Classic Eventing Nation

How to Watch The Fork CIC3* + WEG Test Event Live Stream

By on Apr 5, 2018 7:56 am -

Photo courtesy of Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Hello from Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina! All the action in The Fork CIC3*, which is also serving as the eventing test event for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, kicks off today.

Tryon is live streaming both days of CIC3* dressage on Thursday and Friday, as well as Sunday’s show jumping. Installation of cables on the cross country course is not yet complete, so cross country will not stream live on Saturday.

Broadcast times and links to the live streams:

Thursday dressage: 9 a.m.-noon EST (2-5 p.m. BST) ➡ Click here to watch live

Friday dressage: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. EST (3-6 p.m. BST) ➡ Click here to watch live

Sunday show jumping: 11:15 a.m. EST (4:15 p.m. BST) ➡ Click here to watch live

Stay tuned for EN’s wall-to-wall coverage from Tryon. Go Eventing!

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Thursday Dressage Order, Friday Dressage OrderLive Scores, EN’s Coverage

By the Numbers: The Fork at Tryon CIC3* and WEG Test Event

By on Apr 5, 2018 7:39 am -

The Fork is running for the second year at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. This year there is quite the excitement surrounding the event, as the CIC3* is also serving as the eventing test event for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, which come to Tryon in September.

The Fork will offer the final chance for riders to get a feel for Capt. Mark Phillip’s cross country course prior to the WEG itself.

Keep in mind that the FEI dressage scoring has dropped the 1.5 coefficient and is now equivalent to dressage scores at USEF horse trials.

Photo courtesy of Tryon International Equestrian Center

The Field

  • In the last three runnings of The Fork CIC3*, the winner has been in the top two after dressage.
  • Last year, for the first running of The Fork at Tryon, there was not a single issue in the cross country phase for the CIC3* — only time penalties played a factor.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Dressage Divas

Percent of pairs expected to score in the 20s: 16.2% (6 of 37)

  • Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border didn’t just set a Carolina International record with their 20.8 two weeks ago. They also laid down the lowest score for a test at Advanced, 3*, or 4* for any North American pair anywhere since the Rio Olympics, and the second lowest score at those levels on this continent in the last five years.
  • Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous haven’t yet been able to hit the jaw-dropping scores that some of the other pairs have, but they’ve made up for it with consistency, scoring above 72% in 8 of their 10 starts at the Advanced, 3* and 4* levels.
  • Doug Payne‘s young ride Getaway has already made quite a splash in only two starts at this level. In his first Advanced at Pine Top, he laid down a 28.0 and nearly replicated it in his first CIC3* at Carolina with a 28.3.
  • Vermiculus came out in 2017 and shocked us by shaving nearly 10 points off his dressage average. He and Lauren Kieffer have scored above 70% (translating to sub-30) in his last four consecutive starts at these levels, including at his first four-star last spring.
  • Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights are another pair who have laid down a monstrous score, putting in a 33.3 (22.2 in the new scoring) at Richland Park last summer. That is the third best score in North America since Rio. This pair can struggle with consistency, scoring below 70% in half of their runs in the last 12 months. When they are on, they are brilliant, averaging nearly 75% when they do score above the 70% mark.
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp has a strong contender in her arsenal with Deniro Z, despite his inexperience. In five starts at the level, not only has he hit sub-30 scores each time, but his scores range only one point apart, from 28.9 to 29.8. Talk about consistency!

Katherine Coleman and Longwood. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Cross-Country Machines

Percent of pairs expected to come within 10 seconds of optimum time: 13.5% (5 of 37)

  • Longwood and Katherine Coleman are one of the fastest pairs in the world right now. In their last six runs at the CIC3* level, they came home clear and inside the time at five of them. At the only venue where they picked up time, Gatcombe Park, they still had the third fastest ride of the day at a venue that is notorious for being almost impossible to make the time.
  • Every time Tim Bourke and Luckaun Quality appear on a live stream, it looks like they are just out for a lope, and every time they put in one of the faster times of the day. This horse’s massive stride helps this pair finish with one of the faster times of the day at nearly ever run, and while Tim hasn’t been pushing to make time at the Advanced/CIC3* level lately, it’s been more than a year since they finished with more than 10 seconds of time penalties.
  • Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me have been supremely consistent at this level, with 18 consecutive clear Advanced and CIC3* cross country runs dating back to 2015. In the past year, they’ve finished 12 seconds or less over optimum time at all but one run, when they took their time over the CIC3* course at Red Hills earlier this spring.
  • It’s been 18 months since we’ve seen Fernhill Cubalawn out and about, and when we last saw him he was firing on all cylinders. He and Phillip Dutton clocked in eight Advanced/CIC3* runs between 2015 and 2016 that averaged only 6.25 seconds over optimum time. This weekend will mark his first start at the level since before the Rio Olympics.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Justin Black/Millstreet Horse Photography.

