Classic Eventing Nation

Inaugural Equestrian Businesswomen Summit to Take Place in January 2019

By on Dec 10, 2018 12:30 pm -

Lainey Ashker is among the panelists who will be sharing insights at the 2019 EQBW Summit. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Now more than ever it’s important for women to support one another personally and professional. The inaugural Equestrian Businesswomen Summit, to be held on Jan. 9, 2019, in West Palm Beach, Florida, aims to help nurture that community of support, providing inspiration and information on how to grow as a businesswoman and find success for your business.

The idea for Equestrian Businesswomen (EQBW) came from Jennifer Wood of Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. and Jump Media, who originally wanted to have an event that would bring like-minded entrepreneurs together for camaraderie, support, and networking.

“I started EQBW after a few years of an idea for a conference and the feeling of wanting something like this that provide resources, mentors, and a community when I started my business almost 10 years ago,” she says. “What was initially an idea for a conference grew into the 2019 EQBW Summit and then we saw the opportunity to really help equestrian businesswomen year-round.”

The mission of EQBW is to connect businesswomen in the equine industry to provide them with resources and community to foster their professional development and business opportunities. In this community, women can harness the network of like-minded individuals, inclusive of various disciplines and skill sets, to educate themselves, become better managers, strengthen relationships, and more, in order to strive for success in whatever business they pursue.

“We will be announcing our membership platform at the Summit and what it will entail, including member networking, expert resources, and online learning video content,” Jennifer says. “I see this as a community for any horsewoman, no matter what type of business they have or what type of horse they ride. I think it can provide a great opportunity for young women out of college and new in the work force to network, as well as more established entrepreneurs to work with peers, get advice, brainstorm, and more.”

The Summit will feature a number of thought-provoking and inspiring speakers talking about timely, relevant topics to help engage, support, and inform equestrian businesswomen. The speakers represent a variety of roles — riders, trainers, entrepreneurs — each offering unique skill sets, and women from all equestrian disciplines are invited to attend.

    • Keynote speaker Tracey Noonan: Tracey is the CEO and Co-Founder of Wicked Good Cupcakes, Inc. along with daughter, Dani Vilagie. The company, now seven years young, has grown to be a nationally known, multi-million dollar brand thanks in part to an appearance on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning show Shark Tank and subsequent deal with Shark, Kevin O’Leary. Wicked Good Cupcakes is now the largest shipper of cupcakes in the U.S. and has added a host of other products. To date, Wicked Good Cupcakes reports sales upwards of $22,000,000. Tracey was a 2015, 2016 and 2017 Finalist in the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition. Tracey has more than two decades of experience with horses in the hunter/jumper, dressage and eventing disciplines and her colt, Quoi De Neuf, competed at Dressage at Devon.
    • Motivational Speaker Béatrice de Lavalette: Béatrice will tell her story of courage, perseverance, and focus as she recovered from a catastrophic injury, and how her horse played an exceptional role in her recovery. She will talk about how amazing things can happen and a new path in life can be found in the outcome of a critical situation. Béatrice de Lavalette is the most critically injured survivor of the Brussels Airport terrorist bombing. The now double-amputee Bea has been riding ponies and horses since the age of three and never one to give up, she was back on her horse for the first time five months after the bombing. Bea received Pentagon approval for one year of intensive rehabilitation at the Naval Medical Center-San Diego. While in San Diego, she met and began training with Shayna Simon at Arroyo Del Mar, with the goal of representing the United States at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. Bea is now attending the University of San Diego where she was granted the status of Scholar-Athlete. Bea will be competing in her first CPEDI*** January 17-20, 2019 during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.
    • Informational Panels, to include: 
      “Building a Successful Equestrian Business” – in partnership with the US Equestrian Annual Meeting
      Lisa Roskens from International Omaha
      Lisa Lourie from Spy Coast Farm
      Alexandra Cherubini from EquiFit, inc.
      Noel Asmar from Asmar Equestrian
      Dressage Olympian Ashley Holzer
      Jobs Panel — “So You’re Not a Pro Rider. Job searches off the saddle.”
      Donna Brothers from StarLadies Racing and NBC Sports
      Nicole Lakin from BarnManager and the Equine Tech Collaboration
      Equine physiotherapist Janus Marquis
      Veterinarian and pharmaceutical expert Dr. Torri Maxwell
      Social Media Panel – Do You Really Need Snapchat? What’s your social strategy?”
      Eventing rider Laine Ashker
      Shona Rosenblum from Grand Slam Social
      Patricia da Silva from Heels Down Media and Magazine
      Social influencer Bethany Lee from My Equestrian Style
      Work/Life Balance Panel – “Put the Phone Down. Finding balance in a connected
      world.”
      Sarah Appel from Horse & Style magazine
      Eliane van Reesema from Hylofit
      Reiner and Quarter horse breeder Mandy McCutcheon
      Lisa Davis Engel from A Wynning Advantage and Sidelines magazine
      With Moderator Julie Saillant from Motivation-Addict.com

An additional presentation from Alexa Anthony of StableGuard on market research is on the schedule, as is “The Power of Media & Membership” Panel held at the US Equestrian Annual Meeting, which is taking place Jan. 9-12 at the Hilton West Palm Beach.

