Classic Eventing Nation

Red-Headed Mare, Represent! Boyd Martin and Kyra Make the Move to Advanced

By on Mar 13, 2018 1:00 pm -

Boyd Martin and Kyra at the 2018 Red Hills H.T. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Boyd Martin’s ride Kyra may be new to Advanced level eventing, but she is already a veteran EN headline maker.

The big redheaded mare first caught our attention way back in 2013, when she turned in a score of 16.4 in a division of Preliminary at Ocala Horse Trials with Michael Pollard (see “What Does a 16.4 in Dressage Look Like?”) Michael found Kyra, a now 11-year-old Canadian Warmblood (VDL Ulando H x Wellesley), in Canada as a young horse and produced her through the two-star level under the ownership of Christine Turner, winning CIC2*s at Poplar Place and Chattahoochee Hills in 2014.

In 2016 Boyd took over the ride, and their partnership was a match made in heaven. Kyra was always a hot mare, Christine said, and “Boyd was the only one who could tame her.” She recalled almost not recognizing the mare when she went to see her at Boyd’s farm — the once fire-breathing dragon was now purring like a kitten with Boyd in the tack. “It was a trust issue,” she said. “He’s such a good horse person.”

Over the past two years Christine has become a major owner for Boyd. In addition to Kyra, her 2018 Red Hills horses included Tsetserleg, who finished 10th in the Red Hills CIC3* and On Cue, who completed the CIC2*. Boyd said of Christine, “We really get along. She’s right up my alley, an awesome person and very supportive. I’m thrilled to be riding her horses.”

We’ve seen a lot of promise from Boyd and Kyra since. Last year’s top results included a 2nd in the CCI2* at Jersey Fresh and a 4th in the CIC2* at Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy, and they’ve also moonlighted in arena eventing at Central Park and Devon. They made the big move-up to Advanced at Pine Top two weeks ago, finishing 7th with clear jumping rounds and just a bit of cross country time.

Boyd then entered Kyra in the Advanced at Red Hills, hoping it would be a softer alternative to the CIC3*. “I was horrified when I walked the course and saw it was pretty much the same track and honestly thought it could be the end of me,” Boyd said with mock drama. “But to her credit, she ripped around and gave me a fantastic round. It’s only her second Advanced and I was trying to make it little bit easier for her by putting her in the Advanced and not the CIC … but she proved to me that she’s ready to do the CIC3*.”

Mare has hops! Boyd Martin and Kyra at the 2018 Red Hills H.T. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

“She’s by far the most spectacular jumper I have in my barn,” Boyd reflected after cross country day. “She’s very careful and today was by far her biggest test. She’s very sharp, a great jumper, and almost a bit too careful … but today she really gave me a cracking round around the cross country.”

The pair scored a 35.4 in dressage to begin their weekend in 5th, collected 12.8 time faults on cross country (a notoriously difficult track to make time around) to move into 3rd, and then had one rail down, good enough to finish in 2nd place overall.

“She’s a bit of a surprise package,” Boyd says. “When I first got her she was really, really careful – almost too careful – and initially I wasn’t quite sure if she’d make an Advanced event horse just because she didn’t want to touch the brush. But she’s found a bit of braveness and we’re starting to build a partnership, and I’m thrilled. She ripped around the course. I think she could be a four-star horse, but I also think she could be very competitive at the short-format CICs.”

Second-place Boyd Martin and Kyra with winners Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac in the Red Hills Advanced awards ceremony. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

In addition to her eventing career, Kyra is a working mom. “She’s been a very feisty redheaded mare and obviously she’s got some jump, so Christine bred her to a French stallion, and we’ve got that 3-year-old,” Boyd said. “I said to Chris I’d love a little bit more blood in the horse, so we bred that 3-year-old to an American Thoroughbred. We’ll have Kyra’s grandbaby in June, and that should be hopefully a Thoroughbred-ier version of Kyra.”

Best of luck to Kyra & Co.!

 

What is the Ideal Conditioning Program for an Eventer?

By on Mar 13, 2018 11:00 am -

Laura Crump Anderson is an Equestrian Fitness Specialist at InForm Fitness Leesburg. She is certified as a personal trainer by the American College of Sports Medicine and specializes in working with riders of all ages and disciplines. Read more of her EN fitness columns here. 

Graphic courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

For the equestrian, I have yet to find the silver bullet or formula that computes the exact fitness required of everyone. I have concepts, frame works, guidelines, but just like horses, human athletes have variables that impact their performance. An Advanced horse and a Beginner Novice horse do not require the same level of fitness. In fact, bringing a horse down from the upper levels can be just as challenging as moving up. Warmbloods typically require additional conditioning to reach peak fitness, compared to their Thoroughbred counterparts. Add imbalance or injury into the mix and you have enough variables for a scientist to struggle to approve anything as statistically significant.