Show Jumping Powerhouses

Percent of pairs expected to go clear in show jumping: 29.7% (11 of 37)

  • In four rounds at the Advanced and CIC3* levels, Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux have never had a show jumping penalty. Although they did have one rail at Millstreet CCI3* to mar their otherwise perfect record, they also won the Eventing Prix Invitational and the Devon Eventing Showcase in 2017, cementing their prowess in this phase.
  • Z is no longer one of the greener horses in Phillip Dutton‘s string, and he’s proven his ability to be careful from day one. In 11 Advanced/CIC3* starts, he’s only had a rail on two occasions, both of them coming at the first start of the year in both 2016 and 2017. In his first start this year, he avoided repeating the same mistake, jumping clear at Carolina.
  • Kylie Lyman and Sacramento have enjoyed a strong show jumping record together. They are another pair to have a clean Advanced/CIC3* record for all but one start, and haven’t had a rail in more than two years at this level.
  • Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti have really stepped up their game in this phase since 2017, having now jumped six consecutive clear rounds at Advanced and CIC3* levels.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jack of All Trades

  • Cooley On Show continues to sit quietly behind the marquee pairs and put in solid performances with Sharon White. At Carolina, this horse broke into the 20s for the first time at the level, demonstrating improvement over his previous form. Despite having a rail, he maintained his show jumping record of never having more than one while putting in a solid but steady performance across the country. Three solid phases netted him a spot just outside the top 10, and he’ll continue to knock on the door this weekend.
  • I’m Sew Ready is another solid performer for Phillip Dutton. The horse may not have a jaw-dropping performance in any one phase, but he can consistently string three solid phases together to get top placings. With a dressage average hovering just under 70%, he’ll have some work to do after day one. A solid cross country record, despite being a tad slower than the fastest pairs, works well with his ability to show jump with no more than one rail in his Advanced/CIC3* starts.
  • Andrew Hoy brought a horse across the pond for the WEG test event, and Basmati will be doing his first CIC3* here. Although he hasn’t run at this level yet, his 2* dressage scores hovered in the mid-to-low 30s. This will be good enough to keep him in striking distance, as the horse has been solid and quick on the cross country phase at the lower levels and has had no more than one rail per show in his entire FEI career.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

PREDICTED WINNER: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z

Keep Your Eye On …

  • Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn
  • Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux
  • Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous
  • Sharon White and Cooley On Show

Potential Spoilers

  • Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Thursday Dressage Order, Friday Dressage Order, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

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

By on Apr 5, 2018 12:03 am -

Maddie Wiggins killing it over the THIS jump at Pin Oak Charity Horse Show last week. Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.

Today is National Burrito Day, which is a pretty big deal. Never mind it’s the first day of dressage for the WEG test event, we have Mexican food to be thinking about! Technically a term for a small donkey (also represented heavily at my house), it’s one of the most delicious foods in the entire world. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to celebrate this important day in history!

National Holiday: National Burrito Day

Major Events:

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Thursday Dressage Order, Friday Dressage Order, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Chattahoochee Hills CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Pine Hill Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

News From Around the Globe:

Are you ready for The Fork? Gold Cup Fast Facts: The Fork CIC3*After fifteen long years, The Fork moved to Tryon last year, and this time around they’re preparing for the WEG. Not only are there 37 horses and riders in the CIC3*, but 23 entered in the two Advanced classes. All of last year’s winners are returning, including Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, Liz Halliday-Sharp with Fernhill By Night, and Jessica Phoenix with Bentley’s Best. [Gold Cup Fast Facts: The Fork CIC3*]

Ten years have passed since Gina Miles rode her lap of honor in the Olympics, but her thoughts are once again towards representing Team USA. Gina Miles & Greenfort Othello Think BigWith recent Galway Downs CIC2* winner, Greenfort Othello, Gina has her sights set on returning to the top levels and perhaps gaining another Olympic medal. Othello had been sitting around for a while, but has an incredible work ethic and an amazing jump, so Gina has big hopes for the 13-year-old gelding’s future. [Gina Miles & Greenfort Othello Think Big]

Hot on Horse Nation: Pet Trusts: What Happens To My Horse When Something Happens To Me?