A presentation about the upcoming launch of a year-round membership program for EQBW, which will include member networking, expert resources, and online video learning content, will be given and a special introductory membership price announced.

There will be a networking lunch where attendees and panelists can meet and chat with women from across the equine industry while enjoying the complimentary lunch at the Hilton West Palm Beach in the Florida sunshine. Compare notes, show pictures of your horses (or kids), talk best practices, and share contact information.

We all need to feel a connection, and the EQBW Summit can provide ways to learn as well as motivational moments.

“I really think the idea and the company has so much potential and we really see the opportunity for tremendous growth and a way to help so many people,” Jennifer says.

The 2019 EQBW Summit will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Tickets are $50. To learn more, visit www.EqBusinesswomen.com and follow EQBW on Facebook and Instagram.

That’s A Wrap: What You Need to Know After the 2018 USEA Convention

By on Dec 10, 2018 9:00 am -

USEA President Carol Kozlowski capturing the spirit of New Orleans during Saturday night’s Hall of Fame Gala. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

That’s a wrap on the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s convention did not disappoint, with The Big Easy serving as a fitting backdrop to capture the true spirit of energy and enthusiasm that encompasses eventing in the U.S.

USEA President Carol Kozlowski said it best in her address to the Board of Governors: “There is a sense of camaraderie that is unique to our discipline.” The convention serves as a time to reminisce  on the past year, recognize the countless incredible people who make this sport so wonderful, and recharge for the year to come.

Please join me in thanking Jennifer Hardwick and her team for organizing yet another superb convention. Mark your calendars — next year’s convention will take place in Boston, Massachusetts, on Dec. 11-15, 2019, and will mark the 60th anniversary of the USEA.

If you missed any of EN’s coverage, keep scrolling to catch up on everything you need to know from the convention. If you missed watching the live stream, the USEA confirmed that videos will be released on-demand in the coming weeks.

EN’s 2018 #USEAConvention Coverage

Dip in USEA Annual Starters Attributed to Weather Woes

Erik Duvander Outlines 2019 Strategic Plan for U.S. Eventing Team

Photo Gallery: Eventers Celebrated at USEA Year End Awards Ceremony

‘Creating a Culture of Competitiveness’: USEF Training Lists Revamped for 2019

USEA Inducts Seven New Members Into Hall of Fame

Must-Read Quotes from the WEG Review Panel

The talented USEA media team also worked tirelessly during convention providing fantastic coverage — shout-out to fabulous friends of EN Leslie Mintz, Jessica Duffy and Claire Kelley. Be sure to read more of their coverage below.

Spotlight on Officials at the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

VIDEO: Intercollegiate Open Forum with Leslie Threlkeld and Claire Kelley

Business is the Name of the Game at the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting of Members

Open Forums Continue on Saturday at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

Board of Governors Meeting Finishes Up the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Dec 10, 2018 12:01 am -

USEA President-elect Max Corcoran and Hall of Fame inductee Karen O’Connor share a laugh during Saturday night’s Hall of Fame Gala. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Welcome to the Monday after the USEA Convention, a day on which everyone who attended feels like we have been collectively hit by a bus. Convention weekend is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year and always serves as a raucous eventing family reunion. Please join me in congratulating a very special member of our eventing family, as Max Corcoran has been announced as the new USEA president-elect.

Max will shadow current USEA President Carol Kozlowski during 2019 in preparation to officially take up the role starting in 2020. Carol will pass the baton at the 2019 USEA Convention in Boston, and we couldn’t have asked for a better setting to begin Max’s four-year term as president. As a native of Massachusetts, Max has assured me she is delighted to welcome everyone to Boston for what will surely be an unforgettable weekend as we also celebrate the USEA’s 60th anniversary.

Stay tuned for an exclusive EN interview with Max. Congrats, my friend!

National Holiday: National Lager Day 🍻

U.S. Weekend Action: NONE 👇

Your Monday News & Notes:

Montana Equestrian Events will once again host winter skijoring races at Rebecca Farm on Dec. 29-30 in Kalispell, Montana. Sarah Broussard hopes the races “will drive economic growth in the Flathead Valley, build community pride and provide spectacular entertainment for both our neighbors and visitors.” New this year is a curved skijoring track, which will give competitors an even more thrilling ride. [Skijoring at Rebecca Farm]

Sam Felton and Ricker Ridge Divine Right won the Honda NZ CCI3* at Puhinui International in Wiri, New Zealand. Organizers battled wet weather in the lead-up to the event, which led to deep going for Saturday’s cross country. Sam has a big year ahead in 2019, with a wedding planned and also a move to the UK for an anticipated two years. [Puhinui International]

The US Equestrian Annual Meeting will take place Jan. 9-12, 2019, at the Hilton West Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida. The theme this year is “Members Make it Happen” and the meeting is expected to offer more educational and interactive opportunities than ever before. [USEF Annual Meeting]

Monday Video: David Robinson, better known as Harveywetdog on YouTube, just released more cross country footage from the Festival of British Eventing held at Gatcombe Park in August.