Technical

My advice for the amateur:

The best way to improve our riding is time spent in the tack, and sitting on as many different horses as possible, because they will all teach you something. Listen to your instructor’s guidance and do not pass up the opportunity for a switch ride when they present themselves. For the experienced rider, can learn steadily from a schoolmaster, as they can a green horse. We exercise outside of the tack to improve so that we are not struggling with our own fitness while on the horse.

My advice for the professional:

Start your day with the most technical ride. This does not mean ride the most challenging horse first every time. Rather, when you are freshest physically and mentally, pick a specific and technical ride of the day. Typically, this tends to be a flat ride. Riding the same horses in the same order every day is one of the pitfalls professionals can fall into as we are creatures of habit.

Whenever possible save the conditioning rides for last, as these require the least amount of technicality, but are just as important for your conditioning as for the horses. While you do not need to do every conditioning ride; you are doing yourself a disservice to always pass these rides on to working students. That said, do not forget the importance of rest and recovery.

So why exercise?

While exercise does not improve one’s technical ability, we exercise to gain muscle for optimal movement, energy, and protection from injury. Our skeletal muscles serve as the engine, support structures, and shock absorbers of our bodies.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeYP9NfFqfQ/

Strength Training

Strength training is an essential piece of rider fitness because it provides the most bang for the buck (in this case, the amount of time) when it comes to fitness. Strength training builds muscle that prevents injury, improves core strength and stability, boosts the metabolism, and increases energy and endurance. Putting muscle on our bodies is the best way to prevent the natural atrophy that occurs with age and will help us achieve our goals as riders.

I have heard people say that they do not need to strength train because the horses they ride are light in the bridle and contact. This is a misunderstanding of the benefits from strength training. Riders should not expect to become stronger in their aids, but quite the opposite. Strength training allows a rider to fine tune their aids, because they can maintain their form. The biggest impact that I have seen and felt from strength training is improvements in the sitting trot.

Off the horse riders develop improved control of their essential core muscles (without interference from the horse’s movement). This leads to an improved ability to correctly apply aids in the tack, because the horse is not trying to decode the white noise that comes from a weak seat.  Strength training also has a beneficial impact on one’s galloping position, much more so than running or getting on an exercise bike. All eventers should regularly take lessons with a professional and make sure their stirrups are the correct length. Posting in the gallop is detrimental to a horse’s wellbeing. However, it is frequently associated with a rider who lacks the strength to maintain the position and is much more rarely an endurance fatigue.

Eventers should be strength training AT LEAST once a week. (This does not have to be done in a gym, but KNOW that water buckets and wheelbarrows do not count as strength training.)

Photo credit: Machelle Lee of Roots and River Yoga.

Flexibility

When you are bringing a horse back into work, you want to progress slowly and do so as balanced as possible. To achieve this, we must work on our own flexibility and balance off the horse. This is an essential piece of the puzzle!

Yoga classes are a great way to identify where our own imbalances lie. Note that standing on one foot will help you notice imbalance in your own body from left to right but will not actually improve your balance on your horse. The improved balance develops from time spent in the tack. Some yoga classes have an incredible level of intensity, just make sure that these classes do not interfere with the equally essential piece of the puzzle — rest and recovery.

If you are ever presented with the opportunity to take a Yin Class, jump on it. In this style of yoga, you will quickly identify the parts of your body that require the most flexibility work. Many event riders tend to have very tight hamstrings and lower backs. However, all equestrians can benefit from stretching the inner thigh. Two great asanas or poses for this area of the body are the frog pose or wide-leg wall stretch. Eventers should be doing 7-10 minutes of flexibility work each day.

Aerobic Capacity

One of the greatest challenges inherent in our sport is that as we move up the levels, the increase in demand for the horse’s fitness leads to increased conditioning work for the rider. The best way to get fit for riding is in the tack. When figuring out if you have sufficient aerobic capacity, consider how are you feeling when you finish. If you are coming off the cross country course tired but you can catch your breath, you are doing great. If you are coming off the course winded, you may want to think about looking into doing some VO2max testing. Galloping is typically done at about 80%-85% of a rider’s VO2max, so you should be able to maintain this for the length of time of cross country.

However, do not just assume you are doing enough. Instead, track and time your fitness rides, as they are just as important for you as they are for the horse. Notice your breathing. It is not uncommon for amateurs and professionals to hold their breath while riding. Working on focused breath work outside of the tack, will help with holding the breath on course.

