Classic Eventing Nation

Definite Entries for Eventing at 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games

By on Sep 4, 2018 8:58 am -

The countdown is on for WEG 2018! Photo courtesy of Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Definite entries for eventing at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games closed on Sept. 3, and we now have a final look at the horses and riders set to compete at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

All individual combinations will be denoted with as asterisk.

Keep it locked on EN for all the latest and greatest from WEG. Go Eventing.

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

WEG 2018 EVENTING DEFINITE ENTRIES

  • 83 total combinations
  • 23 countries represented
  • 16 teams

AUSTRALIA

  • Chris Burton and Cooley Lands, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Cavalier Land X Clover Light Girl, by Clover Hill) owned by Joe and Kate Walls
  • Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos, a 9-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding (Jaguar Mail X Illusion Perdue, by Jalienny) owned by Paula and David Evans
  • *Bill Levett and Lassban Diamond Lift, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Easy Lift xx X Lassban Chow Bella, by Diamond Chin) owned by Elisabeth Murdoch
  • Emma McNab and Fernhill Tabasco, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tabasco Van Erpekom X Dinan Rhoda, by Porter Rhodes xx) owned by Kevin McNab, Dom and Poppy Worcester, Julia and Jamie Dougall
  • Shane Rose and Virgil, a 13-year-old bay Australian Warmblood gelding (Vivant X North Pole xx, by North Star xx) owned by Michelle Hasibar

BELGIUM

  • Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Alpaga d’Arville, a 12-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding (Wunder Boy van de Zuuthoeve X Mooney Raaphorst xx, by Shamaraan xx) owned by Larga SPRL
  • Karin Donckers and Fletcha van’t Verahof, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Vigo D’arsouilles X Southern Queen xx, by South Gale xx) owned by the rider, Joris de Brabandere and Carl Bouckaert
  • Joris van Springel and Imperial van de Holtakkers, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Quidam de Revel x Ava vd Holtakkers, by Argentinus) owned by the rider and Holstrust and Catharina Speerstra

BRAZIL

  • Marcio Appel and Iberon Jmen, a 16-year-old Brazilian-bred gelding (Indoctro X Landina Jmen, by Landino) owned by Samatha Tonello
  • Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Coronel MCJ, an 11-year-old Brazilian-bred gelding (Fugitisso X Cotton Girl) owned by the Jorge Family
  • Nilson Moreira da Silva and Magnum’s Martini, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Magnum X Momos Girl) owned by L & N Equestrian
  • *Henrique Plombo Pinheiro and Land Quenotte do Feroleto, a 15-year-old Holsteiner mare (Landritter X No Limit, by Caretino) owned by Ana Paula Arósio
  • Marcelo Tosi and Glenfly, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Presenting X Dorans Glen, by Over The River) owned by the rider

CANADA

  • *Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo, a 14-year-old British-bred mare (Jumbo X Polly Coldunnell xx, by Danzig Connection xx) owned by The Jollybo Syndicate
  • Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me, a 12-year-old Welsh Sport Horse gelding (Brynarian Brenin X Dream Contessa xx, by Royal Chocolate xx) owned by the rider
  • Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges, a 14-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Mr. Blue X Hardie Du Bourg, by Count Ivor xx) owned by Peter Barry
  • Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High, a 15-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding (Rio Bronco X Evita II xx, by Abacus xx) owned by John and Judy Rumble
  • Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti, a 16-year-old Westphalian gelding (Pavarotti van de Helle X Fidelia, by Foxiland) owned by the rider

CHINA

  • Alex Hua Tian and Ballytiglea Vivendi, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (ARS Vivendi X Polly Pepper, by Lord Americo) owned by John Lewis and Amelia Mortimer

ECUADOR

  • Nicolas Wettstein and Meyer’s Happy, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (My Happy Guest xx X Nottfelderin, by Caletto I) owned by the rider, Frank Wettstein and Monique Deyme
  • Ronald Zabala Goestschel and Wundermaske, a 15-year-old Hanoverian/Thoroughbred gelding (Weltbekannt X Deer Rose, by Deerhound) owned by the rider, Fernando Villacis and Fabian Zabala

FINLAND

  • Pauliina Swindells and Ferro S, a 15-year-old Polish-bred gelding (Talent X Fantazja, by Fanimo) owned by the rider, James Swindells, Sharon Graves, Jari Martilla and Pirjo Martilla

FRANCE

  • Sidney Dufresne and Tresor Mail, an 11-year-old Selle Francais stallion (Jaguar Mail X Nocturne Mail, by Iowa) owned by Iris Fleurieu and Agnès Trouble
  • Maxime Livio and Opium de Verrieres, a 16-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Ultra de Rouhet X Rosiere II, by Fragile) owned by S.C. Soixante Seize et Compagnie
  • *Astier Nicolas and Vinci de la Vigne, a 9-year-old Selle Francis gelding (Esterel des Bois X Korrigane de Vigne, by Duc du Hutrel) owned by the rider and Philippe and Marie-José Gerard
  • Donatien Schauly and Pivione des Touches, a 15-year-old Selle Francais mare (Nykias X Kanelle des Touches, by Elf d’Or) owned by the rider and Anne-Sophie Schauly
  • Thibaut Valette and Qing du Briot ENE HN, a 14-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Eolien II X Henriette, by Etalon OR) owned by L’institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation

GREAT BRITAIN

  • Ros Canter and Allstar B, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ephebe For Ever X Narenca B, by Ekstein) owned by the rider and Caroline Moore
  • *Tina Cook and Billy The Red, an 11-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Balou du Rouet X FBW Simply Red, by Stan The Man xx) owned by Elisabeth Murdoch and Keith Tyson
  • Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Clover Echo X Royal China, by Cavalier Royale) owned by Jayne McGivern
  • Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser, an 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Diamant de Semilly X Ariane du Prieure II, by Papillon Rouge) owned by the rider, Jane Inns and Ali McEwen
  • Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Luso X Dream Cocktail, by Roi Danzig) owned by the rider and The Soul Syndicate

GERMANY

  • *Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz, a 9-year-old Selle Francais stallion (Diamant de Semilly X Heralina, by Voltigeur le Malin) owned by Nikolaus Prinz von Croy
  • Andreas Dibowski and FRH Corrida, a 9-year-old Hanoverian mare (Contendro I x Expo, by Espri) owned by BG Corrida
  • Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Helikon xx X Goldige, by Noble Champion) owned by Ingrid Klimke and Andreas Busacker
  • Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH, a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro I x Havanna, by Heraldik I) owned by Dr. Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff
  • Kai Rüder and Colani Sunrise, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Chico’s Boy x Larissa, by Laudatio) owned by Bernhard Reemtsma

IRELAND

  • Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Jack of Diamonds X Highland Destiny, by Flagmount King) owned by Frank and Margaret Kinsella
  • Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by VDL Ricochet and owned by Horseware Products, Niki Potterton and Orla Ennis
  • Padraig McCarthy and Mr Chunky, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Jumbo X Avin Fun Bar, by Sergeant Drummer) owned by Christopher and Sarita Perkins, Huw Lloyd and Lucy Wiegersma
  • *Trish Ryan and Dunrath Eclipse, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Chinook Eclipse X Aoife Baby, by Rame Z) owned by Tom and Carol Henry
  • Sam Watson and Horseware Ardagh Highlight, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Puissance X Gentle Servant, by Kings Servant) owned by the rider and Belinda Keir

