Classic Eventing Nation

EN’s Year in Review: Top Five Pairs in Show Jumping for 2017

By on Jan 1, 2018 12:00 pm -

This series highlights the top five horses and riders in each phase at the Advanced, three-star and four-star levels from 2017. While we often recognize greatness over all three phases in our sport, EN believes we should also recognize strength in each phase. This series aims to give that recognition, highlighting horses and riders who have had particularly strong years in one phase.

We’ve already looked at top cross country horses and dressage powerhouses among the American and U.S.-based horses. Today we pay tribute to the top five show jumping horses of 2017.

To be considered for EN’s Top Five, we first began with horses with at least three show jumping rounds at this level who had no more than one rail the entire year. We then ranked the horses according to the number of rounds that were jumped clear, with the horses who jumped the most clear rounds ranking higher.

Then the level of competition was considered, and the horses tied for number of runs were ranked according to the level of their CCI (or if no CCI was completed). Finally, if a tie still existed, we turned to time penalties, using that as the final tie breaker.

Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

FIFTH PLACE: Paddy the Caddy

Number of Rails in 2017: 1

Time Penalty Average: 0

Number of Clear Rounds: 5 of 6 (2 Clear CCI3* Rounds)

In his second year at the level, Paddy the Caddy cemented his ability in the show jumping phase under Erin Sylvester, clocking in clear rounds at five of their six shows, two of which were CCI3*. With clear rounds in 12 of their 14 career stadium rounds at this level, these two are worth keeping an eye on.

This pair started the year quietly with clear rounds in the Advanced divisions at Pine Top and Carolina International. Coming home, Paddy the Caddy then knocked off a clear round in their first CIC3* of the year at Fair Hill. The Advanced at the Horse Park of New Jersey saw Erin and Paddy the Caddy have their only rail of the year before they moved on to a clear round in Paddy the Caddy’s first career CCI3* at Rebecca Farms, giving them the win. A clear round at Fair Hill CCI3* helped them clinch a top five position, one of only two pairs to finish on their dressage score.

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras. Photo by Shelby Allen.

FOURTH PLACE: D.A. Duras

Number of Rails in 2017: 1

Time Penalty Average: 0.14

Number of Clear Rounds: 6 of 7 (No CCI)

D.A. Duras is another sophomore at the level who really stepped up his game this year. With Lauren Kieffer in the irons, this young horse came close to a foot-perfect year, with only a single rail.

These two started the year in the states with clear rounds inside the time in the CIC3* divisions at both Red Hills and Carolina. A single time penalty at Chattahoochee Hills in the Advanced would be their only time penalty of the year before Lauren based herself in England for the remainder of the year.

Across the pond, D.A. Duras clocked off a clear stadium round in the Advanced at Little Downham before incurring his only rail of the year at the CIC3* at Barbury Castle. He and Lauren rallied for the final two rounds of the year at this level, jumping clear at both the Hartpury CIC3* and Blenheim CIC3* (8/9 year old).

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THIRD PLACE: Z

Number of Rails in 2017: 1

Time Penalty Average: 0.14

Number of Clear Rounds: 6 of 7 (1 Clear CCI3* Rounds)

Yet another sophomore horse on this list, Z has started a pattern of needing one show to warmup before hitting home runs the rest of the year. Both in 2016 and 2017, Z had one rail at his first A/3* of the year before jumping clean for the remainder of his shows.

Z and Phillip Dutton started by incurring one rail at Carolina CIC3*. They’d clock in clear rounds at Fair Hill and Jersey Fresh in the CIC3* divisions before hopping the pond to incur the only time penalty of Z’s career thus far at the Tattersalls CCI3*.

Back for the fall, Z had clear rounds at both Millbrook Advanced and Plantation Field CIC3*, then had a short break while Phillip recovered from a fall. Back in time for the Ocala Jockey Club, a clear round in the stadium helped Z climb the ranks to finish as Phillip’s top placed horse of the CIC3*.

Kurt Martin and Delux Z. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

SECOND PLACE: DeLux Z

Number of Rails in 2017: 0

Time Penalty Average: 0.71

Number of Clear Rounds: 7 of 7 (1 Clear CCI3*, 1 Clear CCI4*)

DeLux Z co-owns the longest clear stadium streak in North American eventing, with eleven straight clear rounds dating back to his first CCI4* in 2016. Since that date he has jumped clear at every Advanced, 3*, and 4* he has competed at, including two rounds at Kentucky, one at Fair Hill CCI3*, and another at Blenheim CCI3*.

Beginning the year with clear rounds at the Pine Top Advanced and Carolina CIC3*, Kurt Martin and DeLux Z then had a clear round with four time penalties at the Advanced at Chattahoochee Hills. They were then one of only four clear rounds inside the time at Kentucky CCI4*.

Coming out strong for the fall, this pair had clean rounds again at Millbrook Advanced and Plantation Field CIC3*, then incurred one time penalty but no rails at the Fair Hill CCI3*.

Mara DePuy and Congo Brazzaville C. Photo by Jenni Autry.

FIRST PLACE: Congo Brazzaville C

Number of Rails in 2017: 0

Time Penalty Average: 1.22

Number of Clear Rounds: 9 of 9 (1 Clear CCI3* Round)

The only freshman horse on the list, Congo Brazzaville C has stepped up to the Advanced level with a bang in 2017 under Mara DePuy. Going a perfect 9 for 9 in stadium rounds is no joke, and despite a few time penalties, this horse has established himself as the king of this phase for 2017.

