Classic Eventing Nation

Photo Gallery: Twin Rivers Ranch CCI1* Cross Country

By on Apr 19, 2018 3:52 pm -

Following up on our special edition of Who Jumped It Best from Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, we a full photo gallery from the CCI1* cross country courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

Scroll down to view photos of the entire top 10, plus other competitors in the division. Many thanks to Sherry for sharing the view from behind her lens. Go Eventing!

[Twin Rivers Spring Horse Trials Final Scores]

Top Eventers’ Top Products, Part 3: Special Occasions

By on Apr 19, 2018 12:30 pm -

This article is brought to you by Athletux Equine. For more Athletux articles, please click here. If you missed them, be sure to check out Part I: Around the Barn and Part 2: Rider Apparel & Gear.

Now that we’ve determined how to get our closets on par with the Hawley Bennett-Awads and Auburn Excell-Bradys of the world, it’s time to move on to special occasion purchases. Whether you’re traveling cross country, competing cross country, or just looking for a handbag that won’t track hay with you everywhere you go, these next product recommendations are here to help.

Leg Protection

Jenny Caras, shown here with Fernhill Fortitude, is fan of the Majyk Equipe’s Color Elite X Country Boot. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“Finding the right cross country boot can be a bit of a challenge. You want something that will adequately protect your horse without being cumbersome or uncomfortable. We are in love with Majyk Equipe’s Color Elite X Country Boot. Not only do they look really sporty and fun, but they offer amazing protection and the foam on the inside that helps keep their legs cool really provides peace of mind while we’re out competing.” — Jenny Caras of Caras Eventing International. Where to buy? Majyk’s website ($99.99).

“We really love using Woof Wear Smart Tendon Boot, especially for show jumping. They look incredibly sharp with the elastic and snaps. I also have found that these open fronts fit incredibly well and we don’t see them slipping at all after a ride.” — Auburn Excell-Brady of Excell Equestrian. Where to buy? Ride Away Equestrian ($80.79).

“I will not ship a horse without putting on a set of Professional’s Choice Shipping Boots. They offer great protection and are also durable enough to survive extremely long hauls.”– Mackenna Shea of Mackenna Shea Eventing. Where to buy? Professional’s Choice website ($102.95).

Recovery Tools

Allison Springer, shown here with Fairvoya S, uses Equine Advantage Sooth’N Cool Gel to help her horses recover after cross country. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“One year at Fair Hill International all the competitors were given a small amount of Equine Advantage Sooth’N Cool Gel. I really liked the feel of it and ease of application, so I bought a big tub of it and fell completely in love. We use it after cross country under wraps, or on any other sore spots. I’ve had a lot of luck with it without wraps too. It is the absolute best.” — Allison Springer of Allison Springer Eventing. Where to buy? Equine Advantage’s website ($24.99-$69.99).

“The horses love standing under our World Equestrian Brands Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad after a ride. They feel so much looser and I’ve noticed a huge difference since we started using it.” — Allie Knowles of Alexandra Knowles Eventing. Where to buy? World Equestrian Brands website ($375)

“I am so glad I have RockTape for the horses. It makes a huge difference and there’s so much you can do to aid different areas of their bodies. It’s become a part of our everyday routine.”– Lauren Billys of Lauren Billys Eventing. Where to buy? RockTape website (price varies).

Not riding equipment

Detoxwater on the road with Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jen McFall. Photo courtesy of Hawley Bennett-Awad.

“I’m obsessed with Detox Water. It is delicious, and it’s so good for you. It’s healing while hydrating, and it is the best whether you’re at a horse show or the gym.” — Hawley Bennett-Awad of Hawley Bennett Eventing. Where to buy? Detox Water website ($39.99).

“The Frankie Cameron bag is beyond gorgeous. I get compliments on it everywhere I go, and I love that it has a zip out liner so if some gross horsey thing gets spilled in there it’s easy to clean. They’re so functional without giving up any of the beauty you want in a handbag.” — Allie Knowles. Where to buy? Frankie Cameron website ($295-$425).

“Taylor loves the Marpac Sound Machine to help her drown out noise and fall asleep. Especially in hotels it’s a really nice thing to have.” — Jennifer McFall of Dragonfire Sporthorses. Where to buy? Marpac website ($29.95-$49.95).

