Classic Eventing Nation

Vote for 2017 Eventing Nation Horse of the Year!

By on Jan 8, 2018 12:20 pm -

It’s time to kick off the voting for 2017 Eventing Nation Horse of the Year! Now in its fifth year, EN Horse of the Year gives us the opportunity to honor the horses that achieved great things during the prior season, plus gives you all the chance to vote for your favorite equine superstar in North America.

The horse with the highest number of votes when the polls close will receive the coveted Golden Chinchilla and eternal EN Karma. This year we’ve nominated six horses, all of which impressed from coast to coast and across the pond in 2017 to make North America proud.

Before we unveil the nominees for 2017 EN Horse of the Year, let’s take a moment to honor the past recipients of the Golden Chinchilla:

2016 – Mighty Nice

2015 – Mai Baum

2014 – Sir Rockstar

2013 – Donner

Without further ado, read on to relive the season highlights for our six nominees, listed in alphabetical order. Scroll down to the bottom of the post to cast your vote. The polls close at 10 p.m. EST on Thursday, Jan. 11. We will honor the winner on Friday, Jan. 12.

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border at Blenheim. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

COOLEY CROSS BORDER

11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Diamond Roller X Whos Diaz)

Owned by the Cross Syndicate

Bred in Ireland by Johnny Duffy

Just call him the comeback kid. After a strong start to the 2017 season with a win in the Advanced division at Carolina and third place at The Fork CIC3*, Cooley Cross Border went into his CCI4* debut at Kentucky seemingly in top form. But after petering out of gas toward the end of cross country, Kim Severson re-routed him to Tattersalls CCI3* in Ireland. Again, things did not go to plan, and “Cross” earned himself an extended Irish holiday in Kim’s quest to prove this horse has what it takes.

Kim and Cross quietly racked up top results across the pond over the summer. He finished third on his dressage score of 39.2 in the Mallow CIC2* to get his sea legs back, then finished fifth in the Cappoquin CIC3* with his only show jumping rail of the entire season. Cross finished second at Millstreet CIC3* on 47.6, adding only 2.4 cross country time penalties to his dressage score, in his final prep run leading up to Blenheim Palace CCI3*.

Kim had previously won Blenheim 16 years prior with the legendary Winsome Adante, and the U.S. National Anthem rang out once again after Cross dominated the competition. A three-star personal best dressage score of 37.8 put him third after the first phase in a field of more than 80 horses. He put his cross country demons to rest with a clear round inside the time to remain in third place going into the final day.

Poles went flying in the show jumping finale at Blenheim, with only nine of the 68 combinations (13.2% of the field) managing clear rounds inside the time. Julia Krajewski and Pippa Funnell, who sat in first and second places after cross country, both pulled two rails with FRH Chipmunk and MGH Grafton Street to give Cross the win on his dressage score. His finishing score of 37.8 is his best finishing score at three-star level and the second best of his entire international career.

Lynn Symansky and Donner at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

DONNER

15-year-old Thoroughbred (Gorky Park X Smart Jane)

Owned by the Donner Syndicate

Bred in the United States by Dresden Farm

Donner was crowned 2013 EN Horse of the Year in the first year we ran the awards, and now he returns as a nominee for 2017 following a strong season with Lynn Symansky. After fending off the best horses in the world to take the win in the 2017 EquiRatings Horse of the Year voting, we expect he will be a strong favorite to beat.

After starting his season with a pair of Intermediates at Rocking Horse, Donner went on to Carolina International CIC3* and finished sixth in a field of more than 50 starters thanks to the second fastest cross country round. Then it was on to Badminton, where he delivered the best CCI4* dressage score of his career to date to sit inside the top 30 on 47.2. Things did not go to plan on the cross country, where a lost shoe early on course forced Lynn to take a slower pace and rack up time penalties. He threw the same shoe in show jumping the next day, adding a rail and more time penalties, to ultimately finish 22nd.

Then it was home to the States, where Donner landed a spot on the U.S. Nations Cup team at Great Meadow CICO3*. He added just 1.2 cross country time penalties to his dressage score and finished second on 50.1, his second best finishing score at international level in his career and the best since he won The Fork CIC3* in 2013. His performance on home soil helped boost the U.S. team to take the win in the Nations Cup for the second consecutive year. He then finished ninth in the Advanced at Millbrook in his final prep run for Burghley.