ITALY

  • Stefano Brecciaroli and Byrnesgrove First Diamond, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Carrick Diamond Lad X Christies Lass, by Amazing Bust) owned by Andrew Nicholson and Mary Channer
  • Pietro Roman and Barraduff, a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Carroll House X Crested Vesta VII, by Sea Crest) owned by Antonella Ascoli
  • Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere, a 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Fedor de Seves X Cina du Logis, by Quandy du Mayne) owned by the rider
  • Arianna Schivo and Quefira de l’Ormeau, a 14-year-old bay Selle Francais mare (Iolisco de Quinhon X Isabella du Brulot, by Beausejour IV) owned by the rider and Thomas Bouquet
  • *Simone Sordi and Amacuzzi, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Marcuzzi X Amara, by Maizauber) owned by Maria Giovanna Mazzocchi

JAPAN

  • Ryuzo Kitajima and Queen Mary, a 10-year-old Holsteiner mare (Quality X Limone III, by Landgraf I) owned by Riding Club Crane
  • Yoshi Oiwa and Calle 44, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare (Cristo 5 X Sara IV, by Quebec) owned by the rider
  • Toshiyuki Tanaka and Talma d’Allou, an 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Opium de Talma X Belle de l’Etang, by Prince Ig’or) owned by Riding Club Crane
  • Kazuma Tomoto and Tacoma d’Horset, an 11-year-old Selle Francais mare (Sandro X Palm Beach d’Horset, by Trophee du Rozel) owned by the Japan Racing Association

MEXICO

  • Daniela Mougel and Cecelia, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred mare (Connecticut X Penny Stock, by Spend A Buck) owned by Aurelio Quinzaños and Jorge Eduardo Mtz. Castrejon

NETHERLANDS

  • Merel Blom and Rumour Has It N.O.P., a 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Esteban xx X Onara, by Candillo) owned by J.M.J. Blom and M.C. Blom-Muilwijk
  • Raf Kooremans and Henri Z, a 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Heraldik xx X Rozina van de Hertogen, by Landaris) owned by Marc Rigouts
  • Renske Kroeze and Jane Z, a 12-year-old Zangersheide mare (Johny Boy II X Tendre Rose, by Hornet Rose) owned by Beemdhoeve B.V.
  • Alice Naber-Lozeman and ACSI Harry Belafonte, a 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Heraldik xx X Zamira, by Zamiro) owned by R. van Reine & S. van Reine
  • *Theo van de Vendel and Zindane, a 14-year-old KPWN gelding (Kreator X Oriflame, by Kingston) owned by T. van de Vendel, J.J. van de Vendel and G.J. van de Vendel

NEW ZEALAND

  • *Dan Jocelyn and Grovine de Reve, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Hermea de Reve X Erkina Jane, by Rimilis xx) owned by Therese Miller, Jo Preston-Hunt, Philip Hunt and Dan Jocelyn
  • Jonelle Price and Classic Moet, a 15-year-old British-bred mare (Classic xx X Gamston Bobbles, by Bohemond xx) owned by the rider and Trisha Rickards
    Breeding:
  • Tim Price and Cekatinka, an 11-year-old KWPN mare (King Kolibri X Katinka, by Julio Mariner xx) owned by Joanne Pullan
  • Blyth Tait and Dassett Courage, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Courage II X Cruseings Girl, by Cruising) owned by the rider, Thomas Barr and Sally Grant
  • Mark Todd and McClaren, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Clarimo X Toni I, by Landjunge) owned by David and Katherine Thomson

NORWAY

  • Heidi Bratlie Larsen and Euforian, a 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Camaro M X Evelina, by Willibald) owned by the rider

POLAND

  • Pawel Spisak and Banderas, an 11-year-old Polish-bred gelding (Moravia X Babilonia xx, by Jape xx) owned by Marek Jodko

SOUTH AFRICA

  • Victoria Scott and Valtho des Peupliers, a 9-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Tinka’s Boy X Etna Pierreville, by Rosire) owned by the rider

SPAIN

  • Gonzalo Blasco Botin and Sij Veux d’Autize, a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Urban X Novia d’Autize) owned by Marta Botin Naveda
  • Carlos Diaz Fernandez and Junco CP, a 14-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding (Ebene de Montagne X Dunabell, by Nilgaut A) owned by Campeagro Sat
  • *Albert Hermoso Farras and Nereo CP, 11-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding (Iod’Pom X Avutarda CP, by Nilgaut A) by Miquel Alemany Hospital
  • Maria Pinedo Sendagorta and Carriem van Colen Z, a 15-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Canabis Z X Sexy Vergoignan x, by Garde Couer xx) owned by Santillana Paddocks S.L.
  • Manuel Senra Chover and Cruising, a 12-year-old Westphalian gelding (Calido I X Gina, by Geralshuter) owned by Yeguada la Horcajada

SWITZERLAND

  • Patrizia Attinger and Hilton P, a 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Heraldik xx X Quickly P, by Quasi Roi) owned by Denise Egger and Peter Attinger
  • Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH, a 10-year-old Swiss Warmblood gelding (Greco de Lully X Miola, by Apartos) owned by Jean-Jacques Fünftschilling
  • Felix Vogg and Colero, a 10-year-old Westphalian gelding (Captain Fire X Bonita, by Bormio xx) owned by Jürgen Vogg

SWEDEN

  • *Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Wega, 17-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare (Irco Mena X La Fair, by Labrador 588) owned by Margareta Algotsson
  • Anna Freskgård and Box Qutie, 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare (Quite Easy X Lady Like KLT, by Little Boy 756) owned by Therese Örup
  • Niklas Lindbäck and Focus Filiocus, 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Feliciano 823 X Blue Bells xx, by Be My Chief xx) owned by Tun Albertson
  • Ludwig Svennerstal and Stinger, 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Spender S X On a Pedestal xx, by Waajib xx) owned by Skånegårdar AB
  • Louise Svensson Jähde and Waikiki, 12-year-old Holsteiner mare (Quinar X Sila, by San Patrignano Cassini) owned by the rider and Hans Thomsen

UNITED STATES

  • Will Coleman and Tight Lines, an 11-year-old French-bred Thoroughbred gelding (Turgeon X Merindole, by Tel Quel) owned by The Con Air Syndicate
  • Phillip Dutton and Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Asca X Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z) owned by The Z Partnership
  • *Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus, an 11-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding (Serazim X Wake Me Gently) owned by Jacqueline Mars
  • Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg, an 11-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall X Thabana, by Buddenbrock) owned by Christine Turner
  • Lynn Symansky and Donner, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Gorky Park X Smart Jane, by Smarten) owned by The Donner Syndicate

[WEG 2018 Eventing Definite Entries]

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Sep 4, 2018 12:01 am -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Mai Baum is back! I know there are plenty of you out there who have been eagerly anticipating seeing this horse’s name in the blue ribbon spot, and what an exciting way to do it. Leading from start to finish in signature Mai Baum fashion. Relive the AEC coverage from this weekend at this link.

National Holiday: National Wildlife Day

Events Opening This Week: Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials (CA, A-6) Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event & Team Challenge H.T. (KY, A-8) Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. (SC, A-3) Pine Hill Fall H.T. (TX, A-5)

Events Closing This Week: Twin Rivers Fall H.T. (CA, A-6) Aspen Farms H.T. (WA, A-7) Colorado Horse Park Horse Trials/Derby(CO, A-9) Cedar Ridge H.T. (MI, A-8) FEH Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2) FEH Championships at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2) Plantation Field International CIC (PA, A-2) Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ, A-2) Sundance Farm H.T. (WI, A-4) Marlborough H.T (MD, A-2) MeadowCreek Park H.T – The Fall Social Event(TX, A-5)

Tuesday News: 

Three-star winner Happy Times is now enjoying a life of leisure after a retirement ceremony over the weekend at Burghley. Ridden by Australia’s Sam Griffiths, the now-19-year-old had numerous top five placings at four-star level and made appearances at World Championship and Olympic competition. [Top four-star horse retired at Burghley: ‘No better place to honour his career’]

Drama emerged yesterday after news spread that Oliver Townend received a verbal warning regarding overuse of whip at Blair Castle. This is his second in 2018 after officials also spoke with him at Badminton this spring about whip use. [Oliver Townend given warning for whip use at Blair]

The first horses have touched down at Tryon. Traveling by plane, train and trailer horses will begin to fill the stables at the Tryon International Equestrian Center as we are a week out from Opening Ceremonies for the World Equestrian Games. [The Horses Are Here: World’s Biggest Equine Airlift For 2018 WEG]

Tuesday Video: 

Holly Jacks-Smither Pilots One-Eyed Horse to Foshay CCI Win

By on Sep 3, 2018 6:07 pm -

Holly Jacks-Smither and one-eyed Favonious Nite. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Holly Jacks-Smither dominated both CCI divisions at the inaugural Foshay International CCI in Lower Jemseg, New Brunswick, which awarded $25,000 (CDN) in prize money and was praised as a fantastic addition to the Canadian eventing calendar by competitors and spectators alike.

