Classic Eventing Nation

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Ride WEG Cross Country with Brazil’s Marcio Carvalho Jorge

By on Sep 17, 2018 4:00 pm -

Marcio Jorge Head Cam – Eventing XC | FEI World Equestrian Games

It's as if you're riding the actual course 😯Eventing athlete Marcio C Jorge strapped on a head camera during his FEI Eventing Cross Country run yesterday at Tryon2018. Here's how he took on the course 👀 👇

Posted by FEI Eventing on Sunday, September 16, 2018

If you were able to catch the live stream of cross country on Saturday, you may have noticed a unique feature that gave viewers a new perspective on the sport. Sam Fleet of Equine Productions Ltd. outfitted a few riders with the JockeyCam Live, a lightweight helmet cam, which, with its accompanying transmitter strapped to the back of the rider’s vest, could transfer high definition live video for broadcast. During the runs of the outfitted riders, which included Brazil’s Marcio Carvalho Jorge and New Zealand’s Jonelle Price, the live stream occasionally cut to the feed from from the helmet cams allowing the viewer to get a real-time first-person perspective of the course.

This isn’t quite the first time a live helmet cam feed has been used for equine sporting events (but it’s certainly not a common occurrence yet). William Fox-Pitt wore it around the 2015 Burghley course and JockeyCam Live made its U.S. debut during last year’s Breeder’s Cup which took place at Del Mar Racetrack in November. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith wore the camera for all of his races and the live feed was streamed on the Breeders’ Cup website, app and part of NBC’s live TV coverage.

The JockeyCam Live made another appearance during today’s show jumping finale, as I spotted Tim Price wearing it during his round, though the live stream did not cut to his perspective at all. Hopefully we’ll get a look at that footage at some point in addition to the other riders who wore it for cross country! Look out for the JockeyCam Live during the rest of WEG as well — Sam Fleets says some of the show jumpers and combined drivers will be wearing it.

All the Feels: Sights & Sounds from WEG Show Jumping

By on Sep 17, 2018 3:55 pm -

Hurricane Florence talked a big-bad game, but with the exception of a blistering couple days of dressage and a soggy Sunday horse inspection the weather behaved itself quite nicely. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

What a dramatic finale for eventing at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. You thought Ingrid had it in the bag but then … plot twist at the very last! Team Great Britain had a spectacular week to clinch gold, and what a thrill to see Team Ireland right up there beside them on the podium. We witnessed a valiant effort from Team USA and while the stars don’t always align, that’s what makes the game exciting, and we’ll fight again another day.

Jenni will be along soon with a full show jumping report, accompanied by yet another batch of stunning photos from Leslie T. (Massive shout-out here to Abby for, among other contributions, all her invaluable help transcribing quotes this week.) In the meantime, check out Shelby’s live updates for a play-by-play and enjoy these candid snapshots from the day that was.

Riders recap their rides with the media. While they were narrowly edged out of a podium finish, Team Japan was the dark horse that knocked everyone’s socks off this week — at this rate they’ll be a real threat in Tokyo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Groom Kendyl Tracy walks Lynn Symansky and Donner to the in-gate. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The ring steward looks like a cross between a carnival master and the monopoly guy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

I’ve never seen someone with such command of an in-gate. Between that hat and his clipboard and walky-talky, this is a guy I would NOT want to cross. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sam Watson congratulates Padraig McCarthy after his clear round, which will move him from 7th place into individual silver position. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Love this Team New Zealand gal’s bird of paradise hair extensions. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Viva la France! Despite being mounted on relatively inexperienced horses, Team France finished in bronze medal position. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ros Canter is still in 2nd place in this photo … but not for long! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD are the last ones in the warm-up ring. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ingrid Klimke has the last fence down, which moves her into individual bronze, but she’s a gracious class-act in both victory and … well, a bronze medal certainly does not qualify as defeat! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

That moment when you realize you’ve won Team Gold. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

You did it, Ros! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Hugs all around. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

A flurry of activity before the medal ceremony. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Standing ovation for the hardworking grooms! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

More to come. Go Eventing.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Starting Order, Schedule, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, Course Preview, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

 

 

6 Times the WEG Vendor Village Made George Morris Die, Just So He Could Roll Over in His Grave

By on Sep 17, 2018 11:35 am -

Time for a deep-dive into that most fiscally treacherous of WEG excursions, the Vendor Village! Let’s go see what there is to see this go-round.