USEA Convention 2018: Must-Read Quotes from the WEG Review Panel

By on Dec 9, 2018 6:02 pm -

Fence 1 on Capt. Mark Phillips’s 2018 World Equestrian Games course. Photo by Jenni Autry.

A review panel is a convention tradition during championship years, and we enjoyed an insightful discussion of the 2018 Tryon World Equestrian Games yesterday at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The panel consisted of U.S. team riders Will Coleman, Phillip Dutton and Lynn Symansky; Erik Duvander, U.S. Performance Director of Eventing; Will Connell, USEF Director of Sport Programs; and Irish team rider Sam Watson.

Sam served as pathfinder on Ireland’s silver-medal winning team, and as co-founder of EquiRatings he attended the USEA Convention to present an annual review. It was extremely interesting to have the perspective of a rider from a different country, aided also by the fact Sam stuck to his own guidelines for speaking on the panel: “Know your audience and don’t be the smug Irish guy.”

Dr. Mark Hart, FEI Chief Medical Officer for WEG, facilitated the discussion and encouraged the audience to ask questions. The panel began by speaking about their own personal experience and takeaway from WEG.

Will Coleman: “I would echo the sentiments of my teammates and coach that competing for your country is a tremendous honor and something we all take really seriously. We’re all a bit gutted in how it turned out. We know that we all had hoped for better. We’ll get back to work, put it behind us and try to get better in a couple years.”

Will Connell: “When you look at eventing globally, the reality is that the U.S. doesn’t sit immediately in the medal zone statistically as it is. We head to Tokyo with a very new format — three riders on a team, three scores to count. It’s going to be very hot, and a morning and evening competition. I personally believe that the teams that medal at Tokyo will be the teams who are ale to cope with those conditions, long days and the additional pressure of no drop score … With the right environment around the team and the right preparation, Tokyo will be a whole new game. These are talented and dedicated athletes.”

Phillip Dutton: “To represent your country is a great honor and something we all try to achieve and don’t take for granted. We had a great plan in place to bring our country back to the medal podium in Tryon. It didn’t quite work out. … I think we need to sharpen our pencil and get better. We really did appreciate the support of everybody and wanted to make it come off.”

Erik Duvander: “I came on board 10 months before the competition. We probably needed one more year with this team. … Everyone stepped up and tried their hardest. I think that is the key — the attitude of how everyone went about their business. That part of it I think was a good side of coming out of it. There was a lot of learning that took place — it’s high value that way. I hate to go to a championship and learn, but we will be looking forward to the next cycle and putting more things into place and getting more gelled as a team.”

“Long-term we are aiming for being the best nation in the world, but it takes time to build teams. There’s no magic to it. You have to get all the basics in the right place. I think the tipping point is when we get enough buy-in into the system.”

Lynn Symansky: “I tried my absolute hardest. It was so close to being a banner, amazing weekend for myself and my horse. We put in our personal best in dressage. That horse was destined to do that cross country course. In the final day, I think I was on a bit of a different horse having an extra day between cross country and show jumping, but we were all playing the same game. I did have an uncharacteristic three rails, which killed me. I hope you guys keep standing behind us.”

Sam Watson: “You have three phases and a lot can go wrong. It hit me hard at WEG in 2014 when (the Irish team) were in sixth place. I was going into the show jumping with about eight rails in hand. I came down to the third last fence, and the horse had a little look and he didn’t take off. I was holding on around his head. The one thing I didn’t factor in was if I fell off. I hung on, and we finished sixth, but that killed me, absolutely killed me because it was embarrassing. That was when I realized I had to take emotion out of it.”

Question: How is riding on a team different for you as a competitor? 

Phillip Dutton: “There’s an added element to it when you’re on a team and you don’t want to let everybody down. You have to have faith in the work you’ve done leading up to it and your horse.”

Lynn Symansky: “At the end of the day, you have to make sure you trust what got you there in the beginning, which is yourself, but it’s a lot of extra pressure on your shoulders. … You’re trying to be as competitive as you can for yourself, but you also have the big picture for the team. You have to be willing to be flexible and adaptable.

“When I went to the Pan Ams back in 2011, it felt like a cheesy movie with Buck (Davidson) as a captain. That was five riders who finished on their dressage score, and I think that was because the group came together cohesively. It’s about knowing how you work and how the riders work. We all have the same common goal at the end of the day, which is to figure out how we are going to win.”

