Classic Eventing Nation

Your Ultimate Guide to the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games

By on Sep 13, 2018 3:38 pm -

Ready for WEG 2018? Photo courtesy of Tryon International Equestrian Center.

It’s a busy, busy week in equestrian sports and we’ll be bringing you as much coverage you can handle (and probably more!) from the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games while EN is here on grounds at Tryon International Equestrian Center. Keep this page bookmarked throughout the week to stay up to date on all of the latest from EN’s coverage.

#Tryon2018: Website, Definite Entries, Schedule, Start Times & Live Scoring, Thursday Dressage Start Times, Friday Dressage Start Times, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, Rolling Reporter’s Notebook, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

PRE-GAME

Definite Entries for Eventing at 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games

How to Watch the 2018 World Equestrian Games on TV + Online

The Local Scoop: Where Tryon Horse People Get WEG Updates

Marilyn Little Withdraws RF Scandalous from WEG, Will Coleman Called Up to U.S. Team

Mark Bellissimo Responds to Public Outrage Over WEG Groom Housing

TUESDAY

Let the Games Begin! The Deal with the WEG Opening Ceremony

Canada Drawn First to Go at WEG, USA 5th

Tryon Prepares as Hurricane Florence Takes Aim at Carolina Coast

Tuesday Sights and Sounds at Tryon 2018

 U.S. Eventing Team Talks Strategy and Goals for Tryon

Tryon Addresses Contingency Plan as Hurricane Florence Approaches

WEDNESDAY

A WEG Volunteer Checks In, Gets the Scoop, Shows Us Her Swag

WEG 2018 at a Glance: Horse & Rider Stats

The Roller Coaster of ‘Almost’: A Chat with Team NZ WEG Reserve Jesse Campbell

What’s in a Surname? The Story Behind WEG’s ‘Dassett’ Horses

The Roller Coaster of ‘Almost’: A Chat with Team NZ WEG Reserve Jesse Campbell

All 83 Pairs Accepted at WEG 2018 First Horse Inspection

Let The Games Begin: Wednesday Sights & Sounds at Tryon

Team Orders + Dressage Start Times Confirmed for Eventing at WEG

FEI Cancels WEG Endurance Competition Mid-Race

Your Real-Talk Spectator Guide to Navigating the 2018 WEG

Photo Gallery: WEG Eventing First Horse Inspection

#Tryon2018 Wednesday Instagram Roundup

THURSDAY

WEG Rolling Reporter’s Notebook: Live Updates from the Field

Dressage Powerhouses of WEG: Day One

WEG Thursday Dressage Live Updates, Presented by SmartPak

Two International WEG Eventers You Should Be Following on Instagram

A Test of Concentration & Fitness: WEG 2018 Cross Country Course Preview

Video: Typical Training With Ingrid

Shout-Out to EN’s Sponsor Friends in the WEG Vendor Village!

Can’t Miss Quotes from Day One of WEG Dressage
 
Photo Gallery: Sizzlin’ Moves On Day 1 of WEG Dressage

Day 1 at Tryon: Julia Krajewski Delivers for Germany, Boyd Martin 2nd for USA

#Tryon2018 Thursday Social Media Roundup

FRIDAY

WEG Friday Dressage Live Updates, Presented by SmartPak

Dressage Powerhouses of WEG: Day Two, Morning Sessions

Dressage Powerhouses of WEG: Day Two, Afternoon Sessions

19.9! Watch Highlights of Julia Krajewski’s Leading WEG Dressage Test

The Bromance of Will Coleman and ‘Phish’: A WEG Tribute

New Zealand Horse Euthanized Following Abandoned WEG Endurance Race

Day 2 at Tryon: Germany Tops Dressage Leaderboard, USA in Bronze Position

‘We Are Prepared to Go Fast’: Quotes From the Top After Day Two of WEG Dressage

Cross Country Day at Tryon WEG: A Spectator Survival Guide

Photo Gallery: WEG Dressage Part II

#Tryon2018 Friday Social Media Roundup: What Have You #OverheardAtWEG?

Breaking: Show Jumping for Eventing at WEG Postponed Until Monday

SATURDAY

Final Thoughts Before WEG Cross Country: ‘A Lot of It Will Come Down to Heart & Desire’

Cross Country Powerhouses of WEG

WEG Cross Country Live Updates: Lynn & Donner Lead the Way for USA

Watch: Highlights from WEG Cross Country Leaders

Top Quotes from WEG Cross Country Day

Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls: Ingrid Klimke and Team GB Top WEG Leaderboard

#Tryon2018 Saturday Social Media: Incredible Cross Country Action

Photo Gallery: A Wet & Wild WEG Cross Country Day

Was WEG Cross Country Too Tough, Too Soft or Just Right?

A Test of Concentration & Fitness: WEG 2018 Cross Country Course Preview

SUNDAY

5 Ways to Keep Yourself Entertained on a Rainy Sunday in Tryon

Tales from the Frontlines at Tryon: Riders React to WEG Cross Country

#Tryon2018 Sunday Social Media Roundup: Rain Delay

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

Soggy Sights and Sounds from Sunday at Tryon

Robin Godel’s Save of the Day at WEG

70 Horses Move to WEG Show Jumping Following Tense Final Inspection

MONDAY

Show Jumping Powerhouses of WEG 2018

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

All the Feels: Sights & Sounds from WEG Show Jumping

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

WEG Show Jumping Live Updates, Presented by SmartPak: Ros Canter, Team GB Win Gold

British Invasion: Ros Canter, Team GB Take Gold in WEG Show Jumping Upset

Photo Gallery: A Thrilling WEG Show Jumping Finale

#Tryon2018 Monday Social Media Roundup

Go Eventing.

