Classic Eventing Nation

On the Fence about the AEC? 7 Reasons to Get That Entry in Today!

Jr. Beginner Novice 14 & Under competitors Hannah Sullivan and Nebraska are clear over the final cross country fence at the 2017 AEC. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Closing date for the 2018 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), presented by Nutrena Feeds, is today! Still hemming and hawing about whether to enter the event, to be held Aug. 29-Sept. 2 in Parker, Colorado? I’ve attended the AEC at its past four locations (Illinois, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina) in various capacities (rider, friend, coach, press), and I can’t recommend the experience highly enough.

Maybe this year’s AEC is off the beaten path for you geographically, but it’s well worth the trek — a true destination event. You better believe I’m heading to the 15th annual edition, and I don’t want you guys to miss out!

Here are seven reasons to just put that entry in already:

  1. You earned it. You worked hard, you qualified (see AEC qualified riders and horses), and now it’s time to go enjoy the victory lap of your successful season. Don’t miss the opportunity to test yourself against horses and riders from around the country for the chance to earn the ultimate title of National Champion.
  2. It’s the feel-good event of the year. The USEA goes above and beyond to make sure competitors and their peeps have a fun, celebratory and memorable experience. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes + swag galore + parties every evening = why would you miss this, seriously?
  3. It’s a picture-perfect venue. Just imagine your cross country photos with the dramatic Rocky Mountains looming in the background! Feel the sun on your back and the alpine wind on your face! The Colorado Horse Park is a beautiful, first-class facility with a variety of amenities to make horses and riders alike feel at home — visit the website here.
  4. Bring the whole barn. In addition to championship divisions, the event includes non-championship “festival classes” from Beginner Novice through Preliminary. There’s even an Intro level with an optional ditch and water jump. Comparable to normal horse trial divisions as far as cost, prizes and difficulty (they will run the same Tremaine Cooper-designed courses as the AEC divisions but with some non-championship options), the festival classes offer non-qualified horses the chance to gain experience in a big show atmosphere.
  5. Bring the whole family. The Colorado Horse Park is located less than an hour outside Denver, one of the U.S.’s friendliest, cleanest and most colorful cities, and outdoorsy activities abound in the area. With a little creativity you can convince that fam that this isn’t just an event, it’s a vacation. If the long road trip is a sticking point, look into budget airlines — my flight from Knoxville to Denver was $206 through Frontier.
  6. It’s more than JUST an event. The AEC is a panoramic view of eventing as it exists here in the U.S. — the pyramid-shaped representation of Beginner Novice to Advanced level riders, the connective tissue that exists between amateurs and pros, the sport’s sweeping geographic scope, and the heroic roles performed by organizers, volunteers and supporters.
  7. It’s an opportunity to give back. Speaking of volunteers, the AEC is in need of some. Can you lend a helping hand? Volunteering is a great way to show your support for the sport you love; AEC helpers will be provided with goodies including coffee and donuts, lunch and 2018 AEC hats. Sign up through the Eventing Volunteers portal to make your hours credible with the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP). Teamwork makes the dream work!

For more information, visit the AEC website. Ready to enter? Excellent choice. Check out the Omnibus listing here and enter via Xentry here.

 

Great Britain Announces Team for 2018 World Equestrian Games

Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Hot off the presses! Great Britain has just announced their squad for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. Congratulations to the following horses and riders:

  • 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

“This year’s team selection was extremely close, with great strength and depth coming through the nominated list,” Eventing Performance Manager Dickie Waygood said. “We head to WEG with a strong squad and I look forward to continuing to work with the selected athletes in the build-up, to ensure we are best prepared for Tryon.”

[Great Britain’s World Equestrian Games eventing squad announced]

Dutch Squad Announced for 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games

Merel Blom and Rumour Has It. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The Dutch eventing squad has been announced for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. Congratulations to the following horses and riders:

  • Merel Blom and Rumor Has It NOP, a 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Esteban xx X Onara, by Candillo) owned by J.M.J. Blom and M.C. Blom-Muilwijk
  • Laura Hoogeveen and Quibus, an 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Quasimodo Z X Rupiedante Dante Z, by Rupie Star) owned by Crimould 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
  • Raf Kooremans and Henri Z, a 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Heraldik xx X Rozina van de Hertogen, by Landaris) owned by Marc Rigouts
  • 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

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., have been named the reserve combination.

