Classic Eventing Nation

Hello, 2018! Stable View Aiken Opener Recap & Photo Gallery

By on Jan 18, 2018 9:00 am -

Photo by Christine Rhodes.

Stable View kicked off its bustling 2018 show schedule with the Aiken Opener Horse Trials over the weekend, Jan. 6-7. The event was the first of the 2018 calendar year for 124 horse/rider combinations who contested Beginner Novice through Preliminary divisions.

The event began with the dressage and show jumping phases on Saturday for all levels. Three dressage rings ran concurrently, and was the first opportunity for many riders to try their hands at the new 2018 USEA dressage tests, which went into effect Dec. 1. The lowest score of the day went to Mike Pendelton and The Fonz Himself, who ultimately won the Open Training division on their dressage result of 20.0.

Later in the morning the show jumping phase began in the Outdoor Arena on first-class Attwood Equestrian Surfaces footing. The course, designed by Beth Perkins, rode well and many riders turned in double-clear rounds.

Onto Sunday … cross country day! Due to below freezing temperatures, the start was delayed by one hour. The courses were designed by Mogie Bearden-Muller and meant to be inviting ‘opener’ style courses. Mogie explained, “My premise for these course designs was to give the horses a nice, forward experience to begin the year.”

With open galloping lanes, riders were able to give particularly their greener horses a forward ride to build confidence for the rest of the season. The courses featured many of the fixed assets as well as a variety of movable fences placed strategically on Stable View’s world-class cross country course. The more difficult questions on course were balanced with inviting fences to give riders a confidence-boosting cross country round to prepare them for future competitions.

While on the property, spectators and competitors alike were able to view many of the ongoing projects at Stable View, including the Pavilion which is due to be completed at the end of 2018. This will be a LEED certified, multi-purpose building with viewing areas for both the Outdoor Arena and the cross country course. More improvements are under construction by the second cross country course, which will be used for the Stable View Eventing Academy, a new schooling series that offers a schooling day on Saturday followed by a full schooling horse trial on Sunday.

Without the continued support of sponsors and the dedication of loyal volunteers, this event would not be possible.

Congratulations to the winners in each division from the Stable View Aiken Opener! This show is just the beginning of another successful year of eventing.

Division winners (view full results here):

Junior/Young Rider Open Preliminary: Jessie Schwartz & WHF Kitaro (25.90)
Open Preliminary: Tiffani Loudon-Metze & Hap (23.90)
Preliminary Rider: Tawn Edwards & All of Indy (39.90)
Junior/Young Rider Training: Dylan Philipps & Fernhill Fierce (30.50)
Open Training: Mike Pendelton & The Fonz Himself (20.00)
Training Rider: Sierra Shurtz & Zach Eyed Pea (33.60)
Junior/Young Rider Novice: Malik Hogan & Top Vision (31.10)
Novice Rider: Jane Manetta & George (31.90)
Open Novice: Courtney Cooper & Seraphina (27.60)
Beginner Novice Rider: Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt & Eluca (30.00)
Junior/Young Rider Beginner Novice: Carly Blank & Take Your Time (30.30)
Open Beginner Novice: Amy Wise & Ruger (26.20)

For more information on upcoming events at Stable View, visit stableviewfarm.com.

Thursday News & Notes from Nupafeed

By on Jan 18, 2018 12:03 am -

TBT to the time Boyd tried to be a human barricade to get a young horse over a ditch. And failed. Photo courtesy of Boyd.

I stay north for the winter (unfortunately for me), so I’m mostly doing a lot of legging up for a variety of horses, and a lot of riding down dirt roads or around indoors. I don’t mind it, mostly you just set your big yellow watch and do the walk, trot, canter thing, listening to whatever podcast you’re into at the moment. However, the frequency of these kind of rides has increased since the ground has been frozen for weeks, and I’m literally completely and utterly out of podcasts. I subscribe to like 15 and I’ve listened to ALL OF THEM. All of the episodes. I’m going nuts!

