Classic Eventing Nation

Julia Krajewski Crushing It at Aachen, Show Jumping Proves Expensive for USA

By on Jul 20, 2018 5:12 pm -

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Julia Krajewski is completely crushing the competition at CHIO Aachen, delivering clear show jumping rounds with both her mounts to hold the lead with Chipmunk FRH on 19.7 and move up to second place with Samourai du Thot on 22.5.

Both horses have had incredibly strong spring seasons and are coming off respective wins. Chipmunk FRH, a 10-year-old Hanoverian (Contendro I X Havanna, by Heraldik I) owned by Dr. Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, set a CCI3* record finishing score at Bramham when he won on his dressage score of 19.4. “Chip” also won the Marbach CIC3* in May.

Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Samourai du Thot, the DOKR’s 12-year-old Selle Francais (Milor Landais x Melitos du Thot, by Flipper d’Elle), is the reigning German National Champion following his win in the Meßmer Trophy CIC3* on his dressage score of 19.9 at Luhmühlen.

Today’s clear show jumping rounds are notable for both horses, though for different reasons. Samourai du Thot has had only two poles down in his last 20 international runs and is now on a streak of six consecutive clears. Chipmunk FRH had only jumped two clear rounds out of eight in the lead-up to Bramham, and it seems safe to say we are seeing a new form line emerging for this horse in show jumping following back-to-back clears over tough tracks.

Tim Lips and Bayro. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tim Lips and Bayro, a 12-year-old KWPN (Casantos X Vanya, by Corland), are on the comeback trail following Luhmühlen, where a missed flag on cross country cost them a shot at the win in the CCI4*. The reigning Dutch National Champions delivered today, with a fifth consecutive clear show jumping round at international level moving them up from fifth after dressage to sit in third place on 23.3.

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Reigning Aachen winners Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD, a 14-year-old Oldenburg (Helikon xx X Goldige, by Noble Champion), sat second after dressage but had one rail down to drop to fourth place on 26.1. Despite the pole, “Bobby” has never finished lower than third at this venue, and his score is still boosting Germany to the top of the team standings.

Chris Burton and Quality Purdey. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Two-time Aachen winner Chris Burton jumped a stylish clear for the Australian team with Claire Poole’s Quality Purdey, a 12-year-old Oldenburg (Quality X Lara, by Leonid), to move up from ninth to fifth on 26.7. This mare also has a win on her record this season, having topped the leaderboard in the Saumur CCI3* to secure her World Equestrian Games qualifier.

We saw a 27% clear show jumping rate today, with 11 of 41 pairs jumping clear rounds over Frank Rothenberger’s course. Dropped poles proved expensive across the board, and especially for the U.S. team.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Diamond Roller X Whos Diaz, by Osilvis) owned by the Cross Syndicate, sat seventh after dressage but added 12 total penalties in show jumping to drop to 22nd on 37.5. After knocking a rail at the second fence, a miscommunication at the third fence resulted in a refusal and ultimately 4 additional time penalties. “Crossy” is still the highest placed U.S. horse following show jumping.

Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly added the fewest penalties for the team in show jumping, with one rail down at fence 6 still boosting them up 13 places on the leaderboard. “Oboe”, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse (OBOS Quality X Omard Clover Queen, by Clover Hill) owned by the Four Star Eventing Group, moved from 38th up to 25th on 38.2.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

After delivering one of their best dressage tests to date this morning, Lauren Kieffer and Jacqueline Mars’ Landmark’s Monte Carlo, a 12-year-old Irish/Thoroughbred cross (Formula One X Glamour), knocked two rails at fences 5B and 6 to slip from 26th to 28th on 39.2.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo, an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Caresino X Ramatuelle, by Levernois) owned by Carlevo LLC, sat 19th after dressage and added two rails at the second fence and third element of the triple combination to drop to 33rd on 42.0.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Germany still leads the team competition after show jumping on a score of 79.4. France moved up to second on 90.9 with all four of their team riders delivering impressive clear rounds. New Zealand slipped to third on 92.5. Click here to view team standings after show jumping.

The old adage says “there’s nowhere to go but up.” With the U.S. sitting in seventh place out of seven teams tonight, that is certainly true in respect to tomorrow’s cross country.

Rüdiger Schwarz’s course is notoriously tough, technical and twisting. Click here to view the course map. Five pairs made the time last year, but we have seen runnings of the CICO3* at Aachen in which no one beat the clock.

