Classic Eventing Nation

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Full Circle for Erika Wager

By on Jan 22, 2019 11:00 am -

Eventually everything comes full circle. Horse racing is an addiction, once it’s in your system it’s a part of you that…

Posted by Erika Wager Paradressage on Thursday, January 10, 2019

On Friday, August 4th 2017 Erika Wager was breezing a racehorse when she suffered a tragic accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Prior to her accident, Erika had been working as an exercise rider and assistant trainer at Belmont Park, galloping up to 16 horses daily. Even though Erika lost the use of her core and legs, she didn’t lose her passion for horses or racing. She’s back in the barn doing everything she used to do around horses and has begun riding Para-Dressage. More recently, she has embarked on a journey to the 2019 Retired Racehorse Thoroughbred Makeover with the most perfect partner: 10-year-old Green Diamond Cat, one of the first horses she galloped and one of the first horses who earned her a win.

You can follow along with Erika and Green Diamond Cat’s journey to RRP 2019 on Erika’s Facebook page. If you find their story of second chances inspiring, take a look at these three Thoroughbreds looking for a second chance of their own:

Musical Spin. Photo via CANTER PA.

Musical Spin (MEDALLIST – HEAVENLY BALLAD, BY TWO PUNCH): 2012 15.3-hand Pennsylvania-bred mare

I know there are a lot of Two Punch fans out there, so here’s one for you! This little mare in a plain brown wrapper doesn’t look like much now, but she’s been a fierce competitor in the past and maybe a change of career will ignite her competitive edge again. Musical Spin was given a nice vacation on the farm last summer and just hasn’t had the same interest in racing since being brought back to the track. Her trainer says she’s a solid citizen around the barn and would love to find her nice home where she can hopefully demonstrate the jumping ability that her grand-sire is known to pass on.

Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania.

View Musical Spin on CANTER PA

Acharnement. Photo via CANTER CA.

Acharnement (INTO MISCHIEF – EMPRESSIVE LADY, BY EMPIRE MAKER): 2015 15.3-hand Kentucky-bred mare

She’s only 15.3hh, but you sure wouldn’t know it just by looking at that beautiful uphill build and proud neck. Acharnement hasn’t been making a name for herself as a racehorse, but this Empire Maker granddaughter and A.P. Indy great-granddaughter looks ready for another shot at a new sport. This filly is reported to be sound and CANTER volunteers observed nice clean legs and a very polite personality.

Located in Berkeley, California.

View Acharnement on CANTER CA. 

Redhot Cheerleader. Photo via CANTER PA.

Redhot Cheerleader (HAYNESFIELD – CHEER CHEER, BY LORD CARSON): 2014 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred mare

“Red” may very well have the talent to succeed as an eventer. Her jog video shows a nice reaching trot and her connections told the CANTER volunteers who did her photoshoot that she’s demonstrated some scope in the past as well by jumping out of her pasture with a five-foot fence … twice. Not only is she talented, but she’s clearly driven too so potential owners take note!

Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania.

View Redhot Cheerleader on CANTER PA

#EventerProblems Vol. 168, Presented by Haygain: Snow Daze

By on Jan 22, 2019 9:00 am -

Snow, snow, go away, come again another … year.

Oh, if only bossing the weather around was so easy. As a consolation prize, here are a few of your #EventerProblems postcards from the frozen tundra! Takes more than a little snow to keep us eventers down.

Go Eventing!

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Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jan 22, 2019 12:01 am -

Alex Tett and Fernhill Cubalawn. Photo via Phillip Dutton Eventing’s Facebook Page.

Congratulations are in order for Alex Tett who acquired the ride on Fernhill Cubalawn. Previously piloted by Phillip Dutton, “Cuba” was named to the 2016 U.S. Olympic team, but was substituted off the team due to a mild injury weeks before the competition. Now Cuba may get another chance with Alex, who aims to represent Zimbabwe at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Good luck to this new partnership!

National Holiday: National Blonde Brownie Day

Events Opening This Week: Southern Pines H.T., Red Hills International H.T., Full Gallop Farm March H.T.

Events Closing This Week: Full Gallop Farm February I H.T., Ocala Winter I H.T., Pine Top Intermediate H.T.