A Test of Concentration & Fitness: WEG 2018 Cross Country Course Preview

By on Sep 13, 2018 1:27 pm -

The second water at fence 10ABCDEFG – Mars Sustainability Bay. Yes, it actually goes to G! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Capt. Mark Phillips’s cross country course for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games has been a hot topic of debate over the past few months, and riders finally got their first look at the track yesterday. Eric Bull and his team did a masterful job of building the course here at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. The carvings from Joe Stylos would be more correctly termed works of art than cross country jumps — they are stunning!

The direct route at fence 18 has two skinny squirrel brushes as the BC elements — beautiful fences! Photo by Jenni Autry.

Fence 22 – The Turtles – another gorgeous work of art from Joe Stylos. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Built on the former White Oak golf course, the track features undulating terrain throughout the first 8 minutes, 45 seconds, followed by a 600-meter uphill climb. Friend of EN John Kyle dubbed it “Heartbreak Hill” — and we’re definitely calling it that, too.

The climb will serve as a final test of fitness at the very end of the course before horses and riders enter the U.S. Trust Arena to jump the last in front of cheering crowds. After hearing much discussion about the hill in the months leading up to WEG, I was anxious to see just how substantial it is. CMP was not exaggerating when he said horses would need to be very fit for WEG — this hill is proper.

The view up Heartbreak Hill after fence 21 — still a long way to go to the top! Photo by Jenni Autry.

The optimum time is set at 10 minutes. EquiRatings has predicted that at least six pairs will catch the time, but much of how Saturday plays out will depend on the amount of rain Hurricane Florence brings to the area over the next two days. Severe thunderstorms have already dumped a substantial amount of water on the track so far this week. The footing is holding remarkably well in most places, but other areas are already water-logged.

This galloping lane, for example, is a bridge connecting fences 12 and 13 and was flooded yesterday after a heavy storm rolled through the area …

Impromptu water complex! Photo by Jenni Autry.

As for how much rain Hurricane Florence will bring to the area, we are starting to get a more accurate picture of the forecast. The National Weather Service’s daily update is currently forecasting thunderstorms starting this afternoon and evening, with “cloud to ground lightning, briefly gusty winds, and locally heavy rainfall.” Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, “very heavy rainfall due to Florence is becoming increasingly likely.”

I spoke to Will Coleman and Sam Watson, pathfinders for the U.S. and Irish teams, respectively, to get their insight on how they think the course will ride.

“The first couple minutes are pretty intense,” Will said, “and then all of a sudden it seems like it’s an onslaught of combinations and difficult turns. I think the middle part of the course will be very testing, especially if you are going for the time, and then you have to climb the hill to come home. How efficiently you can do that difficult middle part of the course without using up your horse will be key.”

Fence 9ABC – Worlds Best Bank. The direct route has riders jump the brush wall at A, followed by three strides downhill to the triple brush at BC (on the left of the photo). Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sam added: “You have to concentrate. It may be a test of fitness — we’ll see what the weather does. You can tell the difference between a 4* championship and a 3* championship, but that’s where the concentration is going to come in. I think there will be a lot of people kicking themselves on Saturday who had a problem because they might have underestimated the course in places.”

As for Sam’s thoughts on the ground, he said it’s “a little soft, but that’s brilliant” — spoken like a true Irishman! “I don’t think we’re going to know exactly how it’s going to ride with the amount of rain that’s in there. It doesn’t feel too bad under foot, but sometimes it can ride a lot softer than it walks.”

The direct route at fence 17ABC, The M&M Mounds, takes riders over the first cabin at A, with a sharp left-hand, downhill turn to a narrow angled brush as the BC element. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Needless to say, we are gearing up for one hell of a cross country day here at Tryon. Scroll through the photos below for a fence-by-fence preview of the course. I walked all the direct routes, so these are the lines you’ll see riders take if they are trying to make the optimum time. The course will end in the U.S. Trust Arena, and the final jump, the NASCAR Finish Line at fence 26, has not yet been placed.

Shoutout to CMP for a fantastic test for the horses and riders, and the entire course building team for a job well done: Eric Bull, Jamie Gornall, Dylan Barry, Joe Stylos, Noll Smith, Jake Wilson and Steve Riley. Janine McClain is the talented course decorator, and we also must thank her for her beautiful handiwork.

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

This post has been updated to include additional information as the final fences have been placed on course.

#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

Two International WEG Eventers You Should Be Following on Instagram

By on Sep 13, 2018 11:40 am -

Instagram. Land of hashtags, selfies and artsy pictures of food. Scroll through and double-tap with caution — it’s easy to get caught up in this digital land of fake filtered photos and modelesque lifestyles. Nevertheless, I find myself drawn to Instagram and it has quickly taken over as my favorite social media platform. It’s not the perfectly curated photos that some accounts solely post that capture and hold my attention, however, it’s the real-life snapshots that some users choose to share. My favorite part of this platform is that it makes it easy for people to share behind the scenes moments of their lives.

Of course, my feed is chock full of equestrian accounts. My favorite riders to follow on Instagram are tasteful, not spammy, about promoting their sponsors and they don’t just post professional action shots from events, but also scenes from their day-to-day lives. I love seeing how they train, their gorgeous farms, their adorable farm dogs, and the (very) occasional vacation photo thrown in. Speaking as someone who rides at the lower-levels and works a normal 9-to-5 day job, Instagram is a peephole into a different world. The small part of their lives that these upper-level riders share online let us get to know just a little bit more about them, beyond a name and number on the leaderboard.

Over time the list of people I follow on Instagram has grown to include both the familiar and lesser-known names from the international eventing scene. With the WEG on the horizon, I’ve picked out two of my very favorite accounts that I’m especially looking forward to following throughout the Games. These two international riders are killing it at the ‘gram game and are totally worth following throughout the year, from the off-season to the big events like WEG. Let’s get to know Anna Freskgård of Sweden and Heidi Bratlie Larsen of Norway via their Instagrams. Be sure to cheer them on this week!