Everybody loves a good rags to riches story, especially when it is an OTTB. Lucky Starlite ran nine times, never hitting the finish line first, and ended up at a sales lot going for the low price of $1,700. Picked up by Janna Jopp and then gifted to Melinda Thomas, “Tiki” ended up becoming a star broodmare, creating multiple top level show jumpers and fox hunters. [Thoroughbred Aftercare Spotlight: Lucky Not Once But Twice]

Importing a horse soon? Don’t worry, Taylor Harris Insurance Services has you covered. You can insure a horse overseas as soon as you purchase it, so you can be sure it’s protected before it even gets home to your barn. THIS covers horses internationally, so you can have peace of mind no matter where you are. [THIS Horse Insurance]

 

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Ringside Chats with Badminton Bound Riders

By on Apr 4, 2018 5:00 pm -

Welcome to April, the homestretch to both the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and, one short week later, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. So much to keep up with! Who are this year’s contenders? What horses are they riding? How have their preparations been going? Who has a shot at the win? Keeping track of it all is a full-time job.

In this video, #MMBHT catches up with Ireland’s Aoife Clark, New Zealander Tim Price and Emilie Chandler of Leicestershire, Great Britain at a soggy Burnham Market, one of their last stops before Badders.

NutrientWise for IR/Cushing’s (PPID)

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

Struggling to provide optimal nutrition to your insulin-resistant or PPID horse?

Ask your vet about NutrientWise vitamin and mineral supplement. NutrientWise delivers the nutrients your horse needs without excess sugar, starch or calories.

NutrientWise provides:

  • Chelated trace minerals, which are easily digested and utilized.
  • Essential natural vitamin E and other vitamins in highly bioavailable forms.
  • Yeast cultures that increase digestibility of the entire diet so your horse gets as much
    nutrition as possible from the feed he eats.

NutrientWise is a very palatable alfalfa-based pellet that horses love to eat!
For more information, visit KPPvet.com.

Blustery Horse Inspection Kicks Off The Fork Horse Trials, WEG Test Event

By on Apr 4, 2018 3:25 pm -

Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Thirty-eight CIC3* horse and rider combinations presented to the ground jury of Andrew Bennie (NZL) and Jane Hamlin (USA) and FEI Veterinary Delegate Dr. Jennifer Hall (GBR) this afternoon at The Fork Horse Trials and FEI World Equestrian Games Test Event for Eventing. The first horse inspection was relatively uneventful despite practically gale force winds bending trees and blowing sand into our faces.

Two horses were sent to the hold box. Carolina International CIC3* winner Vandiver, owned by Debi Crowley and Doug and Jessica Payne, was held and ultimately withdrawn from the hold box. Kehoe Enterprises, LLC’s Kiltealy Toss Up was held but accepted upon reinspection.

There is much construction and activity going on at Tryon International Equestrian Center in preparation for WEG in September. We’re going to have not one, not two but three EN reporters on grounds this weekend to bring you as much coverage as you can handle and more.

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Thursday Dressage Order, Friday Dressage OrderLive Scores, EN’s Coverage

Settling in for The Fork at Tryon International Equestrian Center

By on Apr 4, 2018 12:30 pm -

You know that feeling you get when you walk into a posh hotel room? Everything feels clean and fresh, and part of you wants to preserve its sanctity: tuck your luggage out of sight, talk in whispered tones, leave that little triangle fold on the toilet paper intact. But if you are a 10-year-old trapped in an adult body like me, you also experience a weird compulsion to mess it all up: jump on the perfectly-made bed, raid the mini-fridge, and blast Lana Del Rey way too loud during a three-hour bubble bath. Knock-knock. “Did someone order room service?” Oh yeah! This girl! Bring me that side of black truffle pommes frites! And ketchup! “I am sorry to tell you, m’am, that your credit card did not go through.” Hmmmm. 