Here’s what our U.S. team had to say about the course:

Will Coleman: “It comes at you really thick and fast, and you have to be at it the whole time. They are fair questions, but it’s the intensity of it and the tight turns. For 7 minutes it’s going to be hectic and chaotic. You want to try to make it as smooth as possible and get your horse in a good rhythm and keep it the whole way.”

Buck Davidson: “To jump around it fast will be a challenge. (Carlevo) doesn’t love things over his head, like keyholes. At the first water where you jump in and then go under the bridge, I’ll have to ride him a bit there. I think he’s grown since Kentucky, so I feel good about tomorrow.”

Lauren Kieffer: “The course always kind of feels like a 7-minute CCI4*. You come here expecting that. I certainly have a bit of a beef with Aachen after the last two years. It’s nice that I’ve seen it two times so I know what to expect. We’ve definitely practiced everything that will be out there. Now we have to execute it.”

Kim Severson: “There is plenty to do. Number 4 is right up in your face. I need to get aggressive there and then stay aggressive with him and not leave any doors open.”

A lack of rain and severe heat throughout much of Europe over the past six weeks has resulted in dry conditions here in Germany, but the Aachen grounds crew absolutely deserve a medal for the meticulous care they have given to the ground this week. We couldn’t ask for better going given the circumstances.

You can watch cross country live on ClipMyHorse.TV at 10 a.m./4 a.m. EST. Click here to view the starting order. We have 38 pairs set to start tomorrow, as Tina Cook withdrew Billy The Red after show jumping, as did Peter Flarup with Frankie.

Keep checking back for more photos from this afternoon’s show jumping, which was pelted with periodic patches of rain. Keep it locked on EN for all things Aachen. Go Eventing.

CHIO Aachen Links: Website, Entries, XC Starting Order, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Area II Tops NAYC CCIJ1* Dressage & First Leg of Rebecca Farm Chinch Challenge

By on Jul 20, 2018 4:36 pm -

Rebecca Farm Annual Chinch Challenge: Whichever team holds the current NAYC CCIJ1* lead is the Keeper of the Chinch. May the Chinch be with you, Area II! I better not see that guy again until Sunday! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

After taking the lead in yesterday’s Adequan FEI North American Youth Championships CICOY2* dressage, Area II came out swinging again today, topping the CCIJ1* team leaderboard.

The squad: Haley Carspecken and Center Stage (2nd, 29.0), Olivia Wall and Mandolin R (4th, 31.7), Katherine Christopher and Frodo of The Shire (14th, 34.9), and Maia Kantorowski and Kiltubrid Rebel (16th-tie, 36.3).

Top placed Area II rider Haley says her test today with “Connor” was the result of a lot of hard work, with the help of her trainer Mara DuPuy. “When I first got Connor I could not sit his trot or anything, and so she really taught me how to move his body around so it gives me a place to sit,” she says. “All the events leading up to this have basically just been schooling for this. This was our best test we’ve had so far so I’m really pleased with how it went.”

Area II’s Maia Kantorowski gives Kiltubrid Rebel some love after their test. Maia participated as a groom at the 2017 NAYC and this is her first year competing. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Here, the teams talks about their (long!) journeys to Rebecca Farm and what makes the NAYC team experience special:

The Area II Young Riders team is coached by Holly Payne-Caravella with chef d’equipe as Meg Kepferle. The Area II YR coordinator is Chris Donovan. Area II’s all-important groom roster is comprised of Caitlin O’Roark, Dylan Phillips, Zoe Bruno, Colette Leber, Cori Jarman, Anna Fitzhugh and Ella Braundel. Teamwork makes the dream work!

NAYC CCIJ1* individual leader McKinsey Wickman and Dassett Profile. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Area V’s McKensey Wickman and her own Dassett Profile, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, lead the division on a 28.6.

“He had a very lovely test,” McKensey says. “He stayed very consistent and everything I asked of him he reacted to, so I’m very happy.”

McKensey and “Pro” led the NAYCJ1* dressage last year, but a hiccup on cross country cost them a top placing. “It was really heartbreaking last year to lose the leading position after a silly stop on cross country, but I decided to have an action plan,” McKensey says. Since then, she has revamped her training program under the guidance of Rebecca Brown: “She has transformed me and Pro into a new pair.”