Donner is best known as a four-star machine, and he went to Burghley in search of a top finish to conclude the 2017 season. A personal best CCI4* dressage score of 45.5 put him in 11th place after the first phase. He showed why he’s known as Donner the Deer on cross country the next day, skipping around the course to add 3.6 time penalties and move up to 8th. One rail down in show jumping saw Donner finish 6th on 53.1 as the highest placed U.S. horse on the best CCI4* finishing score of his career.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

FOXWOOD HIGH

15-year-old Canadian Sport Horse (Rio Bronco W X Evita II)

Owned by John and Judy Rumble

Bred in Canada by Epstein Equestrian

Foxwood High advanced to the semi-final round of voting for 2017 EquiRatings Horse of the Year, so we have another heavy favorite going into the voting for EN Horse of the Year. “Woody” started and ended his season with wins to make him a strong candidate to take the title. He kicked off 2017 with a win at Red Hills Advanced, then finished eighth at The Fork CIC3* as his final prep run for Kentucky.

Woody completed the third CCI4* of his career at Kentucky in 11th as the highest placed Canadian horse. His result at Kentucky was the only time he finished outside of the top 10 at the international level all season, and he went on to improve on his placing at each subsequent start for the remainder of the year. He next represented Canada on the Nations Cup team at Great Meadow CICO3*, where he was one of only three horses to make the optimum time on cross country to finish 5th on 54.9.

Selena O’Hanlon made it clear she went to Plantation Field CIC3* to win, and Woody just narrowly missed his personal best in dressage to sit second after the first phase on 41.8. They slipped to 4th place with one rail down in show jumping, but Woody cracked around as one of only five horses to make the time on cross country, which moved him up to finish in third place on 45.8.

It was a sign of big things to come at Fair Hill International CCI3*. Woody scored in the 30s for the first time in his international career to lead after dressage on 39.4. Picking up 1.6 time penalties on cross country slipped him to second place, but a clear round with 3.0 time penalties in show jumping boosted Woody back up to take the historic first Fair Hill win for Canada on 44.0, the best finishing score of his international career. He was also named the 2017 USEA Advanced Horse of the Year.

James Alliston and Happenstance at Galway Downs. Photo by Shelby Allen.

HAPPENSTANCE

12-year-old Holsteiner (Hunter X S’brina)

Owned by Mary McKee

Bred in the United States by Wendy Webster

After a two-year hiatus from the upper levels, Happenstance returned to the West Coast scene in a big way with James Alliston. He won four of his six runs in 2017, including his first start of the year in the Intermediate at Twin Rivers, where he finished on his dressage score of 27.6. Things didn’t quite go to plan in the Galway Downs CIC3*, where Happenstance recorded the highest dressage score of his international career and added three rails down in show jumping to finish 9th.

Everything clicked into place for James and Happenstance after that, starting at Woodside where they finished third in the Advanced on 43.9, adding one show jumping rail and 6.8 cross country time penalties to their dressage score. They went on to win their next three events in a row, first in the Advanced at Twin Rivers with two rails down in show jumping and 8.0 cross country time penalties.

Woodside CIC3* saw Happenstance add only 2.0 cross country time penalties to his dressage score to win on 47.1, his best finishing score of the 2017 season and the personal best finishing score of his career at three-star level. Then it was on Galway Downs for his second career start at CCI3* level. Happenstance delivered a 43.3 in the first phase, his personal best at three-star level, to lead after dressage. He made the optimum time on cross country to defend his lead and clinched the wire-to-wire win on 48.3 with one rail down in show jumping.

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

MR. MEDICOTT

19-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Cruising X Slieveluachra)

Owned by the Mr. Medicott Syndicate

Bred in Ireland by Dr. D. Geaney

Mr. Medicott only competed twice at the upper levels with Phillip Dutton in the 2017 season, but the EN staff voted unanimously to include him as a nominee for Horse of the Year. A 2008 Olympic team gold medalist for Germany with Frank Ostholt and the highest placed U.S. horse at the 2012 Olympics with Karen O’Connor, “Cave” was already a legend in his own right. But what he achieved in the 2017 season is nothing short of extraordinary.

After aggravating an old tendon injury at Kentucky CCI4* in 2014, Cave began a lengthy rehabilitation process, with Phillip hoping the stalwart campaigner could come back for one more crack at the four-star level. He competed once in 2015 in the CIC2* at Carolina, and 2016 ticked by without any starts on his record. As an 18-year-old in 2017, Cave finally returned to competing with a goal of going back to Kentucky in what Phillip said would be the final CCI4* of his career.

