Photos courtesy of Barrett Diehl. 2006 on left: photographer unknown. 2018 on right: High Time Photography.
Just as some people date the same “type” over and over again, some eventers are magnets for a certain type of horse. Sometimes it’s a matter of personality, way of going, or look, and sometimes it’s the full package.
After almost 20 years of eventing, EN reader Barrett Diehl of Top Flight Equestrian (Raleigh, North Carolina area) recently made this discovery: “I took my young horse out to a horse trial this weekend, and when I got the pictures back I saw one and realized it looked eerily similar to another one I had of my old Intermediate horse. So I decided to pair them side by side, and it’s pretty cool at how similar my horses are. The horse on the left, Topper, is 8 in this pic; my current horse is on the right, Tru, who is 7. Also what’s interesting is seeing the different styles between the years. “
Our “Let’s Discuss” topic for this week: Do YOU have a type? Tell us (or show us) in the comments!
I hope you’re not too OTTB overloaded after this weekend’s Thoroughbred Makeover, but gosh, what a weekend it was and for eventers especially, sweeping many divisions and winning the overall title of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred. But why let the OTTB madness stop here? There are plenty more prospects out there waiting for their chance at second careers.
Did this weekend’s Makeover inspire you to open up your barn to an OTTB of your own? Here are three eligible candidates for your consideration:
Crawfish Shorts. Photo via new Vocations Racehorse Adoption.
“Shorty” came straight from the track to New Vocations’ facility and has easily adjusted to life on the farm and made friends with his paddock buddies. This not-so-short gelding is a confident, talented youngster who’s finding his new training very fun and will throw in an occasional head toss to let you know how proud he is of himself. He has big swinging gaits and no stall vices or soundness issues and he’s got the clean x-rays on file to prove it! He’s also eligible for the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover if you’re thinking ahead.
Pacific Surf could definitely be channeling the surfer dude vibes with his attitude: he’s chill and laid back, yet always up for an adventure. Things seem to come easy to him and he appears to be a natural athlete. “Pacific” raced 13 times and didn’t particularly ‘wow’ at the track, but it might be that he just hasn’t found the right sport yet. He has a lovely trot with a natural toe-flick and the beginnings of collection under saddle. Take him home and he’ll be your best adventure buddy — plus, he’s also 2018 Makeover eligible!
Shall we make it three for three chestnut geldings this week? Fletcher is a well-bred youngster who sold for $110,000 as a yearling at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale and he did fairly well for himself on the track, making 29 starts and earning a little over $45,000. However, this summer he didn’t run quite like he used to and while he appears sound on all accounts, it seems that he’s just getting tired of doing the racing thing. His only vice is some stall weaving when he gets anxious, but he could very likely thrive in a less stressful environment and on a non-racehorse diet. Fletcher has a great sporthorse pedigree too and could be a golden boy for whoever trains him up in a second career!
Whitney Tucker-Billeter and Bill’s Midnight Magic. Photo via Whitney’s Facebook page.
Champions abounded last weekend with Area II Championships running at Morven Park and Area VI Championships held at Woodside. Whitney Tucker-Billeter and John Herich’s Bill’s Midnight Magic were among those winners at woodside, topping the Training Horse division. Congratulations to Whitney, and all the champions!
If all the activity of the USEA’s Annual Meeting & Convention aren’t enough of a draw for you, then how about the city of New Orleans? “The Spookiest City in America” has plenty for your outside of the meeting rooms. Sign up for Convention now to get early bird pricing. [Discover the Darkness of New Orleans During the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention]
Chewing and licking behavior have often been associated as signs of submission, but a new study believes they’re more likely indicators of stress. They studied wild horses with little human interaction and found that the horses most often showed these actions after a stressful situation, indicating that a stressful situation had just occurred. [Licking and chewing: Is it a sign of submission or stress?]
It was a busy weekend of eventing, with three-star events on both coasts and multiple horse trials in between.