Finely Brewed won the CCI* and stablemate Candy King placed second, but it was Holly’s one-eyed mount Favonious Nite who stole the show with his victory in the CCI Introductory 1.05-meter division.

Bred to be a dressage horse but ultimately deemed “too naughty” for a career in the sandbox, Favonious Nite found his way into Holly’s barn to try his hand at eventing. She successfully produced him through the lower levels, but when he lost his left eye in a trailering accident last August, Holly wondered if he would ever event again.

Holly owns the now 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding with Mark Marquis, and they agreed that if “Favy” didn’t want to jump after losing his eye, he would go to Canadian Grand Prix dressage rider Alex Dvorak as a pure dressage horse.

Holly Jacks-Smither and Favonious Nite. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

But Favy made it very clear that wanted to keep jumping and running cross country. Six weeks after losing his left eye, he returned to eventing at Training level and won. Holly said Favy has adapted remarkably well with the changes in his vision, and her coach Buck Davidson has helped her develop certain strategies that allow the horse to cope.

“If there’s an angled combination, I hold him out further than I normally would to make sure he can see the fences and read the questions, but it’s honestly amazing how he adjusts his head position and his body to compensate on his own,” Holly said. “He will twist his head to make sure he can see the fences.”

After she retired on cross country at his first CCI* at the Ocala Three-Day in April, Holly decided to take Favy to Foshay in the lower 1.05-meter CCI Introductory division, which the FEI introduced as a new height in 2018.

“He’s qualified for a CCI*, but he’s really strong,” Holly said. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to make time in the one-star, so the Intro division was perfect. The course was fantastic and challenging with perfect footing, and I found it tougher than the CCI* course since those horses aren’t as seasoned.”

Holly and Favy led the CCI Introductory division from start to finish, adding 2.0 time penalties on cross country and one show jumping rail to their dressage score to win on 32.8.

Lena Rindermann and her own Maniac 4, a 12-year-old Trakehner (Faberger X Moosliebe, by Hohenstein), finished second in the CCI Introductory on 35.7. Roxanne Valois and her own Power Play, a 12-year-old Canadian Warmblood (Ikoon X Duchess Law xx, by Bridle Path xx) bred by Nicolas Pasquier, finished third on 36.3.

Holly Jacks-Smither and Finely Brewed. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Looking to the CCI*, Holly won with Finely Brewed, a 7-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Milwaukee Brew X Capture The Spirit, by Conquistador Cielo) bred in Canada by Mane Stream Racing Ltd., on his dressage score of 32.0.

“Bud” came to her husband, Bruce Smither, to be re-broken after he had thrown multiple people while in race training. It took six months to re-break the horse, and while his owner Bernadette Johnson agreed to let Holly take Bud as an event horse, Bruce was not exactly keen on the idea of her competing him.

“My husband is an extremely good horseman,” Holly said, “and to to this day if the horse gets worried and you tell him ‘woah,’ he will listen” — but Bud still retained plenty of quirks.

“He is funny on the ground. He has to be tacked and untacked a certain way, so I have to ask to be excused early from the vet box at FEI events,” Holly said. “He’s a horse that I’ve always loved, and I’ve always had big dreams for him. It’s also special because I used to gallop racehorses for Bernadette, and she has supported me ever since I came out to Ontario.”

Bud has had a strong season since stepping up to the CCI* level at the Ocala Three-Day in April. He finished 20th in the Bromont CCI* in June and then won the CIC* at GMHA last month.

After winning the CCI* at Foshay, Bud will enjoy a break before ending his year with a move-up to Intermediate to cap the season. Holly’s end goal is to get him qualified for the 2019 Pan American Games early next year in the hopes of representing Canada in Lima, Peru.

Holly Jacks-Smither and Candy King. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Holly finished second in the CCI* with Candy King, who led after dressage and cross country but dropped one pole in show jumping to complete on 35.4 behind his stablemate. He also finished second in the CCI* at Bromont earlier in the season and has rebounded beautifully after having colic surgery last year.

The 8-year-old British-bred gelding (Grafenstolz X Eye Candy, bu Moothyeb) is known as “Mini Me” or “Dr. Evil” at home, as he resembles Holly’s CCI4* horse More Inspiration.

Holly joked that she had a band of misfits at Foshay — a horse with one eye, a quirky one that had to be re-broken, and one that survived colic surgery. She is also excited about Mark Marqis’s Big Pretty, a 6-year-old Thoroughbred mare who sat third in the CCI Introductory after dressage but had a green mistake in cross country.

“At this time last year, things were looking pretty grim,” Holly said. “It goes to show you how much things can change in a year. It’s exciting to have a group of four horses who are all so talented and going so well.”

Looking to the rest of the CCI* leaderboard, Waylon Roberts finished third with Aletta Martin’s Wil Celtic Charlie on 36.0 in the horse’s debut at the level. “Charlie,” a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Porsche, won the Bromont CIC* last month, and Waylon intends to qualify him for the Pan American Games early in the 2019 season.

Abigail Niles and Carrick Finest Lad. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Abigail Niles finished fourth in the CCI* to win the Best Young Rider Award with her own Carrick Finest Lad, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Carrick Diamond Lad X Clover’s Finest, by Clover Hill). Abigail also won the award for Tidiest Stable.

Penny Rowland and Dynamo. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Looking to other award winners, Penny Rowland received the award for Best Turned Out with Dynamo, and Debbie Recoskie was named Best Groom after providing top care for Holly Jacks-Smither’s horses.

Foshay also ran a National EV105/Modified division, which Kendal Lehari won with her own Audacious, a 5-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding bred by Carolyn Baird. Click here to view final results from Foshay.

Kendal Lehari and Audacious. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

The inaugural running of Foshay was hailed a massive success, with the community surrounding Lower Jemseg coming out in full force. An estimated 1,800 people from the Maritime provinces and beyond lined the galloping lanes on cross country day to cheer on the competitors.

“The event truly has an international feeling, with proper galloping lanes and the same level of hospitality that you would see at a major FEI event,” Holly said. “We camped on the Saint John River and had bonfires every night. It was a fantastic time. I plan to come back with a huge group of people next year.”

Awesome crowds today at the water jump!

A post shared by Foshay International (@foshayinternational) on

Foshay co-chair Rob Stevenson not only ran the event but also competed in the Modified division with Gigolo VK. We have to send a huge shoutout to Rob and Suzanne Stevenson, technical delegate Sue Ockendon, cross country course designer and builder Jay Hambly, show jumping course designer James Atkinson, and a slew of team members and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event a success.

“The inaugural Foshay International exceeded my own expectations — it took on a life of its own,” Rob said. “The horses, the riders, the officials, the volunteers and the community all seemed to be having a great time. That really was the whole idea: to host a fun and accessible FEI event.