The Problem with Traditional Cardio

I know many professional athletes, who have done more damage to their bodies pounding the pavement running than they did taking a tumble or two off a horse. If you love running, great. RUN. I get it. I love riding my horse and understand that many individuals feel just as passionate about their running programs as I do riding. To ask them to stop running is tantamount to asking me to stop riding! However, when your body is speaking to you (with shin splints, knee pain, hip pain), it is time to stop running, unless running is more important to you than your riding. Most importantly, DO NOT RUN FOR THE SAKE OF GETTING FIT FOR YOUR HORSE.

Rest and Recovery

THIS IS A PRIORITY NOT AN OPTION.

Rest and recovery is an essential piece of the equation that is often over looked in a fitness routine. To improve strength, rest and recovery are just as important as applying a stimulus to build muscle. Striving to get eight hours of sleep each night has a huge impact on performance.

Your body also requires a day off once a week to rebuild and repair. You would not ride a horse for a month straight, so why are we doing this to ourselves? You are a valuable asset, so please treat your body to the rest it not only deserves, but also needs.

Middleburg Horse Trials Announces Move to Great Meadow

By on Mar 13, 2018 9:00 am -

Photo courtesy of Great Meadow.

Middleburg Horse Trials has a new home! The long-running and popular event will be moving to Great Meadow in The Plains for 2018 and beyond.

Organized by Middleburg Orange County Pony Club (MOCPC) as a fundraiser for its club, Middleburg Horse Trials takes place this year on June 9-10. It will be a busy summer for Great Meadow, which will once again host a FEI Nations Cup leg at Great Meadow International (July 6-9) in addition to weekly Twilight Polo matches, monthly Twilight Jumpers, and a Pony Club rally in addition to other events.

Organized by Middleburg Orange County Pony Club (MOCPC) as a fundraiser for its club, Middleburg Horse Trials takes place this year on June 9-10.

“We are so excited to be moving the Middleburg Horse Trials to Great Meadow,” says organizer Max Corcoran. “With the purchase of new land by The Great Meadow Foundation, it has opened up the opportunity to have another horse trial in addition to Great Meadow International. It is a top-notch facility that is very historic and special to the equestrian community.”

The event will run its usual levels of Beginner Novice through Prelim, with courses designed by David O’Connor and built by John Wells. David says, “We are excited that the historic Middleburg Orange County Polo Club will be moving their event to take advantage of the fantastic facilities at Great Meadow. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the venue.”

Show jumping will take place in the state-of-the-art arena with adjacent warm-up arena, both with footing from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces. Dressage will run on established turf.

Photo courtesy of Great Meadow.

Although the venue has changed, the same great MOCPC organizing committee will reconvene joined by the organizers of GMI to stage the event. “There are a few of us from the Great Meadow International (GMI) who will be part of both competitions,” Max explains. “David O’Connor will be the course designer — he knows that land better than anyone; Darrin Mollett, the organizer for GMI, will also be part of our team; and I run the show jumping and safety for GMI. The MOCPC has a tireless group of parents who have been working to continue this horse trials — it all wouldn’t happen without them.”

The Great Meadow Foundation has an established history as an eventing host, tracing back to the ’80s when its events attracted the biggest name riders of the sport. After a brief hiatus, high performance eventing returned to Great Meadow in 2014 after the Foundation purchased the adjacent Fleming Farm exclusively to run eventing competitions. After initially running a USEF training session to prepare the U.S. Eventing Team for the 2014 World Equestrian Games, the Great Meadow International (GMI) was born. GMI hosted a CIC3* in 2015 and then later became the first venue outside of Europe to host a leg of Nations Cup of Eventing, which still runs today.

Here are some great vintage photos from the event back in the day — Bruce Davidson Sr., Jimmy Wofford, David O’Connor, Steve Teichman … we spot a few familiar faces!

Moving the event will be costly, and MOCPC is working on acquiring funds to establish the cross country course. The Club will be running fundraising events leading up to the horse trials, says Max: “The MOCPC will be co-hosting some clinics to help fund a new water jump — we hope everyone will keep an eye out for more information.”

Middleburg Horse Trials entries open on April 24 and close May 22. Get those entries in early, as the event is expected to fill up quickly! Click here to sign up as a volunteer — volunteers will receive a voucher for free cross county schooling on Monday, June 11, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Tuesday News & Notes from Chillax

By on Mar 13, 2018 12:01 am -

Photo via the Carolina Horse Park.

Volunteers come in all shapes, sizes and, erm, species! The Carolina Horse Park had the fluffiest volunteers this weekend at the Southern Pines H.T.

