Classic Eventing Nation

France Wins First Nations Cup of 2018 at Vairano

By on Apr 22, 2018 3:45 pm -

The French Team. Photo by Paolo Angius.

France is out in front of the 2018 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series after a decisive win of the first leg at the Vairano CICO3* in Italy this weekend.

The team of Luc Chateau on Propriano de I’Ebat, Maxime Livio on Pica d’Or, Brice Luda on Valere de Bonnieres, and Raphael Cochet on Sherazad de Louviere lead from start to finish, ending the weekend on a final group score of 88.2 – making France a back-to-back winner at Vairano.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh37OXlFukU/?taken-at=833115466

The entire team finished inside the top ten individually, with Luc and Maxime topping the group in second and third place, respectively.

Swedish riders took home second place on a score of 124.3 with a team made of Christoffer Forsberg with Hippo’s Sapporo, Ludwig Svennerstal with Balham Mist and Anna Freskgard with Box Qutie.

The home team of Italy earned third place on 128.6 points with rider Clelia Casiraghi on Verdi, Rebecca Chiappero on Quilando Z, Fosco Giardi on Feldheger, and Arianna Schivo on Quefira de l’Ormeau. Fourth place went to the Swiss team of Robin Godel, Patrizia Attinger, Jasmin Gambriasio, and Camille Guyot on a score of 164.9.

Arianna Schivo & Quefira de l’Ormeau, 2018 Italian Champions. Photo by Paolo Angius.

The CICO3* also stood as the Italian Senior Championships, where the title is won by the best-finishing Italian rider. This award went to Arianna Schivo, who finished in eighth place individually with l’Ormeau on a score of 36.9.

Alice Naber-Lozeman and team celebrating. Photo vai Alice Naber-Lozeman’s Facebook page.

Riding for the Netherlands, Alice Naber-Lozeman clinched the individual win in the CICO3* class aboard R. Van Reine & Yvonne Smit’s ACSI Peter Parker. They added nothing to their dressage score of 26 for this a wire-to-wire win.

Less than a point behind was Luc on his team horse Propriano de I’Ebat. These two also finished on their dressage score of 26.7. Maxime continued the FOD trend with Pica d’Orc, finishing in third on a score of 28.

In addition to the Nations Cup, Vairano also hosted a competitive CCI3* which was won by local rider Susanna Bordone and Mazzocchi Maria Giovanna’s Dinky Inky. Fifth after cross country, a double clear round secured them a win on a final score of 33.9.

Switzerland’s Patrizia Attinger and Denise C. Egger & Attinger Peter’s Hilton P had a strong second place finish after a personal best dressage (31.5) and only one pole down for a three-phase score of 35.5. Sidney Dufresne took third with Tresor Mail on 36 points.

Click here for team results.

Click here for all other results.

All photos by Paolo Angius, www.vairanocic.it.

Best of JN: 8 Show Day Tips to Help You Succeed

By on Apr 22, 2018 1:00 pm -

Show days are chaotic and it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. Check out these eight tips to help you make it through that stressful show day and put your best foot forward every time you walk into the ring, presented by Draper Therapies.

1. Sleep is Your Friend

Seriously, as simple as it sounds, a good night’s rest can go a long way. In the world of late nights and early mornings, it is not uncommon to see riders dragging themselves around the barn aisle or chugging coffee like there is no tomorrow. Lack of sleep or overdosing on caffeine isn’t always the healthiest of practices, however.

Try and dedicate a full night’s sleep the night before a show. Turn the TV off, put the phone down, and call it a night early. If show ring jitters tend to keep you up at night, try a warm shower before bed or indulging in a cup of mint tea to help you wind down. You will be amazed how good you can feel when that 5 AM alarm goes off after a solid night of sleep.

2. Cut the Junk Food

Horse shows are not always known for their super healthy meal options. Consider packing some fruit for in between classes and trade in that energy drink for a water or electrolyte-filled sports drink. Junk food weighs you down and makes you feel like… well, manure. So stop scarfing down Twinkies between classes and pack appropriate meals ahead of time. Your stomach and wallet will thank you.

3. Dedicate Some Time for “Me Time”

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the horse show, it is easy to forget to take care of yourself. Whether you are a nervous Nelly or someone who doesn’t know what butterflies in their tummy feels like, it is important to find five minutes in your day to just relax and enjoy the moment.

