Classic Eventing Nation

Matt Flynn and Get Lucky Run For the Win at Fair Hill CIC3*

By on Apr 15, 2018 11:00 am -

Matt Flynn and Get Lucky. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Matt Flynn and Get Lucky (Van Gogh x Ranna, Wagenaar) sat in third place after the first two phases of the Fair Hill International CIC3* in Elkton, Maryland, but if they could fly home quick enough on cross country they had a chance to move up. A clear and fast round on Derek di Grazia’s course, with 5.6 penalties added, Matt and “Lucky” ultimately won on a final score of 36.5.
“I really went for it on him timewise. The corners on the way home were pretty tough out there. He jumped straight through it and was really honest all the way around,” Matt said.
“He’s a bit of a spooky horse so it takes a few runs in the spring to get out and going. This is a good place for him because it has open tracks that are great galloping versus some of the other events that can be a bit twisty. It was nice to really let him gallop and this is just an awesome venue for cross country riding.”
This the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood’s first season at the level and only his second Advanced run. Imported as a 5-year-old and produced by Matt up from the Young Event Horse Series, he’s a promising mount for the future.
“He is owned by my parents and Bess and Tyler Abell of Merry Go Round Farm together. Mr. and Mrs. Abell have been really supportive of this horse for the past five years, and Tyler really enjoys cheering him on. He’s one we hope to continue to develop up the levels,” Matt said.

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Will Coleman will be pleased with his weekend as he looks ahead to spring four-stars in just a couple short weeks. The Off the Record Syndicate’s Off The Record (VDL Arkansas x Drumagoland Bay, Ard Ohio) added 7.2 time penalties on cross country to move up a couple places and finish second on 39.8 in the 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse’s first CIC3*.
“(Off The Record) continues to impress. It was his second Advanced and he was awesome. He’s a hardy one, but he loves cross country,” Will said. “He really looks to go out there like a total beast. I like a horse that wants to go out there and give it all to you and wants to go.”
Will has made no plans to take “Timmy” to a CCI this year. “Thinking about his career, I think he’s going to be better suited to do a bunch of these CICs throughout the summer, like Great Meadow and Bromont, and then I want to take him to Boekelo. I think he’d be a great horse for Boekelo, but 10 minutes is big. He did nine minutes in the two-star at Fair Hill here last year, and he did it double clear, but it’s a big jump from two-star to three-star, and I think he just needs a little extra build up.”
Will also picked up a win in the Advanced division, leading from start to finish with Badminton-bound OBOS O’Reilly, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse (OBOS Quality x Omard Clover Queen, Clover Hill) owned by the Four Star Eventing Group.

Kristen Bond and Enough Already. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Rounding out the CIC3* top three is Kristen Bond and Liz Bond’s 10-year-old Durch Warmblood Enough Already (Winningmood van de Arenberg x Zandora, Landor S). With clear rounds and 10.2 time penalties to add across the two jumping phases, they finished on 43.4 for an emotional finish in the gelding’s first run at the level.
“He hasn’t had a lot of experience. When I was pregnant, I was lucky to have amazing friends. Phillip (Dutton) rode him and Kim (Severson) had him for a little bit, so he’s had some exceptional people on him, but they didn’t do a lot of competing. So this was his first trip around. We’re learning together,” Kristen said.
“He’s an absolute stud. The last time I did a CIC or CCI3* was in 2011… It has taken a super long time for me to feel back to where I felt myself. I can definitely say it felt normal to me today.”

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

Boyd Martin piloted the Ray Price Syndicate’s 10-year-old Thoroughbred/Warmblood Ray Price around the gelding’s first CIC3*, adding 9.6 time penalties on cross country move into fourth place on 44.2. Waylon Roberts and Anthony Connolly and Skye Levely’s 15-year-old Thoroughbred Kelecyn Cognac cruised around for their 15th three-star clear round as a pair, adding 6.4 time penalties to finish fifth on 45.2.
Kaitlin Clasing and Steplin LLC’s 11-year-old Holsteiner Cartender de Nyze (Caretino x M-Cyra, Contender) made quick work of the course with 5.8 added time penalties and a sixth place finish on 46.8. Mara DePuy and Congo Brazzaville C (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Mexico M, Highline), an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Mara, David and Mary Clark Regamey, added 12.4 time penalties to finish seventh on 52.5. Chris Talley and his own 9-year-old Thoroughbred Unmarked Bills cruised home with the fastest time, adding 5.2 penalties to move up from 12th to a final eighth place finish.
Boyd and the Long Island T Syndicate’s 12-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred Long Island T (Ludwig von Bayern x Haupstsbuch Highlight, Heraldik xx), leaders after the first two phases, picked up 20 jumping and 18 time penalties to finish in ninth. Hillary Moses and Claudia Schultze’s 14-year-old Holsteiner Zanadoo (Lavall I x Granmalvina F, Lord) were clear with 18.4 time penalties to round out the top ten.