“I’m really blessed to be in this position today,” McKensey says. “Tomorrow is a new day and I have to go out there and do what I know I need to do.”

McKinsey Wickman and Dassett Profile. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Leading Ride: McKinsey Wickman and Dassett Profile

McKinsey Wickman and Dassett Profile hold the lead of the CCIJ1* on a 28.6 heading into cross-country tomorrow at Rebecca Farm!

Watch all of #FEINAYC llive and on-demand on USEF Network: https://www.usef.org/network/coverage/2018naycevent/?cl=b

Posted by Adequan FEI North American Youth Championships on Friday, July 20, 2018

Haley Carspecken and Center Stage of Area II are 2nd on a score of 29.0. Harper Click and Rubia, who are representing the Area IV & VII mix team, round out the top three on a 29.0.

Watch the full press conference for comments from the top three riders on their day and their thoughts on the cross country test ahead:

NAYC 2018 continues tomorrow with cross country Saturday and show jumping Sunday. Best of luck to all!

NAYC CCIJ1* Team Standings After Dressage:

  1. Area II (95.6)
  2. Area VI & VIII (97.9)
  3. Area IV & VII (98.3)

NAYC CCIJ1* Top 10 Individual After Dressage:

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, The Event at Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, The Event at Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream (use code NAYCE18 for a free fan membership), EN’s Coverage

Represent! Defending 1* Gold Medalist Tosca Holmes-Smith Is Sole Canadian Eventer at NAYC

By on Jul 20, 2018 12:10 pm -

Tosca Holmes-Smith and Tom Riddle. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Tosca Holmes-Smith is barely 18 years old but already on her fourth North American Youth Championship (NAYC), having represented Canada in the one-star for the past three years. After claiming individual gold and leading the Canadian Junior Team to a bronze medal finish in the CCIJ 1* division in 2017, this year she makes the step up to the CICOY2* as Canada’s sole eventing representative.

Tosca has competed a different horse each year — her 2018 mount, Tom Riddle, is her fourth NAYC mount. “I’m trying to set a record,” Tosca laughs.

Tosca’s family bought the now 11-year-old Thoroughbred (Towkay x D’Pix) from New Zealand as a 5-year-old, originally for Tosca’s older sister Carmen, who developed him through the one-star level. When Carmen went to university Tosca inherited the ride.

“He’s a really cool horse,” Tosca says. “I love him. He’s got lots of personality for sure.”

Tosca Holmes-Smith and Tom Riddle. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The pair sits 9th after yesterday’s dressage on a score of 36.0, and Tosca says she was happy with the test: “He’s a little bit inconsistent. He’s sometimes quite lazy, and then in the bigger environments he can be quite hot, so you never quite know what you’re going to get. But he’s a really nice horse. He has a lovely canter and lovely movement.”

At home in British Columbia, Tosca trains with former Advanced level eventer turned Grand Prix dressage rider Joni Lynn Peters. This spring, however, she went to be a working student for two months with Tamie Smith, who is coaching her this weekend. “She is amazing,” Tosca says. “I loved being at her barn. It was such a great learning experience.”

Love Tosca’s maple leaf bling! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Tosca had a successful spring season on the West Coast, including an 8th place finish in the Galway Downs CIC2* with her 2017 NAYC CCIJ1*  mount Fiat. Tosca and Fiat finished the 2017 season as Equestrian Canada’s Horse Trials British Columbia Intermediate Champion, and Tosca picked up the Preliminary Young Rider Champion title aboard Tom Riddle. She was also the recipient of the 2017 HTBC Young Rider of Distinction Perpetual Trophy, dedicated to the memory of Jordan McDonald.

NAYC success is a Holmes-Smith family tradition — Tosca’s sister Carmen won NAYC CCIJ1* gold in 2016 before handing it off to her younger sibling. Last year, Tosca and Fiat’s path to individual gold last year began with eighth place finish in dressage on a score of 47.2 penalties, after which they shot up to third after a double-clear effort on cross country. The pair ultimately claimed victory on their dressage score after sealing the deal with a foot-perfect show jumping round.

2017 NAYC 1* gold medalist Tosca Holmes-Smith (center) with silver medalist Alexandra Baugh (right) and bronze medalist Mallory Hogan (left). Photo by Leslie Wylie.

We look forward to cheering Tosca on at NAYC 2018! The eventing championship is held in conjunction with The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana, from July 18-22. EN is live on the scene, bringing you all the latest!

