Classic Eventing Nation

Esse, the 6 year old stallion of which dreams are made. Photo by Mary-Hollis Baird.

A few years ago, I had a great opportunity to ride some nice horses for a couple months while the owner was out of town. One of the horses was a lovely, inordinately sweet 6-year-old dressage stallion. This horse already knew more about dressage at 6-years-old than I did as an adult two-star event rider. It was an utterly delightful and educational time.

Even being a very mellow stallion, if this guy didn’t do some proper work every once in a while he got a bit frisky. So one day, after warming him up long and low I thought, “Let’s pick this guy up and play a bit.” He was utterly bored with me practicing our trot half-pass. So, as we moved up into canter, I started working renvers on a circle transitioning into a half-pass on the long side … Now at some point I think I actually did the exercise correctly because that stallion’s hind end came powering up underneath him and OMG.

I’ve never felt anything like it, I had access to all the power of this horse at my fingertips. If I’d shifted my hips one way or the other he’d become more collected, or extended, or go left or right, or upside down, or teleport in space and time. It’s like he was just constantly asking me, “What do I do?” and any answer I gave was correct. It was a profound moment of harmony, and I finally understood how people only ride dressage day in and day out.

This story popped into my head the other day when I came across this tweet about the term angle of repose. 

Words of the day: "angle of repose" – the maximum angle at which a slope of loose material stays stable, with the bonds of friction just exceeding the demands of gravity. Figuratively, of a human life or community, the tense point where hanging together still beats falling apart. pic.twitter.com/DugsKI1ZHS

— Robert Macfarlane (@RobGMacfarlane) November 29, 2018

Essentially the angle of repose is the steepest angle that a collection of loose materials can exist and still maintain stability in the face of a myriad of factors, like gravity, wanting to pull it down and cause chaos. Think of it like a pile of rocks that is fine until a pebble or a gust of wind hits it in just the right way triggers a rock slide.

I feel this is a perfect metaphor for competitors. The gravity and changing environmental factors is the competition trying to destabilize you (the pile of rocks) within the competition. Therefore, the friction binding you and your horses performance together is your training and preparation.

Progressing up the levels require you to build your rock pile higher. For example if you build your partnership to the Preliminary level and then move up to Intermediate, the new challenges are going to easily pull down your Preliminary level rock pile. You have to build up and put in more skills, muscle and training in order to fortify you from all the forces trying to push you over.

It’s hard to stay motivated when you are staring down the barrel of months of cold and mud. So in order to be productive this winter, I’m envisioning that every cold, gross day stuck in the indoor is an opportunity to strengthen my pile of skills for the spring and be able to come out and swing for the fences.

Because only in those boring days of endless transitions and no-stirrup work is how you go on to have the rides like I did on the dressage stallion. A ride where no external factor matters because you have built a rock solid foundation that opens up a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities.

For all those not in California, Ocala, and/or Aiken, stay warm and Go Eventing (in a couple months)!

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.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me … 6 Perfect Packers! There’s nothing more reliable than a packer. They’re as trustworthy as the day is long, ready to show you the way around cross country. Here are 6 tried-and-true lower level packers who are ready to come home with you for the holidays!

Jacob. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

NOVICE PACKER, LOW LEVEL EVENT HORSE

2011 16’1 Grey OTTB Gelding, Jacob is a solid, safe low level event horse. Easy to get round. Steady to jumps. Easily ridden by amateurs. Used in lessons. Jacob is ready to be a child’s first horse or an amateur who wants a safe steady ride. Tons of training level competition experience and preliminary schooling, however he seems happiest at novice and below. Sweet and personable. No spook, rear or bolt. Trailers, clips, stands for farrier, etc. No vices. Price negotiable to great home. Located in Georgia.