“Jay Hambly designed and built inspiring courses. James Atkinson flew from California to set the show jumping. Diarmuid Byrne of EquiRatings joined us for the weekend to ensure that all key statistics were captured and communicated.

“We are very lucky to have such great ground along the river — when the horses are happy, it sets a great tone for the whole event. I believe that a great many positive forces came together to create the amazing experience that we had this past weekend.”

Rob Stevenson and Gigolo VK. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Mark your calendars for next year’s running of Foshay International, Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2019. Stay tuned for a special edition of Who Jumped It Best featuring beautiful images from Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto. Be sure to follow Foshay International on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest updates on Canada’s newest FEI event. Go Foshay. Go Eventing.

Foshay International Links: Website, Course Walk, Final Scores

 

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: The Horses Have Landed

By on Sep 3, 2018 4:30 pm -

The largest commercial airlift of horses ever undertaken for a single sporting event is officially underway! 67 equine competitors bound for the FEI World Equestrian Games departed Liège Airport in Belgium yesterday afternoon and arrived at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina earlier today before making their way to the Tryon International Equestrian Center. Learn about the logistics of their journey in the video above.

This flight, which carried reining and endurance equine athletes, was the first of several chartered Emirates freighters that will bring over 500 horses across the pond over the next few days. The only comparable equine airlift in horse sport history, which saw 440 horses fly into Lexington, Kentucky, took place prior to the 2010 WEG. Additional horses will be flying from the United Arab Emirates to Greenville, and those from South America have flown into Miami International Airport prior to being transported to Tryon.

Many event horses have already begun their journeys to Tryon as well – Brazilian team horses have already arrived in Miami and European team horses will be a part of the next few flights departing Liège in this historic transport effort.

Keep it locked here on EN for all your WEG coverage as we get closer and closer to the big event!

Weekend Winners: AEC, Chatt Hills, Silverwood, Woodland, KY Classique, Loch Moy

By on Sep 3, 2018 12:30 pm -

Even as the American Eventing Championships were underway in Colorado, other horse trials were taking place around the country — it’s not too early to start working on those 2019 AEC qualifications! The Championships move to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2019 and 2020, so make sure to circle those dates on your calendar.

Extra-special shout out to Erin Grandia and Indio BMW, who posted the lowest finishing score in the country this weekend. The pair won the Festival Open Training division at the American Eventing Championships on their dressage score of 18.1 — open “Festival” divisions ran alongside the AEC divisions with modified courses. Well-done, Erin!

Without further ado, here are your weekend winners:

AEC: Website, Results, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram
Adequan Gold Cup Advanced Final: Tamra Smith & Mai Baum (28.0)
Open Intermediate: Heather Morris & Charlie Tango (25.8)
Festival Open Preliminary: Katherine Robinson & Outrageous Dance (42.0)
Jr./Y.R. Preliminary: Madelyn Floyd & Clementine (33.5)
Preliminary Amateur: Julia Spatt & 5o1 Macintosh (35.1)
Preliminary Horse:Tamra Smith & Fleeceworks Ghost (29.0)
Preliminary Rider: Whitney Tucker Billeter & Karvaleo (70.3)
Festival Open Training: Erin Grandia & Indio BMW (18.1)
Jr. Training: Madison Santley & Excellence (31.7)
Training Amateur: Linda Quist & Belle Gambe (27.3)
Training Horse: McKenzie Rollins & Excel Star Lord (34.9)
Training Rider: Tracy Alves & Romulus (26.8)
Festival Open Novice A: Rochelle Costanza & Captain (32.6)
Festival Open Novice B: Stephanie Hopkins & Alwin (33.3)
Jr. Novice: Amanda Boyce & Mercury (32.3)
Novice Amateur: Erin Contino & Handsome Ransom (25.8)
Novice Horse: Tamra Smith & MB MaiStein (28.1)
Novice Rider: Anna Howell & Bodacious Affair (25.2)
Beg. Novice Amateur: Cami Pease & Vibrant (24.5)
Beg. Novice Horse: Alexa Ehlers & Clear Laveer (27.4)
Beg. Novice Rider: Tricia Leslie & Inate Dignity (27.3)
Festival Open Beg. Novice A: Jacquelynn Schoeggl & Stellaluna (33.1)
Festival Open Beg. Novice B: Conner Ann Clark & Second Chance McFly (33.1)
Jr. Beg. Novice: Ella Robinson & Fernhill Fearless des Terdrix (30.3)
Festival Introductory: Kristen Ayers & Pack Leader (35.6)

See win pics here!

Chattahoochee Hills CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]
CIC2*: Alexander O’Neal Fury H (33.0)
CIC1*: Elisa Wallace & Riot Gear (26.4)
Advanced: Allison Springer & Lord Willing (36.8)
Open Intermediate: Clayton Fredericks & Luksor (30.1)
Open Preliminary-A: Candace Bell & Fernhill Philm Star (32.0)
Open Preliminary-B: Clark Montgomery & Engapore (23.7)
Preliminary Rider: Liv Levine & Fernhill Fifth Avenue (32.6)
Jr. Training Rider-A: Alayna Backel & Phantom of the Oscar (25.7)
Jr. Training Rider-B: Sami Crandell & FE Calimero (26.2)
Open Training-A: Jonathan Holling & Holy S (27.1)
Open Training-B: Zoe Crawford & K.B.S. Quick Strike (31.9)
Sr. Training Rider: Magdalena Valenti & Wish I Am (31.6)
Jr. Novice Rider: Breeana Robinette & Velvet Brown (31.9)
Open Novice: Kristin Schmolze & Jupiler (29.2)
Sr. Novice Rider: Cheryl Benefiel & Treliver Drambuie (30.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Ainsley Slicker & Horizzon (30.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Candace Bell & Andy Dufresne (30.8)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Elizabeth Clymer & Ima Iny Too (40.7)

Silverwood Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]
Preliminary/Training: Brittany Posey & Wild Duke (128.8)
Training: Norah Springgate & Jaywalker (28.1)
Novice-A: Lisa Hickey & No Pips (29.8)
Novice-B: Lily Hamilton & Pippa (31.7)
Beginner Novice-A: Ella Koski & Prosecco (31.2)
Beginner Novice-B: Sydnee Malic & Apollo (31.4)
Beginner Novice-C: Katarzyna Jachymczyk & Sock Monkey (28.6)
Starter Novice: Alexandra Valente & Solace (30.5)

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Prelim: Elizabeth Meehan & Marco Q (31.8)
Open Training: Krysten Cholewinski & Capital Asset (25.5)
Open Novice: Alisa Shen & Graceland’s Reatta (28.8)
Junior Beginner Novice: Alana Curtis & Patriot (31.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Laura Strauch & Fabled Island (25.0)
Introductory: Haelie Tweet & Mr Gladstone (24.8)
Starter: Erica Kirchgatter & Rafiki GWF (28.1)

Park Equine KY Classique H.T. [Website] [Results]
Intermediate Championship: Alexandra Knowles & Ms. Poppins (36.0)
Open Intermediate: Dan Kreitl & Eezy Cruise Lad (50.2)
Open Preliminary A: Megan Lynn & Have At It Playboy (31.8)
Open Preliminary B: Robert Meyerhoff & Lumumba (27.1)
Preliminary Championship: Laura Crowl & Dinner at Malones (32.3)
Open Training: Laura Crowl & Zee (30.7)
Training Championship: Kiersten Miller & Pierre (28.2)
Training Rider A: Sara Van Duzer & Pasha (31.8)
Training Rider B: Addison Neumeyer & Blaze (36.3)
Novice Championship: Alyssa Dykgraaf & Foudroyant de Bellerose (29.5)
Novice Rider A: Karen Bublitz & Shorty Town (31.7)
Novice Rider B: Laura Werner & Clooney (25.0)
Novice Rider C: Sarah Snowden & Appalachia (26.0)
Open Novice A: Julie Foley & Brechin (31.4)
Open Novice B: Dan Kreitl & Horales (26.4)
Beginner Novice 3 Day: Mary Clare Owdziej & Deal Me In (27.9)
Novice 3 Day: Lenora Evans & Christian Grey (31.1)
Beginner Novice Championship: Corinna Garcia & Lyric (24.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Shannon Wood & Leo (31.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Bridget O’Grady & Vendi (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice A: Katelyn Osborne & Queen Ponti (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice B: Marty Riney & George Alexander (28.3)
Open Starter A: Megan Cleary & Sultan’s Salutation (31.1)
Open Starter B: Haydon Owens & Chips A Hoy (31.3)

Congrats to all. Go Eventing!

