Classic Eventing Nation

‘A Track to Test Badminton Entrants’ – Exploring the Belton CIC3* Course

By on Apr 14, 2018 7:28 pm -

Holly Woodhead and E Warrantsson return from a spin around the Intermediate course at Belton. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tomorrow sees the Battle of Belton pick up some serious speed, with showjumping taking place throughout the morning and cross country following closely behind. With just one rail separating second place from 22nd, we can expect to see a major reshuffle across the board, particularly as most horses are lacking in match practice and, in some cases, are having their first run of the season tomorrow.

Captain Mark Phillips always builds a thinking man’s course at Belton, with tricky combinations designed to prepare horses and riders for their spring CCI runs. This year is no exception, and, perhaps as a result of the late-onset-early-season phenomenon inflicted upon everybody by the mass cancellations this spring, it looks particularly challenging.

Fence 6A.

Fences 6BC.

Fence 6D.

Several of its combinations ask modified versions of the questions to be seen at Badminton, making this an ideal litmus test, but not one to be taken lightly. The first real question appears at fence 6ABCD — look, it’s never a reassuring sign when there are THAT many letters — which reads like a toned-down facsimile of Badminton’s Joules Corners. Belton’s version features a wide hedge, two offset, reasonably narrow angled hedges, and a skinny hedge spread on the way out. We’ll likely see a few horses take the side route through this question, which tests horse and rider’s commitment to the line.

Fence 11A.

Fence 11B.

Further along, at 11AB, the Riverlodge Equestrian Hollow, we see the use of man-made undulations and airy timber uprights, which are used so liberally in next month’s Badminton course. There’s also a reasonably kind water combination (12ABC) with a very skinny arrowhead on the way out — yet another test of line and straightness, essential when tackling the tricky turns and offset skinnies featured in the water at Badminton — and the Lycetts Leap at 14ABC, a coffin with yet another angled, offset hedge.

Fence 14A.

Fence 14BC (left).

From then on out, it’s reasonably plain sailing until 19ABCD, the Oldrids and Downtown Sunken Road, which features a curving line through, you guessed it, a sunken road – but preceded and followed by two big, airy timber open corners.

Fence 19A

Fence 19BC

Fence 19D

The beauty of a CIC3* course like this is in its ability to ask tricky questions, but offer respite from them, too, and Mark Phillips has done an excellent job of designing a course that allows horses to find their rhythm and flow easily around large swaths of the course, adjust, work hard through a tricky combination, and then move on again in a rhythm. It’s a system of ask and reward which, with any luck, should prove hugely beneficial in this early part of the season.

As Jonty Evans puts it: “any horse who can set a good, competitive pace around this track will find themselves in a very good place going into Badminton.”

Course length: 3610m

Optimum time: 6:20

To check out the course in full, click here.

Belton International H.T. [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Live Scores] [EN’s coverage]

Walterstown Don Collapses, Dies Between Fences at Twin Rivers

By on Apr 14, 2018 7:25 pm -

Bec Braitling and Walterstown Don. Photo by Shelby Allen.

We are deeply saddened to report the loss of Lauren Burnell’s Walterstown Don, a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse, who died at Twin Rivers in Paso Robles, California today when he collapsed between fences 18 and 19 on the CIC3* cross country course. The cause of his collapse is not known pending a necropsy exam. His rider, Bec Braitling, was transferred to Sierra Vista Regional Medical for care.

Walterstown Don (Don Juan de la Bouverie x Walterstown Treacy VII, by Vivadari) has had a long, storied career. Born in Ireland, he was produced through the CIC2* level by Diarmuid O’Brien. Clayton Fredericks later campaigned him extensively in Europe, winning the 2010 Malmö CCI2* and the 2012 Burnham Market CIC3*, and piloted him to the horse’s first CCI4* appearance at Burghley.

After being imported to America, Walterstown Don was competed by Michael Pollard and later his owner, Lauren. Together in 2016, Walterstown Don and Lauren were 12th at the Rebecca Farm CCI1*, fourth at the Galway Downs CCI2*, and winners at the Woodside CIC2*.

Walterstown Don partnered with California-based Australian Bec Braitling in 2017. They went on to compete in six FEI events at the two-star and three-star level, never finishing outside the top 10 and earning three top-five placings at the three-star level.

The EN teams sends sincere condolences to Lauren, Bec, and everyone who knew and loved Walterstown Don. He will be deeply missed on the West Coast and beyond.

[USEA Statement]

Day Two at Belton: Slim Margins and a Major Outlier

By on Apr 14, 2018 6:51 pm -

Pippa Funnell and Billy Beware storm into a decisive lead in the Grantham Cup CIC3*. Photo by 1st Class Images.

