Classic Eventing Nation

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Fall in Love with These Five Listings

By on Feb 9, 2019 4:00 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.

Valentines Day is just around the corner! Let us play cupid — it could be love at first site for you and these five horses listed for sale on Sport Horse Nation! Go ahead, think with your heart.

The Peacemaker. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

The Peacemaker~BN/Novice Packer

The Peacemaker
2011 16.2h Liver Chestnut TBX Gelding

Nelson has miles thru Training Level eventing and would make a great BN/N packer for a Jr or AA. He is simple to jump, a ton of fun xc, and uncomplicated to flat. He’s a good mover, has a lead change and is a very solid citizen in every respect! Super option for Jr/AA to event or for the Equitation. Located in South Carolina.

Tonka. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

2012 16.2h Trakehner/Thoroughbred Gelding

Tonka is currently showing with a young rider at Training level in Ocala, FL with scope for more and good dressage scores. He has a very sweet personality and is eager to please. Easy keeper.

Junior, young rider or adult amateur friendly.

Tre’ Jolie. Photo by Sport Horse Nation.

Tre’ Jolie Preliminary Training Packer

For Sale: Training and Preliminary Packer. 16.1h, April 2004 Irish Draft Sport Horse Mare. Tre’ Jolie AKA Jojo, is every amateurs dream. Having competed up through the preliminary level, Jojo is the ideal horse for an adult amateur or junior looking to learn while being competitive. Very rideable on the flat and a clean, careful jumper. Would make a fantastic straight show jumper. Always in the ribbons and very competitive in all three phases. Low key, fantastic ground manners, and always a barn favorite. Not available for lease. Priced at 45k. More video or photos upon request. Located in Florence, SC, but consistently in the Aiken, Southern Pines, and Charlotte area.

Waterboy. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Amateur Friendly Gelding

Dewey (USEA name Waterboy) is a 10yo, 16.1h Thoroughbred gelding located near Lexington KY. He was restarted off the track in 2017 and since has completed two BN events with an adult amateur rider in 2018, has spent the winter working on the basics and is ready to get back in the show ring in 2019. He has three lovely uphill gaits, a careful scopey jump and is brave across the country. Runs all three phases in a rubber snaffle. He clips, bathes, cross ties, loads, trailers, stands tied at the trailer and for the vet and farrier like a dream. He hacks out alone and in company and comes back after time off quietly. He has a very goofy personality, and is very in your pocket and social. Financial and time constraints force sale as I would love to keep him but cannot campaign him to the best of his ability. Price is negotiable to a great home, and he would be well suited for a confident AA, YR or JR who wants a fun horse to finish their way. Located in Kentucky.

Always A Thrill. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Lower Level Packer

Proudly offered for sale: Always A Thrill
“Thrill” is the ideal experience horse for a JR/YR/AA looking for mileage at the lower levels. 11yr old Thoroughbred and 16H. He has experience through preliminary with a YR. Very honest to the jump and forgiving of mistakes. Easy to have around the barn and at shows. No vices. Loves to hack out and might suit the hunt field. Currently in professional program with Meghan O’Donoghue. +1 (618) 319-2000
Priced at $20,000. Located in Florida.

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.

Michael Jung Wins All The Things at Bordeaux

By on Feb 9, 2019 2:12 pm -

Michael Jung and Corazon. Photo by Sportfot.

Winning at show jumping CSI5* and an indoor derby in one night? Just another day at the office for Michael Jung.

He kicked off a brilliant weekend in Bordeaux by sailing around a 1.40m course with fischerDaily Impressed to top the Congres et Expositions de Bordeaux CSI5*W. The 11-year-old KWPN posted a time of 61.93 seconds that remained untouched in the 39-horse division. You can find the scores for that class at this link.

He then cemented himself a back-to-back winner of the Devoucoux Indoor Derby aboard Maria Stein’s Corazon, a 9-year-old Hanoverian. The two finished with seven penalties in 123.86 seconds.

“I am very happy with the performance of my mare, Corazon. Thank you to my owner, Maria Stein, for her confidence, but also to this incredible public,” he said.

“It’s really fantastic to ride here. This year, the win was tighter and I had a little luck too, but it’s part of the game. If I finished second or third, I would have been just as happy because this course with my mare was a great moment of happiness.”