This is why I cannot stay in posh hotels.

There’s something similar in the air in the preamble to an event at Tryon International Equestrian Center. The rings are perfectly dragged, the fancy restaurants are nearly empty, and fit, eagle-eyed horses are all around, slinking about on hacks or grazing on bright green patches of grass. Everything is quiet, but there’s an anticipation in the air of a fast-paced, wildly-exciting competition to come.

So it is in advance of The Fork at TIEC. Let’s have a glance around at the calm before the storm! And remember to keep it locked on EN for live coverage throughout the weekend.

Everyone is beginning to arrive at the Tryon International Equestrian Center for the Fork Horse Trials and Tryon2018…

Posted by USA Eventing on Tuesday, April 3, 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhIGaQdAS2_/

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Order First Horse Inspection, Live Scores

Five Questions with Badminton Rookie Alexander Whewall

By on Apr 4, 2018 9:00 am -

Alexander Whewall and Chakiris Star. Photo by Lucy Hall.

Alexander Whewall, 31, from Easton-in- Gordano in North Somerset, is set to make his debut appearance at the world famous Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in May. Riding Lisa Coward’s 11-year-old bay gelding, Chakiris Star, the local rider has his sights set on a strong Badminton completion following a top-20 finish at Les Etoiles de Pau in October 2017, their first CCI4* competition.

“I’m really excited to get to Badminton, and just hope we will both be on form!” Alex says.

The former British Eventing Intermediate Champion and 2016 Bridging The Gap Scholar has his final preparations underway. Despite numerous cancellations and abandonments Chakiris Star was entered in the Advanced class at Burnham Market International which ran prior to the event having to be abandoned.

He reports, “Chakiris Star went really well at Burnham Market and made the tough cross country feel very easy! This was a really good confidence giving run for him and even better to finish in the top 10.”

Alexander Whewall and Chakiris Star. Photo by Lucy Hall.

In the spirit of getting to know Alex, we asked him five quick-fire questions:

1. What made you want to event and become a professional rider?

“I loved jumping and the idea of jumping and going fast around the cross country thrilled me. I did my first event when I was 16. I was still at school and I knew I didn’t want to do anything else but work/ride with horses! I started working at a local event yard and never looked back.”

2. What’s been your biggest challenge faced during your career so far?

“I’ve never had a ready-made horse. I’ve always had to make and produce the horses I ride. However, I think this has worked for the better I the long run as it has made me understand and work with different horses.”

3. What advice would you give someone starting their eventing career?

“There are lots of highs and lows, you will work long hours, but it’s worth it when your horses go out and go well! The more you put in the more you get out.”

4. What do you do for fun?

“I go for dinner with friends and occasional wild nights on the tiles!”

5. Hot or cold holidays?

“I like both. My brother and sister live in Sydney, Australia, so I like to visit them but I also love to go skiing in the French Alps”

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Apr 4, 2018 12:01 am -

Allison Springer coaching Darrin Mollett riding her own Beverly’s Bebop in the warm up at Morven Park’s Spring Horse Trials last weekend. Photo courtesy of Nick Attwood.

Morven Park has been touting its new rings and top footing upgrades for a while now so I for one was curious to see them action! I had hoped to ride over them last October, but alas, it was too soon. This past weekend, competitors tested out the new top-notch Attwood Equestrian Surfaces footing and large expanded rings and goodness, do they look amazing to ride on! We have heard rave reviews from riders and trainers. Kudos to Morven and Attwood!