Splurge

Heather Morris in her CWD saddle with Charlie Tango. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“My new Ford F450 is an absolute beast. It’s definitely my favorite thing I’ve purchased recently!” — Earl McFall of Dragonfire Sporthorses. Where to buy? Find your friend neighborhood Ford dealer here (we’re just going to put several dollar signs here $$$$$).

“Your saddle is a huge investment, and I can’t recommend CWD Saddles more highly. The horses love the way they fit and they’re super comfortable and supportive for the rider. The leather is also incredibly supple and grippy, perfect for us event riders.” — Heather Morris of Next Level Eventing. Where to buy? Check out a list of CWD Representatives here ($$$).

“The GameReady System is one of the most important pieces of equipment in our program. The horses love standing in it, and the results are wonderful. It’s also incredibly nice how portable they are, so they can easily come to horse shows or travel back and forth from Ocala.” — John Michael and Kimmy Durr of Durr Eventing and Show Jumping. Where to buy? GameReady website ($$).

In closing, there are a LOT of things just as worthy of your tax refund as investments and all that other boring grown up stuff. As the kids say, you only live once, and you might as well spend it treating yourself, and your equine pals.

After that pep talk, I’m feeling pretty motivated myself. If anyone needs me I’ll be doing a little online perusing of some of our favorite equestrian retailers.

 

Pokey Things, Thwapper Sticks, Stinger Sticks & Snappy Poles

By on Apr 19, 2018 9:30 am -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Event Horse would like to talk to all his fellow event horses out there in Event Land about pokey things, thwapper sticks, stinger sticks, and snappy poles. Roughly translated, that means spurs, crops, dressage whips and lunge whips.

Event Horse says, “of all the things, the snappy poles are the least scary and the next least scary is pokey things. Because of my excellent disposition, I don’t much care about the snappy poles. They are attached to human’s arms, and I just can’t see them very well with only one eye (while I am being lunged). So I tend not to pay much attention.”

“Pokey things are not too bad. I rarely need to feel the whole end of the pokey thing in my ribs, anyhow. I have found if I jump forward when she just touches it to my side, she takes it away and gives me a wither scratch, so I don’t fear those too much,” he says.

Event Horse feels thwappers (crops) and stingers (dressage whips) are not very nice. He dislikes the noise of the crop on his side or flank. I don’t need that! he says. And his least favorite is the dressage whip, which he calls a stinger stick.

“These remind me of when my mother stirred up a nest of hornets and I got stung as a foal, ” Event Horse explains. “I dislike the stinger stick immensely. I always tried to look at it while Mommy rode with it until I trusted her and got used to her holding it without hitting me. It’s still not my favorite, ” he said.

He feels Event Horses like him should not have to deal with dressage whips. He reminded Mommy that he dislikes them by kicking at it while being ridden. It reminded her to be careful how she holds it, and maybe get a shorter one that won’t tickle his side. (Noted by Mommy.)

Thwappers don’t scare him as much, but he has heard some stories about them by the racehorses he has stabled with and knows they can be noisy but don’t hurt. Once Mommy used it when he was not going across a ditch while out hunting. Event Horse did not like the ditch. In fact, he did not like the ditch worse than he did not like the thwapper. So he went around. (It was a really deep and big ditch, Mommy actually didn’t use the thwapper that much because she trusted Event Horse when he said it was too big.)

Mommy says two taps maximum on all things. If the pokey things don’t work, then I get the thwapper twice. If I still don’t want to go, she looks at it and makes sure it’s not too big or too deep for me, because I will go most of the time over anything. That’s her rule.

“I have to try, or tell her ‘no’ politely — and if I get two taps and don’t go, then she knows it’s too big. I am very strong Event Horse and can jump most anything, so when I say, ‘no, too big’ it is bigger than Kentucky and I can’t do it and make sure she stays up there where she belongs. Mommy knows this. So she keeps her thwapper with her but doesn’t use it much. I don’t need it!” says Event Horse.