National Holiday: National Good Samaritan Day

Events Opening This Week: Fresno County Horse Park H.T. (CA, A-6)  University of New Hampshire Spring H.T. (NH, A-1)  Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T. (VA, A-2)

Events Closing This Week: Morven Park Spring H.T. (VA, A-2)  Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX, A-5)  Rocking Horse Spring H.T.(FL, A-3)  Galway Downs International H.T. (CA, A-6)  Full Gallop Farm April H.T. (SC, A-3)

Tuesday News: 

If you liked Poplar Place Farm’s Seasoned and Sexy Amoeba Challenge, then you’ll love this. It’s spreading across the country! Winona Horse Trials, Hanoverton, OH, May 12-13, 2018 is adding their own: The Salty, Sassy and Spunky Starter Team Challenge! Four awards will be up for grabs: 1) Lowest scoring team, 2) team with the oldest cumulative age, 3) team with the youngest cumulative age, and 4) best team name. [Winona Horse Trials Omnibus]

If you’ve been interested, but simultaneously overwhelmed at the thought of filling in as a dressage scribe this list is for you! From what to wear to proper abbreviations the USEA has you covered. [Ten Tips for Volunteering as a Dressage Scribe]

Great Meadow will once again host lower level horse trials! The Middleburg Orange County Pony Club recently announced that they will hold Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels, June 9-10 at The Plains, VA location. [Middleburg Orange County Pony Club to Run The Middleburg Horse Trials at Great Meadow Field Events Center in The Plains in 2018]

Laura Collett has a new shining star in her yard. Billy Bounce was named “one to watch” by William Fox-Pitt as a young horse, and has been competed by Chris King and Kitty King before landing with Laura. [Laura Collett to compete talented but fragile three-star horse: ‘We take one day at a time’]

Hot on Horse Nation: ‘Oh Crap’ Monday: Golf Course Edition

Tuesday Video:

Which product does Olympic medalist Phillip Dutton trust to keep his horses calm and focused at the biggest events in the world? Chillax. Learn more.

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 38)

Weekend Results Roundup: Red Hills, Southern Pines, Full Gallop

By on Mar 12, 2018 5:00 pm -

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgMQabBA9xi/

Congrats to Christina McKitrick and Lotte Lenya Q, whose finishing score of 19.3 in Open Training at Southern Pines was the lowest in the country this weekend! Blue looks good on you, lady.

Here’s a random stat: Of the 41 divisions that were run across three events at Red Hills, Southern Pines and Full Gallop this past weekend, 39 of the winning pairs were either 1st or 2nd after dressage. The only two that weren’t were 3rd or 4th after dressage. Do what you will with that, but I interpret the lesson as this: It’s harder now than ever before to jump your way up the scoreboard, so we all best be working our bottoms off on the flat!

I’ve been giving out a shout-out to my favorite horse names of the weekend. This go-round, I’ve got to give it up for T-Rex, ridden by Maya Simmons in Open Novice A at Southern Pines, because it makes me think of this, and dinosaurs playing soccer on horseback just never gets old, does it?

Battle of the surnames! The Fernhills take it this week, with 23 representing across three events: Fernhill Fierce, Fernhill Fifth Avenue, Fernhill Choc, Fernhill Cayenne, Fernhill Tito, Fernhill Choco Royale, Fernhill Flutter, Fernhill Above and Beyond, Fernhill Full Throttle, Fernhill Mystery, Fernhill Wishes, Fernhill Fortitude, Fernhill Singapore, Fernhill Hustler, Trendy Fernhill, The Fernhill Fox, Fernhill Athena, Fernhill Vanguard, Fernhill Copas, Fernhill Feel Happy, Fernhill Valarchin, Fernhill Romeo and Fernhill Bijzonder. The Fredericks Equestrian contingent was coming in hot, though, with eight: FE Capricino, FE Black Ice, FE Always In Time, FE Stormtrooper, FE Charles Owen, FE Mississippi, FE Santos and FE Whole Lotta Rosie. The Cooleys were on the map as well, with five — Cooley Off The Record, Cooley Dream, TKS Cooley, Cooley Cross Border and Cooley Almighty — and 10 Full Gallop Farm horses made a strong showing on their home turf: FGF Little Black Dress, FGF Struck By Luck, FGF Rienzi, FGF Robin Hood, FGF It was all Good, FGF The Badger, FGF Rich Chocolate, FGF Full Gas, FGF Screenplay and FGF Sweetpuddin.

Without further adieu, let’s list off the weekend’s big winners!