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, The Event at Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, The Event at Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream (use code NAYCE18 for a free fan membership), EN’s Coverage

Watch: Rebecca Farm Thursday Highlights + Leading NAYC CICOY2* Dressage Test

By on Jul 20, 2018 11:33 am -

Area V’s Lisa Takada gives Wishbone a big pat after their NAYC CICOY2* dressage test. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

There are so many ways to follow along with the action here at Rebecca Farm: live stream, social media, and colorful media coverage coming at you from all directions. Keeping up with it all is a full-time job — our hard-working, good-looking friends at USEF, USEA and The Chronicle are all here, and even between the lot of us there’s too much going on to cover it all!

So if you actually have a full-time job, and you only have time for a fast-and-dirty overview, these daily recap videos from Ride On Video are a great place to start. They cover not just the headlining championships and upper-level divisions, but provide a snapshot of all the action swirling around here at Rebecca.

Thursday Highlights:

Rebecca Farm DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS July 2018

If you missed it, check out our story on yesterday’s NAYC CICOY2* dressage here. Just tuning in? Spoiler alert: Area II is in the lead — that’s Olivia Dutton/Mr. Medicott, Ryan Keefe/Flintstar, Alexa Lapp/Cambalda, and Tayler Stewart/Ideal Contini.

Leading the NAYC CICOY2* division individually is Alexandra Baugh and Ballingowan Pizazz, on a score of 30.8. Watch their test, courtesy of USEF Network!

Leading Ride: Alex Baugh and Ballingowan Pizzaz

“He was absolutely perfect. I think that’s definitely one of our best tests to date.”

Alexandra Baugh and Ballingowan Pizzaz lead the CICOY2* division at the Adequan FEI North American Youth Championships on a 30.8! #FEINAYC

Posted by USEF Network on Thursday, July 19, 2018

Much, much more to come. Keep it here!

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, The Event at Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, The Event at Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream (use code NAYCE18 for a free fan membership), EN’s Coverage

Germany Dominates Dressage at Aachen, Severson 7th for USA

By on Jul 20, 2018 10:57 am -

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Same story, different day — the Germans are controlling the competition at the conclusion of dressage here at CHIO Aachen, topping both the individual and team standings on home soil. Julia Krajewski leads with Chipmunk FRH on 19.4, with defending winners Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD in second on 22.1, and Bettina Hoy and Designer 10 in third on 22.3.

Julia and “Chip” are coming off a dominant performance at Bramham CCI3*, where they won on their jaw-dropping dressage score of 19.4. The 10-year-old Hanoverian (Contendro I X Havanna, by Heraldik I) owned by Dr. Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, just missed matching his personal best score today, though still delivered 19.7 to top the leaderboard.

That score is even more impressive when you consider that Julia’s role as junior national coach for Germany took her to Fontainebleau in France last week for the FEI European Eventing Championships for Young Riders and Juniors. She coached the German juniors to team bronze, with Brandon Schäfer Gehrau also winning individual bronze, before rushing home to prepare for Aachen.

“I have to say I wasn’t too sure how it would go because I was away last week,” Julia said. “I’m very proud of how he came in the stadium and concentrated and did everything I asked. It was the first time in such a big atmosphere for him. It’s a good feeling to know your horse trusts you and you can go for the marks. It’s like he understands what he’s supposed to do, which is very cool.”

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD have never finished lower than third in three consecutive appearances at Aachen, and they are poised to repeat that trend after the first phase. Bobby, a 14-year-old Oldenburg (Helikon xx X Goldige, by Noble Champion) scored 22.1 for second place.

Bettina Hoy and Designer 10, her own 14-year-old Westphalian Dali X x Caesy X Conception xx), led through much of the morning and sit in third place on 22.3 at the conclusion of dressage.

“We feel a bit like an old married couple now because we know exactly how to warm up and what to expect and what he can do — how I have to do the last few minutes just rising trot before I go in so that he’s not getting tired in his back,” Bettina said. “He’s also very good in his mind.”

Bettina Hoy and Designer 10. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Bettina resigned from competing on teams for the German Olympic squad in March to devote more time to coaching the Dutch national team, and she has continued to campaign Designer 10 at the highest level of the sport.

“Having been in the top squad for almost 36 years, it certainly does make a difference not feeling that pressure,” Bettina said. “I didn’t realize until the press was off how much pressure there always has been. I’m just doing it for fun now. It’s not for glory, it’s not for medals, it’s certainly not for money, but it’s the one thing I really love doing.”