Determined Again. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

TALENTED NOVICE/TRAINING PACKER

Offered for sale is Determined Again, a 16 hand, 14 year old OTTB gelding. “Aspy” is as chill as can be, with quite the sweet personality! He is a fairly easy keeper, as he keeps his weight up well and doesn’t usually have maintenance other than supplements. No buck, rear, bolt, kick, or bite in this guy! Aspy has very fancy dressage, consistently scoring in the low thirties, and is a beast in cross country. More woah than go, but is not a kick ride or lazy by any means. Has schooled prelim cross country, and schools up to 3’9″ in lessons at home. He has his lead changes. Has been ridden and competed by a 15 year old for the past two years, and took her from starter to novice level recognized events and training level jumper shows. Aspy stands in cross ties, goes on hot walker, trailers great, stands for vet and farrier, and has no stable vices. Located in Nolensville, Tennessee, asking $ 15,000.

Blue days, Black nights. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Blue Days, Black Nights “G” TRAINING PACKER

Blue days, Black nights “G” is a 2008 16.2 hand thoroughbred gelding. G was proven to be unsuccessful in the track at a young age due to his lack of “enthusiasm” He is new to eventing with low miles. G has competed successfully through training scoring consistently in the low to mid thirties. He recently completed the Waredaca classic training three day event. G is currently being brought through the levels with a young rider. He is quiet, straightforward, and honest. He would be dream horse for an amateur rider wanting a trustworthy horse who is talented in dressage. He would also be very successful in the jumper world. G is located in Citra, Fl 20 minutes north of Ocala. He is priced at $15,000.

Contact Drew Cheek for more information:
[email protected]
(678)-684-7337

Sweet Georgia Brown. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

WINNING Novice Packer!

Sweet Georgia Brown is a 14.2hh Mustang Gelding. He has evented through Training, consistently placing in the top 3 at BN and Novice events! He started competing at recognized horse trials in March of 2016 and qualified for the American Eventing Championships where he finished 3rd in the Junior Beginner Novice division with a rider in her first year of eventing as well. Immediately following, another junior rider took over his ride, competing him through Novice WINNING Area III Junior Novice Championships. Sweet Georgia Brown is an absolute pleasure to ride – especially to jump! Point, and shoot. This guy will carry you around a course. He knows his job, and absolutely loves it! Perfect for an Adult Amateur looking to stay at the lower levels and be very competitive, or a young rider that would like to move up the levels – he’s got plenty of scope with a high jump record of 4’9,” so far!

Sweet Georgia Brown also excels on the flat with 3 very correct, rhythmic gaits. He is schooling second level movements. He has schooled much of the Intermediate cross country course at Poplar Place and is absolutely game. When not competing and jumping the moon, Sweet Georgia Brown is an excellent lesson horse. He has taught beginner riders the basics and helped adult riders gain confidence jumping. Prior to 2016, he did a little of everything from being an adult riders dressage horse, teaching IEA kids to ride and jump, and being a family pony. He travels perfectly and stands quietly for the farrier. He also loves a long bareback trail ride in his halter alone, or with friends.

Super sound and has great feet. He can go barefoot or shod, depending on your preference. An easy keeper in every way. Up to date on all shots and coggins. Located in Georgia.

Quarter Irish. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Safe Scopey Novice Packer

Quarter Irish “Liam” is a grey 15.2 8 year old Appendix Quarter horse gelding. He looks like a small Irish horse, but he can easily compensate a larger rider as he has a big barrel! He has evented through novice with a junior rider, and competed at the AEC’s in 2017 after only 3 horse shows with no jumping/time penalties at beginner novice! He also qualified for the AEC’s in 2018, and is ready to move up to training now. Easily schooling 3’3 courses. Liam is kind and safe, with plenty of scope. He goes all three phases in a rubber snaffle. He is a careful show jumper and brave cross country as he loves to jump. He’s never had a show jumping rail or a stop at any obstacle. Fast and clean cross country coming in 30+ seconds below time going recognized novice, but doesn’t pull. No problems with ditches, banks, or water. Smooth and comfortable gaits on the flat, he learns quickly and puts in a great effort everyday. He’s currently schooling basic 1st level dressage. Quiet on and off property, and the same ride no matter turnout or frequency of riding. He’s gone to the beach, clinics etc without a problem. Liam could also excel in hunters (he has perfect knees!) or jumpers, and is ideal for an adult amateur or a young rider looking learn the ropes of eventing or hunters and jumpers! Easy keeper, and good for vet, farrier, clipping, and loading. Respectful and sweet on the ground, he loves being scratched and groomed, and will easily cross tie, ground tie or get tacked in the stall. He will stable away from home for horse shows or clinics with no stress. Liam has been in consistent training and is sound and ready to start the 2019 season with someone new! For sale as owner is starting college soon. He is currently at Hunters Haven Farm in Groveland, MA. Contact Hilda Ronn at (617)-763-7121 or at [email protected] for more information or videos. 22k.