Photo by Alissa King / JN

So go relax by the ring and observe a class or two or listen to your pre-show playlist to get yourself pumped up. There are plenty of studies that validate that positive thinking prior to entering a competition sets you up for success. And in the (not so accurate) words of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, “horses make you happy, and happy people don’t just go out and murder their course.”

4. Clean Tack= Happy Horses and Riders

Not only should you polish every square inch of your tack because it looks nice, but it helps you make sure everything is in working order. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a tack malfunction mid-course that could have been prevented by a simple once-over while tacking up.  Common oops areas include saddle billets, bridle pieces, and stirrup leathers. Monitor and maintain your tack to lengthen its life span and make any needed repairs before an accident occurs.

5. Show Your Appreciation

A little appreciation goes a long way and there is no negative to being on the good side of the horse show employees. Keep in mind that even though we are booking some long hours on the show grounds, the staff are often putting in double what we are. A simple thank you can completely change the environment of the show. So don’t forget to thank the folks at the in-gate, have a smile when you enter the show office, and consider supporting riders from rival barns. Equestrians need all the good juju they can get. Besides, if the show staff are going to remember you by name, make sure it’s because of good reasons and not bad ones.

Photo by Alissa King / JN

6. Have a Plan

Winging it doesn’t work in horse showing. Have a structured plan set ahead for your day and back up plans for when those original plans inevitably go wrong. Know your course ahead of time, know the strides you want to take, the corners you may want to cut, and the areas where you can show your horse off. Know when your class falls in the order of go and warm up in ample time. Arrive at the barn early enough to get all your morning chores done without being rushed for your class.

Having a plan takes some of the stress of the environment off of your shoulders. The last thing we need to stress about is if we have enough time in the day to get everything done before our class.

7. Know Your Limits

Horse shows are an opportunity to show off your skills, but they are never the place to push yourself beyond your means. I am a big believer in schooling bigger fences at home than you are jumping at the show, so that when you get in the nerve-inducing environment of the show grounds you are 100% confident that you can tackle the task at hand.

That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t push yourself out of your comfort zone now and then. Just make sure that if you are moving up a level that you have successfully schooled that level at home and are confident in that decision. Don’t rush the process and put yourself or your horse in a potentially tricky situation. You want to feel brave when you enter the ring, so if you get to the show and just aren’t feeling it don’t be afraid to go down a level for a good experience. No ribbon is worth sacrificing your confidence.

8. Keep it Simple, Keep it Fun

Photo by Alissa King / JN

At my last horse show, my trainer kept repeating the phrase “keep it simple.” Our world can be filled with so many complications and procedures that it is easy to get overwhelmed by all of the details. For the most of us, we show horses because it is fun to us. Don’t suck the fun out of the situation by drowning yourself in thoughts or processes that aren’t necessary. Keep it simple. Keep it fun. Smile when you go around on course. Pat your pony. Recall the first time you sat on a horse and go into the ring with happy vibes. Even if you are trying to make a career out of showing horses, you should never forget how the love of horses is what drew you to the sport.

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! 

Happy 50th Birthday to Carol Anne Parker!

By on Apr 22, 2018 9:49 am -

Carol Anne Parker at the 2008 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Today is a very special day in the eventing community — Carol Anne Parker’s 50th birthday.

If you are involved with eventing in the U.S. in any way, chances are good you know Carol Anne. She is one of the hardest working super grooms in the business, an incredibly compassionate horsewoman, and one of the funniest people you will ever meet. She is often the last one to leave the competitors party and the first one to arrive in the barns the next morning. It is nearly impossible to spot her without a smile on her face.

We asked her friends to share their favorite memories of Carol Anne and send her happy birthday wishes on her special day.

Happy birthday, Carol Anne! 💕

Happy 50th Birthday, Carol Anne. Thank you for being you! Thank you for holding me up when I need it most but also being there to make the good times worth celebrating. Wishing you all the best for the next 50 years … hopefully I’ll be able to keep up for the ride! Love ya!

– Emma Ford

Cheers to my friend CA! The person who makes you smile when you see her; absolute infectious laugh; tells you what you do and don’t want to hear, but no one else is brave enough to do so; fantastic person to travel the world with (sleep walking Rio moments aside) – thank you for being you! Happy Happy birthday and cheers to many many more!