Aside from the German victor the remainder of the top ten sings with French pride. Karim Florent Laghouag gave Michael a run for his money, finishing second with Agnes Celerier’s Punch de l’Esques. This French duo clocked around in the fastest time of 117.79 seconds but also picked up 9 penalties. Maxime Livio and Boleybawn Prince were third with 14 penalties and 122.91 seconds. Also on 14 penalties was Rodolphe Scherer and Coeur de Crack, but just a hair slower on a time of 130.46.

Tonight all eyes will be on the Longines FEI World Cup™ qualifier. You can watch live on FEI TV beginning at 2:20 EST. The FEI World Cup™ Driving Final will follow at 5:10 EST.

International Jumping de Bordeaux: Website, Startlists & Results, FEI TV

Best of HN: 3 Truths About Winter Horsekeeping

By on Feb 9, 2019 11:30 am -

Pixabay/CC

I’ve been guilty of extolling the virtues of wintertime riding in the past, proclaiming how much fun it is to ride in a snow-covered field or take your horses sleighing or even just the simple pleasures of letting the seasons dictate your horse life, reminding us all to slow down and enjoy some quieter moments before the summer season ramps us back into high gear.

Now that I’ve lived well over a decade of winters in the snow belt, where normal winter temperatures range from the teens to mid-twenties and snowfall is measured in feet rather than inches, I still believe these things to be true.

But there are a few other truths about winter that I’ve come to accept as fact as well:

1. No matter how inviting you make your run-in shed, the horses won’t use it.

Because who would want to stand in a (from a human perspective) perfectly nice three-sided shelter providing a windblock from blowing, sticking snow when they could instead hang out in a veritable blizzard turning into mammoth-like ice monsters? They literally stood around and watched me re-bed the shed before the last polar vortex, walked in, pooped, and left. To the best of my observational awareness, they have not returned. So glad I spent all that money to have this thing custom-built for you ungrateful feral jerks.

2. Your blanket “system” will inevitably break down.

Every autumn, I take stock of my sheet and blanket inventory and invent a nice little weather scale in my head for when each sheet or blanket will be used, depending on the individual horse and his needs (the high-metabolism OTTB and the 20+ year old seniors get some special care… the fat, yaklike middle-aged Quarter horse who receives approximately 8 pellets of grain a day could probably live happily at the Antarctic research station with the penguins).

By the end of January, this neat little temperature/precipitation gauge has totally broken down into a revolving door of wet, muddy blankets, with the ones whose waterproofing has finally given up the ghost dumped unceremoniously over a stall wall to be pirated later for parts and patches, with Jobber wearing what used to belong to Winston and vice-versa, Rocky going naked because he trotted joyfully away from you into the sleet when you tried to switch his medium for a sheet, and the yaklike Quarter horse suddenly decked in a waterproof sheet with a fleece liner when he turned up shivering in the last major snowstorm.

3. Something is going to freeze.

This year, so far, it was my heated automatic waterer in the winter paddock (fortunately, it was an easy fix once the weather warmed back up and only required about 36 hours of manual watering and a new heating unit) and one of the sliding barn doors (which in our valiant attempts to unfreeze, managed to break off of its track, requiring a much more obnoxious repair than if we had just sat on our hands and waited like patient people).

This is still a step ahead of previous years in which all of the automatic waterers froze, the driveway froze into a sheet of totally untraversable ice and both barn doors froze requiring us to hike through three feet of snow to the back door and dig it out with our hands.

Chin up, Horse Nation. Only a few more months until spring!

Beating the Winter Blues: Moving Forward, Week 4

By on Feb 9, 2019 7:51 am -

Are you an ammy-adult eventer who struggles with motivation during the winter months? Madison Givens feels your pain. She is embarking upon her own winter fitness and accountability journey, and taking EN along for the ride. Check back weekly for updates, encouragement, camaraderie and tips to help you come out swinging this spring!

Photo by Derith Vogt.

Hello Everyone! Welcome back to Week 4!

As you can see, Finn and I survived the record-setting low temperatures, and while the weather is still not perfect, the temperatures in Iowa are bearable enough to take away any excuse not to ride. So with this week, I am going to try and catch you guys up on all that Finn and I have been (slowly and sporadically) working on these last few weeks and hopefully offer some ideas to help you jump into February! (Not literally though, it’s like all flatwork.)

Weather was a little more cooperative this week. Screenshot via Accuweather.

