Classic Eventing Nation

Sunday Video from Total Saddle Fit: In Honor of the Horses Who Have Served

By on Nov 11, 2018 3:00 pm -

As you know, eventing’s roots are in the military. A sport once reserved for cavalry officers and their mounts is now a worldwide hobby and profession for people from all walks of life. On this Veterans Day, as we remember the men and women who have served our country throughout history, let us also remember the horses who served along side them, for they are heroes, too.

Never forget.

Specifically for eventers, the StretchTec Shoulder Relief Girth now comes in two shades of brown to match monoflap jump saddles! Let your horse move more freely and breathe easier by using the same girth as Tamra Smith. See them all here: totalsaddlefit.com

Be A Hero: Get CPR Certified

By on Nov 11, 2018 12:00 pm -

It’s likely that every one of us knows a friend or family member who has suffered a heart attack, and it may have been life-saving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) that gave them a second chance at life. Luckily you don’t have to be a medical professional to administer CPR, but it is important to learn how to do it properly.

The USEA has partnered with Trio Safety CPR + AED Solutions to educate members during the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana, December 6-9, 2018. There they will offer a session that will serve as a skill check for the completion of the American Red Cross First Aid CPR and AED course.

“Stop Heart Attack powered by Trio Safety CPR + AED is proud to work with the members of the USEA to provide special pricing for equipment and training that can be lifesaving when seconds count,” said Rusty Lowe, an Emergency Preparedness Consultant for Stop Heart Attack + Trio Safety. “Please consider registering for the American Red Cross First Aid CPR + AED class conveniently offered online prior to the Convention, allowing you to complete training and written testing online and have practical skills tested on site (approximately 30 minutes) in New Orleans, saving you valuable time!”

If you want to to get certified, complete an online class prior to Convention and then be sure to attend the practical skills portion during Convention. Click here to register for the online class. It only costs $50 and it could mean life or death for someone who needs your help in the future.

If you’re are not going to be at Convention, don’t worry. Stop Heart Attack + Trio Safety can teach all over the country! Visit www.triosafety.com for more information.

[Trio Safety CPR + AED Solutions Signs on as Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention]

Best of HN: Blanket Hacks for DIY Warriors

By on Nov 11, 2018 9:00 am -

Photo by Kristen Kovatch.

We don’t all have the luxury of professional blanket cleaning and repair — if you’re a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to blanket maintenance, here are our favorite tips and tricks for extending the life of your expensive blankets!

It’s blanketing season for those of us who by choice or necessity will now spend the next four months obsessively checking the weather forecasts and trying to decide between medium or heavy. While some of us might be unzipping the package on some brand-new sheets this year and others are digging our professionally-cleaned and -repaired blankets out of storage, there are others among us — again, by choice or necessity — who tackle all of that blanket maintenance ourselves. For the DIY warriors out there, here are a few tested-and-true tips for getting the most out of your blankets!

Washing

Post a question about washing turnout blankets to any public group on social media and you’ll get a variety of responses — some claim that washing and drying in industrial or home washers is fine; others claim that drying the blankets will kill the waterproofing while still others claim it’s the kind of detergent one uses that will render your blanket as leaky as a sieve next year. From anecdotal experience, I can state that when I worked at a large 70-stall equestrian center, we washed and dried our turnout blankets every spring and rarely had any issues with waterproofing.

Now tragically without a designated horse clothing washer/dryer set, I’m a little more choosy about what I put in my home appliances. Faced with a pile of fairly disgusting, muddy turnout sheets and blankets every year, I prefer to wash mine outside.

I’ve found an electric pressure washer to be a valuable tool in blasting the crusted-on mud and inevitable manure off of the blankets inside and out. I have not used a gas-powered pressure washer on blankets; I do know they tend to be a bit more powerful than the electric models so proceed with caution!