9 Questions with Canadian WEG Team Member Selena O’Hanlon

By on Sep 3, 2018 9:57 am -

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High at Bromont. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Mac and cheese might not seem a very glamorous way to celebrate a third selection for Canada’s World Equestrian Games team, but it fits Selena O’Hanlon just fine. It’s her mother Morag’s specialty meal, and it was a big hit with the 30-plus friends who gathered for an impromptu celebration at the family’s Ontario, Canada farm shortly after Selena’s win of the Bromont CIC3* in mid-August.

Bromont was the final selection trial for the WEG team and, Equestrian Canada officially announced the squad on Saturday, Sept. 1. Selena and Foxwood High were named to the team and are on top form following the win at Bromont, plus a top 25 finish at Badminton CCI4* in the spring and winning the Fair Hill International CCI3* last fall.

We caught up with Selena on the eve of the official WEG team announcement and two weeks before eventing competition is set to begin on Sept. 13 at the Tyron International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Kim: What have you and Woody been doing since the Bromont win?

Selena: “After Bromont, we went home for a while. He had a few days off, then some hacking, light work and a gallop the Saturday afterwards. Then we came down to my longtime coach Bruce Davidson’s place in Pennsylvania for lessons.”

Kim: Tell us about your relationship with Bruce, a many-time U.S. Olympic eventing medalist.

Selena: “He is a good friend of my family. My mom trained with him when she was going out for the Barcelona Olympics, and they are good friends. I’ve been lucky enough to ride with him since I was 7 or 8. When I decided not to go to university and instead try riding for the team, my mom said, ‘You are going to go work for Bruce for a couple of months to see if this is what you want to do.’ Ever since, he’s come to our place for clinics or, now, I ship to him for lessons.”

Kim: What happens in this week’s training camp with Canadian technical advisor David O’Connor?

Selena: “We work the horses in lessons with David. The only kind of bummer about training camp is that we all only have one horse. We’re all used to working a lot harder than that during the day, so we find extracurricular activities. In the past, we’ve gone tubing, boating, and done other team building activities. It’s a chance for those who haven’t been on the team before to learn David’s language a little and for all of us to get to know each other better and actually have a little bit of down time.”

Super groom Anne-Marie Duarte and Foxwood High at Badminton. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Kim: Does Woody’s care routine change at all in these final weeks before WEG?

Selena: “No. I try to keep everything exactly the same. He’s been in bubble wrap for a few months now and I’m handling him myself during this whole time. It’s amazing how one horse can take up your whole day!”

Kim: “Tell us about Woody.”

Selena: “He turned 15 in May and is very big and tall. He measures 17.1 hands, and looks a little taller because he holds his head high. He’s very mellow: a gentle giant and everybody loves him. He recognizes he’s very tall and if a shorter person is handling him, he’ll put his head down to make it easier to get the halter on. I had the chance to fly with him to Badminton, and even in that small, kind of stressful space on the plane, he took it all in stride.”

“He has a huge stride. It looks like he’s going really slowly, but he’s not.”

Kim: Do you have any unusual expectations for the Tyron course?

Selena: “People are talking about a big hill at the end of the course, and I recall it as a fairly hilly course from running it at The Fork two years ago. I also remember quite a lot of bridges, which might slow some horses down. I’m glad it’s a full course because that’s the phase in which Woody excels.”

Kim: “When do you move into the WEG venue, and are there things you do to get Woody comfortable there right away?”

Selena: “We move in on September 9. Woody will get a lot of hand grazing. He is normally pretty laid back, but at Badminton he got really excited when he heard the whistles and other activities going on with a grass roots competition near the dressage arena. My wonderful groom Anne Marie Duarte spent a lot of time hand grazing him in the area, and that really calmed him down.

“Being a big horse, he doesn’t have the strongest back, so grazing and a little lunging are the best ways to get him comfortable before schooling.”

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kim: Woody has used a Haygain hay steamer at competitions. How has that helped him? 

Selena: “He had it before Badminton, when we were at Mark Todd’s place. Mark feeds haylage or steamed hay. I started Woody on the haylage, but didn’t feel like he was eating it enough. He seemed to eat the steamed hay better so he had that for the three weeks before the competition and I think he likes it.

“Over time, we’ve had a few horses with allergies and Haygain steamed hay has made a big difference. We’ve seen a lot less coughing.

“We got to know everybody at Haygain in England before the 2014 WEG in Normandy, France. The Haygain guys lent me a van to drive the team around in. We have the half-bale steamer and two portable steamers to take to shows.”

Kim: How are the World Equestrian Games different from the Olympics?

Selena: “Not for me as a competitor, but it is nice having more disciplines, there is more to watch. I really enjoyed it in 2010 when reining was involved. I got to watch that, driving and the beginning of the endurance. The WEG has all the disciplines going on in the same place, unlike the Olympics. I really loved meeting some of the people that I followed my whole life, the stars and idols of our sport, along with meeting and cheering on top Canadians in other disciplines. We don’t get to see each other very often because we are so spread out. It’s really interesting because we are all horse people and we get to see how we do things a little differently. It’s a great experience.

“Also, the opening ceremonies are something you normally miss out on in the Olympics. Usually at the WEG, we get to be part of the ceremonies, carrying our flag along with all the other athletes.”

Best of luck to Selena and Woody at WEG!

For more information on Haygain USA, visit www.haygain.us. Haygain is committed to improving equine health through scientific research, product innovation and consumer education in respiratory and other health issues. With offices in the USA and England, Haygain distributes products for healthier horses to 19 countries, including its Haygain® Hay Steamers, ComfortStall® Orthopedic Sealed Flooring System, ForagerTM Slow Feeder and Flexineb® Portable Equine Nebulizer. Visit www.haygain.us for more information.

FEI Sanctions at Blair Castle Include Whip Abuse Warning for Townend

By on Sep 3, 2018 6:06 am -

Oliver Townend and Tregilder at Blair Castle. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Three British riders received FEI sanctions at the Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials, held Aug. 25-29 in Scotland, including FEI World No. 1 Oliver Townend.

Oliver received a verbal warning for abuse of horse / excessive use of whip following an incident that took place in cross country warm up with Tregilder, an 8-year-old gelding who contested his first CIC3* at Blair Castle.

“The horse I was riding was developing a habit of running out, and he did so in the cross country warm up,” Oliver said in a statement. “I wanted to nip this habit in the bud by correcting him. I gave this explanation to the Ground Jury on the day, which they accepted. The horse performed well and is happy, healthy and now enjoying a break.”

Tregilder won the Blair Castle CIC3* on his dressage score of 33.5, the only horse of 46 starters in the division to make the optimum time on cross country.

FEI rule 526.1 defines Abuse of Horse as “an action or omission which causes or is likely to cause pain or unnecessary discomfort to a Horse included but not limited to: a) Rapping. b) Riding an exhausted Horse. c) Excessive pressing of a tired Horse. d) Riding an obviously lame Horse. e) Excessive use of whip, bit and/or spurs. f) Horses bleeding on the flank(s) or back indicating excessive use of the whip and/or spurs.”