“Pippa Funnell – that’s who writes the books I like!” said a small voice alongside the Grantham Cup arena. “I didn’t know she was a rider, too,” the voice mused.

If there was ever any doubt – and really, was there? – the first Grand Slam winner (and, yes, author of rather a lot of pony novels) thoroughly dispelled it in the first phase of Belton International’s Grantham Cup CIC3*. She led overnight on MGH Grafton Street, sitting just a tenth of a penalty ahead of Ireland’s Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift, but today she pushed for a safer buffer.

Badminton-entered Billy Beware posted an incredible personal best of 21.7 at Burnham Market last month, proving that, despite a lengthy leave of absence, he was still a force to be reckoned with. The competition’s subsequent abandonment meant that we never got a chance to see whether he could defend his position – but rather than playing a difficult game of ‘what if’, Pippa opted to make her own luck and repeat her fortunes of the last outing.

This time, she left nothing to chance, carving out a 2.5 penalty margin between first and second place with her score of 24.9. When you consider that only a rail separates second place from 22nd place, this decisive lead becomes all the more impressive. The event is far from won – Pippa and Billy Beware will have to leave all the poles up and set a competitive pace from the off to hold their lead – but if anyone had overlooked Billy Beware for his lack of match practice, they’re all sitting up and taking notice now. And this is a weekend on which making an impression is important: the powers that be, on whose educated opinion this autumn’s teams will be formed, were out in force, watching, coaching, and advising.

William Fox-Pitt and Little Fire warm up for their CIC3* test. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

They had plenty to smile about, with stalwart team members producing exciting early results across the board.

William Fox-Pitt contained and channelled Little Fire’s exuberance, transforming some expressive moments in the collecting ring into a mature, impressive test. The nine-year-old posted a 27.4, putting him into second place overnight in only the horse’s third three-star.

You know when you’ve managed to get the job done in fine style but your horse is still wearing his party hat? Yeah, that. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Pippa Funnell‘s leading test yesterday aboard MGH Grafton Street held on to third place after the end of the phase today, while Francis Whittington and Hasty Imp (28.5) and Izzy Taylor and Springpower (28.7) claimed fourth and fifth places, respectively. Springpower is a relatively new ride for Taylor – she took the horse on in the middle of last season, piloting him to fourth place in a CIC2* section at Somerford Park and then seventh in his first CIC3*, the 8/9yo class at Blenheim. In seven international runs, he’s never had a cross country fault, nor has he ever added more than 10.8 time penalties, so lack of early season prep notwithstanding, this pair should be very competitive tomorrow.

Quality Purdey and Chris Burton. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Quality Purdey, ridden by Australia’s Chris Burton, posted a 28.8 to join Cooley Rorkes Drift and Jonty Evans in equal sixth place. The Oldenburg mare, owned by Claire and Dom Poole, came to Burton’s yard in 2017 after a year out. In their two international runs since, the pair have posted a win – in the CICO3* at Le Pin au Haras, where they finished on their dressage score, and 22nd at Boekelo CCIO3*, where a technical 20 penalties cost them the win. Burton is lightning fast when he chooses to be – he’s not colloquially referred to as the fastest rider in the world for nothing – and this talented mare has proven she’s capable. She’s also one of only a handful of horses in the field to have managed more than one run so far this season – she’s completed two Open Intermediates, which means that we could see Burton use the accelerator tomorrow. With the removal of the dressage multiplier, a horse who can finish on, or close, to their dressage score will climb exponentially – and sixth place is not a lengthy climb from the top.

The rest of the top ten was unscathed by today’s competitors, but several notable names entered the top 20, just the smallest of margins away from a spot in the upper echelons. Kiwi Andrew Nicholson brought forth his Le Lion d’Angers mount Yacabo BK, who scored 29.4 for 11th place. This is the 8-year-old’s first CIC3*, and in his five previous internationals he has only finished outside of the top 10 once. Nicholson has shaped the latter part of his career around horses bred by Spaniards Ramon and Ana Beca, and Yacabo is no exception – if he can follow in the footsteps of forebears Quimbo, Armada, and Nereo, then he’ll be an exciting horse for the future.

Mark Todd and Badminton-bound Kiltubrid Rhapsody. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Fellow countryman Mark Todd squeezed two into the top 20, as well: the exciting 11-year-old McClaren, seventh at Boekelo CCIO3* and Blair CIC3* last year, and Badminton entrant Kiltubrid Rhapsody, who has finished in the top 10 in four of six three-stars.