First things first, a stop by our friends at Attwood Equestrian Surfaces (B11-#7), where Chinch was anticipating a soul-galvanizing roll in some world-class footing. He’d heard the hype about this stuff, which is engineered from meticulously selected sand, blended with micro poly-fibers and coated with a viscoelastic polymer. One detail, unfortunately, escaped him: Attwood Surfaces footing isn’t at all dusty.

“I was told there would be a dust bath.” Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Our condolences, Chinch. Moving along!

As we stroll through the Vendor Village, one thing becomes apparent: George Morris would NOT approve. Six examples:

Boots. Sorry, George. There is no repenting for this. There is no redemption.

As seen at the Romitelli Boots vendor.

As seen at the Tacknrider.com booth.

As seen in the Der Dau booth.

Bling. Most of us have accepted that a little glitter here and there is just the way of the modern world. George might have to put his sunglasses on, but a tasteful sparkly browband isn’t going to send him straight into cardiac arrest.

As seen at the Browbands With Bling (and Other Things!) booth.

But this line of sparkling boots by Dutch dressage legend Anky van Grunsven? RIP George Morris.

As seen at the Tacknrider.com booth.

As seen at the Tacknrider.com booth.

Stirrups. It used to be that we’d ride without stirrups or just plain spend more time in the saddle to improve our chances of keeping the horse between oneself and the ground. How old-fashioned.

As seen at the Flex-on Stirrup display.

As seen at the Flex-on Stirrup display.

Helmets. Remember hunt caps?

As seen at the Tuyet Distinctive Jewelry booth.

Don’t worry, we’ll bury you in yours if you want, George. These days, we’ve taken to using hunt caps as light fixtures and topping our heads with these monstrosities instead.

As seen at the Charles Owens booth.

Nutrition. Getting fat isn’t just for humans anymore. Now your horse can experience the miracle of junk food, too!

As seen in the food truck court.

Snaks Fifth Avenue horse treats, as seen at the Tacknrider.com booth.

Work ethic. Isn’t that, like, for old people? We know you used to walk uphill both ways in the snow to get to your twice daily lunge lesson, George, but it’s a brave new world for abject laziness.

As seen at Centerline Equestrian Boutique.

As seen at Centerline Equestrian Boutique.

As seen at Centerline Equestrian Boutique.

Go Shopping.

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WEG Show Jumping Live Updates, Presented by SmartPak

By on Sep 17, 2018 9:32 am -

Team GB. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Did everyone enjoy the off day? Because we’re back with the final show jumping phase at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. We’ve got 70 combinations coming forward to jump Alan Wade’s track, and no room for error in this stacked leaderboard.

The United States will be looking to finish 6th or better (or 7th or better if the 2020 host nation, Japan, stays above us on the leaderboard) to achieve qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Let’s go team.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Starting Order, Schedule, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, Course Preview, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

1:16 p.m. Here’s how things shook out: Stay tuned for the full report:

1:11 p.m. DOUBLE GOLD for Great Britain! Ros Canter is world champion!

Ros Canter and Allstar B. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

1:10 p.m. THE LAST FENCE DOWN!!! Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD finish in bronze medal position.

1:08 p.m. Ros Canter and Allstar B jump clear! GREAT BRITAIN WINS GOLD! Ros guaranteed podium finish. All rests now on Ingrid.

1:07 p.m. Team GB’s gold medal relies on a clear round from Ros Canter.

1:04 p.m. Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound have one down to finish on 30.3. Ireland finishes on 93 and WILL earn their first team medal here at WEG.

1:02 p.m. Last French rider, Thibaut Vallette Lt Col and Qing du Briot ENE HN have a scary moment at the fourth fence. They have one rail to finish on 30.8. France finishes on 99.8.

12:59 p.m. Astier Nicolas and Vinci de la Vigne drop one rail for 31.2 as individuals for France.