National Holiday: National Winnie The Pooh Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Grand Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

News From Around the Globe:

The USEF Annual Meeting is underway Jan. 17-20 in Lexington, Kentucky. A General Session meeting takes place this morning, followed by council and committee meetings in the afternoon and the Pegasus Awards Dinner this evening. We’ll be keeping an ear out for any eventing news! [Website] [Live Stream]

Almost a year to the day since the explosive announcement that Larry Glefke and Kelley Farmer were being suspended from the USEF, today our sport’s governing body announced that they acknowledge their mishandling of the blood samples, and all suspensions and fines will be lifted, and the trainer and rider now have full standing in the sport once again. Ultimately, the final settlement ensures that not only will there be no consequences for the prohibited substance found in the horse’s system, but also that there will be little recourse for US Equestrian’s failure to effectively test and prosecute cheaters. [Jumper Nation: Glefke & Farmer Go Free]

Bruce Springsteen has donated tickets to his Springsteen on Broadway show in order to raise funds for the US Showjumping Team to compete at the WEG. The show has been sold out since it began it’s run in October 2017, and runs through June 2018. The package includes several tickets as well as a backstage meet-and-greet with The Boss himself. As a longtime showjumping dad to Jessica Springsteen, it’s not the first time he’s raised money for equestrians, having raised $600,000 for the Rio team in 2016. [The Boss Raises Money for WEG]

Hot on Horse Nation: Shade Shifters: Why Horses Change Color

Don’t forget! WEG volunteer applications are now being accepted! Snag yourself a front row seat to some of the most amazing displays of equine athleticism this year, and lend at hand this fall at the Tryon World Equestrian Games. Check out this link for more info on how you can become a volunteer. [Volunteer as Tribute]

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Disproving the Ridiculous Assumption That ‘Horses Do All the Work’

By on Jan 17, 2018 1:30 pm -

https://www.facebook.com/elisa.ilski/videos/1521195264568829/

We’ve ALL heard it countless times from non-riders: “Riding isn’t a sport.” “Riding isn’t good exercise.” And the most annoying: “You just sit there while the horse does all the work.”

It’s fairly useless trying to explain to these people the intricate difficulties of maintaining your balance and a steady hand while applying various leg and seat aids. Not to mention the core strength needed for sitting trot, the cardio workout you get on cross country or the endurance required to chuck a month’s worth of hay bales. So most of us simply roll our eyes, scoff or ignore the comments all together. But not everybody.

One young man’s “friends” just couldn’t let his comments go. When he declared, “Riding is not a sport. You’re just sitting on top of it and the horse does everything alone” they decided to show him just how painfully wrong he was and threw him up on a longe line for the horse world’s great amusement.

While we would prefer to see the newbie jockey with heeled shoes and some chaps or jeans (ouch!) we are glad to see he is wearing a helmet and that he is mounted on a quiet, patient, absolute saint of a horse.

Do we feel bad for finding such humor in this young man’s pain and embarrassment? Not really. We hope it was a good learning experience for him and he gained some respect for the sport and all its athletes, both two-legged and four! Who knows? Maybe since this video was posted he thought he give riding another try.

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Madeline Backus Going Overseas to Base with William Fox-Pitt

By on Jan 17, 2018 1:00 pm -

Madeline Backus and P.S. Arianna at Kentucky 2017. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

USEF Eventing 25 rider Madeline Backus, 22, is gearing up for an exciting season in 2018, as she is moving to England to work for William Fox-Pitt and immerse herself in an elite training program.

Her year-long trip abroad is made possible thanks to the two grants she received at the end of 2017. The $10,000 Rebecca Broussard National Developing Rider Grant and the inaugural $45,000 Wilton Fair Grant, which is given to a rider 29 and under who has not yet ridden for a senior U.S. team, combined to give her $55,000 in funding.

“It’s a huge amount for money between the two grants, and it’s going to help me out so much,” Madeline said. “None of this would be possible without the grants, so I’m extremely grateful.”