Japan’s Kazuma Tomoto and Bernadette Utopia. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Japanese rider Kazuma Tomoto sits in 18th place overnight with Bernadette Utopia, a 12-year-old mare produced to three-star by Padraig McCarthy. With a clear cross country rate of over 90%, she’s incredibly consistent and, since making his mark on the UK scene under William Fox-Pitt‘s tutelage, Tomoto has proven his ability in the irons, too. Two time penalties across the country lost him the 8/9yo CIC3* at Blenheim by a tenth of a penalty last year aboard Brookpark Vikenti: he’s due a win, but whether this will be the horse or competition to give it to him remains to be seen.

Belton is hosting two CIC3* sections this weekend: the Grantham Cup, which features some of the top horses in the country, and which Pippa Funnell is leading, and a second section, for horses with fewer FEI points. The overnight leader here is a familiar face, albeit one we haven’t seen in a very long time.

“He’s a good friend – and now, he’s like my old schoolmaster,” says William Fox-Pitt fondly of 15-year-old Bay My Hero, back with a bang after a hiatus that has lasted since the European Championships in 2015. It wasn’t injury that saw ‘Mooney’ disappear from the competitive scene, but rather a temporary stepping back of owner Catherine Witt. Now back on the scene, he’ll be targeted at the Event Rider Masters CIC3* series, at which he can run, as William says, for fun and without the pressure of the major CCIs or team competitions. Despite a lack of match practice in recent years – nor a particularly active spring – he’s proven to be a serious competitor in challenging circumstances before. In 2014, he won the Kentucky CCI4*, his first international run in 18 months to the day. A similarly leisurely win here could set him up as a serious contender in the big-money, highly competitive ERM series.

Tomorrow it all comes to a head in both CIC3* sections, with showjumping beginning bright and early in the morning and cross country following shortly thereafter. We’ll be bringing it all straight to you as it happens across our social media channels, with a full report at the end of the day and all the inside scoop from the top of the leaderboard and our Badminton-bound entrants.

Until next time – go eventing!

The Belton Grantham Cup CIC3* top ten after dressage.

Belton International H.T. [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Live Scores] [EN’s coverage] [Cross Country Course Map]

Best of JN: Born to Jump

By on Apr 14, 2018 5:02 pm -

Finding a foal who will not only hold up to jumping, but who will love it and make a career out of it, takes a well trained eye. With most foals you don’t have much more to go off of than bloodlines and conformation, neither of which are 100% reliable indicators of whether or not a foal will grow into the next Hickstead.

But foals like this make it a little easier!

https://instagram.com/p/BhZWpCyn_3S/

High Point Hanoverians, located in Maryland, specializes in breeding, importing, and selling Hanoverian and Oldenburg stock for sport. Currently, they stand four impressive stallions; Rosenthal, Friendscout II, Coeur D’ Amour and Sinatra Song. Each of these studs not only pass on good looks, but some pretty athletic genetics and their foals can be found competing in various disciplines with success.

This little 2018 filly is Cliche, by Coeur d’ Amour. It is obvious she has the heart for jumping just like her daddy! Cliche is offered for sale by High Point Hanoverians if you are in the market for your future superstar. She’s got it all going for her. She’s cute, shes spicy, and she loves to jump! What more could you want?

Now… how to sneak her home without my husband noticing.

Go Jumping!

From the hunter ring to the jump-off, keep up to speed on the latest news, commentary and h/j insanity at EN’s sister site Jumper Nation! 

What’s Happening This Spring? [Updated 3/31]

By on Apr 14, 2018 2:15 pm -

Lisa Hickey thanking Irish Olympic eventer Joseph Murphy after riding in his Ocala clinic at Horsepower Equestrian. Photo by Jenni Autry.

What’s Happening is EN’s guide to lessons, clinics, schooling shows and other riding and educational opportunities during the spring. It’s free to post a listing. Just email the date, location, contact information and any other details to [email protected]. (Note: This is a list generated solely from submissions. If no one sends us the details of your event, it won’t be included.)