12:57 p.m. Tim Price and Cekatinka finish 31.2 with one down for New Zealand. New Zealand has finished on 142.2 points for 7th place, and Olympic qualification.

12:56 p.m. Tim Price and Cekatinka have a rail at the liverpool.

12:54 p.m. Padraig McCarthy and Mr Chunky go clear for Ireland. They finish on 27.2. A HUGE ride for the team.

12:52 p.m. Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo has one down to finish on 31.8. Team GB now on 88.80, and Ireland on 89. These final riders have no room for mistakes.

12:50 p.m. Lynn Skymansky and Donner have 3 rails down for a final score of 40.3. The U.S. has dropped to 8th on a final score of 145, which drops the US out of Tokyo 2020 qualifications.

12:46 p.m. Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser have one down to finish on 32.4 for Great Britain.

12:43 p.m. Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos jump clear for Australia to finish on 28.9. Australia finished on a team score of 135.8 for 7th place currently. Lynn Symansky can only have one rail to ensure the US qualifies for Tokyo 2020.

12:41 p.m. Jonelle Price and Classic Moet have 2 down for a final score of 38. New Zealand currently on 138.2 ahead of their final rider.

12:38 p.m. Pawel Spisak (POL) and Banderas have 2 down to finish on 39.4.

12:24 p.m. Tina Cook and Billy the Red jump clear to stay on 31.5 as individuals for Great Britain.

12:32 p.m. Merel Blom (NED) and Rumour Has It N.O.P. have one down to finish on 35.6.

12:30 p.m. Maxime Livio and Opium de Verrieres jump clear for France to finish on 32.1. The French remain on 95.8 with one more team rider to come.

12:38 p.m. VERY lucky rub for Kazuma Tomoto at the liverpool. Kazuma and Tacoma d’Horset finish on 40.20. Team Japan finishes on 113.9.

12:25 p.m. 3 down for Gemma Tattersall (GBR) and Arctic Soul to finish on 44.4.

12:23 p.m. Sidney Dufresne and Tresor Mail have one down for France to finish on 36.9. The French still sit in bronze medal position on 95.8.

12:20 p.m. Emma McNab and Fernhill Tabasco pick up 12 jump penalties and 14 time penalties to finish on 59.8.

12:19 p.m. Emma McNab and Fernhill Tabasco have a stop at fence 3.

12:17 p.m. Phillip Dutton and Z jump clear for the USA!! They finish on 34.

12:16 p.m. The crowd goes wild as Phillip Dutton and Z enter the ring.

12:13 p.m. Yoshiaki Oiwa and Calle 44 have one pesky rail to finish on 38.2.

12:12 p.m. Just one time penalty for Toshiyuki Tanaka and Talma d’Allou for Japan! They finish on 35.5

12:10 p.m. Ludwig Svennerstal and Stinger, the final pair for Sweden, had 7 rails down to finish on 63.3. Sweden now has a final team score of 155.5.

12:07 p.m. Sam Watson and Horseware Ardagh Highlight had one tight moment in the triple combination, but they deliver a brilliant clear round for Ireland to finish on 35.5.

12:04 p.m. Karin Donckers and Fletcha van’t Verahof jump clear for Belgium. They finish on 35.6. Belgium team now finishes on 166.6.

12:01 p.m. Carlos Diaz Fernandez (ESP) and Junco CP, who were the very first to finish cross country inside the time, have one rail to finish on 40.3.

11:59 a.m. Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua have just one down in their first Senior Championship for Ireland. They finish on 41.6.

11:58 a.m. Canada’s Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High jump clear, but have 3 time penalties. They finish on 41.7.

11:55 a.m. Final team rider for Brazil, Marcio Caralho Jorge has 2 down with Coronel MCJ to finish on 47. This gives Brazil a final team score of 217.70.

11:52 a.m. Donatien Schauly Adj and Pivoine des Touches have a brilliant clear for France. They stay on 39.3. The fighting French want a medal today!

11:50 a.m. Louise Svensson Jahde (SWE) and Waikiki 207 have the last fence down to finish on 43.6.

11:47 a.m. Lara de Liedekerke-Meier (BEL) and Alpaga d’Arville have 4 rails and 1 time penalty to finish on 57.2.