[EVENTINGTEAM WEG TRYON BEKEND]

Italy Names Short List for 2018 World Equestrian Games

Pietro Roman with Barraduff. Photo by Thomas Ix.

Italy has named a short list of seven combinations for eventing at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, which will take place Sept. 12-16 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Congratulations to the following horses and riders:

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 his own Rubis de Prere, a 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Fedor de Seves X Cina du Logis, by Quandy du Mayne)

Arianna Schivo and Quefira de l’Ormeau, a 14-year-old Selle Francais mare (Iolisco de Quinhon X Isabella du Brilot, by Beausejour IV) owned by the rider and Thomas Bouquet

Mattia Luciani and Leopold K, a 10-year-old German Sport Horse stallion (Levistano X Annabell K, by Askari) owned by Silver Oak Real Estate Company

Clelia Casiraghi and Verdi, a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Indoctro X Istannie, by Dutchboy) owned by Doretta Colnaghi

Simone Sordi on Amacuzzi, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Marcuzzi X Amara, by Maizauber) owned by Maria Giovanna Mazzocchi

Italy will announce the final squad of five prior to the definite entry deadline on Sept. 3.

[WEG2018: Completo. Sette azzurri in short list per Tryon]

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

Astier Nicolas with a mid-course status update. Photo via Le Grand Complet’s Facebook Page.

It’s hard to believe WEG is less than a month away. With recent announcements and course updates coming left and right, everything is falling into place. Who has plans to watch the action in Tryon? Keep an eye out for Chinch!

National Holiday: National Creamsicle Day

Events Opening This Week: University of New Hampshire H.T. (NH, A-1) Surefire Farm H.T. (VA, A-2) Stable View Oktoberfest CIC and Horse Trials (SC, A-3) Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (CA, A-6) Fair Hill International CCI***/** (MD, A-2) ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. at the Horsepark (NJ, A-2) Jump Start H.T. (KY, A-8) Larkin Hill H.T. (NY, A-1) Fair Hill International CCI***/** (MD, A-2) FEH Central Championships at Texas Rose Horse Park(TX, A-5)

Events Closing This Week: FEH/YEH/NEH Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2) Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3) Park Equine KY Classique H.T. (KY, A-8) Silverwood Farm Fall H.T. (WI, A-4) Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (CA, A-6) USEA AEC, Adequan Gold Cup Finals, and ATC Finals (CO, A-9)

Tuesday News: 

The German squad is officially set for the 2018 World Equestrian Games. Their final selection outing this weekend at Strzegom solidified it. Congratulations to Andreas Dibowski, Ingrid Klimke, Michael Jung, Julia Krajewski and Kai Rüder! [Germany reveals on-form eventing squad for World Equestrian Games]

Don’t miss this interview with the country’s “most underrated rider” Lillian Heard. She’s only 32 and has tackled nine CCI4* events on multiple horses. She’s also a loyal student of the sport, learning at every chance. [Lillian Heard Is The Epic Role Model We All Need]

Riders owe it to their horses to be every bit as fit as they are, Allison Springer says. She focuses on cardio and strength/flexibility. Walking or hiking are good ways to get extra cardio, and yoga can help with both strength and flexibility. [Rider Fitness with Allison Springer]

The new scoring program for the USEA Young Event Horse and Future Event Horse series will be tested for the first time today at Applewood Farm. Shout out to Steve Symansky for building the program (and note that he may be working out some of the final bugs). [FEH Scoring] [YEH Scoring]

Last weekend was for the ponies. From FEI Pony European Championships to USEF Pony Finals, there was plenty of cute to go around! [Pony Palooza: Favorite Photos From USEF Pony Finals]

Tuesday Video: 

Brazil Names Final Squad for 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Magnum’s Martini. Photo by Jenni Autry.

With nominated entries due today for eventing at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, we are expecting a flurry of teams announcements this week. Congratulations to the following horses and riders named to Brazil’s team:

  • Henrique 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 his own Glenfly, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Presenting X Dorans Glen, by Over The River)
  • Márcio Appel and Iberon Jmen, a 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Indoctro X Landina Jmen, by Landino) owned by Samantha Tonello
  • Márcio 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

Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage in the lead-up to WEG. Go Eventing.