Red Hills International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

CIC One Star: Leslie Law & QC First Class (30.5)
CIC Two Star: Jenny Caras & Fernhill Full Throttle (28.5)
CIC Three Star: Marilyn Little & RF Scandalous (36.0)
Advanced: Waylon Roberts & Kelecyn Cognac (45.6)
Open Intermediate: Will Coleman & Cooley Off The Record (27.8)
Open Preliminary: Sara Kozumplik Murphy & Delta Queen (27.1)
Preliminary Rider: Janelle Phaneuf & Strattonstown Lewis (40.5)

Southern Pines H.T. [Website] [Results]

Advanced Combined Test: Ariel Grald & Leamore Master Plan (34.8)
Intermediate Combined Test: Caitlin Silliman & Ally KGO (32.1)
Open Preliminary-A: Kathy Cain & Legal Limit (26.3)
Open Preliminary-B: Will Faudree & Caeleste (22.5)
Preliminary Combined Test: Ariel Grald & GHF Gosling (33.3)
Preliminary Rider: Cassie Plumb & Coco (31.3)
Preliminary Rider Junior: Katherine Christopher & Frodo of the Shire (28.8)
Open Training-A: Christina McKitrick & Lotte Lenya Q (19.3)
Open Training-B: Kelli Temple & Carmella (24.8)
Training Rider-A: Katherine Nolan & Prince of Power (26.4)
Training Rider-B: Mary Clare & Furl the Main (29.3)
Training Rider Junior: Austin Skeens & Rocmaster (30.5)
Novice Rider-A: Liza Bunce & Chancellor (30.2)
Novice Rider-B: Joan Howard & C Me Go (30.7)
Novice Rider Junior: Kaley Crosby & Valentino (23.8)
Open Novice-A: Laine Ashker & Dealin’ Diamonds (28.6)
Open Novice-B: Linden Wiesman & Innisfree (21.7)
Beginner Combined Test: Rena Rhodes & Tucker (33.90)
Beginner Novice Rider: Amy Potts & Southern Sass (29.3)
Beginner Novice Rider Junior: Emily Worth & My Lady Raisa (27.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Kimberly Rushton & Brit’s Party Favor (25.3)

Full Gallop H.T. [Website] [Results]

Intermediate: Sarah Cousins & Christopher (53.9)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Allie Sacksen & Sparrow’s Nio (47.2)
Preliminary-A: Allison Springer & Unbridled Numbers (40.8)
Preliminary-B: Pamela Wiedemann & Made To Order (36.7)
Preliminary/Training: Monica Fiss & Old Fashioned Love Song (35.9)
Training-A: Allison Springer & Crystal Crescent Moon (27.9)
Training-B: Daniel Clasing & La Zingara (30.7)
Novice-A: Jyl Lavera & Class Action (28.1)
Novice-B: Teagan Lapuk & Sportsfield Goodwill (25.5)
Training/Novice: Hannah Simmons & Ducati III (41.9)
Beginner Novice-A: Jeannine Buhse & Good Juju (31.1)
Beginner Novice-B: Sara Siegel & FHF Screenplay (25.6)
Starter: Carey Adams & Doncella (34.7)

Congrats to all! Go Eventing.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Leonor’s Day at Red Hills

By on Mar 12, 2018 4:30 pm -

Were you able to experience #RHHT2018 in person? If so, lucky you! If not, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Well actually, young Leonor here has you covered!

Tallahassee resident Leonor Gonzalez has been riding for a year-and-a-half and within that time she’s already delved into the equestrian world by riding in her first show last fall; meeting Cobra, the champion dressage Mustang and real-life Breyer horse; and most recently attending the Saturday festivities at Red Hills International Horse Trials. I think we have a lifer here.

Leonor and her family made it to Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park bright and early to catch the CIC3* show jumping action, then headed to the vendor shops for some face painting, puppies, and a little R&R before catching the cross country action. If you couldn’t be there yourself, what better way to take it all in than through the eyes of a horse-crazy little girl? Thanks for taking us along for the ride, Leonor!

Caring and Sharing: Why Young Riders Matter

By on Mar 12, 2018 2:00 pm -

A youth pipeline is vital. Photo by Holly Covey

You can’t have a sport without a youth pipeline. Every successful sport has one. Bringing up children on ponies, then teens on horses, and finally, young adults on event horses keeps our sport alive — literally.

So, even if you, as an adult eventer, may not have a dog in the young rider hunt, you can recognize the vital importance of the Junior and Young Rider programs in supporting eventing horsemanship and sportsmanship. Our sport has a future, basically because each Area in the United States funds Young Rider (riders aged 16 to 21 years) teams to go to an international competition, and learn what it takes to compete at a high level.

Young Rider programs are different from USPC (Pony Club) programs, and different from regular horse trials with junior divisions. Young Riders are encouraged on an international scale, with a whole set of FEI rules. In the United States, we have developed our Young Rider program on a USEA area by area basis, which helps our vast nation put together young rider teams that can compete at our own North American Junior and Young Rider Championship. Eventing is only one division of the NAJYRC; show jumping and dressage also participate.