The sanction at Blair Castle is the second verbal warning Oliver has received in 2018 for abuse of horse / excessive use of whip. He also received a warning following his use of the whip on Ballaghmor Class and Cooley SRS during cross country at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in May.

Two other British riders received FEI sanctions at Blair Castle. Louise Evans received a yellow card for dangerous riding / continuing after 3 refusals, and James Sommerville received a yellow card for dangerous riding / jumping the roping.

The list of FEI sanctions in eventing can be viewed on the FEI website at this link.

Labor Day News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Sep 3, 2018 12:03 am -

Two Thoroughbreds sharing track stories. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Wow, what a weekend! From the AEC to Burghley to Foshay and everywhere in between, the last week in eventing was a doozy. Lucky for us today is a holiday so you get an extra day to recover from all that excitement. Take it easy, go for a great ride, hang out with loved ones, be thankful and enjoy life. You work hard, you’ve earned it!

National Holiday: Labor Day

Major Events This Weekend:

AEC: Website, Results, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Burghley: Website, Final Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Foshay: Website, Results

U.S. Weekend Action:

Chattahoochee Hills CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

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

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Results]

Park Equine KY Classique H.T. [Website] [Results]

YEH Qualifier at Loch Moy [Website]

Monday News and Notes:

The USEA was hard at work in Colorado covering the AEC, but they were also on an educational mission, filming and posting tons of new videos for the “Event College.” Check out clips with experts at the event and learn about everything from footing prep to an organizer’s odd jobs to long distance travel with horses. [USEA Event College at AEC]

Sam Griffiths retired his long time partner Happy Times during a sweet ceremony at Burghley yesterday. Now 19, the German bred gelding represented Australia at the 2010 WEG and London Olympics and finished well at numerous four-stars during his illustrious career. [A perfect send off]

The nights are starting to cool off and soon it will be time to yank the horses’ blankets out of storage and begin the daily ritual of over-analyzing the weather report and agonize over which layer of clothes to put on your horse every. single. night. until spring. Have fun driving yourself mad! [Kidding. Here are some tips to help decide.]

Monday Video: “If horses were people” is back with a special surprise!

That’s a Wrap! Your Sunday AEC Show Jumping Recap

By on Sep 2, 2018 11:16 pm -

Jr. Beginner Novice champions Ella Robinson and Fernhill Fearless des Terdrix. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

That’s a wrap for the 2018 American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena! A final round of winners were crowned on Sunday here at the Colorado Horse Park. Check out our Adequan USEA Gold Cup Advanced Final recap here (go Tamie Smith and Mai Baum!); for Intermediate and Beginner Novice, you’ve come to the right place. Once again we have the hardworking USEA/Colorado Horse Park press teams to thank for chasing down the winners of each division to collect their reflections on the week.

Intermediate 

Charlie Tango is used to being an AEC Champion having won the honor a whopping three times: Preliminary in 2014, Intermediate in 2015 and once again at the Intermediate level today. With all that experience, Heather Morris was able to ride Team Express Group, LLC’s 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Shannondale Sarco St. Ghyvan x Our Queen Bee) to a perfect weekend. The pair added nothing to their dressage score of 25.8 to win wire-to-wire by over five points.

“He was great. I was a little rusty actually, I hadn’t ridden in three weeks because I threw my back out, but it all worked out in there,” said Morris.

Morris and ‘Chuck’ came into show jumping with a rail in hand, but they didn’t even need it as they easily cleared Marc Donovan’s course. “He was weird at the liverpool at Rebecca Farm, so I was a little worried about that, but he jumped great. I had a few errors, but he handled it well. It was lovely to be in the International Ring here, and the course was lovely. He loves the crowd and the atmosphere so it went well,” said Morris.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by
USEA/Leslie Mintz.

Bella Mowbray and Ruth Bley’s En Vogue, a 2005 Hanoverian mare (Earl x Laurena), added a single time penalty to their dressage score, but were still able to hold on to the reserve champion title. “My highlight was definitely cross country,” said Mowbray. “It was a real championship course. It was pretty imposing. I looked pretty technical and big and it rode really beautifully. I was just really proud of my horse. She ate it up.”

“It’s a long way home, about 24 hours, but thankfully we had a great weekend,” continued Mowbray, who traveled from California to compete at the AEC. The journey was a bit closer than the 2017 AEC in Tryon, N.C., where Mowbray and En Vogue finished fourth in the Preliminary Horse division.

Third-placed Erin Kellerhouse had never been to the Colorado Horse Park before, but she was connected to it. “My husband has been,” explained Kellerhouse. “He organized a two-star here 20 years ago. He was really impressed with the changes. I was impressed too, not even knowing what it was before.”

Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve, her own 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tinarana’s Inspector x Laharns Laughton), started the weekend in second place, but some time on cross country dropped them down to fourth. However, a double clear show jumping round boosted them up to finish in third. “He’s a really good show jumper and I knew if I didn’t mess up, we’d go clean. He’s really careful and he gives me a lot of confidence in there because he’s brave and careful and he just does his thing,” said Kellerhouse.

Novice Horse 

The Novice Horse division welcomed yet another victory for California native Tamie Smith, as the fierce competitor took to the final show jumping phase with the MB Group LLC’s 2013 Oldenburg gelding MB MaiStein. The duo scooped up the tri-colored ribbon after landing on 28.1 total penalties.

“The stadium round today was fantastic,” Smith said. “He’s a little over-qualified for the show jumping because he’s so good at it. He was a little up in there and the lines are almost a little tight for him, so I had to kind of wrangle him in. His stride is naturally huge, but he’s so careful and such a good boy. I think I cross-cantered a few turns, but he’s five so it happens. I was just really pleased with how he handled the pressure. He’s just a good boy.”

Smith intends to move MaiStein up to Training level after the conclusion of the AEC, and said she will end the year on that note. “Next, he’s going to go compete at Training level, and then he’ll do the Young Event Horse Championships at Fair Hill and then probably finish the year with a Training level three-day.”

Tamra Smith and MB MaiStein. Photo by
USEA/Leslie Mintz.

Colorado’s own Madeline Backus was named the second-place winner, after she rode Reflektion’s Rio, Lynn Roberts’ 2007 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Reggasoni x L.A. Baltic Reflektion), through the timers to also finish on a dressage score of 29.5. “We love the AEC,” Backus said. “I’m from Colorado so it was wonderful for it to be so close to home this year. Thanks to everyone for having it here and for running such a great event.”

Backus has been competing in England for the past six months, but was thrilled when she discovered that the timing would work, and her AEC schedule was set. “This horse has been in training with my mom for about three years,” she explained, “and I’ve been away in England for the last six months so I hadn’t ridden him in a little while. My mom kept him going and it worked out timing wise for me to bring him here. He’s been a really fun horse to work with. He came from a dressage background and then seemed keen about the eventing and really took to it. It’s been great working with him.”

Third-place was rounded out by Whitney Tucker Billeter of California, who also kept a tight grip on her dressage score of 31.0. She galloped to the finish aboard Bill’s Midnight Magic, John Herich’s 2004 Hanoverian gelding (Espri x Rena Ramzi). “It’s been a super fun weekend here at AEC,” concluded Tucker Billeter. “I just want to thank this horse’s owners for allowing me to compete him here this week. It’s been wonderful to have the ride on him, and get to learn from him, and play with him. He’s just a really cool horse.”

Junior Novice 

Amanda Boyce of California and Mercury, her own 2006 Welsh Cob gelding, went into today’s show jumping sitting in second place and maintained her competitive edge to finish on top of the Junior Novice division. “My trainer and I have a system, which is zip (forward), counter bend, steady, and then quick — we’ve been practicing that a lot,” said Boyce.