– Max Corcoran

My Dearest Carol Anne,

Whenever attempting to sing karaoke with the personal microphone you gave me, to the “Golden Girls” theme song, “Thank You For Being A Friend” I cannot help but smile and belt off key in your honor. Who would have thought nearly a decade ago when we first met it would be the start of an unparalleled friendship leading to some incredible adventures.

The list goes on and on but my personal favorites include hitting the dance floor at The Flora-Bama, getting locked inside the palace gates of Blenheim, serving as the unofficial morale officers to the USET belting “It’s A Grand Old Flag” and last year’s Kentucky Derby.

Through the good times and bad you are ALWAYS by my side. You have the biggest heart of ANYONE I know, the first to lend a helping hand, or turn someone’s frown upside down. You’re my life coach, number one cheerleader, dance partner and drinking buddy.

Cheers to you on this very special birthday, my dear friend. May the next decade be filled  with even more outrageous adventures, laughter and joy as we travel down the road and back again!!!

For all these reasons, “thank you for being a friend”!

With all my love,

James Daniel Conner

Happy Happy Birthday Carol Anne!

Bless your heart for dealing with people like me…and thank you for being a dear friend.  I don’t know anyone who is more selfless and more fun!!  I’m thankful to have you in my life.

P.S.  You can’t retire just yet 😉

– Lindsey Lanier

I am Lisa – Carol Anne’s best friend from childhood – this picture is her with my daughter Madelyn on Simba –  she is Madelyn’s coach, godmother, second mother who has helped her every step of the way and giving her a real love of eventing and encouraged her to join Pony Club and stick with it all of these years. She is the most loyal friend a person could have (40 plus years for us).

Carol Anne on Buttons at the Bit and Spur Riding Academy, Mobile, Alabama 1979 – she was the only one who could ride the wild beast.

This is Carol Anne with the love of her life Pete Parker – enjoying some together time after a wedding for some friends on her farm – he followed her around like a dog.

Carol Anne has been a very special friend for a very long time. She helped me both at home and on the road competing for quite a few years. She was always early and always had a smile on her face even when she had had a great night the night before. After long days of work and/or travel she would keep or bring everybody’s spirits up and continue that into the evening and throughout the competition. She was empathetic when it was called for, was the first to celebrate and say congratulations when we were successful, and she gave me the best kick in the ass whenever I needed to be brought down a rung or two! Believe it or not after all these years I honestly didn’t realize she is older than I am, which makes  me love her even more! She will always hold a very very special place in my heart.

– Stephen Bradley

I’ve never met someone more ready to help in any situation. My favorite Carol Anne memory was in 2007 at the Pan American Games in Rio and outside the back gate was a devastatingly poor neighborhood. Carol Anne would go out there every day (much against the wishes of any and all security) and hand candy out to the kids. She would laugh with them even though she didn’t know a word of Portuguese and they didn’t know any English. But they loved her and looked forward not only to the candy but also to the company. She walked back in one day after navigating the security to declare that she felt like Mother Teresa with a hoof pick. For whatever reason this sent us in to hysterics.

– Joanie Morris

Carol Anne has been like a mother to me, and she made sure to represent only the best parts of that role. I met her when I was 15 taking on my first working student job far away from home. She made it way more fun and inspiring than it should have been. 14 years later she continues to be someone very special to me. I think anyone who has met CA for more than 5 minutes can agree that she is always up for anything, can make any situation fun and would give you the shirt off her back with a huge smile on her face. The eventing community is so incredibly lucky to have her and I’m so happy we are recognizing and celebrating her today.

– Emma O’Neal

I have known Carol Anne for almost 20 years, and if I see her every day, or once a year, it seems like no time has passed. Have a fantastic birthday, I wish we lived closer so we could celebrate with you!

– Peter Foley

Happy Birthday Carol Anne! The only person I know who can walk into the total chaos of packing for an event and whip everything into shape all while making everyone there think they’re at the best party in town! You’ve brought a smile to my face in the midst of chaos frequently, have a fantastic day it is very deserved!

– Kaitlin Clasing

Carol Anne is that true friend that you know you can always count on! She dropped everything to be there for me when my father passed and I know she’d do the same for any of her friends. But one thing is for sure be careful calling her for advice after 7 p.m. East Coast time! Happy 50th birthday, Carol Anne!