Never Say Never. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

The Perfect Pony – Novice Packer with Training Mileage

Never Say Never (Gina) is a 14yr old, 14h, POA/Quarter Horse who has successfully competed novice recognized and up to training unrecognized. Very steady in the dressage, jumps around the show jump with plenty of scope, and is brave and honest out on cross country. Would be the perfect pony for an ambitious, young eventer looking to learn the ropes of the sport on a safe, experienced pony. Loads, clips, stands for the farrier, bathes, etc.
I have had the pleasure of calling this pony mine for the past 5 and a half years and am only selling because I’ve outgrown her. Located in Michigan.

Recent shows:
-Kentucky Classique 2018: novice three day (long format) – 8th
-Champagne Run 2018: novice – 3rd
-Midsouth Pony Club 2018: novice – 3rd
-Maydaze 2018: novice – 4th
-Ocala International 2017: novice – 1st
-Rocking Horse Spring 2017: novice – 1st

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.

Allison and Tipsy. All photos by Dr. Jamie Shetzline.

Contributor Allison Howell recently took a clinic with WEG show jumping team gold medalist Devin Ryan, and invited our sister site, Horse Nation, along for the ride. Read the original article here.

Before we get started with this whole thing, I should probably explain that I’m a pretty typical amateur: I work a full-time job, have a side hustle at a winery for show/lesson/vet bill money, and also work off some board one day a week at my barn.

I am also a bad amateur. I don’t really keep up with the rankings lists or where in the world the big jumpers are this week, so I had virtually no clue who Devin Ryan was before I saw the post for his clinic come across my Facebook feed. However, after reading his bio — he’s, you know, a WEG gold medalist for Team USA — and getting the okay from my coach (who has already fled south for the winter) I signed up for the clinic, and I am so glad that I did.

Devin (can I call you Devin? We’re friends now right?) is probably one of the top three clinicians I have ever had the pleasure to watch or ride with, and I was fortunate enough to see Karen Healey teach an EAP clinic one year. I would describe him as firm but not mean, demanding but not demeaning, excellent at conveying the concepts he was trying to get across, and he was certainly willing to acknowledge that each horse is an individual and his program might not work for every horse. He kept a near-constant commentary the entire two days, which was extremely beneficial to the auditors as well as the riders.

Side note: one of the amazing things about this clinic was the facility, Ohana Equestrian Preserve, located in Aldie, Virginia. This place is bonkers: heated viewing area, state-of-the-art sound system piped into both the viewing area AND the arena, and an indoor with footing so nice I briefly wondered if selling a kidney would be enough to finance an indoor of my own.

Back to the clinic: the schedule was formatted so the biggest height went first, and dropped with each following group, so we were able to watch the big jumpers go before we got ready. The schedule was pretty typical for a jumping clinic – flatwork and gymnastics the first day, then course work the second.

Devin watched us warm up at the walk, then called us over to chat leg position. Some memorable takeaways:

• Stirrup should sit at the ball of your ankle, and he had riders shorten two holes for jumping
• The lower leg is your “seatbelt,” and he drove home the importance of keeping your lower leg straight, not broken at the ankle (either rolled in or rolled out)
• And for me – he wanted my leg back approximately three feet, or so it felt. I have a tendency, due to either many years of riding dressage or trying to appease a hot horse, or who knows what reason, to want to put my leg too far forward. Devin had me work on keeping my leg back, and more securely under me, basically for the whole clinic.