After the initial mud and gunk has been pressure-washed away, tackle the rest of the built-up with some good old-fashioned elbow grease: a stiff brush and Dawn dish soap work well to get out all of the dirt and grime. Soak in a tub if necessary.

Repair

Minor repairs such as small holes and tears can be handled at home without a major investment in a sewing machine. Gorilla Tape has been a game-changer for me in recent seasons; for larger holes and rips Gorilla Tape also manufactures a wide tape patch. A few notes on Gorilla Tape: the adhesive works best when it’s applied to a clean surface, so at minimum, go over those blankets with a stiff brush before repairing. It also works best when both the tape and the repair surface are warm, so bring the blanket home if you can. The tape patches do not breathe like the blanket material, so plan accordingly if you are repairing a lot of rips!

You can also repair blankets with patches from old sheets adhered with waterproof glue. A catastrophically-damaged blanket can still have plenty of salvageable parts for repairing others — the tail flap in particular is usually a good size, maintains its waterproofing and is easy to cut off of an old blanket to save for making patches.

Interior tears can be repaired with needle and thread; you can also apply a fabric patch to ensure a smooth surface against your horse’s coat.

If your blanket has truly given up the ghost with an irreparable tear, make sure you save all of the hardware — chest buckles, belly buckles and of course those leg straps!

Waterproofing

A number of waterproofing treatments and sprays can be applied to tired blankets. Many of these are available at camping or outdoor stores. I’ve used Nikwax to great effect but there are many similar products out there! Applying new waterproofing can usually get another season out of an older blanket, and if you’re diligent about re-applying you might be able to extend its life for several years.

What DIY blanket tips do you have to share? Let us know in the comments!

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

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Nov 11, 2018 12:01 am -

Photo via the USEA’s Facebook page, from the USEA Archives.

If you’re like me and have an interest in history, then you’ll love the posts the USEA does on their Facebook page every week for a Throwback Thursday! It’s a fun combination of throwback and eventing. The USEA has a massive archive of photos — prints and films! — from past decades, and they usually share these gems weekly. It’s especially fun to see how tack, attire and the fences themselves have changed over the years. Click here to like them on Facebook.

National Holiday: Veterans Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

River Glen Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links: 

Grand Oaks Horse Trials Cancelled

Doping: The Figures Behind The Headlines at Tryon

Annie Joppe’s endurance blog: this year’s successes and failures

The unpalatable truth: Bits are linked to a host of behavioral and breathing issues

Remembering the war horses, 100 years on

Featured Clinician: Jim Wofford

USEA’s Eventing Hall of Fame: Class of 2012

Natalya Slipchenko And Drain’s Marlo Tommy Are Showing Off Percheron Power At U.S. Dressage Finals

Sunday Video: 

Best of JN: #NoStirrupNovember Thoughts According to Twitter

By on Nov 10, 2018 5:00 pm -

No stirrup November, a phrase that strikes the hearts of equestrians with fear worldwide. We have survived 10 days so far and the Twitter-sphere is abuzz with thoughts around the subject. Do we love it? Do we hate it? Can we get out of bed in the morning? So far the general consensus is no, we cannot. But with 20 more days to go we have to stick together and tough it out! So take a look at what your fellow equestrians are saying as you ice your aching thighs. You are not alone!

Go Jumping!

This originally appeared on EN’s sister site Jumper Nation.

#DogsOfEN: Who Let the Dogs Out?!

By on Nov 10, 2018 2:00 pm -

It’s been a while since we let the dogs out, so to speak here at EN, so today we’re letting it rip. Enjoy this supersized edition of #DogsOfEN!

View this post on Instagram

Kayde the beloved. #dogsofen #AFHT #dogsoftalismanfarm

A post shared by Sarah Horton (@sarah_horton99) on

And a few cats, because we’re equal opportunity like that:

View this post on Instagram

Hard at work #‭polestarfarm #dogsofen

A post shared by Polestar Farm (@meikadecher) on

And … can’t leave out this goat!

