Classic Eventing Nation

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

Well, it wasn’t the result my husband was hoping for, but it was an exciting Super Bowl to watch with friends. Here’s to every athlete who dedicates his or her life to being the best they can possibly be at their chosen sport. Keep kicking!

National Holiday: National Chocolate Fondue Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Three Lakes H.T. [Website] [Results]

Sporting Days H.T. [Website] [Results]

Galway Downs Winter H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Why would you want to keep dental floss, fuzzy cat toys and old mushroom containers at the barn? Believe it or not, they might come in handy. Take a look at these great barn hacks! [Pro Equine Grooms]

Did you work your way through the Pony Club levels as a kid? Think you know the Pony Club manual front to back? Test your horsemanship knowledge with this test. [Pony Club C+ Test]

Some horses are cool as cucumbers when the vet comes around, but others turn into feral giraffes as soon as they see a syringe coming anywhere near them. You can help your horse reduce his stress with a little practice and patience. [Preventing Problem Behaviors During Veterinary Procedures]

A study in New Zealand indicates that a concussion can continue to affect a person years after the initial injury. An important note of the study is that people who did not seek medical attention following a concussion were more likely to suffer long-term effects. So if you knock your noggin, see a doctor! [Concussion Issues Can Linger for Years]

Monday Video: You can’t bring your chinchilla on the plane (joke’s on them! Chinch goes all over the world) but you can bring your mini pony.

Support animals you can and can’t travel with

What? No peacocks? After Delta Airlines cracked down on support animals on planes, we were curious… what animals *can* we fly with? usat.ly/2E5TnIw

Posted by USA TODAY on Thursday, February 1, 2018

Sunday Video from Total Saddle Fit: A Year in Eventing

Ellie Leonard, aka @girlwiththe.camera, recapped 2017 with an action-packed video montage featuring events all over the West Coast. Watching her tribute to last year gets us pumped up for 2018!

How many times can you spot Total Saddle Fit sponsored rider Tamie Smith in this video?

Remember when a girth was just a strap to hold your saddle on? Total Saddle Fit has changed that forever. Their line of Shoulder Relief Girths literally affect how your saddle sits on your horse, offering better saddle fit and shoulder freedom. They make Shoulder Relief Girths in different colors, shapes and materials for every occasion. Learn more at totalsaddlefit.com.

Two is Better Than One

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. She is EN’s fitness columnist. If you missed her series on “lateral work” for rider strength, check out the Beginner NovicePrelim, and Advanced editions. 

Kaitlin and Daniel Clasing work out together. Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

Often, I am asked what the best exercise is for … [insert desired result here]. Regardless of the goal, the most important aspect of any exercise program is the result, and results come from consistency. So, the best exercise regimen for you will be the one that you can stick with. One of the best ways to improve the results of any program is to work with a partner.  A partner adds accountability, motivation, plus an extra set of eyes to ensure proper form and safety.

Accountability: Someone is waiting for you at the gym will force you out of bed on the morning, you especially want to sleep in.  Even though there are methods of personal accountability for example maintaining a journal, or excessively posting on your favorite social media platform. There is nothing quite like a friend or personal trainer expecting you, to get you to show up for the work out.

Motivation: 
Those times when you want to call it quits, working with a friend can give you the extra edge to truly achieve momentary muscle failure. This is healthy competition, while strength training, I firmly believe that you should be focused on competing against yourself. However, having a person with you in the moment can help you reach for new heights.

Form: When you have someone watch your form during an exercise, you will work harder to maintain it. That said, when you are working hard, which you should be, it is extremely challenging to always maintain perfect form. This is the point at which our egos need to take a good look at itself. Know that your exercise partner is correcting your form to help you, not attack you. When they tell you need to correct yourself, listen to them. Do not get annoyed; listen and make the corrections.

When you are the “helper,” be mindful to only correct the aspects of your partner’s form and execution that are needing correction. Repeating unnecessary instruction will quickly begin to irritate.

