Classic Eventing Nation

Julia Krajewski and Team GB Top Nations Cup at Waregem

By on Sep 24, 2018 10:20 am -

Julia Krajewski bounced back following a disappointing result at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games to win the FEI Nations Cup at Waregem CICO3* in Belgium with Samourai du Thot on a final score of 29.4.

Julia and “Sam,” a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Milor Landais x Melitos du Thot, by Flipper d’Elle), sat in second after the first two phases and delivered the fastest cross country round in torrential rain to take the win.

With Germany drawn first in the order and Julia and Sam serving as pathfinders for the team, they had the very best of the footing on Tom Ryckewaert’s cross country course and stormed home with 4.8 time penalties.

With rain pouring down and conditions deteriorating on cross country, Waregem quickly became a tough mudder. Overnight leaders Michael Jung and Lennox 364 added 28.0 time penalties to drop to 21st place on 51.8. Frank Ostholt and Jum Jum added 8.4 time penalties to move up from 22nd to finish second on 40.0..

While only 13 of the 101 starters in the Nations Cup withdrew before cross country due to the heavy rainfall at Waregem, 44 combinations withdrew from the CIC2*.

Waregem posted a statement on Facebook addressing the weather: “A grateful thank you to all riders that competed under the difficult weather conditions at the cross country in Waregem. A big thank you to all officials, volunteers and especially the fence judges who were working under heavy rain.”

Germany topped the Nations Cup leaderboard at Waregem through the first two phases, but with their team racking up time penalties on cross country, the door opened for Great Britain to take the win on a final team score of 130.4.

France has been on fire this season with four wins in the Nations Cup, but settled for second place in Waregem with a final team score of 136.4. Germany finished third on 148.1.

With one leg to go in the 2018 FEI Nations Cup Eventing series, France still tops the overall standings with 490 points, followed closely by Great Britain with 480 points — well out in front of the other countries.

The stage is set for a thrilling finale in the Nations Cup final at Boekelo in the Netherlands next month as France and Great Britain battle for the 2018 series title.

Waregem Links: Website, Final Results, Team Results, Nations Cup Standings

Norwegian Eventer Heidi Bratlie Larsen Receives Yellow Card at WEG

By on Sep 24, 2018 9:19 am -

Heidi Bratlie Larsen and Euforian at WEG. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Norway’s Heidi Bratlie Larsen received a yellow card on Sept. 15 during cross country at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games for “abuse of horse / riding an obviously lame horse.”

The ground jury stopped Heidi on course after fence 21 when Euforian, her 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding she calls “GrĂ„lle,” was visibly lame.

“At the last water jump I had a suspicion that something was not right and considered stopping, but did not manage to do it before I was stopped shortly after,” Heidi said on her Facebook page.

“That I was stopped was absolutely right, and I would have done it myself. That the World Championships did not end as planned now means little. GrĂ„lle is the most important thing to me.”

Euforian was transported off course in the equine ambulance to the on-site veterinary treatment center at Tryon International Equestrian Center. He was diagnosed with a soft tissue injury and treated on-site.

Euforian boarded his flight home on Sept. 18 and is now back in Norway and continuing his recovery. The EN team sends continued speedy healing wishes to Euforian.

No other yellow cards or verbal warnings were issued during the eventing competition at WEG.

The FEI’s list of yellow cards and sanctions is updated weekly during the eventing season and can be viewed on the FEI’s website.

 

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Sep 24, 2018 12:38 am -

Tommy Neneman spreads gravel between riders. Photo courtesy of AK Dragoo Photo.

It takes a village to run a horse trials and there are a lot of jobs that frequently go unsung. At Plantation Field International, the grounds crew were working triple time tending the footing on cross country. Thanks Tommy Neneman, Dylan Barry and Eric Bull for making sure the way of going was the best it could be for the horses in this wet weather!

National Holiday: National Bluebird of Happiness Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Plantation Field: Website, Schedule, XC Start Times, SJ Start Times, Live Scores, Course Preview, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]

Aspen Farms H.T. [Website] [Results]

Marlborough H.T [Website] [Results]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]

Sundance Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]

MeadowCreek Park H.T – The Fall Social Event [Website] [Results]

Cedar Ridge H.T. [Website] [Results]

FEH Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm [Website] [Results]

FEH Championships at Loch Moy Farm [Website]

Monday News and Notes:

You’ve probably seen photos of ‘the girl with the feathers’ in her hair competing in show jumping at WEG. That’s Danielle Goldstein and she rides for Israel. She wear crop top shirts walking courses, rides in yoga pants, and turns heads with the plume of feathers billowing behind her in the arena. Danielle describes herself as ‘left of center’ and she’s going to reach her goals her way. [Rebel With A Cause]