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Looking to our U.S. contingent, Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Diamond Roller X Whos Diaz, by Osilvis) owned by the Cross Syndicate, lead the way for the team in seventh place on 25.5.

“I had one silly moment about picking up the wrong lead, and he got a little bit fragile in the right lead canter work, but a lot of it is a lot better. … I was really happy with his canter lengthenings because I was struggling with the feel of that and how to half halt without taking too much away,” Kim said.

“The one (flying) change is good. Sometimes I get into trouble and I don’t get the good one because I’m working on the bad one. The bad one is just where he’s at right now. Sometimes you’re going to get it, sometimes you’re not. I haven’t really been successful in the ring yet because I have to set him up just so and you don’t always get that in the ring.”

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo, an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Caresino X Ramatuelle, by Levernois) owned by Carlevo LLC, scored 29.0 for 19th place.

“You always think of what you could have done better, but the good thing is that’s the best he’s been in the work all week,” Buck said. “He definitely grows in the ring and gets better in the ring. The atmosphere doesn’t bother him at all.”

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo just missed matching their personal best score at the level but still delivered one of the horse’s strongest tests in recent memory. “Patrick,” a 12-year-old Irish/Thoroughbred cross (Formula One X Glamour) owned and bred by Jacqueline Mars, sits 26th on 31.2.

“Everyone knows he’s not super flashy in the dressage, but honestly he’s one of my favorite horses to ride in the dressage because he’s such a little workhorse and he wants to do everything right,” Lauren said. “Hopefully he keeps being a good pathfinder for the team the rest of the weekend.”

Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse (OBOS Quality X Omard Clover Queen, by Clover Hill) owned by the Four Star Eventing Group, scored 34.2 for 38th place. “Oboe” delivered scores in the 20s at both Badminton and Tattersalls, and while the score isn’t what he hoped for, Will said he is determined to put in strong jumping phases for the team.

“He had to turn around pretty quick for Aachen, and we just haven’t been able to really prepare the same way we had for (Badminton and Tattersalls),” Will said. “It was still an opportunity to come here. We didn’t have the best test, but there are still two phases to go. Hopefully we can make those a little bit better.”

Click here to view full scores, where are tightly bunched as we look ahead to tonight’s show jumping, with one rail separating the top five and two rails separating the top 15. Frank Rothenberger always sets a challenging track for the eventers in the main stadium at Aachen, one of the biggest stages in the world.

Germany leads the team competition on 72.4 after dressage, but scores are also very close after that. Zealand sits second on 82.5, with Great Britain in third on 85.2 and the U.S. in fourth on 85.7. Click here to view the team standings.

Tune in to watch show jumping on ClipMyHorse.TV starting at 5:45 p.m./11:45 a.m. EST. Check back to EN later today for the full report. Go Eventing.

CHIO Aachen Links: Website, Entries, Show Jumping Starting Order, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Jonty Evans Regains Consciousness and ‘Interacting Positively’

By on Jul 20, 2018 8:25 am -

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift after jumping a clear show jumping round at Badminton 2017. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The latest update released on Jonty Evans reports the good news that he has regained consciousness and is interacting “positively with the medical team and his family.” He suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall at Tattersalls International Horse Trials on June 3.

Jonty has now started physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions at Connolly Hospital in Ireland and will need “to remain in a quiet and calm environment for a significant period of time.”

Read on for the full update:

We are pleased to report that over the past 10 days Jonty’s condition has continued to slowly improve.  Jonty has now regained consciousness and is beginning to interact positively with the medical team and his family.

Jonty is having physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions, which will continue for the foreseeable future as he regains strength and his head injury continues to improve. Due to the need for Jonty to remain in a quiet and calm environment for a significant period of time, and to continue his recovery as privately as possible, the medical team have advised the family to keep visitors strictly to a minimum.

The family deeply appreciate all the actions, support and kind words that Jonty has received over the past weeks from the  ‘Eventing Community’ – they have found this a great source of strength.

If you wish to make a donation, the family’s chosen charity is the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

Jonty’s family thank everybody for their kind thoughts, continued support and best wishes.

Please respect the hospital request that no calls regarding an update should be made directly to the Connolly Hospital.  It is not expected that a further update will be provided during the next few weeks, unless there is a significant change in Jonty’s condition.