Tuesday News: 

The former director of the USEF Equine Research and Testing Laboratory, Dr. Cornelius Uboh, is suing U.S. Equestrian. He is claiming defamation and breach of contract. Dr. Uboh was terminated in 2018 as part of the USEF response to the litigation and drug testing errors of Kelley Farmer and Larry Glefke. [Former Laboratory Director Files Suit Against USEF]

Olympic bronze medalist Robert Dover is set to launch his new vegan tack line next month. Inspired by car manufacturers offering luxury vegan interiors, Robert decided the equestrian world needed the same options. ROBERT-SQUARED saddles and bridles, halters, leads, riding boots and paddock boots as well as other accessories. [Olympic rider launches vegan tack range]

The Animal Health Trust (AHT) has partnered with British Eventing and British Equestrian to study risk factors for injuries and illnesses in eventing. Anyone who has competed with British Eventing is encouraged to complete the survey. [British survey takes close look at eventing horse injuries and issues]

Hot on Horse Nation: The 10-Step Program for Tack Hoarders

Tuesday Video: Sound familiar to anyone?

This video gets me every time🤣

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Thursday, January 17, 2019

Monday Video from Total Saddle Fit: 12 DIY Equestrian Life Hacks

By on Jan 21, 2019 3:00 pm -

We’ve seen a lot of #EventerProblems and #EventerSolutions here on EN, but there’s always room for a few more tips and tricks! Let’s meet Han, and Australian eventer and YouTube vlogger. She and her 9-year-old OTTB Fletch compete at the Equestrian Australia Preliminary level. Han has come up with 12 little tips and tricks to make your life around the barn a little easier.

Here’s what Han has to show us and where you can find them in the video:

  1. Get rubber bit guards over bit cheeks (1:13)
  2. Keep tall boots from sagging without boot trees (2:43)
  3. Quickly set specific jump heights (4:14)
  4. An alternative style of quick release knot (6:04)
  5. Neatly fold blankets so that they lay flat (8:31)
  6. Use a dressage whip as a sweat scraper (9:52)
  7. Add padding to a saddle rack to keep it from indenting your saddle (10:18)
  8. Open a bale of hay when you don’t have a pair of scissors (11:48)
  9. Tie your horse (or a hay bag) to anything safely (12:43)
  10. Easily thread a needle for sewing braids (14:09)
  11. Keep a hoof wrap on a horse in turnout(15:20)
  12. Equitation fixes for keeping your shoulders back, elbows in, and sitting without bouncing (16:49)

Things I Have Learned From My Horse

By on Jan 21, 2019 12:00 pm -

Photo by Laura Harris.

Horses have a simplicity that I envy. They do not plot, though we may joke, and they do not dwell. They live in the moment, recall their training (mostly), and often do what they are asked, simply because they are generous creatures. In this spirit, I try to be open to all the lessons that my horses have to teach me.

Things I have learned from my horse:

  • Anything worth having is worth working for.
  • Skimping on time or money will catch up with you.
  • Someone is always watching.
  •  Your horse is your mirror.
  • Having the most expensive gear won’t make you ride better.
  • Having correct fitting gear won’t perform miracles, but it will sure help improvement.
  • Often those who know the least talk the most, those who know a lot tend to be quiet.
  • Not every rider/horse/program combo is compatible.
  • ^ and that’s okay.
  • Some things transcend disciplines, but each discipline has value.
  • Never stop learning.
  • Always listen.
  • If it can’t be done at the simplest level, there is no reason to try it faster or bigger.
  • Details matter.
  • Every sinner has a future, every saint has a past. Horses change.
  • An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
  • You write your own story, but it helps to know the language.
  • We are capable of so much more than we realize, and so are our horses.
  • The horse has no agenda.
  • Control your mind, control your emotions, control your body, and you control the horse.
  • Bad consistency trumps unreliable good.
  • No one controls your feelings but you, and you are not responsible for others’ reactions.
  • Someone else has been there and done that, you are not alone in your experience.
  • Breathe.
  • Proper posture will never let you down.
  • The gym is your friend.
  • Sometimes you need the opposite thing you think you do.
  • The foundation is the foundation for a reason.
  • Never underestimate the power of positivity, but don’t get carried away.
  • A negative outlook is not necessarily a realistic one.
  • Drilling can be counterproductive.
  • One-hundred small steps is better than one big leap.
  • How you perform is often how you practice.
  • Things may seem contradictory, but everything has a time and place.
  • Logic wins out.
  • Tension begets tension.
  • Lax is not soft.
  • Sometimes quietness is not kind, and sometimes firmness is.
  • Every creature, from barn mouse to retiree to barn dog to lesson parent, deserves respect.
  • How high you jump, or level you ride, is not an indicator or how well you ride.
  • There is always a stall to be done or chore to see to.
  • There are many ways to do things, some better than others.
  • Be honest, because horses are tattle-tales.
  • Thank god everyone has a different ‘type.’
  • Want better? Do better.
  • You are not your last failure.
  • Nothing wilts faster than laurels that have been rested upon.
  • Smile. You really will feel better.

