Classic Eventing Nation

What’s In Your Arena? Presented by Attwood: Simple Gymnastics to Start the Season

By on Mar 4, 2018 12:07 pm -

What’s in Your Ring? is an EN series sponsored by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces in which riders share their favorite jumping exercises. It’s easy to get stuck in a training rut, and we hope this will inspire you with fresh ideas that you can take home and incorporate into your own programs.

Everyone deserves a break now and then, including our hard-working horses. It’s not unusual for eventers to pull shoes, throw the horses out and let them have a well-earned month or so off during winter. While this is great for their mental and physical health, your horse may have lost quite a bit of fitness on vacation, which is important to remember when legging back up for the spring season.

My own young horse got the entire month of December and most of January off. As a result of a nice long break, he got good and dirty, plumped up a bit and might have even grown a little. When I stuck him on the lunge one sunny January day to see where we were, he looked darn good.

We got back to work, taking is slow and steady. For the last month we have picked our way through the mud, taking long walks around the pastures, on the trails in the woods, up and down hills. Then we sandwiched short bursts of trot work over ground poles in the arena between our long hacks. Finally, last week, we started doing a tiny bit of canter work. As I consider a return to jumping over the next couple of weeks, I don’t want to ask too much too soon.

A deep dive in the Evention TV archives unearthed this simple, three-part gymnastics exercise that incorporates trot poles, a low, easy bounce and a one-stride to a vertical. This is a great grid to get the jumping muscles working, get your horse thinking about where he’s putting his feet and allow you to practice your position. It can be built up or down for any level and jumps added to it as time goes on.

While the eventing season is in full swing in Florida, South Carolina and California, many areas of the country are still stuck in the indoor or just getting back in the saddle after a long winter. As you and your horse start back to work, remember everyone’s muscles have had a long rest, so build up the workload slowly and we’ll see you out eventing soon!

Equestrians vs. ‘Beast From the East’

By on Mar 4, 2018 9:45 am -

Storm Emma led to high level snow and wind warnings by the UK’s national weather service (Met Office) late last week and into the weekend, and the conditions were severe enough to delay the start of the 2018 British Eventing season.

The unusually cold temperatures in the United Kingdom and Ireland are a result of the destructive ‘Beast from the East’ that has marched across Europe from Siberia, leaving both beauty and chaos in its wake.

Equestrians, however, are a resilient bunch. It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing; the horses still need to be fed and watered and the barn mucked out. We’re glad to see our friends across the pond keeping a cheerful face on and making light of the situation wherever they can.

[Storm Emma Triggers Another Red Warning for Snow]

[There’s Snow Way: First Weekend of British Eventing Season Cancelled Due to Adverse Conditions]

[‘Beast From The East’ Brings Beauty, Cold And Chaos To Europe]

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Mar 4, 2018 12:01 am -

He’s beauty. He’s grace. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The weather over the last few days has been an absolute delight in the Southeast! (Sorry to rub it in to all my friends who are farther north). The rain has moved out and made way for sunny skies and 70 degree afternoons. Can it stay like this forever please?

National Holiday: National Grammar Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse III H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

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

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Results]

Sunday Links:

Grid Pro Quo with Stephen Bradley

A Walk Down Memory Lane: Five Apparel Trends That We Can Live Without

Horse Show Pets: Meet Shadow The Cockatoo!

Improve your horse’s agility with Laura Collett’s simple grid exercise

First all-female farrier class admitted to Cornell University

Eventing risks laid out in just-published FEI report

Third of US households harbor horse enthusiasts, study reveals

U.S. Equine Industry Has $122 Billion Economic Impact

Sunday Video:

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Rocking Horse Winter III Intermediate Score Report

By on Mar 3, 2018 9:12 pm -

Three Intermediate divisions have wrapped up at the Rocking Horse Winter 3 Horse Trials in Altoona, FL on this sunny–albeit windy–weekend.