In 2018, the NAJYRC for show jumping (including Children’s classes) and dressage will be held at Old Salem Farm, North Salem, NY. For eventing, it will again be held at Rebecca Farms, as a part of The Event At Rebecca Farms, in Kalispell, MT., July 18-22. Young Riders compete at the one star and two star levels.

I’d like to take a moment and talk about the experience that these riders may have. While not all make the team, and not all get to ride at the championships, they are encouraged to attend and belong to the group. This promotes a sense of comaraderie, creates lifelong friendships, teaches children how to get along with one another and rely and learn from one another. It exposes the kids to other ways of doing things, how to live and work together, and the process of changing ones’ mindset from “me” to “us.” The value of this is beyond compare in the horse world and probably spills over to the rest of their lives, too.

In addition to the personal expansion, a young rider does go through a selection process with their horses, their coaches, and family members. How great is that? We are teaching a young rider, still in their formative years, the value of riding under pressure and the importance of detail, preparation, organization, and horsemanship to achieve a goal. Isn’t that what we’d like to see, going forward — riders representing America that can handle the pressure in top international competition. Not bad.

Quite a few of our upper level riders today had Young Rider experiences. Most of them think fondly of their competition team experience — a few credit it with helping them become the professional riders they are today.

Here’s what Murray Kessler, president of the USEF, has to say about the Young Rider championship program: “These championships are a very important part of the developmental pathway that USEF must prioritize. For many young athletes, this is the first time that they will get championship experience or the opportunity to compete as part of a team representing their country, so these championships are a big deal.”

Young riders and their families also have a positive impact financially on the sport and provide support for organizations, events, trainers, coaches, suppliers and services that work within the industry. Their contributions are mighty, and the economic impact is important. Ask yourself if you’re someone who has benefited directly from coaching, training or selling a horse to a young rider. A healthy Young Rider (or Young Rider advancement program) is a good thing for your business.

So, what are you doing to help? Perhaps you are assisting with your Young Rider team, supporting their fundraisers (team participation is very expensive, often in the thousands and many riders need the help of donated funds), giving time, or a facility for training — encouraging the kids in your barn to join a YRAP (Young Riders Advancement Program).

In Area II, the YRAP helps kids go behind the scenes and shadow officials at recognized events. Most of these kids are eventing and riding at the Novice or Training level, or may not be old enough yet to join the YR program (age 16 to 21); YRAP in Area II gives them a taste of the things they need to know in order to move up to Young Riders competition, and offers them some recognition, sets up teams at recognized events and helps prepare parents and coaches, too.

Fundraising is a major part of support for the YR teams, and that is because any qualified rider should not be held back from participating because of finances. It’s always a good thing to have a fund to help everyone on the team participate, even if some riders are more able to afford the travel required. Most of the east coast teams in 2017 and looking forward to 2018 are having to raise lots of funds to help get horses to Montana from the east coast, just like many of the west coast young riders in the past have had to raise funds to help get east, when the NAJYRCs are held on the eastern side of the U.S. Because of the large size of the U.S. and Canada, our young rider competitors are used to long travel distances to participate in these championships — they are a big deal and they require commitment from families in a big way.

So as an eventer, I’d like to think that you understand the need for helping out our Young Rider programs, and can find a way to help support the various fundraisers that each Area has to help their kids get to Montana this year.

Here are links to Area fundraising programs, or just their websites if they don’t have a fundraising specific page —Area I, Area II, Area III, Area VI, Area V, Area VI, Area VII, Area VIII, Area IX, Area X. Eventing Nation is always happy to help get the word out about YR fundraising efforts: You can email us details at [email protected].

In addition, there’s some more support you can offer, and that has to do with being an adult, and creating a positive attitude for the kids who are dreaming the Big Dream of Young Riders. While it’s easy to post on social media what your opinion might be on Young Rider programs in your area, there’s a pretty serious impact you might be having on those kids who read those comments — it never hurts to know a little bit about the influence you as an adult eventer might be having.

This is taken from an article written by Brian McNeill, a 4-H Youth development specialist with the University of Minnesota Extension. It applies pretty closely to our Young Riders.

“Non-parental adults in community organizations play an important role with youth. Studies done with 4-H youth show adults in their 4-H clubs make them feel important (65%) and listen to them (64%). In addition, most youth reported that their volunteer leaders do pay attention to them (74%)

“Some specific characteristics of non-parental adults who play this role include that they are: Good listeners; supporters: and have a good sense of youth development.

“Organizations that work with young people want a positive and successful experience for the youth they serve. Expecting and encouraging these characteristics in non-parental adults ensures they are creating the most positive experience possible for the young people.”