Before we begin our weekly roll call of blue ribbon winners, let’s give a shout-out to the lowest scoring finishers of the country this weekend, Melissa Schielein and Ottonowhere. The pair scored a 20.5 to win a division of Open Beginner Novice at Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. — congrats, you two!
And now, for your weekend winners:
Morven Park CIC & HT [Website] [Results]
CIC Three Star: Caroline Martin & The Apprentice (45.9)
CIC Two Star-A: Waylon Roberts & Uprising (34.4)
CIC Two Star-B: Alexandra Knowles & Princess B (37.3)
CIC One Star-A: Emily Beshear & Templewood (27.7)
CIC One Star-B: Sarah Pyne & Quintessential (26.3)
Advanced: Kim Severson & Cooley Cross Border (26.3)
Advanced Championships: Lynn Symansky & RF Cool Play (36.7)
Open Intermediate: Cornelia Dorr & Sir Patico MH (33.1)
Intermediate – Championships: Tatiana Herrero & Bernstein Callisto (42.8)
Junior Young Riders Open Preliminary CH: Tatiana Herrero Bernstein & Callisto (42.8)
Open Preliminary-A: Boyd Martin & Wabanaki (23.0)
Open Preliminary-B: Boyd Martin & Maya (30.8)
Preliminary – Championships: Katherine Nolan & Prince of Power (37.8)
Preliminary Horse: Cindy Anderson-Blank & MHS Cooley Vegas (33.0)
Junior Training Rider: Cassie Sanger & Ultra Violet (35.7)
Junior/Young Championships: Alexis Clymore & Salute the Captain (29.1)
Open Training-A: Lauren Kieffer & Hindine (29.1)
Open Training-B: Alexa Gartenberg & Louis M (29.6)
Training Championships: Allison Springer & Crystal Crescent Moon (32.3)
Training Horse: Kim Severson & Excusively Cooley (21.8)
Training Rider: Melissa Fox & Command Approval (33.2)
Junior Novice Rider: Madison Cowen & Rhythm (38.1)
Junior Young Novice-CH: Jackson Dillard & Layla Q (28.3)
Novice-CH: Kendyl Tracy & HSH Golden Boy (21.7)
Novice Rider: Caitlin Zolet & Kynynmont’s Cassidy (31.4)
Open Novice: Mary Clare & Furl the Main (29.5)
Beginner Novice-CH: Lindsay Hafer & Reflecktions (28.1)
Beginner Novice-CH: Caroline Barberra & Bugs Fire Bird (37.8)
Kent School Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]
Training: Debbie Adams & D.A. Shannondal Cushla (31.3)
Novice-A: Elaina Hoeppner & Slew Micci (31.0)
Novice-B: Katie Sheehan & Big Sexy (31.7)
Beginner Novice-A: Rick Caldwell & Izzy Leo (34.8)
Beginner Novice-B: Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht & Whilethewife’saway (31.3)
Beginner Novice-C: Alyna Jones & Dark Secret (25.0)
Beginner Novice-D: Emily Herbert & Colin (40.3)
Introductory-A: Ingrid Snieckus & ETF Chaumont (31.5)
Introductory-B: Eliza Fielden & Tom Tom (35.3)
Introductory-C: Meghan Herbert & Lucky Streak (30.0)
WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]
Preliminary: John Michael Durr & VFE Saphira (39.3)
Training-A: Kimmy Steinbuch & Missile Mist (31.1)
Training-B: Alison Kroviak & Dolce (34.5)
Novice-A: Mary Livesay & Rags to Riches (31.2)
Novice-B: Sophie Miller & FGF It Was All Good (30.0)
Beginner Novice-A: Amy Barrington & House of Cards (28.3)
Beginner Novice-B: Raina Rushing & Oakley (32.2)
Beginner Novice-C: Tess Lesesne & Miss Florida (31.6)
Starter: Jessica Wymbs & Weight of the World (32.8)
Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Results]
Preliminary Open: Jana Lyle & Heavenly SCF (42.8)
Training Open A: Roberta Christie & Must Be Lucky (33.2)