11:44 a.m. Albert Hermoso Farras (ESP) and Nereo CP have 2 rails to finish with 48.50 penalties.

11:43 a.m. Niklas Lindback (SWE) and Focus Filiocus have 2 down to finish on 48.6.

11:29 a.m. At the halfway mark, only 7 have gone double clear.

11:28 a.m. Theo van de Vendel (NED) and Zindane have five down to finish on 62.4.

11:26 a.m. Raf Kooremans (NED) and Henri Z finish on 56.9.

11:23 a.m. So far the biggest cheers of the day belong to Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo who had 5 down to finish on 63.5 as individuals for Canada.

11:22 a.m. Andreas Dibowski (GER) and FRH Corrida go double clear to finish on 43.5.

11:18 a.m. Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges have 4 down to finish on 60.4 for Canada.

Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

11:16 a.m. The final combination for Italy, Arianna Schivo and Quefira de l’Ormeau go double clear to finish on 45.2. This gives Italy a final team score of 164.3.

11:13 a.m. Daniela Moguel and Cecelia have 3 down to finish on 57.9 for Mexico.

11:11 a.m. Two down for Dan Jocelyn and Grovine de Reve. They finish on 54 as individuals for New Zealand.

11:08 a.m. Pietro Roman (ITA) and Barraduff have one rail and 3 time penalties to finish on 54 points.

11:05 a.m. Kai Ruder and Colani Sunrise jump clear for Germany. They finish on 47.4.

11:03 a.m. Marcelo Tosi (BRA) and Glenfly have 4 rails and 2 time penalties to finish on 65.6.

11:00 a.m. After a devastating runout on yesterday’s cross country, Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH have one rail to finish on 56.3 for Germany.

10:58 a.m. Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me have one down for 52.6 penalties as the first pair to complete for Canada.

10:56 a.m. Chris Burton and Cooley Lands jump clear for Australia. They stay on 48.6.

10:54 a.m. Renske Kroeze (NED) and Jane Z had 3 down to finish on 61.1.

10:52 a.m. 

10:51 a.m. Alex Hua Tian and Ballytiglea Vivendi have one rail and 2 time penalties to finish on 58 as the sole representatives from China.

10:49 a.m. Manuel Senra Chover (ESP) and Cruising have three down to finish with 68.10.

10:45 a.m. Shane Rose and Virgil have a double clear round for Australia to end the weekend (start the week?) on 57.4.

10:43 a.m. Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg have 3 down to finish on 70.7 for the United States.

10:43 a.m. A huge applause as Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg enter the ring.

10:40 a.m. Maria Pinedo Sendagorta (ESP) and Carriem van Colen Z have 2 down to finish on 64.7.

10:37 a.m. Pietro Sandei (ITA) and Rubis de Prere has the final fence down and one time penalty for a final score of 65.1.

10:35 a.m. Joris Vanspringel (BEL) and Imperial van de Holtakkers have 2 down and 2 time penalties for a final score of 73.8.

10:34 a.m. Sir Mark Todd (NZL) and McClaren have one rail down for a final score of 73.

10:29 a.m. The final pair for Switzerland, Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH have one down for a final result of 76.6. Switzerland’s final team score is  332.7.

10:28 a.m. Stefano Brecciaroli (ITA) and Byrnesgrove First Diamond have the very final rail down and one time penalty for a final score of 79.

10:26 a.m. Ryuzo Kitajima and Queen Mary jump clear for Japan! They finish on 75.8.

10:23 a.m. Alice Naber-Lozeman (NED) and ACSI Harry Belafonte have 2 down and 2 time penalties to finish on 85.9.

10:20 a.m. Patricia Ryan and Dunrath Eclipse have the first clear round! They remain on 78.6 as individuals for Ireland.

10:18 a.m. Nicolas Wettstein (ECU) takes a tour around the arena after Meyer’s Happy decides to bolt. Jumped a few extra ferns for good measure. These two had 24 jumping penalties to finish on 104.6.

10:15 a.m. Marcio Appel Cheuiche (BRA) and Iberon Jmen have 4 down and 2 time penalties to finish on 105.1.