Sam Watson: “If there’s a difference between competing on a team and competing individually, then something has gone wrong. I would discuss with our team when I’m at an individual competition whether to take this route or that route. Our minds are open all the time to information. Different teammates are different. Some aren’t as open-minded. You have to learn that at the one-day events too.”

Question: What do you look for in a teammate?

Will Coleman: “I think what we’re all looking for is someone who believes in the processes that allow us to perform at your best. Not everyone will approach a competition in the same way. Hopefully you believe in the people around and you and respect whatever they think allows them to be the best version of themselves.”

Phillip Dutton: “You have other people who rely on you to do your part. It is a change for most event riders to be on a team because it’s not a team sport until you get selected for a championships.”

Erik Duvander: “It’s just about being courteous and kind to each other. If you have that in place then you can focus on performance. You don’t have to get distracted with the noise of the other athletes.”

Lynn Symansky: “Having mutual respect and understanding. Everyone is different in what gets them in the right mindset and keeps them as competitive as possible. I want a teammate who has your back even when you have tried your hardest but things didn’t go to plan. Sometimes losing is the most valuable education in how to get better.”

Question: Did you think Capt. Mark Phillips’s cross country course was challenging enough?

Will Coleman: “The course was amazing. Mark’s work as a course designer recently is some of the best we’ve seen. A lot of people were quite down on the clock when they hit the hill. It was a testament to fitness in getting the time. You had no cushion. Seeing how horses coped with it was fascinating.”

Phillip Dutton: “I thought Mark did an extraordinary job making sure less experienced horses still had a safe day and then testing the best. The time was difficult to get. The terrain led a bit to that with the hill coming at the end. There was a lot to do in the beginning. I thought it didn’t walk big, but it was technical. I thought it was a thinking course. It probably caused a bit more trouble than I was thinking it might. I thought Mark had it about right.”

Lynn Symansky: “I was fortunate to not be that early in the going and also to be on a horse I know like the back of my hand. It went how I planned it to. I thought Mark did an amazing job. He took a piece of land that maybe wasn’t the easiest — sometimes it felt like you were in a tumble dryer.”

Sam Watson: There was a 66% clear rate. There had never been a World Games with more than 50% jumping clear cross country, but there had never been a WEG course at three-star level. I think Mark has put together a template that could be used for the new format (at Tokyo).”

USEA Inducts Seven New Members Into Hall of Fame

By on Dec 9, 2018 12:12 pm -

Karen O’Connor was inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

At Saturday night’s USEA Hall of Fame Gala, seven individuals were inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame during a colorful ceremony in New Orleans. Nina and Tim Gardner, Karen O’Connor, Capt. Mark Phillips, Marty Simensen, Howard Simpson, and Kerry Millikin’s Thoroughbred Out And About were honored as the newest members, joining a special group of horses, riders, owners and others who have greatly influenced the sport of eventing. Congratulations to the inductees and we thank you for your loyalty and love for eventing.

Padraig McCarthy Wins Indoor Cross Country at CHI Geneva + Replay

By on Dec 9, 2018 11:36 am -

Padraig McCarthy and Rosemaber Lancuest. Photo by www.scoopdyga.com.

Padraig McCarthy became the first Irish rider to win the indoor cross country at CHI Geneva last night in Switzerland, piloting Rosemaber Lancuest to the round closest to the optimum time of 150 seconds.

Padraig and Rosemaber Lancuest, better known as “Pebbles,” crossed the finish in a time of 151.82 seconds, just two-hundredths of a second closer to the optimum time than Britain’s Alex Bragg, who took second place with Sarah Hughes’s Alcatraz.

France’s Maxime Livio finished in third place on Arinadtha Chavatanont’s Boleybawn Prince, with fellow Frenchman Karim Florent Laghouag and Agnes Celerier’s Punch de l’Esques delivering the fastest round of the night (146.99 seconds) to take fourth.

Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke and her own Nyala ‘Arville finished fifth. Click here to view full results.

You can watch the full replay below.

[The indoor cross makes Palexpo go wild]

Four-Star Care for Egypt’s Horses, Part Six: The Long Road Home

By on Dec 9, 2018 11:01 am -

Eventing grooms are, beyond a shadow of a doubt, some of the hardest-working people out there. For every six minute dressage test, or moment of glory over the final fence, there have been countless hours of conscientious care behind the scenes to ensure that the sport’s equine heroes are feeling and looking their absolute best. When the season wraps up and the horses’ shoes are pulled for a well-earned break, their #supergrooms finally get a chance to enjoy a much-needed rest (and an alarm that sounds later than 5 a.m. — what a concept!). But one top groom has chosen to spend her time off in a slightly different way this year. 