On Friday’s one-day format competition, Lynn Symansky won the 25-horse Open Intermediate division riding Mary Ann Ghadban’s 14-year-old Holsteiner mare, Under Suspection. The pair led from start to finish, adding only 2.8 cross country time penalties to their dressage score of 27.5. Lynn also picked up fourth with the Donner Syndicate’s RF Cool Play, sixth with Tim and Nina Gardner’s FE Lifestyle and eighth with her own SpectraVET Tempranillo.

Kurt Martin and the GSC Syndicate’s 12-year-old Holsteiner mare, Anna Bella, had a great first run back since placing fifth at the Ocala Jockey Club CIC3*, finishing on their dressage score of 31.1 for second place. They were followed by Sharon White‘s 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Cooley On Show, in third on 33.9. Rachel Wilks and her own 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Great Expectations, wrapped up the top five on 40.7.

In the Open Intermediate two-day format division, Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin’s 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Pebbly Maximus, haven’t run since Boekelo CCI3* last October. They came back in top form, adding nothing to their dressage score of 32.7 to take the win.

Cornelia Dorr claimed the next two positions with her 12-year-old Zweibrucker, Sir Patico MH (32.9), and her 13-year-old Rheinlander, Louis M (36.0). Joe Meyer finished fourth and fifth with Madison Foote’s 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Clip Clop (38.6), and Denise Rath’s 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Jay of Diamonds (42.1).

The winners of Intermediate Rider were Kimberly Keeton, DVM and her and Hope Thomas’s 8-year-old Thoroughbred, Keysoe. They were fourth after dressage with a 37.9 and while they lowered a single rail, they produced one of only two double clear cross country rounds in the division to move into the top spot.

Cecilia Lundberg and Kathleen Lundberg’s 12-year-old Oldenburg, July’s Wild Idea, earned the only other fault-free cross country round in the division to take home second on 39.5. Haley Carspecken and her 12-year-old Holsteiner cross, Center Stage, moved all the way up from eighth after dressage to finish third on 45.9 in their first Intermediate appearance as a pair.

Hannah Leahey and Cassinova, a 9-year-old Holsteiner owned by Jackey Leahey, finished fourth with a 47.7 followed by Ryan Keefe and Rumsey Keefe’s 18-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred, Flintstar, with 49.7.

Thanks to David Frechette aka The Horse Pesterer for your filming expertise! Go Eventing.

Rocking Horse III H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Treat Yourself to a New Used Saddle

By on Mar 3, 2018 2:41 pm -

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.

When it comes to saddles, a brand or style that works for one horse might not work for another. The same goes for riders; not everyone will like the same features. If you’re on the hunt for new equipment, check out the Tack and Equipment category page on Sport Horse Nation. Here are the five most recent listings.

Santis. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Santis Dressage Saddle

This top selling saddle features an extra soft seat that is slightly wider for the seat bones with a moderate twist. The front blocks are on Velcro and can be adjusted for the individual rider. Uniquely designed panels add stability to the saddle and increase the horse’s comfort. The tree and the flocked panels can be customized for the horse for a precise fit. KB saddles are hand made to order in England.

This saddle had up-swept panels & are perfect for the shorter back or more sensitive horse. Nice channel width and depth means it can even fit that high withered horse! The seat is stamped 17 1/2, measures an 18, is very comfortable, placing the rider in the perfect position at just the right balance point.

The Y girting system and wool flocked panels mean comfort for your horse. This saddle is adjustable, and the wool flocking is ample. This saddle has been used less than a year as I have been unable to ride. Located in Florida.

Black Country. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

17.5 MW BC Vinici Tex Eventer Jump Saddle

From Black Country’s Web Site: Endorsed by Ralph Hill, USA. A favourite in the US, this exciting saddle is specifically targeted at event riders. The forwardness of the flap and the long sloping seat allow plenty of room behind the rider to move around in the saddle and have support when leaning back over drop fences – no more sitting on the cantle! The tree is designed as such that the extra length in the seat is not reflected in the panels.