These two started off the year with a clear round inside the time at the Pine Top Advanced before knocking off the same in the Carolina, Fair Hill, and Jersey Fresh CIC3* divisions. Congo Brazzaville C incurred his first stadium penalties with 6 time at Great Meadow CICO3* when Mara briefly took a detour after a particularly big effort, but the two followed it up with clear rounds inside the time at both Millbrook Advanced and Plantation Field CIC3*.

Next up they finished the year with a clear round and four time at Morven Advanced followed by a clear round with one time penalty at Congo Brazzaville C’s first CCI3* at Fair Hill.

7 Eventers We Were Inspired By in 2017

By on Jan 1, 2018 10:00 am -

Every year the EN team looks back on the last 12 months and tries to narrow down the many remarkable stories of hardworking, determined, passionate eventers to include in the annual list of eventers who inspired us. If it were possible to fit into one post, we’d put every single one of you on our list. You are an incredible bunch and we are so honored to follow along as you chase your dreams.

In case you missed it, read Leslie Wylie’s list of stories that made her proud to be an eventer in 2017. Here are seven more stories of eventers who inspired the EN team this year. Go Eventing.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Gantz.

Amanda Gantz

‘It’s About How Horses Helped Me Beat Cancer’: Amanda Gantz’s Road to Recovery Leads to AEC

Two years ago, hunter jumper rider turned eventer Amanda Gantz was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 30 years old. Chemotherapy was hard on her, but the support of her husband Zack and love for her three horses at home motivated her to keep fighting. She was determined to handle the horses and climb into the saddle as often as possible through her recovery. By June 2016, Amanda was cancer free and one year later trotted down centerline at the American Eventing Championships. This is an incredible story of the healing power of horses. Bring the tissues.

Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Allie Knowles

Allie Knowles is Back and Stronger Than Ever

Four-star eventer Allie Knowles suffered a terrible rotational fall on cross country at Red Hills International in March leaving her with a laundry list of injuries including a shattered pelvis, broken ribs and a broken collarbone. She was soon back at the barn teaching lessons and back in the saddle just six weeks after the accident.

After a careful and controlled rehab, Allie returned to competition in June and she and Sound Prospect finished 21st at the Pau CCI4* in France in October. To top off the year, Allie piloted Business Class to a win at the Ocala Jockey Club CCI*. This is a story of a rider pushing through the pain and taking care to come back better than before.

Kelly Beaver and Sempre Fino. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Kelly Beaver

Ambitious Amateur Kelly Beaver Tackles Advanced While Balancing Career

Amateur riders worldwide know the struggle of balancing their work and family life with barn time. Kelly Beaver has it down to a science, as she works anywhere from 50-70 hours a week at her non-horsey job, includes her husband and mother in her eventing dreams and competes at the Advanced level with her Thoroughbred Sempre Fino. She’s an inspiration to hard-working amateurs everywhere!

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

Madeline Backus

Madeline Backus on Bake Sales, the Color Pink and Perseverance

Madeline Backus and her Anglo-Trakehner mare P.S. Arianna have grown up together, rising through the levels from Beginner Novice to their first CCI4* last spring. We all know how expensive an eventing life is and Madeline worked hard to pay her way to Kentucky, hosting a bake sale as a fundraiser.

In addition to finishing in 20th place at their first four-star, Madeline and P.S. Arianna finished fourth at the Red Hills CIC3* and second at the Rebecca Farm CIC3*. To close out a stellar year, Madeline was named to the 2018 Emerging Athletes Eventing 25 list, won the $10,000 Rebecca Farm National Developing Rider Grant and the inaugural $45,000 Wilton Fair Grant. We can’t wait to see what this duo will accomplish in 2018. Girl power!

Lee Lee Jones. Photo by Lisa Thomas.

Lee Lee Jones

In December 2016, Lee Lee Jones suffered a traumatic brain injury in a riding accident. She spent over seven weeks and intensive care and months at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Center. She is home and making great strides in her recovering alongside her beloved family and animals. A year after her accident, her determined progress continues to inspire us. We are also inspired by the eventing community rallying around Lee Lee and other equestrians in need this year.

Leslie Wylie all smiles on Day 1 of the Mongol Derby. Photo by Julian Herbert/Mongol Derby.

Leslie Wylie

Wylie vs. the Mongol Derby

We’re biased, of course, but we think everyone will agree that EN’s own Leslie Wylie is pretty darn inspirational. Having entered the famous Mongol Derby on a whim, she embraced the danger and challenges of the 620-mile race across Mongolia on half-wild ponies. Along the way she lost her gear, her pony and, famously, her stirrups, but nothing could stop our Wylie. She ran the entire race with a mile-wide smile and proved to us all what we are capable of if we employ perseverance, grit and heart. Thanks for helping us believe we can do anything we set our minds to.

Eric and Trayce Dierks. Photo courtesy of ErikOlsenPictures.

Eric Dierks

Eric Dierks has had a tough year. In February he sustained second- and third-degree burns to his face and right hand after a water heater exploded at his and wife Trayce’s Renovatio Farm in Tryon, NC. By May, Eric was back to competing (we got used to seeing him ride in protective mask!). He was back to competing in May and later in the year went to the American Eventing Championships.