“I asked her why she carries the thwapper every ride. She says a long time ago an instructor named Jack told her, ‘Do not go to war without a gun.’ So she always carries it,” he says. Event Horse would like other event horses to know that is probably why all their riders carry them when they ride, too. He says not to worry, if you are big strong event horse and jump all the things, your Mommy won’t ever touch you with the thwapper, and that’s a good thing.

Event Horse. Photo by Merrilyn Ratliff.

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

By on Apr 19, 2018 12:03 am -

Remember last week when I was all “Oh ha ha ha the world is conspiring against me going to this show” WELL GUESS WHAT. I went to the show, and my baby horse pitched a fit inside the trailer while I wasn’t there, and split his head right open. Got himself five stitches to celebrate his fifth birthday, and didn’t even get to compete. Somebody just whap me upside the head the next time I think pre-competition week signs and warnings aren’t a real thing.

National Holiday: National Garlic Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Longleaf Pine H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Sporting Days Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

River Glen Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Holly Hill Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

St. Johns H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Attention Kentucky 4*-bound tailgate pros! EN is excited to host its annual “Insanity in the Middle” Tailgate Party on cross country day, but we need a little help with the set-up. If you have a truck and access to tailgate furnishings (two or three pop-up tents, tables, coolers, etc.), we have a platinum tailgate parking pass and some cross country day passes for you! Please email us at [email protected].

We all know Thoroughbred blood is important in the modern Event horse, but how much do you really want? The USEA interviewed expert judge, commentator and founder of Goresbridge Go for Gold Sale, Chris Ryan, on just how to consider your TB blood percentages in a young horse for future four star victory. Take FischerRocanna FST: 64%. La Biosthetique Sam? 76%. FischerTakinou: 84%. The key is having over 50%, and honestly over 75% is best. [Zero To One Hundred: TB Blood in the Modern Eventer]

This year, the FEI is increasing the amount of human drug testing that occurs at International competitions. While we’re all pretty used to watching what our horses come in contact with, we aren’t that accustomed to thinking about ourselves. In an effort to comply with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, riders now need to be better educated on what it means to be competing in a clean sport. [Increased Human Doping Tests]

Hot on Horse Nation: 5 Things Your Horse Wants You To Buy Him With Your Tax Refund

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Ocala CCI2* Between the Ears

By on Apr 18, 2018 4:20 pm -

Doug Payne and Susan Drillock’s Quantum Leap (Quite Capitol x Report to Sloopy, Corporate Report) finished on their dressage score in the 7-year-old RPSI gelding’s CCI2* debut last weekend at the Ocala International 3-Day Festival of Eventing, presented by Ocala Ranches, at the Florida Horse Park. With a dressage score of 35.3, they marched up the leaderboard from 13th to an eventual second place finish. Ride with Doug and “Q” around the Hugh Lochore designed cross country track. Just want to watch the highlights of the course? Click here for the one-minute version.

Ocala International CCI & H.T. [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

Equi-Jewel®

The horse that matters to you matters to Kentucky Performance Products; that is why you can count on them to provide supplements that meet the challenges facing your horse.

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance.

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low starch and sugar formula developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse. Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The fat found in rice bran is an extraordinary source of dietary energy. In fact, fat contains more than two times the energy that carbohydrates and proteins do, thereby fueling horses more efficiently. Fat is considered a “cool” feedstuff because it does not cause the hormone spikes that lead to excitability. Adding Equi-Jewel is rice bran to your horse’s diet allows you to decrease the amount of starchy concentrates (grains) you feed, reducing the risk of colic and laminitis resulting from grain overload. Equi-Jewel is an excellent source of calories for horses on low sugar and starch diets. The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Call 859-873- 2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

Kentucky Entry Updates: Weather and Injuries Trigger Withdrawals

By on Apr 18, 2018 3:51 pm -

Doug Payne and Vandiver at Carolina International 2018. Photo by Jenni Autry.

With the first horse inspection at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event just one week away, the number of starters has dropped from 60 at the closing date to 53 appearing on the most current entry list.

Seemingly endless rain in England and Ireland has taken a toll, with numerous event abandonments leading to a dearth of critical prep runs for combinations aiming at spring four-stars.

William Fox-Pitt withdrew Fernhill Pimms due to a lack of prep runs, as did Sam Watson with Horseware Ardagh Highlight.