If the name Anna Freskgård sounds familiar to you, it’s either because you follow the two- and three-star levels in Europe or because you were one of the nearly 50,000 people who read this post about Anna’s daughter Edwina and her trusty pony Tusseman. It’s not always that a five-year-old daughter beats her FEI-level mother into the limelight, but now it’s Anna’s time to shine!

Prior to stepping onto the scene as a professional event rider, Anna worked as a horse trainer for the Swedish Armed Forces Cavalry. Anna and William Nilson Fryer, her partner of 13 years, have been patiently and diligently training up a string of quality horses at their stable, Lövsund, in Sweden. She has been steadily climbing the leaderboard at events with her two top horses, her and Willam’s Fly Away vd N.Ranch and Therese Örup’s Box Qutie.

Anna made her CCI4* debut this spring on Fly Away, with a smashing 10th place finish at Luhmühlen, but it’s Box Qutie, a 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare (Quite Easy X Lady Like KLT, by Little Boy 756), who has made the journey to Tryon. The pair finished third in the CCI3* at Saumur in France this May and then helped Team Sweden clinch a third-placed victory at CICO3* Aachen with an individual 16th place.

Anna is very active on Instagram, posting nearly every day and I love to see the behind-the-scenes images from her beautiful farm interspersed among pictures of her and her horses absolutely slaying it over huge jumps. And of course, Edwina and Tusseman make appearances now and again! I’m looking forward to cheering Anna on during her first WEG and getting a peek at her experience.

Heidi Bratlie Larsen may be an unfamiliar name now, but she’s about to make history as the first Norwegian rider to compete in the World Equestrian Games in eventing. Her mount is Euforian, her own 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Camaro M X Evelina, by Willibald), is a flea-bitten gray with a cute pink nose and a penchant for jumping out of paddocks. Heidi and Euforian, who goes by “Grålle” around the barn, made their three-star debut in 2016 and have appeared in four Nations Cup events since then.

Heidi rides out of her farm Grav Gård located in Røyken, Norway where she lives her partner Jean Andre Håpnes, their three-year-old daughter, Nora, and her horses. Not only does Heidi compete at FEI events across Europe, but she also works professionally as a building engineer.

Heidi’s trip to Tryon will be her first event outside of Europe, but it’s not the first time she’s set foot in the States. As a 17-year-old, she traveled to the U.S. to study and stayed with a host family in Michigan where she had the opportunity to show in English and Western pleasure classes. While in the country she also made a visit to Kentucky in April to spectate at a certain Three-Day Event.

Aside from Grålle, the other equine that frequents Heidi’s Instagram feed is Willie, the tiniest (and spottiest) of Miniature Horses, seen above trying to get the heck out of Dodge to avoid the incoming Grålle. Willie belongs to Heidi’s daughter Nora and if there’s a duo out there that could rival Edwina and Tusseman in cuteness, it might be this pair.

Heidi’s feed features snapshots from competitions all across Europe as well as from around her farm. It’s especially neat to get a peek her training during the winter when the snow is nearly elbow-deep on the horses at times! She is currently onsite at Tryon and Grålle has already passed through quarantine. The pair is enjoying exploring the grounds and Heidi has already taken a look at the cross country course — make sure you check out her stories for a peek!

Go Scandinavia and Go Eventing!

WEG Thursday Dressage Live Updates, Presented by SmartPak

By on Sep 13, 2018 8:41 am -

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Good morning EN! It’s time to kick things off in the sandbox here at Tryon for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. It really is a treat to have the caliber of horses and riders right here in our backyard. We are so excited to bring you the latest and greatest.

Start time is 9 a.m. and Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges will be the very first down the centerline. Click here for today’s startlist. EN’s chief number cruncher Maggie Deatrick has the latest on who to keep an eye on today, which you can see here.

#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

4:47 p.m. Team rankings:

4:43 p.m. Your top 10 as it stands:

4:41 p.m. Tina’s in the top five with 29.1! She’s the final rider of the day, so stay tuned for a full report to come very soon.

4:40 p.m. Billy and Tina close it out with a solid final halt, before the applause nearly flip the horse’s brains. Good boy Billy!

4:38 p.m. A late change has so far been the only fault of this test for Tina.

4:35 p.m. All the yes for Tina with Billy The Red. Very polished!

4:34 p.m. 32.6 for Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus which is just about the middle of the pack after day 1.

4:33 p.m. Tina Cook raises her hand to signal for fans to stay quiet during her ride to keep a lid on Billy The Red.

4:30 p.m. Vermiculus gets a little sticky through the changes, but also moments of brilliance for Lauren.

4:27 p.m. Gotta love the gentle jackhammering, sawing and other general construction background noise during dressage. Really fits the scene.

4:26 p.m. Bug gets a little excited for Lauren in the 10m circle right, tries to break to canter, but now we’re back on track.

4:25 p.m. Here we goooooo Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus going into the ring.

4:25 p.m. 37.8 for Nicolas

4:19 p.m. Really admiring the rhythm of Nicolas Wettstein and Meyer’s Happy.

4:15 p.m. What an exit! Nereo CP shows off his impressive Spanish walk out of the arena.

4:14 p.m. Ok this isn’t performance related by Albert Hermoso Farras’ ride, Nereo CP has the cutest white snip on his muzzzle! And, he’s also having a great test.

4:13 p.m. Spectators, who have now been melting for hours, seek shake anyplace they can, so stands are emptying a bit now.

4:11 p.m. Ah! live stream interruptions — thanks, FEI TV. Delayed remarks to say a lovely test produced by 32.7 for Canada’s Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo. Hawley dropped a 4* PB of 32.7.

4:05 p.m. Go Jollybo! Canada’s Hawley Bennett-Awad making great headway in her test.

3:55 p.m. Michael Jung’s pupil Pawel Spisak (POL) is producing a very forward, energetic test with Banderas.