First and foremost, is you are not following Eventing Nation’s posts on #FlatworkFebruary, fix your life and go catch up on them.

Next, I want to offer you guys an exercise that I love Love LOVE to practice with Finn. This exercise is a great way to test the correction and balance of your horse. As a plus, I have also found that it helps Finn and I work on our rhythm and tempo. And, it’s a great way to start transitioning into lateral work if you have not yet started. Over all, this is something I do in every ride. I don’t school the crap out of it, but it’s definitely a part of my warm up to see if Finn is paying attention to my aids.

The “Spiral In – Spiral Out”.

Here is a great article by Kristin Schmolze from Practical Horseman detailing the few key things to look for and work towards in the exercise. Check it out at this link. 

And if you are more of a visual learner here is a video by Randi Thompson:

For the rider, I wanted to find something that I could do at home. While I am happy to admit that I broke down and got myself I gym membership, I definitely have not made it to the physical location of said gym. Not. Even. Once. My hectic schedule needs to become less of an excuse, because come spring, my muffin top is going to swiftly turn into a ball and chain. It’s going to be less and less inviting to go and work out when the weather becomes nicer and I would rather find myself outside. Letting myself be slowly consumed by the infamous “barn time”.

With that in mind I have been trying to use and watch videos geared towards equestrians. It offers a little more motivation, at least. So here is something quick and easy to add to your list of exercises to help you build the ultimate rider body!

Lastly, I want to address the fact that we are one month into the articles, and if your winter experience has been anything like mine, you are becoming increasingly drained by the weather and lack of sunlight. And as I sit here, over-analyzing my life, I did something that no one should ever do: I WebMDed myself. Thus I came myself face to face with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Yes, that’s right, S.A.D. straight out of ‘The Office’.

But it’s hard not to have SAD when this is where you live. Photo by Sarah Arnold.

I tend to be a bit of an emotional character, anyway. I know I have mentioned this before. That my emotions affect my riding and I don’t think that this is a new discovery for both myself and the people around me. But lately, with the weather and the lack of progression in my riding, every lesson I have taken in the last month has ended with my trainers yanking me off the ledge I seem so desperate to throw myself off.

I have found myself constantly looking for things to be wrong. Is Finn uncomfortable? Are her hocks bothering her? Is her back sore? Is she warm enough? Does she have sinus problems? What can I throw money at to make myself feel better? And then I obsess over research. Reading everything I can get my hands on to try and justify my behavior. You all can understand that, right? Horses are some of the most suicidal creatures on the planet!

And here I sit, writing up this article about self improvement and not accessing a core problem.

So now that we equestrians have conquered January, it’s time for a mental health check!

I think a lot of anxiety and stress around Finn and my riding comes from a delicate sense of self-esteem. It’s not that I struggle with self-worth, it’s just that I find myself constantly striving to be better. And because of this, I have these crushing expectations and goals of where Finn and I should be. I find myself in a constant comparison trap of last year versus this year, versus where we should be in six months. I have exhausted myself before I even got to the starting line of the race.

Photo by Derith Vogt.

The reality is that I don’t need to rush into show season. I don’t need to rush to the first competition of the year. I don’t even need to rush into next week. What I need to do is re-learn to enjoy every ride. Not just the good ones, but every single one in-between. Each ride needs to be new and fresh, with no baggage from the day or from the previous ride. I need to avoid finding myself frustrated by all of the ups and downs as Finn and I learn together. Otherwise, this season will be absolutely no fun. And what is the point of doing this is I can’t enjoy it.

Below is a small list of articles that I have enjoyed over the last few weeks. They, along with great friends and great trainers, have helped me remember that all that matters is that I keep moving forward. That’s our motto for this week: “Move Forward.”

Emotions: An Article from Equine Wellness Magazine

Mantra From an Emotional Rider: by Lindsay Paulson – Dressage Today

2019 Resolutions: Chronicle of the Horse Blog Writer Alice Peirce. (A little late, but still relevant)

Self-Esteem and Insecurity in the Saddle: by Nenah Mikuska – Dressage Today

Thank you to everyone for reading along. See you next week.

Saturday Links Presented by Nupafeed USA

By on Feb 9, 2019 12:01 am -

Spread love, not germs. Photo via Facebook.

Sorry to sound like your mother, but I hope y’all are taking cold and flu season very seriously and are washing your hands and covering your nasty coughs and sneezes. I don’t know exactly what I managed to catch, but it really knocked me out and left me miserable and my horse unridden for the better part of this week.