10:14 a.m. Little scare from Marcio Appel Cheuiche after Iberon Jmen trips and nearly goes down, but saved it!

10:13 a.m. Ronald Zabala Goetschel (ECU) and Wundermaske jump clear, but add 6 time penalties to finish on 93.1.

10:10 a.m. Will Coleman and Tight Lines have three poles down to finish on 99.2 for the USA.

10:07 a.m. Patrizia Attinger and Hilton P have 2 rails to finish on 96.9 for Switzerland.

10:06 a.m. Here’s a course map:

2018 WEG Course Map.

10:04 a.m. Nilson Moreira da Silva and Magnum’s Martini (BRA) have 5 down to finish on  119.80.

10:02 a.m. Felix Vogg and Colero have one pole down at 12a and 3 time penalties to finish on 159.20.

10:00 a.m. Here comes Felix Vogg to get things started!

9:30 a.m. We’re in the the U.S. Trust arena, and the course looks beautiful! First horse in at 10:00 a.m. Click here  for the starting order.

Show Jumping Powerhouses of WEG 2018

By on Sep 17, 2018 9:27 am -

It’s (finally) the last day of eventing of WEG. There’s been abandonments galore, our chinchillas are sopping wet, and yet coverage soldiers on.

After a very wet and dramatic final horse inspection yesterday, the stage is set for the reigning European Champion to become the reigning World Champion. Ingrid Klimke has her work cut out for her though, as there are six other riders within a rail of the top placing, and every one of them is capable of jumping a clear round. They are also all capable of having a rail. Meanwhile there are a couple of excellent jumpers in the remainder of the top 10 ready to pounce. It will all come down to who can handle the pressure in this moment.

Keep in mind that the horses are show jumping after a day of rest, which will bring an extra unknown variable into play for everyone. Some horses may feel better in their body than they would have the day after cross country; others may be feeling any stiff muscles a bit more than the typically would on the final day. Horses who usually jump better after taking the edge off with cross country could revert back to being a bit tougher to ride, while others who might struggle from being a touch tired could feel an extra bit of spring.

The show jumping course designer is Ireland’s Alan Wade, who has designed at the World Cup Final and Dublin Horse Show. He is also designing the courses for pure show jumping this week at WEG.

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THE FATE OF THE TOP TEN

Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob. FEI/Jon Stroud Photo.

Ingrid Klimke (GER) and SAP Hale Bob OLD

Pros: This pair has been very consistently one-or-none in the show jumping phase in the horse’s career, incurring no more than one rail in 21 of his 23 career 3/4* starts. They’ve also jumped clear in five of the horse’s eight CCI3/4* starts.

Cons: The only two times that SAP Hale Bob OLD has had more than one rail, they were both at CCIs. Their clear rate when show jumping is the final phase sits at just 47%, making it a coin flip as to whether this is a one rail day or none rail day. Her 2018 form has a rail in two of four CIC3* starts.

Prediction: +4

Ros Canter and Allstar B. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Ros Canter (GBR) and Allstar B

Pros:  Allstar B’s four-star record is actually cleaner than his record at CCI3*, with only one rail in four CCI4* runs. He’s jumped clear in seven of his last eight show jumping rounds.

Cons: The only rail on his record over the last two years does come from Badminton this spring, which is his most recent CCI run.

Prediction: +0

Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound (IRL). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sarah Ennis (IRL) and Horseware Stellor Rebound

Pros: Horseware Stellor Rebound have a pretty incredible stadium record at the CIC3* level, jumping clear in 13 consecutive CIC3* starts. In 16 career CIC3* starts, this horse has only had one rail.

Cons: Their CCI3/4* clear jumping rate is significantly lower than their CIC3* rate, jumping clear only 57% of the time at those levels combined. They’ve also only jumped clear in one of their three CCI4* completions.

Prediction: +4

Lt. Col Thibault Vallette and Qing du Briot ENE HN. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Thibaut Vallette (FRA) and Qing du Briot Ene HN

Pros: This pair have never had a stadium penalty at a CCI3/4*. Ever. That includes two European championships, the Rio Olympic Games with two jumping rounds, and Badminton.