He ran once at The Fork CIC3* in preparation for Kentucky, finishing 11th. Always one to understand an important competition, Cave rose to the occasion at Kentucky. His dressage score of 44.8 was only 0.6 penalties off his career personal best at the level. With his fitness underdone, he added 8.8 time penalties on cross country, his first run at the four-star level in three years. On the final day he delivered a clear round in show jumping, adding only 1.0 show jumping time penalty to finish fourth on 54.6 and become the new USEF National CCI4* Champion.

True to his word, Phillip retired Cave from the upper levels, but all of his owners agreed the horse wasn’t ready to fully stop competing. Phillip’s daughter Olivia then took on the ride, winning the Junior Training at Loch Moy over the summer and ultimately concluding their season with a second place finish at Virginia in their Preliminary division. A true competitor with a genuine love for the game — cheers to Cave!

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

PADDY THE CADDY

11-year-old Thoroughbred (Azamore X Slamy)

Owned by Frank McEntee

Bred in Ireland by Frank McEntee

Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy racked up top placings all season long in 2017, never finishing outside of the top 10 in any of their runs. His international record is even more impressive, with a streak of all top-five finishes and not a single rail down in the show jumping. “Paddy” started his season at Pine Top Advanced, adding 4.8 time penalties on cross country to finish second on 34.2.

He finished ninth at Carolina Advanced with his slowest cross country run of the season, then third in the Fair Hill CIC3* with 7.6 cross country time penalties added to his dressage score. Paddy pulled the only show jumping rail of his entire season at the Horse Park of New Jersey but finished only one second over the optimum time on cross country to place second in the Advanced on 40.0.

Erin made the long trek to Rebecca Farm in Montana for Paddy’s CCI3* debut and sat second after the first phase on 51.0. He then moved up to take the lead after cross country with a clear round and 3.2 time penalties and clinched the win the next day with a clear show jumping round to finish on 54.2. Paddy’s performance at Rebecca Farm ultimately saw Erin win the $30,000 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant.

After a well-deserved break, Paddy stretched his legs in the Plantation Field CIC2*, finishing third on his dressage score of 42.7, the second best dressage score and finishing score of his entire international career. At the Fair Hill International CCI3*, Paddy delivered a three-star personal best of 48.2 in the first phase. He was one of only four horses to make the time on cross country and jumped a beautiful clear show jumping round on the final day to finish fifth on 48.2, one of only two horses to finish on their dressage score in the CCI3*.

Electronic Logging Devices Mandate Waived Until March 18

By on Jan 8, 2018 9:00 am -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

For the last few months, livestock owners have been reeling over a government mandate requiring commercial motor vehicles to be equipped with electronic logging devices (ELD) as part of the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century” bill enacted by Congress in 2012.

The purpose of an ELD is to log a driver’s hours on the road. It records drive time and alerts the driver when he or she has been on the road the legally allotted 11 hours in a 14-hour stretch. Once a driver has reached the time limit, they are required to take a mandatory 10-hour rest period. Infractions are recorded by the ELD and a driver in violation can be fined.

There are some exemptions to the rule, but if you are a professional rider, compete for prize money, or even give your buddy and her horse a trailer ride and split the gas, you’ll be affected by this mandate.

Not surprisingly, horse folks are furious. Equestrians of all disciplines frequently drive long distances to compete. A primary concern of this new mandate is animal welfare; mandatory 10-hour breaks means a longer trip and added stress on the animals.

The mandate was supposed to go into effect on December 18 but the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) granted a 90-day waiver for the agricultural industry to comply. According to Equiery, “The waiver was granted in response to a petition last September from the American Farm Bureau, the American Horse Council and several other livestock organizations.

“In their request, the groups explained their two biggest concerns about the requirement: livestock haulers’ readiness to comply and the effect on the transported animals’ well-being.”

The DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website explains the waiver is part of an effort “to further facilitate transition to the rule by motor carriers” and states “the Agency will be providing guidance related to enforcement procedures during the ELD transition.”

FMCSA Deputy Administrator Cathy F. Gautreaux said, “FMCSA has listened to important feedback from many stakeholder groups, including agriculture, and will continue to take steps to ease the transition to the full implementation of the ELD rule.”

The waiver expires on March 18. Now is the time to act. If you have comments or concerns about this mandate, contact your Congressional Representatives and let them know or join the petition on change.org.

