Classic Eventing Nation

Strike Smartly Passes Away after Colic Complications

By on Jan 9, 2019 3:27 pm -

Tom McEwen and Strike Smartly lead going into the final phase of the Blair CCI3*. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Britain’s Tom McEwen today announced the sad passing of 12-year-old Strike Smartly, his 2017 Chatsworth CCI4*-S (CIC3*) and Camphire CCI4*-L (CCI3*) winner.

Known as Paddy, the Irish Sport Horse (Ghareeb x Ramble Way, by Diamond Lad) was bred by Patrick Fenton and campaigned as a four-year-old by Australia’s Paul Tapner, who piloted Paddy’s full brother Kilronan at CCI5*-L (CCI4*). He was then ridden by fellow British rider Daisy Berkeley, who produced him to the CCI4*-S (CIC3*) level. Paddy would jump clear at Blenheim’s prestigious eight- and nine-year-old class for 16th place in 2016, and that winter, he would make the move to Tom McEwen‘s yard.

In 2017, Paddy would record his two international wins and finish his year by jumping clear around Boekelo’s formidable cross-country course, and in 2018, he would make the big step up to CCI5*-L at Badminton. There, he made a hugely exciting impression, posting a 25.9 with three 10s in the first phase and delivering a steady clear that hinted at his enormous potential for the future. That autumn, the striking 16.3hh gelding lead Blair Castle’s CCI4*-L until the final phase, where a solitary rail moved him into a creditable second place.

Strike Smartly in action. Photo: Tom McEwen Eventing.

In an emotional Facebook statement, McEwen’s team announced today that the rising star had succumbed to complications due to colic.

“It was a pre-existing condition that caused complications over the weekend,” explains the statement. “We are sure that he would have had a huge future in this amazing sport of eventing. He will leave a deep hole in Team McEwen. However, he will be even more acutely missed by his owner Penny Barker, who rode him regularly and followed his successes with a passion. He was one in a million, who would give his heart to everything he did, asking for nothing in return except his food!”

Tom McEwen and Strike Smartly. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“Tom feels privileged to have been allowed to ride such an amazing horse, and the team were honoured to have looked after Paddy who was the most genuine, kind and honest person we think we will ever have or meet. We are all heart broken.”

All of us at EN send our deepest condolences to Team McEwen and all those who knew, loved, or admired Paddy.

When Can I Ride? vs. When Can I Actually Ride?

By on Jan 9, 2019 2:20 pm -

©www.emily-cole.com

Ah, eventers — a half-crazed bunch of adrenaline seekers with a questionable approach to self-preservation. This hilarious illustration from Emily Cole perfectly captures the desperation to get back in the saddle as soon as possible after an injury. Just don’t fall off, right?

Emily posted the illustration on her Facebook page yesterday, and the comments are pure gold …

If you aren’t following Emily Cole Illustrations, you’re seriously missing out. She left a career as an architect to draw cartoons full-time after her illustration depicting the British gold medal show jumping team at the London Olympics garnered national acclaim.

©www.emily-cole.com

Many of her illustrations capture the insanity of eventing …

©www.emily-cole.com

©www.emily-cole.com

While others capture moments that all horse people can relate to …

©www.emily-cole.com

©www.emily-cole.com

Emily sells her illustrations as prints, calendars, notebooks, mugs, greeting cards and wrapping paper. She ships internationally, too! Check out her online shop here.

[Emily Cole Illustrations]

Let’s Discuss: What Does Your Trainer Yell at You So Often That You Hear It in Your Dreams?

By on Jan 9, 2019 11:00 am -

 

Do we get the impression Ian wants Kate to use more inside leg? 🤣😫

Posted by Carol Gee on Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Carol Gee of Fernhill Sport Horses posted this video of Ian Fearon pummeling a student repeatedly with directives to use her inside leg — “Inside leg! Inside leg! Inside leg!” — and it put a little smile on my face. What student of the sport HASN’T been there?