Injuries have also sidelined a number of combinations. Vandiver, a hot favorite for Kentucky after his win at the Carolina International CIC3*, had a joint flushed in his right hind leg following his withdrawal from The Fork. Doug Payne is now tentatively aiming the horse for Bromont CCI3* instead.

Kurt Martin also withdrew DeLux Z due to injury. While Longwood is still appearing on the current entry list, Katherine Coleman confirmed he sustained an injury at The Fork and will not compete.

Rachel McDonough has also withdrawn Irish Rhythm. Sally Cousins‘ stalwart mare Tsunami has also been withdrawn.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica and Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly are still appearing on the Kentucky entry list, but both horses will contest the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

While we initially had five U.S. combinations entered for Badminton, Katie Ruppel and Houdini and Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn, who were also cross-entered at Kentucky, have since withdrawn from both events.

Removing Longwood, Veronica and OBOS O’Reilly from the Kentucky entry list brings the total down to 50 expected starters.

That number is likely to change further still. Oliver Townend has three horses on the entry list, but he is widely expected to compete two, with the other staying in England to compete at Badminton.

Caroline Martin has three horses entered but only two will start cross country. If Pebbly Maximus presents at the trot up next week, he will only contest the dressage phase before going on to England for the Bramham CCI3*-Under 25.

Keep checking back for more Kentucky news as we count down to the Best Weekend All Year. Go Eventing.

Kentucky: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Top Eventers’ Top Products, Part 2: Rider Apparel & Gear

By on Apr 18, 2018 1:00 pm -

This article is brought to you by Athletux Equine. For more Athletux articles, please click here.

In Part 1 we discussed the everyday tools you need, and what essentials top riders are big fans of.

Now that we’ve gone over the basics that every equestrian should have, let’s talk about something near and dear to my heart … fashion! Fashion, especially in the equestrian world, doesn’t always come cheap, so it’s important to know the pieces that are worth the cash, and we’re here to help.

Helmets

Lauren Billys sporting her team flag Samshield helmet at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“I will not get on without a helmet, they are absolutely the most important part of anyone’s riding ensemble. Having a Samshield is so nice because they look so sharp, while offering amazing protection.” — Lauren Billys of Lauren Billys Eventing. Where to buy? Check out Samshield’s retailer map (price varies).

“I love my Charles Owen. It’s one thing that hasn’t changed as my riding career has grown. I really trust that these helmets will offer the best protection. I won’t get on without it.” — Mackenna Shea of Mackenna Shea Eventing. Where to buy? Here’s a list of Charles Owen retailers (price varies).

“Having hunters, jumpers and event horses it’s nice to have a helmet that we love and still fits in no matter what show we’re at. The Uvex helmets are sleek enough to look appropriate everywhere, and we feel so incredibly safe wearing them.” — John Michael and Kimmy Durr of Durr Eventing and Show Jumping. Where to buy? Check for retailers here (price varies).

Horsey Outerwear

“Our Bucas Fly Sheets keep the horses from getting bleached out in turnout, plus they keep them cool and keeps the flies off. We’ve never had issues with these fly sheets rubbing their shoulders, they are awesome.” — Matt and Cecily Brown of East West Training Stables. Where to buy? Smartpak Equine ($132.95).

“Anytime it gets chilly I’m so glad we have Weatherbeeta Blankets. All of their products are amazingly well made, so they hold up to all the fun the horses can throw at them.”— Allison Springer of Allison Springer Eventing. Where to buy? Find your closest retailer here (price varies).

“Having the horses in California means they spend a lot of time out in the sun, dealing with bugs. We use Professional’s Choice Fly Masks, and they do a really good job. They’re durable as well as comfortable for the horses, and they really appreciate the relief they provide!” — Mackenna Shea. Where to buy? Professionals Choice website ($14.95-$22.95).

Riding accessories

Mackenna Shea’s Landioso is a Frilly Fillies fan, too! Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“Frilly Fillies! Their bonnets are handcrafted in the U.S. and can specially designed to match your show ensemble perfectly. Plus, the materials are amazing and it fits all of my horses perfectly so they can all wear it and look stunning in the show ring!” — Allison Springer. Where to buy? Frilly Fillies website (price varies).