[Convocação – Jogos Equestres Mundiais – WEG 2018 Equipe Brasileira de CCE]

#DogsOfEN: Barn Life Is Ruff

Barn dogs work hard and play hard, and by extension they must nap hard. We are loving these pics of knackered pups.

So what exactly is it that they’re doing out there that has them so exhausted? Well, lots of very important stuff, thank you very much. A few examples …

He's a mini cheetah #rossthepup #fastasthewind #dogsofen

A post shared by Melissa Boutin (@melissaboutin.eventing) on

✨Supervising the day✨ #weldon #barndog #barnsupervisor #dogsofinstagram #dogsofen

A post shared by Weldon (@wellieboots3) on

I spy with my little eye… a little barn dog in the making 💗

A post shared by jmk (@ottbs_n_pitties) on

Where there are horse people, there are dogs — and we love showing them off! Here’s your latest batch of canine Instagram pics, plus a few other assorted friendly barnyard creatures because we’re equal opportunity like that.

Be sure to tag your ‘Grams with #DogsOfEN for inclusion in a future edition!

Go Eventing.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: How it Feels to Win Gold at Pony Championships

Imagine for a moment that you’re a sixteen-year-old girl and you’ve just won the biggest event of your life on your trusty pony. Yeah, you’d be in tears too.

That’s reality for Saffron “Saffie” Osborne. She and Little Indian Feather a.k.a “Jojo” took home individual gold and team gold for Great Britain at the FEI European Eventing Championships for Ponies which took place at Bishop Burton College in Beverley, England over the weekend. This is actually Saffie and Jojo’s second appearance at Pony Europeans – the pair came in second in the individual and team competitions last year; certainly a fine showing in and of itself, yet they came back with a vengeance for this year, Saffie’s final season qualified for Ponies as next year she’ll age out at seventeen, year managed to best their finish from last season.

But the real icing on the cake for this fairytale is the story of Jojo’s origin. The 14.2-hand skewbald mare of unknown breeding was found in very poor condition by the Urlingford (Ireland) Horse Pound in 2007 and subsequently taken in by Brian and Sonya Hennessey. The pony gained weight quickly under Hennessey’s care – so much so that they though she might be pregnant, but a vet assured them that she wasn’t. A little later Jojo had a bad run in with a fence post and severely damaged her tendons. There was talk of putting the pony down, but Sonya pursued treatment instead and was ultimately rewarded for her efforts as Jojo made a full recovery. Several months later the Hennesseys came home from a show to find a handsome foal running around by Jojo’s side.

Jojo was produced by two other riders, Kristie Connell and Chelsea Pearce, before Saffie took up the reins. These event ponies and their riders are fierce competitors and their athleticism should not be underestimated due to their Lilliputian stature. Ponies running the European Championships are jumping 1.05 meters, the height equivalent of the Modified level here in the States. Check out Saffie and Jojo’s double clear cross country round (below) which moved them up to the lead going into show jumping, and you certainly don’t want to miss their double clear stadium round (above) including Saffie’s reaction and interview afterwards!

Weekend Winners: GMHA, Fair Hill, WindRidge, Otter Creek, Woodside, Area VII YR Benefit

The competition was HOT out there this weekend! Big, shiny blue ribbons were doled to deserving recipients at five events around the vast Eventing Nation.

Gotta give a shout-out to EN’s own Jenni Autry, who finished 4th in a division of Training at Fair Hill International in her debut outing with new stud-muffin Imperial Striker (“Derry”). Great to see Jenni partnered with such a cool ride. Just one spot above them in the placings was EN blogger extraordinaire Holly Covey, who finished 3rd with Tully Cross Hamish. Way to represent, team!