So as non-parental adults (and I emphasize “adults” here), it is up to us in this sport as caring people to make sure we make all of our actions for Young Riders POSITIVE. They have enough disappointment, downers and difficulties to surmount in the sport of eventing, as we all know. This sport is HARD. The young riders who have chosen this path deserve only support and “the most positive experience possible” by all adults who have anything to do with this program, on or off the field.

Our leadership example sets the tone. I’d like to see today’s young riders become tomorrow’s sport leaders — and, hopefully, what they learn from us will help them to work towards making our sport survive — and leave it better than we give it to them.

What can you do? Encourage young riders you interact with. Be a fan of your local young rider team. Support fundraisers, “like” and share the links, give something if you can. Have positive messages. Come out and cheer and support them when they compete. Be a positive force that encourages others, because you don’t know when — or how — you will influence a young person.

Our sport depends on it.

Gallery: Best of British on Show at Season Opener

By on Mar 12, 2018 11:00 am -

Everyone is glad to be back, but perhaps none more so than Caroline Harris’ Falko TH. Everyone say cheese! Photo by Tilly Berendt.

FINALLY. The weird, out-of-character British snow has subsided, the stud holes have been drilled, and the eventing season has kicked off with a bang on our merry little isle. Okay, more of a dribble than a bang — a sudden deluge put paid to the final two days of both Oasby, in Lincolnshire, and Tweseldown, in Hampshire. But before the unfortunate early finish, both hosted plenty of sections, filled to the brim with amateur riders and the creme-de-la-creme alike.

If you’ve never experienced a British eventing season, its advent in March looks a bit like this:

  • Mud.
  • An endless queue of lorries clogging up the M5 as they attempt to leave Gloucestershire en masse at 5am.
  • More mud.
  • “I didn’t recognise you under all those coats!” Repeated, ad infinitum.
  • Hairy, grubby Thermatexes become the number one sartorial choice — for people, mind, not horses.
  • Tractors lurking around the edge of the lorry park, ready to pull said lorries out of the mud.
  • Andrew Nicholson nearly sending you flying on a particularly fresh Novice.
  • I mean, just Andrew Nicholson full-stop, as he’ll be riding approximately 38 on any given day.
  • Neck straps. Two of them on one horse, memorably, in a Novice section.
  • An endless queue at the coffee trailer, in which three phrases are uttered: “Go on, add the whipped cream, I’ll shiver the calories off anyway!” “Eventing in March, eh — why do we do it?!” and/or, “Bit brisk, isn’t it?” Anyone daring to deviate from the script will be punished (ie., they won’t have mini M&M’s sprinkled on top of the whipped cream on their hot chocolate. Look, I really do believe in the calorie-reducing powers of shivering.)
  • A bit more mud.
  • Studs the size of kitchen knives, to ensure that showjumping doesn’t become a sloppy game of pick-up sticks.
  • New puppies, acquired through the off-season, wiggling merrily through the morning and passed out, soggy and satisfied, in the driver’s seat of every lorry by noon.
  • Enormous smiles, chattering teeth, and joyous reunions, every which way. “It’s SO great to see you!” echoes around the lorry park, the secretary’s tent, and the warm-ups, all day, every day. It’s lovely.
  • Also probably more mud.

I could wax lyrical all day long about just how marvellous it is to be back in action for another jam-packed season, but if anyone knows the sheer joy of the first event of the season, it’s the fine readers of Eventing Nation. Instead, I’m going to let the pictures tell the story — welcome to a wet, blustery, bloody brilliant day at Tweseldown Horse Trials.

Let’s begin with this brilliant video, courtesy of Harveywetdog: Andrew Nicholson and his 2017 Badminton winner (and then some) Nereo, second in the AI, looking as well as ever. Will they maintain their title this year?

Legends on tour: Blyth Tait and Havanna Vant Castanaehof (22nd in OI F) and Dan Jocelyn and Dassett Cool Touch (9th in OI D). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Izzy Taylor and Perfect Stranger, 12th in OI section F. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Lydia Hannon’s Tierro posts an impressive early season result, with second place in OI section F. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The stars – they’re just like us. Mary King gets stuck in with the Hannon family’s new puppy, Lily: “Lydia was either going to be Lydia or Lily, so we’ve put the name to use on the dog,” says Mummy Hannon. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Australia’s Kevin McNab and Brookfield Quality warm up for Intermediate section G. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Not a bad groom to have on side — mum Mary King puts herself to work before daughter Emily goes cross country. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Mary and Emily King’s distinctive lorry (with a slightly concerning Learner plate?!), parked next to Pippa Funnell’s. Just your normal, average, casual lorry park in England. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Chris Burton on Quality Purdey and Andrew Nicholson on Zacarias discuss the intricacies of the OI showjumping course. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“I’ll judge your round!” offers Andrew Nicholson from the collecting ring, as Chris Burton waits to be able to commence. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Australia’s Chris Burton rides Quality Purdey, who won the CIC3* at Le Pin au Haras, to 9th place in OI section E. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Andrew Nicholson’s Zacarias won two Intermediates in 2017 and finished in eleventh place in his first CIC** – bred by Ramon Beca, who bred superstars Nereo and Armada, could this young horse be one of Nicholson’s stars of the future? Watch this space, people. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Jonty Evans and Ringwood LB taking this whole dressage thing very seriously indeed. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