[Electronic Logging Devices & CMVs: What New Regulations Mean For Horse Owners]

[FMCSA To Announce Additional ELD Transition Guidance]

[DOT Waives Mandate for Livestock Haulers for 90 Days]

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jan 8, 2018 12:55 am -

As of this week, the eventing season holiday break is over! Hard to believe, considering the snow fall and frigid temps we’ve been experiencing thanks to Winter Storm… whatever they’re calling it this week. The Stable View Aiken Opener in Area III officially kicks off the 2018 eventing season this coming weekend. We realize some areas of the country won’t get back underway with competition for a few months yet and we feel for you. We promise, spring will be here soon!

National Holiday: National English Toffee Day

The agriculture industry is reeling over the federal mandate requiring installation of electronic logging devices in commercial motor vehicles. A 90-waiver to comply has been granted which ends on March 18. [DOT Waives Mandate for Livestock Haulers for 90 Days]

Just one week left to enter the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover competition. January 15th is the last day to submit a trainer application. Well over 400 applications from all over the U.S. and Canada have been received so far. Accepted trainers will be announced on February 1. [Apply Now]

How has the short format and longer eventing season affecting our horses? Top international groom and stable manager Max Corcoran suspects horses are being competed too often without sufficient time to recover, leading to unseen injuries that may be detrimental over time. [How Much Is Too Much?]

From water and forage to transportation, a little preparation goes a long way to surviving winter. [Barn from the Ground Up]

Monday Video: Snow + sled + mini horses = most fun you’ll have all winter

Watch Boyd Martin’s Masterclass at Adequan West Coast Dressage Festival

By on Jan 7, 2018 5:00 pm -

Eventing’s own Boyd Martin joined natural horsemanship trainer Monty Roberts at Galway Downs last night to teach a Masterclass following the day’s competition at the Adequan West Coast Dressage Festival.

Boyd rode a couple of Erin Kellerhouse’s experienced event horses, working with them over a series of fences to tune up adjustability, rideability and accuracy. He talks us through each exercise and explains what he’s trying to achieve.

Boyd’s section starts around 3:24:00 in the first video (the first three hours of the clip are part of the dressage competition and Monty’s masterclass—well worth watching!). Due to technical difficulties the feed in the first clip cut out for a few minutes but the session picks up at about 16:00:00 in the second clip. Enjoy!

Dressage Festival and Masterclass

Live from the Adequan West Coast Dressage Festival

Posted by Adequan West Coast Dressage Festival on Saturday, January 6, 2018

Boyd Martin’s Masterclass

Final 15 minutes of Boyd Martin’s Masterclass – From the Adequan West Coast Dressage Festival

Posted by Adequan West Coast Dressage Festival on Saturday, January 6, 2018

The Masterclass Series includes educational sessions with experts of various disciplines taking place each Saturday throughout the festival. U.S. Olympic Dressage rider Laura Graves will be teaching the next masterclass at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on January 20. Keep an eye on the Adequan West Coast Dressage Festival Facebook page for more info. If you’d like to be there in person, click here for tickets.

#EventerSolutions: Making the Most of It

By on Jan 7, 2018 2:30 pm -

“Sweat scraper — also great for a snowy car!” -Olivia Webb

With winter-related #EventerProblems stacked to the rafters on Instagram, we dedicated an entire post to them a few days ago on EN. But where there are #EventerProblems, there are #EventerSolutions! See how these crafty eventers are making the most of snow, ice and leftover Christmas trees/New Year’s champagne flutes!

Tis the season to fill all the jumps with discarded Christmas trees! #EventerSolutions

A post shared by Katharine Stancliff (@katharinethestubbenlady) on

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

I have never made it a secret how much I hate Winter. But as a horse trainer based in central Illinois there is no escaping it. I don't have the option to move my operation South for the Winter and temperatures can be in the single digits or below 0. I challenged myself this Winter to everyday pick one thing that I enjoyed about the season. It's been a difficult task but I find that it greatly improves my appreciation for the winter and the subtle beauty it contains. Today, the sun was shining and while mostly silent, I could hear a lone cardinal calling in the woods. In spite of single digit temps, this was very peaceful. One Thing. STAY POSITIVE. . . . #winter #illinois #positive #eventersolutions #farmlife #horses

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Stay warm out there, EN! Here are a few more #EventerSolutions that caught our eye this week…

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcP4YWABhxP/

Go Eventing.

Best of JN: Setting Realistic Equestrian Resolutions

By on Jan 7, 2018 11:30 am -

It’s that time of year, the time that many of us dread- resolution time. It can be a challenge to set a resolution and stick to it, but we have complied a list of a few simple equestrian resolution suggestions to help you get 2018 started off right.