3:52 p.m. 34.4 for 20-year-old Robin Godel (SUI) with Grandeur de Lully CH — You read that right. Robin is 20!

3:48 p.m. Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH are presenting a very pretty picture for Switzerland.

3:45 p.m. 32.2 for Anna Freskgård and Box Qutie.

3:42 p.m. Anna Freskgård is off to a great start, less one bobble in the halt. Immobility is for losers, Box Qutie said, we assume.

3:41 p.m. “My horse is the greenest out there by a lot, but the experience is everything here.” — Alex Hua Tian reflects on his ride earlier as he joins the commentating.

3:23 p.m. Short drag break, check back for the final group at 3:37 p.m.

3:23 p.m. Current team standings:

3:21 p.m. A late substitution for the Netherlands, Renske Kroeze and Jane Z are sub-30! Team coach Bettina Hoy looks pleased at the in-gate.

3:16 p.m. The second rider from the Netherlands, Renske Kroeze, now working through her test.

3:13 p.m. Well done for Ryuzo! A strong result of 32.2 for him, which is coincidentally the exact score of his teammate Kazuma Tomoto.

3:08 p.m. Great start for Ryuzo Kitajima and and Queen Mary, the second pair to go forward for Japan.

3:03 p.m. Lovely canter work for this French pair, and for that they’ve earned a 30.

3:00 p.m. Opium de Verrieres’ medium trot is what dreams are made of.

2:58 p.m. Frenchman Maxime Livio ready to go with his young partner Opium de Verrieres.

2:56 p.m. Pietro looks delighted with his WEG debut test. A 30.5 for this pair!

2:56 p.m. 

2:50 p.m. We’ve got another uniform in the arena in Pietro Sandei aboard Rubis de Prere for Italy.

2:48 p.m. The test continued to get better and better for Cathal after their early bobble. He scores 34.

2:47 p.m.

2:44 p.m. Some drama for Ireland’s Cathal Daniels in the early parts of the test as Rioghan Rua gets a bit overwhelmed by the atmosphere. He gets it back under control and continues on.

2:43 p.m. 

2:42 p.m. Toddy and McClaren with a 31.4 for 9th place so far.

2:40 p.m. A little sticky through the changes, but Mark Todd is expertly navigating the test to pull out every single point.

2:36 p.m. It feels as if the crowd is holding one collective breath for Toddy.

2:33 p.m. Mark Todd is making is 8th World Championship appearance this time with McClaren.

2:31 p.m. Marcelo Tosi & Glenfly with good going for Brazil. The horse has a great outline, and the presentation is wonderful.

2:25 p.m. 

2:09 p.m. Chris Burton and Cooley Lands go for 28.6. We’ve just seen top 4 all in one session. Quick break now — back at 2:26 p.m.

2:06 p.m. An expert at work: Burto has done an excellent job of quieting the young horse and then pushing him for the best possible movements.

2:03 p.m. Chris Burton and Cooley Lands are up next. This pair will be fighting for a podium finish.

2:00 p.m. Well done for Joris. A solid score of 32.7.

1:57 p.m. Joris Vanspringel and Imperial van de Holtakkers with an accurate start.

1:53 p.m. 27.8 for Piggy and Quarrycrest Echo! That horse looked to settle more and more as the test went on.

1:52 p.m. 

1:49 p.m. Piggy did not come here to play. She came to win and you can see that through her test.

1:48 p.m. Barely any time to process this, and we’re on with Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo who could challenge for a top position.

1:46 p.m. 27.1 for Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg!!!

1:45 p.m. The crowd is going bonkers for Boyd. Lovely test.

1:43 p.m. Very accurate halt + reinback for Boyd. Silva should be pleased!

1:41 p.m. Boyd had to battle against a roaring crowd as they announced Julia’s score as he entered the ring, but he’s putting the perfect polish on it!

1:39 p.m. We’ve got our first sub-30. Julia and Chipmunk with 19.9 for Germany.

1:38 p.m. This group is full of heavy hitters — Let’s settle in for Boyd Martin & Testerleg.

1:36 p.m. The crowd loves this German pair. We’re expecting this to easily take over the lead.

1:34 p.m. I’ve never seen a more square halt.

1:32 p.m. Beautiful form for Julia Krajewskip and Chipmunk FRH through the lateral work.

1:30 p.m. IT’S CHIPMUNK TIME

1:30 p.m. 35.8 for Maria Pinedo Sendagorta & Carriem van Colen Z

1:26 p.m. Maria is showing off a very solid connection throughout all gaits in this test.

1:26 p.m. 

1:24 p.m. 40.2 for Lisa Marie and Honor Me.

1:23 p.m. We now welcome Carriem van Colen Z and Maria Pinedo Sendagorta for Spain.

1:19 p.m. Honor Me looking a little “short in the neck” according to Clayton Fredericks on the live stream. He says Lisa Marie will be looking to keep things calm, cool and collected in this test.

1:16 p.m. Ready to go with Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me for Canada

1:15 p.m. 

12:23 p.m. Grab a bite to eat and check back here at 1:15 p.m. for the start of the afternoon session

12:21 p.m. Ronald Zabala-Goetschel and Wundermaske are good for 36.7

12:05 p.m. Ronald has been fully focused on qualifying and competing at WEG over the last years and we think he’ll be pretty pleased with this test.

12:03 p.m. EN’s Leslie Threlkeld is capturing the most wonderful photos here at WEG. You’ll want to check back for a full photo gallery today!

Daniela Moguel and Cecelia. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

12:01 p.m. Last horse before the lunch break will be Wundermaske for Ronald Zabala-Goetschel (ECU)

12:00 p.m. Alex gains a few points back in the end for a score of 42.7.

11:58 a.m. Things go a bit wrong in the halt + reinback, but Ballytiglea Vivendi is only 9 with no four-stars under his belt yet.