Training Open B: Gracie Montgomery & Quicky de Barbereau (29.6)
Novice Jr/YR: Jocelyn Howland & Niner’s Blaze (33.1)
Novice Junior: Breeana Robinette & Velvet Brown (31.2)
Novice Open: Melissa Schielein & Little Indian Boy RSF (29.3)
Beginner Novice Jr/YR: Ava Deas & A Clever Gent (35.8)
Beginner Novice Junior A: Sophie Coorssen & Coolnaboy Rubens (30.0)
Beginner Novice Junior B: Darby Howard & Made Ya Look (31.8)
Beginner Novice Open A: Melissa Schielein & Ottonowhere (20.5)
Beginner Novice Open B: Heidi Olson & Galouette (27.5)
Starter Jr A: Sabrina Knight & Splish Splash (37.3)
Starter Jr B: Sarah Bomar & Road Less Traveled (31.5)
Starter Open: Jesse Kirchhoff & Paint by Numbers (27.0)
Heritage Park H.T. [Website] [Results]
Intermediate/Preliminary-Open: Grace Peters & Whynot Glen (33.7)
Preliminary – Open: Benjamin Noonan & Keep Kitty (32.7)
Training A: Cynthia Wiseman & Varsity Blues (31.7)
Training B: Lisa Borgia & Silmarillion (32.1)
Training C: Clare Price & T Bone Pickens (31.7)
Junior Novice: Kaleena Dudek & Zeek (31.6)
Senior Novice A: Lauren Schiller & Unzip My Chip (27.1)
Senior Novice B: Lillian Davis & Limerick (30.7)
Beg. Novice Jr: Ava Friese & Zepplin (32.8)
Beg. Novice Sr A: Margo Wottowa & Mac N Cheese (30.5)
Senior Beginner Novice B: Julie Wolfert & Sudden Impulse RSF (30.8)
Starter B: Sabrina Sharpe & Ivy Pearl (52.7)
Combined Test Starter Open: Jill Wagenknecht & Merlin Monroe (30.3)
Willow Draw Charity H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Preliminary: Kristen Turner & Merging (40.2)
Open Training: Kelty O’Donoghue & Mr.Puff Higgens Jr. (29.3)
Training Rider: Savannah Welch & Langcaster (27.50)
Novice Rider: Samantha Tinney & Glenbrook Cooley (26.2)
Open Novice: Laura Mcevoy & Ratrod (30.7)
Beg Novice Rider-Jr: Stella McDonald & Abendgold (31.0)
Beg Novice Rider-Sr: Sherry Pound & Gestalt (26.5)
Open Beg Novice: Jackie Ericksen & Veloché (30.8)
Spokane Sport Horse Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]
Intermediate-Open: Cindy Marvin & Fool Me Once (54.6)
Preliminary-Open: Momi Henne & Severe Flying (29.2)
Jr/YR Preliminary 1: Lilly Linder & Tucker Too (39.7)
Modified-Open: Lois James & Whiskey Business (42.6)
Training-Open: Anni Grandia & Halcyon (29.3)
Jr/YR Training 1: Maeson Messmer & Mercedes Benz (30.0)
3D-3-Day Training-Open: Alessandra Allen-Shinn & Mixologeigh (36.0)
Novice-Open: Karen O’Neal & Clooney 14 (27.9)
Jr/YR Novice 1: Shruti Bona & Luke (26.7)
TEST-3-day Novice Test-Open: Alexis Larson & PL Diamond’s Inspiration (34.9)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open: Louise LaRue & Cassian TH (31.8)
Jr/YR Beginner Novice 1: Harper Padgett & Jess Because (33.5)
TEST-3-Day BN TEST-Open: Elizabeth Gold & Frigal (27.9)
TEST-Intro-Open: Kate Vorobieff & Mr. Perfect (38.3)
FEH-3 Year-old-Open: Sonya Françoise & Top Secret (67.7)
FEH-4 Year-old-Open: Michele Pestl & Th Christoph (71.2)
FEH-Yearling-Open: Mindy Ryals & Corin FFF (74.4)
YEH-4 Year Old: Jen Johnson & Haskin (66.2)
Skye Liikanen had a banner weekend at the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, placing second after the first round of Dressage competition before going on to win in the Finale. They also won the preliminaries of Freestyle and placed fourth in the Freestyle finale.