Madeline Backus was named the 2017 USEA Advanced Young Adult Rider of the Year. She also won the $10,000 Rebecca Broussard National Developing Rider Award and the inaugural $45,000 Wilton Fair Grant. Pictured here with Carol Kozlowski and Brian Sabo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

She decided to base with William Fox-Pitt in England after receiving heaps of helpful advice from riders who have gone before her in taking the plunge to train overseas.

“I had a lot of guidance from mentors, and they’ve pointed me in this direction. I think that being able to go overseas and into the UK will be really helpful and beneficial to my training and competing,” Madeline said. “Everyone I’ve spoken to about William’s program have all said wonderful things. Going over there and seeing that will be really incredible.”

Madeline does not yet have a date set to move to the UK but will be leaving as soon as possible once travel arrangements are complete for herself and the two horses accompanying her on the trip.

P.S. Arianna, her 17-year-old four-star partner, is of course going along for the journey. An Anglo-Trakehner mare (Ibsen X Amazing Raven) bred by her farrier Dennis Ackermann and started by her mother Laura, Madeline got “Ari” as a present for her 10th birthday. They have come up the levels together and completed their first CCI4* at Kentucky last year.

Madeline Backus and P.S. Arianna. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Now Madeline and “Ari” will face the biggest challenge of their partnership yet as they aim to compete at Badminton Horse Trials this spring.

“I can’t believe that Badminton is actually on my horizon,” Madeline said. “I have a wonderful horse and a lot of guidance and help. We will give it our best shot.”

Madeline and Ari participated in the USEF Eventing 25 training sessions in Ocala, Florida last week with USEF Emerging Athlete Coach Leslie Law. This is Madeline’s third year in the program, and she said she has gained an immense amount of knowledge from Leslie.

“Leslie is a really great instructor, not only with the horses but when we’re having our unmounted discussions,” she said. “There’s so much to take away from all of the training sessions. It’s really great to be around the other Emerging Athletes and spend the week learning from each other and from Leslie.”

Madeline Backus and P.S. Arianna at Red Hills. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Madeline will also be bringing her one-star horse P.S. On Top of the World. An 11-year-old Thoroughbred cross gelding (Meisterwind X April Mist) bred by Elizabeth Stokes, “Vinnie” finished fourth in the USEF National CCI1* Championships at Hagyard Midsouth in Lexington, Kentucky last year.

Sadly she can’t bring all her horses to England, and she has one for sale in P.S. Etoile de Nord, a 10-year-old Anglo-Trakehner mare bred by Pendragon Stud Equestrian Center. Madeline is competing “Edie” in the Novice Horse division at Grand Oaks Horse Trials in Wiersdale, Florida this weekend. You can view her sales listing here.

We wish Madeline the best of luck as she heads to England to take on Badminton. Go Eventing.

Practice Makes Perfect at USEF Eventing 18 Training Sessions

By on Jan 17, 2018 11:00 am -

USEF Emerging Athlete Coach Leslie Law speaks to the riders at the USEF Eventing 18 training sessions at Horsepower Equestrian in Ocala, Florida. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hello from Ocala, Florida! The riders named to the USEF Emerging Athletes Eventing 25 program participated in training sessions with Emerging Athlete Coach Leslie Law last week at Liz Halliday-Sharp’s stunning facility Horsepower Equestrian, and this week the Eventing 18 riders are taking their turn.

Each day the riders begin with a meeting at Caroline Martin’s farm next door, then hack over to Horsepower Equestrian to start a full day of lessons with Leslie. Monday was a dressage day, with a lunch lecture from horse care expert Max Corcoran. On Tuesday the riders started the day with a lecture on show jumping course design from top designer Chris Barnard, followed by setting the course for a full day of jumping lessons.

Jacob Fletcher, Amanda Beale Clement and Alex Baugh rode in the first group of jumping lessons yesterday. Jacob and Amanda are on the Eventing 25 list but were unable to attend last week’s training sessions, so they are riding with the Eventing 18 group this week.