The universe has now thrown Eric a very unfair curveball and he is recovering from severe facial and ocular injuries sustained from being kicked in the face by a horse earlier this month. We know that no matter what, Eric’s spirit will remain strong.

“Obviously the only way to get through this is by the fortress of love and prayer that has been blanketed over us,” Trayce said. “I truly hope our calling is to just be a living example of safety first, everywhere, at all times.”

Now it’s your turn. Let us know, who were you inspired by in 2017? Comment below or email [email protected].

New Year’s Day News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jan 1, 2018 12:04 am -

Just an expectant mother posing for pictures. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Welcome to the New Year! Thanks for riding along with us for another year in the best sport ever. Cheers to an amazing 2018!

National Holiday: New Year’s Day and National Hangover Day (fitting)

Monday News and Notes:

Donner the deer is officially the 2017 EquiRatings Horse of the Year! Great job, vote troops! Lynn Symansky’s Donner beat out a seriously impressive group of event horses. Donner and Lynn had a stellar year, totally deserve this and we are SO proud. [Donner Crowned 2017 EquiRatings Horse of the Year]

The ladies of the USEA media team are talented, hardworking and dedicated to promoting the sport we all love. They’ve produced some incredible content this year from event coverage to highlighting Association member successes. Look back on some of their favorite stories and let them know what kind of content you’d like to see in 2018. [A Look Back and a Look Ahead]

There are plenty of reasons why you might apply a bandage but it’s definitely a task you don’t want to do wrong. Know the various materials and rules of thumb to safely and effectively place a bandage. [Bandaging Fundamentals]

A new documentary chronicles the story of Dorothy Brooke, the founder of the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital in Cairo to care for World War 1 war horses. The Brooke charity is now the world’s largest equine welfare charity. [The real story behind equine charity founder Dorothy Brooke]

Monday Video: So magical!

Winter Horse Run

From our herd to yours, have a very Merry Christmas!

Posted by Cran-Hill Ranch on Monday, December 25, 2017

Donner Crowned 2017 Equiratings Horse of the Year

By on Dec 31, 2017 5:56 pm -

 

Hip hip hooray! The Donner Syndicate’s Donner has earned the title of Equiratings Horse of the Year! For those who have followed him since his humble beginnings in the sport under Lynn Symansky, this announcement comes as no surprise. Donner is America’s sweetheart who always shows up and shows out, donning the red, white and blue proudly on the world’s biggest stages.

Getting to this final result was a nail-biting process with over 35,000 votes tallied in. But with each leg he handily progressed – beating the likes of greats like FischerRocana and Arctic Soul. 

There’s no doubt to Donner’s athletic abilities. Anyone who has seen him run cross country (or made his way down a jog strip for that matter) can attest to this. He shows the true power of a good old fashioned Thoroughbred. He may never make it easy for Lynn on the flat… but he’s got a heart of gold across country.

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

This year was one of true success for Donner. He earned a personal best (45.5) at the formidable Burghley Horse Trials. He showed that ‘nothing runs like a deer’ against Capt. Mark Philipps’ cross country where he picked up only 3.6 time penalties. Donner capped out the weekend with he best CCI4* result to date for sixth place.

Though 2017 is the crowned jewel of his eventing career so far, Donner’s consistency is what cements him as a remarkable horse. Equiratings reported that the deer has posted 100% completion rates in seven of the eight seasons he’s competed at FEI events, leaving him with a 96.9% completion rate for his entire international career.

The face only a mother, and the entire U.S. eventing fanbase, could love. Photos courtesy of Lynn Symansky.

“Overwhelmed and deeply humbled by all of the support that came together for Donner, especially in the company of such incredible athletes in this year’s #ERHOTY17,” Lynn posted to her Facebook page.

“Donner truly has the best fans in the world. Thank you to every single one of you for the love and support, and for helping this failed racehorse turned winning event horse earn the recognition he deserves.”

For those who voted to help our hometown-ish hero to victory, thank you! We’re looking forward to watching what he accomplishes in 2018.

 

Happy New Year from the EN Team!

By on Dec 31, 2017 5:00 pm -

Every time I hit “Save Draft” — whether it’s for a routine News & Notes post I’ve whipped together or for a rider profile that’s taken me weeks to find the right words – I pinch myself a little. Our dearest Leslie Wylie already put into words what I feel as well — that “it is an honor and a privilege to be a steward of this website.”

This team of eventing fanatics behind your computer screen is a kooky, creative, passionate bunch and I think I can speak for all of us when I say we feel #blessed to be bringing you your daily eventing fix. 2017 has been a tumultuous year in and out of our sport, and in some cases in and out of our own lives.

With another year waning and 2018 on the horizon, we wanted to take a moment to wish you a very Happy New Year from our team behind the screen by sharing what we were up to over the past year and what we’re looking forward to in the year ahead.

