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.
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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®.
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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 Zdue 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Rachel McDonough has also withdrawn Irish Rhythm.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, hewill 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
“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!
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.
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.
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.
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
It was a beautiful weekend in Maryland at Fair Hill International’s Spring Horse Trial. With CIC3*/2*/1* running alongside national levels through Advanced, there was plenty to do and see around the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. Major League Eventing was on site and caught some great footage, so take some time this Tuesday to rewind the Fair Hill action.
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This article is brought to you by Athletux Equine. For more Athletux articles, please click here.
It’s tax season, and you know what that means!!!
With the average American slated to get back over $3,000 for their tax refund this year, it got me thinking … How should I spend all this extra money???
Savings account? Boring.
Investments? Hard pass.
Extra student loan payments? No thanks!
With all the responsible options easily crossed off the list, I had to turn to the professionals for some help. And since equestrians are basically the savviest shoppers on the planet, I sought out some top riders to ask what products they were head over heels in love with this year.
Over the next few days we’re going to release the ultimate ultimate treat yo self checklist — equestrian style. Category by category we’ll discuss the products top riders deem worthy of abandoning the savings account.
Let’s start with some everyday tools of the trade. Shopping sprees for these items hardly count because they’re so practical. Right? Right.
Grooming
“The Effol SuperStar-Shine Spray is incredible. We use it daily on the horses’ manes and tails and it keeps them manageable and silky, without any of the grime build up you get from other products.” — Matt and Cecily Brown of East West Training Stables.Where to buy? Jeffer’s Pet ($19.99).
“Grooming doesn’t just mean keeping the horses looking great, they need to feel great, too.For us, that’s part of what makes Coat Defense Daily Preventative Powderan important part of the grooming routine. It’s easy to use and incredibly effective at eliminating any fungus, odor or other coat issue.” — John Michael and Kimmie Durr of Durr Eventing and Show Jumping.Where to buy?Check out a list of local retailers here.
“With the addition of Sasha Fierce and Code of Conduct to the string, we’ve really learned what makes Bardsley’s White Washthe best whitening shampoo in the business. It’s great for spot cleaning at the horse shows, but gentle enough to use on their entire bodies for full baths.” — Hawley Bennett-Awad of Hawley Bennett Eventing.Where to buy?Bardsley’s website ($14-$55).
Tack
“There’s nothing quite as obnoxious as a saddle that rocks or slips back after sometime on the cross country course. Even a well-fitted saddle can shift if you aren’t using a high-quality breast collar. That’s why I’m so obsessed with my Devoucoux Kolibri Breast Collar. It’s a five-point breast collar which really anchors the saddle and prevents it from going anywhere. Plus, they’re absolutely gorgeous!” — Jenny Caras of Caras Eventing International. Where to buy? Contact Devoucoux tack representative Christine Phillips.
“If you really think about it, your girth is one of your most important pieces of equipment and the difference between a good one and a bad one can wind up being really dangerous. We love our Total Saddle Fit Girths, they are incredibly high quality which is important, and their shape really makes a difference, we never see rubs with these girths. They’re also so soft and cushy, which the horses really appreciate.” — Tamie Smith of Next Level Eventing. Where to buy?Total Saddle Fit’s website ($129.95-$149.95).
“There’s really nothing quite like the Walsh Shipping Halters. They are so plush and soft the horses hardly even realize they’re wearing them. Not to mention they look incredible, and it’s always nice to step off the trailer looking like a million bucks.” — Hawley Bennett-Awad. Where to buy?Walsh’s website ($288.06).
Supplements
Monty McFall caught red-handed. Photo courtesy of Jennifer McFall.
“I can really tell a difference when my horses are taking their Nupafeed Magnesium Supplements. It helps them stay relaxed and focused, which has been so important during all the travels we’ve had this year!” — Hawley Bennett-Awad. Where to buy?Nupafeed’s website ($13-$195).
“We really like our Grand Meadows SupplementsGrand Lytes. It’s always important to replace the minerals your horse sweats out, and traveling only increases that importance. Having such a great electrolyte as part of the regular nutrition program makes our lives a lot easier.” — Dani Sussman of Aspire Eventing. Where to Buy?Grand Meadows website ($21.95-$79.95).
“I don’t know what we’d do withoutPlatinum Performance. They have so many different amazing products that make it easy to insure all the horses on the farm are getting exactly what they need. Bonus: Dogs are a fan!” — Jennifer McFall of Dragonfire Sporthorses. Where to buy?Platinum Performance’s website (starting at $61).
Saddle Pads
“I’m in love with my Fleeceworks Sheepskin FXK Technology Half Pad. The additional wither relief is great and the quality of the sheepskin is to die for. For a rider with lots of horses having something shimmable is really important. Plus, these come in beautiful custom colors that really set you apart from the crowd.” — Tamie Smith of Next Level Eventing.Where to buy?Fleeceworks website ($186).
“It can get HOT in California, so we love the EcoGold CoolFit Jumper Pads. They fit really nicely and really seem to wick moisture away which can make all the difference.” — Hawley Bennett-Awad. Where to buy?EcoGold’s website ($195).
“I absolutely adore my Equine Comfort Product’s Cotton All Purpose Pad. The material of the pad is so soft and so durable. I use these pads on every horse in the barn with a special half pad and they really hold up incredibly well.” — Dani Sussman. Where to Buy?Equine Comfort Product’s website ($43.95).
Treats
“One of my students is also an amazing entrepreneur! She makes these adorable horse treats called Heavenly Hoof Treats.The horses absolutely love them and how cool to support a budding equestrian!” — Lauren Billys of Lauren Billys Eventing.Where to Buy?Heavenly Hoof Treat’s website (starting at $5.50).