After that, he had the riders warmed up in earnest. Takeaways:

• Devin starts with a short rein. He does not necessarily ask the horse for flexion or to be on the bit right away, but he started every session by asking the riders to “choke up on the reins” so the reins weren’t too long when you pick up the trot.
• A theme that emerged through the clinic was Devin’s focus on correct flatwork and incorporating dressage principles into his jumping. He almost immediately started asking the riders to shape their turns more and ask their horses for some flexion around the corner. Here again, I appreciated his attention to detail, as he explained a horse that is straight or counter-bent through the turn is unable to step under themselves, shortening their stride and losing power before a jump.
• He also had the riders come off the rail, explaining that in a competition you do not have the benefit of the rail for the horses to drift to, so he almost never rides his horses on the rail.
• High hands! It seems that coaches like it one way or the other, and Devin is in camp “raise ’em up!” – going so far as to say he prefers a broken line from the mouth to the elbow with the hands too high, rather than too low, as low hands create a place for the horse to lean.  He also explained that this is to keep the bit on the corners of the horse’s mouth, and not the bars (a point he re-emphasized both days).
• Oh man, this guy really likes dressage – “the more you do with your hands, the more you mess with the horse’s frame” and “a shoulder-in is three tracks, not two-and-one-half, not four!”

We moved on to some cavaletti. The first exercise was three very innocuous-looking cavaletti, set to three strides between. Devin offered that in an indoor, a horse will sometimes shorten its stride, so I believe he said they were set a little short. He said he liked this kind of work for a few reasons:

• It forces you to achieve something in a certain amount of time
• It’s easy enough for horses of all levels
• It’s good for flatwork
• It develops the horse’s depth perception and the canter needed to find the distance to the jump

I will admit, it was nice to see that even riders who typically show over pee-your-pants-sized fences struggle with the “easy” stuff too. Some of the riders did not have enough canter coming into the exercise, and struggled to get the right number of strides; if they did have enough canter, it was not smooth. That was another of Devin’s big points: he wanted everything to be smooth and consistent. For the more advanced group he had them ask for three strides over the first and four strides to the second, working on rideability. For my group, he just had us work on getting absolutely smooth through the exercise.

And then here, my friends, is where he really made you think. We all, at some point in our jumping career, have probably been told to count the strides between fences. But have you ever, my dear little chickadees, been told to start counting when you’re eight strides out? And not backwards from eight — that’s cheating, because you try to make them fit, for which I was chastised not once but twice. I thought I had been doing this long enough and read enough articles and watched enough George Morris horsemanship clinics and had a million lessons to have seen most everything, but this one was new, and mind-boggling.

I think we all basically just picked a distance we really, really, really, hoped was close, and then calibrated from there. He had us repeat this exercise to the fences in between the gymnastic (I’ll explain later) and then on Day Two in our courses. This exercise was extremely beneficial for me: it helps you keep your pace, works on your eye so that you can (eventually) reliably find the distances, and has the added benefit of forcing you not to hold your breath.

After everyone got their horses through the cavaletti well enough to satisfy Devin, it was time for the gymnastic. It started with trotting into a cross rail, one stride to a vertical, one stride to an oxer, and two strides to an oxer out. One point Devin made here that he stressed multiple times through the clinic was his dislike of round placement poles – he doesn’t mind square or raised poles, but had a horse step on a round pole which rolled, resulting in an injury.

The gymnastic was pretty typical, but he did have riders halt at the end of the ring for the first few trips. He explained that this was “so the horses know they can go to the end of the arena” and are not tempted to cut in on the turn. He also encouraged riders to maintain their balance in their two-point the whole way through.

Once all the riders were satisfactorily through the exercise, he had us serpentine over the verticals and bounces dispersed between the jumps in the gymnastic. Here again, he had us count when we felt that we were eight strides away, careful to maintain our pace and track so we would get a good distance. Another point he made here (and several times, sometimes in a slightly raised voice… at me…) was to NOT accelerate the last three strides towards a jump. This all came back to starting and maintaining the appropriate pace at the canter, and not throwing the horse off in the last seconds before a fence. The counting really turned into a source of amusement, as the disappointment in our voices was apparent when we got to the jump at “seven.”

I think everyone finished the day feeling like they had accomplished something, and ready to tackle courses on Day Two.

Allison’s clinic report will continue next week with Day Two! You’ll see it first on Horse Nation.