 

Shelby Allen

Favorite horsey moment from 2017: Visiting Rebecca Farm was one of my most memorable experiences of the year. Though the photos are incredible, they still somehow don’t do it justice. The venue’s natural beauty and the talented horses you see there, makes it heaven on earth for eventers.
Favorite non-horsey moment from 2017: Adopting my dog, Franklin.
Favorite article I wrote in 2017: My favorite story to write this year was about Amanda Gantz, a converted hunter rider who two years after a breast cancer diagnosis found herself prepping for a longtime goal of competing in the American Eventing Championships. I so enjoyed talking with Amanda. Her natural grit and bubbly personality were contagious.
Stupid thing my horse did in 2017: This year he was pretty feral from start to finish! There were about 4 weeks in there when he lived out completely because he absolutely wouldn’t let me catch him…
What I’ll be drinking on NYE: Champagne of course!
What I’m looking forward to in 2018: My personal riding took a backseat this year, so I thoroughly enjoyed staying involved with the sport and working with the best team around at EN. Next year I am looking forward to making the trip to my first World Equestrian Games. Cheers, y’all

Jenni Autry

Favorite horsey moment from 2017: 18-year-old Mr. Medicott’s heroic clear show jumping round at Kentucky to become the USEF National CCI4* Champion in the final upper-level competition of his storied career. I burst into tears when he cleared the last.

Favorite non-horsey moment from 2017: My husband Josh and I somehow squeezed in a trip to Holland and Belgium between The Fork and Kentucky in April. We expected Amsterdam to be our favorite destination, but Belgium stole the show. Beer and chocolate galore!

Favorite article I wrote in 2017: Out of the 328 articles I wrote for EN in 2017, these two stand out as my favorites: Phillip Dutton On Life, Lee Lee and What’s Next and In Loving Memory of John Alliston.

Stupid thing my horse did in 2017: Got knocked up! (My OTTB mare Mia is a surrogate for Stephanie Cauffman’s super mare Mistry Oak, dam to Chatsworth Third Revolution, who finished 3rd in his first CCI1* at the Ocala Jockey Club. Baby by Diamant de Revel coming spring 2018 and we are SO excited!)

What I’ll be drinking on NYE: I’ll be in Iceland because I lost the vote to go somewhere that doesn’t require me to wear thermal underwear, so I’m guessing some sort of hearty Icelandic beer. Skál!

What I’m looking forward to in 2018: Continuing to compete Jimmie Schramm’s Bellamy, the most perfect horse in the entire world.

 

Tilly Berendt

Favorite horsey moment of 2017: The moment the counter ticked over to £500,000 and Cooley Rorkes Drift was secured for Jonty Evans. It made me realize just how incredibly special the global eventing family is, and I’ll never forget that! A close second goes to the sheer amount of emotion in the collecting ring at Badminton when Andrew Nicholson realized he’d finally won it.

Favorite non-horsey moment: Did anything good happen outside of the horse world in 2017?! I mean, Prince Harry’s officially off the market now, so I’m considering this a write-off year for non-horsey joy.

Favorite article from 2017: This is such a tough one as I had some seriously great adventures with EN this year. Getting to cover Kim Severson’s Blenheim win was a real privilege, and having quality time with Chinch in France for two weeks was pretty great, too. But I’ll have to go with my very first piece, Eventing in the US vs the UK – purely because finally becoming part of the EN family was one of the most special parts of my 2017! #soppy

Stupid thing my horse did in 2017: The German Princess tries to outdo himself in the stupidity stakes on a weekly basis. Having to be escorted off the gallops at home by a very green four-year-old, because he totally and completely lost his damn mind, was a particularly shameful moment, and one which I’m not sure we’ll ever quite live down…

What I’ll be drinking on New Year’s Eve: ALL THE THINGS. Certainly all of the gin. And possibly some absolutely lethal sloegasms – that’s sloe gin and prosecco, for those of you who fancy making some bad decisions.

What I’m looking forward to in 2018: Getting back on the road with Chinch, of course! But also getting back into the start box myself, after a few years out of competition. The German Princess is also thrilled. I think.

 

Maggie Deatrick

Favorite non-horsey moment from 2017: My husband and I bought our first house in October, which despite being new construction still has five million projects we’d like to accomplish. It’s been a huge bright spot for the year, a great distraction from some tough realities this fall, and it’s absolutely a blessing to have cut the commute to the barn in half.

Favorite article I wrote in 2017: My favorite articles are often a bit more controversial, as I have a chance to sneak out from behind my numbers and toss out my actual opinions. I wrote the editorial The CCI3* Debate: Does the U.S. Need More? after hearing about Richland and was gratified to see the U.S. take a step forward and add the Ocala CCI3* to the schedule for 2018.

What I’ll be drinking on NYE: Gin and tonic

What I’m looking forward to in 2018: Testing out the waters at Modified with my (not-so) baby squid by the summer, with hopefully a move up to Prelim by the fall and a T3D to cap the year off.

 

Abby Powell

Favorite horsey moment from 2017: I went to my first “away” show this fall and we stabled overnight at the GMHA Festival of Eventing. It was a fun weekend of riding and learning with friends and family by my side. Plus, I adore Vermont!

Favorite non-horsey moment from 2017: One of my good college friends got married this summer and her wedding was an epic time! It was a super night of dancing and catching up with friends.

Favorite article I wrote in 2017: I have two: one happy and one sad. The happy one is A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How William Fox-Pitt’s Central Park Catch Ride Came to Be because it was such fun hearing from Anna how the whole thing came about. The sad one is In Memory of Aimee Witherspoon: Friend and Adventurer. I obviously wish it didn’t have to be written, but hearing from Aimee’s friends was truly touching and I found myself shedding tears as I typed for someone I had never met. It was the hardest, but most moving thing I’ve ever written.