Arrive at the Barn Earlier/Stay Later

Most days I arrive to the barn thirty minutes early or more, which gives me ample time to give Joey or Flash an extensive grooming and once over. When we aren’t rushing through the motions, we are most likely to notice small things here and there and we are building on our bond with our horse.

Photo courtesy of Meagan DeLisle

Once my lesson is over, not having to rush out of the barn is not only beneficial for myself but also for my horses. Both of my boys get ample cool down time, paired with alternative therapies such as Back on Track Quick Wraps or time under their Accuhorsemat. Scheduling additional time at the barn also allows for more time for my next resolution suggestion….

Clean Your Tack Thoroughly After Each Ride

We are all guilty of tossing our bridle back on the rack after a quick ride now and then, but caring for your equipment as thoroughly as you care for your horse allows for a longer life span of your tack. Crack out a soft toothbrush and really clean in your saddles crevices. Inspect your leathers as you polish them up and avoid a potential stirrup catastrophe. This small change in your daily routine can make a huge impact in the longevity of your equipment and makes your barn look well kept.

Drink More Water

It is practically drilled into our heads that we need to be drinking water ALL THE TIME-which is true. Just like any workout, when we ride we are breaking down muscle fibers through exercise. In order for your body to rebuild and to reduce soreness the next day, you need to drink plenty of water. So grab a water bottle for each ride and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Improve Your Safety Perspective

Safety should be number one in everything we do, but especially when working with horses. Start with simple changes in your day to day like; walking fences in pastures and paddocks when you go out to fetch your horse, observing your equipment and the barn more thoroughly for hazards, and notifying someone each time you arrive at the barn alone and what time you expect to be done.

Read More Literature

King George Morris himself reads a new book each week and if he is constantly learning, so are we! Amazon has exceptional prices on books and many books have audiobooks available- perfect for education on the go. Currently I am reading Peter Leone’s Show Jumping Clinic and have found it to be super helpful with tons of exercises I plan on incorporating in my hacks!

Photo by Meagan DeLisle

Become an Expert

As a child, I was intrigued by breeds and coat color. As I grew, this passion blossomed into a thorough study of breed history and genetics. Now I am studying up on diets, supplements, and forages. This is not only good to know as a horsewoman who might be bringing her horses home in the spring, but it also is helping me to better understand my horses digestive needs and wants. Pick a topic related to the horse world that you may not be an expert on and become one!

Have SMART Goals

It is easy for us to set goals such as “I want to jump 3’ by the end of the year,” but it is also easy for us to get lost along the way. SMART goals help keep you on track and hold you accountable for your own success. The term SMART is an acronym that will help you clarify exactly what you expect out of your performance by a set due date. A SMART goal will be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bound. Get with your trainer and discuss your goals, then dissect them to be SMART goals, and hold yourself accountable.

Pursue Politeness Like the Plague

This is probably one of the easiest resolutions on this list, but it is often overlooked. In the hustle and bustle of the industry, it is often easy to forget to use your manners. Polish up on your politeness. Remember to thank the grooms and in-gate staff that keep our days going smoothly. Follow up your sentences with please and thank you. It seems silly, but it can really pay off in the long run. People take note of respectful young riders and it can often be the one thing you do to open up doors.

No matter what resolution you decide on, be firm and fair when holding yourself accountable for them. It is easy to decide on a resolution, but the hard part comes with living by them. Make a promise to yourself that you will hold strong and start 2018 off right with a resolution to make you the best rider you can be!

 

Maya Black Returns to the East Coast with Big Dreams & A Hopeful Heart

By on Jan 7, 2018 9:00 am -

Maya Black and Mowgli at the Ocala Jockey Club CCI2*. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

After a year spent in the Pacific Northwest, we are excited to welcome Maya Black back to the East Coast. After a rollercoaster of emotions and achievements in 2016, Maya spent the last twelve months on her home turf to reflect and reenergize her career ambitions. Now she’s back and ready to make 2018 her own.

2016 was a whirlwind year for Maya: between winning the Fork CIC3*, earning a top three finish at the Kentucky Three-Day Event and being named traveling reserve for the United States Olympic Team, all aboard Dawn & Johnathan Dofelmier’s quirky Holsteiner Doesn’t Play Fair, the sky was the limit.

A few months later when it was announced that “Cody” would be returning to the Dolfelmier’s where Dawn would take over the ride, Maya decided it was time to go home. “Losing the ride on Cody, and an even longer friendship with the Dofelmiers was certainly a life-changer and the biggest reason for me returning to the West Coast,” she recounted.