Safety: When you get injured, you are much less likely to stick with an exercise program. More importantly, an injury can lead to setbacks on your riding goals. While you will frequently find me in a yoga studio, it would take a force from nature to get me into a CrossFit box.  With many exercise programs, safety is not the priority. Personally, I prefer to reduce risk of injury as much as possible while exercising, because I assume enough risk every time I swing a leg over my horse. Having someone with you are much more likely to be safe and systematic in the exercise program.

Choose wisely: When strength training using the slow motion high intensity technique, I highly recommend using the buddy system. Remember to keep the socializing to a minimum, as slowing down to chat between exercise will detract from the effectiveness. In fact, you want to keep your heart rate up from one exercise to the next.

I am all for efficient workouts, so try and keep the focus on form and progress, as opposed to ‘having fun.’ I believe there is no amount of pump up music that will make exercise entertaining or fun. Your internal drive should be the sound track.

Choose someone that will not let you blow off the exercise. My best friend and I have gone running together all of two times, when we had the best intentions of running regularly. At the end of the day, we would always rather gab together than exercise. This is not the exercise buddy; you want to pick. You need someone you will listen to. I will never train with my husband again; he refuses to listen and I am not wasting his or my time trying.

I am lucky enough to work with some of the most talented strength trainers in the country. However, I understand that not everyone has this luxury. Maybe this is a great opportunity to make a new friend. What you are looking for is accountability and someone who can accurately start and stop a timer to track improvements. Find someone in your barn or program with similar exercise goals. The best results come from consistency and working your hardest every single time you exercise.

Husband and wife team Daniel and Kaitlin Clasing have plenty of experience keeping each other motivated and on task, both in and out of the saddle!  You can learn more about their program at clasingequestrian.com or their Facebook page. Here they demonstrate the wheelbarrow.  

The Wheel Barrow

Daniel and Kaitlin Clasing. Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

  • Sit on your glutes facing your partner. The closer you sit to your heels the greater the challenge.

Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

  • Place your elbows on your knees.
  • Remember to breath.
  • Your partner is going to hold your ankles, and tip you back (do not lean back, let them tip you back).

Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

  • Have your partner tip you back to your point of challenge – where you can engage your abdominals and keep your elbows glued to your legs.
  • Then hold this position until momentary muscle failure is achieved and roll out of it.
  • Partner: Your job is to make sure the person exercising is breathing, and remind them to keep their elbows on their knees.
  • Hold this position for as long as you can.

Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

  • Then switch and let them enjoy the challenge.
  • If you are holding it for less than one minute, try doing this exercise twice a week until you work up to a minute.
  • If it takes you more than 90 seconds or longer to reach momentary muscle failure increase the challenge by tipping further back or sitting closer to your heels.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 7 Horses For Sale in Sunny Florida

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

If you’re looking to do a shopping trip in an area with a high density of horses for sale, escape the cold and take a trip south! Last week we featured a selection of horses for sale in Aiken, SC. This week, we’re highlighting horses available to try in Ocala, FL.

Lanzz. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

CCI** Schoolmaster, Perfect Gentleman for YR or AA

Lanzz is a 16.3 2005 Bay Dan WB/TB cross (Languester (Dan WB) x Classical Jazz (Tb)). Henry is a 2 star schoolmaster with several wins at the Preliminary and Intermediate levels. He has a heart of gold and is the ultimate gentleman. He has completed two seasons at the Intermediate/2* level and prior to that he has a flawless preliminary/1* record.

He is easy on the flat with nice movement scoring in the 20’s and low 30’s and an incredible classic, correct jump. He is the most forgiving type that will jump from any distance and fix any mistakes, making him the perfect schoolmaster to get Preliminary and Intermediate miles on. Before eventing he also successfully competed in 1.30 showjumping with an adult amateur. His barn manners and temperament make him a delightful addition to any barn. Located in Ocala.