Meet 24-year-old Jess Wilson, head girl and travelling groom for the legendary Sir Mark Todd. It’s no small task looking after Mark’s formidable string of top-level talent, and she’s on the road almost constantly throughout the season fulfilling her duties as the lynchpin of the team. But her love for horses extends well beyond the four-star competitors she tends to. She’s on a mission to improve the lives of working equids in some of the most underserved communities in the world — and this winter, she’s bringing us with her.

We’re so excited to have Jess on board the EN team, as she shares with us her experiences in Egypt and gives us a first-hand look at what Animal Care Egypt and Egypt Equine Aid are doing to help working horses, ponies and donkeys abroad. Fancy getting involved? Take a look at her JustGiving page, where she’s busy raising vital funds for both charities, and follow her on Instagram, too, for live updates from the field. 

If you missed them, check out part one, part two, part three, part four, and part five of Jess’ blog. This month, Jess brings us the final installment in her incredible saga. Take it away, Jess!

Enjoying an outing on a camel, borrowed from one of the locals.

I’m back in the dark, wet and windy UK, and although it’s only a five hour flight from Cairo, it seems like I’m a whole world away from Egypt. I’m trying to process my experience and whilst I have some amazing memories to look back on — taking a hot air balloon ride over the valley of the kings, visiting the Giza Pyramids, and riding in the desert, to name a just few — I’m still feeling frustrated and troubled by some of the things I’ve seen. Out of sight is definitely not out of mind, and my heart still aches thinking about the thousands of working horses across the globe who, right now, are struggling along on weary, injured legs, under heavy loads, with shoulders and withers rubbed raw down to the bone, taking step after step in agony. If they’re lucky, they may eventually get untacked and offered water, but they have no chance of a full haynet or deep, soft bed ready for them at the end of a long, hard day. And after a night tied up or hobbled on a concrete or stone floor, regardless of how deep their sores are or how lame they are, they’ll be out to work again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day…

Egyptian hospitality turned out to be brilliant, with mint teas, guava juice, and dates offered up constantly. Here, a traditional Egyptian lunch fuels an afternoon of hard work at the clinic.

My heart also aches though for the young boys with no shoes and tattered clothes bringing their faithful but weary farm horses and donkeys to be treated, for the children in the street begging for money or food from taxi windows and for the men in the markets desperately trying to sell their produce.
Whilst poverty, tradition and lack of knowledge undoubtedly play a part in the suffering of working horses, I will not, and cannot, defend cruelty and neglect! Many owners don’t have the funds or resources to give their horses the level of care that we, in Europe and the USA, would find acceptable, and we have to appreciate that our way of life and level of  wealth is actually only obtainable to the minority of the world’s population. However, there’s so much needless suffering caused by pure carelessness and people having no empathy for their animals. Being poor is not an excuse for whipping a horse until it bleeds, shredding a horses’ tongue to pieces with a sharp bit or not untacking it for days on end. Of course, better education and training for vets and farriers would help improve things hugely, but for the horses to benefit, their owners need to change their attitudes and take the welfare of their animals seriously.

It’s easy to take European and American standards of care for granted, but not every horse is lucky enough to sink into a deep, clean bed at the end of his working day.

So what’s the solution? If carriages were banned, what would happen to the 1000+  surplus horses? What would their owners and their families do for a living? Surely the people, and therefore horses, would be far worse off? Laws and regulations desperately need to be put in place, but in a country so corrupt and full of bribery, I still fear that implementing these laws would be a mammoth task and wholly dependent on the police’s conscience. Would they care about the welfare of the horses, or would they be happy to turn a blind eye to the law breakers for a baksheesh reward? What is the future for horses in agriculture? There seems, slowly, to be more machines used in farming, but that’s actually putting more pressure on the farmers who do things the traditional way to keep up, and their horses or donkeys are having to work longer, harder and faster.

Exploring Giza’s famous pyramids.

The more I’ve learnt about the lives of Egyptians, the more questions and fewer answers I have about what we can do to help their working horses and honestly, I’m currently feeling a bit overwhelmed and at a loss. One thing I do know, though, is that we have to do something! I will forever be inspired by Kim from Animal Care Egypt and Jill from Egypt Equine Aid for standing up and taking action against something that is undeniably wrong, and for continuing to persist and overcome challenge after challenge, day in and day out. They are truly playing a crucial role in creating a better future for the working equids of Egypt, and I can’t bear thinking about what would be happening to the horses there without them. Everyday, the horses I met amazed me with their nobility and faithfulness — considering the agony they must have endured and the trauma they have faced at the hands of humans, to allow people anywhere near them at all, let alone to keep on working, cements my unfaltering respect for these incredible animals and only ignites the fire of wanting to help them even more. I’m now more determined than ever to play my part in improving their working conditions.

Not every horse in Egypt is poorly-treated – this one proved a great companion for a mounted exploration of the desert, though perhaps a bit different from a four-star eventer!