This horse 😍😍😍😍TB Makeover Freestyle!!! I had soooo much fun!!!! I have the most most amazing friends and family!!! Dan James Elizabeth James Josh Knight Emma Sanchez Miranda Holaday-Lyon Mark Lyon Lindsey Weber Ariana Sakaris Sarah Bernknopf Sharon Liikanen Chip St Charles
Skye, an Australian transplant working with Double Dan Horsemanship, has watched the Thoroughbred Makeover the past several years and was ready to give it a go herself this time. She initially acquired a horse to train last October, but after struggling with lameness issues through March she new she’d need to find a new Makeover partner. (Don’t worry though — the first horse is still happy at the farm and is back in light work after some time off!)
Enter Sacred Promise, a five-year-old gelding (Super Saver X Theregoesmsamerica, by Unbridled’s Song) bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm & M R Capital LLC who sold for $30,000 at the Keeneland mixed sale, and earned $15,546 in 14 starts. “Brumby” was last raced in February and Skye purchased him in April from David Thornton of Crumbaugh Lane. In the several short months since Skye and Brumby began their partnership, they’ve gone from racetrack to fancy-prancing Minion tamers. Check out their winning freestyle performance above and a little snippet of dressage schooling below!
Last ride before the dressage tomorrow, so excited to ride in the Rolex Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park!!! Thank you to Talina Wilson from Wilson Equestrian, all the way from from Australia for the beautiful breeches and long sleeve shirt!https://wilsonequestrian.com.au/
Posted by Skye Liikanen on Wednesday, October 3, 2018
What CAN’T eventers do? Many Thoroughbred Makeover Eventing entries cross-entered into other divisions — and not surprisingly, three of them actually won!
Natalia Neneman and Todays Tom Sawyer. Photo courtesy of the Thoroughbred Makeover.
Field Hunter: Natalia Neneman and Today’s Tom Sawyer
The Field Hunter competition looked like a blast: Competitors met up in the early dawn fog for a proper Stirrup Cup, before moving forward to a flat phase and mock hunt replete with hounds. The top five moved onto Saturday’s Finale, where Natalia Neneman clinched the win with Today’s Tom Sawyer, a 2013 16.1-hand grey gelding (Discreet Cat x Tikkarita, by Rimrod) owned by Danzel Brendemuehl.
Natalia is an Ocala-based three-star eventer; Danzel owns Classic Bloodstock, a Thoroughbred breeding and race operation out of Ocala, Florida. Natalia was galloping racehorses for Danzel on the side a couple years ago, and Danzel started sending Natalia Thoroughbreds to retrain after they were retired from the track.
“Tommy” was one of those projects. Bred in Kentucky by P. Headley, Nancy Bell & NATO, the handsome dappled grey never made it to the start gate but happily took to a different career path with Natalia. The pair have been out to several local schooling horse trials and jumper shows this year.
“He’s one of the easiest horses I’ve ever ridden,” Natalia says. “He’s so quiet, he want to do the job, he’s pretty, he jumps well, you could put anybody on him.”
Natalia has never been fox hunting herself, nor has Tommy. But, in addition to Eventing, Natalia figured they’d take a crack at the Makeover’s Field Hunter division, reasoning that it was fairly comparable to going cross country (with a few key exceptions, of course, like hounds at full cry and galloping amid a herd of horses). “He was great,” Natalia says. “Tommy went out there and acted like he’d been fox hunting for 10 years, and that was that. He just impressed me all weekend and really he’s just impressed me all year.”
Tommy sounds like the total package, starting with a great head on his shoulders. Natalia says that he walks everywhere on the buckle, has never spooked, and she put a kid on him last week to go cross country.
