities. Prices: Lesson $225, includes lunch and spectating. Spectating is $50 per day, includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. Please contact Andrea for more info at [email protected] or (386)623-2292.

March 5-11, 15-19: Eric Smiley Clinics (Aiken, SC)
Please contact [email protected] for more information.

March 6: Wednesday Jumpers at Stable View (Aiken, SC)
Polish your show jumping skills — 2’3″ – 3’9″ jumper classes available. Show begins at 10 a.m. Entry form here. Visit www.stableviewfarm.com.

March 12: Centerline Workshop with Peter Gray (Reddick, FL)
This clinic is designed for riders, trainers and judges and will go through the new USEF and FEI Eventing tests. Warm up exercises will be discussed and directives for each movement practiced before riding the tests with live judge’s commentary. Cost is $100 for riders and $40 for auditors. Sign up via email [email protected] or by text 352-425-6302. Location is Wentworth Farm, 12345 NW 110 Ave., Reddick, FL 32686.

March 9-10: LandSafe Clinic at Big Time Eventing (Canton, GA)
March 25-26: LandSafe Clinic at JH Eventing (Aiken, SC)
LandSafe is a two-day clinic (four hours per day) which implements specific exercises to help develop the muscle memory to give participants the tools to reduce their rider risk in a fall scenario. Participants will spend time on the gym mats and simulator each day to practice a variety of fall scenarios. For more information about LandSafe please visit www.landsafeequestrian.com.
LandSafe received a grant from the USEA and still has funding available for each Area. Until the grant money is depleted, any current member taking the LandSafe clinic can receive a $50 rebate and if you are a USEA Young Rider you will receive an additional $50 rebate. The grant money is available on a first come first serve basis, so sign up early to receive the discounted price before funds run out.
To sign up please visit https://landsafeequestrian.com/product/march-9-10-2019-big-time-eventing-canton-ga/. Please contact Keli Warrington if you have any questions about clinics: [email protected] or 484-459-4974.

Area IV

Feb. 23: Eventing Clinic with EN’s Amy Nelson (Rochester, IL)
Jump start your 2019 show season with a one day eventing clinic with Amy Nelson at Hummingbird Stables! Get ready for your first event of the year with practice outside on our cross country course if weather allows – water, banks, ditches (BN-prelim), corner fences; or indoor eventing with palisades, faux weldon’s wall, faux ditch and more! Small groups of 3. $55 each horse/rider, second horse just $50. Auditing is FREE. Lesson horses/ponies available. Payment must be made out to Hummingbird Stables by Feb. 9, 2019. Email entry is fine: indicate Name, horse’s
name, level, and if a day stall is needed for $15. Levels: Green as Grass, Starter, BN, Novice, Training, T/P. RSVP on Facebook event page here.

April 27-28: Peter Gray Clinic (Barrington Hills, Illinois)
Hosted by L’Esprit Equestrian, Jennifer Rousseau.
Schedule: Saturday, April 27 – Flat and Gymnastics (Snow Angels Farm 9 Porter School Rd – Barrington Hills)
Sunday, April 28 – Cross Country (Snow Angels Farm/Cotter Jump Field)
Shuttles from SAF 9 Porter School Rd – Barrington Hills
If you are a member of USEA Area IV, US Pony Club or Returning L’Esprit Clinic Participant
Fees: $400 for the 2 day clinic
Registration after March 15, 2019: Fee: $450
Limited stabling available: See Registration for details, available at https://www.lespritequestrian.com or visit on Facebook.
Questions contact Chris Skudlarek: [email protected] or 708-846-0974
Save your spot with a $100 deposit with your registration form mailed to: L’Esprit Equestrian c/o Chris Skudlarek / 201 N Withorn Ln / Mount Prospect, Il 60056. Final Payment is due by Apr 1, 2019 to keep your spot with $100 deposit

 

Area V

Area VI

March 2-3: Matt Brown Jumping Clinic
Semi-private jump lessons. Price TBD. Email [email protected]. Location: Big Sky Equestrian Center, 7730 Cardwell Ave., Orangevale CA

Area VII

 

Feb. 16-17: Nick Cwick Clinic @ Patterson Creek Equestrian Center (Redmond, WA)
More Details contact Leigh Mesher. http://pcec-redmond.com/home.htm

Feb. 22-24: Tamie Smith Clinic @ Grand Farms (Vaughn, WA)
https://www.grandfarmseventing.com/

March 16: Donida Farm Dressage Schooling Show (Auburn, WA)
More details http://www.donidafarm.com/

March 16-17: Aspen Farms Event Derby (Yelm, WA)
More details http://aspenfarmseventing.com/

Area VIII

Feb. 23 – Feb. 24: Sharon White Clinic (Lexington, Kentucky)
Come join UK Eventing at the Sharon White Clinic. Two days of jumping at Clearview Equestrian Center. Sharon White is an international four-star event rider with over 20 years of competitive experience. Venue is Clear View Equestrian Center (3349 Elkchester Rd. / Lexington, Kentucky 40510). Click here for more information.