– Colby Bauserfeld

They broke the mold when Carol Anne came along. She is the greatest friend and professional with just the right amount of humor mixed in. Happy Birthday!

– Charlotte Harris

You always make sure we ‘celebrate the day’ so happiest of birthdays, Carol Anne. Now celebrate YOUR day – Love Ya!

– Amy Ruth Borun

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Five Preliminary Performers

By on Apr 22, 2018 8:45 am -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN each week. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Having a horse with experience at Preliminary can be a big advantage for a rider looking to move up on an educated mount. Or maybe you’re looking for a horse to start out competing at that level and move up from there? Check out these horses for sale that have a USEA record at Preliminary.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

2010 Preliminary Event Horse !

Run Freely “Clifford” is a 2010 17.2 hand, Thoroughbred, gelding. Cliff is a training level packer who has also proven himself at Preliminary with a junior rider. He is highly competitive in the dressage, always earning scores in the 20s and low 30s. Schooling third level dressage, starting in a double bridle and ready to help someone get their bronze! Extremely brave and honest at the jumps. Schooling 3’9” courses. Can go around all three phases in a loose ring snaffle. Uncomplicated and easy to ride both on the flat and jumping. Cliff had tie back surgery November 2017 with a very speedy, healthy recovery. His name says it all, he is a gentle giant with a puppy dog personality. Placed 2nd at Full Gallop Horse Trials (April 1, 2018) in prelim, with only a few seconds xc time added to his dressage score of 31.1. Located in Ohio.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Lunetta: Ultimate Prelim Packer!

Lunetta: 2009 16.2h grey German Sport Horse mare. This lovely mare has competed through the Intermediate level of eventing, and is ready to be your ultimate Preliminary packer! In addition to her years of experience eventing, she also has significant experience in the jumper ring. ‘Luna’ is a barn favorite, and anyone would be lucky to have her! She would make the perfect amateur or young riders horse and will be competing until sold. Located in Virginia.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Shannondale Sergio

Sergio is a stunning 16.2 hh Irish Sport Horse gelding by Shannondale Sarco out of a Cavalier mare. Evented up to Preliminary and has show jumped 1.30m. Jumped in a Mini Prix this winter and has scope for much more. Suitable for a professional wanting to jump at a high level. Located in Pennsylvania.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Stunning Winning Prelim Eventer

Dressage scores as low as 18! Incredibly nice, fancy horse who makes dressage incredibly fun! Very solid at 3rd level and schooling 4th. Winner at novice, training, and preliminary. Super fancy and super competitive dream horse with all the buttons! Ready to win for you! 10yo 17h Imported Irish Sport Horse G. Located in Kentucky.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Palmetto Lion~ Competitive Prelim Eventer

2010 16h Bay American bred ISH Gelding by Keltic Lion. Stewie has an excellent Prelim record with a professional, but is not a prelim packer quite yet. He is good all 3 phases and tremendously fun to ride! Brave, ratable, balanced, 3 quality gaits and a very consistent style w a lead change. He’s very competitive on the flat and with a quiet, confident rider will go far. He could be a lovely winning low level horse for the right AA, or easily be a terrific NAJYRC mont with a Jr as they go up the levels. He’s young and so has lots of options! Extremely sweet and personable and very easy in the barn in every respect. Located in South Carolina.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Apr 22, 2018 12:01 am -

The course is coming together in Kentucky! These decorators work tirelessly to make the Kentucky Horse Park a picture of perfection, and no detail is overlooked!

National Holiday: Earth Day!

U.S. Weekend Action:

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]

Sunday Links:

Q&A with US Equestrian Eventing High Performance Director Erik Duvander

Badminton first-timers: Alicia Hawker — ‘my ride is quite quirky’

Event horse to retire this weekend after two Olympics and sixth at Badminton

Airway disease in racehorses found to be more common than thought

Innovative vaccine effective in treating horses with chronic allergy issues

Sunday Video:

Dressage at Home with Lainey Ashker

By on Apr 21, 2018 4:00 pm -

We love four-star eventer Lainey Ashker’s Grid of the Day series which features jumping exercises she sets up to practice at home. For #GOTD, Lainey shares a drawing of the set up, explains how the grid will benefit you and your horse, and shows us how it’s done by riding through the exercise herself.