Will Faudree and Hans Dampf. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Will Faudree and Hans Dampf, a 12-year-old Oldenburg owned by Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables, led the CIC2* from start to finish, adding only 0.4 time penalties to end on a 27.7. The son of Heraldik xx and Look CR made his return to FEI level after a year away.
“He felt great. He hadn’t been out in a year, and we’ve taken our time in his rehab. He was super cross country and show jumping. He felt like his old self. I think he was pretty happy to be back. He was doing his little dance around the start box,” Will said. “Because he hasn’t been out in a year I thought he might back off of the water, but he was foot perfect the whole way around. He felt very, very fit.”

Ryan Keefe and Rumsey Keefe’s 18-year-old Thoroughbred Flintstar (Zabalu x Croftlea Firequeen, Kingcroft Wicklow) made steady moves up the leaderboard throughout the competition. They started in seventh place with a 31.3 and ultimately placed second as the only combination in the division to finish on their dressage score in their first two-star as a pair.

Lindsay Kelley and Cooley Cruise Control (Chacoa x Castlequarter Royale, Guy Cavalier), a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by the Cooley Cruise Control Syndicate made a big move from 13th after dressage to eventual third, adding just 2.8 time penalties for a final score of 35.4. Caitlin Silliman and Morgan McCue’s 7-year-old Trakehner Ally KGO (Hirtentanz 2 x Annabel Lee, Butow) were foot perfect save ten additional seconds on the clock for a final score of 36.2, good for fourth place in the mare’s first attempt at the level.
Alex Reed with her 11-year-old Thoroughbred On Broadway (Mass Market x Catz, Catrail) and Will with Michel 233 (Mighty Magic x First Lady, Federweisser), an 8-year-old Hanoverian owned by Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables, posted two of the four double clear cross country rounds to finish in fifth and sixth place respectively. The remaining fault free cross country trip belongs to Arielle Aharoni and Christina Aharoni’s 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood Dutch Times (Goodtimes x Alino Queen, Michellino), who moved up from 18th to eighth in the final phase.

Kelli Temple and Metallica. Photo by Amy Dragoo.

Turning to the CIC*, Kelli Temple and Kara Angulo’s 8-year-old Holsteiner mare Metallica (Cancara x Ulysses, Casall) picked up their first international win, finishing with a 28.5 after adding just a rail to their initial score.
Mike Pendleton and Bonnie Stedt’s 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse The Fonz Himself (Vincenzo Vant Merelsnest x Jadore Chanel) crossed the finish line in the final phase two seconds over the time to finish on 29.5 for second place in their first FEI appearance as a pair.
Olivia Dutton and the very experienced Mr Medicott (Cruising x Slieveluachra, Edmund Burke), a 19-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by the Mr Medicott Syndicate, came home double clear for third place and a final score of 31.6 in their first international appearance as a pair. This was also the gelding’s first FEI event since last April, when he won the USEF CCI4* National Championship at the Kentucky Three-Day Event with Olivia’s father, Phillip Dutton.
Katherine DeLaney and Kara Angulo’s 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood Elbaran (Albaran x Twiggy) added just 0.4 time penalties to an otherwise superb performance for fourth place on 31.8 in their first one-star. Rounding out the top five is Francesca Broggini and her 19-year-old Belgian Sport Horse Petit Bleu Marine (Nabab de Reve x Nurioso Monsboro, Surioso), who moved up from 10th after show jumping after a fault free round across the country.
Shelby Allen also contributed to this report.

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

Photo Gallery: Ocala International Cross Country + Day 3 Score Report

By on Apr 15, 2018 9:00 am -

The CCI* and CCI2* competitors tackled Hugh Lochore’s cross country course yesterday at the Ocala International 3-Day Festival of Eventing, presented by Ocala Ranches, at the Florida Horse Park. Afterwards we saw some shifting of the standings and an exciting tie for the lead in the CCI2*. All will be decided today in show jumping. Meanwhile, here is a photo gallery of yesterday’s action courtesy of Lisa Madren and a score report to bring you up to speed.