I was — unnecessarily — really nervous about going to Egypt before I got there, and was actually shocked and ashamed of my own ignorance and naivety about the culture in that part of the world. Although very different to Western countries, I experienced nothing but kindness and hospitality from the Egyptian people and really came away with an overriding feeling that deep down we’re all much more similar than we think. On a personal level, it was not only a really fulfilling experience, but a huge challenge and adventure, and it really accentuated to me that the more you put into life the more you will get out of it in return — if you follow your passion, get out of your comfort zone, believe in yourself, and open your mind there are no limits to what you can do!

A slight change of scenery: back home in the UK, it’s time to get Sir Mark’s horses — including Kiltubrid Rhapsody, seen here — back into work and ready for next season.

I am so grateful to Eventing Nation, especially Tilly Berendt, for inviting me to share this journey and have been truly overwhelmed by everyone’s support of this cause — your encouraging words helped me through some difficult times, and I’m ecstatic that we have raised £1,485 so far — a huge thank you from the bottom of my (now heavier) heart to every single person who has donated, and even those who haven’t donated but have cared enough to follow my blogs and educate yourselves a little bit about what is happening to Egypt’s horses. Alone, I feel like any difference I can make is just a tiny drop in the huge ocean of deprivation these poor horses face, but if we put all our drops together we can make a wave that ripples deep into the cycle of poverty, ignorance and tradition and paves the way for a brighter, fairer future for these virtuous animals and the many that depend on them. For now, it’s back to my awesome life as an eventing groom, but I’m feeling so motivated to continue on this mission — watch this space!

Support Jess: Instagram|Egypt Equine Aid|Animal Care Egypt|JustGiving

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Dec 9, 2018 12:01 am -

Frankie Thieriot Stutes received, among many other year-end awards, the $50,000 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Not being at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention this year has been giving me a huge amount of FOMO. Yes, there are a lot of meetings, but it’s always so fun to have a huge group of eventers all together in one place with no horses to take care of. And what’s not to love about New Orleans? Next year it heads to Boston for the USEA’s 60th Anniversary, so pencil that in on your calendar now!

National Holiday: National Pastry Day

Sunday Links: 

Business is the Name of the Game at the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting of Members

Dickie Waygood heads line-up at International Eventing Forum 2019

Researchers seek riders over 50 who’ve had concussion after a fall

Remembering Rocher: The Greatest Grand Prix Ears In The World

FEI takes steps to make dressage judging fairer

Irish horses draw eventing’s golden couple back to NZ’s South Island

Getting back on the horse: Jonty Evans rides again

Sunday Video:

‘Creating a Culture of Competitiveness’: USEF Training Lists Revamped for 2019

By on Dec 8, 2018 6:19 pm -

Erik Duvander gave the keynote address today at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Erik Duvander, USEF Performance Director for Eventing, outlined the new format for the USEF High Performance Training Lists today at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.

His philosophy of “creating a culture of competitiveness” means the training lists will be restructured to create a “pathway” to producing competitive results on the world stage and ultimately at major championships.

“Our rank is seventh in the world, and our ambition is obviously much higher,” Erik said. “Having a functioning pathway is important so we can support the top riders so they can be at their absolute best.”

The 2019 training lists are expected to be released within the next two weeks and will be separated into three different tiers: Elite, Development Pre-Elite and Development Potential.

“Any type of riders stalling and not progressing — those riders are blockers who will stand in the way of the next generation of riders,” Erik said. “You might have to leave the program for a while and work on certain skills. It doesn’t mean the door won’t open up for you to come back in again.”

(Remember that starting on Jan. 1, 2019 the new star system officially comes into place. As this article addresses the 2019 High Performance plan for the team, all FEI levels will be addressed using the new star system. CIC will no longer be used to designate the short format. Instead, CCI-L will denote long format and CCI-S will denote short format. The new 1.05-meter Introductory level introduced in 2018 will become the new CCI* level in 2019. All other FEI levels will shift up in their star category. Click here for a detailed chart.)

Elite List

Riders on the Elite list must have proven form at CCIOs (Nations Cup) or CCI5*-L (former CCI4* level) and are those who are “demonstrating ability to contribute to medal-winning potential at World Championships level.”

The target for the Elite riders is competing at the Olympics and World Championships. They will be selected annually with a six-month review. Detailed targets and Key Performance Indicators will be set for each horse and rider combination.

Riders on the Elite list will:

  • have mental and technical skills to excel in a team championships environment
  • take ownership and responsibility for their own performance
  • drive themselves and their coaches to become the best
  • function effectively within and contribute to the team structure
  • have an established functional training system that produces repetitive success

Erik also emphasized that riders on the Elite list should display leadership qualities for the rest of the U.S. High Performance program. “If you want to be a world-class athlete, you have to be a leader — the way you operate, your dedication, your work ethic. If you want to be a world-class rider on the U.S. team, the younger riders should look up to you.”