The girthing system lies neatly above the cushioned sweat flap so as to avoid any discomfort. Small triangular blocks are standard. This saddle is designed with pure wool panels to help shock absorption when landing and also allowing the horse freedom to stride out without restriction on the shoulders. Located in North Carolina.

Voltaire. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

2012 18.5” Voltaire Palm Beach, 4AAAR- Perfect for the tall rider!

2012 18.5” Voltaire Palm Beach in chocolate, 4AAAR (15”) extra long/extra forward flaps, medium tree, 4.5” gullet, fin panels (made to fit a variety of horses), upgraded full calfskin leather. This is a very comfy, secure, medium-deep seat saddle. This saddle is perfect for the tall, long legged rider! One owner, this saddle was very lightly used and is in pristine condition, no flaws. Comes with excellent condition Voltaire saddle cover, no fittings. Located in Wisconsin.

Devoucoux. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Devoucoux Socoa Jump Saddle

Great condition Devoucoux Socoa jump saddle. Soft leather, great condition. 17.5 inch seat, 2A flap. Trial available. Located in Wisconsin.

Passier. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Passier Optimum Dressage Saddle 17″

Year: 2002. Bought new in 2008 from Millbrook Tack in Michigan. Condition: Used. Size: 17″. Tree: Medium – 27.5cm. Kept in a cover and cleaned after every use. In great used condition, some minor flaws shown in pics. Any questions, feel free to ask. Taking a break from horses because of my career and don’t want this to sit! Super comfortable and stitching in excellent shape. More photos available.

From the manufacturer: This exclusive dressage saddle by Passier is designed to be particularly easy on the horse. It also conveys an exclusive feeling to the rider which is why it is chosen by professional riders. The Optimum is designed to ensure the perfect riding position. The panel design of this very good looking dressage saddle ensures an optimum fit to the horse’s back.

Located in Illinois.

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: The Pursuit of Excellence with Michael Burnett

By on Mar 3, 2018 9:30 am -

Striking out on your own as a professional in this industry can be challenging, but 26-year-old Michael Burnett is taking it all in stride. With two talented horses to carry him up the ranks, a partnership with the legend George Morris himself, and a supportive barn family, Michael is pursuing excellence with every step of the journey. JN caught up with Michael to share his successes at WEF and his plans for the future.

Working with the Legend

Michael caught the horse bug after attending the Trader’s Point Hunt Charity Show with his father. He began taking lessons by the age of eight and found himself in love with the sport. It was roughly a year and a half ago that Michael decided to step out on his own and pursue a career in the hunter/jumper world. He established his farm Burnett Farms in Lebanon, Indiana and began picking up students with whom he could share his knowledge.

“I’m obsessed with the fact that the basics don’t change in our sport, no matter what the culture is,” Michael shared with JN. “The type of horse may vary, but the principles do not.” Michael focuses on instilling those basics in not only his students, but riders across the country. He will be returning to the Hoosier Horse Fair and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana this year as a clinician for the second time.

Michael serving as a demo rider in the St. Louis stop of George’s clinic schedule. Photo by Jennifer Kaiser.

After participating in a large number of clinics with George Morris, Michael was invited back to become a demonstration rider for a portion of George’s 2017 clinic schedule. After riding for George in Chicago, Sacramento, Portland, Birmingham, and St. Louis, George decided it was time for Michael to take the next step in his career. He took Michael on as a student and has been instructing him through the 2018 WEF circuit, a decision that has greatly impacted Michael’s riding and career.

“If you watch George work a horse, you’ll see that by the end the horse starts to look more intelligent. The horse accepts and listens to the rider. This only happens through disciplined riding,” said Michael. “His instruction helps me to better train my horses properly on the flat.”

If there is one bit of instruction Michael has received from George that has stuck with him, it is to strive for excellence. “I admire George’s insistence on being excellent every single day, with the emphasis being on every single day,” he shared. That strict attention to detail has refined Michael’s riding style and opened his eyes up to how each detail counts in and out of the ring.

