Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jan 15, 2019 12:01 am -

Winter wonderland. Photo by Steph Rhodes Bosch Jenkins.

To all of our readers in the North: I’m sorry. I know you guys spent your weekend shoveling show while we shared photos from lucky eventers who are wintering in Aiken or Ocala. Hang in there you guys. It will be spring before you know it!

National Holiday: National Hat Day

Events Opening This Week: Full Gallop Farm February II H.T., Rocking Horse III H.T., Sporting Days Farm March H.T. II, Chattahoochee Hills H.T., Twin Rivers Winter H.T.

Events Closing This Week: Stable View Winter Horse Trials, Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch, Sporting Days Farm February H.T. I, Galway Downs Winter H.T.

Tuesday News: 

Tickets are now on sale for Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field. LiftMaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field $50,000 Invitational Aiken’s Inaugural Eventing Showcase will take place March 1-2, 2019. The top 40 riders in the world have been invited. [General Admission Tickets]

The USEA has announced the Intercollegiate competition calendar for 2019. The first one comes up in February at Ocala I, and it’s followed by venues around the country. The big one will be the Intercollegiate Championship at Chatt Hills May 18-19, 2019. [Study Up on the 2019 Intercollegiate Team Challenge Calendar]

Jennie Brannigan has returned to competing after her suspension in 2018. She shares what it was like leaving the start box and an invaluable piece of advice she once got from Phillip Dutton. [Don’t Let This Moment Define You]

Tuesday Video: Here’s Joe Meyer and Clip Clop, winners of the Intermediate-Prelim division at Majestic Oaks Horse Trials in Ocala, Florida over the weekend. They completed on a score of 34.4. Many thanks to David Frechette, AKA TheHorsePesterer, for video!

Who Jumped It Best? Majestic Oaks Open Training Edition

By on Jan 14, 2019 4:13 pm -

The U.S. eventing season kicked off over the weekend, so that means it’s time for the first edition of Who Jumped It Best for 2019. We had fabulous weather at Majestic Oaks Horse Trials in Reddick, Florida. Take a look at these photos of horses and riders in the Open Training division and vote in the poll for which pair you think present the best overall picture. Go Eventing.

[Majestic Oaks H.T. Results]

Nicola Buckingham and Dreamliner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hallie Coon and Cooley Mr Brightside. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Justine Dutton and Smartie Pants. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Stormwater. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Dasha Ivandaeva and Infinity. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ashley Johnson and That’s The Stuff. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tik Maynard and Classic. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Joe Meyer and Fernhill Freestyle. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Monday Video Presented by Total Saddle Fit: Back at It in Ocala

By on Jan 14, 2019 4:00 pm -

Dang, it feels good to be listing the weekend action in our daily News & Notes and to be looking up recent footage from the weekend’s horse trials again! Many areas still have several months of winter to endure, but the 2019 USEA competition season is indeed officially underway. May as well live vicariously through those down south, eh?

David Frechette, otherwise known as TheHorsePesterer, was out in full force over the weekend doing his good works at Majestic Oaks Horse Trials in Ocala, Florida. In addition to a multitude of stadium rounds and XC clips, he also caught Cierra Daratony and Rio de Janeiro‘s entire cross country round.  Cierra and Rio de Janeiro, a 10-year-old Holsteiner X Thoroughbred, delivered the only double clear cross country round amongst their competitors to clinch the win in the Preliminary Rider division. Watch them fly over the Florida sawgrass!

The Healing Power of Art: Jonty Evans Back on Board Top Horse

By on Jan 14, 2019 11:00 am -

There’s no cure for the Monday blues, right? Wrong-o, friends — there most certainly is, and it comes in the form of jolly good news. Today, that news — and that bit of sunshine on a dreary Monday — comes to us from Jonty Evans, whose rehabilitation after a traumatic brain injury sustained at Tattersalls on June 3, 2018 is one we’ve all been following closely.

The boy’s done good: Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift at Badminton. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

After spending six weeks in a coma in Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital and undertaking a lengthy period of rehabilitation, most recently under the careful guidance of the Injured Jockeys’ Fund‘s Oaksey House centre, Jonty has defied perhaps all the odds. Beginning with stints on Hartpury College’s mechanical horse, the popular rider — arguably The People’s Eventer — has since progressed onto the real thing. Today, he shared one of his most poignant pieces of news yet — he’s back on board Cooley Rorkes Drift, or ‘Art’, the horse he crowdfunded in excess of £500,000 to secure, and from whom he fell at Tattersalls.

The best view in the world? Photo courtesy of Jonty Evans.

“It’s not possible to put into words what it’s like to be on him again,” says Jonty. “It feels like I was meant to be there, and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had.”