Natalia is quick to give credit to Danzel, a model for responsible race horse management and aftercare. Danzel is very involved with her horses, from she starting them herself and giving them a good foundation to making sure that after they’re done at the track they have a safe, happy home. “She does wonderful things for all their horses, whether they’re racing or at home in the field,” Natalia says. “She’s an incredible horsewoman and this win is a well deserved notch in her belt.”
Morgan Boyer and Interactif Spy. Photo courtesy of the Thoroughbred Makeover.
Show Jumper: Morgan Boyer and Interactif Spy
Area II eventer Morgan Boyer swept the Show Jumper championship with Interactif Spy, a 2013 15.2-hand gelding (Interactif—Runaway Spy, Mt. Livermore) owned by Jammie Hand. Bred in Louisiana by D&F Horse Farms LLC, “Saint” won $9,305 in three starts at the track. He came to Morgan as a little bit of an upside-down, disjointed mess, with two old bows and what seemed to be full-body soreness, and she gave him some time off. Once they started training in earnest in February, however, he quickly came around — and when they started jumping Morgan realized that the horse had springs on his feet.
Now Saint has found his bliss in the sport of eventing, going from ground zero to his first USEA-recognized Training level event at Full Gallop in August. Morgan laughs that at the event he got a “good riding, lots of bucking” comment on his canter lengthening in the sandbox, but then “redeemed himself by jumping around like the little jumping bean he is.” We get it, Saint: Sometimes it’s just hard to keep all that athleticism in! You can read back on their road to the Makeover via Saint’s Facebook page here.
Morgan is half of a teaching and training operation that she runs with her mom in Stokesdale, North Carolina, called Blue Line Eventing. The two built their business from scratch and have a loyal following of students. Morgan’s success with Saint is a testament to her hard work and affinity for the Thoroughbred breed. She describes their win as “surreal” (they also placed 28th in Eventing).
“We went into this with no expectations other than to see what it was all about,” she says. “Saint completely blew us all out of the water to not only win the Show Jumper portion but to win it by 18 points! Our journey does not stop here — I cannot wait to see where this boy takes us!”
Tik Maynard and Looking My Way. Photo courtesy of the Thoroughbred Makeover.
Freestyle: Tik Maynard and Looking My Way
Tik Maynard is a man of many hats: all-around equestrian (including but not limited to three-star eventer), OTTB enthusiast, author and, most recently, new dad (Baby Brooks fits in a helmet and I can’t even deal). The Makeover’s Freestyle competition always includes some of the most interesting and impressive performances of the whole event, and this year was no exception, with Tik Maynard and Looking My Way sweeping the division championship.
Looking My Way, a 2011 16.1-hand gelding (Dublin x Douce Expression, by Western Expression) owned by his breeder Merrylegs Farm in New York, didn’t make much of a splash on the track, winning $930 in two starts.
But “Mason” put on quite a show in Saturday’s Freestyle finale for the win — the chestnut, a spitting image of his 2015 mount Mr. Pleasantree, looked relaxed and happy as they went through their routine. Tik started by putting the horse through his paces sans bridle, then dismounted for an impressive groundwork demonstration of obedience and trust.
In recent years, Makeover Freestyle routines have become increasingly creative and complex, often incorporating costumes and props for a “wow” factor. In contrast, it was neat to see Tik embracing a no-frills format, returning the focus to the connection between horse and rider. You can rewatch their performance here.
In addition to their Freestyle win, Tik and Mason placed 16th in the 99-horse Eventing division.
Congrats to all, and way to go to all the Makeover eventers who branched out to show what their Thoroughbreds could do in a variety of disciplines. We even had an eventer, Sarah Coltrin with B’s Honey, finish in the top five of Competitive Trail!
Imagine a horse show where everyone is supportive of one another, and just plain tickled to be there. Where there is camaraderie in knowing that hundreds of unique journeys have led to this one place. Where judges are cheerleaders, competitors are friends, and if a ribbon won is merely icing on the cake. Where everybody can be themselves, whether their bag is eventing or ranch work or polo. And where the happiness and welfare of the horse always, ALWAYS comes first.