Winning at WEF

Thanks to his pair of talented horses, Michael has had an immense amount of success in Wellington. With ribbons in nearly every class he has entered, it is clear that his hard work is paying off in the ring. While his primary focus is on the jumpers, Michael has also spent the winter showing a handful of hunters as well.

With wins at WEF in the 1.35m and 1.40m classes, Michael’s main mount, Iron, has been performing consistently this winter. “Iron is very experienced as this is our 11th year showing together. He had a great career in the Junior/AO Jumpers, and following that he’s been top three in around 30 Grand Prix classes,” shared Michael. The duo also recently qualified for the International Omaha’s InIt2WinIt $100,000 Championship and will compete in Omaha later this year.

Watch Michael and Iron take home the win in a 1.40m class at WEF this winter.

Michael’s other mount, C-Max, is not to be underestimated either. “C-Max is fun because he gets better every class and that’s a great feeling as a trainer,” Michael said of the nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding. “He has all the quality that Iron does and just as much personality!” Together the pair has had great success including a second-place finish in the Minnesota Harvest $25,000 Grand Prix last fall. 2018 looks to be an exciting year for this young horse as Michael also qualified for the InIt2WinIt $100,000 Championship with C-Max as well.

Achieving Excellence

Michael intends to remain at WEF and potentially show in weeks seven, eight, ten, and eleven with his jumper mounts. Upon the conclusion of his winter in Florida, he plans to show at the Omaha International, followed by some down time for him and his horses, and then aim for Spruce Meadows this summer. While he has goals of competing in International Grand Prix classes, he places more of his focus on the here and now.

Photo by Jennifer Kaiser

“My short-term goal is just to become an excellent rider and go to the top horse shows. Competing against globally ranked riders is the best way to get better because it forces you to raise your own standard.”

JN wishes Michael all the best in his pursuit of excellence. There is no doubt that his name will be one we will continue to hear through the 2018 season and look forward to what he may accomplish.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Mar 3, 2018 12:01 am -

#Eventersolutions! Photo via Christine Eaton-Evans on Facebook.

Snow in Great Britain and another “bomb cyclone” shooting it’s way up the East Coast – what is this madness!? I’m at least glad that where I’m located we don’t have snow forecasted; though instead we’re getting high winds and flooding. The power has flickered on and off three times as I’ve been writing this. Cross your fingers for me!

If you’re lucky enough to be somewhere with milder weather, like oh say, Georgia, come see Poplar Place Farm’s fresh new look with a new cross country track and jumps, refurbished all weather footing, updated stabling, a brand new show jumping course and more. Beginner Novice through Preliminary/Training plus Starter levels offered. Enter the March 24-25 Horse Trials by the March 6 closing date! [Omnibus]

National Holiday: National Mulled Wine Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rocking Horse III H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

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

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Results]

Saturday Links:

Maya Black: Coast To Coast

‘You Can’t Do Anything Out of Balance’: Clark Montgomery on Rebuilding Confidence

Kristina Whorton: USEA’s Volunteer of the Month Presented by Athletux

The Six Event Horses That Will Take Over the World in 2018

New Vocations Launches Pilot Program to Increase Adoptions

U.S. Equine Industry Has $122 Billion Economic Impact

Saturday Video: The crew at WFP’s yard know how to have fun on a snowy day!

Team Fox-Pitt Eventing have been having fun in the snow, can you spot William on the sledge? (look out for the Lurcher)! #morespeed #holdontight #teamhavingfun #dogsintow Noakes Eventing

Posted by Fox-Pitt Eventing on Friday, March 2, 2018

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: You Know You’re Getting Old When…

By on Mar 2, 2018 5:30 pm -

It’s a noble sight — a glorious sight. Enjoy it now, before I use it to destroy your perceptions of time and self entirely. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

It doesn’t take much to inspire Olympic fever — never mind that the next Games aren’t for another two and a half years, and never mind that, with the WEG looming, there’s plenty to occupy our pony-mad minds in 2018 alone. But with the announcement of the Tokyo 2020 official mascots, and the end of several weeks of curling, the Fever began to make itself known once again.