11:55 a.m. Ballytiglea Vivendi takes a peek at the crowd during his firs halt and you can just see Alex Hua Tian whisper to him ‘You’re ok.” Sweetness!

11:54 a.m. Fantastic! Well done, Heidi.

11:51 a.m. Did you know — Daniela found Cecelia from our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. WEG dreams, realized. Find your next dream pony here.

11:50 a.m. 

11:47 a.m. 36.1 for Heidi Bratlie Larsen & Euforian (NOR), which puts them 11th currently.

11:45 a.m. Here come one of our favorite #GirlPower teams, Daniela Moguel and Ceclia for Mexico!

11:43 a.m. Heidi Bratlie Larsen and Euforian performing their first 4* test and WEG debut as individuals for Norway.

11:38 a.m. Victoria Scott and Valtho des Peupliers earn a 40.8

11:32 a.m. Valtho des Peupliers’ quarter marks are on point!

11:31 a.m. Cictoria Scott riding proudly as the only representative from South Africa with Valtho des Peupliers.

11:29 a.m. Tension leads to a 37.8 for Patrizia and Hilton P. Sadly a bit above their trending average of 33 this year.

11:28 a.m. Patrizia keeps a lid on it. Overall very solid for Switzerland.

11:27 a.m. 

11:23 a.m. Patrizia Attinger and Hilton P having a few discussions in the early parts of the test, but picking back up now.

11:19 a.m. 

11:06 a.m. Niklas Lindbäck and Focus Filiocus post a 33, and now we’ll be on a quick break before our final session ahead of the longer lunch break.

11:00 a.m. Swedish rider Niklas Lindbäck is achieving a lot of elasticity through this test with Focus Filiocus.

10:58 a.m. 

10:56 a.m. Alice Naber-Lozeman and ACSI Harry Belafonte’s test was such a treat to watch. You can see from the stands how special their partnership is.

10:52 a.m. Alice is down the centerline with the most brilliant smile the Tryon stadium has ever seen!

10:48 a.m. First out for Japan, and a very correct test from Kazuma Tomoto and Tacoma d’Horset in their very first four-star test.

10:42 a.m. New leader alert! Donatien with a 29.3. With the lack of the dressage multiplier theses tests just inch ahead of one another. It will be a tight race at the top.

Donatien Schauly Adj and Pivoine des Touches. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

10:40 a.m. A fist pump for Donatien, and he deserves it. That test was pure class.

10:38 a.m. Frenchman Donatien Schauly Adj produces very fluid flying changes.

10:36 a.m. Riding for Italy, Pietro Roman and Barraduff earn a 37 in this first phase.

10:33 a.m. Pietro worked with what he had, but sadly we saw a bit of tension through the last part of their test.

10:31 a.m. Oops! Bit of a sticky moment in the canter for Pietro.

10:31 a.m. Italy’s pathfinder Pietro Roman is in the ring with Barraduff in full uniform thank you!

10:29 a.m. Sam Watson earns a 35.5, which trends above his recent averages.

10:26 a.m. 

10:24 a.m. 

10:23 a.m. 

10:19 a.m. Equirating’s Sam Watson is next to go with Horseware Ardagh Highlight.

10:16 a.m. #NailedIt Blyth Tait scores 29.7.

10:14 a.m. Such a forward test for Blyth Tait and Dassett Courage. Gorgeous walk.

10:13 a.m. Thoughts from Will Coleman on his test:

10:12 a.m.

10:10 a.m. Here we go! Blyth Tait circles the ring.

10:09 a.m. And heads up viewers at home:

10:08 a.m. Heads up spectators:

9:57 a.m. 40.2 for Nilson and Magnum’s Martini.

Nilson Moreira Da Silva and Magnum’s Martini. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

9:57 a.m. 

9:56 a.m. We’re at our first morning break. We’ll be back at 10:11 a.m.

9:51 a.m. 

9:49 a.m. Brazilian on the leaderboard, but U.S.-based Nilson Moreira Da Silva has begun his WEG debut.

9:48 a.m. 

9:41 a.m. In his 7th World Games, we welcome Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos for Australia.

9:39 a.m. 32.4 for Gemma and “Spike.” Such a strong start for Great Britain.

Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

9:38 a.m. Gemma’s reaction says it all! LOVELY test for these too with their best phase yet to come.

9:37 a.m. Wow. Perfection in the halt at A for Gemma.

9:36 a.m. 35.6 for Will Coleman and Tight Lines.

9:35 a.m. You Thoroughbred fans are in for a treat today with back to back TB powerhouses. Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul are in the ring.

9:31 a.m. The crowd goes wild for Coleman. Their halt was in beautiful synchrony with the end of the music. Nice musical freestyle, Will!

9:30 a.m. 30.2 for Kai Ruder and Colani Sunrise. Some bobbles in the changes seem to keep the just outside of the 20s.

9:26 a.m. Good work by Will Coleman so far. Nice clean changes in the canter work.

9:25 a.m. Eeek! First American in the ring. Go Phish!

9:22 a.m. The sleepy Thursday morning crowd wakes up a bit for Kai Ruder, with loud applause.

9:16 a.m. The first German is the arena, and Coloani Sunrise is excellent so far.

9:14 a.m. 36.3 for Carlos and Junco CP, and his fan clue proudly waves the Spanish flag!

9:10 a.m. Now we welcome Spain’s Carlos Diaz Fernandez and Junco CP.

9:07 a.m. Colleen and Qorry Blue d’Argouges best their four-star personal by over three points with a 34.3.

9:01 a.m. Lovely start for Colleen! They’re putting in a very rhythmical test so far.

8:50 a.m. Win an iPad from Equiratings! Download Stacks and take your bets on the competition at WEG.

8:40 a.m. The coffee station in the media center is working overtime, sunscreen is applied + raincoats are in hand. T-20 minutes from the first horse! Keep checking this space.