Speaking of flu, equine influenza is wreaking some havoc across the pond as several cases have sprung up in a racing stable and a number of events, including non-racing, are being cancelled as a precaution. Always keep in mind some of these practical biosecurity measures and don’t forget to schedule spring shots!

National Holiday: NATIONAL PIZZA DAY and yes, there are a couple of national chains offering up special deals for the occasion. Eat up, my pizza-loving friends.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Gallop February H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala Winter I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Pine Top I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

FEI Issues Guidelines on Equine Influenza Outbreak

Upstage (1991-2019)

Lessons from Leslie Law: Tips From the Eventing 18 Training Session

No Magic Tricks Here, Only Disciplined Riding With Isabell Werth

Hoof Conformation, Balance, and Hind-Limb Lameness in Horses

Learn from the best: Richard Waygood’s tips for showjumping and cross-country riding success

PODCAST: Preparing For Your First Event

Saturday Video: Just a couple of BFFS!

lovely

lovelyfrom by@equimov.fr

Posted by Life With Horses on Thursday, January 31, 2019

Nupafeed® USA is based in warm, sunny FL so we often think of our customers up north with the freezing temps and snow. Do any of these look familiar to you guys??? Courtesy of The Idea of Order.

#FlashbackFriday Video from SmartPak: Three Cheers for Chipmunk

By on Feb 8, 2019 6:00 pm -

In one of the biggest pieces of eventing news so far this year, it was revealed earlier this week that Chipmunk FRH, the prodigal talent at the forefront of Julia Krajewski‘s string, had been sold to fellow German team member Michael Jung. Like many high-profile horse transfers, this inspired a variety of visceral emotions — how exciting to see what the Maestro might do with some an impressive horse; how desperately sad to see Julia, herself an excellent competitor and the producer of the horse, lose one of her best friends.

But this is one of the tricky parts of the sport. It’s an unrealistic idealisation to imagine a world in which eventers might one day own their own horses; it’s not a sport with high profit margins, as we all know, and the support of owners is crucial to a team’s success. Unfortunately, the downside is that sometimes, for a number of reasons, owners may find themselves unable to continue in their role, and much-loved horses must change hands.

Find yourself someone who looks at you the way Julia Krajewski looks at Chipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Instead of cursing the system, I’m taking a few minutes today to look at the positives instead — and those positives aren’t hard to find in the case of Julia and Chipmunk. It’s hard to pinpoint the highest points of their impressive career together, but I’ve settled on two: THAT dressage test at the World Equestrian Games, which earned them a jaw-dropping score of 19.9, and their brilliant cross country round at Aachen, which Julia names as her standout competition.

The take-away? You’re allowed to be sad for Julia, while also feeling a twinge of excitement over what might happen when the world’s most decorated event rider takes the reins on his first-ever made horse. But we mustn’t, down the line, forget the years of hard work, partnership, and sheer love for the horse that went into creating the formidable athlete that the ineffably goofy Chipmunk most certainly is. The credit — and a share of the glory — will always go to Julia.

Go Chipmunk, and go eventing.

Product Review: Bucas Atlantic Turnout Rug & Combi Neck

By on Feb 8, 2019 3:42 pm -

The Atlantic Turnout is the newest rug in the Bucas family. Photo courtesy of Bucas.

After biblical amounts of rain and polar vortexes have plagued the greater eventing nation this winter, it’s likely your blanketing system is limping along right about now. If you’re looking to replace your horse’s turnout rug, take a closer look at the new Bucas Atlantic Turnout, which EN tested this winter in both Pennsylvania and Florida.

The Atlantic range is the newest addition to the Bucas family of turnout rugs, which have introduced numerous technological advancements to the blanketing market since the company launched in Ireland in 1981. Designed to withstand the most severe inclement weather while offering superior fit and durability, Bucas has continued the tradition of of designing “intelligent” horse rugs.

With that in mind, there’s a lot to like about the new Bucas Atlantic Turnout, which is made with tough-as-nails 1000D ballistic nylon. I’m incredibly picky about how rugs fit, and the shoulder darts in Bucas rugs virtually guarantee a fantastic fit that prevents shoulder rubbing and allows for better freedom of movement.

The new Dermo-Care lining keeps your horse’s coat sleek and shiny. Photo courtesy of Bucas.