Location Quick Links: Area I | Area II | Area III | Area IV | Area V | Area VII | Area VIII | Area IX | Canada

Area I

April 22: Ride-Critique-Ride Clinic with Ann Marie Gregoire
This clinic is a great opportunity to polish up your tests for the 2018 season. USEF dressage tests from Intro through 4th level will be offered in addition to the new 2018 USEA Beginner Novice through Preliminary eventing tests. The format of the clinic will allow riders to perform their test  of choice twice, receiving constructive feedback from Ann Marie after the first ride. They will be given a scored sheet for their second ride, and prizes will be awarded for the lowest scoring percentages of the day. Both standard and small dressage rings (depending on test ) will be offered indoors on world class GGT footing. Please RSVP early to reserve your spot! Reduced entry fees and FREE auditing for CDCTA Members and Shallowbrook Boarders. Entry forms available at our websites: www.shallowbrook.com  & www.cdctaonline.com

April 22: Combined Test with Cross Country Schooling
Combined Test with Cross Country Schooling at Valinor Farm, Plymouth MA. The Area 1 Eventing Season is here! Get ready! Portables are out, the water jump is ready and there will be plenty of schooling opportunities for Prelim – Elementary levels. Check out the new fields that we’ve opened for our cross country course (will be ready for our June sanctioned). Combined test divisions for Prelim – X-rails.  Dressage and unjudged stadium rounds available. Stadium will be held in our outdoor ring with all weather footing. Low key – friendly outing to get your season rolling. Easy on line registration and payment options available on our website www.valinorfarm.com

May 20: Hitching Post Farm Schooling Trial
Hitching Post Farm Schooling Trials are a fun, educational way to enjoy every aspect of eventing. A great beginning for new riders or new horses, an excellent place to for every move up and a very coach friendly facility. Our courses are all USEA standard set in an approachable way over some terrain. Jump courses are not timed. New this year, we will be offering an elementary division with a jump height maximum of 2’3″. The intro(Grasshopper!) division will be offered as a combined test with a few small logs as part of the show jump course. Register on Blue Horse Entries

Area II

 

May 5-6: Stephie Baer Clinic at Chapel Springs Farm in Free Union, Virginia
Show Jumping Saturday, Cross Country Sunday at Chapel Springs Farm. All levels welcome. Riders will be grouped according to level of experience. Auditors welcome! Lunch will be provided both days. Groups will fill in order of checks received. Cost is $100 per day. Times will be emailed the Wednesday prior to the clinic. Please email [email protected] or call 617-281-5567 for entry form/more information!

May 15: Cross Country Clinic with Tim Bourke, presented by Area II Adult Riders
We expect to have 5 groups of 4 to 5 riders, riding for 1 ½ hour sessions. Riders will be grouped similarly by experience. Group assignments and times will be available May 11th by email and posted to USEA Area 2 Adult Riders Facebook page. Closing date is May 1. Discounts for Area II Adult Rider, Young Rider and YRAP members. Click for more details and registration information.

May 18: Dressage and Jump Lessons with Stephen Bradley
Wednesday May 18th at Domino Equestrian. Come tune up your jumping for the spring season with Olympian Stephen Bradley! Small groups (2-3 people) ensure plenty of individual attention, and usually last about an hour and fifteen minutes. Private dressage and jump lessons are also available.  An accomplished 3-day Event Rider who is well regarded for his teaching skills, Stephen Bradley is a favorite clinician for both amateurs and professionals alike. Come enjoy food, drinks, and our wonderful new facility, and lesson with one of the best! Auditors always welcome at no charge. Heated viewing room overlooks the 80×200 indoor for great auditing! Registration is available here through Event Clinics.  
June 29-July 1: Clinic with Karen O’Connor
Sandy River Equestrian Center in Axton, Virginia is pleased to offer an outstanding event clinic with Karen O’Connor! Clinic participants should plan to arrive on Friday and be ready to ride on Saturday and Sunday. Lectures will be held at 8AM both days followed by personalized lessons in gymnastics, show jumping and cross country. Breakfast and lunch will be offered daily and dinner will be served on Saturday. Registration is easy! Download and complete the registration form found on our website, www.eqmtc.com, then scan and email it to [email protected] or mail the form to Sandy River Equestrian Center. Participation cost for riders is $550, stabling is $20/night, Auditing is $50 daily (pre-register to receive all meals and swag. Swag will include products from our sponsors and the Equine Management Training Center.

Area III

April 21-22: Karen O’Connor Clinic
Karen O’Connor has ridden in five Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games and two Pan-American Games. To date, six of her horses appear on the top 50 USEA high scoring list. In addition to her many riding accomplishments, Karen is an amazing coach and mentor to multiple Team USA riders. She has served as chef d’equipe for Team Mexico. Karen brings a positive, energetic and knowledgeable approach to every student she teaches. From Novice to Olympians, her insight, experience and incredible teaching style will bring out the best in horse and rider. Hosted by Chime Bell Chase, Aiken, SC. Limited availability. Cost: $375. Stabling Available: $35/night; Auditing: $20/day. Fees will only be refunded if clinic spot can be filled. For registration information please email [email protected].