Stupid thing my horse did in 2017: Since the competition season has ended and my pony, Maggie, has started to stock up in one udder. Just one. Yes, it look like she has a boob. It’s not a tick bite, not an infection, not an abscess or a cyst – I’ve tested her for the works at this point. The only thing that makes it go away is exercise; 30 minutes of trotting and it’s totally deflated. Then the next day it’s a boob again. It’s very bizarre.

What I’ll be drinking on NYE: I’ll be hanging out at a friend’s house who makes a mean sangria, so probably lots of that. And champagne.

What I’m looking forward to in 2018: I’m hoping to make the big, huge, scary step up to Novice next year. Maybe even in time for my very favorite event, Groton House Farm Horse Trials. If that happens, it will be a dream ~15 years in the making come true!

 

Leslie Threlkeld

Favorite horsey moment from 2017: My young horse did his first Beginner Novice and Novice horse trials and he was so. stinking. cute.

Favorite non-horsey moment from 2017: My husband and I got engaged, married and bought a farm. It was a pretty stellar year!

Favorite article I wrote in 2017: Hello, My Name Is Inigo Montoya – I love “The Princess Bride” movie and it cracks me up that this young rider let her dad name her new horse Inigo Montoya.

Stupid thing my horse did in 2017: First or second night at the new barn he got spooked by a nasty thunderstorm and somehow chested open the stall door, breaking the hinges and all, and spent the night pulling blankets off racks and raiding the alfalfa shed.

What I’ll be drinking on NYE: We’ll be hanging out at a local brewery.

What I’ll looking forward to in 2018: I’m looking forward to testing for my “r” Technical Delegate license in August, followed by WEG taking place an hour from my house (and hopefully a medal for the home team!) and my personal goal is to compete in my first long format event in the fall.

 

Leslie Wylie

Favorite horsey moment from 2017: Jumping around Prelim cross country at the Kentucky Horse Park on my 14-hand pony Princess. The jumps were taller than she was! I came off course like, “Omg, you guys, we basically just did a four-star.” Which is true — mathematically speaking, jumping 3’7″ on her is the equivalent of jumping 4’5″ on a 16-hand horse. I hate math!

Favorite non-horsey moment from 2017: Coming home from the Mongol Derby with all my body parts mostly intact and having a moment of realization that there are things in life more important than horses. Or, at least, AS important as horses.
Favorite article I wrote in 2017: After several years of covering events all over the world, I have come to the conclusion that the most prestigious championship of them all is Jr. Beginner Novice at the AECs. I went into it this year, like, you know who’s getting top AEC billing in 2017 and every year henceforward from now until forever? These Jr. BN kids. They’ve got a smile on their face, ice in their veins, and they’re coming for us all. See “#AEC17 Not-So-Live XC Updates: Jr. Beginner Novice 14 & Under Faceoff Showdown.”
Stupid thing my horse did in 2017: That pony that ran off with all of my stuff, ALL OF IT, on day three of the Mongol Derby, never to be seen again, is on my $h!t list forever. I hope you’re having fun with that iPhone7, little pony!
What I’ll be drinking on NYE: I traditionally make some sort of champagne jello shot. Because I am a college freshman trapped in a 36-year-old body.
What I’m looking forward to in 2018: Serving the great sovereign state of the Eventing Nation to the best of my ability. No sport has more fun. No sport has better people. No sport has a bigger heart. I love you guys! Cheers to 2018.
Go Eventing in 2018.

The Saves of Seventeen

By on Dec 31, 2017 1:00 pm -

There’s not much to eventing, really, is there? You just aim for the space between the flags, kick, and pray…right?

Eventing 101.

Erm, perhaps not so much. As we all know, there are plenty of variables involved, and sometimes, it’s all any of us can do to actually keep all four feet in the dressage arena, let alone tackle a formidable cross-country course.

Eventing 102.

But eventers are a tough bunch, and they don’t give up easily. When the going gets tough, the tough apply more leg – even if, occasionally, they have to display some impressive gymnastics to do so.

Without further ado, here are some of the most impressive saves from across the eventing nation and beyond in 2017. Which one made you hold your breath? Have we missed one of your favourite displays of eventing acrobatics, or did you perform a similar feat of your own this year? Share your pictures and videos with us in the comments!

Woodge “Hardcore Spider Monkey” Fulton plays hard-to-get with the ground

Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack. Photos by Kate Samuels.

Man, this girl is a tough cookie. After Captain Jack caught a leg on fence six at the Wellington Eventing Showcase back in February, it looked like game over for Woodge. But giving up isn’t in her nature, and somehow, defying all normal physics, she propelled herself back into the saddle and the pair went on to post a clear round. Just check out that enormous grin – classic Woodge! To see the full story – and video evidence! – click here. 

Cornelia Dorr practices some yoga in the water at Jersey Fresh

2017 has been a big year for mindfulness. ‘Hygge’ remains wildly popular but stilly wholly unpronounceable. Meditation has somehow become trendy. Countless apps are peddled to us on Facebook, heavily implying that 15 seconds of ‘doing nothing’ could fix our addled brains. To this I say, look, mate, do you want to know how many studs I could screw in in 15 seconds? That’s valuable time, and I don’t want to spend it staring at the underused portions of my brain.