First show with a new horse … always an adventure! Derry is a pretty cool customer at home, and he perked right up at Fair Hill today. 28.0 is a personal best for me in dressage, and there is so much more there once we polish up the test. We have been working hard to get him more in front of the leg for show jumping, and needless to say we did not have that problem today! He was raring to go and had an exuberant two rails down, but that was forgiven on cross country. He was absolutely foot perfect and cruised around well inside the time to finish 4th. It's a bummer to know he would have won without the rails, but today was a big step forward in building our partnership. THANK YOU to @domschramm @jimmiehschramm @joshautry @gailmink @emilylehman21 @riverrunak for slogging through a very hot and humid day. Shoutout to @jprettyman_ for getting it done with Cooley Mullingar 💪 Thank you to @stevenjberkowitz for the fabulous photo. Onwards and upwards! 🍀🦄

A post shared by Jenni Autry (@jkautry) on

An extra special shout-out to our lowest scoring winner in the country this weekend, Kristen Davignon with Fürst Floid. The pair handily won the Senior Novice division on their dressage score of 19.3 at the Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. in Centralia, Washington.

Shelby Allen rounded up the weekend’s Intermediate and one-star winners in this post yesterday, so be sure to check that out. And now, here’s the complete winner roster!

GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T.  [Website] [Results]
CIC One Star: Holly Jacks Smither & Finely Brewed (27.3)
Open Intermediate: Anna Loschiavo & Prince Renan (34.6)
Open Preliminary: Buck Davidson Jr. & Gaya (32.4)
Preliminary/Training: Denise Goyea & Quickest (27.5)
Junior Training: Katerina Garcia-Chope Samba Dromo (32.6)
Open Training: Sharon White & Juneau (26.3)
Training Rider: Ann Grenier & Almost Famous (29.8)
Junior Novice-A: Rachel Hoar & Lanzz (30.5)
Junior Novice-B: Erin Sheehan & Sharp Dressed Man (24.5)
Junior Novice – Weekend: Sam Curtis & Cooley Cut Copy (25.7)
Novice Rider-A: Karen Dronzek & Sportsfield Jinx (23.6)
Novice Rider-B: Ashley Miller & Irish Sea (22.6)
Novice Rider – Weekend: Andrea Brainard & Watson’s Beijing (27.9)
Open Novice: Kristin Schlachter & Backgammon (27.9)
Open Novice – Weekend: Marcia Kulak & Gran Torino (25.0)
Beginner Novice Rider-A: Michele Marrin & Patient Investor (27.0)
Beginner Novice Rider-B: Tori Donaghue & Otto Rocket (30.3)
Junior Beginner Novice-A: Anna Meretei & Fernhill Danforth (27.5)
Junior Beginner Novice-B: Katie Sheehan & Big Sexy (22.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Ro Nelson & Curious George (24.5)

Enjoy this gallery of GMHA winners courtesy of the talented Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto.

Fair Hill International H.T.  [Website] [Results]
Intermediate-A: Lexi Scovil & Chico’s Man VDF Z (32.4)
Intermediate-B: Boyd Martin & Kyra (24.6)
Junior Young Riders Open Preliminary: Benjamin Noonan & Keep Kitty (29.1)
Preliminary-A: Phillip Dutton & Concord Dawn (25.9)
Preliminary-B: Boyd Martin & Wabanaki (25.4)
Preliminary Rider: Hannah Simmons & Ducati III (38.2)
Junior Open Training: Emma Hilt & The Blues Man (30.2)
Training-A: Meghan O’Donoghue & Sun Nature (23.9)
Training-B: Mike Pendleton & Woodstock Easy (25.9)
Training-C: Hillary Moses & Save Magic (28.2)
Training Rider-A: Sarah Choate & Cooley Blue (32.5)
Training Rider-B: Kim Russell Jordan & Alpengeist (28.3)
Junior Open Novice: Natalie Tedeschi & Jitter Bug (21.7)
Novice-A: Jenny Caras & Riverview Starboy (23.8)
Novice-B: Elizabeth Stewart & Innsbruck VDO (24.1)
Novice Rider-A: Lauren Chumley & Santa Barbara Dash (19.8)
Novice Rider-B: Cami Pease & Vibrant (26.9)