“It made me question the path I wanted for my riding career and life. It wasn’t my riding ability which I doubted. It was more my ability to hold my own in this world as a professional, living within the hub of the sport, while working and competing for that chance to one day represent my country.”

So she brought her operation back to the West Coast where she set up shop at her family farm and reconnected with old students family, and friends. “Anyone who has ever had a chance to visit Whidbey Island knows that it is a very special place. My family farm, while nothing fancy, has been a place where I’ve enjoyed and had success bringing along young horses over the years,” Maya said.

“I really wanted to spend time with my family who I hadn’t seen much in the past few years. I also wanted to reconnect with the Area VII eventing community. I really enjoyed the opportunity to teach students old and new during my year back in Washington,” she continued. “I am excited at the prospect of returning on a monthly basis for clinics. It means a lot to me to be able to give back and pass along what I know to those willing to learn.”

One of my favorite things over these past few months has been the opportunity to help others learn- horses and people. I love learning; the specific subject doesn't really matter. But when it's about my passion, which has anything to do with horses- I'm all in. I got the opportunity to ride my horse Mowgli in a super clinic last week with Erik Duvander. I loved it. So simple and basic in so many ways, which made it so challenging and successful. Riding with him, reminded me of why I love teaching- For the love learning and having something I can give. I've had so much pleasure teaching more over these last 6months. There has been some wonderfully consistent weekly students, regularly scheduled days around the Seattle area and afew away clinics with completely new faces. Thank you to everyone who makes my passion fun and rewarding. If anyone is interested in having me out for a clinic or lessons, near or far- contact me. (potentially room for 1-2 more horses in training as well). I have had afew weekends come available to teach over the next few months, so let me know and we can try to work it out! Thanks to Volte Farms for the use of some of these pictures. #cwd #ecogold #customsaddlery #charlesowen #airowear #revitavet #phoenixbodyworks

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 Her homecoming gave her the chance to regroup, refocus and reconnect with the local community – and now she’s back and more driven than ever.

“I thought long and hard about this over the past year. After a lot of self reflection, I realized that the only thing I could do was to continue to strive to be the best person I can be – a person who is kind, honest and genuine, and over time I hope [my career] will come full circle again,” she explained.

Aside from personal reflection, Maya admits that she also misses the thrill of competing at the highest level. “Being away from the top level made me want to come back east. I missed working toward a big goal. This led me to my decision of returning to the East Coast, this time wanting to make a go of it and establish a proper business. I am moving forward doing this the only way I know how – by being me.”

Maya Black and Mowgli. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Maya has touched down at the beautiful Mardanza Farm in Ocala, Florida alongside Brian and Sara Murphy. With her she’s brought her own off-the-track Thoroughbred, Mowgli. This promising young horse capped off his successful Intermediate season with a top ten finish at the Ocala Jockey Club CCI2* last month.

“I’m really looking forward to what 2018 has to bring, especially with my up-and-coming horse, Mowgli. He’s a beautiful mover with a careful jump and is an incredible cross country horse. As talented as he is, he is also such a trier and the most cuddly horse I’ve ever had. He’s got the biggest personality,” she smiled. “He knows to smile for the camera as soon as he sees my phone out and is quick to pin you up against the stall wall with his head to demand that you rub his ears. I think he is the real deal. I’m hoping to syndicate him so that I can afford to continue on with him, as I think he could have a very exciting future.”

Maya is open for business! She shared with EN that she’s eagerly taking new students and new horses in for training and sale. In addition, she is looking to build her string of horses for the future. Interested parties should email Maya for more information. We are looking forward to following her journey.

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Jan 7, 2018 12:01 am -

Photo by Shelby Allen.

I’m continuing the theme of this week’s Daily News & Notes by saying it’s still cold! Enough is enough. I want to get the feeling back in my toes again. I want to be able to ride without feeling like I’m the bundled version of the Michelin Man. I want to stop riding with hot hands inside my gloves. Please, I live in the south, we’re not built for this.

National Holiday: National Bobblehead Day

Sunday Links: 

Take A Gymnastics Lesson With Kent Farrington At The George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session

Zara Tindall Expecting Second Child 

In Memoriam: Charles T. Colgan

Horse Blanketing FAQs

New Event to Showcase British Stallions

How Do We Talk About Politics at The Barn

Team #NoGoals

Sunday Video: When you and your bestie go outside in this weather:

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 5 Preliminary Eventers Ready for a New Rider

By on Jan 6, 2018 2:00 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.

Preliminary is the word of the week on Sport Horse Nation. We have several new listings for experienced Preliminary event horses ready to kick off 2018 with a new jockey.