Sport pony. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

14h Sport Pony mare for sale

Very sadly outgrown. 14 hh, 9 yo Sport pony mare. This stunning mare is super athletic and very scopey. Successfully competed through the novice level eventing. She will go on the bit with an experienced rider. She has done it all from pony club, eventing (including the AEC’s), schooling jumpers, young rider camp, winters in Florida, TONS of trail riding mileage, beach rides, ETC.

She has been an amazing pony for my kid. This flashy pony is ideal for a junior rider (or small adult) ready for their second pony! Not for a beginner as she has more go than whoa. Rider in recent videos is almost 5’3″. Self loads, stands for farrier, LOVES to be groomed. Located in Ocala.

Semper Fidelis. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Semper Fidelis- Training level experience scope for more. Perfect for YR on a budget

“Semper Fidelis” Evan is a lovely and well built 2009 16.2 thoroughbred gelding with lots of chrome! Thoroughbred fans will really appreciate his way of going with a quality canter and a confirmed change. He has a soft mouth and goes all three phases in a plain snaffle. Hacks alone or in a group on the buckle. Evan has competed through training level eventing with scope for much more and would be equally as competitive in the jumper ring. Great for a YR on a budget! Located in Ocala.

Vendi. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Promising Imported Young Horse with Excellent Movement and Jump

Vendi is a stunning 2012 ISH gelding standing 16.2. He has excellent gaits and a scopey jump. He competed in YEH classes in Ireland as a 5 year old and has extensive show jumping experience including several 1.20 classes. He has all the makings to be a top event horse; great athleticism combined with a great temperament and trainability.

Vendi is a barn favorite with his in your pocket personality. He is starting his US event career in FL in January and is available to be tried in Ocala. Vendi has the scope and athleticism for a professional to bring up the levels but also has a great temperament and demeanor for a YR or AA. Located in Ocala.

Ideally. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Ideally- 16.2 Grey Oldenburg Mare

Marci is a 2007 16.2 ISR/Oldenburg mare (Ideal x Fria the Ice Queen). She is a safe and proven adult amateur mount with many wins through second level dressage. A true all rounder, she has also competed in the Pre- Green hunters through 3’3” at A shows and could continue in that direction.

Marci has evented four times at novice level, placing first three times and second once. With dressage scores consistently in the low to mid 20s and a superb jumping record, Marci is ready to show someone the ropes in whichever discipline they choose. Half sister to three star mare Cool As Ice.

Simon. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Prelim Packer – Potential to be dressage horse

Sympatico (Simon) is a 9yo 17h TB gelding who has competed through Preliminary. Simon has never had a run out/stop from his first cross rail to his last Prelim fence. He has big movements in all 3 gaits. Moves more like a warmblood than a thoroughbred. He is brave and bold cross country, very point and shoot.

Although he does have some clear stadium rounds, he is not always the most careful horse in the ring, which is reflected in his sale price. Simon has a lot of schooling and would be a great choice to build confidence cross country. This amazing horse has taken me from never even having shown, to Training in my first year and Preliminary in under 2 years.

His dressage is big and forward. He’s confirmed on the bit and has a trot that’s easy to sit. He’s showing first level dressage and has the potential to go on as a dressage horse. Simon can also hack out alone or in a group. Busy roads or quiet trails, he’s always a good boy. Not spooky and never bucks.

Simon has impeccable ground manners. Always a barn favourite wherever he goes. Puppy dog attitude, which is evident the second you meet him. Loads, clips, bathes, stands for farrier etc. UTD on shots and teeth. Located in Ocala.

Bellagio. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Competitive Training Level Eventer

“Bellagio” is a 13 year old, 16.1 h, Dutch warmblood cross mare. Training level eventing experience, with competitive dressage scores (often in the 20s). Started as a dressage horse and transitioned easily to an eventing career. Comfortably schooling preliminary level showjumping and cross country and 2nd level dressage movements. Amateur/junior friendly but not for a beginner. Great horse for ambitious eventing or dressage rider who wants to be competitive in the show ring. Owner in college. Located in Ocala.