Horses on the Elite list will be “evaluated on quality to contribute to team medal-winning performance at the next championship” and will “attain a satisfactory veterinary inspection and management plan of the horse from the team vet.”

Riders can also be eligible for the the Elite list if they have achieved a CCI5*-L result with a score of 70 percent or better in dressage, no jumping faults and within 5 seconds of the optimum time (or fastest time if no one makes time) on cross country, and no more than one rail in show jumping.

Offering a way onto the Elite list based on scores means “there is another way in,” Erik said. “We aren’t favoring anyone. You can find your way in by reaching these scores.”

Combinations on the Elite list will receive funding for targeted CCIOs.

Development Pre-Elite

The Development Pre-Elite training list is designed to “identify and support athlete/horse combinations that have the perceived potential to meet Elite status within the next two to four years.”

The goal for these riders will be selection for a championship team in the next four to six years. Riders named to the Development Pre-Elite list will be selected for two years with a bi-annual review. Riders must have proven form at CCIOs or CCI4*-L (former CCI3* level)/CCI5*-L (former CCI4*).

Riders on the Development Pre-Elite list will

  • have the mental and technical skills to excel in a team environment
  • take ownership and responsibility for their own performance
  • drive themselves and their coaches to become their best
  • have a strong work ethic
  • be resilient and committed to reach the end goal
  • have a long-term approach with multiple horses, unless they have a horse that meets Elite criteria

Horses for the Development Pre-Elite list will be measured on trainability, quality of movement, quality of jump, agility and speed. These horses will be “evaluated on future projected quality to contribute to team medal-winning performance.”

These horses must have a competitive performance at CCI4*-L/CCI4*-S (former CCI3*/CIC3*) or CCI3*-L/CCI3*-S (former CCI2* and CIC2*) and “be tracking towards contributing to a team medal-winning performance. Horses on the Development Pre-Elite list must also “attain a satisfactory veterinary inspection and management plan of the horse from the team veterinarian.”

Combinations  on the Development Pre-Elite List will receive funding in order to meet the target of gaining experience and producing results at European CCI4*-L and CCI5*-L. A maximum of one grant will be given per horse, with a maximum of two grants per athlete in a two-year period.

Development Potential

The Development Potential list is designed as “athlete-focused education aimed at equipping athletes having the perceived talent to reach elite status in four to eight years with the necessary tools and skills.”

These riders will be selected for a two-year period and reviewed every six months, with retention review at one year. Riders will spend a maximum of four years in the Development Potential program, although the expectation is for riders to attain Pre-Elite status by age 30 or within four years.

Riders on the Development Potential list must demonstrate a “commitment to learning, business development and personal development.”

Riders who have completed a CCI5*-L (former CCI4*) on four or more occasions are not eligible for the Development Potential list.

A maximum of one grant per year will be given to riders on the Development Potential list, with a goal to product results at CCI4*-L or CCI3*-L level depending on the age of the horse. Funding is designed to provide “national and international experience training and competing outside of the home environment.”

Today’s discussion with the High Performance riders was fascinating, so stay tuned for part II of Erik’s session. The chinchillas also have approximately 10,000 words of notes to organize into reports from today’s meetings at the USEA Convention, so we appreciate your patience as we furiously type everything up.

In the meantime, EN and the rest of the USEA members in attendance at the convention are heading off to tonight’s Hall of Fame Gala. Stay tuned for much more from New Orleans. Go Eventing.

#USEAConvention: Website, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Mark Todd Secures Top Honours at Western Australia’s Equestrian in the Park

By on Dec 8, 2018 4:00 pm -

Mark Todd & The Diamond Thief. Photo by Ammon Creative, courtesy of Equestrian in the Park.

Eventing legend Mark Todd rode away with the top honours at last weekend’s Equestrian in the Park, on board his catch ride off-the-track  Thoroughbred The Diamond Thief. The 8-year-old gelding, owned by Kate Joyce, wasn’t the most experienced of Mark’s rides, but under his expert guidance came out to give two fast and flawless rounds over the challenging course to secure the win and the brand new Ford SUV.

Of the event, Mark was hugely impressed by the course and atmosphere. “When you get invited to an event like this, you never quite know what to expect, but I can promise you that it far exceeded any expectation that I had,” he said. “I can honestly say this is one of the most special, spectacular events of its type anywhere in the world.”

Mark Todd & The Diamond Thief. Photo by Ammon Creative, courtesy of Equestrian in the Park.

Mark Todd & The Diamond Thief. Photo by Ammon Creative, courtesy of Equestrian in the Park.

The elite Grand Prix eventing competition, held on the riverbanks of Perth’s inner-city, proved to be an electric atmosphere with a crowd of 3,500 people. This, combined with the challenging course designed by Alan Campbell and the competitive field made up of Olympians and top local riders, made for an adrenaline-filled day of equestrian sport. The weather was just what was ordered, sunshine without too much sting that was kind on the horses and the all of those who were frocked up in their finest.