Bacardi. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Flashy Prelim Event Horse

Bacardi III aka Paris is a 2010 16.1 Chestnut Hanovarian/TB mare by Rotwing out of Graceful Mary. She is currently competing Preliminary and is always in the ribbons. She has great gaits, a very athletic jump, and is very adjustable. She goes in a snaffle in all 3 phases. Located in Florida.

My Royal Cooley. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Experienced Prelim/1* horse

My Royal Cooley, “Roy”, 10yr old 16.3hh ISH gelding, imported from Ireland. Successfully competed up to intermediate, has qualified for a 2*. Superb cross country horse that would be perfect for someone looking to gain experience at the preliminary and 1* level, could easily go beyond with the right rider. Hacks out alone or in groups. Easy in the barn, can go out with other horses, clips, ties, and stands perfectly for the farrier. Located in North Carolina.

Seraphina. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Seraphina: Successful WINNING Preliminary Eventer

Seraphina: 2009 16h pinto Oldenburg mare by Sempatico. This lovely mare is a successful eventer with experience through Preliminary. She has won at every level and is ready for her next rider! Seraphina is easy to make round, and gives confidence at the lower levels. She is well bred, with three nice gaits, and always gets noticed wherever she goes. Suitable for a junior, young rider or adult amateur. Located in South Carolina.

Senna. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Proven Preliminary Level Eventer!

2012, 16.1 H Thoroughbred Mare by Malibu Moonshine out of Alluring Elixir by Cure the Blues. Like her namesake, the Brazilian Formula 1 legend, Ayrton Senna is a bold, brave, determined mare. She just finished up her 5 year-old year with 5 Preliminary events with no XC jump penalties. She typically scores in the mid- to low-30s in dressage but did score a 26.5 (8th of 21) at Jersey in a division where scores ranged from a 23.5 to a 43 so she has winning scores in her.

Her show jumping isn’t perfect yet but, as with her dressage, I think as she gains more wisdom, strength, balance, and focus with age she will definitely be a force to be reckoned with. Senna did one 4YO YEH class and one 5YO YEH class and finished 2nd both times scoring a 73.5 and 77.8, respectively. Senna is a registered, but unraced Thoroughbred that has been at Dodon since she was 2. Located in Maryland.

Catapult. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Unbelievable WINNING Preliminary Event Horse with Intermediate Mileage!

Catapult – 2010, 16H, Bay Westphalian Gelding. This horse is your 2018 NAJYRC winner! This lovely gelding is confirmed at the Preliminary level, and has experience at Intermediate. He is a young riders dream horse and could easily go and win at the 1* level this summer, and then move up to the 2* level the following year. Catapult is rideable, fancy and correct on the flat, and often scores well with the judges–including a 19.1 at one of his last Preliminaries. He is equally as lovely over fences, and would excel at the 1- and 2-star level. Located in Virginia.

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Laura Crump Anderson: ‘You Are Going to Fail!’

By on Jan 6, 2018 11:30 am -

Laura Crump Anderson is an Equestrian Fitness Specialist at InForm Fitness Leesburg. She is certified as a personal trainer by the American College of Sports Medicine and specializes in working with riders of all ages and disciplines. She is EN’s fitness columnist. If you missed her series on “lateral work” for rider strength, check out the Beginner Novice, Prelim, and Advanced editions. 

This title is not about any New Year’s Resolution you may have set for yourself. Though I have always disliked the concept of “New Year, New You,” I do advocate setting SMART goals to attain success. But working towards any goal, you may (and should) stumble.

This title is about not giving up. Fortunately (and unfortunately), we learn significantly more from our failures than we ever will from our successes. And, as my professional expertise is in a protocol of strength training that embraces failure, namely muscular failure, I want every equestrian to embrace and learn from it too.

Muscle failure, or more commonly referred to as “failure,” is the point at which you can no longer complete a strength training exercise. The muscles are worked to a point of true, deep fatigue. The challenge is to achieve this point of failure without sacrificing physical or executory form. Once muscular failure is achieved, another rep or anymore such stimulation of the same muscle, would be tantamount to trying to relight a fire that has already been lit. What your body craves and needs instead is the proper rest and nutrition to reap the benefits of the exercise. I like to think that once that fire is lit, rest and nutrition are the wood and the air that keep the fire going.