Dressage Powerhouses of WEG: Day One

By on Sep 13, 2018 7:45 am -

Welcome to the first day of eventing at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games! Yesterday marked the beginning of the competition, with the first horse inspection occurring in the afternoon and today we’ll have the first half of dressage. Click here to see the order of go with ride times for today and here for all the details on how to watch live, with live scores here.

Although there are a few tests that will be worth watching today, most of the teams have unsurprisingly put their heavy hitters into the latter half of the order of go, so make sure to check back with EN tomorrow for the top players broken down into morning and evening sessions.

The competitors will be performing 2017 FEI 4* Test B, which was used for the first time this year. At this point, anyone who has ridden in a 4* this year has had a chance to perform this test, but competitors who haven’t made it to a 4* in 2018 will be trying it out for the first time.

A huge change in dressage scoring this year is the loss of the 1.5 multiplier on the penalty marks, making the scoring a straight conversion to penalties. An average of 70.0% from the ground jury will translate into 30.0 penalty points, instead of 45.0 as it would have in previous years. This will cluster the competitors closer together after the first phase, making the jumping phases more influential.

Judging the competitors will be Anne-Mette Binder of Denmark, who presides over the ground jury. Andrew Bennie of New Zealand and Jane Hamlin of the United States join him as members of the ground jury.

#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

THURSDAY MORNING, MORNING SESSIONS

Pietro Roman and Barraduff. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Pietro Roman (ITA) and Barraduff: Pietro and Barraduff have only one 3* start since the European Championships at Strzegom last summer; they scored a career personal best of 27.3 at Strzegom, then bested it at the Luhmühlen CIC3* this June with a 24.5. They won’t be a favorite for a top-10 placing after dressage but could be a dark horse for a surprisingly strong score.

Aiming for: 24.5

Expected: 31.0

Ride Time: 10:27 a.m.

THURSDAY MORNING, AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Julia Krajewski (GER) and Chipmunk FRH: With this pair’s personal best of 19.4 at Bramham in June, they may not quite have the best 3/4* dressage score in the field but they own the best 3* average (23.3), best 12 month average (22.2), and best 2018 average (22.2) in the whole field. Chipmunk FRH is attempting the 4* test for the first time this weekend, but even so expectations are high.

Aiming for: 22.2

Expected: 22.2

Ride Time: 1:31 p.m.

Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Piggy French (GBR) and Quarrycrest Echo: This is a horse who bounces a little between almost cracking 75% and almost cracking 70%, without much in between. That puts their 3* average of 28.1 solidly in the top 10 range of the field, and after day one of dressage they’ll likely be near the top overnight.

Aiming for: 28.1

Expected: 28.6

Ride Time: 1:47 p.m.

OTHERS OF NOTE

Maxime Livio and Opium de Verrieres. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In the morning session, Kai Ruder and Colani Sunrise have hit the 75% mark previously, and Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul have proven they can break the 70% on a 4* test.

In the afternoon, Billy the Red with Tina Cook and Opium de Verrieres with Maxime Livio have also proven they can approach the 75% mark on a good day.

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

#Tryon2018: Website, Definite Entries, Schedule, Start Times & Scoring, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

By on Sep 13, 2018 12:03 am -

Total tail envy for Louise Svensson Jahde’s Waikiki (SWE). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

As a person who has a grey horse in the barn, this photo of a grey tail has me literally swooning. HOW??? I need to know. My dreams are literally made of tails like this, and I feel like that groom deserves a serious raise for maintaining that level of bright whiteness. Tell me your secrets!

National Holiday:  National Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

#Tryon2018: Website, Definite Entries, Schedule, Start Times & Scoring, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

GMHA September H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Otter Creek Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

News From Around the Globe:

Need a quick refresher on the action from yesterday? Horse Nation has you covered. A tumultuous first day of competition at the World Equestrian Games to say the least. While reining saw a brilliant day of sport in the climate-controlled indoor facility, the endurance race was fraught with controversy and challenge from the beginning, not the least of which was the weather. The first day of team dressage took place as well. [Day One Rundown]

Keep referring here as the next two days go on: [Team Orders & Dressage Start Times for Eventing]

We hope that by the end of the WEG, Boyd will have mastered the pronunciation of Tsetserleg. However, he’s always good for a laugh in press conferences! Team USA is ready to rock it this weekend, hurricane or no hurricane. With a team full of proper cross country horses and riders, the games this weekend are integral to securing our spot in the 2020 Olympic Games, and the team is hoping for a top finish. [Come Prepared, Then Let ‘Er Rip]

I know it’s dressage day, but can you really resist taking a walk around the cross country course? Nah, me neither. Good thing we have a fence by fence breakdown for you to preview what the riders will be attacking on Saturday. While you’re “walking” the course, keep in mind that the weather will certainly play an integral role this weekend, and we’ll be looking for the horses to dig deep for clear rounds. Whatsup, Jonelle. [Fence By Fence: WEG Cross Country Course]

#Tryon2018 Wednesday Instagram Roundup

By on Sep 12, 2018 9:00 pm -

Greetings from … not Tryon! Over half of the EN team is the on the grounds at the Tryon International Equestrian Center bringing you the latest and greatest from the World Equestrian Games. I, however, am holding down the fort at home repressing a little FOMO, but also secretly (well, not anymore) a little glad to be enjoying the coverage and contributing in some small fashion from the comfort of my own home.

If you’re like me, a crazed eventing fanatic who’s not at Tryon in person, then you’ll be wanting to soak up all the social media you can in between the EN team’s reports so you can pretend like you’re there without actually having to deal with the weather or other craziness. So let’s get a little look at what went down on Wednesday from those with their boots on the ground:

Team USA started the day by sharing a healthy breakfast …

And then riders got their first look at Capt. Mark Phillips’ cross country course and perhaps a small taste of the weather to come this weekend. For the full course, stay tuned for EN’s fence-by-fence course preview coming soon to a computer screen near you.