The most frequent broken record reminder I personally receive is a constant “Lean BA-ACK!” from my dressage trainer, as I seem to be eternally subconsciously poised to ditch my flatwork, pitch forward into jumping position and leap the rails toward a happier activity. I’ve heard this broken record so much, it’s now on repeat in my brain, no trainer needed — although I still struggle to obey.

What does YOUR trainer yell at you so often that you practically hear it in your dreams? Tell us in the comments!

 

2019 US Equestrian Annual Meeting Kicks Off Today! Need-to-Know Guide + Live Stream

By on Jan 9, 2019 8:00 am -

Image via US Equestrian.

The 2019 US Equestrian Annual Meeting kicks off today in West Palm Beach, Florida, featuring a five-day lineup of informational and educational opportunities as well as the annual awards gala. The meeting takes place at Hilton West Palm Beach, and to accommodate those of us unable to attend in person many of the sessions will be live streamed via USEF Network.

Here’s everything you need to participate whether from near or afar!

2019 Annual Meeting highlights:

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, 6:30-8 p.m., join US Equestrian President Murray Kessler for the Welcome Reception sponsored by the Palm Beach Sports Commission for poolside cocktails and appetizers on the outdoor lawn.

On Thursday, Jan. 10, at 8 a.m., catch the centerpiece event, the General Session: “Members Make It Happen,” with Kessler and US Equestrian senior staff. Hear about the year’s key achievements, discover how US Equestrian is facing its challenges, learn how members can power action and change in horse sports, and look ahead to 2019. The General Session also will be streamed live and will be available afterwards for on-demand viewing.

Kick off the 2019 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 8 a.m., with a full slate of educational opportunities, including workshops and panels.

  • SafeSport: What You Need to Know
  • Competition and Member Summit, with panelists to include USEA CEO Rob Burk
  • Buying, Selling and Leasing Horses with Confidence
  • Building a Successful Equestrian Business
  • Growing the Grassroots
  • Major Rules Changes: News to Know
  • The Power of Media and Membership

SafeSport has been high on the US Equestrian agenda throughout the year and again takes precedence at the annual meeting. A SafeSport discussion featuring Olympic show jumper Anne Kursinski, HBO’s The Tale director Jennifer Fox, and U.S. Center for SafeSport investigator Scott Lewis, with moderator Sonja Keating, takes place on Wednesday at 8 a.m. and is accessible via live stream. Need to complete your SafeSport training? Free SafeSport training is being offered on Wednesday, Jan. 9, from 9:30-11 a.m. Register now for a SafeSport training session.

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

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Jan 9, 2019 12:01 am -

The view from Quadrocana. Photo via Dominic Schramm’s FB page.

The folks in Ocala and Aiken are about to get off to a running start, with events in both locales kicking off the eventing season. Based on the photos, it seems like those based in Ocala are getting some warmer temperatures as they prep for the start of the season.

National Holiday: National Take the Stairs Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Stable View H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Things may be gearing up in the U.S. but over in England they still have another three months before the start of the season. Matthew Heath recounts a few of his to-dos that he has taken care of in the off-season: repainting the yard, getting more involved with his wife’s stud starting up, and of course endless road hacking for the horses. [Why New Year’s Resolutions Aren’t For Me]

Fifi Prime, a former editor for the USCTA News, has passed away. For 22 years Fifi ran the USCTA News (now Eventing USA), transforming it from a newsletter to a magazine while covering Olympics, WEGs and Pan Ams. An eventer herself, she competed her own Sparrow Hawk extensively before loaning him to the USET and was deeply involved in the Ledyard International Three Day Event. [In Memorian: Fifi Prime]

The USHJA is dealing with an identity crisis. While they’ve spent years catering to the professionals and making the sport bigger and shinier, they’ve forgotten to cater to the base that created it: the adult amateur. USHJA President Mary Babick is trying to bring the sport back to its roots. [Power In Numbers]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: New Season Jitters

By on Jan 8, 2019 5:30 pm -

Laura Collett’s three-star mount London 52 is rearing to get the 2019 season started! He had his first jump this week since finishing second at Boekelo last fall, and I think we can all agree he’s just a little excited.