Cornelia Dorr, on the other hand, decided to embrace 2017’s hottest trend, employing a novel form of horseback yoga while tackling the water in the CCI2* at Jersey Fresh with Sir Patico MH. Her moment of oneness with nature, her inner spirit, and very, very nearly the essential element of dirty fence water obviously served her well, as she went on to finish with two horses in the top ten after the cross country, and won with her other horse, Louis M. #whateverworks

Ludwig Svennerstal’s showjumping striptease

Ludwig Svennerstal almost loses a Bridle

Ludwig Svennerstal almost loses a bridle! What supurb horsemanship to keep his cool and recover. So, so close to a fall! Watch all the action as it happens LIVE -http://bit.ly/erml6sj

Posted by Event Rider Masters on Sunday, August 27, 2017

Okay, okay, that might be a bit misleading. Sorry, ladies. Still – this was one of the most memorable (and unprecedented!) saves of the year, and well worth revisiting. While contesting the second phase of the Event Rider Masters leg at Blair Castle in Scotland, Sweden’s finest export had a bit of a bobble with El Kazir SP. Somehow, he sits it out – only to lose an essential piece of tack in the process. Check out the video to see how he recovered and managed to complete his round. It is actual sorcery (and still makes me nearly cry laughing, no matter how many times I watch it!)

Maya Simmons-Studenmund demonstrates the importance of No-Stirrup November

Maya Simmons (stirrup-less!) and Archie Rocks. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

File this one under Things I Have Recurring Nightmares About. Maya Simmons-Studemund was enjoying a trip around the Advanced at Carolina International in March – her return to the level after the birth of her twins – when her OTTB Archie Rocks pecked on landing at the first water at 7AB. Maya managed to sit the uncomfortable landing, but the force of it pulled both of her stirrups off her saddle. They clung on for a while – even as the pair tackled the second part of the combination – but slipped out of the keepers just as Maya pulled up to reattach them. Was she deterred? Of course not – she went on to tackle most of the rest of the formidable course, before ultimately slipping off at 19ABC, the coffin. Skip to 5:04 in the above video to witness the absolute marvel of Maya jumping out of the water in perfect style. My leg has never looked that solid WITH stirrups.

Louise Harwood schedules a snooze at Pau

Louise Harwood and Mr Potts tackle the final water at Pau. Photo by Tilly Berendt

Photo by Tilly Berendt

Photo by Tilly Berendt

Photo by Tilly Berendt

Diminutive Louise Harwood has made a name for herself piloting some rather large homebreds around the world’s toughest events. The thing is, when you’re small, sometimes you have to just lie back and think of England, as it were. At the final water, Louise had one such moment, when Mr Potts took a huge leap in, propelling his rider to the back of the saddle. It’s cool though, she styled it out – but unfortunately, the pair would pick up a late 20 penalties on course a few fences later.

The Kieffertron channels her inner mermaid at Rolex

Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus.

What do you do when your horse decides in mid-air that he’s actually a seahorse and legs are totally overrated? Well, if you’re Lauren Kieffer, you never ever stray from your seahorse’s centre of balance and you let him work it all out underneath you. That’s exactly what she did at Rolex (as it still was, then!) when Vermiculus had a bit of a disagreement with the ground at the Lake. After sticking the landing, the pair clocked up 20 penalties and, unfortunately, withdrew before the final horse inspection, but they still made their mark on a great competition with this spectacular save.

Will Furlong tests out gravity at Houghton Hall; finds it lacking

There’s a lot of pressure that comes with your first senior team call-up, especially when you’re just 22-years-old and riding a horse you’ve only had for a matter of months. But Team GB’s Will Furlong didn’t look for a minute like the pressure was getting to him, as he and Collien P2 sailed around the Nations Cup at Houghton Hall in May. Look how cool, calm, and collected he is in this series of photos by Laura Butcher, even as he takes this seriously creative (and possibly inadvisable) route over the open corners. Somehow, Mr Sticky Breeches stayed on, and went on to finish fourth. Not too shabby, Furlong. Not too shabby at all.

William Fox-Pitt shows off his best dance moves

MyLuckyDay

For Boxing Day 2017 we are republishing the top ten Harveywetdog Facebook videos of 2017. At number Two we go right back to my first day of the 2017 season at Tweseldown with William Fox-Pitt and a recalcitrant My Lucky Day.My Lucky Day and William Fox-Pitt take a few minutes to get started at Tweseldown in the Open Intermediate. I like the way the oblivious announcer is bigging William up as the horse is going sidewards out of the start box.

Posted by Harveywetdog on Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Sometimes, you don’t even need to go near a fence to show off a spectacular save. William Fox-Pitt had planned an educational outing for My Lucky Day in the Open Intermediate at Tweseldown earlier in the spring, but the horse had other ideas. Check out this incredible video, courtesy of Harveywetdog, in which My Lucky Day casually spins his way to the first fence with all the grace of a ballerina with ‘roid rage. The duo went on to complete a clear cross country round (with, erm, 58.4 time penalties). Absolute #lads.

Elle Choate experiments with a seriously forward seat

Young talent Elle Choate was cruising around the Junior Training showjumping with Paddrick at the Richland Park Horse Trials in August when everything went a bit pear-shaped. A cluck for encouragement did its job rather too well, and the ISH gelding surged forward on landing, bucked, and launched his head down. Somehow – and I’m still not quite sure how – Elle managed to get Paddrick’s head back up and get herself back in the plate, adding just 11 time penalties and one rail to finish 11th in the division. Barbara Martin caught the Kodak moment on camera, giving us all a good giggle (and a reason to practice stirrup-less jumping, stat).