The as-yet unnamed Tokyo mascots. The chap on the left can teleport and the one on the right can move things with her mind. Can’t wait to see the guys in the costumes give that a whirl.

Now, my initial plan was to share with you all this lovely little compilation video, put together by the chaps at the Olympic Channel, which charts the evolution of the equestrian sports at the Games from their inception. But in watching and rewatching it, something struck me — Beijing was 10 years ago. TEN. I can still remember sticking in endless VHS tapes (we weren’t a very tech-savvy household) to record the whole lot as though it was yesterday. Further plumbing the recesses of my memory made me realise, with some shock and horror, that even Athens doesn’t feel like ancient history. The horses, the stories, the ups, the downs, the fact that Mark Kyle later let me school Drunken Disorderly, who sort of felt like a camel on the flat but let’s not let that get in the way of my terribly subtle name-dropping — all of it feels so recent, and I think that might mean I’m getting old. Quelle horreur. 

If I have to suffer in the sudden knowledge of my own mortality then you, fine folks of the Nation that Events, must suffer with me. Misery loves company, so join me on my front porch of crotchetiness, and let’s deflate the errant soccer balls of all the young guns who dare play near our lawns. Or something.

Good people, I bring you: recent Olympic history, which is, appallingly, no longer recent. Enjoy (with a cup of Ovaltine and your latest knitting project, probably).

The Evolution of Equestrian at the Olympics

Sign you’re getting old: Blyth with a full head of hair seems normal.

Pippa Funnell and Primmore’s Pride Showjump at Athens 2004

Sign you’re getting old: You remember telling your high school guidance counsellor that your plan after graduation was “to do what only Pippa has managed”. That’s, um, win a Grand Slam, of course.

Bonus — sign you’re getting old AND you’re terribly, terribly British: You have, at some point, with absolutely no irony or humour, referred to a horse as ‘a little person.’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OuGs8SA0Us

Cross Country Highlights from Beijing 2008

Sign you’re getting old: You often find yourself wondering, in idle moments, whatever happened to Hinrich Romeike, the German dentist and ‘hobby eventer’ who swept double gold with Marius and predated Michi Jung’s classic “he gives me a good feeling” with the equally charming, “he is a horse with such strong morals.”

The 2000 Sydney Olympics – The Inside Story with Andrew Hoy and David O’Connor

Sign you’re getting old: Oh, man, where to begin. You know David O’Connor as a gold medal winning rider, rather than as a team coach. You remember when Bettina and Andrew Hoy were the Jay-Z and Beyonce of eventing. You remember when Phillip Dutton rode for Australia. You, my friend, remember the genuine fear of the Millennium Bug. You’re old.

(As an aside, if Bettina could please let us know what brand of moisturiser she uses, all of Team EN would be very, very grateful.)

Be grateful – that’s just this millennium. If you can remember Atlanta, I hope that AARP membership is treating you well. Also please call me so I have someone to talk to about how exciting Atlanta was.

#EventerFailFriday: So Extra

By on Mar 2, 2018 2:30 pm -

Being “extra” is a phrase that linguistic pioneers of the Internet have been bandying about lately, meaning over-the-top, excessive, dramatic, etc. Example:

I don’t know what is going on in that GIF, but I think we can all agree that it qualifies as extra. Here are a few of your most extra moments:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZsczoDn3Uy/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/BM9E5NfjnAj/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeI0zL7H76Q/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPfne0cjFv3/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdSPlnjHp2Q/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYzRg1ynyTw/

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

Stay extra, EN. Go Eventing!