Germnay’s Simone Blum just jumped her way into the history books as the first female individual show jumping gold medalist since the inception of the World Equestrian Games in 1900. At just 29 years old, Simone and her chestnut mare DSP Alice turned in a 5-round score of 3.47, meaning they incurred only time penalties all week! [She’s the Show Jumping World Champion We’ve Been Waiting For]

Over 50 young horses competed in the FEH East Coast Championships at Loch Moy Farm this weekend. From yearlings through 4 year olds, the future stars of our sport showed off for the judges. Every colt and filly was judged on conformation. The 3 year olds were sent through the jump chute, and the 4 year olds were ridden under saddle as well as sent through the jump chute. [Day 1] [Day 2]

Relive the excitement and drama of WEG 2018 in pictures [Through the Lens]

Monday Video: You have to watch this gold medal pas de deux!

Winning Round – Vaulting Pas Des Deux | FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018

One word to describe this display…Stunning 👏 👏A performance that fully deserved a gold medal. Having been out over the last year with a broken leg, Lorenzo Lupacchini comes back strong to join his partner Silvia Stopazzini to show an energetic and incredible show. đŸ„‡ Silvia Stopazzini & Lorenzo Lupacchini 🇼đŸ‡čđŸ„ˆ Jasmin Lindner & Lukas Wacha 🇩đŸ‡čđŸ„‰ Janika Derks & Johannes Kay đŸ‡©đŸ‡Ș

Posted by Fédération Equestre Internationale on Thursday, September 20, 2018

Sunday Video from Total Saddle Fit: Area VII Champions Bring It Home at Aspen Farms

By on Sep 23, 2018 4:44 pm -

Pacific Northwest eventers flocked to Aspen Farms this weekend for their spectacular Area VII Championships. The Aspen Farms robust social media efforts give us a chance to tour the whimsical property and check out some great riding this weekend. Let us know who you spot on course.

You can find even more videos on their Facebook page, so go give them a like!

Go Area VII. Go Eventing.

Aspen Farms H.T.: Website, Live Scores

Anna Stein and her gelding Zaboomafoo jumped clear and inside the time on cross-country to hold their lead in the Intermediate #AreaVIIChamps division at #AFHT.

Posted by Aspen Farms Horse Trials on Saturday, September 22, 2018

Sabrina Glaser and Rembrandt jump clean inside the time in the Tin Men Supply Advanced to take the lead after cross-country at #AFHT.Advanced scores: http://eventing.startboxscoring.com/eventsr/aspen/ht0918/phase2_select.php?division=1&order=place

Posted by Aspen Farms Horse Trials on Saturday, September 22, 2018

Tin Men Supply Advanced cross-country at #AFHT

Posted by Aspen Farms Horse Trials on Saturday, September 22, 2018

Intermediate #crosscountry at Kerrits Equestrian Apparel complex at #AFHT

Posted by Aspen Farms Horse Trials on Saturday, September 22, 2018

We love Prelim #AreaVIIChamps cross-country at #AFHT!

Posted by Aspen Farms Horse Trials on Saturday, September 22, 2018

Training through the Gallops Saddlery water at #AFHT

Posted by Aspen Farms Horse Trials on Saturday, September 22, 2018

#AreaVIIChamps Training level cross-country at 10AB

Posted by Aspen Farms Horse Trials on Saturday, September 22, 2018

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Sep 23, 2018 12:01 am -

Photo by Hawley Bennett-Awad.

Heads up Plantation Field Competitors: CIC3* ride times have been updated this morning. Start time remains at 10:30 a.m. with no lunch break. Find times at this link.

Last week Hawley Bennett-Awad was storming around cross country at the World Equestrian Games, and this week she was volunteering at Twin Rivers. She says, “Always remember to give back!” Thanks for being awesome, Hawley, and all the fabulous volunteers around Eventing Nation.

National Holiday: National Checkers Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Plantation Field: Website, Schedule, XC Start Times, SJ Start Times, Live Scores, Course Preview, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Aspen Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Marlborough H.T [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sundance Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

MeadowCreek Park H.T – The Fall Social Event [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Cedar Ridge H.T. [WEB] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

FEH Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm [Website] [Results]

FEH Championships at Loch Moy Farm [Website] [Entry Status] [Times]

Sunday Links:

Mares Make Magic Happen at the 2018 FEH West Coast Championships

Applications for the 2018 Essex Horse Trials, Seema Sonnad Junior Rider, and Amy Tryon Young Rider Grants Due October 15!