She continued, “This is my first AEC and my first time at the Colorado Horse Park. It’s a really huge facility and I love it. My favorite memory of the AEC is everything about it! My horse was perfect throughout the whole show. We met a few of our goals and the victory lap was really cool!”

Amanda Boyce and Mercury. Photo by
USEA/Leslie Mintz.

Julia Brittain of California aboard her own Haiku, a 2012 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Sir Donnerhall, fell from their first-place rank coming out of cross country to finish in second. “I think it was the best he’s jumped all year,” Brittain said. “There was definitely a lot of pressure going in, but he’s jumped incredibly so I was happy with him. We did have a rail, but it happens. He was forward and he was focused. He was attentive, so I was happy with the outcome.”

Madison Boesch and her own Seamless, a 2009 Warmblood mare, moved into third on 33.3 with a clear cross country and show jumping round. “It was my whole crew’s first time here,” Boesch said. “It was a really cool experience coming here. My favorite memory of the AEC is how hard my horse tried for me. Even though sometimes I got her into some harder spots, she tried her hardest and jumped out of it. Today, I just tried to keep ‘Felicity’ in a spot that she could jump out of, and if we get in a hard spot, just trying to help her out as much as I can.”

Novice Amateur

Colorado native Erin Contino maintained her three-phase lead, concluding the week with a blue ribbon in the Novice Amateur division aboard her own Handsome Ransom, a 2012 Thoroughbred gelding (Desert Warrior x St. Casmir’s Secret), on their dressage score of 25.8.

“My plan going into stadium was to be patient and keep my nerves under control,” Contino commented. “But in warm-up, I didn’t have very much horse, everything was just really dull, almost overly quiet. I just had to focus on keeping him in front of my leg, even if I didn’t see my distance. I just had to focus on keeping him coming, while I was sorting it out. I guess it worked out. I got a little lucky, but sometimes luck goes your way. He’s ready to go home and take a long nap!”

Erin Contino and Handsome Ransom. Photo by USEA/Jessica Duffy.

Michelle Meghrouni of California and Swizzle, a 2011 Holsteiner mare (Blauer Vogel x Swiss Detail), maintained their grip on second-place from start to finish on a score of 27.0. “This AEC has been a good challenge,” Meghrouni said. “It was good, it’s all been very fun. We had more trouble on cross country than I expected, but overall, my mare was good. She got over everything and she really stepped up.”

Third place was awarded to Texan Savannah Welch and her own Langcaster, a 2009 Oldenburg gelding (Languster x Galiffi), who climbed up the leaderboard from eighth place after dressage to end on 29.8 penalties. Of the final phase Welch said, “My horse likes to get a little wild in show jumping and he likes to drag me down the lines. So, getting a nice, steady rhythm, that was even throughout the course was really important, and he did that, so it was great.”

Novice Rider

Anna Howell and her own Bodacious Affair, a 2003 Thoroughbred/Shire gelding (Kaeson’s Tuxedo Affair x Exclusive Ballerina), steadily climbed the leaderboard all weekend, sitting in third after dressage on 25.2, adding nothing to their score on cross country to move into second, and finally jumping double clear this afternoon to take home the win.

Howell was one of the riders who was unable to ride at their scheduled time on Friday due to the rain delay and ultimately performed her dressage test on Saturday morning. “It worked out for us,” she said. “He’s pretty easy. He’s kind of the same, every time he comes out. I think he would have put in just as good on Friday. I was a little upset with myself in dressage. My canter departs weren’t great, so I got a little bit hard in my hands. He reacted worse to that, instead of me softening. I would have ridden a little bit better in our dressage test, if I could do something differently.”

“The cross country course was awesome,” she continued. “I loved it. I liked the variety of the terrain. I was fun to have more of a challenge with going up hills and down hills, and using the terrain, versus an open course.”

“My favorite part about the AEC was all of the people that I met,” Howell shared. “I was on the Adult Team Challenge. For being at the bottom of Area IV, I actually don’t compete in it very often, so I don’t know many people in my Area and [this weekend] I got to meet so many people from my area and make new friends. Obviously the win is great, but everyone was so friendly, and [I enjoyed] the camaraderie.”

Anna Howell and Bodacious Affair. Photo by
USEA/Jessica Duffy.

The Reserve Champion title went to Julie Kuhle and her own Orion, a 2008 Appaloosa Sport Horse gelding (JS Ebony N Ivory x Lucinda), who finished on their dressage score of 26.0. “It’s been so much fun,” said Kuhle of her AEC experience. “This has been on my bucket list for two years with him. I’m going to retire him after this, so this couldn’t be better.”

“Neither of us have competed in an AEC, so we came to Parker,” Kuhle continued. “We’re from Iowa, so it was close enough to go. I’ve had horses qualify before, but then something would happen, as it does with horses. We came out on Tuesday. That was a really smart decision. We worked lightly on Wednesday, a little harder on Thursday, and by Friday, both of us were okay. Adding that extra day was really important.”

“The cross country course was fun and exciting,” she said. “My strategy going into stadium was to try and keep him under control and be smart. Try to ride smart. I wish I hadn’t had to circle three times on cross country to get him under control, so if I could do something differently, maybe I’d only have two circles. We’re going to do fun stuff in his retirement, but he’s done competing.”

For Cassie Boehm, traveling to compete at the AEC with her mother’s Alera Imperia, an 2008 Canadian Thoroughbred/Clydesdale mare (A Prayer for Peace x Tequila), was the trip of a lifetime. “This mare was bought to be my mom’s trail horse and maybe a Starter level packer,” Boehm said. “When I took over the ride we thought, ‘Oh, maybe it’ll be fun to do some Beginner Novice, maybe Novice on her.’ She just has more heart than any horse I’ve ever sat on in my entire life.”

Beginner Novice Amateur 

Cami Pease came all of the way from Washington D.C., and represented the East Coast well, finishing in first place with 24.5 penalties aboard her own 2000 Belgian Warmblood gelding, Vibrant. “You can’t ever count on anything,” said Pease, “but we are both very comfortable in the arena and I could tell that he was having a lot of fun. If I ride fine, he’ll take me around. Cross country is our hardest battle. Both of us started out in the equitation ring, so we can do flatwork, that’s all fine, but cross country still makes us a little nervous.”

When asked what her favorite AEC memory has been, Pease concluded: “A clean Cross-Country round, that has to be my favorite take-home memory!”

Cami Pease and Vibrant. Photo by
USEA/Leslie Mintz.

Second place finisher Kelly Green of Texas piloted her own Woodstock Classic Rock, a 2009 Thoroughbred gelding (Rock Slide x Sally Q), to a final score of 28.5. “My favorite moment here this week,” she said, “happened today! I thought it was one of my best rounds, and jumping the last fence was great.”

Green got “Theo” a little over a year ago from off of the race track. “We’ve grown together,” she continued. “We both had confidence issues out on cross country, and we’ve worked through those. My trainer is Angela Bowles, and we worked really hard and are just so pleased that our effort is paying off!”

Erin McLeod and her own My Maria, a 1998 Thoroughbred mare (Maria’s Mon x Steppin Early), moved up from sixth place after dressage to fourth after a fault-free cross country, finishing their weekend with the yellow ribbon and a score of 30.5. “I’ve had Maria for about 12 years,” said McLeod. “We’ve had a lot of injuries. I’ve always wanted to get to the AEC, and I’m just so excited to be here. We made it, and it’s all come together. We’ve worked so hard to be here.”

Beginner Novice Rider

The Beginner Novice Rider division was championed by Tricia Leslie of Colorado and her own Inate Dignity, a 2006 Thoroughbred gelding (Subordination x Indygo), as the duo finish atop the division on a score of 27.3.