20 More Eventing Rules to Live By

By on Mar 2, 2018 11:00 am -

Even more port-o-potty pro tips, coming right up! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Earlier this week I listed out some unwritten, unspoken lessons I’ve learned while participating in this magnificent sport (see “Never Look Down in the Port-a-Potty and Other Eventing Rules to Live By“). I invited our readers, a veritable wellspring of wisdom and truth, to chime in.

My #1 rule, regarding port-a-potties, was immediately debunked by reader Danielle E., who commented, “But if you don’t look into the port-a-potty, how can you be sure no one’s there??” She then linked to this traumatizing story about a Colorado peeper who was sentenced to prison after hiding in the tank of a port-a-potty to spy on women at a yoga festival.

No more talking from you, Danielle E.!

But the sage port-o-potty advice didn’t stop there. At last three readers shared first-hand experiences of dropping personal items in the port-o-potty.

  • Take your keys out of your pants pocket before squatting (good Lord — never actually SIT) on the PP. Especially when you are in charge of your friend’s truck keys… — Amy L. 
  • Never drop your phone in the potty. #truestory –Sarah D.
  • Always take your phone out of your back pocket before you drop trow in the porta-pot. –Polly M. 

And there was was this bright-side observation:

  • Feel proud that you can put on white breeches and a white shirt in a porta-potty. –Briana T.

We are a talented bunch, indeed. And wise. Here are a few more reader-submitted eventing rules to live by:

  • Modesty is an overrated quality when it comes to quick clothing changes between phases (even more so when riding multiple horses). –Elizabeth P. 
  • The all else fails rules:
    1) leave with your horse and come back with your horse
    2) there is no crying in eventing
    3) don’t scare the spectators
    4) on Monday morning, nobody cares –Susan B.
  • Have everything broken down and packed into the trailer. When you are done with your last ride take your horse back to the stall (where you left shipping boots, one bucket of water, one brush). While your horse chills in the stall for a bit go throw your tack into the trailer and pull your trailer out of the lot … go get your horse and leave! We used to get stuck for hours at the Kentucky Horse Park while everyone was packing up … total gridlock! –Brenda J. 
  • Always go left shoulder to left shoulder in warm up. Do not park in front of a warm up fence to chat with your trainer. Don’t take things personally. –Christy P.
  • Some of the nicest people I ever met wore on trail rides. –Terry R. 
  • Share! Tack, blankets, hay, dodgy bits on cross country, locations of the best bars. –Elizabeth P. 
  • Never thank a volunteer as you are approaching an Intermediate doghouse hanging diagonally over a ditch with running water in it. Chances are you won’t get over that jump. –Polly M.
  • Always pack an extra of everything, including all four shoes with studs in them. Pack the rain gear in spite of the weather report, and extra batteries for your cross country watch. –Polly M.
  • As I learned this weekend: If your horse comes off the trailer with three shoes, and you’re CERTAIN that in your not-enough-coffee morning daze you did check, look through the poop piles in the trailer. It might be in there! #myhorseistalented –Helen K.
  • Always tell your rival “have a good ride.” Because eventing is hard enough. Don’t make it catty. And if on a fluke they get hurt … you will NEVER forgive yourself for not being kind. –Amy N.
  • Bring dogs/kids/non-horsey people we love them, keep dogs/kids/non-horsey people on leash (figuratively as it is frowned upon to tether clueless non-horsey S.O. to one’s self). –Elizabeth P. 
  • If you have two of something small but important, bring both. Related, if the nice person stabled next to you forgot their stock pin/cross country watch/pinny holder and you are done using yours for the day (or have an extra), consider loaning yours out temporarily. It takes a village! Besides, you never know when you might be the person who needs a stock pin at 4:30 on Friday after all the upper level riders are done. –Alex N.
  • If the field where the trailers are parked is very muddy and you think you might get stuck … you probably will. So don’t even try and park somewhere safer even if it means a lot more walking! –Christine G.
  • Be a good citizen in the warm up area. –Laury P.
  • Definitely wine. –Jennifer K.

Go Eventing.