All smiles from Harry Meade aboard Away Cruising, top 20 at both Luhmuehlen and Burghley in 2017 – who needs to be able to feel their toes when there’s eventing to get on with?! Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It’s all too much for some – Jonty Evans’ Gambesie (also known as, um…Kevin) enjoys a quick snooze before heading down to the showjumping. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Harry Dzenis rides Xam, with whom he has clocked up five four-star completions, in the AI. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Young talent Tom Jackson works in one of his Novice horses. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Padraig McCarthy gives Ludwig Svennerstal the eye. Anyone fancy guessing the subject of the story Ludwig was so merrily telling? Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The jumps are lava: Lissa Green’s Corraggio Z, known as Snoop, takes no chances in the Novice showjumping. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Emily Baldwin and Uppercourt Cooley finish 12th in the Open Novice. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Andrew Nicholson and his final ride of nine, Argentino BK, clear the final Novice fence. Every single one of Andrew’s horses finished in the top 20 in their sections, and he managed the one-two in the AI, winning on Swallow Springs and clinching second on Nereo. What. A. Champ. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Diachello II and Kiwi Jesse Campbell look equally happy to have notched up their first cross country completion of the season. The pair finished fourth in Novice section N. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Mary King and homebred King Bill might be a bit soggy, but it doesn’t dim their shine – they finish fourth in their section. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Focus, finesse, and nearly flattened photographers – the Andrew Nicholson story. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Go Eventing — whichever side of the pond you may be on!

Who Jumped It Best? Twin Rivers Intermediate Edition

By on Mar 12, 2018 9:00 am -

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? Twin Rivers Intermediate Edition! Sherry Stewart was out with her camera at Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials in Paso Robles, California last weekend, and sent in these awesome shots from the Intermediate 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 March Horse Trials. Go Eventing!

James Alliston and Pandora. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Bec Braitling and Santana II. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Mallory Hogan and Clarissa Purisima. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

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

Jen McFall and High Times. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Marissa Nielsen and Vinetta M. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Mackenna Shea and Gambling Jack. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Lisa Takada and Wishbone. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Mar 12, 2018 12:55 am -

Bon Cor (Corollary – Cor de Fey, Cor Magnifique). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Ever since my mare gave birth to this beautiful, fuzzy, huggable, chest-clutchingly cute filly last Tuesday, I have been subjecting my social media friends and followers to a barrage of foal spam. And I don’t even feel bad about it. Now it’s your turn, EN. Behold! Bonny’s incomparable adorableness.

National Holiday: National Plant a Flower Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Southern Pines H.T. [Website] [Results]

Red Hills International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

Full Gallop H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Interested in learning more about the USEA Young Event Horse Program? Live on the West Coast? Perfect! You’re invited to the USEA West Coast Young Event Horse Seminar in at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, April 11-12, 2018. Learn the new YEH scoring system plus tips for organizers and competitors. The seminar also counts as credit for YEH judges seeking to remain on the judge’s list. For more information, please contact organizers Bea di Grazia at [email protected] or Wendy Wergeles [email protected].
“This time it evolved into the ‘I have a dream’ mode. It just kept nagging at me — The Southeast Schooling Show Championships.” Learn more about the history of this event and what it means to the community. [The SSSC: An Idea Whose Time Has Come]
From large universities to small community colleges, schools of all sizes are getting involved in the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program. The eventing team at University of the South in Sewanee, TN has nine members and is led by coach Karine Gordy. Learn more about this passionate group of young eventers. [Sewanee Eventing Team Thriving in Tennessee]
I recently finished listening to “The Secret Life of Bees” audiobook. In it, they describe the many ways honey can be used for healing the body, mind and soul, both symbolically and literally. Turns out, there some scientific evidence to support the theory that that delicious sticky treat is actually good for you… and your horses! [More Evidence to Support Manuka Honey Use in Horse Wounds]
Hot on Horse Nation: The Perfect Pair of Riding Jeans

Monday Video: More foal spam! #cantstopwontstop

Trying out these leg things! #foalzoomies 🐎 #boncor #firstdayinthesun

A post shared by Leslie Threlkeld (@lathrelkeld) on