If you haven’t yet ordered a #WearGreenForJonty wristband, the good people at weargreenforjonty.co.uk are shipping orders to North America. You can also buy polo shirts, stickers, dog bandanas and belts. All proceeds go to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

You can also support Jonty’s recovery by entering Majyk Equipe’s #WearGreenForJonty giveaway. To enter to win this special green-themed prize pack, all you need to do is make a donation to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund. EN has raised more than €500 so far in support of Jonty’s recovery. Click here for details.

Go Jonty!

Friday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jul 20, 2018 12:03 am -

Pony love. Photo courtesy of the NAYC FB page.

You know what I love most about watching NAYC? The obvious love that those young riders have for their horses, and how they don’t hold back with showing it. We could use more of that in the professional ranks with adult riders, because when we spy that kind of overt passion, we all can relate. After all, isn’t the love of a pony why we all got here one way or another?

National Holiday: National Moon Day

Major Weekend Events:

The Event at Rebecca Farm C.I.C., 3DE, & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

NAYC @ Rebecca Farms [Live Stream] [Schedule] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

CHIO Aachen [Website] [Entries] [Start Times & Live Scoring] [Live Stream]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Fitch’s Corner H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website]  [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]  [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Nominations are open for the Ira Schulman Thoroughbred Rehoming Award for the Retired Racehorse Project 2018. Created to recognize an individual who successfully and responsibly repurposes off-track Thoroughbreds as a professional, the award honors the legacy of Schulman, whose career in placing OTTBs spanned over 50 years with thousands of horses going on to second-career homes. [Nominate for Ira Schulman TB Rehoming Award]

Obvi, CHIO Aachen needs to go on your bucket list. We hope we don’t need to convince you, but in case you’re on the fence, Noelle Floyd has come up with a pretty convincing argument. Where else will you get to watch Henrik von Eckermann, McLain Ward, and Marcus Ehning battle it out Gladiator style in the jump-off, see the German enthusiasm for Dressage, and of course watch the best Eventers in the world ALL IN ONE PLACE? [Wish You Were Here: CHIO Aachen]

Fifty years ago, the Morven Park International Equestrian Institute (MPIEI) graduated its first class of students, ultimately becoming the most prestigious U.S. equestrian school of its time. To commemorate this historic event, Morven Park will celebrate the school’s history and accomplishments with a 50-Year Reunion in conjunction with the Park’s 2018 Fall International Horse Trials, Oct. 5-7. All those associated with the school-students, instructors, and staff members-from the first class of 1968 through the final graduation in 1991, are invited to attend. [Morven Park 50th Anniversary]

You race 33 times, you win over $1.5 million on the track, now what? Of course you go into training with Phillip Dutton to start a new career as an Event horse. 7-year-old grade-1 winner Ring Weekend has arrived at True Prospect farm this week, and begun his journey into his second career, and we can’t wait to see what happens. [Ring Weekend in Training with Phillip Dutton]

 

 

Star-Studded Area II Team Shines Bright in NAYC CICOY2*

By on Jul 19, 2018 6:07 pm -

Well-played, Area II! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

There are a whole lot of stars in the sky out here in Montana. Some beam down big and bright like Christmas lights, some swirl in glittering clusters, and every now and again one goes sprinting across the chalkboard black sky. It’s an impossible performance to rival, but you could at least string together an impressive constellation — if not a small galaxy — with all the stars on the FEI records of this year’s NAYC mounts.

The Area II CICOY2* team, in particular, is backed by serious horsepower. The squad includes two Olympic veterans, Mr. Medicott and Flintstar, plus 2017 USEA Horse of the Year Cambalda and three-star horse Ideal Contini. They sit atop the NAYC CICOY2* leaderboard after dressage on a combined score of 97.9, ahead of the 2nd placed mix team from Area I, IV and VIII (101.8) and 3rd placed Area VI (113.2).

The riders of these veterans, however, want you to know they aren’t just pushbutton ponies. They have button(s), plural, plus a complicated dashboard of various dials, gears, levers and blink-y lights that take time to figure out and skill to navigate — and hair-trigger alarm systems that go off when you get it wrong.