Area IX

March 9-10: Tamie Smith Clinic (Cheyenne, Wyoming)
Contact Allison Murphy at 307-640-9222 or [email protected].

Area X

Canada

Check back soon!

Want to see your lesson, clinic or schooling show listed here? Email [email protected].  

Sunday Video: Rocking Horse Winter II Prelim Helmet Cam

By on Feb 17, 2019 1:30 pm -

Rocking Horse Stable’s winter event series rolls on with its Winter II H.T. taking place this weekend. The upper-level divisions are done and dusted, with several Novice and Beginner Novice divisions still unfolding this afternoon. See live scores here, and of course we’ll have a full winners report on EN tomorrow.

Mallory Stiver kindly shared this Prelim cross country helmet cam. She and Hugo Boss, her own 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Artax x Goodie Good Girl, by Here We Come), finished second in the Preliminary Rider B division, having added just six cross country time faults to their dressage score of 33.3.

We love Mallory’s positive commentary: Lots of “good boy” and “woo-hoo!,” a couple enthusiastic shouts of “I love you!” and “thank you!,” and plenty of air smooches. Her horse’s pricked ears indicate that he’s having as much fun as she is.

Mallory and Hugo had a super 2018, with top finishes to include a 7th in the Texas Rose CCI1* and a 6th at the American Eventing Championships, and we wish them all the best this season.

Go Eventing!

 

Best of JN: A Little Horsey Limbo?

By on Feb 17, 2019 9:00 am -

Free jumping a horse is a great way to see what kind of scope they might be bringing to the table. Some thrive in this structured environment, others don’t know quite what to do with their feet yet. And then there is this horse …

10 points for creativity. -10 points for athletic ability. Hey, I can’t say I blame him. I wouldn’t want to jump that either!

Go Jumping.

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Feb 17, 2019 12:01 am -

Eventers are a resourceful bunch. Cash-strapped and feeling thrifty, you’ll see many clever endeavors under the #EventerSolutions hashtag. Bec Braitling took that to heart this weekend at Fresno. Californians have had heavy rainfall this week, and she decided to use what she had on hand to clean her tack. Waste not want not!

National Holiday: National Random Acts of Kindness Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

FEI Olympic Qualifications Focus on Horse Welfare

Jonty Evans jumps for first time since cross-country accident

Now on Course: Like Mother, Like Son

Olympic legend to train racehorse alongside eventing career

‘I Feel More Pressure to Perform’: What It’s Really Like Getting the Ride on a Gold Medalist

Sunday Video: 

Best of HN: 15 Artful Body Clips

By on Feb 16, 2019 5:00 pm -

For horses who stay in heavy work over the winter, a full or partial clip can be a lifesaver, ensuring that horses don’t overheat in those thick winter coats. When it’s all the same to the horse, why not express yourself?

A few photos submitted for this week’s Horse Nation photo challenge:

Clip by ClipClop Bodyclipping by Morgan, inspired by Paisley Magazine’s Paisley Pony mascot/logo and photo by Sweet Fresno Equestrian Photography

Danielle Keating: My BN team for Team Challenge this year was “Superheroes”; my mare and I were Batman and I decided she needed a matching clip. Photo by Heather Dawson.

Photo by Kate Fremlin.

I always put a heart in my clip as this horse has my heart! Clip and photo by Victoria Tunis.

A snowflake for Snow Cat ❄️
Work of art by the amazing Ashleigh Rauen and photo by me, Madeleine McEntyre!

Pic and clip credit to Jamie Leuenberger.

Clip and photo by Christina Brock.

Clip and pic by Christie Hanson.

Nagi is a St. Patrick’s day baby, so I used to clip a clover into his hip☘️ photo by Sarah Marie

Game of thrones inspired clips, done by Mika Leah.

Clip and photo by NC Adams.