For every spectacular save, however, there’s always a heaping helping of people who eat dirt for dinner. Sometimes they don’t even need to go near a horse to do so. Check out the action stage left as Zara Phillips tackles the water at Rolex. Nearly…nearly…nope, she’s in.

EN’s Year in Review: Top Five Pairs in Cross Country for 2017

By on Dec 31, 2017 11:00 am -

Welcome to the second post in our series highlighting the top five horses and riders in each phase at the Advanced, three-star and four-star levels from 2017. Yesterday we highlighted the top five dressage powerhouses among the American and U.S. based horses. Today we pay tribute to the top five cross country horses of 2017.

To be considered for EN’s Top Five in this category, we first began with horses that completed every cross country round they started and incurred no jump penalties or frangible penalties in any of their starts — in other words, a perfect jump penalty record for 2017. The horses also needed to have completed at least three cross country rounds this year, of which at least one must be a CCI, to be considered.

We then ranked the horses according to who averaged the fewest number of time penalties across the country.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Amy Dragoo Photography.

FIFTH PLACE: Foxwood High

Jump Penalties: 0

Time Penalty Average: 3.43

Number of Runs: 7

Foxwood High and Selena O’Hanlon started the year off a bit slower and then ended by picking up the pace, ultimately winning the CCI3* at Fair Hill, the first time a Canadian has won the division.

These two started their season at Rocking Horse Advanced, accumulating 4.8 time penalties. At Red Hills, they had a speedy 2.0 time penalties to help win the Advanced division. Next up was the WEG venue at The Fork CIC3*, where they had a solid clear round with 4.8 time penalties. The two finished their spring season at the Rolex CCI4*, with a clear round and 10.4 time.

Foxwood High and Selena came out guns blazing for the fall season, beginning with a clear round 3 seconds inside the time at the Great Meadow CICO3*, followed by another clear round at Plantation Field CIC3*, this time 6 seconds inside the time. Their crowning achievement this fall was the win at Fair Hill CCI3*, helped by their round only 4 seconds over the optimum.

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Libby Law.

FOURTH PLACE: Vandiver

Jump Penalties: 0

Time Penalty Average: 3.37

Number of Runs: 7

Doug Payne and Vandiver had a very good year in the second phase, finishing inside the time on three occasions and finishing fifteen seconds or less over optimum all but once.

These two started the year at Pine Top CIC3*, putting in the fastest round of the day after finishing 11 seconds under optimum. Vandiver followed it up with a quick but not lightning-fast round at Carolina in the CIC3*, finishing 12 seconds over optimum for 4.8 time penalties. At The Fork CIC3*, the WEG venue for 2018, they equaled the fastest round in the CIC3*, finishing 3 seconds under optimum. Their fall season concluded at Rolex Kentucky CCI4*, where Vandiver had a very solid 5.2 time penalties.

After a break while Doug mended from a broken collarbone, Vandiver next appeared at Millbrook, clocking in a slower round with 8.4 time penalties. Doug then put the pedal to the metal for the American Eventing Championships, proving his earlier run at the venue wasn’t a fluke with a clear round 9 seconds inside the time. The pair rounded the year our with a trip across the pond to Blenheim, finishing with 5.2 penalties in the CCI3*.

Kylie Lyman and Da Vinci Code. Photo by MWL/Hoofclix.com.

THIRD PLACE: Da Vinci Code

Jump Penalties: 0

Time Penalty Average: 3.20

Number of Runs: 3

Da Vinci Code is flying under the radar after he had a strong spring season. A clear run with only 5.2 penalties at Pine Top CIC3* marked a solid start to the year. At Carolina CIC3*, where time was extremely difficult to make this year, Da Vinci Code and Kylie Lyman came close, accumulating only 3.2 time penalties. Then Da Vinci Code established his cross-country talent over the Bromont CCI3* course, where he was only 3 seconds over optimum time.

Matthew Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

SECOND PLACE: Super Socks BCF

Jump Penalties: 0

Time Penalty Average: 2.67

Number of Runs: 3

Super Socks BCF and Matt Brown were coming off a high in 2016 with a win at the inaugural CIC3* at the Ocala Jockey Club, and clearly had a goal in mind. Choosing to run at a slower pace in their first run of the year, they accumulated 7.6 time penalties at the Pine Top CIC3*.

That would be the slowest they’d go all year. At Carolina, they pressed the pace in the Advanced and managed the fastest round of the day over a hard-to-make-time track, finishing only one second over optimum time. At Rolex, Super Socks BCF became a super hero after finishing with the second fastest round of the day, fastest of all the American riders.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

FIRST PLACE: Chatwin

Jump Penalties: 0

Time Penalty Average: 0.27

Number of Runs: 3

Chatwin had an abbreviated year due to his rider’s growing family, but Frankie Theriot-Stutes quietly assembled a supremely solid spring season with this young horse.

This pair began the year at Twin Rivers, running clear in the Advanced division while finishing 7 seconds under the optimum time. They continued the pattern at the Galway Downs CIC3*, this time finishing 17 seconds under optimum en route to a clear round.

After a monsoon at Jersey Fresh caused Frankie to withdraw prior to the cross country, Chatwin re-routed to the Bromont CCI3*, where he finished only two seconds over the optimum time in his first CCI3*, marking the third-fastest round of the day.