Jacob rode his three-star partner Atlantic Domino, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Dunlough Striker X Atlantic Amanda, by Glidawn Diamond) owned by Frank Fletcher and Fletcher Farms. Amanda rode her mom Susie’s one-star mount Canny Calypso, an 8-year-old Westphalian (Captain Fire X Playgirl, by Playmate xx) owned by Canny Calypso LLC. Alex rode her new partner Mr. Candyman, an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Canto X Montara, by Corofino I) owned by Altorac Farm, who won the Jersey Fresh CCI3* last year with Phillip Dutton.

Eventing 18 rider Alex Baugh and Mr. Candyman. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The theme of progression jumped out consistently throughout the lesson. In their warm-up, Leslie had the riders practice bringing their horses more forward in the canter and then back to ensure the horses were adjustable and on the aids before jumping. He also emphasized establishing a correct contact and connection for jumping, with the horse’s nose slightly in front of the vertical and in a clear shape.

We find so often in riding that the exercises that look the most simple often expose the flaws in our position and technique, and that’s why cavaletti exercises are so valuable. Leslie spaced three cavaletti in a line down the center of the arena. He first had the riders canter over a single cavaletti in a figure eight pattern, changing the lead over the cavaletti. Leslie emphasized that the riders should let the horse lift them out of the saddle over the cavaletti, rather than standing in the stirrups. The riders then serpentined through the cavaletti.

Throughout the warm-up exercises over the cavaletti, Leslie emphasized the importance of suppling the horse in preparation for jumping — “This is all about suppling and getting them as soft and supple as possible.” If a horse came above the bit and braced in the frame during the exercise, Leslie would have the riders soften the horse to re-establish a more supple shape in the contact.

When the riders moved on to jumping fences at height, the warm-up paid off. All three riders had horses that were soft and on the aids, and correction came more easily if they needed to move up to closer a longer distance or hold to a tighter distance. That’s where practicing going forward and back in the canter at home pays off on course at a competition.

Eventing 25 rider Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino wait their turn to jump. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The riders first jumped a line of a vertical to an oxer set on 88 feet in seven strides in both directions, then jumped the line in both directions on eight strides. Again, the theme of adjustability and shortening and lengthening the canter stride came into play. “If you start out so you can go forward and lengthen in your warm-up, it makes a huge difference when you add fences,” Leslie said. “It’s all about practice.”

Throughout the jumping exercises, Leslie reminded the riders to keep the connection with the horse and soften them if their heads started to come up too high, which we saw when Leslie had the riders do the same line in six strides.

Next the riders moved on to a different line of a triple bar to a vertical, set at five strides but about 18 inches long. With the line set on a longer five strides, riders had to lengthen the stride to close the distance. Leslie emphasized that when you are moving up to a jump and need to lengthen the stride, you don’t need to physically lean back in the saddle, but your body should “stay off the jump” as you close your leg to lengthen the stride.

For the grand finale exercise to practice the concept of lengthening the stride, Leslie had the riders jump a liverpool vertical set at a 90-degree angle to another vertical. He first had them jump the line in six strides, then seven strides. Riders had to angle the approach over the liverpool to find a tighter, more direct line to get the six strides, then a straighter line over the liverpool for the seven strides.

Eventing 25 rider Amanda Beale Clement and Canny Calypso. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The Eventing 18 training sessions continue today with another dressage day, as well as a lunch lecture from U.S. team sports therapist Jo-Ann Wilson. Dr. Lisa Casinella of Peak Performance Equine Services delivered the Tuesday lecture on veterinary care. The training sessions will conclude tomorrow with cross country lessons.

It takes a village to coordinate these USEF Emerging Athlete training sessions, and EN has to send a massive shout out to the families and support teams of the Eventing 25 and 18 riders. A swarm of supportive parents are camped out ringside all day for these lessons. Many of the riders are also staying in Ocala through the weekend to compete in the inaugural USEA recognized horse trials at Grand Oaks in Wiersdale, Florida.