The top five placegetters were decided by a fast-paced jump off which was a new addition to the format this year, and while Mark Todd led from Round 1, the placings saw some changes. The water complex was an influential line, made up of a wavy board show jump heading down into the water, which not only caused trouble throughout the day, but proved unforgiving in a jump off where tighter lines were taken. This was not so for Mark Todd and Kirsten Twining however, who both jumped clear, meaning it all came down to the clock, with Mark storming into first on a blistering time to win by four and a half seconds.

Grand Prix class results:
Rider / Horse / Awards / Prize-Voucher
1. Mark Todd / The Diamond Thief / Highest Placed OTTB / Ford Eco Sport — $29,900
2. Kirsten Twining / Newhope Sparks Fly / 2nd Highest Placed OTTB / Solar Gain Voucher — $7,500
3. Emily Gray / Jocular Vision / Highest Placed Warmblood / Bates Voucher — $5,200
4. Michael Dagostino / Kinnordy Gatow / Kentaur Voucher — $4,500
5. Lucy Atty / A Bit Taboo / Southern Stars — $3,400
6. Kate Ingham / Asti Aspirations / Saddles Plus – $1,900
7.  Emily Gray / Rio Tonto / Jump for Joy – $1,300
8. Kirsten Twining / Max Almighty / Ovarit Jumps — $800
9. Sophie Warren / Hazid Road / Milne Feeds — $600
10. Mia Mercuri / ESB Irish Nymph / Highest placed Junior / Saddles Plus — $500

Olivia Shore & Eliva Massimo. Photo by Ammon Creative, courtesy of Equestrian in the Park.

Thoroughbreds shone again in the 105cm Diamond Class, making up half of the horses in the 40 strong field, which was taken out by Olivia Shore on her own off-track Thoroughbred Eliva Massimo.

Olivia, who is 15 years old, not only won herself her first car, but was awarded the highest placed junior and the award for best performed Off the Track horse. In addition to her win, she placed 8th on Legal Star, who had previously won the Grand Prix event and Adelaide 4* with owner Jess Manson.

Olivia Shore & Eliva Massimo. Photo by Ammon Creative, courtesy of Equestrian in the Park.

Olivia Shore & Eliva Massimo. Photo by Ammon Creative, courtesy of Equestrian in the Park.

She also overcame some tough competition from Australian Olympian Sam Griffiths, who took out 3rd and 10th place on two of his rides for the weekend. There were many tricky lines in the class, with tight cross country doubles jumping towards the crowds, and the wavy boards into the water still proving troublesome, making a clear round tough to achieve.

Diamond Class results:
Rider / Horse / Awards / Prize-Voucher
1. Olivia Shore / Eliva Massimo / Highest Placed OTTB & Highest Placed Junior / Ford Escape — $24,590
2. Michael Dagostino / TMP Razzle Dazzle / 2nd Highest Placed OTTB / Equissage Unit — $5,500
3. Sam Griffiths / Kendlestone Park Elite / 3rd Highest Placed OTTB / Horseland — $4,500
4. Kenya Wilson / Sandros Salute MW / Highest Placed Warmblood / Kentaur — $3,000
5. Emily Early / Clear Distinction / Bates Saddles — $2,500
6.  Isabella Draper / Quality Street / Milne Feeds — $1,400
7. Riley Lyall / GI Warzone / Thompson Redwood – $900
8. Olivia Shore / Legal Star / Ovarit Jumps — $800
9. Emma Cumming / Just Reilly / Thompson & Redwood — $500
10. Sam Griffiths & Holy Roller / Horseland — $500

More pics from the eventing classes:

In addition to the brilliant eventing action, the day saw the running of the Inaugural West Coast Vets Showjumping Classic, a 125cm class, which showcased some of Western Australia’s best jumping riders and horses. In a thrilling second round, it was Rebecca Donovan who took out the major cash prize on her super mare Carpina.

West Coast Vets Showjumping Classic results: 
Rider / Horse / Prize-Voucher
1. Rebecca Donovan / Carpina / $2250 Cash, $750 West Coast Vets Voucher
2. Debbi Greenwood / Permission / $1,000 + $500 Voucher
3. Shawn Squire / Maxi Mouse / $500 + $250 Voucher
4 . Sammi Lamont / Glenwood Park Vatu / $250 + $250 Vouchers
5. Stef Tucker / Oaks Zena / $150 + $250 Voucher

To have an event of this calibre in Australia is a testament to the strength of eventing and the people that support it. Both Mark Todd and Sam Griffiths were hugely impressed by Western Australia’s close-knit, strong and supportive eventing community, something which is integral to the development and success of its riders. Equestrian in the Park, with the high standard of riders it attracts, the spectacular location and the incredible prizes on offer, is fast becoming one of the most exciting events of its kind anywhere in the world.