National Holiday: School Librarian Day

Major Events:

WEG Test Event: Website, Schedule, Order First Horse Inspection, Live Scores

The Fork: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Chattahoochee Hills CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Pine Hill Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

About 10 days ago, I was watching the Carolina live stream and blessing the anonymous volunteer who picked up the flag in Blackbeard’s Cove 50 times. Today, she’s no longer anonymous and has been revealed as Vicki Reynolds, a mainstay at the Carolina International. Not only is Vicki Reynolds the stable manager for Carolina every year it has run, she also somehow finds time to take on jump judging at one of the most difficult combinations on course. [USEA Volunteer of the Month]

Kathryn Robinson remembers her Badminton partner Let It Bee, who tragically collapsed and died between fences at Burnham Market last weekend. Originally bought as a BE100 prospect to help build Kathryn’s confidence, ‘Bee’ was the horse who just kept going and going up the levels. The pair tackled five CCI4* and Rio together, conquering some of the biggest courses in the world. [Remembering Let it Bee]

Tina Cook is hoping to be back in time for Badminton. Tiny Cook took a tumble from Billy the Red in the Advanced at Burnham Market and managed to dislocate her shoulder. With three entered for Badminton (she’ll have to pick two only), Tina is holding her breath that 10 days without moving her shoulder will pass uneventfully. [Tina Cook Dislocates Shoulder]

Attwood Footing of the Week – Eurotex

There is a common misconception in the equestrian community that sand is sand is sand. That there is no difference from one batch to another so all you have to do is combine it with an additive and you have “footing”. Nothing could be further from the truth.

At Attwood, we carefully select the sand most suited to your environment, whether it’s hot and dry, or cool and wet, or anything in between. We then create a custom mixture of the sand, felt, fiber, water and air.

Yes, water and air. And no it is not magical unicorn fairy water and air.

The amount of water and air that we mix into the footing along with the precise amount of fiber and felt creates the balance and grip of the footing giving you a truly safe surface every ride.

This custom blend perfected for your riding conditions ensures a completely balanced product every time with a cushioning component that prevents over compaction of the surface.

EuroTex is easy to install and very popular across all the disciplines.

You can find Attwood products in many of the top equestrian venues in the United States, the United Arab Empire and Europe.

  • Stable View
  • Morven Park
  • Great Meadow
  • Embassy International Riding School
  • Windurra USA
  • Carolina Horse Park

Wednesday Video: Rave reviews for the new arenas at Morven Park!

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: The Happiest Helmet Cam

By on Apr 3, 2018 5:00 pm -

This weekend Lainey Ashker piloted Taylor Phoenix’s G through his very first event at Morven Park. After literally peeing during his dressage test…

… G showed up and took on the Beginner Novice cross country like a pro with a little verbal affirmation from Lainey. She can be heard urging him on with words of encouragement over every fence. Put a smile on your face with this Tuesday Video.

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: It’s Almost Kentucky Time

By on Apr 3, 2018 2:00 pm -

The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event entry list has only been out for a week, but we can already see that the OTTB will once again be well-represented amongst contenders. Last year, the Thoroughbred was the second most represented breed and over half of them were former racehorses. 

What do you think — will we see even more OTTBs strut their stuff down the centerline and gallop across the bluegrass this year? We’ll find out soon! In the meantime, check out these available OTTBs. Could we see one of them at Kentucky one day?

Photo via CANTER Arizona.

Charismic (Gio Ponti – Honour Colony, by Honour and Glory): 2014 16.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

It’s difficult to argue with the good looks of this shiny bay gelding, but despite the success of his sire, who earned over 6-million dollars, Charismic isn’t making the cut as a racehorse. After 15 starts, his connections are retiring sound with the hopes he’ll find his calling elsewhere. Charismic is described as a gentile giant with lots of potential — he’s clearly well-bred for sport and has a very athletic look.

View Charismic on CANTER Arizona.

Photo via CANTER Maryland.

Goldie’s Tale (Petionville – Granny’s Tale, by Tale of the Cat): 2013 15.2-hand Florida-bred mare

If you’re looking for a horse on the smaller side, but still with presence, then this regal-looking mare could be for you! Goldie is a very dark, nearly black bay who’s described as having a gentle way about her. After 25 starts, she’s retiring sound and with clean legs and no stall vices.

View Goldie’s Tale on CANTER Maryland.

Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Candy Naples (Eye of the Leopard – Primed, by More Than Ready): 2014 15.3-hand Kentucky-bred mare

There’s no two ways about it — Candy is a diva. She’s gorgeous and she knows it and expects her adoring fans to appreciate her good looks as well. But there’s more to her than what meets the eye — she’s also a smart mare who enjoys work. She’s already been restarted under saddle and is proving to be a quick learner. Plus, in free-jumping she’s already very bold to the fences!

View Candy Naples on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.