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

Best of JN: When McLain Says Jump, You Say How High: Adrienne Sternlicht’s Creative Jump-Off Course

Adrienne Sternlicht and Cristalline. Photo by Sportfot.

When there were 16 clear for the jump-off in the $132,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI3*, coach McLain Ward knew his student Adrienne Sternlicht was going to have to get creative in her ride for the ribbons. The master himself drew up a plan for Adrienne to guide her mount, Cristalline, over an additional obstacle in the ring to shave some crucial seconds off their time. Their ride may not have been the first place round, but it definitely stole the show and drove the crowd wild. Just listen to the commentators cheering her on!

Adrienne said after the class that they “had to get a bit creative” with so much talent in the field, and with Cristalline being a naturally slower horse than some of the others in the field.

“It was exciting for me too,” recalled Adrienne. “We actually didn’t plan that when we walked. McLain told me that at two Olympics, he should have jumped the hedge and didn’t, so surely I could risk it in a three star grand prix. So I did! It was a unique experience for me and for my horse. She’s super brave. She actually responded better than I anticipated. We have to keep learning together.”

With a time of 39.36 seconds, Adrienne and Cristalline held the first place spot until Darragh Kenny shaved another second off of her winning time and Jessica Springsteen came in just 2/100s of a second faster later in the evening.

One cannot be disappointed with a third place finish against top notch competition in a CSI3* event, however, and we give mad props to Adrienne and McLain for their daredevilish attempt to get the job done. Just another reminder that your course is what you make it and a little bit of creativity can go a long way!

Go jumping.

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

Photo by Stephanie Rhodes Bosch Jenkins.

They are never to young to learn about helmet safety! Stephanie Rhodes Bosch’s daughter, Izzy, demonstrates how important it is to mind your melon, even if you’re riding a unicorn! Too cute.

National Holiday: National Homemade Soup Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Three Lakes H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Sporting Days H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Results]

Galway Downs Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Results]

Sunday Links:

Ever wondered how a hunt kennels works? Go behind-the-scenes with the Belvoir Hunt

Grid Pro Quo with Sally Cousins

Ray Dance Beat The Odds With Charlotte Jorst

Concussion issues can linger for years, New Zealand study finds

Showjumper banned for five years after ‘damaging sport’s reputation’

Association implores horse owners: Don’t break your vet

Behind The Photo: Who Needs Wings When You’ve Got Springs For Feet?

Saturday Video: Dakota The Super Pony is Back!

You may remember the a certain darling pony from her impromptu catch ride for Mark Todd last fall. To jog your memory…

The stunning 12hh Dartmoor cross is named Dakota, and she is loved by a young girl named Millie who is a quite talented rider herself!

Dakota made the rounds on social media last fall, becoming an instant sensation, and now she’s back with a new rider in tow – none other that Pippa Funnell. Pippa took a spin on the handy pony following a demo clinic in Aberdeen, UK.

“A lot of fun was had including riding Millie Lawson’s little Dakota. What a lovely lovely pony. A true school mistress putting up with amateurs such as Sir Mark Todd and myself. She was 11.2 but after my weight she is now a Shetland.
Thank you Millie,” Pippa shared on her Facebook page.

A pony clearly worth her weight in gold.

Go Dakota.

Phillip Dutton to Compete in Great Charity Challenge Tonight + Live Stream

Riders wear costumes for the Great Charity Challenge, which awards funds to local Palm Beach County charities. Photo by Meg Bank/PBIEC.

Phillip Dutton will jump under the lights tonight at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, as part of the Great Charity Challenge, riding on a team with his daughter, Olivia Dutton, and longtime owner and supporter, Caroline Moran.

The Great Charity Challenge (GCC) started in 2010 as a way for the equestrian world to give back to the local community in Wellington. Top riders from around the world wear costumes and jump in a relay competition to benefit local Palm Beach County charities. To date, the GCC has distributed $10.8 million to more than 200 charities.