Go Eventing.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Young Prospects Ready to Take on the World

By on Nov 10, 2018 11:30 am -

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.

One item on my bucket list is to go to a young horse sale in Europe. I don’t necessarily want to come home with a horse, I just want to go and see one of these sales — experience the excitement, the possibilities, the auction (don’t cough, don’t move, don’t even blink!). But honestly, I don’t have to go very far to see a nice selection of youngsters. In fact, here’s five right now!

Jake. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Fancy 4 yo Cruising ISH with show miles

Imported 16.2h, 4yo ISH/TB (Cruising & Clover Hill). “Jake” has all the right pieces to be a competitive upper level horse, yet easy and chill enough for a YR or Ammy to bring along. Brave, Scopey, and can take a serious joke. Good in the mouth and sound. Competing Novice level Eventing, has shown up to 1.0m jumpers. Nice enough to be an Eq horse. Comes with clean X-rays. **Placed 3rd in a big Novice Horse group at VAHT November 3/4th finishing on his dressage score of 31. Located in Kentucky.

Silver Dollar’s Cruiser. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Exceptional Young Prospect

Silver Dollar’s Cruizer is a stunning coming 2 year old gelding. Foaled 5/1/17, He is sired by Blue Ridge Monroe (Connemara) out of a grade Tobiano mare. He should finish out at around 15’2′. Cruizer has 3 lovely gaits and is sure to be eye catching as he continues to mature. Cruizer has had a wonderful up bringing clips, loads, ties, bathes and is up to date on all vaccinations and coggins. He placed first at The National Dressage Pony Cup in yearling geldings/colts and was Reserve Champion young horse gelding/colt. He would excel in any direction but with his movement his calling may be in Dressage or he will be the one to get you the dressage score in eventing. He has his lifetime USEF number. Located in Ohio.

Hold On To Me. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Fantastic Young Sport Horse Prospect

Hold On To Me 2014 17 + Hd Reg. TB Gelding – Danzig grandson with other impressive sport horse bloodlines. “Holden” is a handsome, uncomplicated prospect and could go in any direction or discipline; dressage, eventing, hunter/jumper or fox hunter. He has three lovely gates, large stride and a lovely jump. Classic and correction conformation with fantastic large feet and bone. This guy is something! Great in the arena or the field and hacks alone or with a group. Great to trailer, shoe, clip, tack, etc. Wonderful prospect for serious amateur or professional. Located in North Carolina.

Bella. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

MHC Reba Joe Jack: All-Around Fun!

MHC Reba Joe Jack: 2015 14.2h bay Quarter Horse mare. Are you looking to have some fun? Look no further than “Bella!” This cute mare is a quiet, easygoing ride that can do a little bit of everything. She hacks out quietly and is jumping 2’ courses with scope for more. She would be a super Pony Club or 4-H horse, or for the petite adult that’s looking for something safe and fun to ride. Located in Pennsylvania.

Shegotmorethaneven. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

5 year old Thoroughbred Mare

For your consideration: Shegotmorethaneven; 2013 Thoroughbred Mare; 16.1 hands. Uphill, naturally balanced Mare with unlimited potential and possibly one of the most athletic horses I have been able to sit on. She is 60 days restarted after a year of down time from the track with a strong base in dressage. Walk, trot, canter, and jumping small courses. Easy to have around the barn, easy keeper, and no vices. Located in Virginia.

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.

What’s Happening This Fall? [Updated 11/21]

By on Nov 10, 2018 9:00 am -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

What’s Happening is EN’s guide to lessons, clinics, schooling shows and other riding and educational opportunities during the fall. It’s free to post a listing. Just email the date, location, contact information and any other details to [email protected]. (Note: This is a list generated solely from submissions. If no one sends us the details of your event, it won’t be included.)

Location Quick Links: Area I | Area II | Area III | Area IV | Area V | Area VI | Area VII | Area VIII | Area IX | Canada

Area I

Check back soon!

Area II

Dec. 1-3: Clinic with Irish Olympian Joseph Murphy
Indoor clinic combining show jumping and cross country exercises at superb venue Kealani Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania. The afternoon session on Saturday, Dec. 1 will also serve as the training symposium for the USEA Area II Annual Meeting. A portion of clinic fees will be donated to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund to support Jonty Evans’s ongoing recovery. Sign up on Event Clinics.

Dec. 1-2: Phillip Dutton Clinic at Quail Roost Farm in Rougemont, NC
Click here to view the flyer. Please contact Holly Hudspeth ([email protected] OR 703-727-2753) for more information.

December 16: Phillip Dutton Jumping Clinic
Hosted by Trevi Manor, Lothian, MD (Anne Arundel County, just south of Annapolis). Start your winter riding goals off right with challenges and homework from Phillip Dutton — learn the secrets of the training program of a six-time Olympian with multiple medals! Small groups of 2-4 riders; Beginner Novice up to Advanced levels are anticipated (pending rider interest). Contact Cherie at [email protected] for more information and to sign up.  Free to Audit! More information about Trevi Manor available at www.trevimanor.com and check Facebook page for clinic ride times the week before the clinic.

Area III

 

December 5: Stable View Schooling Hunter & Jumper Show
These shows are held the first Wednesday of every month! The show begins at 10:00 AM. Fences start at 2’3” and work up to 3’9” for the Jumpers, and the Hunter divisions run 2’ through 3’3” . These shows are a great opportunity to practice your stadium rounds!  Class entry fees range from $30-$50 with up to $2,000 in prize money awarded. Please contact Stable View at (484) 356-3173 or [email protected] for more information. Enter online via www.stableviewfarm.com.

December 12: Stable View Schooling Dressage Show
This show is the perfect chance to practice both USDF and USEA tests! The show begins at noon unless entries warrant. Each test is $35. Please contact Stable View at (484) 356-3173 or [email protected] for more information. Enter online via www.stableviewfarm.com

December 10-13: Kai-Steffen Meier Clinic
Kai-Steffen Meier, the 2018 USEA ICP and YEH featured clinician is returning to Ocala December 10-13 for an exclusive clinic offering private and semi-private lessons only in all three phases. No big, impersonal groups – lessons revolve around what you and your horse need to succeed in training and competition. Great environment for problem horses or professionals who have no free time. Sessions are available from one to all four days to cater to you schedule. Stabling can be arranged as well as lodging.  Please contact Kimberly Kojima at [email protected] or 802.238.2360 to reserve a spot.

December 15-16: POP 3Phase Schooling Show
Florida Horse Park, www.flhorsepark.com

December 28-30: Bringing Safety to the Forefront Clinic Series, Ocala, Florida
Buck Davidson, LandSafe Equestrian and Mike Pilato have merged for an upcoming series of clinics nationwide! Join us for 3 days of excitement in Ocala December 28-30th 2018. Buck Davidson- Known worldwide for his accomplishments at international competitions. He is equally as well known for his grittiness, determination and ‘stickability’. This clinic will focus on the latter of these skills that he has developed over a lifetime of riding. LandSafe Equestrian- The fastest growing equestrian clinic in the country that provides participants with exercises to develop their muscle memory to reduce their rider risk in a fall scenario. Mike Pilato- 28 years practicing NATA certified Athletic Trainer. In 2002 Mike started research and developing the concept of the ‘equestrian as an athlete’. Athletes in other sports have had long term access to sports medicine and conditioning professionals who can evaluate them as an athlete. Now the same level of care and knowledge is available to the equestrian. Clinic Price Includes
– 2 Lessons with Buck Davidson
– Level 1 LandSafe Clinic
– A customized program for each rider developed by Mike Pilato
– A simple Breakfast & Lunch Friday and Saturday
– One Dinner Saturday night prepared by Chef BDJ
– Shavings and Stabling from Thursday evening (12/27) through Monday morning (12/31)
For more detailed information about this clinic please visit www.landsafeequestrian.com and click on the clinic tour dates tab. [Register on Event Clinics]

 

Area IV

Check back soon!

Area V

Check back soon!

Area VI

Check back soon!

Area VII

Check back soon!

Area VIII

December 15-16: MSEDA Annual Meeting
MSEDA Annual Meeting, Awards Banquet and a clinic with Lynn Symansky. The Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet will be on the 15th in Cincinnati at the Holiday Inn Eastgate. Lynn Symanksy will be the speaker. Discount Hotel rooms for members until 11/23. On Sunday the 16th Lynn will be our clinician at Majestic Farm. Details can be found at www.MSEDA.org.

Area IX

Check back soon!

Canada

Check back soon!

Want to see your lesson, clinic or schooling show listed here? Email [email protected].

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Nov 10, 2018 12:01 am -

Photo courtesy of Stable View.

With the 2019 Eventing Academy Series starting in December, November 17 & 18 will be the final opportunity for participants in Stable View’s 2018 Eventing Academy to improve their scores prior to the awards celebration on December 8th in Stable View’s new Pavilion.

Those attending November 17 & 18 will be also able to use the new Rider Lounge located in the Common Kitchen area of the Hunt Boxes, located between cross country start and the grass dressage area. Family and friends are also welcome to use these facilities which have coffee, tea, and other refreshments. These accommodations, which have been designed for participants of the Eventing Academy, include indoor toilets and seating area.

Stable View’s Eventing Academy Series complements its recognized horse trials by allowing competitors to enter a full Horse Trial, a combined test, or ride a USEF dressage test in a schooling show atmosphere.  This series runs every month when there is no USEF/USEA sanctioned event. As with its Recognized HT, Stable View’s focus is on safety with all jumps staked and EMS as well as human and horse ambulances onsite.

Levels provided for the Horse Trail are Sprout (18″) through Training Level (3’3″) and the organizers can accommodate Combined Tests through the Advanced Level and competitors can choose any USEF Dressage Test to ride in front of a judge.

Taking place on November 17 & 18, riders can stay overnight in Stable View’s apartments with their horses being accommodated in the new stalls.

National Holiday: National Vanilla Cupcake Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

River Glen Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Grand Oaks Horse Trials Cancelled

Zone Of Zero Recall

Practical Biosecurity Tips to Protect Your Horses

Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies offered online in world first

Making Winter Manageable on Horse Farms

Sitting Down With Mental Skills Coach Annette Paterakis: Success, Being Adaptable, And The Talent Myth

Saturday Video: Belle Meade Hunt of Thompson, GA opened their hunt last weekend. Among them was ‘Mighty Maren’ Hanson!

Opening meet today. Denise McCollum Carmichael

Posted by Christie Hanson on Saturday, November 3, 2018

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Splish, Splosh, Give Your Pony a Wash

By on Nov 9, 2018 6:39 pm -

I am firm in my belief that, whether you’re three, thirteen, thirty, or some derivative thereof, if you have a pony (or, indeed, a horse that you lovingly refer to as a pony), then you’ve been tempted, at some point, to bring it into your house. Yeah, okay, it would be impractical. HELLISH on the carpets, possibly the end of your soft-furnishings, perhaps the end of any co-habitation situation you might be otherwise enjoying. But: ponies! Ponies on the sofa! Ponies binging The Good Place! Ponies curling up like lil stinky lapdogs at the foot of your bed, merrily farting their way through the night. Um, blissful.

Anyway, little Harriet the hero took what has merely been a long-standing daydream for those of us who are chronically bonkers and made it a reality, bringing Wicked the pony (sorry, is that not THE best name for a pony?!) into the downstairs loo for a spa day. The best bit?

“Not.

Again.”

Harriet, we salute you (and your high-fashion horsey wardrobe).