Love #GOTD? You’ll love Lainey’s new training video! If you’ve ever watched in awe at a professional rider’s ability to produce an elegant, accurate, effortless dressage test and wondered how they achieved such harmony with their horse, now it your chance to watch and learn.

In this video, Lainey narrates her daily flatwork routine with her rising star, the talented 8-year-old OTTB Call Him Paddy, who is currently competing at the Preliminary/one-star level. But she doesn’t just show the most beautiful moments, she also talks through their mistakes and how they were able to navigate through them.

Lainey said she hopes that viewers might be able to identify problems they are having with their own horses and gain some insight into how to work through it. If you love this video, let her know! Follow #LAE on IG and subscribe to her YouTube channel.

The Queen Has Landed: A Pre-Kentucky Social Media Roundup

By on Apr 21, 2018 1:00 pm -

We are ONE WEEK away from cross country day at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event! Hard to believe it’s already here. The chinchillas are buzzing with excitement for the big event, and looks like the competitors are too. Some are polishing up before next week’s action, and many have already touched down in the Bluegrass state, including the queen herself – three-time Kentucky winner fisherRocana FST.

Here’s what’s going on in Eventing Nation with less than a week to go:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhzvgbKFSGo/?taken-by=kentuckythreedayevent

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhs1XVQgJdZ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh1GJ0OAVF4/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhzhawgAPQA/?taken-by=dragonfirefarm

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhzJYZDAsIjiYYwAywrkA8VWnLwYjVsB-sXkPI0/?taken-by=hbeventing

Johnny getting his Kentucky kicks!!!

A post shared by Elisa Wallace (@wallaceeventing) on

 

#EventerProblems Vol. 139 from Ecovet: Keep Smiling

By on Apr 21, 2018 10:30 am -

Whether you’re a horse or a human, it’s helpful to have a sense of humor in this sport. Exhibit A: this horse …

Love it! Here’s your latest batch of #EventerProblems.

Putting the ❤️Honda to werk #CRV #eventerproblems #mobiletackroom

A post shared by Erinn Tobin (@etobin89) on

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

Go Eventing.

Who Jumped It Best? Fair Hill CIC3* Edition

By on Apr 21, 2018 8:30 am -

We’ve got another exciting round of Who Jumped It Best? and this time we’re taking you to the main arena at Fair Hill International. Fair Hill shook things up for the spring CIC this year, moving the show jumping to the Gallaher side of the property (where the fall CCI takes place), and welcoming new show jumping course designer Marc Donovan. Marc kept riders on their toes early Saturday morning with many (46%) rising to the challenge of a clear round.

We rounded up some of the CIC3* riders (and Phillip Dutton on his CT entry, Z, for good measure), so check them out and vote in the poll at the bottom of the post for which horse and rider you think present the best overall picture. Go eventing!

Fair Hill CIC & H.T.:Website, Live Results, EN’s Coverage

Boyd Martin and Ray Price. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Kristen Bond and Enough Already. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Mara DePuy and Congo Brazzaville C. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Hillary Moses and Zanado. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Cary Chavis and Game On. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Kaitlin Clasing and Cartender de Nyze. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Matt Flynn and Get Lucky. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

 

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Apr 21, 2018 12:01 am -

The eagles have landed! This year’s international contingent is en route and arriving at the Kentucky Horse Park ahead of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Her majesty and three-time winner of the event, FischerRocana FST, stepped off the trailer and into the green Kentucky grass yesterday afternoon as cool as a cucumber and as if she owned the place … which, let’s be honest, she basically does.

National Holiday: National Record Store Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

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]

Saturday Links:

Q&A with US Equestrian Eventing High Performance Director Erik Duvander

‘It Came Crashing Down’: Jonty Evans Overcame Fear of Letting the World Down on His Crowd-Funded Horse

PODCAST: Unrecognized Events: An Eventing Pipeline

From The Princess Bride To Eventing Aside

Troubleshooting Horse Trailer Loading: One Step at a Time

Inside the Life of a Volunteer: Backstage with Michael Smallwood

Saturday Video: All hail Queen Roxy

https://www.facebook.com/KentuckyThreeDayEvent/videos/10156324330039640/?hc_ref=ARSw4mJBeLpsT7vWd8F24mrznK1tUB6NVE9BtXFwnF9jmIM9JMpEEgslEaNTYqR_0EQ&fref=nf