May 19: Elysian Hills Starter Horse Trial
Elysian Hills fosters an atmosphere of learning and fun allowing you and your horse to gain experience, challenge yourself and have a great time. Flexible entry options allow you to select from the eventing disciplines of dressage, stadium jumping and cross country. Time permitting, horse trial competitors will be allowed to ride the cross country course and stadium a second time. Elysian Hills offers introductory (18″), Elementary (2 ft), Beginner Novice, Novice and Training level as well as Preliminary combined tests. Competitors may enter horse trial (D S X), combined test (D S), jumping (S X) or dressage only (test of choice). Register on Blue Horse Entries

Area IV

Check back soon!

Area V

Check back soon!

Area VII

May 6: Baywood Pony Club Annual Fundraiser
Come and support Baywood Pony Club during our Annual Fundraiser at Rainbow Meadow Farm! An event derby consists of 2 phases – the dressage phase and the jumping phase. When the DX’s are held at RMF, our courses spread over the entire cross country course and display a level appropriate balance between show jumping questions and cross country questions which build through out the course. If jumping is not for you, you have the option to just do dressage if you would like. The same goes with jumping. You can also choose to do 2 concurrent levels if you would like. The choices are endless so you can create the best experience for both you and your horse. Register on Blue Horse Entries

June 2: Rainbow Meadow Farm Event Derby & DX
A DX consists of 2 phases – the dressage phase and the jumping phase. When the DX’s are held at RMF, our courses spread over the entire cross country course and display a level appropriate balance between show jumping questions and cross country questions which build through out the course. If jumping is not for you, you have the option to just do dressage if you would like. The same goes with jumping. You can also choose to do 2 concurrent levels if you would like. The choices are endless so you can create the best experience for both you and your horse. In addition this year, we will be offering a STEEPCHASE/HUNTER PACE division. The division will be based on jumping clean, but also on your pacing and who is closest to the optimum time. With that said, for this round, there will be speed faults and time penalties, so you will need to practice your pacing. Register on Blue Horse Entries

Area VIII

April 21-22: Jim Wofford Clinic
Timber Run Farm, 5145 Northridge Road, Alexandria, Oh. 43001 Contact: Stephanie Phillips [email protected]

May 12: Sayre School Combined Test & Dressage Show
Sayre School’s 28th annual Combined Test & Dressage Show, at Masterson Station Park. This is an MSEDA & KDA Sanctioned USEA Schooling Show. More information and registration on Blue Horse Entries

May 19: Greater Dayton Mini Trial, Combined Test and Dressage Show
Stillwater and Miami Valley Pony Clubs are hosting the Greater Dayton Mini Trial, Combined Test, and Dressage show, at Twin Towers Horse Park, on May 19th. This is the first show in the Miami Valley Eventing Association Mini Trial Series! Divisions offered: Mini Trial- Green as Grass, Starter, Beginner Novice, Novice; Combined Test- Green as Grass, Starter, Beginner Novice, Novice, Training; Dressage tests: Intro – 4th level available. Dressage classes are part of the Dayton Local Show Circuit and will go towards year end awards. Register on Blue Horse Entries

July 4: Last Frontier Farm’s JUMP!
This annual show, hosted by Sharon White and her Last Frontier Farm, is always so much fun! All JUMP! courses are a combination of stadium-style and cross-country jumps designed to be ridden at appropriate division level speeds. The day will start with Elementary and move up to Preliminary in order to facilitate riding at multiple levels and allow the option to practice moving up. Riders are encouraged to enter multiple divisions, based on ability. A lead horse will be available! Sharon will be on hand throughout the day to provide course walks at the start of each division, and to discuss best practices for both cross-country and stadium jumping.  Riders may choose to repeat any regular round on the same horse by entering for a Repeat Round of any division. You must ride a regular, first round first before riding a repeat round, and the repeat round must be on the same horse. Register on Blue Horse Entries

Area IX

April 28-29: Clinic with Peter Gray
Peter Gray at The Event at Archer Cheyenne Wyoming check the website for ride times, Saturday flat/grid/SJ and Sunday Cross country exercises www.eventatarcher.com. Contact Allison Murphy for auditing information 307-640-9222 or email [email protected]

Canada

Check back soon!

Want to see your lesson, clinic, or schooling show listed here? Email [email protected].

#EventerProblems Vol. 138 from Ecovet: Mud, Hair and Other Springtime Woes

By on Apr 14, 2018 12:00 pm -

It’s spring, and we’re all emerging from our winter caves to a sea of mud, hairballs and slightly rusty skill sets. Let those springtime #EventerProblems rip, EN!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhSJpJZnaYh/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhb0Er9Aii7/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhUcqYvlL0Y/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhAVwjfjPUJ/

#Eventing 2018 ☔️

A post shared by Nicki Strong (@headstrongequestrian) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg0w6kwljkW/

Go Eventing.