Amazing weekend at Fair Hill Horse Trials for Team PDF! 4 horses, 0 jump penalties, and 4 ribbons! Chloe rocked around the prelim adding only a few time penalties to her dressage score to finish in 6th. Dawson finally cracked into the 20’s in dressage and added nothing to his score to finish 6th in the Training. James was a bit sassy in dressage but was a total beast in show jumping and cross country to finish in 7th place in the Novice. This little red headed pocket rocket is going to need some bigger jumps soon! So proud of my three kids and the progress they’ve made so far this year! Super-groom @skceventer has the best result of the weekend with a WIN in the Training Rider division! Sarah’s been working so hard to form a partnership with Oliver and it’s awesome to see their hard work pay off! So proud of you Sarah 😘🎉🥇 Thank you to our amazing sponsors who help make successful weekends like this one possible! #eventing #superweekend #teamblue @triplecrownfeed @revitavetofficial @eqyss @horsequencher @decopony @stubbenna @equinecomfortproducts @cooleyfarmhorses #guardianhorsebedding

A post shared by Plain Dealing Farm (@pdf_eventing) on

WindRidge Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Results]
Preliminary: John Michael Durr & SL Belly (28.8)
Training-A: John Michael Durr & VFE Saphira (31.2)
Training-B: Cindy Phillips & 3rd Times The Charm (31.0)
Training-C: Jamie Miess & Gentleman Barton (35.0)
Novice-A: Sara Beth Anton & Q Course (27.9)
Novice-B: Harley Austin & Sword of Ireland (25.7)
Novice-C: Devon Tresan & I Am Superman (27.6)
Novice CT: Alison Kroviak & Dolce (29.1)
Beginner Novice-A: Lauren Bergrud & Finally (26.9)
Beginner Novice-B: Sara Beth Anton & Vision Quest (23.9)
Beginner Novice CT: Kennedy Smith & Bradson Ralph (35.3)
Starter: Elisabth Larson & Peter Pan (35.6)

Otter Creek Summer H.T. [Website] [Results]
Open Intermediate: Genevieve Faith Burned You Too (61.8)
Open Preliminary: Alexis Anderson & Holly Golightly (65.0)
Junior Training Rider: Kate McGown & Encore (40.5)
Open Training: Matthew Trynoski & The Gidget (34.1)
Preliminary/Training: Kristine Burgess & Thorondor (40.5)
Senior Training Rider: Mark Ward & Juniper (43.5)
Junior Novice Rider: Natalie Hazen & Caalif Elmy (30.5)
Open Novice: Bernard Morauw & VC Atilla (25.6)
Senior Novice Rider-A: Morgan Risseeuw & Farina VT (37.3)
Senior Novice Rider-B: Kristin Kubsch & CMF Royal Diamond (22.6)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Emily Hedberg & Mr. Mile High (28.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Todd Wulf & Kando (27.8)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Alisha Flohr & C.Sincerity (29.3)
Starter Beginner Novice-A: Heather Salden & Sobella (30.3)
Starter Beginner Novice-B: Meaghan Kelley & Sierra’s Goldmine (30.5)

The Summer Event at Woodside [Website] [Results]
Open Intermediate: Helen Bouscaren & Ebay (32.7)
Open Preliminary-A: Meg Pellegrini & Ganymede (27.6)
Open Preliminary-B: Jordan Linstedt & Revitavet Capato (23.7)
Jr. Training Rider: Haley Turner & Orion’s Sweet Rubio (28.2)
Open Training: Ruth Bley & Frankfurt (26.6)
Sr. Training Rider-A: Ruth Bley & Spartacus D’L’Herbage (28.9)
Sr. Training Rider-B: Rebecca Severt & Zena (25.5)
Jr. Novice Rider: Sophie Dever & Clever Notion (28.6)
Novice Amateur: Golly Martin & Kaptain Jak (26.0)
Novice Horse: Amber Levine & High Life (27.6)
Open Novice: Bella Silveira & Celeste (26.2)
Sr. Novice Rider: Tori Traube & Coupe De Ville (26.4)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider-A: Mackenzie Davison & Skye’s the Limit (31.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider-B: Morgan Lunn & Feels Like Carolina (36.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Toora Nolan & Adelaide SWF (31.3)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Annie Desmond & Little Elf (25.3)
Intro-A: Silvia Szabo & Simpatico (29.2)
Intro-B: Elsa Warble & Snip Commands A Kiss (28.1)
Future Event Horse 2-year-old: Earl McFall & Iluminada
Future Event Horse 3-year-old: Brook Morrison & Bravehearts Renegade

Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. [Website] [Results]
Preliminary Jr/YR: Cadence Michel & Kedrah House Lux (48.9)
Preliminary Open: Kristi Walker & Just A Dream (38.4)
Training Jr/YR: Madison Langerak & Normandy’s Kivalo (19.7)
Training Junior: Rio Jensen & Calgino Z (21.0)
Training Open: Marc Grandia & Gildegunde (27.6)
Training Senior: Amy Haugen & Ebenholtz (30.0)
Novice Jr/YR: Lauren Jester & Slingshot (31.9)
Novice Junior: Audrey Ogan & Blended With My Best (32.2)
Novice Open: Erika Lee & Bentley (22.1)
Novice Senior: Kristen Davignon & Fürst Floid (19.3)
Beginner Novice Jr/YR: Makayla Watterson & Foxwood Belle (33.1)
Beginner Novice Junior: Brianna Philipp & Rio de Janeiro (32.5)
Beginner Novice Open: Sarah Lorenz & Garbo STF (26.4)
Beginner Novice Senior: Piper Newman & Ferngully (23.8)
Intro Open: Tammy Kienitz & Anonymous (26.1)
Future Event Horse-2yo: Sonya Françoise & Glendalough’s Dahlné (74.6)
Future Event Horse-3yo: Linda Smyth & Patriot (83.2)
Future Event Horse-4yo: Anna Collier & Dune (80.2)
Future Event Horse-Yearling: Jennifer Ryan & Berracos’ Last Valentino (78.0)

Go Eventing.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Three Solid Citizens

If you don’t have experience with OTTBs yourself, it’s always a good idea to enlist the help of a professional trainer when sourcing a horse off-the-track and retraining it for a new career. Thoroughbreds have been stereotyped as hot and hard to handle, but as with people, they’re all different! Just because a horse is a Thoroughbred doesn’t mean they can’t be well-behaved. Some are just naturally chill dudes, others are been-there-done-that warhorses who have seen everything, and some have been able to enjoy time out on the trails at their connections’ farms.

If you get your hands on one of these horses it can make the retaining process that much easier. Here are three solid citizens currently available through CANTER who could have just what you’re looking for in your next eventing partner:

Lava Heat. Photo via CANTER PA.

Lava Heat (MISBAH – LYPHARD’S LEGACY, BY LYPHARD): 2014 16.0-hand Pennsylvania-bred colt

Lava Heat may still be a stallion, but this homebred has impeccable ground manners – even standing ground tied for a bath – and is such a dependable guy that his owners have no hesitation in hoping on him after a month off to go out for a trail ride. He didn’t show any promise as a racehorse so they retired him after two starts and have been using him as a trail horse on their farm for the past year or so. Lava Heat bravely crosses bridges, water, and traffic without hesitation and though he’s mainly been putzing around the countryside recently, there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t make a good sport horse. His owners are also willing to geld him before he goes off to a new home, so don’t let that deter you!

View Lava Heat on CANTER PA.

Circle City. Photo via CANTER New York.

Circle City (A.P. INDY – MISS HALORY, BY MR. PROSPECTOR): 2010 16.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

This son of A.P Indy has his daddy’s good looks and he knows it. He loves being in front of a crowd and loves to calmly show off to his adoring fans, so his favorite places are the saddling ring and the post-parade. Circle City has raced plenty, with 28 starts under his belt, and is “sound as a tack” but just doesn’t have the speed to really be successful on the track. Take him home, make him your own, and he’s sure to shine in the show ring!

View Circle City on CANTER New York.

Greeley’s Special. Photo via CANTER Chicago.

Greeley’s Special (GREELEY’S CONQUEST – OUR SPECIAL ANGEL, BY DIGNITAS): 2012 15.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Though this pretty chestnut gelding is Kentucky-bred, he’s a Chicago-racing favorite having made all 41 of his career starts at either Arlington or Hawthorne. Despite being pretty successful – earning over $50,000 in those starts – and staying sound, Greeley’s Special has stoped showing an interest in racing so it seems it’s time to find him a different job. Greeley is definitely a barn-favorite as he is friendly and sweet, but also calm and well-behaved. During racing off-seasons he’s been turned out at and ridden around his trainer’s farm so he already has some experience being under saddle away from the track.

View Greeley’s Special on CANTER Chicago.