GCC teams consist of two junior/amateur riders and one Olympic or world-class rider. This year 29 teams will compete in the GCC. Each team is randomly paired with a charity that serves Palm Beach County. The winning team will receive $150,000 for their charity, and every charity will win a guaranteed minimum of $15,000.

Kent Farrington riding in the 2016 Great Charity Challenge. Photo by Meg Bank/PBIEC.

Phillip’s team is paired with the Elder Affairs Program of the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach. The program promotes dignity for the elderly, providing comprehensive guardianship and case management services for the economically disadvantaged and those without adequate community support.

Phillip is riding Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide, owned by Thomas Tierney, Simon Roosevelt, Suzanne Lacy, Annie Jones and Caroline Moran. Olivia is riding the Mr. Medicott Syndicate’s Mr. Medicott, a 19-year-old Irish Sport Horse and the reigning USEF National CCI4* Champion. Caroline is riding her own Jackson, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood.

The GCC has a different theme each year, and the teams of riders don costumes accordingly. This year’s GCC theme is “Hollywood,” and tonight we will see riders dressing up as characters from classic films. (Spoiler alert: Phillip’s team will be Singin’ in the Rain.)

GCC also holds random drawings and awards grants to other deserving charities not paired with teams, with more than $1.5 million set to be awarded in all for 2018. Click here to view the full list of charities and donations since the GCC began in 2010.

Horseware Ireland founder Tom MacGuinness in at 2016 GCC. Photo by Meg Bank/PBIEC.

You can watch the GCC live stream starting at 6:30 p.m. EST tonight at this link. The GCC is a blast to watch, so we strongly encourage all EN readers to tune in and enjoy an evening of show jumping for a good cause.

Click here to view the order of go and charities paired with each team. Phillip’s team goes second to last in the order. Each team will jump one round, with the top teams returning for a jump off to determine the final standings. Good luck to all competing in the GCC!

If you are local to the area, general admission and parking are free for the GCC at 13500 Southshore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414. The evening will also feature on-site dining options, carousel, petting zoo and plenty of activities for the whole family. Click here for more information on the GCC.

Phillip and Olivia are in Wellington for the next two weeks to train with Richard Picken in show jumping and Scott Hassler in dressage. Phillip has Fernhill Cubalawn, I’m Sew Ready, Fernhill Revelation and Z in Florida. Scroll down for a video of Z jumping yesterday in a 1.20 meter class at the Palm Beach Masters at Deeridge Farms.

Michael Jung Sweeps Devoucoux Indoor Derby at Bordeaux

Photo courtesy of the event at Bordeaux.

In traditional fashion, Michael Jung has pulled out yet another impressive victory in our sport, this time in the Devoucoux Indoor Derby in Bordeaux.

He and Maria Stein’s 8-year-old Hanoverian Corazon just edged out frenchman Maxime Livio, their win secured by only 39 hundredths of a second.

The course was well designed and a pleasure to ride. There were many options to do short-cuts, it was very interesting,” Michael said. “The crowd here is amazing. They are cheerful and fair play as they encourage even the foreign riders.”

“It is a very nice class,” he continued. “I appreciated the fact that the horses had the opportunity to explore the course beforehand as we had the chance to ride it in the morning. That way, when they entered the arena in the evening, the fences were already a little familiar. It is an impressive show for them.”

He took a few moments Friday night to celebrate his win, but then it’s back to business for Ze Terminator as he must, “concentrate on the coloured fences again,” with fisherChelsea entered in tonight’s CSI5*. Also in tow this weekend is fisherSolution, who finished 25th in last night’s 1.50m class.

Michael is keeping his show jumping sharp this weekend as he prepares for his show jumping team debut for Germany next month in the Abu Dhabi Nations Cup CSIO5* in the United Arab Emirates.