Tayler Stewart and Ideal Contini. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The top placed Area II rider is Tayler Stewart with Ideal Contini, who sit 2nd on a score of 31.2. This is Tayler’s second time contesting NAYC with the 2003 Westphalian gelding (Contini x Riviera Wonder) owned by herself, Emily and Tyler Stewart — they placed 7th in the CCIJ1* in 2016.

Prior to his partnership with Tayler, Ideal Contini was competed through the three-star level by Sally Cousins. Moving from a professional’s multi-horse program into the center of a young rider’s universe was a big shift for the horse, but Tayler believes it was a positive one.

“It’s a very unique relationship,” she says. “We built a relationship that is so much trust. When I make a mistake he helps me out, and I have to know when he’s not feeling his best. He was meant to be a Young Rider horse. He loves it.”

Of their test today, Tayler says she was thrilled, especially after she saw the score. “I never quite know what I’m going to get when I go in the ring — he can lay down a good score or a not-so-good score — but I think I prepared as best I could for this test. He was just really steady and really game today, and he’s not always that way, so I was really proud of him and myself for riding smart and not just trying to get through it.”

Alexa Lapp and Cambalda. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Alexa Lapp has the ride on Cambalda, a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Balda Beau x Cathy’s Lady), who developed into one of the best three-star horses in the biz with Jennie Brannigan. They scored a 32.6 today to sit 3rd heading into cross country.

“I’m so lucky,” Alexa says. “He was really good. I think we had a couple miscommunications … he was really lead-change happy, he ended up doing one in the mediums, and he walked a little early, but he was just trying to be good. I think sometimes I ask too early for things because I’m used to a greener horse and he’s kind of sharp.”

It’s fun to watch Alexa ride — she looks like a mini-Jennie in the tack. And Ping’s owners Tim and Nina Gardner are here at Rebecca to cheer the pair on, to Alexa’s delight: “They’re the bomb!”

This is Alexa’s second time on an Area II Young Riders Championship team, having contested the CCIJ1* in 2016 with her horse Paprika. Having such an accomplished partner this go-round might make it seem like there are higher stakes, but she says they’ve all taken comfort in the team experience.

“I think we’ve had a bit of pressure as a team, but it’s really been nice though because we all have even amounts of pressure,” she says. “I’m on a really good three-star horse, and they are on Olympic horses, and Tayler’s horse is really experienced, but everyone has been super supportive of each other. It’s been really really cool. I love all the girls on the two-star and one-star teams and everybody is cheering each other on.”

Olivia Dutton and Mr Medicott. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Olivia Dutton is competing Mr. Medicott, a 19-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Cruising x Slieveluachra) owned by the Mr. Medicott Syndicate, whose track record includes the 2012 Olympic Games with Karen O’Connor and a 4th place finish at Kentucky last year with Olivia’s father Phillip. Olivia and “Cave” sit 6th after dressage on a score of 34.1.

“A lot people think that since they’ve done four-star and everything that they’re so easy to ride, but they’re really hard!,” Olivia says. “But they have so much experience and they teach you so well. I’m having so much fun learning from Cave.”

Of their performance today, Olivia says, “It’s taken me quite a bit to learn what buttons to push but he really listened to me today. I thought he was going to be a bit strong, but he really came back to me, so I was really happy with him.”

Ryan Keefe and Flintstar. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Rounding out the Area II crew is Ryan Keefe and her partner Flintstar,  a 2000 New Zealand bred Thoroughbred gelding (Zabalu x Croftlea Firequeen) owned by Rumsey Keefe. Flintstar was competed through the four-star level by New Zealand’s Jonelle Price, with a resume that includes the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The pair scored a 35.4, good enough for 8th place. “It’s not really a secret that dressage isn’t his favorite, but he was actually really good today and he kept it together and I felt like I could ride him a bit more instead of just going through the motions,” Ryan says.

Cross country, on the other hand, is Flintstar’s wheelhouse. “He’s given me a lot of confidence after my last horses that weren’t as reliable. I know I can give him a few pulls around course and kick him and he’ll go as long as he sees it — or even if he doesn’t see it until the last stride,” Ryan says with a laugh.

Area II team, from L to R: Tayler Stewart, Alexa Lapp, Olivia Dutton and Ryan Keefe. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The Area II Young Riders team is coached by Holly Payne-Caravella with chef d’equipe as Meg Kepferle. The Area II YR coordinator is Chris Donovan.

Area II’s all-important groom roster is comprised of Caitlin O’Roark, Dylan Phillips, Zoe Bruno, Colette Leber, Cori Jarman, Anna Fitzhugh and Ella Braundel.