Orange Is The New Gold As Dutch Win Para Team Competition At WEG

Britain and Ireland miss out on Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualification in WEG jumping

‘It just doesn’t make any sense’: combination eliminated in WEG para dressage

Sarah Higgins’ dressage blog: having no rules suits me well, and other things I learnt at WEG

Points scale developed by researchers predicted performance of endurance horses

 Sunday Video: 

Volunteer of the Day: Jess Tibbels Discovers an Unexpected Benefit of Volunteering

By on Sep 22, 2018 9:36 am -

Buck Davidson and volunteer Jess Tibbels share a high five at the end of dressage day. Photo courtesy of AK Dragoo Photo.

The volunteer crew at Plantation Field is a well-oiled machine, regardless of whether they are a first-time participant or a veteran of years. With bright orange vests to mark their status, they are hard to miss for spectators and competitors alike.

Dressage days don’t need the mass number of volunteers that the jumping phases require, but can definitely struggle to fill positions due to being held during the work week, when many die-hard volunteers are at their own jobs. Cue Jess Tibbels, a nursing student at Del-Tech and a veteran volunteer at Fair Hill. Jess gave up her Friday to come play gate steward for the dressage rings today, patiently opening and shutting the gate over and over again as riders came in and out. Although she has volunteered at Fair Hill over the last four years, this was her first trip up to Plantation.

Buck Davidson was first up in the three-star division this morning, and while the names Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton, and Dom Schramm are impressive but not intimidating to Jess, the name Davidson means something more.

Jess has been watching Buck since 2010 and his father, the legendary Bruce Davidson, since 2004. To her he’s more than just another rider, he’s a local legend. As he rode his test with Erroll Gobey, Jess, who clearly has an engaging and outgoing personality, struck up a conversation with one of the horse’s owners, Natalie Sandler, who was standing nearby. She happened to mention that she was a huge fan of Buck’s.

Lo and behold, after Buck finished his test, he had a quick talk with Natalie. The next thing Jess knew, Buck was striking up a conversation with her, thanking her and taking a photo, and handing her his gloves.

Jess and Buck, just chillin’. Photo courtesy of AK Dragoo Photo.

Now these aren’t just any gloves, these are gloves that are veterans of a three-star test, still slightly damp with sweat. These gloves have experience, they have gravitas. Jess plans on never wearing them….unless she is competing her paint partner Star Bar. Then she’d wear them to channel her inner Buck.

Instagram or it didn’t happen. Photo courtesy of AK Dragoo Photo.

The real question of the day….does she plan on washing them?

“No. Never!”

Go eventing, go Jess, go Natalie and Buck, and go our amazing volunteers.

Plantation Field: Website, Schedule, XC Start Times, SJ Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Sep 22, 2018 12:01 am -

I know this is Eventing Nation, (Jumper Nation is over here) but holy smokes, who else caught the WEG team jumping finale yesterday? Spoiler alert: Team USA clinched gold in a jump-off and it was hella exciting!

Don’t worry though: our portion of the WEG may be over, but eventers still have an exciting weekend ahead with Planation Field CIC3* live streaming and our very own Jenni Autry behind the mic. (Not to mention the SEVEN sanctioned horse trials plus East Coast FEH Championships happening this weekend!)

Plus, if you want to get into something a little different but kind of similar, combined driving is happening at the WEG right now with the marathon phase (the driving equivalent of cross country) happening today from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. EST. It’s pretty cool!

National Holiday: American Business Women’s Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Plantation Field: Website, Schedule, XC Start Times, SJ Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Aspen Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Marlborough H.T [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Flora Lea Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
MeadowCreek Park H.T – The Fall Social Event [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
FEH Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm [Website] [Results]
FEH Championships at Loch Moy Farm [Website] [Entry Status] [Times]
Saturday Links:
Saturday Video:

Winning Moment – Jumping | FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018

Well
we’ll be watching this EPIC finale again and again for a long time. It all came down to the most electrifying Jump-Off we have ever seen at the FEI World Equestrian Games. But when put to the sword, it was Team USA who came through a nail-biting finish and overcame a very strong Swedish team. Huge congratulations to Team USA – that was incredible!đŸ„‡ US Equestrian / đŸ‡șđŸ‡žđŸ„ˆ Svenska Ridsportförbundet – Officiell sida 🇾đŸ‡ȘđŸ„‰ Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung e.V. (FN) đŸ‡©đŸ‡Ș

Posted by FEI Jumping on Friday, September 21, 2018

WEG Happy Hour: USA Clinches Team Show Jumping Gold In Thrilling Jump-Off

By on Sep 21, 2018 10:00 pm -

McLain Ward of the United States on Clinta. Photo FEI/Martin Dokoupil.

What were the chances that after three rounds of jumping there would be a tie for the gold medal position? In fact, it’s the first time that such a result has occurred at the World Equestrian Games, culminating in a jump-off for gold. The jump-off itself was so close that it literally came down to the final round — and McLain Ward and the stunning Clinta delivered. Catch the full recap, and watch the winning round, complete with thunderous roar from the thrilled home crowd. [U.S. Show Jumping Team Takes WEG Gold On Home Turf]

Turn up your volume for this one. It’s well worth it.