Art, who is jointly owned by Jonty, Jane and Fred Moss, and Elisabeth Murdoch, was kept in work in the initial stages of Jonty’s rehabilitation by fellow venter Andrew Downes. More recently, he moved back to Jonty’s Gloucestershire base and has been ridden by head girl Jane Felton.

Jonty’s continued rehabilitation has been made possible in large part as a result of the support of the David Foster Injured Riders’ Fund and the IJF‘s Oaksey House. If you’d like to contribute to either of these fantastic organisations’ efforts, visit their websites for more information. 

Weekend Winners: Majestic Oaks & Stable View H.T.

By on Jan 14, 2019 9:00 am -

Who’s ready to win a face full of ribbons this year?

That’s the spirit! And (drumroll) the 2019 season is officially upon us. The action kicked off over the weekend at Majestic Oaks Horse Trials in Ocala, Florida, and Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. in Aiken, South Carolina.

An extra high-five to Deirdre Vaillancourt and Eluca, who have the honor of finishing on the lowest score of the weekend — let’s just own this, Deirdre, the lowest score of the year! The pair won the Beginner Novice Rider division at Stable View on their dressage score of 23.6.

Check out a Sights & Sounds gallery from Majestic Oaks, featuring photos by Lisa Madren, here.

And your first batch of 2019 weekend winners are …

Majestic Oaks H.T. [Website] [Results]
Intermediate/Prelim: Joe Meyer & Clip Clop (34.4)
Open Preliminary: Jennifer Brannigan & Woodstock’s Little Nev (27.1)
Preliminary Rider: Cierra Daratony & Rio De Janeiro (31.3)
Open Training-A: Tik Maynard & Classic (24.6)
Open Training-B: Beth Murphy & It’s Me (26.6)
Training Rider-A: Monique Archer & Camross Diamond (32.3)
Training Rider-B: Kristin Rubash & Capone (30.2)
Novice Rider-A: Lauren Akers & Takenoko (31.2)
Novice Rider-B: Hattie Clark & FGF Gray Cozzene (24.5)
Open Novice-A: Nicolette Merle-Smith & Cabin Society (25.5)
Open Novice-B: Jennifer Brannigan & Evelina (25.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Catherine Frank & Only To You (33.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Kylie Clarkson & Savannah (27.3)

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Sarah Cousins & Stravinsky (43.4)
Junior Young Riders Open Preliminary: Makenna Rold & Excel Cool Quality (43.9)
Preliminary Rider: Grace Livingston & Shannondale Joss (44.2)
Open Training: Waylon Roberts & Fortunate Rebel (29.1)
Training Jr/Young Rider: Kaitlyn Brittendall & Blyth’s Madeline GS (36.7)
Training Rider: Johannah Crumpton & Have You Heard (37.1)
Novice JR/Young Rider: Kendall Eaves & Forrest Gump (31.9)
Novice Rider: Emily Cardin & Schwalbestrum (27.3)
Open Novice: Blake Fortson & Quiana AF (29.5)
Beginner Novice JR/Young Rider: Kailey Burack & Gimlet (28.3)
Beginner Novice Rider: Deirdre Vaillancourt & Eluca (23.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Darrell Vaughn & Zander (26.7)

Congrats to all. Let the insanity begin.

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Go Eventing!

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jan 14, 2019 8:00 am -

WEG celebrations got taken to a new level! It turns out 2018 gave us more than a gold medal… we are excited to be…

Posted by Ros Canter Eventing on Sunday, January 13, 2019

Eventing World Champion Ros Canter is in foal! What a year. And a happy belated birthday to her as well — Ros turned 33 yesterday. Join us in wishing her a happy, healthy journey into motherhood.

National Holiday: National Dress Up Your Pet Day

U.S. Weekend Results:

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. [Website] [Results]

Majestic Oaks H.T. [Website] [Results]

Your Monday News & Notes:

We are so very sorry to inform the eventing family that Shirley Carpenter, wife of Mary Coldren, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Shirley and Mary met 20 years ago at Fair Hill International, where Mary was an organizer and Shirley was a volunteer. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Plantation Field Equestrian Events or Fair Hill International to support a jump in her memory. [Obituary for Shirley M. Carpenter]

Erik Duvander and Ian Stark are headlining Galway Downs’ 21st Annual Fundraising Clinic this weekend. Set for Jan. 19-20 in Temecula, the intense educational weekend also features 35 of the West Coast’s top professionals who are donating their coaching skills. From veteran competitors to rally-prepping Pony Clubbers, riders of all levels are welcome to participate, and auditors are strongly encouraged. Be sure to check out EN’s complete “What’s Happening This Winter?” event calendar for more clinic and schooling show opportunities. [Galway Downs]