An impressive display of stickability? Or just another day at Laura Collett’s yard? We’ll let you decide.

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This Video of the World Equestrian Center in Ocala Will Blow Your Mind

By on Jan 8, 2019 2:52 pm -

Chances are you’ve heard about the new World Equestrian Center currently under construction in Ocala, Florida, and set to open in January 2021. With 4,000 acres reserved for the project, the World Equestrian Center is set to become the largest equestrian complex in the U.S. and plans to host shows across numerous disciplines.

This video showing a 3D rendering of what the finished facility will look like is quite simply mind-boggling. It’s like a cross between Wellington, Aachen and Disney World — the ultimate horse person’s paradise! The facility includes too many features to name, but here are a few of the highlights:

  • 2,000 permanent stalls with temperature-controlled air conditioning and fans
  • 3-acre outdoor stadium arena with seating for 8,000 people
  • Four climate-controlled indoor arenas and 17 outdoor arenas
  • A six-story, 5-star luxury hotel with 260 rooms
  • A fine dining restaurant with enough seating for 500 people
  • Expansive retail space with high-end boutiques

The World Equestrian Center currently sits on 378 acres of the 4,000-acre parcel of land, with 300 more acres reserved for additional construction of equestrian facilities. The residential plans for the neighboring World Equestrian Estates includes 2,400 homes, estate homes and condominiums.

Click here to check out more photo renderings of the World Equestrian Center. Can we start the campaign now to get a cross country course built at the facility?

[World Equestrian Center to debut in January ’21]

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Bragging Rights

By on Jan 8, 2019 11:00 am -

Everyone’s gotta have something to brag on their horse about … and we totally support that! Frankly, with OTTBs it’s easy to find something. Whether it’s their lineage, their earnings, their number of races — or even their lack of any of those things!

Here are three available OTTBs, each with their own bragging rights, ready and waiting to start their second careers:

Dawning Sky. Photo via CANTER PA.

Dawning Sky (SKY CONQUEROR – MARKET VALLEY, BY UNION PLACE): 2014 15.2-hand Saskatchewan-bred mare

Yes, you read that right: Saskatchewan-bred. You don’t come across that too often, so if you want a horse with a unique birthplace to brag about, you’ve got a prime option right here! Despite being a touch on the smaller size at 15.2hh, Dawning Sky is appropriate for a more experienced rider. She’s a mare full of personality and is a playful like, but also very much enjoys work. She’s recently been enjoying turnout at her owner’s farm since her last race a few weeks ago and her owner reports that’s been been doing quite well barefoot. Her jog video shows the a bit of her playful side, but also the potential for some really nice movement.

Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania.

View Dawning Sky on CANTER PA.

Duke of Viseu. Photo via Friends of Ferdinand.

Duke of Viseu (HENRYTHENAVIGATOR – ST. MICHELE, BY DEVIL’S BAG): 2010 16.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Duke of Viseu started racing as a four-year-old in 2014 and went on to race a total of 35 times until retiring in the fall of 2017. He started his career off with a second place finish in a maiden claiming race and followed it up with a win in his next race. After more than a year away from the track, “Duke” is ready to find a new career and appears to have no limitations. Duke’s bragging right comes from his impressive lineage: his sire, Henrythenavigator, is a winner of multiple Grade I races in Europe and ended his career with a second place finish in the 2008 Breeder’s Cup Classic for a grand total earnings of over $2.7 million.

Located in Indiana.

View Duke of Viseu on Friends of Ferdinand Inc.

Cowtownblue. Photo via CANTER PA.