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Vikings 💪🏼🌨 #TeamSweden 🇸🇪

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Water complex #weg2018 #tryon2018 #goeventing

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The afternoon saw the horses and riders strutting their stuff and breezing through the first horse inspection. Don’t miss Leslie Threlkeld’s gorgeous photo gallery from the end of the jog strip.

Let the games begin!

#Tryon2018: Website, Definite Entries, Schedule, Start Times & Scoring, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Photo Gallery: WEG Eventing First Horse Inspection

By on Sep 12, 2018 8:08 pm -

Sir Mark Todd and McClaren (NZL). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

It’s been a doozy of a day at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, but thankfully the first horse inspection for eventing was fairly uneventful. On a jog strip lined tightly with spectators both along side rail and above the horses on steps, the photographers commented how well behaved the horses were — very little spice and shenanigans for four-star fit horses! Maybe they’re preserving their energy for what we know will be a grueling cross country test on Saturday.

Nevertheless, the horses looked fit and beautiful and we were happy to see them breeze through the inspection. Let’s meet the competitors we’ll be following closely for the next four days.

#Tryon2018: Website, Definite Entries, Schedule, Start Times & Scoring, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Your Real-Talk Spectator Guide to Navigating the 2018 WEG

By on Sep 12, 2018 8:03 pm -

The new arena where eventing show jumping will take place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Welcome, valued spectator, to the 2018 World Equestrian Games at Tryon!

We hope you are not unduly stressed after the first leg of today’s adventure, a journey from parking lot to shuttle to ticketing gate that Wednesday spectators report took upwards of two hours. Hopefully, the logistics department will get all that sorted before dressage begins tomorrow, as well as address concerns that parking conditions will go to pot with more rain. Yeah, we see you Florence. “We all have rental cars that don’t do mud,” we heard one understandably anxious spectator comment to the information booth. “They’ve got to get some gravel in there, or they’ll be towing people out.” Normandy remix!

As far as traffic goes, it was fairly smooth sailing today, but that can and likely will change as the event gets underway. Allow extra time and consider downloading a live traffic navigation app like Waze.

Parking #Protips: DON’T tell Siri you want to go Tryon International Equestrian Center. Spectator parking is at Lot F (6881 S. NC Hwy 9, Columbus, NC), the new steeplechase course behind the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club office on Route 9, about 15 minutes away. Parking is $20 and they accept cash and cards. You’ll catch a shuttle from Lot F to the gate. Shuttles start 2.5 hours prior to competition and end 2.5 hours after the last competition ends each day. If you’re getting dropped off or catching an Uber, you’re looking for Lot E (3580 Pea Ridge Rd. Rutherfordton, NC, 28139). Wheelchair access is available at both lots. Click here for additional parking info.

You made it! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ah, finally, you’re at the gate! If you’ve been in parking lot gridlock and/or on a bus and nature called, like, an hour ago, take comfort that there are ample port-o-potties along this stretch.

To enter the venue you’ll need to pass through security, which includes a metal detector and a little rummage through your bag. Have a glance at this list of allowed/not allowed stuff, most of which is common sense. Officially there is a clear bag requirement, but Wednesday’s security duty didn’t seem to care much about enforcing that one. One security guy we talked to rolled his eyes and said it was bunk; another said, more carefully, “We prefer you have a clear bag.”

You can print a copy of your tickets to show upon arrival or you can add them to your Apple wallet.

Packing #Protips: Think cross country day at Kentucky — good walking shoes or gum boots, sunscreen/hat/sunglasses, hand sanitizer, water container — we saw no water filling stations, but we’re eventers, we’ll drink from a hose to save $4 bucks on bottled water. Update from a reader: There is a water refill station behind Roger’s Diner. If you have a lightweight folding chair, that seems like a smart idea with all the mud. If you find yourself in dire need of something, don’t panic — the General Store probably has it. Today vacillated between downpour and sun-drenched steambath, and remember, we’re in the path of a hurricane, so all-weather gear is a must. In a clear or not clear bag. (Don’t quote us on that — the rules around her do tend to change as they go. See: today’s endurance competition.)

Moving right along … you made it! You’re in! Game face! Let’s go!

On your right, you’ll see indoor arena where reining and vaulting takes place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Don’t mind the dust — we’re getting ready for the … oh. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Might as well peek our head inside. Nice and cool. Something to keep in mind if you need a place to sit down and there’s nothing going on in there. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Next stop, this directory just before the bridge. Hungry? Thirsty? Credit card burning a hole in your pocket? Just came to watch the ponies? Whatever the order of your to-do list, this can get you started.

So many arrows. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Let’s say you want to get straight to the action. A worthwhile stop-off is the Information booth by what you know as the old entrance to the venue. There, you can pick up a map or order of go and get pointed in the right direction.

The information booth, shown in the background of this photo, is your friend. Unless there’s a very long line. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Eventing dressage takes place in the original George Morris arena (we’re calling it Tryon Stadium this week), around back behind the Adirondack-style restaurant pavilion in the above photo. The arena is basically just as you remember it, except with a new three-story Controls Center where media is housed flanking one side of it. Para-Equestrian dressage also takes place here.

Tryon Stadium. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

On the far side of the Controls Center, where once upon a time (about two weeks ago) there was a derby field/ghost of AEC cross country courses past, there’s the U.S. Trust Arena where straight dressage, straight show jumping and eventing show jumping will take place.

Stands looking pretty empty during the first day of straight dressage today. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

OK, now you’re hungry. There are a few permanent restaurants on-site — Campagna Italian Restaurant, Legends Grille, Blue Ginger Sushi, Roger’s Diner, Siesta Cantina — and a few snack-y places, including an new ice cream joint that wasn’t open today but hopefully will be tomorrow. But those places are going to be busy, and you didn’t come all the way to WEG to sit around waiting on a table. Good news! There’s a food truck court.