My protocol of strength training practices a philosophy of “one set to failure.” Ideally, the first repetition should feel challenging, but doable. The second repetition should feel significantly heavier, and then heavier again with each passing second. Should you start to shake towards the fourth repetition, rejoice that you are getting closer. Eventually, you can no longer complete the exercise. Instead of pointing the weight down at this point, it’s critical that you continue to push into the weight for an additional 10 seconds. That last 10-second effort should be with everything you have left! Then, set it down. And the added benefit of one set to failure is… YOU ONLY NEED TO DO ONE OF THEM!

Perfect execution is not easily attained. I advise everyone to seek progress rather than perfection, and remember that this a learned skill set. As you hone this skill set, your tolerances for discomfort should fortify as well. If you set the weight down in one exercise and realize you actually had a little more left to give, push yourself harder on the next exercise. Make no mistake, in addition to being physically demanding, strength training to muscular failure requires mental determination as well.

Beware of the pitfalls when maintaining ideal form. Common ways people sacrifice form are speeding up or jabbing at the weight, and moving and wiggling to engage different muscle groups. Moving and wiggling are much easier to correct. However, and especially if training on your own, extra attention must be paid to cadence, as the urge to speed up is strong. Also, any heaving or jabbing at the weight serves the same purpose – you are essentially utilizing acceleration and momentum to move the weight, and not the targeted musculature. These temptations are wrought with risk, as acceleration and momentum increase the potential for injurious force.    

Another example would be finding opportunities to rest in the exercise, such as locking out at the joint. Locking out at the joint also increases the risk of injury, and actually gives the muscle at work a chance to briefly rest. But why delay the inevitable, if true muscular failure is our goal? We won’t be ceasing the exercise until failure is reached, so why delay at the expense of our safety? Again, after achieving true failure, the muscle is stimulated sufficiently and will begin to rebuild stronger, thicker muscle fibers.

The burning sensation you will begin to feel is just the beginning of fatigue. Burning does not mean that you should cease the exercise. Burning is not failure. You must push through the burn. Be clear, a slowly building fiery sensation is very different from acute pain. If you feel any sharp or shooting pain, stop the exercise immediately and consult a doctor before continuing.

Example Exercise: Tricep Extension

This is a great off the horse exercise to improve the half-halt and core strength as well as tone and definition in the arms.

Photo courtesy of Laura Anderson.

Sit on an exercise ball

Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

Walk your feet forward and allow the ball to roll up between your shoulder blades.

(Holding here is a great exercise on its own, engaging the core and glutes, or what I like to call “the keys to an independent seat”.) Keep your belly button engaged towards your spine and your glutes squeezed.

Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

Straighten your arms up towards the ceiling. Ideally, you have a friend to hand you the weights once you are in position. A work around would be to place the hand weights on your torso, until the body is in position.

Note: When your elbows are straight, you are in the locked-out position. You can hold this position all day, because the elbow joint is bearing all the weight and not the tricep muscle. 

Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

Slowly, taking a full ten seconds, lower the weights down toward your ears. Keep your elbows pointed straight up towards the ceiling. After slowly changing direction, take another full ten seconds to raise the weights back up, to a point just shy of the lock-out position. 

Failure. Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

In the photo above, Haley has reached failure. She is pushing with everything she has, but the weight is not going anywhere. This is the ultimate goal.

If in doubt as to whether or not you have reached failure, lower the weight again, and try to push up slowly one more time (same pace as the first rep). If it moves, you’re not quite there. Once stopped, push for a full ten seconds into that weight. Even though it’s not moving, your triceps are still engaged.

Tip: To keep your elbows pointed up towards the ceiling, have a friend hold your elbows in place.

Time Yourself : Use a stop watch and time yourself. If you can do the exercise for anywhere between 90 seconds and two minutes, keep the weight the same and pushing for more time in the exercise. If you are able to perform the exercises for longer than two minutes before reaching muscular failure, then increase the weight by two pounds.

The Correct Weight: For women, a good place to start is anywhere between 2lbs and 12lbs for the tricep extension exercise. For men, 6-15lbs is plenty.

Both Haley and I use 6lb free weights and could probably manage 8lbs with fresh arms. However, we also both train with professional strength training instructors. If you are exercising without the benefit of a trainer or companion, always opt for a lighter weight. You will require more exercise time to reach failure, but this is preferable to struggling to get in position or maintain form with a heavier weight. The same is true even with a companion. Increasing the weight is pointless if you cannot maintain proper form and cadence.

Remember only one set to failure, so give yourself a week of rest and recovery and then try it again 5-7 days later.

“In sports, you must learn to fail successfully.” – Mind Gym: An Athlete’s Guide to Inner Excellence