Go Seahawks! Clip and photo by KC Cordell!

Photo credit: Kelly Peine.
My daughter on our “Super Pony” Redford.

Keep an eye out for next week’s 24-hour photo challenge! We announce challenge subjects on Monday around the middle of the day on both Instagram and Facebook.

Go riding!

The Aging Eventer: What to Expect from Experience

By on Feb 16, 2019 2:00 pm -

As you age as a rider, pain becomes your motivator. Photo by Kayla Benney.

The answer to the question, “What can I gain from this?” can easily be answered by the Aging Eventer. “Pain.” Pretty much that is the state of most of my days, and most of the days of my Aging Eventer friends.

As you fossilize, yet continue to ride, you do gain all sorts of great experiences — and injuries, big and little, that follow you along the way. You body reminds you that you have done this before, and it usually hurts — as you slam painfully on the ground, and your intrepid mount scuttles away with empty stirrups flying in the breeze.

Do we muscle through these times? Yes. Do we pay for it later? Yes. But is it worth it? Yes, always yes. At least for me. Even though I have suffered through some very sore Mondays and Tuesdays at work after not-so-great weekends at events.

Often, the pain is a reminder that I should have done something differently. Made sure the stirrup pads were cleaned out before mounting with gummy mud on my boot soles. Changed to the rubber reins. Forgot to put the “Equitation In A Can” on my saddle. Walked the course more than once. Paid attention. Rode better. Been more fit. Jumped more at home. Took more lessons. Checked the dressage test one more time. Clinched the front shoes. Paid for the hock injections. Bought the nicer breeches. Gone to the bathroom before cross country. You get the picture.

Jimmy Wofford says pretty regularly that experience is what you get just after you need it. I’m a living and breathing Eventer Example of that rule. I am often wondering how on earth I’ve competed this long without knowing what I should be doing, or been eliminated more times for forgetting my armband. I wonder at my ability to keep liking this sport many times (and my family shares this wonder, trust me, I constantly am reminded of their skepticism).

You’d think, with age and experience (and treachery) you could make a case for being satisfied with what I have done. But no. There are more courses I want to ride. There are better dressage tests and show jump rounds out there and I want to see if I can do them. I don’t want to wait a minute longer to see if I can get to the Promised Land. Yes, I still — after many years of failure, many years of denial, many years of Not Quite There Yet — still want to event successfully.

The deep need to continually test oneself in this sport isn’t something we in eventing own alone. Although we laughingly refer to ourselves as routinely crazy, I think all horse sports do attract people for life. The goals are good ones. Most of the time they make us better horsepeople, better riders, and yes, better people for the dreaming and achieving.

Do you think you will event past age 60? Me neither. At least I never thought about it. I just thought I would ride until I couldn’t. And now that I am over that hill (way over it) and starting down the slope, I wonder every time I put foot in stirrup how is it I still do this. Riding now is as natural as breathing, as it should be for being well over 50 years of my life. Should I give it up? Should I let go? How much of a hindrance am I to my horses now? Because now it gets harder to get up from the falls, and it gets tougher to shake the fear of the subsequent pain if I do lose proper vertical order.

Pain is a great fear, but it is also a great incentive. I do a lot of two point, ride without stirrups, sit the trot practice and continue to really work on timing and fitness of both me and the horses. But the best thing to just keep doing is to RIDE. As much as I can. One of the problems is there isn’t much help in the way of what to do and how to do it correctly at this state of existence, since most of the people I know (who have more experience than I) are way younger than I am, still in flexible and functional bodies, and can’t relate to my creakiness.

Will I be able to hold my own against riders who are way less than half my age — more like one third? Maybe not. Yet, I don’t compete or want to compete for those reasons. I really just like to try to complete all three phases without penalties and believe me, that is tough enough in this sport!

So if you are not sure you can still keep going — or if you are young and seeing us Fossil Eventers still trying out there — know that it’s because we are just not quite done yet dreaming the dreams and reaching the goals. We may, or may not, get there. Just don’t let the ibuprofen bottle be empty.

 

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Four ‘Mochachino’ Eventers

By on Feb 16, 2019 12:00 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN each week. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Mochachino. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Fact: We all have a bit of a crush on Landmark’s Mochachino, the 8-year-old dun/paint gelding owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars who has been collecting top ribbons at the Intermediate level with Lauren Kieffer in the irons. The horse turns heads everywhere he goes with his unique coloring — “Mochachino” is a fitting name, as he would perfectly match a mug of the creamy coffee drink.