Weekend Winners: Grand Oaks H.T.

By on Jan 21, 2019 9:30 am -

Grand Oaks Horse Trials in Weirsdale, Florida, had the monopoly on eventing action this weekend. The event took place Friday through Sunday and featured Beginner Novice through Prelim divisions, all set against a dreamy backdrop of sunshine and Spanish moss.

An extra special congrats to Lily Barlow and Big Bear’s Cepheus, who posted the lowest finishing score in the country this weekend! The pair earned a 20.3 to win their Open Beginner Novice division.

View full results here. Check out our video roundup from the event here, courtesy of David Frechette a la The Horsepesterer. Here are your weekend winners!

Open Preliminary: Lauren Kieffer & Landmark’s Mochachino (29.4)

Starting the season with a win in the Open Prelim for Ms Mars’ Lndmk’s Mochachino🎨 on his dressage score!🥇 The Grand Oaks Resort
Looking forward to the novice & training ponies tomorrow!

Posted by Lauren Kieffer Eventing on Friday, January 18, 2019

Junior Young Riders Open Preliminary: Megan Loughnane & Linford (32.2.)

Preliminary Horse: Maya Black & Miks Master C (29.6)

Preliminary Rider: Carole Schaff & Company Spending (46.2)

Penny was great this weekend, she pulled off a blue ribbon in spite of my riding mistakes! She always gives her all anytime we show. Love this horse ❤️

Posted by Carole Schaff on Saturday, January 19, 2019

Modified: Mike Huber & Deauville Beekhoeve (31.1)

Open Training: Lauren Kieffer & Hindine (22.1)

Another win today from start to finish for Ms Mars’ Hindine “Heidi🌶” in the Open Training on a dressage score of 22.1🥇!…

Posted by Lauren Kieffer Eventing on Saturday, January 19, 2019

Training Horse: Ariel Grald & Caballé (24.1)

Training Rider: Samantha Tinney & Glenbrook Cooley (30.7)

Novice Horse: Ashley Adams & Charly (27.1)

 

Congratulations to our coach, Ashley Adams and her young Horse Charly on winning his Novice debut today at Grand Oaks HT! #yjsflysouth #ocala19 🐝🐝

Posted by Randolph-Macon College Eventing Team on Sunday, January 20, 2019

Novice Rider: Erin Walker & Cinerescent (29.3)

“Layla rocked it today!!! I am so blessed to start the season out this way!! Today was our best show to date, Layla was relaxed and happy in dressage, I got it together for the jumping and did not embarrass us, and the xc was soooo much fun!!! I am one lucky girl to be surrounded by amazing horses and people!!” – Erin Walker via Facebook

Open Novice: Erin Kowalewski & Furst Marcko (26.2)

Beginner Novice Rider: Tessa Geven & Tullymor’s Houdini (30.3)

“Tessa & Samson enjoying Grand Oaks!” Marjolein Geven via Facebook

Open Beginner Novice: Lily Barlow & Big Bear’s Cepheus (20.3)

Super proud of these two! Lily & Peter rocked their 3rd Horse Trials from beginning to end! Peter tried his heart out and Lily showed us her awesome riding skills!

Posted by Geven Eventing on Saturday, January 19, 2019

Congrats to all. Go Eventing!

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jan 21, 2019 8:44 am -

Photo via “If the Bonnet Fits – Custom Fly Bonnets” Facebook page.

“Sit back or die” … those are some eventing words to live by. Ear bonnets are clearly the next frontier of equestrian embroidery/subliminal messaging. What reminder would you benefit from having in front of your face constantly while you ride?

National Holiday: Squirrel Appreciation Day

U.S. Weekend Results:

Grand Oaks H.T. [Website] [Results]

Your News & Notes:

US Equestrian (USEF) has updated the USEF Rules for Eventing with the extraordinary rule changes passed at their Annual Meeting last week. These rule changes are effective as of January 1, 2019. Changes include: the whip rules in EV111 Abuse of Horses; rules about bits, ear hoods, and stirrups in EV115 Saddlery; clarification of circles in EV142 Cross-Country; and the switch from 1 penalty to 0.4 penalty per second over time in show jumping in EV153 Faults. There were also several clarifications made to the FEI star change. The USEA kindly outlined those changes for us. [USEF Updates Rulebook with Extraordinary Rule Changes]

Owners and riders are being asked to contribute to a study on risk factors for injuries and illnesses in eventing horses in Britain. Information on horses competing at all levels of British Eventing competition is being sought by The Animal Health Trust, which is working with British Eventing, the British Equestrian Federation and World Horse Welfare. Results from previous studies led by the AHT have been used to advise trainers, riders and owners about how to prevent injury in dressage and show jumping horses. Those taking part can also enter into a prize draw to win products and services valued at more than £1000. [Take the Survey]