“All the horses absolutely love their Gumbits before a ride. They make great treats for the horses and the benefits under saddle are amazing!” — Hawley Bennett-Awad. Where to Buy? Check out a list of worldwide retailers here.
Tack Cleaner and Conditioner
“Basically everything Sterling Essentialsmakes is in day to day use around here. Their cleaner works so well and it’s so nice to have tack cleaner that doesn’t smell like tack cleaner.” — Matt and Cecily Brown.Where to Buy?Sterling Essential’s website ($7.95-$19.95).
“Prime Time Leather Careare the only leather care products we use. Having a cleaner and conditioner all in one is really convenient and the scents are all so nice.” — Allison Springer of Allison Springer Eventing. Where to Buy? Here’s a list of retailers (prices vary).
It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? Twin Rivers Ranch Edition! Sherry Stewart snapped photos of the CCI1* riders over fence 11, the open oxer, on James Atkinson’s cross country course. Take a look at the photos and vote in the poll at the bottom of the post for which horse and rider you think present the best overall picture over the jump.
Click here to view final scores from Twin Rivers. Go Eventing.
Sarah Ertl and Utah B. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Kristin Joly and Vice Commander. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Lilly Linder and Codigo. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Sara Sellmer and Freesela. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Kaitlin Vosseller and Clear Approval. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Lynnea Woody and Prince Eric. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Amateur eventer Paul Swart, left, and HRH Prince Harry, right, assist with the collaring of a black rhino in Botswana. This process helps to monitor and track the rhinos. Photo courtesy of Rhino Conservation Botswana.
Two adult amateur event riders, Pierre Colin and Paul Swart, are taking up the challenge of running the London Marathon on Sunday, April 22 to raise valuable funds to help protect Africa’s rhinoceros population through the charitable organization Rhino Conservation Botswana.
It is a little-known fact that rhinos are the closest living relative of the horse. These iconic animals are on the brink of extinction as they are poached for their horns under the false belief that it has medicinal value. In reality the horn is made of keratin, the same material as horse hooves and human fingernails, but it has long been believed that the ground-up horn of wild rhinos increases virility, thus they have been poached mercilessly.
Pierre has competed at the Training level with his horse Triskelion and along with his wife, Denise Lahey, is also an owner for Boyd Martin. Pierre and Denise are half-owners of Boyd’s four-star mount Steady Eddie, who will compete in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event next week.
Pierre Colin, an amatuer eventer and owner for Boyd Martin, is also an ardent supporter of rhino conservation.
Paul, originally from South Africa, lives in Aiken, South Carolina and has competed at the Preliminary level on his horse HJ Eros. He has an adventurous background with horses.
“We were conscripted in South Africa, and I was actually in the Border War on horseback,” Paul said. “I spent a full year riding there in a war zone and the training is very similar to eventing training; you have to hang on and be able to jump ditches and brush and so on. I also did show jumping as a kid in South Africa and later became a safari guide, and I became an amateur eventer after I moved to the States.”
Paul volunteers his time as the USA trustee of Rhino Conservation Botswana, whose patron is HRH Prince Harry of England. “We take the rhinos from heavily poached areas to Botswana and protect them,” Paul said. “We are creating genetic breeding pools with wild black and white rhinos to keep the population going.”
Denise explained that the conservation moves rhinos from countries where there are numerous poachers and brings them to Botswana, which has a no-poaching policy. In addition to raising general funds for the conservation, the London Marathon will also raise money for the conservation to add more rhino protection dogs, which are trained to thwart poachers.
It’s expensive to buy and train the rhino protection dogs and also to maintain them, but they are valuable assets to the conservation’s anti-poaching program. So far the conservation has two rhino protection dogs, Savas and Luna, in their program, with an aim to expand to six dogs.
Savas, one of Rhino Conservation Botswana’s rhino protection dogs, with his trainer James Wozencroft. Photo courtesy of Neil Aldridge/Rhino Conservation Botswana.
It seems that every other day another animal is added to the endangered list, and all too frequently species become extinct. Many of us feel sadness for what is lost, perhaps scrolling through the news online with a pang of regret, but quickly move on with our lives. Paul and Pierre, however, decided to take action.
Pierre and Denise donated to build a monitoring camp in Botswana that will house a crew to track and protect rhinos, which ultimately led to the opportunity to meet Prince Harry and run the London Marathon.
Paul recalls, “Last year in October we were given four spots through the conservation trust to run the London Marathon. Pierre had just run the Boston half marathon and I knew he was in pretty good shape — so we decided to go for it.”
The two men started an intense 16-week training program and will run the marathon on April 22. “We’re both feeling great, it’s actually been an incredible learning exercise and it’s a mental game. It was a challenge and we decided, ‘why not?’ Pierre and Denise are big supporters of ours as well, and I thought it would be really cool for us to do this together and make a difference,” Paul said.
“Rhinos belong to the world and the poaching is a global issue; there’s tremendous pressure to save them. We’ve all got to do something if we all want our kids to enjoy the natural world, and we’ve all got to play an active role.”
A black rhino is released back into the wild. Photo courtesy of Rhino Conservation Botswana.
Paul is the USA trustee for the conservation and one of four trustees worldwide: in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the USA and Botswana. “I do this pro bono so that I can support doing something good,” he said. “We’re hoping to raise some funds which will go directly to the front lines to protect rhinos.”
Boyd added, “Denise and Pierre are great supporters of rhino conservation. They are very passionate about animals in general, and the wild rhinos in Africa in particular. Paul is also a great guy, and I’d love all the eventers out there to chip in on their run.”
If you are interested in supporting Paul and Pierre’s run in the London Marathon, please visit their GoFundMe page at this link. All donations will go directly to the Rhino Conservation Botswana USA Trust.
Click here to learn more about the plight of rhinos on the Rhino Conservation Botswana website.