“I only ride in Heritage Gloves. They are comfortable, and durable, and I love how grippy they are.” — Mackenna Shea. Where to buy? Find a retailer here (price varies).

“JoJo Sox are great! You can wear them under your boots, they’re super comfy and the material is awesome. Plus, they’re stylish enough to wear in a non-horse situation. I really love mine.” — Lauren Billys. Where to buy? JoJoSox website (price varies).

Breeches

Hawley Bennett-Award sitting tight in her FITS Breeches on Jollybo at the 2017 Kentucky Three-Day Event. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“FITS Breeches are the. best. They’re comfortable and fit great, and they’re really nice and grippy!” — Hawley Bennett-Awad of Hawley Bennett Eventing. Where to buy? FITS Breeches website (price varies).

“I love my Irideon Hampshire Full Seat Breeches. They fit so well, and they have awesome pockets!” — Auburn Excell-Brady of Excell Equestrian. Where to buy? Toklat’s website ($139.95).

“Hands down the most comfortable riding pants I’ve ever had are my Kerrits tights and breeches. They are so comfy I never feel restricted, and they’re stylish too so I never feel like I’m sacrificing one for the other.” — Heather Morris of Next Level Eventing. Where to buy? Kerrit’s website (price varies).

Other apparel

Matt Brown, pictured here with Super Socks BCF, is a big fan of Kastel shirts. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“The Irideon CoolDown Icefil Long Sleeve Show Shirts are my absolute favorite. They have really stylish cuffs and collar liner, and the wrap collar snaps neatly for an elegant, crisp, flawless look in the show ring. It is the perfect summer show shirt.” — Auburn Excell-Brady. Where to buy? Toklat’s website ($99.95).

“This might sound weird but one of the most important parts of my riding outfit is my Knix Wear. They’re truly designed for athletic activity, and they’re designed for women by women, so they’re super comfortable.” — Jenny Caras of Caras Eventing International. Where to buy? Knixwear website (price varies).

“We love our Kastel shirts! They come in so many cute colors and they always look great. So we can roll out of bed, put on a Kastel shirt and look and feel professional every day. All while staying cool and being protected from the sun.” — Matt and Cecily Brown. Where to buy? Find your local Kastel retailer here.

To be continued! 

Weekly OTTB Wishlist From Cosequin: Thoroughbreds Take on Kentucky

By on Apr 18, 2018 11:00 am -

The Retired Racehorse Project has once again graciously teamed up with Eventing Nation to bring us everything we need to know about the Thoroughbreds that will be taking on the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event this year. You can learn all about the 16 full Thoroughbreds who’ll be galloping across the bluegrass in Erin Harty’s Meet the Thoroughbreds of Kentucky CCI4*, 2018 Edition.

Looking for your own potential sporthorse star? Our three OTTB picks of the week are all Kentucky-bred geldings who could be your next eventer:

Photo via CANTER Illinois.

Grand Ali (Champali – Pardonable, by Magesterial): 2009 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Age is nothing but a number — Grand Ali is a soft but confident gentleman with plenty left to give. For his age, Grand Ali is relatively lightly raced and has no known soundness issues. He has a gorgeous swinging walk and a floaty trot which will only get better with some added muscle and conditioning. His trainer loves him and says he “has a head-full of sense.” He’s the first one to want to be greeted in the morning and is always eager to get to work.

View Grand Ali on CANTER Illinois.

Photo via Second Stride.

Sammy Mandeville (Rock Hard Ten – Nadadora, by Carson City): 2011 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Sammy Mandeville has earned an impressive $246,697 in his 33 starts, including placings in graded stakes races. He’s since retired soundly and it looking for a second career where he can be equally successful! Under saddle “Sammy” is focused on his work and on his rider and displays a nice tracking up trot and a balanced canter.

View Sammy Mandeville on Second Stride.

Photo via CANTER KY.

Jonmil Johnny (Forest Danger – My Scarlet Lady, by Out of Place): 2009 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding.