The USEF Emerging Athlete program seeks to develop talent and produce riders that will one day represent the U.S. at the international level. The USEF Emerging Athletes Working Group is currently evaluating this program and plans to roll out changes to the structure in 2019.

Stay tuned to EN for all the latest news on USEF High Performance across all three tiers of the program: Elite High Performance, Development and Emerging Athletes. Go Eventing.

2018 WEG Now Accepting Volunteer Inquiries

By on Jan 17, 2018 9:00 am -

Want to volunteer at the 2018 Tryon World Equestrian Games? Good on you. If selected, not only do you get to play a helpful role in what is expected to be the largest event in North America next year, volunteers receive …

  • Credentials to enter the events where they are working for use on the days they are working. (Although WEG cannot guarantee that volunteers will be positioned to “see” the events while they are on duty.)
  • Meals on days of service and scheduled breaks.
  • A pass to the World Equine Expo for each day that they are scheduled to work. Expo passes are transferable.
  • Shuttle transportation to the venue where they are working.
  • Assistance with lodging, with two options are available: rental and complimentary. Volunteers requesting complimentary housing will be hosted by local families in the community within a 1.5-hour radius from the venue. (If you are a homeowner and would like more information on how to host a WEG volunteer, please contact [email protected].)
  • A uniform package, which must be purchased for $35, which includes at minimum a hat, pin and shirt(s).

The process of collating the 2018 WEG Volunteer Corp has begun and will continue throughout the spring. Note: There are a limited number of volunteer positions, and not everyone who signs up will be selected. Here’s a timeline of how the selection process will unfold:

Now: Currently, the WEG Volunteer Management Program is in the “Scope Phase” of receiving inquiries from prospective WEG volunteers. Submitting an online inquiry is the first in a sequence of steps required to complete a volunteer application. Click here to submit your volunteer inquiry. Anyone who has previously filled out the online inquiry form does not need to resubmit the form to receive an invitation to the online Volunteer Portal.

March: The scheduled launch of the online WEG Volunteer Portal in March will begin the “Recruitment Phase.” Volunteers who have submitted an inquiry through the existing online form will receive a link to the Volunteer Portal to begin an application. Volunteers will create a login and password, answer security and ability questions, purchase the uniform package, and sign a liability waiver.

April: Volunteers selected for service will be notified of their assignment(s) during the “Selection Phase.”

May: May 1 is the deadline for all volunteers to complete applications through the online Volunteer Portal.

June – September: “Orientation” and “Pilot Training Phases” will take place.

For more information about the WEG Volunteer Program, visit the website here.

 

 

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By on Jan 17, 2018 12:01 am -

First XC jump of the year is done and dusted! Photo by Maggie Deatrick

It may have been cold for Stable View down in Aiken but since it’s a lot colder up in Philadelphia, I wasn’t complaining. Much. OK, a little, when I realized my show jumping jacket is made of technical fabric and therefore really designed for hot weather, not cold. And maybe a bit when the water jumps had a skim of ice on them for cross country day. Just a bit of complaining, really.

National Holiday: Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Grand Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Does it make sense to head south for the winter? For trainers like John Michael and Kimmy Durr, it does if you’re willing to shut down your entire northern operation. They’ve shifted the horses vacation to take full advantage of the competition and sales opportunities of the Florida season. [Wintering In Florida]

Entries for the Retired Racehorse Project are up 38%. 812 applications were received this year, up from 512 last year. The applicants came from 40 states, 3 Canadian provinces, and D.C., while the trainers themselves were 13% junior, with the remainder split almost evenly between professionals and adult amateurs. [RRP Trainer Applications Increase]

If volunteering is your bag, then pay attention to the WEG request for volunteers. The Tryon WEG Volunteer Management Program is fielding inquiries from prospective volunteers. In the next phase, the volunteers will fill out an application and by April 1, Tryon will begin notifying volunteers who have been accepted. [WEG Volunteer Portal is Open]

SmartPak Product of the Day: If full coverage is your deal in the winter, check out this beautiful Asmar jacket. With lots of length, it might even be full enough to prevent you from needing to wrap five horse blankets around yourself while teaching! [SmartPak]

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: David O’Connor Back in the Saddle

By on Jan 16, 2018 5:00 pm -

If you’ve been paying attention to the east coast eventing scene through the fall, then you heard a familiar name called over the show speakers. David O’Connor has officially ended his competition hiatus, piloting a few horses at local events including Michelle Donlick’s Tremolo with whom he finished 6th in the Open Preliminary at Rocking Horse last November.