Cons: Their 2018 form took a hit, with rails for the first time in four years, and not just one but three rails, at Chatsworth. This was followed by another rail at Bramham CIC3*. They did follow with a clear round at Aachen CICO3*, but a clear round is not quite guaranteed.

Prediction: +0

Tim Price and Cekatinka. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tim Price (NZL) and Cekatinka

Pros: Cekatinka and Tim Price have only been paired up for seven 3* runs, but in the mare’s career at this level, she’s jumped clear in five of them. They’ve never had more than a rail and jumped clear at both of the CCI3*.

Cons: This is the mare’s first crack at a CCI4* height course, and while her record is very good, it isn’t perfect.

Prediction: +0

Padraig McCarthy and Mr Chunky. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Padraig McCarthy (IRL) and Mr Chunky

Pros: Padraig McCarthy came over from the world of show jumping, which strengthened Mr Chunky’s abilities in this phase. Since taking over the ride from his wife, Padraig has produce clear rounds out of this horse in six of their seven career 3/4* starts together, and have jumped clear in each of their two CCI3/4* completions.

Cons: These two aren’t strangers to time penalties despite their ability to leave the sticks  up. In their only CCI4* start, they jumped clear but picked up 3 time.

Prediction: +1

Astier Nicolas and Vinci de la Vigne. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Astier Nicolas (FRA) and Vinci de la Vigne

Pros:  This young horse jumped clear in both of his 2018 3* starts, including a clear in his only CCI3* run at Boekelo.

Cons: Astier and Vinci de la Vigne have not jumped a clear round this year, incurring a rail at each of three CIC3* starts.

Prediction: +4

Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Piggy French (GBR) and Quarrycrest Echo

Pros: Another one-or-none horse who has never incurred more than a rail, Quarrycrest Echo has jumped clear in more of his 3/4* starts than he hasn’t. At the CCI3/4* level, he’s only had one rail in three starts. He comes into WEG with clear rounds in his last three consecutive outings.

Cons: This pair splits almost perfectly evenly between one rail or none.

Prediction: +0

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lynn Symansky (USA) and Donner 

Pros: This home team pair have been one-or-none for 17 of the last 18 3/4* starts they’ve had.

Cons: With nine CCI4* completions, these two have a solid history of having one down at this level. They’ve had one down in six of their nine 4* completions, two rails in two of them, and haven’t jumped a clear at the level since their 4* debut back in 2013.

Prediction: +4

Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Tom McEwen (GBR) and Toledo de Kerser

Pros: In four CCI4* runs, this pair have never had a penalty in the stadium. They’ve jumped clear in five of their six CCI3/4* runs. And they’ve jumped clear in 14 of 15 career 3/4* starts.

Cons: The only rail they’ve had in their 3/4* career was at a CCI3*.

Prediction: +0

THE CLIMBERS

Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos (AUS). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Andrew Hoy (AUS) and Vassily de Lassos

Pros: This horse has two 2* and three 3* starts under Andrew Hoy and has yet to add any penalties in a stadium phase. In fact the horse has only ever had one rail in his entire international career.

Cons: The horse has only had half a year at the 3* level before coming here to tackle his first CCI4* stadium round. The big question will be if his fitness has a solid base; the day off may benefit this horse.

Prediction: +0

Kristina Cook and Billy the Red (GBR). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Tina Cook (GBR) and Billy the Red

Pros: In 19 starts at the 3/4* level together, Tina and Billy the Red have jumped clear in all but three, never incurring more than a single rail. They’ve also jumped clear in five of their six CCI3/4*.

Cons: One of the only three times they had a rail was at one of their two CCI4* completions.

Prediction: +0

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton (USA) and Z

Pros: This young horse has has only one rail in 12 runs at 3/4* under Phillip Dutton. He’s jumped clear in all three of his CCI3/4* starts and has jumped clear in his last eight consecutive 3/4* rounds.

Cons: He did incur the only time penalty of his 3/4* career at a CCI3*.

Prediction: +0

OTHERS OF NOTE

Alex Hua Tian and Ballytiglea Vivendi (CHN). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

If horses like Virgil (Shane Rose) and Ballytiglea Vivendi (Alex Hua Tian) struggle to get a clear round early on, it’s a good indication that Alan Wade’s track will be a tougher course than average. FRH Corrida (Andreas Dibowski) and Henri Z (Raf Kooremans) will also be good indicators.