The most exciting feature has to be the the new Dermo-Care lining, which is similar to Stay-Dry lining in other Bucas rugs in that it also wicks moisture away from the horse and can be used in place of a cooler. Whereas the Stay-Dry lining is fleece, the Dermo-Care lining is smooth, which keeps your horse’s coat sleek and shiny and helps combat the dreaded winter scurf. Derry’s coat looks immaculate every time he wears the Bucas Atlantic Turnout, even before he was clipped and was rocking what I affectionally call his “yak” look.

I’m also a big fan of the Click ‘n Go closure on Bucas rugs, which features an easy magnetic snap-lock closure (though it can be tricky to navigate if you are wearing bulky winter gloves). The Bucas Atlantic also features cross surcingles, leg straps and a fillet string to keep it securely on your horse. Derry has rolled around in the Pennsylvania snow and his sandy Florida paddock, and the rug stays put.

You can also attach liners and coolers to the Bucas Atlantic, as well as the Combi Neck. If I’m picky about turnout fit, then I’m even more picky about how neck attachments fit. Derry wears an 81 in the turnout, and the medium neck hits him perfectly with plenty of room so it isn’t strangling him when he puts his neck down, and it perfectly stretches up to sit just behind his ears.

The Bucas Atlantic is available in a beautiful Atlantic Green color with green/silver trim in sizes 60” to 84” and in three different weights: 50g light for $283.95 retail, 200g medium for $305.95 retail and 400g heavyweight for $319.95 retail. Every Bucas Atlantic Turnout comes with a guarantee that the rug will remain waterproof for two years.

Click here to learn more about the Bucas Atlantic Turnout range or to purchase your own rug. Click here to find a distributor in your area via Toklat, the official USA distributor for Bucas.

Have you tried a Bucas turnout rug? Share your experience in the comments below.

Stop Playing Small

By on Feb 8, 2019 2:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Laura Harris.

I have a friend who says I play small. In my riding. In my writing. Essentially, in my presentation of myself. Frankly, I think it or more to the point I, drive her crazy at times. She helps me see the good in myself when I only see the bad. She is exactly the friend everyone needs in their corner. I think of her often, pushing myself to play as big as I am, or that I could be. No, not to play, but to be.

However. There is always a however. I also think about the boastful braggarts I know. How they talk and talk and know so very little. How you watch them, you listen, and know that all they’re selling is insecurity. I dread presenting myself in such a way. I would never dare promise someone the moon when I’ve never left the stratosphere. I was raised to be humble. To show, not tell. To let my work speak for itself.

I’m not Boyd. I’m not Buck. Or Michael. I’m not Caroline, or George, or Stephen or anyone you can recognize by one name. In fact, with both my names I’m still unknown. What could I possibly have to say? Why should anyone listen to me? My brain often asks me that in a snarky tone; I’m no one special. My star does not shine bright; it never shot through the night in a righteous glorious blaze. But it does burn. It burns cold and calm. It burns the long wick that lasts a lifetime of a passion and dedication to horses. It is in no way out of fuel. My star is no less important. My dedication to my animals no less. I am no less.

But, comparison is the thief of joy. While I don’t think to compare myself to the accomplished, I do myself disservice to think of myself as unaccomplished. Even as my friend performs the mother of all friendship to build me up, I shrink away. I tell her I deserve a cone of shame in deprecating jest. My friend asks, “Can you imagine George Morris wearing the cone of shame? I think not.” She urges me, in capital letters, STOP PLAYING SMALL.

It’s just so easy. Easier to play small, to not call attention to myself, to not correct people when I hear misinformation, to not risk rejection. Easier to watch my dreams wither away because I can’t bear to possibly make some one else feel small or bad. Easier … to put someone else before myself. Why? It took me far too long to realize that I was seeking approval and acceptance from the outside rather than from within. I’m learning I’m enough. I don’t need the praise I desired as a teenager or young adult, the acknowledgement that I had skill or gift, that I had something special. It is enough to make myself happy now and be satisfied and content within myself, even as I face the question, pro or am.

I told my sports psychologist that I feel unsuccessful. Despite several things I should be proud of such as a Masters degree, keen riding skills, and chutzpah, I felt like a loser. I felt like I had never been successful. She asked me to define success. Silly old me, in the end, all my heart really wants is to be happy. To be proud of myself. Was lack of success really what was breaking my heart? No, it is simply me doing it.