Maxime finished just shy of the win aboard Boleybawn Prince, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by a Mr. Prasert, Mrs. Kanchanaporn and Ms. Arinadtha Chavatanont. Maxime got the ride on this promising gelding by Colin Diamond last year, finishing 14th in the CCI2* at Le Pouget. Watch their trip around the indoor derby here:

 

For complete results for the indoor derby, click here.
Tonight all eyes will be on the Longines FEI World Cup™, where top riders will be looking to qualify for the final in Paris, April 10-15, 2018. You can watch live on FEI TV beginning at 2:30 EST. The FEI World Cup™ Driving Final will follow at 5:20 EST.
 International Jumping de Bordeaux: WebsiteStartlist & Results, FEI TV

Walking On Sunshine: Stable View Winter HT Recap + Photo Gallery

Photo by Christine Rhodes.

Stable View hosted their second recognized event of the year earlier this week, January 30th-31st, offering Preliminary through Beginner Novice divisions. With 132 riders and the beautiful South Carolina weather, this event was a massive weekday success!

Competition was fierce with prize money awarded in all divisions. The show began with all levels completing the dressage and stadium phases on Tuesday, and all levels finishing with cross-country on Wednesday.

The dressage took place in the beautiful grass arenas at Stable View and ran smoothly thanks to the help of loyal volunteers. With three rings running concurrently, and stadium beginning in the Outdoor Arena, it proved to be a busy day with many professional riders showing multiple horses.

Chris Barnard’s stadium course presented an appropriate challenge for riders. From the show jumping, riders could also catch a glimpse at the progress taking place on Stable View’s newest asset, the Pavilion, positioned at the end of the Outdoor Arena. Tuesday evening ended with a competitors’ party hosted on-site for riders to socialize with one another.

The following day, all riders tackled the Cross Country course designed by Captain Mark Phillips (GBR) and Mogie Bearden-Muller (assistant). The track wove decorative fences through tree-lined galloping lanes connecting series of tough questions and iconic features like the water complexes. The winter rye provided excellent footing throughout the day, with abundant sunshine and a pleasant breeze to complete the setting.

Congratulations to the winners of each division, with riders placing 1st – 4th receiving checks!

Junior/Young Rider Open Preliminary: Katie Lichten & Sapphire Blue B (23.00)
Open Preliminary A: Waylon Roberts & Born Ready (24.10)
Open Preliminary BLindsay Beer & El Paso (27.00)
Preliminary RiderSkylar Rowan & Urlanmore Beauty (42.40)
Open Training: Werner Geven & Eor The Terrific (29.60)
Junior/Young Rider Training: Alexandra Baugh & Mr. Candyman (30.90)
Training Rider: Natalie Hargis & Ocho Caballero (32.30)
Junior/Young Rider Novice: Malik Hogan & Downtown Abbey (51.30)
Novice RiderSally Rosen & Mayson (29.50)
Open Novice: Kate Chadderton & FF Valour (25.20)
Junior/Young Rider Beginner Novice: Jenna Hill & In Front I Am (41.30)
Beginner Novice Rider: Nancy Jenkins & Brody (40.80)
Open Beginner Novice: Arianna Almeida & Rhein Aflame (27.80)

Click here for full results.

1st-4th place finishers at all levels took home a check! Photo by Christine Rhodes.

As always, thank you to the generous sponsors and volunteers who make events such as this possible!

Here is what some of the competitors had to say about the event:

“Thank you Stable View for the truly galloping cross-country course, perfect footing, and the prize money in each division!” – Claire Robinson

“Great day and awesome hospitality!” – Stephanie Collore-Coates

Stable View will be hosting its Inaugural Eventing Academy on February 24th and 25th, with a schooling day on Saturday and a full schooling horse trials on Sunday! Enter the horse trials now online at www.evententries.com and enter on-site for the schooling day. These events are the perfect place to school for young horses and young riders alike. Sprouts (<18”) – Training (3’3”) levels are available, as well as the option to school one phase or all three.

For more information about any upcoming events at Stable View, visit www.stableviewfarm.com.