Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Nov 21, 2017 12:01 am -

Colonel on alert and ready for a spook. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Did you know there are monsters in the leaves? And creatures in the trees? Colonel Mustard would like to make a public service announcement on behalf of all horses that there are indeed! Especially when you have to do dressage and especially when it’s chilly. Anyone else have a bit more horse underneath them in the last few days/weeks?

National Holiday: National Red Mitten Day

Events Opening This Week: Exmoor H.T. Presented by Ocala Ranches (FL, A-3) Stable View Aiken Opener Horse Trials (SC, A-3)

Tuesday News: 

Not even four-star riders are immune from George Morris’ harsh criticism. Erin Sylvester says his clinics are a complete game changer for her riding. She continues that for eventers, whose role is often to ‘get the job done’ on cross country, the finer details like equitation often go to the back burner, but George Morris brings those back into focus. [Eventer Erin Sylvester On Four “Humbling” Lessons Learned From George Morris Clinics]

In its first year, the ’50 Penalty Rule’ for FEI events has caused a lot of waves. It was seen especially this weekend at the Australian International Three-Day Event in Adelaide. The wording may leave a little to be desired. [Debate Rages Over 50penRule at Adelaide Horse Trials]

As competitors we are all responsible for knowing the rules, but how well do you actually know them? No time like the present to make sure you do! [Rule Refresher: Saddlery]

Though I was sad to miss visiting the Ocala Jockey Club this weekend, I so appreciated EQSportsNet for providing a live stream! Riders who are EQSportsNet subscribers can now purchase clips of their performances for $5! Hurry over to the website [EQSportsNet]

Tuesday Video: Winner winner chicken dinner! Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot.

Who Jumped It Best: Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* Edition

By on Nov 20, 2017 6:25 pm -

It’s time to play Who Jumped It Best? Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* Edition! Put on your George Morris hat and take a look at these photos of horses and riders jumping in to the Clubhouse Water at fence 20B on Mike Etherington-Smith’s course.

Vote in the poll at the bottom of the post for which horse and rider you think present the best overall picture. Go Eventing!

#OJC3DE: Website, Final Scores, David’s Videos, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Alexis Helffrich and London Town. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Joe Meyer and Johnny Royale. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Natalia Neneman and Weisser Riese. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Erin Sylvester and Mettraise. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Two Down Under Eventing Edits

By on Nov 20, 2017 3:00 pm -

I’ve grown to become somewhat fond of these so-called “edits” — at least I think that’s what the kids are calling them these days. While it’s perhaps more educational to watch one run the whole way through, the faced-paced nature of cross country sure does lend itself nicely to being spliced and put to music.

Thanks to YouTube users Luna Eq and Genevieve Autumnleaf, we have these exciting glimpses of the action from the Australian International 3 Day Event. Enjoy!

Weekend Instagram Roundup: Full Speed Ahead at Fresno County Horse Park H.T.

By on Nov 20, 2017 1:00 pm -

What in the world is that in the background of this Fresno County Horse Park H.T. photo? Answer: It’s the construction of a high speed rail viaduct, for a train that will connect L.A. and San Francisco in two hours 40 minutes. Pretty cool, and right in line with the Park’s train theme!

Although it was initially thought that the rail would run through the Park’s stabling area, it turns out that the construction has done little to interrupt equestrian activity at the venue. Fresno County Horse Park, formerly known as Ram Tap, is the second longest continuous three-day event in the country, with effuse credit owed to real estate developer and low-level eventer John Marshall for his heroic efforts to preserve the event.

As an East Coaster, FCHP looks like an entirely different planet. The sepia earth, the industrial “steel forest” backdrop … I mean, it’s no Rebecca Farm, but there’s something striking about it nonetheless.

#Sunset over the 'steel forest' at Fresno after a great day of #eventing Can't believe the 2017 season ends tomorrow!

A post shared by Blue Clover Eventing (@blueclovereventing) on

Fresno County Horse Park’s final event of the year was held over the weekend. Congrats to the winners! View full results here.

Here are a few of your Instagram photos from the weekend that was!