Heather Morris, Charlie Tango Take Command of Twin Rivers CIC3*

By on Apr 14, 2018 9:15 am -

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango after a clear show jumping round. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The Twin Rivers Spring CCI, CIC and Horse Trials in Paso Robles, California is jam-packed with entries from Beginner Novice through Advanced in addition to CCI*, CCI2*, CIC3* and Young Event Horse and Future Event Horse divisions.

Heather Morris and the Team Express Group’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse Charlie Tango (Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan x Our Queen Bee, Ricardo Z) threw down a 30.3 to take the CIC3* lead after dressage. They held their position after posting one of three fault-free show jumping rounds in the division in their first FEI appearance since Fair Hill International last fall.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Not far behind, Rebecca Braitling and Lauren Burnell’s 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse Waltertown Don (Don Juan de la Bouverie x Walterstown Treacy VII, Vivadari) sit second on a two-phase score of 35.0. Tamie Smith holds the next two positions with Kevin Baumgardner’s 15-year-year-old Dutch Warmblood Wembley (Lester x E-VIP, Cantus) on a 36.4 and Judith McSwain’s 9-year-old Holsteiner mare Fleeceworks Royal (Riverman x Marisol) on a 39.7.

Tamie Smith and Wembley. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Rebecca and Lauren Burnell’s Santana II (Camax L x Hofdame H, Heraldik xx) are leading the CCI2* after dressage, earning a 35.4 in the 8-year-old Oldenburg mare’s first attempt at the level. Barbara Crabo and the Waterford Syndicate’s 12-year-old Danish Warmblood Waterford (Mosegaardens Dilight x Ally, Racot) are second with a 37.4. Jess Hargrave with her 11-year-old Trakehner Regenmann and Mallory Hogan with her 11-year-old Holsteiner mare Clarissa Purisima (Limmerick 1 x Briza) are close by with 38.2 and 38.3 respectively.

Rebecca Braitling and Walterstown Don. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Looking to the CCI* division, healthy with 28 entries, Megan Sykes and her 9-year-old Oldenburg Classic’s Mojah (Chambertin 3 x Senna, Sevillano xx) lead the way after after dressage with 29.2 in their first appearance at the level. Lilly Linder and Bianca Linder’s 11-year-old Warmblood Codigo (Candyman x Last Rose of Summer, Travelling Victor) are hot on their heels with a 30.7. Krista Stevenson and Larry Stevenson’s 10-year-old Hanoverian Caison (Contendro I x Via Vera, Varus) are third with 33.8.

The scores are tightly packed in the one-star with the top 18 scoring under 40.0, a result of the new FEI scoring system which removes the previously used 1.5x coefficient. The FEI divisions will all tackle James Atkinson’s cross country courses today with show jumping remaining on Sunday for the CCIs.

Tosca Holmes-Smith and Fiat. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The Advanced division ran the first two phases yesterday. Not one pair went double clear in show jumping but Tosca Holmes-Smith and Ali-Holmes Smith’s 14-year-old Thoroughbred Fiat (Cats at Home x Desert Mouse) currently hold the lead in their first Advanced with a two-phase score of 48.5.

Dana Chase and her 15-year-old Holsteiner Aerolite (Ariadus x Cosmic Romance) added two rails and five time penalties to fall from the lead to second place. Madison Temkin and Debra Henderson’s 20-year-old Thoroughbred Kingslee (Calumar xAfforce) likewise dropped two rails and added one time penalty but they remain in third place. Kathryn Nichwander and her 16-year-old Thoroughbred 360 sit in fourth heading into the final phase today.

Dana Chase and Aerolite. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Twin Rivers CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Apr 14, 2018 12:01 am -

Lauren Billys and the Purdy Syndicate’s Castle Larchfield Purdy at the 2015 Pan American Games. Photo by Carmen Barrera.

Today is National Pan American Day! This holiday reminds me what an amazing thing sport is and how it has such an incredible knack for bringing people from different nations together. Sure, everyone is competing against one another, but at the end of the day we’re all just part of one big happy family that loves our horses and loves this crazy thing we do.