CCI2*

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

Elisa Wallace and Steve and Vicki Sukup’s 9-year-old Oldenburg Riot Gear, leaders of the CCI2* after dressage, jumped clear across the country but added 2.4 time penalties. With a two-phase score of 29.4, they are now in a tie for the lead with Liz Halliday-Sharp and her own 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse Cooley Quicksilver, who posted a double clear round yesterday.

In the event that both horses show jump clear today, Liz and Cooley Quicksilver will take home the win as they came in under the time on cross country. Both Cooley Quicksilver and Riot Gear are new to the CCI2* level. While each are piloted by experienced riders and are capable of a clear, their FEI records are not spotless in the stadium ring. They’ve also got the rest of the field breathing down their necks, with the top ten within two rails of the leaders.

Elisa Wallace and Riot Gear. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Alexandra Knowles and Katherine O’Brien’s Business Class went double-clear on cross country to move up one place to third on 31.0 followed closely by Leslie Law and his and Carmen Anderson’s Call the Law on 31.9. They crossed the finish line just one second over the optimum time.

Brandon McMechan and his own Oscar’s Wild remain tied for fifth on 33.8 with Buck Davidson and Abby Maude’s Spring Street. Both combinations posted fault-free rounds and moved up a few places.

Kyle Carter and Let It Be Lee, owned by the Five Pine Partnership, were clear with no time penalties to sit in seventh on 35.1. Doug Payne and his own Quantum Leap are eighth on 35.3 after a double clear round followed by Kim Liddell and her own Eye of the Storm in ninth on 37.0. Elinor MacPhail O’Neal and Alix Curry’s Zeta round out the top ten on a 37.2 having added 1.6 time penalties across the country.

CCI*

Jordan Linstedt and Staccato. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Looking to the massive 67-horse CCI* division, dressage leaders David O’Connor and Jacqueline Mars’ Cooley Dream retired after picking up 20 penalties on cross country. That opened the door for second place Jordan Linstedt and Staccato, a 9-year-old Holsteiner owned by Janine Jaro, to step into the leading position. They head to the final phase on their dressage score of 23.6.

The top six after dressage all moved up one place after fault-free cross country rounds and sit within a rail of the win. Leslie Law and Beatrice Rey-Herme’s JKF Vogue are second on 24.6 followed by Liz Halliday-Sharp and Anna Kjellstrom’s Run Marvin Run in third on 24.8. Alexandra Knowles and Nancy Elberty’s Princess B are fourth on 25.3 and Elinor MacPhail O’Neal and Sally Crane Cox’s Zick Zack round out the top five on 26.3.

In sixth place with a 28.0 is Candy King, owned and ridden by Holly Jacks Smither. They moved up from eighth after a penalty free trip across the country. There is a tie for seventh place on a 28.5 between Hallie Coon and Shanon Baker’s Captain Chacco and Lesley Grant-Law and Cianu, owned by Jackie and Steve Brown. Caitlyn Ruud and Up to You De Lorage, owned by Light Speed Equestrian LLC, are tied for ninth place with Sami Crandell and his own Fernhill Chaos  on 29.0.

Good luck to everyone competing today. Jump high and tidy! Go eventing.

Ocala Three-Day Links: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Apr 15, 2018 12:01 am -

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

While I’m closing out the weekend at Fair Hill, my thoughts are with Lauren Burnell, Bec Braitling and team who lost Walterstown Don yesterday at Twin Rivers. I was tremendously lucky to have the opportunity to watch that fantastic horse in person—he had a personality that commanded attention. All of us at EN send our condolences to those who loved Walter.

National Holiday: National Tax 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]

Sunday Links: 

Werth And Weihegold OLD Come Through To Reclaim FEI World Cup Dressage Final Title

Breitling LS Shines On Second Day Of Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final

Flynn Flies to CIC3* Win at Fair Hill International

Rider eliminated under blood rule at World Cup jumping final

8 things you forget when you take a break from eventing

Eventing at Virginia Tech Has That Hokie Spirit

Sunday Video:

‘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!

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#Eventing 2018 ☔️

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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]