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Sep 17, 2018 12:01 am -

Carlos Diaz Fernandez and Junco CP leaving the barns before heading to cross country and a double-clear round for Spain. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

OK everyone, it’s the day we’ve all been waiting for! Show jumping begins at 10 a.m. EST in the U.S. Trust Arena and PSA to spectators traveling to the venue: Spectator parking has been relocated next to the Sandy Plains Volunteer Headquarters. For home viewers, it does not appear that the Olympic Channel or NBCSN have adjusted their broadcast following the rescheduling of the event. For US and Canada viewers, it seems that FEI TV is the only option to watch it live. Bummer, I know.

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National Holiday: National Apple Dumpling Day

U.S. Weekend Results:

GMHA September H.T. [Website] [Results]

CDCTA H.T. [Website] [Results]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website] [Results]

Flying Cross Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

WEG spectator parking has been moved. Spectator parking for the WEG is now located next to the Sandy Plains Volunteer Headquarters for Monday and Tuesday. Follow Department of Transportation signs to the parking lot. Parking at the Steeplechase Lot will reconvene on Wednesday, September 19. [Parking moved]

Laura Kraut and Boyd Martin aren’t concerned with the weather. “Hand walk? I rode this morning!” said Kraut. The area around Tryon is under advisory for heavy flooding and mud slides, but the venue itself seems to only be suffering minor flooding.  [How The WEG And Its Athletes Are Weathering The Storm]

Tsetserleg grew up through the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) program and is now competing for Team USA at the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). The message that both Holekamp and Turner want everyone to know: If they can do it, anyone can do it! [The Event College at #Tryon2018: From YEH to WEG with Tsetserleg]

H&H’s eventing editor reports in from Tryon after what she calls, “one of the oddest days of my life.” On the one hand, it was a championship cross-country day. On the other, it was the day it seemed like she was going to experience the first hurricane. [Pippa Roome’s WEG blog: when Hurricane Florence meets cross-country day…]

Monday Video:

#Tryon2018 Sunday Social Media Roundup: Rain Delay

By on Sep 16, 2018 8:22 pm -

A “rest day” between cross country and stadium jumping is certainly an … unusual situation, to say the least. We’ve heard some mixed feelings from the riders about the rescheduling of show jumping to Monday, and it will indeed be interesting to see what, if any, effect it may have on the horses and riders. As for today, it gave some competitors some extra time to reflect on their rides yesterday, for better or for worse:

View this post on Instagram

Hard to put my disappointment into words. We all know that this is a tough game, but yesterday was like a cannonball to the stomach. After a freak stop at the waterfall bank, Phish and I had an uncharacteristic runout at the railroad corner, and ultimately finished with an uncompetitive score that did not benefit the US team. It stings bitterly, and fell far short of my own and my team’s expectations, and that is truly hard to swallow. We still have a job to do today and tomorrow to try and qualify for Tokyo, so that will be our focus now. While this result stinks, I am still beyond grateful for this horse, his owners, my family, my teammates, and the whole village of support here and at home that makes it possible to be at a major championship. I am sorry that it did not go better.

A post shared by Will Coleman Equestrian (@willcolemanequestrian) on

There was one thing still on the agenda for today, however. The competitors, journalists, and some very intrepid spectators braved the rain and ventured to a very soggy final horse inspection:

But we’ve said it once and we’ll say it a thousand more times: eventers are a hardy bunch. There’s one phase left yet, a job still to do, and the show will go on.

#Tryon2018 #TeamUSA #Tsetserleg #RidingInTheRain

Posted by Boyd Martin on Sunday, September 16, 2018

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, Course Preview, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Sunday Video from Total Saddle Fit: Waterfall Up-Banks? Pffft

By on Sep 16, 2018 5:57 pm -

One memorable aspect of the 2018 WEG cross country course was its water features. Exhibit A: those waterfall up-banks at #10.