National Holiday: National Pan American Day

Major Events:

Belton International H.T. [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Results]

Ocala International CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

U.S. Weekend Action:

Fair Hill CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Twin Rivers CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Fence H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Results]

Saturday Links:

Teams Set for Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challenge

Featured Clinician: Sally Cousins

8 things you forget when you take a break from eventing

Four [Dressage] Exercises I’m Loving Right Now

Newborn Foals: What to Watch For

Saturday Video: Catch up with Elisa Wallace as she and “Johnny” prepare for Kentucky.

Boyd Martin & Long Island T Take CIC3* Dressage Lead at Fair Hill

By on Apr 13, 2018 8:07 pm -

 

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Boyd Martin and Long Island T (Ludwig von Bayern x Haupstsbuch Highlight, Heraldik xx) lead the way in the CIC3* after a full day of dressage at Fair Hill International in Elkton, Maryland on a score of 26.3 (39.45 under the former scoring).

“It’s been an interesting couple of weeks. We had the three-star at Carolina, then The Fork then this one and they’ve all had slightly difference atmosphere,” Boyd said. “The horses all seem to light up and buzz up in this ring (at Fair Hill). It suited Long Island T. He’s a quiet horse, and it spiced him up just enough.”

This weekend serves as the 12-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred’s second CIC3* start after spending this season chipping away at the dressage with the help of his wife, Silva.

“To be honest I just get my wife to ride him a bit, then I just hop on at the shows,” Boyd said with a laugh, admitting that the highlight of his test was simply that he remembered it. Professionals—they’re just like us!

Next, he looks forward to what Derek di Grazia has prepared on the cross country course, which has been shifted this year to follow a path more like the fall CCI track, including all three water complexes.

“The course looks really good. Fair Hill is always an event that I like to come to. It’s got a real three-day event feel. The turf is good. It’s not overly big, but it’s nice inviting fences, and all the questions are there: coffins, waters, corners, narrows. I think this a great preparation for any horse going to Jersey or Kentucky,” he commented. 

Waylon Roberts and Lancaster. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Waylon Roberts was the only other rider to earn a sub-30 score this morning aboard Michelle & John Koppin’s Lancaster for second place on a score of 29.7.

“He went in and was right on his job today,” Waylon said. “He’s felt really comfortable in this arena. Sometimes he can be a little nervous in his surroundings, so I was pleased that he went in and stayed really confident. That was my goal today: be smooth, keep him in the corners and be really relaxed.”

Waylon has big plans for this exciting 11-year-old Canadian Sport Horse, and Derek di Grazia’s cross country course proves a great challenge for him ahead of the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh, after which Waylon hopes of representing Team Canada at the World Equestrian Games.

“Derek, as usual, has set a beautiful track. He gradually progresses you through the track and then the end is quite intense. The last water is big and we’ve got a serious pair of double corners on a big angle and some big gallopy fences at the end,” Waylon described. “I’m looking forward to it with both of my horses. I think it’s a course that really suits Lancaster well.”

Matt Flynn and Get Lucky. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Matt Flynn takes up third place with Flynn Sport Horse’s Get Lucky, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Van Gogh x Ranna) owned by Flynn Sport Horses. They sit on a score of 30.9 in the horse’s three-day debut.

Caitlin Clasing sits in second on a score of 32 with Steplin, LLC’s Cartender de Nyze, an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Caretino x M-Cyra). Will Coleman is currently fifth with Off The Record, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse (VDL Arkansas x Drumagoland Bay) owned by the Off The Record Syndicate.

Will Fuadree and Hans Dampf. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Meanwhile, Will Faudree piloted Hans Dampf to the top spot of the CIC2* rankings. Jennifer Mosing & Sterling Silver Stables’  12-year-old Oldenburg (Heraldik xx x Look CR) earned a score of 27.3.

Business Ben, an 8-year-old Thoroughbred (Artie Schiller x Min Elreeh) owned by The Business Ben Partnership carried Allison Springer to second place with 29.1 points. Third place goes to Will Coleman and TKS Cooley, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Vivaldo Van Het Costersveld x Badgerhill Cruise) owned by the TKS Cooley Syndicate, who earned a dressage result of 29.4.

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Will Coleman and Badminton-bound Obos O’Reilly were the very first ride of the day in the Advanced division, impressing the judges enough to pick up and keep the lead on day one.

“You would’ve never called him this a few years ago, but he’s become reliable in the dressage. He went in there and did a very workmanlike test. It was mostly correct and he’s good at his changes,” Will said of the 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Obos Quality 004 x Omard Clover Queen) owned by the Four-Star Eventing Group. 

“He’s just such a cool horse. He’s like a member of our family at this stage. I’ve gone through all the difficult years with him and now there’s only love. I’m hoping he has a good run tomorrow.”

Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Boyd also leads the Intermediate division with the Shamwari 4 Syndicate’s Shamwari 4 on a mark of 23. This is the 16-year-old Hanoverian’s (Star Regent xx x Donnice) second competition of the year as he gears up for a four-star appearance this summer at Luhmühlen.

“I’m riding Shamwari in the Intermediate and it’s going to be a perfect fitness run for him for Luhmühlen. I’ve just been chipping along with him and quietly getting him fit. Fingers crossed that we stay in good shape,” he said.

Fair Hill International has long been known for their spectacular fall three-day event, while the spring CIC quietly served the Area II community. But they’re starting to turn it up a notch, led fearlessly by Ann Haller, who joined the Fair Hill team as Competition Manager in 2017. Changes include bringing in Marc Donovan as a new show jumping course designer, moving all show jumping classes over to the main arena on the Gallaher side of the property (where the entirety of the October competition is hosted), and $2,500 in prize money for the three-star.

“Hats off to their work!” Boyd said. “I think Ann Haller is a huge part of that, in addition to the committee. We’re very thankful for Ann’s work in this sport. She’s definitely for the riders and encouraging events to make the sport better. I’m very thankful for the committee here. They’ve got some vision here really utilizing this side of the property.”

Stay tuned for much more from Fair Hill! Go eventing.

Caroline Martin Back in Action at Ocala International + Day 2 Report

By on Apr 13, 2018 6:37 pm -

Caroline Martin is easing back into action after taking a stud to the foot at Carolina International Horse Trials three weeks ago. She is competing three horses at the Ocala International Festival of Eventing this weekend and confirmed to EN she will run cross country tomorrow.

After falling in the first Advanced water complex at Carolina with Cristano Z, she walked off course and into the ambulance, which was definitely a sign she wouldn’t be sidelined for long. If “tough as nails” is a character trait, Caroline has it in spades.

She has two rides in the Open Intermediate in Pebbly Maximus, who sits second after show jumping on 29.0, and Jump Jet, who led after dressage but had a rail down in show jumping to drop to equal fourth on 31.9. Caroline is also competing Ferrie’s Cello in Open Preliminary, which starts tomorrow.

While Pebbly Maximus is on the entry list for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, the horse is aiming for a return trip to the Bramham CCI3*-Under 25 in June and will only compete in the dressage phase if he makes the trip to Kentucky. Caroline’s two rides at Kentucky will be Spring Easy and The Apprentice.

Leslie Law, USEF Developing Rider Coach and Caroline’s trainer, competed four of her horses at The Fork Horse Trials last week at Tryon, and he is also lending a hand at Ocala while she is on the mend. He piloted The Apprentice to a score of 29.0 in dressage to lead the Advanced combined test today before a planned withdrawal ahead of show jumping.

Looking to the rest of the action at Ocala, the CCI2* kicked off today with dressage. Elisa Wallace and Riot Gear, a 9-year-old Oldenburg owned by Steve and Vicki Sukup, lead on 27.0. Liz Halliday-Sharp and her own Cooley Quicksilver, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse, sit second in the CCI2* on 29.4. Alex O’Neal and his own DJ, a 10-year-old KWPN, sit third on 30.8.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Looking to the CCI1*, David O’Connor and Jacqueline Mars’ Cooley Dream, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse, still lead on 23.4 after the first day of dressage. Jordan Linstedt and Staccato, a 9-year-old Holsteiner owned by Janine Jaro, moved into second today on 23.6. Leslie Law and JKF Vogue, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Beatrice Rey-Herme, sit third on 24.6.

Ocala also hosted an Advanced combined test today for horses preparing for Kentucky. After both phases, Buck Davidson and Park Trader, a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Carl and Cassie Segal, took the win on 30.3. Buck also finished second on 30.5. with Carlevo LLC’s Carlevo.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z, a 10-year-old KWPN owned by the Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties, finished third in the Advanced combined test on 31.9 in preparation for performing the test ride at Kentucky.

Click here to view full scores from Ocala International. Click here to watch more videos courtesy of David Frechette.

Alex O’Neal and DJ. Photo by Lisa Madren.

We are in full swing with EN’s live coverage around the world, and it truly takes a village to bring you coverage from as many events as we possibly can. To give you a peek behind the scenes, this weekend we have Tilly Berendt on the grounds at Belton in England, Shelby Allen at Fair Hill in Maryland, David Frechette and Lisa Madren sending videos and photos from Ocala in Florida, and Sherry Stewart sending photos from Twin Rivers in California. Thank you to ALL who contribute to EN. We could not do it without you!

Keep it locked on EN for coverage from all major events running this weekend around the world. Go Eventing.