Winning Team – Jumping | FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018

Well
we’ll be watching this EPIC moment again and again for a long time. It all came down to the most electrifying jump off we have ever seen at the FEI World Equestrian Games. But when put to the sword, it was Team USA who came through a nail-biting finish and overcame a very strong Swedish team. Huge congratulations to Team USA – that was incredible!đŸ„‡ US Equestrian đŸ‡șđŸ‡žđŸ„ˆ Svenska Ridsportförbundet – Officiell sida 🇾đŸ‡ȘđŸ„‰ Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung e.V. (FN) / đŸ‡©đŸ‡Ș

Posted by Fédération Equestre Internationale on Friday, September 21, 2018

History was also made in Para-Dressage, in which the Netherlands became the first team to dethrone the British since the sport’s recognition. It came down to less than one percentage point, and the Dutch edged out the reigning Brits with consistent performances across the board. Para-dressage competition concludes tomorrow with the freestyle championship. [The Netherlands ends Great Britain’s unbeaten para dressage run: ‘We will come back stronger’]

The USA has set the bar high on the first day of combined driving, led by the legendary Chester Weber in driven dressage. Weber currently sits second in the individual standings with a score of 35.10, and teammate Misdee Wrigley-Miller is fourth with a 42.00; USA’s James Fairclough held the drop score. This summary article from the FEI does a great job of explaining just why driven dressage is a tougher challenge than it looks: combine the traditional challenge of dressage with the task of pulling a carriage while working in unison with a total of four horses, and driven dressage is in fact not a casual drive in the park! [USA Drive to the Top]

Don’t miss these gorgeous images from today’s show jumping team final! [Show Jumping at #Tryon2018: Day 2 Photo Gallery]

What does it mean to be chef d’equipe? Rob Ehrens of the Netherlands shares his thoughts and his strategies that have helped pilot the Dutch team to the highest highs as well as the lowest lows. From communication to scheduling, Ehrens details how he drew his road map to the WEG in a fascinating look at one of the more critical roles for a world championship team. [It’s Business As Usual: Rob Ehrens Discusses His Role As Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe For The Netherlands]

Friday Video and UK Notes from World Equestrian Brands: Meet Ros Canter, Our New World Champion

By on Sep 21, 2018 6:00 pm -

You did it, Ros! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

We’ve all had nearly a week to recover from the excitement of the WEG eventing, but I know I’m not alone in periodically getting hit by the warm-and-fuzzies all over again — Ros Canter’s face when she realised she was World Champion! The Irish team’s long-awaited podium finish! The hugs, the tears, the horses who made it all happen! Dickie Waygood quietly murmuring ‘BOOM’ at his tiny protege, which isn’t a euphemism, but I appreciate that it sounds a bit like one. I’m a bit of an emotional wreck about eventing at the best of times but honestly, blub city over here.

Like the rest of the EN team, I’ve been enjoying watching some of the other disciplines this week, from cavorting-in-style (um, vaulting) to the seriously exciting showjumping. Mainly, if I’m honest, because I am OBSESSED with Danielle Goldstein‘s hair. She is an actual bird of paradise, and her feisty chestnut mare Lizziemary is game and gutsy and I. Am. Here. For. It.

UK Weekend Preview

Events Opening this Weekend

  • 21st: Aston-le-Walls (5) – BE80N – [Enter] Northamptonshire (October 26-27)
  • 21st: Horseheath (3) – BE80-BE105 – [Enter] Cambridgeshire (October 27-28)

Events Balloting this Weekend

  • 22nd: Broadway (2) – BE80-N – [Enter] Worcestershire (October 13-14)

Friday Video: Go Behind-the-Scenes with Ros Canter

Softly-spoken, fiercely determined, and possessing an enormous work ethic that belies her tiny stature, World Champion Ros Canter is a new name to many eventing fans. But the 32-year-old, who has been, perhaps, Great Britain’s best-kept-secret, isn’t lacking in experience or time spent logging essential riding and competing hours. Take a look into life behind the scenes with Ros, her trainer and owner of Allstar B Caroline Moore, and the team behind them, and enjoy a snippet of what goes into producing the performance of a lifetime in this video from Team GB Equestrian. We’re willing to bet you’re going to love Ros, with her endless gratitude, graceful riding, and unabashed love for her horse, as much as we do.

#EventerFailFriday: Jesus Take the Wheel

By on Sep 21, 2018 10:00 am -

Take it from my hands, ‘cuz I can’t get over this jump on my own.

Hey, we’ve all been there. Exhibit A: your latest batch of #EventerProblems.

Go Eventing.