“I think we’re very lucky this year with Area II that we have a very strong support system behind us,” says Tayler.  “They really do believe in us, and it’s not just that our horses are great, but they believe in us as riders, too. We have this pressure and we can take it on.”

Alexandra Baugh & Ballingowan Pizazz. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Leading the NAYC CICOY2*division individually is Alexandra Baugh and Ballingowan Pizazz — another veteran turned Young Rider star. “Mango,” a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Obos Quality x Rocklea, by Leabeg) owned by Altorac Farm, was Shannon Lilley’s mount for the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, after which Michael Pollard competed him through the three-star level.

For most of their dressage test, Alexandra’s face was a picture of concentration. But when the pair began their final 10-meter half circle onto the centerline, a big grin crept onto her face as it sunk in that they’d nailed it.

“He was absolutely perfect,” she says. “That was definitely one of our best tests to date. He’s been a bit of a challenge, I’ve had him for two years, and I feel like we’ve finally gotten to know each other more and figured it all out.

Alexandra and Mango are representing the mixed team of Area I, IV and VIII. This is their third trip to the NAYC — the pair finished 2nd here in the CCIJ1* and were 4th the year before that, when NAYC was held at Colorado Horse Park — and we wish them and all this year’s NAYC competitors the best of luck this weekend!

NAYC 2018 continues tomorrow with CCIJ1* dressage, followed by cross country Saturday and show jumping Sunday.

NAYC CICOY2* Team Standings After Dressage:

  1. Area II (97.9)
  2. Area I, IV & VIII (101.8)
  3. Area VI (113.2)

NAYC CICOY2* Top 10 After Dressage:

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, The Event at Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, The Event at Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream (use code NAYCE18 for a free fan membership), EN’s Coverage

Thursday Video from Nupafeed: All About Aachen with Ingrid Klimke

By on Jul 19, 2018 3:30 pm -

SAP Spectator Judging app

Ingrid Klimke is bringing all the love and support to CHIO Aachen! Discover how the SAP Spectator Judging app is bringing fans closer to the event. 🐎 #TheBestRun

Posted by SAP Sports on Wednesday, July 18, 2018

CHIO Aachen is basically home turf for the one and only Ingrid Klimke, but that doesn’t mean she takes being there for granted. This year she’s especially busy, as she’s arrived with four horses in tow and is competing across three disciplines, including eventing with her stalwart partner SAP Hale Bob OLD in addition to fellow superstar Parmenides, who she’ll also compete in pure show jumping.

From the spending time with family, to the international competitors, to the shopping, to the technology that SAP brings to the competition — let Ingrid lead you on a little tour of the show grounds and tell you what makes Aachen so special.

Stay tuned for much more Aachen coverage as the week goes on from EN’s own Jenni Autry, who is live on the scene!

CHIO Aachen Links: Website, Entries, Dressage Start Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Rebecca Farm Social Media Roundup: Work The Jog Strip!

By on Jul 19, 2018 2:00 pm -

Wow EN, you guys sure do clean up nicely! Way to turn the jog strip into your own personal runway. From bold colors to fun braids to team spirit, you guys gave eventers a good look yesterday at The Event at Rebecca Farm’s first horse inspection where we got to see all the FEI, NAYC and USEA Classic Series competitors.

Check out the lineup for the next season of Rebecca Farm’s Next Top Model:

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, The Event at Rebecca Farm Ride Times & Live Scores, NAYC Ride Times & Live Scores, The Event at Rebecca Farm Live Stream, NAYC Live Stream (use code NAYCE18 for a free fan membership), EN’s Coverage

Accepted 🌞🍀

A post shared by Madeleine Scott (@madeleine_scott) on

After trying for 10 minutes to get Freckles to put his ears up 🙄

A post shared by Rebecca Bird Mortensen (@beckybuckwyld) on

Accepted!! #N3DRF2018

A post shared by @ 307_eventing on

Fun day at Rebecca with my wonderful teammates and my two ponies! 🦁🦄

A post shared by meaghan_marinovich (@meaghan_marinovich) on

#WearGreenForJonty

A post shared by Bella Mowbray (@mowbray_sporthorses) on

All of Area II passed the first jog… horse dancing starts tomorrow🎉

A post shared by Alexa Lapp (@alexalapp) on

Scout accepted✔️

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