When Clare Reeves’ mare began insisting on nuzzling the same spot on her shoulder, she paid attention. After discovering a lump there, a doctor diagnosed her with breast cancer, which they addressed with surgery and chemotherapy. Throughout Clare’s recovery, she found strength through Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity, which granted her a wish of lessons with eventer James McIlough and culminated in her completion of a BE event. [‘My horse saved my life, the charity saved my sanity’: Inspirational rider achieves Wobbleberry dream]

Need some schooling inspiration? Try this “Grid Pro Quo” exercise from Ryan Wood, featured on the USEA website. “This exercise is all about rideability and adjustability, which are two key ingredients to riding a clear and safe jumping course,” he explains. [Grid Pro Quo with Ryan Wood]

All signs point to 2019 being the most active, exciting year yet for Intercollegiate Eventing. The fourth annual USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Team Championships moves to Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn, Georgia, May 18-19, with 2019 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Team Challenges taking place around the country throughout the year. [Study Up on the 2019 Intercollegiate Team Challenge Calendar]

Hot on Horse Nation: This bill would require auctions and sales to keep records of transaction for at least five years, and network with national and local rescues to ensure that horses have not been reported missing or stolen. [Proposed South Carolina Bill Would Help Track Horse Sales]

Just in on Jumper Nation: Brush up on your show jumping with some HITS jumper classes this winter. [HITS Winter Circuit Prize Lists]

Featured Video:

Sights & Sounds from Majestic Oaks H.T.

By on Jan 13, 2019 5:51 pm -

Kristin Rubash and Capone, 1st, Training Rider-B. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Majestic Oaks kicked off the season in #EventingSunnyFL this weekend. These January competitions are a great opportunity to show off skills accomplished during your winter homework. Kristin Rubash and Capone (pictured above) were among the weekend winners. We saw some upper level pairs out to stretch their legs too, like Joe Meyer and Clip Clop who won the Intermediate/Preliminary division on a 34.4.

For those of you snowed in farther north, take a break from shoveling the drive to virtually enjoy the Ocala sunshine. Lisa Madren was on site, and has kindly shared her fabulous photos with EN.

Majestic Oaks H.T.: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores

Must Watch: Eventing’s Hottest New Rapper

By on Jan 13, 2019 4:30 pm -

It’s the rap you didn’t know you needed.

You may know Jamie Rees from his fabulous event flyovers and videos, but it looks like he’s got a hidden talent in rapping. Elisa Wallace and Lainey Ashker spent some time with him at the Equestrian Businesswomen Summit this week, and got it all on video. Check it out!

Instagram Roundup: First Event of the Year

By on Jan 13, 2019 1:28 pm -

5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Go! Have a great year! This weekend saw the very first competitors of the year at Stable View in Aiken, Sc. and Majestic Oaks in Ocala, Fl. We can’t contain our excitement for start of a new season, so we’ve rounded up the best posts on instagram to commemorate.

Go eventing in 2019!

USEF Annual Meeting Highlights: Verdades Named 2018 International Horse of the Year

By on Jan 13, 2019 11:00 am -

Photo courtesy of USEF.

Dressage superstar Verdades was named the 2018 International Horse of the Year at the 2019 USEF Annual Meeting. “Diddy,” the 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Florett AS x Liwilarda, by Goya) joins his rider, Laura Graves, on this special podium as she was named 2018 Equestrian of the Year earlier this week.

Lauren and Diddy, who is owned by the rider and Curt Maes, shared many accomplishments in 2018 including winning the Grand Prix at the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals in Paris, earning team silver at the FEI Equestrian Games™ in Tryon, and becoming the first U.S. pair to earn an individual silver medal at a global championship. In recognition of this, they also became the first American combinations to sit #1 on the FEI Dressage World Rankings. You can read even more about Diddy at this link.

There has been much celebration and discussion at the US Equestrian Annual Meeting this week in West Palm Beach, Florida. EN wasn’t in attendance this year, but we’ve been following along to make sure you don’t miss any of it. Read on for highlights from Friday and Saturday, and click here for our other recaps.

Highlights from Friday, Jan. 11 and Saturday, Jan. 12

Verdades and Cobra Win at the 2018 Horse of the Year Gala presented by Aon

Effective Coaching for Sustained Success: Learning Tools from 2018

Equine Transaction Task Force Aims to Educate Members to Buy, Sell, and Lease Horses with Confidence

Consensus Emerges from Affiliate Roundtable

Growing the Grassroots: Advisory Group Takes Inventory of 2018

2019 US Equestrian Annual Meeting Links: Website, Meeting Schedule, Broadcast Schedule, Live Stream, Meeting App for iOS/Android, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Image via US Equestrian.