Hot on Horse Nation: Happy, Healthy, & Horsey — Contemplating the ‘F’ Word

Just In on Jumper Nation: Lauren Hough & Valinski S Victorious in $36K Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup CSI 2* at WEF

Featured Video: 

GOTD Alert: Lainey Ashker’s Latest for Horses of All Levels

By on Jan 20, 2019 5:16 pm -

Your favorite grid queen is ready to jump into the new season with another Grid of the Day. Lainey Ashker has laid out another great exercise to fine tune your jumping skills.

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Your favorite grid queen is ready to jump into the new season with another Grid of the Day. Lainey Ashker has laid out another great exercise to fine tune your jumping skills.

“Today’s #GOTD is a great exercise to hone your horse’s straightness, tight knees, steady rhythm and focus on the rider’s quiet posture to facilitate all of these things,” she posted.

She’s laid out the distances in the diagram below. Don’t forget: this is a trotting exercise.

Photo and diagram by Lainey Ashker.

She even added a video on how you can adapt this grid for your greenies. She breaks it down into four helpful stages beginning with ground poles and leading up to cross rails.

Here’s a vocal explanation on how to start your greenies over yesterday’s #GOTD courtesy of Snitch!

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Thursday, January 17, 2019

Grand Oaks H.T. Video Roundup

By on Jan 20, 2019 1:00 pm -

Fences underneath the Spanish Moss at Grand Oaks. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Grand Oaks H.T. welcomed eventers to stretch their legs beneath the Spanish Moss and Florida sunshine this weekend at their Weirsdale, Florida venue. Now in its second year, the event is becoming a favorite of the winter season. David Frechette was on site to ring in the new season, and he’s shared videos of the weekend! You can see even more on his YouTube page, The Horsepesterer.

Grand Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Mochachino won the Open Preliminary. Jaqueline Mars’ 8-year-old Thoroughbred cross added nothing to his dressage score of 29.4. Ellie O’Neal and Zick Zack, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood owned by Sally Cox, finished second on 30.2. Lauren also won the Open Training division with Jaqueline Mars’ Hindine.

David’s commentary is often the highlight of these videos — no offense to the riders! His insights made our top videos of 2018 (See: That’s Just a Well Trained Horse)

Maya Black and Miks Maseter C, a 7-year-old Swedish Warmblood owned by Laurie Cameron, won the Preliminary Horse on a score of 29.6. Kylie Lyman was second with Xuanatu, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Joan Nichols. on 30.4, and Clayton Fredericks came third aboard his own FE Coldplay on a final score of 31.4.

Take a look at the picturesque landscape and excellent riding with a few more from David:

I’d also like to give a shout out to EN’s Lead Writer and the wearer of many hats, Jenni Autry! She and her own Imperial Striker finished 6th in the Modified division.

Best of HN: Missed Connection in the Grocery Store

By on Jan 20, 2019 11:00 am -

Photo by Pixabay/CC.

I was browsing salad dressings when she walked by: unmistakably an equestrian.

Honestly, the first thing I noticed was the super-cute pair of red Noble Outfitters muck boots. That’s not an “over the counter” brand that anyone can just pick up at Tractor Supply or Wal-Mart. That’s an equestrian brand. If boots like that walk by you, take note.

Those, and the breeches, and the vest, and the deliberate trajectory she was taking through the store. She walked with purpose, and in the brief glimpse I got of this equestrian before she vanished into the frozen foods, I imagined that surely she had just come from the cold barn, needing to pick up a few things at Wegmans before warming herself back up at home.

“Did you see that?” I said out loud to my husband, while he inexplicably put two different kinds of mustard into the cart.

“What?”

“That was an equestrian. That was a horse girl!”

He blinked. “How do you know?”

See above. It was like being part of a secret club.

But we did not live in a region known for harboring equestrians. We were a county in which it seemed that everyone had horses, but no one actually rode them. Maybe they pulled them out of the field every now and then for a little trail ride, or hauled them down to the game show for laughs. But a real, live, breeches-wearing equestrian? Now that was a rare thing.

He continued to look at me strangely as I kept my head on a swivel, striking up the courage to say hello, ask her where she rode, strike up a friendship, should our paths cross again, our carts colliding in the bakery section. I did not see her again. Perhaps she was never there at all.

Wegmans equestrian, if you’re reading this, I want to be your friend.

Go riding.

This article was originally posted on our sister site, Horse Nation.