They’ve buried it at the far end of the vendor village …

The sprawling vendor village, with food trucks at the far left. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

…. and it’s not on the map, but don’t worry, we found it for you and took notes, and that’s why we’re your favorite website. The offerings: pizza, ice cream, Peruvian fusion cuisine, farm-to-table platters, southern cuisine, Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, coffee, tapas, tacos, barbeque, sandwiches, salads, Thai steamed buns and bao, and piña coladas which IMO is its own food group. Lots of choices, and there are enough trucks that hopefully they can handle the traffic. Except for that single coffee place, which is going to get CRUSHED.

There’s a little covered pavilion where you can sit and eat in front of the Coca Cola stage, if there’s room, although here again a little folding chair would be posh if you can manage it. The food truck area is beside the kid’s Land Rover test drive area, so that could keep your little ones entertained while you nosh.

Also, THIS IS IMPORTANT, there is wine in a can. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Too classy to drink wine from a can? The WEG souvenir shop, next to Tryon Stadium, has your hookup — and feel free to knock out all your Christmas shopping while you’re at it. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Now, about that shopping, a noble quest you are now ready to embark upon now that you’re properly fed and watered boozed. There’s a ton of it, all the stuff you need and even more that you don’t, so don’t hold back.

Now’s the time to bag those purple snakeskin Der Dau boots you’ve always wanted. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Saddles are expensive but …

… you can’t put a price tag on terrible advice. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Overall impressions:

  • The parking/shuttle situation is an issue, hopefully one they’ll remedy ASAP.
  • It’s hard to predict how the venue will handle larger crowds — it’s just Wednesday, after all — and also impossible to know what kind of crowds we’ll be looking at. Ticket sales are rumored to be lower than projected, and the weather is liable to thin crowds even further. Which is unfortunate, but could buffer some logistical issues. Or not, and it will be just be a madhouse.
  • We’ve heard lots of positive reviews of the venue itself from spectators. There’s a lot going on, and with all the disciplines condensed into one place everything feels a bit heaped on top of itself, but we’d prefer that compact format to a big, sprawling, disjointed spread. Although if when the hurricane fallout gets here (thankfully the timeline for that keeps getting pushed further out) and spectators are seeking shelter, things are going get REAL cozy.
  • The food situation, once we found it, seems sufficient. Coffee, on the other hand … start queueing up now, caffeine junkies.
  • Shoppers beware: The vendor village is a danger zone.
  • Equine accommodations and field of play are first-rate, which is of course the most important thing. The arenas look great; the footing is world-class. Jenni will be along soon with a first look at the cross country course.
  • Yeah, there are definitely construction site vibes. Because honestly it’s still kind of under construction. (Seriously, don’t assume that anything is not a work in progress — Jenni had a near-death experience with a not-quite-secured staircase railing.) Things change rapidly around these parts, and we’ll bring you updates and new venue developments as they unfold. Hopefully this guide gets you off on the right track.

Go have fun out there. Go Eventing!

#Tryon2018: Website, Definite Entries, Schedule, Start Times & Scoring, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

 

FEI Cancels WEG Endurance Competition Mid-Race [Updated 9/13]

By on Sep 12, 2018 7:37 pm -

Endurance riders beginning the second leg of the race at WEG. Photo by Shelby Allen.

In an unprecedented turn of events, the endurance competition has been cancelled mid-race at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. What began with a false start after some riders were “misdirected” on course early this morning, ended in controversy as the FEI officially abandoned the competition this evening.

In the early parts of the race, many riders were sent down the incorrect path, and because of this it was decided that the competition would be restarted and shortened from 160 kilometers down 120 kilometers.

Riding resumed at 11:15 a.m. EST, and the race continued throughout the day, but by 6 p.m., the FEI had cancelled the competition altogether. A statement released cited FEI General Regulations Article 109.12, which allows cancellation in cases of extreme weather.

“This was a difficult decision to make, but it was done with horse and athlete welfare in mind as the conditions this afternoon after the rain resulted in extremely high levels of humidity and, combined with rising heat, it was deemed unsafe to continue the ride,” said Thomas Timmons, President of the Veterinary Commission.

At the time of the statement, multiple endurance riders remained on course, with the leader, Spain’s Alex Luque Moral, more than halfway finished with the final 28.2 kilometer loop.

Questions remain as to the official time at which the competition was cancelled, and why many horses remained on course for nearly an hour after the announcement. Riders were outraged, and chaos ensued around the vet box when the decision was made — resulting in local police being called to the scene.

The Independent Equestrian Community Integrity Unit (ECIU) has been tasked with a full investigation into the circumstances that resulted in some riders being misdirected in the early parts of the course. The FEI has said that the investigation will be made public after it has been presented to the FEI Bureau, and will include interviews with officials, volunteers, Organizing Committee and all other relevant personnel.

[Cancellation of Endurance competition at FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018]

UPDATE (Sept. 13 4:30 p.m.): The Real Spanish Equestrian Federation has lodged an appeal against the FEI’s decision to abandon yesterday’s endurance competition. Had medals been awarded at the time of abandonment (no official timestamp has been disclosed), Spain would have won team gold.

In its appeal, Real Federación Hípica Española noted that more than 80% of the distance had been completed by the race leaders at the time of cancellation. They also pointed out that while there is no legal precedent for the situation, but in previous competitions cancelled for reasons other than the weather medals were awarded according to placement at the moment of suspension (they cited the 2012 FEI World Endurance Championships as an example). “All of them are the reasons why we ask the FEI to reconsider its decision of not awarding medals to this championship,” the appeal concludes.

An endurance press meeting is supposed to take place later today. [Real Federación Hípica Española]