“Johnny” may be nine years old already, but don’t you dare count him out! After retiring sound from racing in 2015, Johnny was restarted under saddle and has had many off-property schools and even competed in dressage and jumper schooling shows up to 2’6″. His connections say he’s the same horse off-property as he is at home and he truly loves jumping. Johnny was already adopted out once, but sadly his current owner’s time constraints and other responsibilities force his sale. He’s an all-around good citizen with loads of potential, so scoop him up while you can!

View Jonmil Johnny on CANTER KY.

Area 1 Fundraises for NAYC Through Acts of Kindness

By on Apr 18, 2018 9:00 am -

Coach Buck Davidson and Area 1’s 2017 CH-J1* team. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The ride of a lifetime awaits young riders once again, as the eventing portion of the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) is slated to be held at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana. Held in July in conjunction with The Event at Rebecca Farm, Young Rider Programs in the USEA Areas will be fundraising in full force to send teams to compete in Big Sky Country.

In most Areas, fundraising is already in full swing to help cover the cost of travel for the riders, grooms and horses. We saw an array of approaches to fundraising last year, but one in particular has stood out thus far this year and it is based on the premise of giving back in addition to receiving support.

After two years of involvement with the Area I Young Rider program as a parent, Brenda Jarrell is now in her first year as Young Rider Coordinator for the region. Two of Brenda’s children have ridden for Area 1 in the CH-J1*: Erica made the team the past two years and William made the team last year as well. The incredible experiences that the program has given her kids have inspired her to take up the mantle this year and pay it forward, encouraging connections among the kids and spreading the love of eventing.

In addition to riding and hoping to represent Area 1 at NAYC once again, Erica is now in her freshman year at Harvard University and has taken up playing Division 1 Rugby. She and her mom have been watching rugby movies together (“In no small part to learn the game she is now playing!” admits Brenda) and one in particular, Forever Strong, highlighted team building via volunteering and community service. Brenda saw the value in this and wanted to put something similar together for her NAYC rider and groom candidates starting with a day of volunteering at the Aiken SPCA, but while driving home from work one day she had the idea take community service a step further and turn it into a fundraiser.

Troublemakers or altruists? Area 1’s Carina Erickson and William Jarrell at the Aiken SPCA. Photo courtesy of Brenda Jarrell.

“While I was thinking about ‘acts of kindness’ the candidates could do for team building, the idea of encouraging acts of kindness rather than just asking for money from donors would be a fun and meaningful way to request support while also engaging the community,” Brenda explains.

The premise was simple: Donors would pledge an amount of money in exchange for the promise of one or more NAYC candidates doing a good deed. Brenda fields these challenges and matches them with a rider or groom willing to do the task and provide evidence of its completion.

The response was nearly immediate as soon as the first email about the fundraiser was sent out. In the month and a half since that initial email, the team has met around 20 challenges, all of which have been accomplished within one of two days of the request. Requests have ranged from performing an act of kindness to benefit their parents, to tutoring a friend at a school subject in which they themselves excel, to pampering elderly horses at their barn with a massage.

One of the most memorable challenges offered thus far, has been from a donor who offered $100 dollars on behalf of up to five candidates who gave $20 of their own money to a homeless person and spoke kindly to that person. This donor had been homeless herself for a period of time while hiding from an abusive father. With the donor’s permission, Brenda shared her story with the candidates who chose to accept the challenge and each of them in turn shared their stories of their interaction with the person that they gave to.

The challenges have been met with gusto by the kids: “They’ve been very enthusiastic and excited to share their good deeds,” says Brenda.

Phoebe Niland is a groom candidate this year and she has jumped in to the program and eagerly accepted challenges. One donor offered $150 if a candidate would bring flowers and edibles to someone they observed was having a bad day. Phoebe chose to deliver an orchid and bottle of wine to someone she knew who’s son has undergone many rounds of chemotherapy and has another big medical appointment coming up soon.

She’s also spent time tutoring a classmate who has dyslexia and ADHD. “The classmate’s mother has told me how much it has improved his attitude toward school,” reports Phoebe’s mother, Karen. “While I don’t know how much intensive academic instruction is happening, it has been emotionally valuable for both kids.”

Phoebe’s mom is delighted to be on the receiving end of some acts of kindness as well. Phoebe spent several hours helping organize the family’s receipts and invoices for their taxes plus an additional few hours reorganizing her mother’s closet and sorting clothes to send to Goodwill.