That’s the Thoroughbred Makeover. Now in its sixth annual running, this one-of-a-kind showcase and symposium just seems to just get better with every passing year.
Big cheers for everyone who participated in the 2018 edition. Here are a few of your Instagram photos that capture the good-vibes magic of the Makeover!
Okay, so Christopher Columbus didn’t exactly “discover” America. It was here all along, inhabited by natives who had established their home here long before ol’ Chris rolled in and ‘claimed’ it for Spain. All that aside, Columbus was a brave explorer, a lover of adventure, and a seeker of the truth of what lies beyond the naked eye. Call me a sap, but I think that’s a solid explanation of eventers in a nutshell.
The Charles Owen Technical Merit Award is presented to Training level who exhibit safe and appropriate cross-country riding technique. One junior and one adult amateur are awarded in each USEA Area. At Area VIII’s Cobblestone Farms Horse Trials in August, Nicole Maynard and Kiersten Miller were recognized for their exemplary rounds. [Charles Owen Technical Merit Award]
Belgium has officially won the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final two out of the last four years. Dubbed the ‘Never Give Up Team,’ the Belgians rebounded after a disappointing World Equestrian Games to top the Nations Cup Final with a valiant fight to the finish. [Belgium Beats Them All In Barcelona]
You know Pippa Funnell?Of course you do. She was the first eventer ever to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing as the consecutive winner of Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley in 2003. At age 50, she continues to be a stalwart of the Great Britain team. Here are 16 moments that defined her career. [Happy birthday, Pippa!]
I just booked a vet visit for the boys to get their fall vaccinations. Besides the usuals, there have been confirmed cases of Potomac horse fever in our area this year (plus Hurricane Florence which brought along an aggressive swatch of mosquitoes), so they’ll be getting that extra booster. [Fall Vaccines for Horses]
We are live from The Kentucky Horse Park for the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover Finale!! Check out Elisa Wallace Eventing's impressive round in the eventing final with Sharp Johnny!Watch ▶️ https://www.usef.org/network/coverage/2018tbmakeover
Posted by USEF Network on Saturday, October 6, 2018
Yoshiaki Oiwa (JPN) has been nominated for Best Athlete. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
The FEI has released the shortlisted nominees for the 2018 FEI Awards, and for the second year, the public can help pick the winners. Let’s show the eventers some love, and give them a vote!
The FEI Awards include five categories: Longines Rising Star, Best Athlete, Best Groom, Against All Odds, and FEI Solidarity. The online public vote is open now until October 15, and will be considered along with a panel of judges. The winners will be announced that the FEI Awards Gala in Manama, Bahrain on Nov. 20. Let’s see who’s up for recognition.
Victor Levecque. Photo courtesy of the FEI.
Victor Levecque, Longines Rising Star: This 20-year-old has already earned 10 FEI European medals in his blossoming career, the most impressive being individual gold at the FEI European Eventing Championships this summer aboard Phunambule des Auges. Nicknamed “The Machine,” Victor has a very bright future ahead.
Yoshiaki Oiwa and Calle 44 (JPN). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Yoshiaki Oiwa, Best Athlete: Yoshi is largely known as the most successful Japanese event rider with dozens of accolades across his career including individual and team gold at this year’s Asian Games. Of course, you can’t mention Yoshi without recognizing that he led the 2012 Olympics after the dressage phase, this was his second Olympic appearance for Japan. Now he’s a staple at the top of leaderboards around the world.
Lucy Miles prepares Classic Moet for the prizegiving at Badminton. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Lucy Miles, Best Groom: Lucy is the head girl for event riders Tim and Jonelle Price, and she’s had a very busy year caring for three CCI4* winners. Jonelle and Tim have nothing but praise for Lucy for her world class effort and dedication to their talented horses. We know eventing grooms are some of the hardest working int he industry, and this is certainly true of Lucy.