My friend wants me to own my skills, own my story. Maybe I’m not Ingrid, Sinead, Kim. That’s OK because as amazing as they are, the world doesn’t need their doppelgängers and they don’t need anyone stealing their stars and peddling imitations. I spend far too long prefacing, explaining, excusing what I’m not, who I’m not, even why I’m not. Instead, I could spend that energy telling myself and those who want to hear what I am.

I am someone who always chooses the horse. I work hard, I try even harder. I am my own worst enemy. I have an internal drive that spins so hard and fast that it stalls the motor. I run myself down instead of building myself up or take the chance that maybe others will believe in me. I point out my own faults to drive away those that won’t support me. See — even now, I dropped back into my small-self talk instead of doing for me what is hard. But here it goes:

I have a leg that never slips. I ride horses that others are scared to get on. I love the hot sensitive horses, the babies, the underdogs, the problem child, or any of them at all. I believe in a tactful ride. I excel under pressure and rarely have show nerves. I clap for strangers. I have only gone off course once, because I didn’t learn the course on my own. I’ve ridden in Europe and worked for Olympians. I love to jump, I love dressage, I love to groom. I even love to clean stalls. I love my horses. I treat every horse I sit on or take care of as if he or she were my own. I am not scared to say “I don’t know,” but I know a lot. I ask questions. I read. I encourage. I share my knowledge when I can. I have discipline and do not take shortcuts. I push to be better even when I am tired. The Olympic committee isn’t calling, but I work toward my goals as if they will. I work a soul sucking mindless day job to support my love and passion and I am no longer ashamed of that.

We all have a story, I’d love to hear yours.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Special Someone

By on Feb 8, 2019 11:00 am -

Valentine’s Day is next week — do you have a special someone to spend it with? No? Well, don’t worry, an evening at the barn with your horse is a perfectly acceptable way to spend Valentine’s Day amongst equestrians. Heck, even if you do have a significant other, hopefully they know by now that that’s where you’d prefer to be anyway!

Perhaps you’re looking to add a new special someone to your life? Here are three OTTBs who would love to be your Valentine:

Saham. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Saham (LEMON DROP KID – TEXAS KITTY, BY FOREST WILDCAT): 2012 15.3-hand Pennsylvania-bred gelding

Saham enjoys eating hay, taking afternoon naps, and getting his hair done. He’s looking for a partner to help him be as successful in a new career as he was in his last. Saham raced in Graded Stakes races and earned $283,501 in 21 starts. While being very competitive and athletic, he’s also an absolute gentleman and is very easy-going on the ground. Under saddle, he’s forward but not hot and seems to enjoy learning how to be a riding horse.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Saham on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

What a Hotty. Photo via CANTER CA.

What a Hotty (FLAME THROWER – MISSBEHAVIN IHAINT, BY HAINT): 2011 16.1-hand California-bred gelding

This handsome fellow has a really nice uphill build and a super unique liver chestnut and flaxen coloring that is sure to turn heads. What a Hotty was running decently well, but he did injure a suspensory and is six weeks into lay up. His owners are willing to share all veterinary records and with a proper rehab he should be ready to excel in a second career. His connections say he has a winning personality and is a real old soul.

Located in Berkeley, California.

View What a Hotty on CANTER California.

Naval Commission. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Naval Commission (FIELD COMMISSION – RIVERY, BY RIVERMAN): 2014 15.3-hand Florida-bred mare

“Navy” is an absolute sweetheart who retired sound, has no vices, and is totally ready to put her best foot forward in a new career. The crew at New Vocations have noticed that she responds very well to verbal praise and reassurance as well as a gentle hand. Navy has an excellent work ethic and is forward thinking. With her aim-to-please attitude and quiet personality, she seems like a great 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover prospect!

Located in Xenia, Ohio.

View Naval Commission on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

USEA Announces Schedule for 2019 Educational Symposium

By on Feb 8, 2019 8:00 am -

French team rider Maxime Livio will headline the 2019 USEA Educational Symposium. Maxime Livio and Opium de Verrieres (FRA) at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The 2019 USEA Educational Symposium is coming to Grand Oaks in Weirsdale, Florida, on Feb. 18-21, and the USEA has released the schedule! The jam-packed four-day event includes training and education via the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP), Future Event Horse (FEH) Program and Young Event Horse (YEH) Program.