Several horses took issue with the waterfall up-bank at #10. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

These things really tripped up some folks, and by “folks” I mean Olympians like Will Coleman, Mark Todd, Sandra Auffarth … all of whose horses landed off the boat and saw, well, one can only imagine what it was that they saw. Something like this?

“OH HELL NO.”

And then there were those crazy shooty-fountain jumps. They didn’t cause much trouble on paper, but some horses sure did give them the stink-eye.

Louise Svensson Jahde and Waikiki 207 (SWE). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Basically this, right?

Terrifying.

Well, weenie WEG horses, it’s time to go home and face your fountain fears. Maybe that means sleeping with a sprinkler in your stall; maybe you just start small, an eye-dropper between the ears, and build up to a water bucket or two dumped on your head each day; I don’t know, I’m no four-star rider, that’s between you and your respective human. All I can do for you is share some inspiration.

Someday, with a lot of hard training, you too can be as brave as these horses.

Kudos to that horse: he was just walking along, minding his own business, getting in the zone to do his show jumping course and then, boom, SURPRISE WATER CANNON! But you know what? He kept a cool head about the situation and went on to jump a clean round! Yeah, that’s the kind of horse you can send down Niagra Falls in a barrel. And then there’s this one:

Water Jumping

#WowJumping | PegaseBuzz

Pendant que toi, t’arrives à peine à passer une flaque, y en a qui s’amusent à faire ça. Y a pas de justice.

Posted by PegaseBuzz on Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Well, it’s something to aspire to. Best of luck to all tomorrow, and Go Eventing.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, Course Preview, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

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

Soggy Sights and Sounds from Sunday at Tryon

By on Sep 16, 2018 5:35 pm -

Some areas around Tryon remain flooded. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Florence was no match for eventers Sunday at WEG. There were some scheduling fluctuations, but eventually horses were trotted up for the final inspection. While Jenni covered that emotional rollercoaster (you can find her report here), Leslie Threlkeld and I decided to explore and see how the venue fared in the weather.

First, the areas for horses are absolutely fine. We’ve seen no flooding in/around barns or arenas. Multiple grooms have confirmed with EN that stalls and aisle ways are completely dry. So as always the horses will continue to be comfortable.

Sandbags are in place to keep out any potential water. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The arenas also fared well in the storm with little to no standing water. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The rest of the venue is a mixed bag. While some areas escaped unscathed, others are underwater. The hub of competition, around the Tryon Stadium, is largely unaffected, but the farther you go out the more damage you might see.

The vendor area closed down in time for the rain, but there is some standing water in certain areas. I’d also like to commend the local police who were patrolling the area to make sure the vendor village didn’t fall victim to anyone with sticky fingers.

Overall, many areas fared better than I would’ve thought, but there are certainly more than a few puddles. The National Weather Service still has the area under a flash flood watch, so it looks like rain may continue to fall overnight.

I was able to get around with my ankle height duck boots, but I did have to mind my step, so my advice for spectators is to pack your tall wellies and you’ll be just fine. We’ll be right there with you!

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, Course Preview, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Photo by Shelby Allen.

Wet, but manageable. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Leslie Threlkeld ventures behind the U.S. Trust area, which is not open to spectators. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Many areas are unaffected. Photo by Shelby Allen.

This was where the endurance vet box was. Photo by Shelby Allen.

 

 

 

Robin Godel’s Save of the Day at WEG

By on Sep 16, 2018 4:48 pm -

We saw great saves and valiant recovery efforts yesterday on cross country at the FEI World Equestrian Games, but Switzerland’s Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH definitely had the save of the day.

Grandeur de Lully CH stutter stepped on take-off at the Apple Country table at 13B. Knees up and ears pricked, they looked to be alright at first but couldn’t quite clear the width of the table. Grandeur de Lully CH stretched, making a heroic attempt to stay on his feet, but he stumbled to his knees on landing, throwing Robin on to his neck.

It looked like Robin was going to shoot out the front door, but Grandeur de Lully CH lifted his head and literally threw Robin back in the tack. Then they were off and running. Now that’s teamwork! Robin and Grandeur de Lully CH went on to finish the course clear with 38.4 time penalties. Keep scrolling to see the sequence of their epic save.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, Course Preview, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Go Eventing.