Best of 2017 Video Countdown #1: Here Comes Chalupa

By on Dec 31, 2017 9:00 am -

For the past 10 days we’ve been counting down the most popular videos shared on EN in 2017, and now we’re ready to crown the champion! The #1 spot goes to “Here Comes Chalupa,” which garnered 12,022 views when it was posted on January 19, 2017. And I think we can all agree that Chalupa Batman deserves every ounce of glory that the Eventing Nation can send his way!

Citizens of EN, get ready for an off-the-charts level of cuteness.

Meet Chalupa Batman (yes, Chalupa Batman, a la The League) and his rider Abbey Clark, who contested the Junior Starter Novice division at the Heritage Park Horse Trials in Olathe, Kansas over the weekend. Chalupa is a 7-year-old Shetland Pony owned by Kris Wallace, head trainer and owner of Columbia Equestrian Center in Missouri.

Just look at how those tiny knees snap to his tiny nose over the fences, look at those little bitty lead changes, and check out how he takes those fences right out of stride. What a great team!

BONUS: Tiny dressage! I give them a 10 for cuteness.

Fly, Chalupa, fly — and may you impart a love of eventing upon all the children that you teach.

New Year’s Eve Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Dec 31, 2017 12:01 am -

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ok guys today is the final day to vote Donner for the 2017 Equiratings Horse of the Year! Donner is America’s sweetheart. Bred in Middleburg, Virginia, Donner had a short lived, and mostly unsuccessful career as a racehorse before landing in Lynn Symanksy’s barn. Since then he’s represented the United States on five international teams and had 8 four-star completions. Donner is the epitome of #OTTBPower. Show your support and fulfill your patriotic duty by voting for Donner on the Facebook poll.

National Holiday: New Year’s Eve, National Champagne Day.

Sunday Links:

8 Riders You Need on Your Radar in 2018

A Look Back and a Look Ahead

Showjumper Put Down After ‘Freak Accident’ at Liverpool International

Bunny Ears, Cowboy Hat Cups And Chit-Chat With Legends: The Chronicle Staff’s 2017 Memorable Moments

From Perfection To A Famous Pig: Images Of A Year 2017

Lameness in the Modern Era: Let’s Not Slip in the VOMIT

ICYMI: You can win a Boyd Martin Eventing 4-pack from Majyk Equipe! All you have to do is share your New Year’s Resolution here by midnight.

Sunday Video: The Donner we all know and love…

Chinch’s Favorite Helmet Cams of 2017

By on Dec 30, 2017 4:00 pm -

You galloped. You jumped. You got it all on camera, and we watched! Our team of chinchillas has been hard at work this year scouring the internet for the top videos in the sport. They especially enjoy helmet cams seeing as though they haven’t yet made a saddle small enough for our furry mascot. Helmet cams let him experience the thrill of cross country!

So without further ado, here were Chinch’s favorite helmet camera videos of 2017:

Ride Around Wellington with Elisa Wallace

“Alright J.B., you ready? It’s fun time, buddy!” were Elisa Wallace’s words to Simply Priceless, aka Johnny, before they left the start box at the 2017 $100,000 Land Rover Wellington Eventing Showcase. They rocked and rolled around Capt. Mark Phillips’ technical course, turning in a clear round and one of the fastest rides of the day with only 3.6 time for an 18th place finish.

Dread Pirate Robby Sails to a Clear Round at Richland

For all of the “The Princess Bride” fans out there, we’ve come across another horse named after one of the cult classic film’s beloved characters competing at Richland Park. In the movie, the Dread Pirate Roberts was a notorious pirate wreaking havoc on the high seas. The masked man turned out to be the story’s beloved hero, Westley, disguised in a black ninja suit. Dread Pirate Robby is an off-track Thoroughbred gelding who was taking no prisoners on the Preliminary cross country course at Richland with his owner Breanne Palmerini.

Lainey Ashker’s Virginia Horse Trials CCI1* Helmet Cam

“I wouldn’t sell this horse for a million dollars,” said Lainey Ashker after stripping the saddle from Call Him Paddy, having just ridden double clear across country in the horse’s first CCI1*. Lainey’s mom, Valerie, found “Patrick” for her as a Thoroughbred Makeover project for the 2015 competition. Since then, he’s moved up the levels with Lainey and just finished 8th in the CCI1*-B division at the Virginia Horse Trials this weekend after adding just three time penalties from show jumping onto their dressage score.

Ingrid Klimke’s Aachen Helmet Cam

Is there anything better than watching an Ingrid Klimke helmet cam? It’s essentially a free cross country lesson. For those of you fluent in German, you also get to enjoy Ingrid’s commentary on her round with Horseware Hale Bob, who won the Aachen CICO3* on his dressage score of 34.5.

‘Beefed-Up Maxed-Out Olympic Novice’ Stable View Helmet Cam (1109)

Carrie Stryker and Just for Today had a great go at Stable View H.T. this weekend, making short work of what Carrie described as a “beefed-up maxed-out Olympic Novice course.” “A lot of people couldn’t hang with his buck, but Carrie took a lot of time and patience to build a real partnership with this horse,” says Jade Anderson-Tucker, who has been coaching the pair off and on for the past year.

Thanks, for letting us ride along. Can’t wait to see what we’ll get to see in 2018.