“It was not pretty, but very appreciated!” says Karen.

The Area 1 riders, grooms, horses and supporters have a long journey from New England and New York to Kalispell, so raising money to pave their way has been a big endeavor and focus of the candidates over the last few years. The Area has had strong showings of support in prior years and with this new outlook on fundraising the trend is sure to continue.

Interested in inspiring kindness amongst Area 1? Drop Brenda an email.

Go Eventing!

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Apr 18, 2018 12:01 am -

It must be completely surreal to compete on the hallowed eventing grounds of Belton and Burnham Market, and in just a few short weeks, multiple grant recipient Madeline Backus will have the chance of a lifetime when she rides down the centerline at Badminton on Friday afternoon. It’s a long cry from the mountains of Colorado, where both Madeline and her mare were born.

National Holiday: International Juggler’s Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Longleaf Pine H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Sporting Days Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

River Glen Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Holly Hill Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

St. Johns H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Attention Kentucky 4*-bound tailgate pros! EN is excited to host its annual “Insanity in the Middle” Tailgate Party on cross country day, but we need a little help with the set-up. If you have a truck and access to tailgate furnishings (two or three pop-up tents, tables, coolers, etc.), we have a platinum tailgate parking pass and some cross country day passes for you! Please email us at [email protected].

Canadian international eventing is expanding, in case you haven’t heard. Prominent eventing team member, official, and now venue developer Rob Stevenson is developing his family farm in New Brunswick to hold a second Canadian FEI event. With a summer date, Rob hopes to attract eventers from the East Coast, looking to get international runs in a venue with atmosphere. [Foshay Eventing Taking Shape]

The Kentucky crowd is getting restless but going to Badminton is a thing, too. Horse & Hound has created a go-to guide with all the links you’ll need for your first visit to Badminton. While geared more towards the eventing newbie, it still provides some helpful advice, like what you should wear in the British weather. [Badminton Horse Trials Visitor’s Guide]

A fall can sometimes change your perspective. Former three-star eventer Natasha Al-Egaily had a fall while schooling and it changed her life. By herself, she called emergency services, who sent an ambulance and a life flight to her. Luckily she didn’t need the flight but after discovering that the life flight service was self-funded, she decided to raise money for them by running the London Marathon. [Marathon Mission for Former Eventer]

Attwood Footing of the Week – TerraNova

Coated surfaces often rely on an adhesive coating to bind the sand grains and additives together, to give the surface cohesion and support. In the case of waxed surfaces, the wax coating does a reasonable job of binding the components together, but they feel oily and often the sand sticks to just about anything that comes into contact with it which can cause quite a mess.

To eliminate that problem, Attwood created a patented cold process to produce our TerraNova, creating a world-class riding surface with a very silky texture that virtually eliminates the slightest sticky feeling to horse or rider.

The innovative footing is formulated with high quality silica sand and fibers, and coated with a next-generation viscoelastic polymer. Perfect for arenas in any climate and, drum roll please … is not at all sticky. Attwood’s TerraNova is designed for unrivalled shock absorption, grip, and rebound for the serious equestrian athlete.

“We decided to go with the TerraNova footing in our indoor and it has been fantastic. It’s unbelievable how great the horses feel on it. Every single horse goes in there and is comfortable and loose and moves really well. You can really work them and feel confident in the support the footing gives them.”

~ Grace Long, professional rider, Badger Hill Farm, Middleburg, VA

You can find TerraNova in many of the top equestrian venues around the world including:

  • Terra De Belos Cavalo, Kenwood, CA
  • Badger Hill Farm, Middleburg, VA
  • Wrsan Farm, Abu Dhabi
  • Ohana Equestrian Preserve, Aldie, VA
  • Bridlespur Farm, Keswick, VA
  • White North Stables, Hunting Valley, Ohio
  • Project R.I.D.E., Elk Grove, CA

Wednesday Video: Rebecca is again home to the newly-renamed North American Youth Championships.

NAYC Eventing @ Rebecca Farm

We can't wait to return to Rebecca Farm this year for another great weekend of eventing at the the Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships presented by Gotham North! #NAYC

Posted by The Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships on Tuesday, April 17, 2018