Fancy a “mochachino” eventer of your own? Here are three dun colored horses, all available via Sport Horse Nation, who could be your next eventing partner!

SUPER IRISH CONNEMARA – COMPETITION PONY

***Barana Andy****

  • He is a 148cm, 7 y/o, Dun Connemara gelding.
  • He has a beautiful temperament and is always willing to please both under saddle and on the ground.
  • This pony has exceptional movement with three uphill balanced paces. He has well-established flatwork, is light in the hand and is obedient to the aids.
  • He is a fantastic jumper with lots of scope. He locks onto his fences and is very careful. He has a super jumping technique and is a pony for big tracks.
  • He is a cross-country machine. He is very brave and jumps everything in his path, be it water combinations, ditches, skinnies, coffins etc.
  • He is an incredibly talented pony and excels in all disciplines. He has the potential to make a top eventing pony. He recently placed 7th in the “RC National Eventing Championships 2018”.

He has competed in eventing, show jumping, cross country, dressage, working hunter, Connemara performance classes, charity rides, etc. This pony will bring his rider to a high level of competition.

He would be suitable for a teenager who is confident and who has the desire to compete at a high level. He is great in every way and is good to box, shoe, clip, hack alone or in company.

Cooper. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

STUNNER ~ Imported Dun 16.1 Connie x ID Gelding

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS DUN!

16.1 rising 5yr old Imported ISH

Cooper is an absolutely stunning imported 16.1 just turning 5 year old gelding that we have recently imported! He is a very special boy and easy enough for an amateur!

  • He has been under saddle for a few months now and coming along so nicely! He is the sweetest soul and ready to be someone’s best friend! He has cross country schooled and popping small fences with ease! He would even be easy enough for a Junior to finish!
  • Extremely well priced prior to 2019 show season for a nice young horse. His price will go up once he starts competing here in the U.S.
  • No vices and clean full vetting, PM for more info!
  • 7 others available and can be tried in Ocala Florida!

Ardnehue April Gold. Photo by Louise O’Brien Photography.

Top class Irish Connemara competition Mare

***Ardnehue April Gold****

  • She is a 6 y/o, 15.1hh, grey/dun, Connemara performance mare.
  • She has the most beautiful temperament. She is easy, safe, sensible and a pleasure in every way.
  • She rides beautifully on the flat with three uphill established paces, always scoring high in her dressage tests.
  • She is a fantastic jumping mare, with lots of scope. Her sire is grade A showjumping stallion “Woodfield Sammy”. She is extremely careful and respects her fences. She has jumped up to 1.10m with ease. This lady jumps for fun, she takes on her fences and brings her rider so much enjoyment.
  • She is a cross country machine and jumps everything asked of her, be it skinnies, ditches, coffins, water combinations, banks, etc, she just loves cross country, is so trustworthy and again is so much fun to ride.
  • She is a seriously talented mare and will bring her rider to a high level of competition. She excels in all disciplines and is a true all-rounder. She would be suitable for a teenager or adult rider who has the desire to compete at a high level. This mare will bring her rider all the way.
  • A mare of this quality is not easily found. She has competed in showjumping, dressage, eventing, cross-country, working hunter, Connemara performance classes, derby’s, charity rides, etc. She is easy in every way, good to box, shoe, clip, in traffic and is a pleasure to hack both in company or alone.
  • She is a homebred — as a foal her and her dam qualified for the RDS (Royal Dublin Horse Show) Connemara performance Broodmare and foal championship. This consisted of the top Connemara mares and foals in Ireland where they came 3rd.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

STUNNING IMPORTED CONNEMARA X EVENTER/JUMPER FOR LEASE OR PURCHASE

15.2 dun 7yo Connemara x Tb mare available for lease or purchase.

Many miles in the jumper ring up to 1m20 and is almost unbeatable, rarely having a pole, never stops and has won multiple classes and championships. Very forgiving and careful with scope for bigger tracks.

Evented to training level both in the UK and USA with top placings and wins. Schooled prelim xc easily; very brave and catty. Would be ready to move up this fall.

Would suit a yr or aa wanting to win prizes in the jumper ring or someone aiming for NAYC one star and beyond. She is quite a forward ride so wouldn’t suit a timid rider but equally is very safe and a lot of fun.

I need the room in the barn so would be happy to lease her to the right home.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.