Cowtownblue (COWTOWN CAT – BLUE RAGE, BY HORSE CHESTNUT (SAF)): 2013 16.0-hand Florida-bred gelding

When you have a horse that has captured the attention of multiple CANTER volunteers — people who see inordinate numbers of Thoroughbreds — like Cowtownblue can say he has, then you’ve got to pay attention. If you couldn’t tell from the picture, Cowtownblue has quite a personality and seems to want to be your instant best friend. His exercise rider can also attest that he’s a blast in the tack and has been his or her favorite ride of the day. Having last raced the day after Christmas, he’s a fabulous prospect for the Thoroughbred Makeover.

Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania.

View Cowtownblue on CANTER PA.

The Athletic Rider: The Difference Between Motivation and Discipline

By on Jan 8, 2019 9:00 am -

Laura Crump Anderson is an Equestrian Fitness Specialist at InForm Fitness Leesburg. She is certified as a personal trainer by the American College of Sports Medicine and specializes in working with riders of all ages and disciplines. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science, is a Certified Personal Trainer with the American College of Sports Medicine, and has evented through Training level. Read more of her EN fitness columns here. 

I strongly considered not writing about New Year’s resolutions because, well, for one thing I hate them. Not to be a hater, and generally I am not; however, creating change in your life does not lie on a day of the calendar. It rides on a shift in your mindset. The good news is that can happen 365 days a year, but requires the 364 other days each year to keep working. One of my favorite diagrams is this…

Photo by Laura Crump Anderson.

I would be missing an incredible opportunity to cheer people on if I was to ignore January. Motivation is high in January; the first two weeks it is as if every day is #motivationmonday. The key now is to harness that motivation create discipline, and this is where the struggle begins.

Photo by Laura Crump Anderson.

Motivation is important. Motivation is a spark, it is getting the shiny idea, it is chasing the dream.

Discipline is not exciting; it is not sexy and attention grabbing. Discipline is hard. Discipline in boring. Discipline is taking the extra 10 minutes to make sure something is done correctly and not just sufficiently. Discipline is doing the hard things when they do not matter, so that you can do them when they matter most. Discipline is found in the everyday and the mundane — it is what you do when no one is looking.

Today my discipline is writing this article. Your discipline in this moment is reading to the second to the last paragraph of this article. You did it and can transfer this success into another success. Try applying this discipline into a plank to true failure, for instance — working to momentary muscle failure requires a lot of discipline.

Photo by Laura Crump Anderson.

So, when the shine of motivation wears off and you are feeling like you cannot continue, make sure you have cultivated discipline within you.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jan 8, 2019 12:01 am -

View this post on Instagram

December vs. January 😍😑

A post shared by Pomponio Ranch (@pomponioranch) on

Even though we’re over a week out from New Year’s Day, does anyone else still feel a slight holiday hangover? The last two weeks of December are equally fun and exhausting, and the photo on the right is an accurate representation of me trying to get my house in order and pack away my Christmas decorations. Thankfully, we’re T-4 days until the 2019 season starts!

National Holiday: National Bubble Bath Day

Events Opening This Week: Pine Top Advanced H.T., Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch

Events Closing This Week: Rocking Horse Winter I H.T., Full Gallop Farm January H.T

Tuesday News:

Today’s your last chance to enter Grand Oaks Horse Trials! They waved their late fee, so last-minute entry in for the first event of the year held this coming weekend in Eventing Sunny Florida. The competition will run all phases in one day. [Grand Oaks Omnibus]

Voting is open for 2018 Eventing Nation Horse of the Year! The EN staff nominated four horses that had standout seasons in 2018: Frankie Thieriot Stutes’s mount Chatwin, Caroline Martin’s mount Islandwood Captain Jack, Boyd Martin’s mount Long Island T, and Phillip Dutton’s mount Z. Be sure to cast your vote before the polls close on Wednesday. [Vote for 2018 Eventing Nation Horse of the Year!]

Victor Espinoza is back in the saddle. The Triple Crown jockey had his first ride this week since fracturing his vertebrae last July. He’s taking his rehab one day at a time.  [‘Satisfying’ To See Victor Espinoza Back Atop A Thoroughbred At Santa Anita]

Hot on Horse Nation: Equestrichondria, or Basically Being a Horse Person

Tuesday Video: