Classic Eventing Nation

Your Ultimate Guide to Stable View’s Inaugural FEI Event

By on Sep 26, 2018 10:23 am -

We are counting down to an exciting weekend in South Carolina, as Stable View is set to host Aiken’s inaugural FEI competition at the fifth annual Oktoberfest horse trials on Sept. 28-30, 2018.

With more than 300 horses competing and $80,000 in prize money across all divisions from the CIC3* to Beginner Novice, the stage is set for a thrilling event.

EN will be on the grounds providing coverage, and we’ve compiled a guide of everything you need to know.

Stable View CIC & HT: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, EQTV Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

IF YOU GO …

FRIDAY, SEPT 28: Dressage will run all day Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. EST for the CIC3*, CIC2*, CIC*, Advanced and Intermediate divisions. Show jumping for the CIC3* and CIC2* will be held Friday afternoon from 2:45-5 p.m. EST.

SATURDAY, SEPT 29: Dressage for the Intermediate, Preliminary, Novice and Beginner Novice divisions will run from 7:45 a.m.-3 p.m. EST. Show jumping for the CIC*, Intermediate, Advanced, Preliminary and Training will run from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. EST. Cross country for the CIC3*, CIC2*, Advanced, Intermediate and Preliminary divisions will run 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. EST.

SUNDAY, Sept 30: Show jumping for the Preliminary and Novice divisions will run from 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. EST. Cross country for the Training, Novice and Beginner Novice divisions will run 8:15 a.m.-2:10 p.m. EST.

[Full Competition Schedule]

The Vendor Village opens at 8 a.m. EST Friday and will feature more than 25 vendors selling everything from saddles and air vests to trailers and custom boots, plus organic dog and horse treats.

[Vendor Village Map]

Vendor Village Directory: Land Rover Columbia, Blanchard John Deere, FITS, VTO Saddlery, Voltaire, DeNiro Boot Company, Sagmae, Soteria Equestrian Safety, Custom Saddlery, I Love My Horse, Horse Guard, White Rose Eclectics, Griffinbrook, Nieci’s Green Bites, Promised Land Bee Farm, Equi-Trek, ACL Accounting, Touchstone Crystal, Shadow Trailers, Combined Insurance, Aiken County Pony Club, USC Aiken Eventing Team, Oak Manor Saddlery

Food and Drinks: Feel Good Food Truck, Aiken Ice Cream, Sally’s Smoothies, River Rat Brewery, That Sly Fox Confections

CIC3* Course Walk: Boyd Martin will be leading a course walk of Capt. Mark Phillips’s CIC3* track on Friday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. EST. There is a $10 required cash donation to Brooke USA.

Live Stream: If you can’t attend Stable View in person, all of the CIC3* action will be streamed live on EQTV featuring statistics from EquiRatings. John Kyle and yours truly will be providing the commentary. The broadcast schedule is as follows:

  • Dressage: Friday from 8:30-11:40 a.m. EST
  • Show Jumping: Friday from 2:45-3:30 p.m. EST
  • Cross Country: Saturday from 12:15-1:20 p.m. EST

Shadow Sapphire Euthanized at Alnwick Ford International Horse Trials

By on Sep 26, 2018 9:33 am -

Ben Hobday and Shadow Sapphire at Alnwick Ford. Photo by Action Replay Photography Ltd.

It is with deep sadness that EN can confirm Ben Hobday’s mount Shadow Sapphire was euthanized following an accident on Sunday, Sept. 23 at Alnwick Ford International Horse Trials in Northumberland, England.

Ben and Shadow Sapphire, a 5-year-old mare he owned, fell at fence 13, a trakehner on the Novice (U.S. Preliminary level) cross country course. Ben was uninjured in the fall.

“The team at the event were incredible and made sure she wasn’t in any pain or distress,” Ben said, “and my team have been amazing through this extremely difficult time. The empty feeling and sadness seems only to pass when I think of how lovely she was.”

British Eventing did not clarify the exact nature of the injury in a statement released to EN.

Shadow Sapphire (Tullabeg Fusion X Nadja S) competed at BE90 and BE100 this season with Sebastian “Seba” Roldan Olivera with three wins on her record. Alnwick Ford was her first start at Novice level and the first time Ben competed her.

The EN team sends our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved “Sapphy.”

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Sep 26, 2018 12:01 am -

We all find ways to entertain ourselves on hack and trot days. I’ve been notorious for belting out the lyrics to “All-Star” by Smash Mouth or testing how well I know the songs from Hamilton. Spoiler alert: my voice is not the best. But the horses don’t seem to mind. Still, Maya Black juggling on a hack is next level.

National Holiday:  Johnny Appleseed Day

Major Events This Week:

Stable View CIC & HT: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Schedule, EQTV Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Jump Start H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

The American Trakehner Association is hosting their 2018 convention at the Tryon International Equestrian Center on November 7-11.  Also ongoing will be the Young Horse Show Series, mare and stallion inspections, educational sessions, a mare performance test, brandings, a jumping derby, a dressage clinic and a welcome reception and awards banquet. [ATA Convention]

Speaking of the dressage clinic at ATA, that will come from none other than Silva Martin herself. Silva is not just the secret behind Boyd’s dressage success, she’s a top level dressage competitor in her own right, having ridden for the U.S. in a Nations Cup. She’s also produced top performances at various top level competitions like Devon, GAIG Finals, and CBLM Finals. [Silva Martin Bio] [Silva Martin Clinic Details]

So a horse walks into a bar….No, really. At a bar in England called The Oak, owner Martin and bartender Lizzy were having a normal day when someone noticed a New Forrest pony had wandered in and was standing casually at the end of the bar. After being ushered out the door, it returned ten minutes later…this time with some friends. [Thirsty Ponies]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: Let the Water Run Out

No doubt about it this has been a rainy summer for most of the East Coast, and fall is turning out to be much of the same. But no matter where you live, we have all seen the negative effects of too much rain on a poorly constructed arena.

An arena’s drainage system is your first line of defense when the skies open up. Every outdoor should have the minimum of at least one designed French drain INSIDE the arena. Why inside? So that the water does not have to go under or over kickboards to drain away, washing away your footing creating gullies and puddles.

Designing your drainage system is as important as the choice of footing you put in your arena. Ideally your drainage system should let the water leave in a steady consistent manner.

The drainage system should reflect the use of the arena. If the arena cannot have any downtime, more drainage should be incorporated which translates into more maintenance of the footing. More watering and more dragging ensures the footing stays in tip-top shape.

There are always trade offs in creating a perfect riding surface. That’s why riders like Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin turn to Attwood for their expertise and scientifically proven formulas.

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

5 Reasons Why You Should Enter the Maryland Classic BN Three-Day

By on Sep 25, 2018 4:20 pm -

The Beginner Novice Three-Day is for classic format enthusiasts of all ages. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The USEA Classic Series continues to grow in popularity each year, and the Beginner Novice Three-Day (BN3DE) expanded to five offerings on the 2018 calendar. The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy in Adamstown, Maryland is bringing a BN3DE to Area II for the first time next month on October 11-14, 2018.

Entries close TODAY, so now is the time to decide — will you take on the classic long format as your season end goal? Will you dig deep and battle it out in Maryland for BN3DE glory? We put together a list of five reasons why you should enter.

1. Experience the thrill of the classic long format. While we bid farewell to the FEI long format last decade, competitors at the national level can still relive the glory days. The BN3DE has all four phases of cross country set at Beginner Novice height: phases A & C (roads & tracks), B (steeplechase), and D (endurance).

The steeplechase phase for the BN3DE has optional jumps, so you can choose to just gallop around the steeplechase track at 400 mpm, add in one or two jumps, or jump them all — the choice is yours.

2. Learn from the best in Carol Kozlowski. One of the hallmarks of the USEA Classic Series is the education component. BN3DE competitors at Maryland H.T. are in for a real treat with USEA President Carol Kozlowski as lead clinician.

Never jogged your horse before for a formal inspection? No worries! Carol will walk you through the whole process prior to the official first horse inspection at the BN3DE. There will also be clinics for roads & tracks and steeplechase so you have a chance to practice before taking on the real thing.

Other educational demonstrations and clinics will include everything you need to know about the vet box after cross country, walking your cross country course, and using proper cross country equipment such as studs.

3. Ride around an Ian Stark track. That’s right — the legendary Ian Stark (who has SIXTEEN medals to his name) designs all of the cross country courses for Maryland H.T. from Beginner Novice to Intermediate level, plus the CIC* and CIC2* tracks for the summer horse trials.

Ian designs some of the biggest and best courses in the world — Tattersalls in Ireland, Chatsworth and Bramham in England, and Rebecca Farm and Carolina International in the U.S. just to name a few. Think of the street cred and bragging rights when you tell all your friends you rode around an Ian Stark track.

4. Step up your dressage game. Thinking of moving up to Novice level in the 2019 season? The BN3DE is the perfect opportunity to test the waters as it uses the USEF Novice Test A. (For anyone needing a bit of a dressage inspiration, we highly recommend revisiting this classic video.)

5. Be the first to take on Loch Moy’s new sunken road. Loch Moy’s new sunken road will be unveiled at the the October horse trials, along with a slew of other course improvements. The new sunken road also has a liner and can be used as a water jump at next year’s events.

The new sunken road at Loch Moy. Photo courtesy of Carolyn Mackintosh.

Are you qualified? To compete in the BN3DE at Maryland H.T., you and your horse must have three qualifying scores together at the Beginner Novice level or higher, plus one additional qualifying score with no more than 20 jumping penalties. The qualifying timeframe is 24 months prior to the start of the competition. Click here to read more about qualifying for the BN3DE.

Entry information: Entries are due today for the BN3DE and all other levels (Intermediate, Preliminary, Modified, Training, Novice, Beginner Novice) but post entries will be accepted with a $75 late fee. Click here to view the omnibus listing. You can enter on EventEntries.com or Xentry.

Are you planning to compete in the BN3DE at Maryland? Let us know in the comments below.

Go Classic Series. Go Eventing.

William Fox-Pitt Elected to FEI Athletes’ Committee

By on Sep 25, 2018 3:04 pm -

William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Great Britain’s William Fox-Pitt has been elected to the FEI Athletes’ Committee, which brings together a representative from each of the sanctioned disciplines. The role of these athletes is to “provide a voice to the athlete community within the global FEI decision-making process,” as well as serve on their discipline’s technical committee, over the course of a four-year non-renewable term.

The committee was introduced in 2014, with Daisy Berkeley acting as the first eventing representative. Elections were held online from the 29th of July until the 23rd of September, and 52 athletes from 26 countries put in a bid for the spot that Fox-Pitt would ultimately claim. Promisingly, there was a 100% increase in voter participation and a 160% increase in flag representation in the second iteration of these elections.

“The athletes’ viewpoint is central to the global decision making process,” said FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez. “This is a committee made up of athletes and voted for by athletes. The calibre and experience of the newly elected Athletes’ Committee is impressive and will ensure that the global athletes’ community has its say and actively contributes to the development of equestrian sport. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Athletes’ Committee members for their tremendous work and support these past four years.”

William Fox-Pitt and Oratorio II. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Fox-Pitt is, perhaps, an obvious choice to represent his fellow eventers: he’s acted as rider representative innumerable times at three-day events, and has never shied away from speaking up in the face of adversity. With a degree in French — the official language of the FEI — and a continued competitive interest that’s paired with a smaller string of horses, there’s no time like the present for him to step into such a role.

In his letter of motivation for election, Fox-Pitt said, “I have been involved in the sport at a high level for many years and have seen it evolve over the decades. I understand the challenges that all equestrian sport — and especially eventing — faces in the coming years in order to develop and grow. I care passionately about eventing and want to see it continue to grow into a truly global sport that is appealing to new audiences, whilst maintaining its integrity, horsemanship and values.”

“Throughout my career I have developed a healthy relationship with those involved in the sport from a wide range of nations, both established and emerging, and in both hemispheres. […] I therefore believe I would be able to provide input that is broad in view and representative of the global rider base. I will be committed to working closely with riders of all nationalities, representing their voices over my own. Most of all, I want to see a cohesive and active relationship between riders and the FEI, and I feel that I would be well-placed to work positively with the eventing committee so that together we can serve the sport that we love.”

The complete list of elected athletes is as follows:

  • Jumping: Cian O’Connor (IRL)
  • Dressage: Beatriz Ferrer-Salat (ESP)
  • Eventing: William Fox-Pitt (GBR)
  • Para-Dressage: Angelika Trabert (GER)
  • Endurance: Tarek Taher (KSA)
  • Vaulting: Kristina Boe (GER)
  • Reining: Francesca Sternberg (GBR)

Further information on the Athletes’ Committee and the elections is available here.

Water Horses Make a Splash at MeadowCreek Park H.T. & Area V Novice/BN Championships

By on Sep 25, 2018 11:00 am -

Is it snowing? Rene Rios and One Lark One Legend enter at A in a torrential downpour. Photo by Kate Boggan.

It seems every eventer across the country had to break out their swimsuits and snorkels these past few weeks. From the hurricane at WEG to the downpour at Plantation Field and the monsoon at the MeadowCreek Park H.T., our cross country horses had to become water horses.

Area V venue MeadowCreek Park in Kosse, Texas, hosts two USEA Horse Trials a year. Owned and organized by Robbie Peterson, their Fall Social Event is usually met with scorching heat and humidity as the Texas summers usually last well into October. The weather in Texas can be very unpredictable though and this year competitors needed their water wings instead of sunscreen. This year’s Fall Social Event also played host to the Area V Novice and Beginner Novice Championships, held a fundraiser for the Texas A&M Eventing Team, and put on the always popular competitor’s dinner on Saturday night.

Young Rider Coordinator, Tayler Owen, reps her Area V pride in her dressage test. Photo by Kate Boggan.

Saturday morning started off with a splash, literally, and many riders opted for rain jackets instead of show coats. Kimberly Stafford and her Oldenburg gelding Pik Coeur D’Or led the way from start to finish in the Novice Championship division, adding only 3.2 time faults from their cross country run to their dressage score of 24.8 to end on a very respectable 28.0. Different division same verse as the Beginner Novice Championship division winners Taylor Tiberg and the Connemara x Thoroughbred gelding Valedictorian sat in first place after dressage and finished on their score of 28.0 to take home the blue.

Kimberly Stafford and Pik Coeur D’Or out on course. Photo by Kate Boggan.

To give the event a real championship feel, dressage and cross country ran Saturday and show jumping was held Sunday morning. Competitors did their show jumping rounds in reverse order of standings and awards ceremonies were held in the drizzly morning fog.

And that’s how you end a first place dressage test! Photo by Kate Boggan.

Congratulations to the following horse trial division winners! See complete results here!

Open Preliminary: Lauren Lambert & Cooley Renaissance Man (39.8)

Open Training: Camdyn Rahe & Orange Crush (36.6)

Preliminary/Training: Stephanie Reimers & That’s What She Said (48.3)

Training Rider: Katie Grace Bond & High Class (30.5)

Novice Championships: Kimberly Stafford & Pik Coeur D’Or (28.0)

Novice Rider: Lawsyn Clements & Russell’s Reserve (23.9)

Open Novice: Jennifer Biles & Bad as Bandini (40.2)

Beginner Novice Championships: Taylor Tiberg & Valedictorian (28.0)

Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Grace Thompson & Excessive Assault (34.4)

Open Beginner Novice: Rick Urban & Morally Flexible (35.5)

Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Julianne Foody & Step Right Up (37.5)

Starter: Aynsleigh Fettig & Aisling Dugan (28.6)

Aynsleigh and The Doog show off their first place ribbon. Photo by Diane Rice.

One of the great things about eventing is how inclusive the sport is. If you can teach your horse to jump you can enjoy eventing no matter what breed your trusty steed may be. Proving this point are Aynsleigh Fettig and her 12 year-old Gypsy Vanner, Aisling Dugan. “The Doog,” as he is lovingly known around the barn, was purchased three years ago by the Fettigs to be Aynsleigh’s mother’s dressage horse. Aynsleigh stole the ride when her Prelim horse retired and started taking the flashy, feathered fiend to events. They competed in the Starter division at MeadowCreek and their score of 28.6 landed them in first after dressage and they never looked back. The pair plan to move up to Beginner Novice soon and keep proving that eventing is for everyone.

Big hugs from Katie Grace Bond for her horse High Class after crossing the finish line of their first place cross-country ride. Photo by Kate Boggan.

Despite the wet conditions everyone came home safe and had a wonderful time at one of Area V’s favorite events. As always events couldn’t be run without the enormous efforts of our organizers and volunteers. Thank you to all who came out and helped the MeadowCreek Park H.T. Fall Social Event run swimmingly!

Weekend Winners: Twin Rivers, Aspen, Marlborough, Flora Lea, Sundance, Meadowcreek, Cedar Ridge, Loch Moy

By on Sep 25, 2018 9:30 am -

Fall eventing has officially begun! Temperatures are starting to slightly drop and days are getting a bit shorter. There were a few Championship divisions and Young and Future Event Horses showing off this weekend — we’ve highlighted those results with asterisks.

Shout out to Courtney Cooper and Caia Z for having the lowest finishing score in the country of 21.9 in the Open Training at Flora Lea H.T.

The next thing you know, the dreaded winter coats will start growing in earnest. Until then, we all can appreciate a lack of intense summer heat and slightly fresher horses in the morning.

Aspen Farms Fall Horse Trials [Results]
Tin Men Supply Advanced: Sabrina Glaser & Rembrandt (45.2)
Intermediate: Marc Grandia & Campari FFF (41)
*Intermediate Championship: Leah Breakey & Master Class (40.1)
Open Preliminary A: Molly Gibbons & Calico (29.6)
Open Preliminary B: Lilly Linder & Tucker Too (28.5)
*Preliminary Championship: Jordan Linstedt & Staccato (28.5)
*Jr. Training Championship: Makenna Henry & Hungarian Villian (31.4)
Open Training A: Tracey Trewin & Film Noir (34.4)
Open Training B: Sara Mackenzie & Cowboy Casanova (32.1)
*Open Training Championship: Erin Grandia & Indio BMW (24.3)
*Training Rider Championship: Madison Langerak & Normandy’s Kivalo (30.9)
*Jr. Novice Championship: Dane Padgett & Little Sure Shot (27.1)
Novice Rider Championship: Jackie Wich & Master Miller (31.9)
Open Novice A: Julia Ellison & Grady (30.7)
Open Novice B: Emilie Everett & Yankee Bay (29.3)
*Open Novice Championship: Lindsey Scharmach & Killswitch (25)
*Jr. Beginner Novice Championship: Makayla Watterson & Foxwood Belle (31.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Anni Grandia-Dodson & Mr. Fluffy (27.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Kate Suggs & Dragon Fly (31.8)
*Open Beginner Novice Championship: Sabine Prince & Donnerwein (28.8)

Twin Rivers Fall Horse Trials [Results]
Advanced: Frankie Thieriot Stutes & Chatwin (35.6)
Intermediate: James Alliston & Kilmountain Oreo (38.9)
Jr. Preliminary: Madison Temkin & Dr. Hart (37.4)
Open Preliminary: Alexis Helffrich & M Creme De La Creme SE (31.5)
Preliminary Rider: Kate Lathrop & Worth The Wait (36.5)
Jr. Training Rider A: Maya Clarkson & Snappy Comeback (28.2)
Jr. Training Rider B: Lauren Gillis & Under the Spotlight (23.6)
Open Training: Alexis Helffrich & Dexter (28.5)
Sr. Training Amateur: Camille Brewer & Cooley Rock Star (22.1)
Sr. Training Rider: Debbie Davis & Real Genius (25.2)
Jr. Novice Rider A: Sarah Ross & Murcielago (32.6)
Jr. Novice Rider B: Sloan Bryson & Red Cloud’s War (26.5)
Open Novice: Hannah Warner & Viva Apollo (31)
Sr. Novice Amateur: McKenzie Miller & Another Saturday Night (28.6)
Sr. Novice Rider: Cat Dubbs & Ballynoe Castleross (30.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice A: Halina Thole & Roma (23)
Jr. Beginner Novice B: Mia Boillot & Phoenix Belissima (26)
Open Beginner Novice: Olivia Loiacono & Eloquence (22)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Debbie Fosmark & Larapin II (23.8)
Intro A: Pryce Chrisman & Tahoe Blue (31.7)
Intro B: Reagan Hammond & My Golden Ticket (34.7)
YEH-5: Madison Temkin & MVP Madbum (81.4)
YEH-4: Andrea Baxter & Melkenna (85.6)
FEH-4: Andrea Baxter & Coronado (85)
FEH-3: Michlynn Sterling & Kosmic Twist S (84.3)
FEH-2: Dede McCoy & Iconic (77.0)
FEH-Yr: Earl McFall & High Five DF (84.4)
*West Coast FEH-4 Championship: Andrea Baxter & Coronado (165.5)
*West Coast FEH-3 Championship: Jennifer McFall & Hallelujah DF (180.4)
*West Coast FEH-2 Championship: Earl McFall & Iluminada (88.4)
*West Coast FEH-Yr Championship: Earl McFall & Twain’s Fireflight DF (81.6)

View this post on Instagram

I am over the moon this weekend was incredible 💙🌙 Roma and I finished on our dressage score of 23% we were tied for 1st the whole show until we broke the tie when it came down to cross country. Our dressage and showjumping felt super good, and she was very trusting in my decisions on cross country today. Thank you tomato for giving me your all this weekend I’m so proud of you💓 – – – Thanks @kk_tasha for the vids🌈 ——————————————————— – – #horse #horsesofinstagram #3dayeventing #eventing #c4belts #areavi #jumping #crosscountry #mare #maresofinstagram #equestrian #dressage #c4equestrian #chestnut #twinrivers #oldenburg #xc #showjumping #tholefarms #kerritsrootd #kerrits #showjumping #jumpers #kasteldenmark #firstplace #beginnernovice #kerritsambassador #jump #showjumper #ariatequestrian #ogilvyequestrian

A post shared by Halina Thole | 🇺🇸 (@htr_eventing) on

Marlborough Horse Trials [Results]
Open Preliminary: Jan Byyny & Volcan de Caverie (27.2)
Preliminary Rider: Morgan Cillo & Benevolence (39.2)
Open Training: Jan Byyny & Kortina (29.3)
Training Rider A: Gabriella Rogers & Epona’s Mighty Warrior (32.6)
Training Rider B: Sofie Harangozo & Rain Dancer (29.5)
Novice Horse: Mary Clare & Furl The Main (35.9)
Novice Rider A: Francoise Marshall & Luray (32.4)
Novice Rider B: Sarah Crocker & Liberty River (26.9)
Open Novice: Ariana Freeman & Piper Saratoga (26.1)
Beginner Novice Horse: Suzy Gehris & Watch Me (31.7)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Hillary Marnane & Diablo Guapo (31.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Logan Yff & Mosey On Over (29.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Carley Taylor & Buck Naked (36.8)
Starter A: Lily Wyatt & Bento Box (34.4)
Starter B: Hana Hawthorne & Sonny (31.9)

View this post on Instagram

#mancrusheveryday

A post shared by •Gabi• (@gabir614) on

Flora Lea Fall Horse Trials [Results]
Open Preliminary: Macee Morgan & Maldini (30.9)
Open Training: Courtney Cooper & Caia Z (21.9)
Training Rider: Amanda Monahan & Slow Heart Break (39.1)
Novice Rider: Stephanie Swites & Clonshire Le Roy (33.6)
Open Novice: Avonlea Mitchell & Red and White (25.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Avery Cascarino & Marine Hymn (28.3)

Sundance Farm Horse Trials [Results]
Preliminary/Training: Brynna Gang & Wise Guy (80.6)
Open Training: Kristin Kubsch & CMF Royal Diamond (30.4)
Jr. Novice Rider: Lily Allen & Cherry On Top (31.9)
Sr. Novice Rider: Jessica Doering & Jax (28.1)
Open Novice: Bernard Morauw & VC ATTILA D’ALLOU (27.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Bonnie Bowman & Steel Driven Dreams (33.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Rebecca Roth & Brazilian Tommy (33.1)
Starter: Jessie Ackley & Ghost (37.2)

Meadowcreek Park – The Fall Social Event [Results]
Open Preliminary: Lauren Lambert & Cooley Renaissance Man (39.8)
Preliminary/Training: Stephanie Reimers & That’s What She Said (48.3)
Open Training: Camdyn Rahe & Orange Crush (36.6)
Training Rider: Katie Grace Bond & High Class (30.5)
*Novice Championship: Kimberly Stafford & Pik Coeur D’Or (28.0)
Novice Rider: Lawsyn Clements & Russell’s Reserve (23.9)
Open Novice: Jennifer Biles & Bad as Bandini (40.2)
*Beginner Novice Championship: Taylor Tiberg & Valedictorian (28.0)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Grace Thompson & Excessive Assault (34.4)
Sr. Beginner Novice: Julianne Foody & Step Right Up (37.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Rick Urban & Morally Flexible (35.5)
Starter: Aynsleigh Fettig & Aisling Dugan (28.6)

Cedar Ridge Horse Trials [Results]
Open Training: Alicia Harbin & Crowd Signal (35.2)
Open Novice: Kate Coleman & Tallawah (31.9)
Open Beginner Novice A: Harper Holland & Chips Ahoy (37.1)
Open Beginner Novice B: Mary Clare Owdziej & Deal Me In (35.6)
Starter: Aubrey Whalen & Gold Snatcher (40.8)

Loch Moy – Future Event Horse [Results]
FEH-4: Ashley Beheler & Jubilee (75)
FEH-3C: Lauren Welsh & Solo Hit (78.3)
FEH-3F: MaryAnn Luke & SF Rama (74.25)
FEH-2: Jordan LaPlaca & J-Low (77.2)
FEH-Yr: Emeraude Sharer & Knuit d’Emeraude (79.95)

Congrats to all. Go Eventing!

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Sep 25, 2018 12:01 am -

Tesla Parker and Bristol Indian. Photo by Shelby Allen.

For me, the highlights of a big event are the small moments where a movement really clicks on the flat, or in the case of Tesla Parker, you and your horse nail a tricky combination on the cross country course. Her smile says it all. Well ridden!

National Holiday: National Lobster Day

Events Opening This Week: Poplar Place Farm November H.T. (GA, A-3) Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T. (TX, A-5) Full Moon Farms H.T. (MD, A-2) River Glen Fall H.T. (TN, A-3)

Events Closing This Week: Radnor Hunt H.T. (PA, A-2) Paradise Farm H.T. (SC, A-3)  Galway Downs International Event & H.T. (CA, A-6) Fleur de Leap H.T. (LA, A-5) Las Cruces H.T. (NM, A-10) Hitching Post Farm Horse Trials (VT, A-1) MDHT at Loch Moy Farm Classic BN3 Day Event and H.T. (MD, A-2) Majestic Oaks H.T. (FL, A-3) Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event & Team Challenge H.T. (KY, A-8)

Tuesday News: 

It’s no secret that WEG didn’t go completely to plan. Mark Bellissimo admitted that the team made ‘a ton of mistakes,’ but is extremely proud of the effort. He also believes that the structure of WEG isn’t sustainable, and would be better run across multiple venues. There are currently no bids to host the 2022 Games. [‘We made a ton of mistakes’ admits WEG boss]

The USEA went coast to coast over the weekend with both East and West Coast Future Event Horse Championships. Solo Hit (Sagnol x Arista GS) reigned supreme at Loch Moy Farm, and Hallelujah DF (Mighty Magic x Columbia BF) topped at Twin Rivers. [Mares Make Magic Happen at the 2018 FEH West Coast Championships] [Solo Hit Strikes a High Note at the 2018 USEA FEH East Coast Championships] [Colts Come Out on Top on Day Two at the 2018 USEA FEH East Coast Championships]

Clinta is a real life unicorn. And yes, she’s even got a stuffed animal lookalike that travels with her. She was relatively unproven going into WEG, but helped make U.S. team gold history. [Behind The Stall Door With: Clinta]

Hot on Horse Nation: ‘Oh Crap’ Monday

Jump over to Jumper Nation: Split Rock Exclusive: ‘Always Praise Your Pony’ & Other Wisdoms from Junior Rider Olivia Williams

Tuesday Video: 

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Feathers and Flying with Danielle Goldstein

By on Sep 24, 2018 5:00 pm -

Jumping Rider Cam | FEI World Equestrian Games, Tryon 2018

Up, Up & Away….Most of us can only dream of riding a mare like Lizziemary around a World Championship track so Danielle Goldstein/Starwyn Farms LLC is taking us along with us as she jumps into the final!

Posted by Fédération Equestre Internationale on Sunday, September 23, 2018

We’ve already ridden around the WEG cross country with Brazil’s Marcio Carvalho Jorge thanks to Equine Productions Ltd‘s JockeyCam technology; now let’s switch gears and take a spin around the massive WEG show jumping course with Israel’s Danielle Goldstein. Here at EN we’re all a little more used to staring down massive cross-country obstacles via helmet cam, but cantering up to 1.60-meter fences (compared to 1.30-meter for a four-star) and being under pressure inside the gargantuan U.S. Trust Arena, this impressive in its own right (and this video is also a fabulous reminder to look your turns on course.)

The name Danielle Goldstein might not sound familiar to you, but the sight may be; Dani’s show ring look has gained some attention during her performances at the WEG as she’s outfitted her hair with a dazzling assortment of feathers that fly streaming behind her helmet as she rides. Speaking of things that would make George Morris roll over in his grave, her hair isn’t the only style statement that Dani makes — she also frequently rides in yoga pants, snakeskin-outlined boots, and a crop top under her show jacket.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

But Dani, who operates Starwyn Farms in Wellington, isn’t just here to make a fashion statement; she means business, too, and she and her super mare Lizzymary are formidable competitors. The pair made it to yesterday’s individual round of the show jumping competition, ultimately finishing 20th out of 124 total competitors, and Dani donned the JockeyCam (seen on her helmet in the photos below) during her final round.

Feathers? Yep! You see that right. We caught up with show jumper Danielle Goldstein before she heads into today's…

Posted by Tryon International Equestrian Center on Sunday, September 23, 2018

My Experience Competing Modified at Five Points H.T.

By on Sep 24, 2018 3:00 pm -

Photo by High Time Photography.

The new Modified level was created as a stepping stone between the Training and Preliminary levels. It made its debut in USEA recognized competitions beginning in 2017. Many have argued that the step up from Training to Preliminary is one of the largest in the sport, and introduces many new challenges including fence height, fence width and increased complexities in all three phases.

Modified qualifications: 

  • The Modified level is open to horses 4-years-old and older.
  • Riders must achieve two NQRs at Training level to compete at Modified.

Modified test:

  • Max height of both cross country and show jumping fences: 3’5”
  • Cross country course distance: 2200m-3000m with 22-28 jumping efforts
  • Cross country speed: 490mpm
  • Show jumping speed: 325 mpm with 10-13 jumping efforts
  • Flags are numbered with an orange number on a blue background
  • Cross country courses can include angled lines, corners, varied terrain and combinations with water or narrow fences.
  • The show jumping course will include two doubles, or a double and a triple combination.
  • The dressage test will be held in a small ring and will include leg yield, medium gaits and changes of lead through the trot. See 2018 Modified Test A and Modified Test B.

Carolina Horse Park offered the Modified level at Five Points H.T. on September 8, 2018, with two divisions and more than 30 competitors.

Photo by High Time Photography.

The Decision to Compete Modified

I compete as an amateur. My horse Highly Discreet (“Milo”) and I have been competing at the Training level for two years. After a successful spring season, we were looking to move up to Preliminary. We completed a couple of combined tests at the Preliminary level over the summer, but had not been to a recognized event since May. Competing Modified at Five Points seemed like the best choice prior to making the leap into the Preliminary level.

Modified is its own unique division. The event organizers at CHP did an excellent job of following the standards set by USEA. As per the rules, the fences are set at 1.05 meters (1.0 meters for Training and 1.10 meters for Preliminary) and the cross country speed is 490 m/min (420-450 m/min for Training and 520 m/min for Preliminary). I had the opportunity to walk both the Preliminary and Modified cross country courses and felt that they were both a true technical representation of the level. The Modified course offered a greater challenge than a championship Training course, but was less difficult than the Preliminary course.

Photo by High Time Photography.

The Modified Experience

I could not have asked for a better experience in preparation for moving up to Preliminary. After a good dressage test, Milo had no jumping penalties and only added a little time on cross country for a 3rd place finish in our division. Although I was happy with our placing, the experience gave me both improved confidence and a good indication of what we needed to continue to focus on prior to our first Preliminary event. Milo is the first horse that I have brought up through the levels, and I would not be successful without the coaching of Mike Plumb. His guidance and expertise have been instrumental in our success.

Thank you Carolina Horse Park for offering the Modified division at Five Points H.T. I hope that more events will offer the division as a stepping stone between the Training and Preliminary levels.