While these are all our eventing nominees, check out the two other categories:
Against All Odds
for an inspiring individual who has pursued their equestrian ambitions and overcome challenges and obstacles along the way.
Sammie Fritz (USA), Dressage
Leila Malki (PLE), Jumping
Sara Morganti (ITA), Para Dressage
Kate Shoemaker (USA), Para Dressage
FEI Solidarity
for an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport.
Alexis Helffrich and London Town. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Ian Stark’s cross country course was the final deciding factor for the Woodside CIC3* that had AlexisHelffrich and London Town coming out on top.
Pamela Williams’ 11-year-old Thoroughbred/Warmblood (Laitin x Kildara Baylee, by Rising Fortune) was second after the first two phases, and a clear cross country run with 13.2 time penalties confirmed the win on a three-phase score of 62.2. Alexis was also awarded the Fric Frac Berence Award for the best three-star cross country performance.
“He was really good on the flat. I think he was a little fresh — I’m getting him ready for the CCI at Ocala so he’s fairly fit right now. He was the same in the show jumping. He was pretty spooky out there, very fresh and a little hard to ride, but he jumped super,” Alexis said on Friday’s competition.
“I intended to go fast, but I didn’t really care about the time,” he continued, commenting on the cross country. “The CIC3* is very hard to make the time here. There’s a lot of terrain, and it’s a very quick cross country. I went out and just wanted to give him a really good go and experience, and he felt amazing. He jumped phenomenal, and he felt really fit.
Alexis and “Luke” will next be heading east to contest the Ocala Jockey Club CCI3*, with their eyes on an appearance at the Land Rover Kentucky CCI4* next spring.
“I was at Ocala last year for the CIC, and he did pretty well in that. It was my first time east. He really liked it there and that’s why I wanted to go back and do the CCI. I think it’s a good venue for him. The footing is fantastic, and it would be my last prep and qualifications for Kentucky next year, so I am hoping for the best,” he said.
Liza Horan and Lafite. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Liza Horan picked up second place with her own Lafite, an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Linaro x Sundrift Sandal, by Brogan). They were the fastest pair across the country, coming home 21 seconds above optimum time for a final score of 66.7.
Bec Braitling and Soaring Bird. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Bec Braitling piloted Andrea and Connie Baxter’s Soaring Bird to third place on a score of 72.1. The 12-year-old Thoroughbred (Birdonthewire x Vuelta, by Far North), added 18.8 time penalties to an otherwise clear run.
Overnight leaders Marissa Nielsen and her own Vinetta M opted to retire after picking up stops on course, and fourth-placed Kerry Groot fell from Borasco on course.
Bec Braitling and Santana II. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Lauren Burnell’s superstar Santana II won the CIC2* with Bec Braitling in the tack. This is the 8-year-old Oldenburg’s (Camax L x Hofdame H, by Heraldkik xx) fourth FEI win. The two picked up 4.4 time penalties to finish on 33.9 points.
Amber Levine and Carry On. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Amber Levine and her Carry On, a 11-year-old KWPN (Vittorio x Jaraica, by Bredero), finished four seconds slower for second place on 34.8 points. Madison Temkin and her own Dr. Hart, 11-year-old Thoroughbred (Skimming x Moving Memo, by Memo), were third after 8 time penalties had them finishing on a score of 39.7.
Charlotte Babbitt and 2 A.M. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Charlotte Babbitt closed out a wire-to-wire win of the CIC* with her own 2 A.M. She and the 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Sheraton x Regina K) added nothing across the jumping phases to finish on their dressage score of 29.
Alexis was second with M Creme De La Creme SE on a score of 31, and Just behind in third place was Asia Vedder and Isi on 31.1.
“He was super. He’s the one that I would like if possible to take to France next year for the 7-year-olds (at Lion d’Angers). He’s a really nice horse. He’s coming along very well. He’s good in all three phases, so I’m excited about him,” Alexis said.
EN would like to give an enormous thank you to Sherry Stewart whose stunning photos you’ve seen throughout our Woodside coverage. Go Eventing.