In Tremolo’s sale ad, Lauren Kieffer jokingly notes that he’s “currently competing with an old man,” but we’d say they look pretty spectacular. Check out their rides, courtesy of the generous David Frechette aka The Horsepesterer!

Go David O’Connor. Go Eventing.

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What If My Daughter Wasn’t An Eventer?

By on Jan 16, 2018 2:30 pm -

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

What if my daughter wasn’t an eventer:

Would I know what it was like to take a kid to the barn at 4 a.m. to get ready to go to a show or hunt?
Would I ever see the sun rising because we’ve been on the road since 2 a.m. for a 12 hour drive?
Would I ever experience what HOT and COLD really are??
Would I ever know what it was like to teach a teen to drive a truck AND a trailer?
Would I ever know what it is like to see her heart explode in excitement because we bought her her first horse?
Would I feel her agony as she learned one of her favorite horses won’t ever compete again?
Would I ever know what is was like to watch your child do things she had only dreamed of?
Would I ever know what it was like to turn your precious child over to someone else to train to conquer new, uncharted territory on a horse?
Would I ever know who Karen and David O’Connor, Julie Burns Richards, Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin and Leslie Law are?
Would I ever know the heart pounding effect of watching your child leave a start box at any event, much less a 4*?
Would I ever know what USEA and USEF stood for?
Would I ever think my child would not go to college but instead to choose to ride and make a career out of horses?
Would I ever know what magnificent creatures horses truly are?
Would I ever know that I would watch lesson after lesson after lesson and never get tired of it?
Would I know what it is like to have my own horse farm to care for my kid’s horses that are retired because I love that they are part of her?
Would I know what it was like to spend time watching her on YouTube because now she is old
enough not to need me to drive her to lessons or shows anymore?
Would I know what it is like to be glued to the computer watching for live scores for shows I can’t attend?
Would I know what it is like to have daughter that is happy and LOVE what she does?

I don’t know the answers to these questions. And I’m lucky not to know, because I’m so proud to say my daughter IS an eventer! And like many others of you out there who have a daughter or a son just like mine, I’m very, very thankful to be a part to the eventing community! Kick on!!

Michael Jung to Make Show Jumping Team Debut for Germany

By on Jan 16, 2018 11:00 am -

Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Photo by Jenni Autry.

FEI Eventing World #1 Michael Jung will make his show jumping team debut for Germany next month in the Abu Dhabi Nations Cup CSIO5* in the United Arab Emirates.

Michael has competed at the 5* level of show jumping since 2011 and is now a familiar face on the circuit. He turned heads when he finished 11th with fischerSolution in the prestigious Rolex Grand Prix last month at CHI Geneva, one of the four competitions that comprises the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

In addition to fischerSolution, a 9-year-old Westphalian mare (Carthino Z X Fiel Rouge), Michael has two more 5* horses in his yard in fischerChelsea, a 10-year-old Westphalian mare (Check In X Argentia E) and fischerDaily Impressed, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding (Cartani X Impression).

Michael will be competing his full show jumping string at the CSI5* in Bordeaux at the beginning of February to start his international competition season.

Of course, he hasn’t forgotten about eventing! Michael confirmed to reitturniere.de that he still plans to compete 18-year-old La Biosthetique Sam FBW at Badminton in May.

If you haven’t seen Michael in action over the massive 1.60-meter fences at the CSI5* level, don’t miss this video of his round in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva with fischerSolution.