“I was not expecting this victory, but it’s really wonderful,” exclaimed Leslie, who lives just down the road from CHP. “It was so nice to have the AEC in our backyard! It’s hard for us to get out East, so it was fun for us to have the opportunity to do this. I just got back into eventing!”

Tricia Leslie and Inate Dignity. Photo by USEA/Leslie Mintz.

Area V rider Patti Champion, of Texas, guided Invincible, her 2009 Thoroughbred gelding, to second place on a 32.2. Lindsey Kahn of Minnesota  and Seoul Sister, a 2010 Thoroughbred/Connemara mare (Firebee x Limerick Lace), collected third place on a final score of 33.3.

Champion agreed with Leslie’s compliments about the excitement of a Midwestern AEC. This was the mother of four’s first time competing out of her Area, and the weekend ended on a high note for her and her mount. “Vince and I have been together for two years, so we’ve worked really hard to get here. We’ve just had so much support from the kids, and my trainer and my husband,” she said.

Champion continued, “This is my first AEC, and the first time I’ve ever competed outside of Area V! The whole trip has been incredible with the weather, the facility is great. It’s just been an incredible weekend, and I appreciate Vince for taking such good care of me.”

Kahn also found herself at the top of the leaderboard after a consistent week of competition, moving up from 11th place after dressage to third following both a fantastic cross country and show jumping round. “It’s just been an awesome journey learning to trust each other. She’s a very brave mare, so I always have fun with her at competitions so riding her here is a huge honor,” said Kahn.

Beginner Novice Horse

Alexa Ehlers and Clear Laveer, her own 2006 Hanoverian gelding (Rascalino x Hauptstutbuch Wincenta 2), led the Beginner Novice Horse division wire-to-wire on their dressage score of 27.4.

“I have loved the AEC [this year] because I’ve been able to spend time with my family and my friends,” Ehlers shared. “I grew up in Texas and then I moved to Kentucky, so I haven’t seen a lot of people in five or six years. This is my first AEC! When I was in college, I went to try and go. I had a Preliminary horse that was actually here [this year] with a Preliminary junior rider, but I broke my back the day before we were supposed to leave. It just never worked out. It’s cool that it finally worked, and it worked like this.”

Ehlers said that she thought Marc Donovan’s show jumping course “was perfect for the level. The ring has a little bit of a slope and so you had to think about how the terrain was going to affect their step and there was enough room to make choices, whether you added or took one out. But you had to take into consideration what the terrain was going to do.”

What’s next for Clear Laveer? He’s heading to Atlanta to be with Ehler’s older sister. “I was always chasing her as a kid,” said Ehlers, “and then she went to college and rode and then got a little bit tired of it (it’s a lot!). She’s been adulting and she just graduated from law school, yesterday was her last day of classes, so we’ll take him down to Atlanta and let her have some fun with him.”

“I definitely got the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows,” she said, “in here show jumping with this horse and out there with my Advanced horse, Amistoso, on the cross country course, but that’s eventing!”

Alexa Ehlers and Clear Laveer. Photo by USEA/Jessica Duffy.

Sophie Mueller and Dawn Holmes’ 24Karat Magic, a 2011 Australian Stock Horse gelding by Icewood’s Cadabra, moved up from third place to second with a faultless round, finishing on a score of 29.6. “The AEC were fabulous,” said Mueller. “They were a lot of fun and they were in my backyard, so I didn’t have to travel far. We live at 8,500 feet, so we didn’t have to do anything special to condition them. They are pretty fit naturally and we’ve felt fine.”

“The biggest thing I would have changed was that I wouldn’t have picked [at] him down to a few fences,” Mueller reflected. “I probably should have just trusted him more and let him jump, but he got me around. He saved my butt.”

Nicole Hatley and Aspen, Cherye Huber’s 2013 Mecklenburg gelding (Levisonn x Cimberley), finished on their dressage score of 30.0, moving from fourth to third after today’s show jumping competition. “The AEC were a lot of fun this year,” she said. “It was a lot of fun to get to come. It was a long trip from Texas, but it has great scenery, the weather’s been great, it’s been beautiful and other than the altitude sickness, everything has gone really well.”

Of all the challenges a rider can face at a horse show, Hatley said that the altitude has been her biggest obstacle. “I’ve been sick all week and it’s been kicking my butt,” she shared. “I’ve been here to ski before and I had to be put on oxygen and put in the hospital. As far as the horses, we always keep our horses really fit, we do conditioning with them on a regular basis, even if we’re not going to be at altitude. We always make sure they are ready.”

Reflecting on her weekend, Hatley said she would have pushed for a bit more in the dressage if she could go back and do it again. “I would have asked for one more step from that left front in dressage, and we probably would have had it in the 20s. We were so close to having a square halt, and we were just off by that much, but that was the only thing I would change. He was fantastic. He was actually locking on to bigger fences out there, he’s ready. My favorite memory is getting to go around in the victory gallop. This is the first time I was at the top of the pack at an AEC!”

Junior Beginner Novice

Ella Robinson and Fernhill Fearless des Terdrix, her own 2010 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Nabab de Reve x Untouchable), waited patiently in the wings all weekend on their dressage score of 30.3, moving from equal third to equal second after cross country and taking home the win with the cross country time closest to optimum time.

Thirteen-year-old Robinson said that cross country is her favorite phase “because it’s so much fun. I love all of the different jumps. I really liked this course. It was way different than what we’re used to. It was really fun. My favorite part of the course was going down the hill to the log jump.”

“Stadium went really well,” Robinson reflected. “It went really smoothly. I did everything according to plan. We are moving up to Novice at the next show, so I’m really excited for that.”

Ella Robinson and Fernhill Fearless des Terdrix. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Maya Pessin and This Bird, her own 2009 Thoroughbred gelding, sat tied with Robinson and ‘Fearless’ all weekend but were nearly 40 seconds faster on cross country, putting them in the Reserve Champion position on the leaderboard at the end of the competition.

For Pessin, this weekend was one of firsts. “My favorite moment was realizing that we went double clear for the first time. This is our first time at an AEC. I hope to come back, we’ll see. I wouldn’t really do anything differently. I felt really well prepared for the AEC; my trainer made sure we were on our A-game this entire weekend.”

Haley Miller and Mr. Melvin, her own 2011 Thoroughbred gelding (Compromise x Leona’s Hope), held the lead through the first two phases of competition but a single rail in show jumping dropped them back to third place. “I thought the course today was really good,” she said. “I liked it. I wish I wouldn’t have held him back so much, so he had to exert himself to get over the jump, and knock it down.”

What’s next for Miller and Mr. Melvin? “After AEC, our plan is to practice harder and to come back next year. I’m probably going to do Novice next year.”

Click here to view a full list of results!

Go Eventing.

AEC: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

 

Sunday Video from Total Saddle Fit: ICYMI Burghley Highlights

By on Sep 2, 2018 7:18 pm -

It’s been such a busy weekend with Burghley, AEC and so much more happening around the global eventing nation, it feels like you need a whole day to catch up on all the coverage! Here’s your rapid daily recap of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, from the centerline to a “priceless” finish!

Burghley: Final Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Oliver Townend's Dressage Highlights

Catch up on the highlights of the leading Dressage test by Oliver Townend (Official) yesterday… #lrbht #lrbht2018 #dressage

Posted by The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Official Page on Friday, August 31, 2018

Cross Country Day 3

What a day, what an atmosphere! We've seen some incredible performances from riders round our Cross Country course… #crosscountry #lrbht #lrbht2018

Posted by The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Official Page on Saturday, September 1, 2018

Show Jumping Highlights

The fourth and final day is over, and today we saw all our riders tackle the Show Jumping in a bid to win the grand title. It was a nail biting finish, and a true spectacle to watch! #lrbht #lrbht2018 #showjumping

Posted by The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Official Page on Sunday, September 2, 2018

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