The ICP Symposium will take place on Monday, Feb. 18 and Tuesday, Feb. 19, with Maxime teaching dressage lessons on Monday and show jumping and cross country lessons on Tuesday.

The YEH Symposium — “From Five Years to Five Stars: Identifying the Star Quality” — will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 20, with Maxime evaluating 5-year-olds and their suitability as future five-star horses based on their conformation, movement, behavior, rideability and trainability.

The FEH Symposium will take place on Thursday, Feb. 21 with a focus on hands-on assessment of young eventing prospects. Sessions will be conducted by a panel of professionals including Robin Walker, Peter Gray, Holly Simensen, and Matthias Hollberg.

Tentative schedule: 

Monday, Feb. 18 – ICP Symposium – Dressage
8 a.m. – Registration
9 a.m. – Preliminary/Training
10 a.m. – Preliminary
11 a.m. – Intermediate
*Lunch Break
1 p.m. – Intermediate
2 p.m. – Intermediate
3 p.m. – Advanced
4 p.m. – Advanced (show jumping)
*Dressage lessons will have two riders per hour with the last 15 minutes devoted to Q&A.

Tuesday, Feb. 19 – ICP Symposium – Show Jumping & Cross Country
8 a.m. – Registration
9-10:15 a.m. – Training show jumping
10:15-11:30 a.m. – Preliminary show jumping
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. – Intermediate show jumping
1-2:15 p.m. – Training cross country
2:15-3:30 p.m. – Preliminary cross country
3:30-4:45 p.m. – Intermediate cross country
*Show jumping and cross country lessons will be small groups (4-5 riders) and approximately 75 minutes with the last 15 minutes devoted to Q&A.

Wednesday, Feb. 20 – YEH Symposium – From Five Years to Five Stars: Identifying the Star Quality
7:30 a.m. – Registration
8 a.m. – Introductions
8:15 a.m. – Christian Schacht PowerPoint presentation
9 a.m. – Review of the YEH scoresheet with Marilyn Payne, including changes in 2019
9:30 a.m. – Maxime Livio identifies the star qualities in 5-year-olds, using video examples
11:30 a.m. – Sponsored lunch by EquiAppraisal, LLC. *Lunch in the classroom, and then head outside to the dressage arena
12:30 p.m. – Dressage with 4-year-olds
1:30 p.m. – Jumping with 5-year-olds, group 1 (show jumping and then cross country/gallop)
3:00 p.m. – Jumping with 5-year-olds, group 2 (show jumping and then cross country/gallop)
4:30 p.m. – Wrap up Q&A

Thursday, Feb. 21 – FEH Symposium
8 a.m. – Registration
8:30 a.m. – Introductions
8:45 a.m. – Judging yearlings through 3-year-olds on conformation in the arena
10:30 a.m. – Break
12:30 PM – Sponsored Lunch by EquiAppraisal, LLC. (opportunity for 1-on-1 judging practice with Holly Simenson for apprentice judges)
1:30 p.m. – Demo judging 4-year-olds under saddle with Robin Walker and Peter Gray
2 p.m. – Introduction of Matthias Hollberg and explanation of judging canter and jump technique
2:15 p.m. – Young horse free jumping in the jump chute with Matthias Hollberg, Robin Walker and Peter Gray
5 p.m. – Q&A and conclusions

How to register:

Auditors are welcome to watch the lessons on one or both days of the ICP Symposium. One-day tickets cost $35 for ICP Certified Instructors, FEH/YEH participants and USEF licensed officials; $50 for the general public; and $15 for children 12 and under. Two-day tickets cost $60 for all ICP Certified Instructors, FEH/YEH participants and USEF Licensed Officials; $90 for the general public; and $25 for children 12 and under. Click here to register for the ICP Symposium.

USEA members can attend the YEH or FEH Symposium for $30, and non-members can attend for $40. Two-day tickets to attend both the YEH Symposium and FEH Symposium cost $55 for USEA members and $70 for non-members. Click here to register and purchase tickets.

For more information, check out Everything You Need to Know About the 2019 USEA Educational Symposium and Meet the Clinicians of the 2019 USEA Educational Symposium. Keep up to date with symposium details by following the 2019 USEA Educational Symposium Facebook event page.

[Announcing the Schedule for the 2019 USEA Educational Symposium]