Whatever you do, don't touch the brush. PC: @nicolegizelle #eventing #blmmustang #crosscountry #greenhorse

A post shared by Olivia @ DIY Horse Ownership (@diyhorseownership) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbqo1KanaLH/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbsj7TKh_1Z/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbs8tMwFMXQ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbs2V3YnN4D/

her number one fan helps her number one fan #gypsycamp

A post shared by Kenzie Wilkinson (@kennywilky) on

WR Eventing had an awesome weekend at Fresno to finish off the season! Caroline and Quinn had a super weekend to put another great Novice under their belts! Megan and Beau ended their show season to take home second in SR BN! Mickayla and Turbo continue to set the bar high finishing 3rd in SR BN! Tanisha was a good sport and catch rode Tori's horse Cooper to bring home a 5th in SR BN despite the fact that she hasn't jumped in over a year. We thought she looked great! Tori and Zara had their Eventing debut together to bring home 2nd in Intro A. Good baby horse! Tori also did a catch ride on Gracie the adorable Gypsy Vanner. Gracie was super all weekend and everyone loved her. She is ready for her kid to take her for a spin next! We finally convinced Summer to come out of retirement after 10 +years being out of the show ring. She did spectacular to pilot Teake around her Eventing debut at Intro to finish 5th! So proud of the team this weekend, we can't wait to come out and rock it next year!

A post shared by Webb Ranch Eventing Team (@wr_eventing) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbsbc0Eg6q-/

Well done to all. Go Eventing!

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 5 Superb Packers

By on Nov 20, 2017 11:00 am -

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.

Looking for a packer who can show you the ropes and give you a valuable boost in confidence? Here are five packers at various levels that are for sale on Sport Horse Nation!

Jazzy. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Ultra Jazzy – Great Mover Training Packer 16.2H

Jazzy is a 2009 16.2 bay Appendix gelding. He successfully competed through the training level. He has great gaits and a wonderful personality. Ties, clips, loads and is easy to work with on the ground. Placed 1st at Chatt Hills and Colorado Horse Park in Training Rider. Located in Texas.

Ella. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Casino Royale~ Beautiful BN/N Packer with Top placings

Ella is a 2008 16h Bay Holsteiner Mare. She has a fabulous record at BN and Novice, with top placings at Training level as well. Very correct on the flat w lovely gaits. Judges always love her. Smart and stylish jumper. Sweet, easy, quiet natured. No silly business, ever.

Always tries and focuses on her work. No hormones needed. Only for sale because rider wishes to go 2* and Ella seems best suited to being an extremely reliable and competitive lower level partner. Suitable for Jr/YR/AA. This is the hard to find packer: Correct, fancy, beautiful, young, sound, kind, and generous. Recent placing of 3rd at ON on a 27. Located in Georgia.

Novice Packer. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Novice Packer with Talent for Lots More

5yo by the esteemed Fleetwater Opposition, the same sire as 4* phenom Opposition Buzz. This spectacular young horse has the easiest disposition! So kind, generous, brave, willing, fun. Packer at novice, ready for training, scope to go upper levels but the mind for anyone. All phases in snaffle, auto changes, very brave and exceptionally willing and forgiving. Located in Kentucky.

Queen of Spades. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Prelim/ One Star packer 2017 NAJYRC HORSE

NAJYRC HORSE “QUEEN OF SPADES”. Queen of Spades aka “Millie” is a 16.1H 11 year old Thoroughbred mare. Millie is the sweetheart of the barn and super easy to handle/trailer/clip etc. The past three years Millie has brought her young rider up to the one star level and competed at NAJYRC this year.

Millie has been solid at prelim for two years now and competed in 3 one stars this year all with clean cross country rounds. Millie is a cross country machine and a huge confidence builder. Looking for the absolute perfect home for this special horse.

This season results: Sporting Days Farm- 5th in the JYOP; Carolina International- Completion in the CIC*; Ocala International- Completion in the CCI*; Groton House Farm- 3rd in the JYOP; NAJYRC at Rebecca Farm, Kalispell, MT- Completion in the CCI*. Located in New Hampshire.

Training Packer. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Imported 16.1 ISH YR/AM Safe Training Packer w/plenty Prelim/1* Miles

* Training Packer * 2004 Gray 16.1 Imported ISH Training Packer completed several 1*’s in Ireland before being imported in 2014. This sweet boy took his junior rider from Beginner Novice to Prelim in 18 months! This is a very sad sale as rider has outgrown & he is very much loved!! He has only had 2 owners/homes his entire life.

He is a saint on the ground, easy to do anything with. He is very straight forward who loves his job & is a cross country machine, he has never said no to any xc fence & super tidy jumper who loves to leave all the rails up!~ He is a fancy mover, loves to compete & go anywhere. Easy to hack alone, bareback, gallop, trailer, clip, you name it! He has been and will be a great teacher for his next rider.

If you’re looking for a seasoned and competitive partner, please inquire as we are only looking for a 5* home. Great move up horse from pony, mother/daughter share and/or JR Amateur packer. Snaffle mouth & no vices! The smiles he has put on his riders faces are priceless! Located in Florida.

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

William Micklem: Pau 4*, Part 3B – Love and Luck

By on Nov 20, 2017 9:00 am -

In this three-part series William Micklem shares reflections and observations from attending the 2017 Pau CCI4.* If you missed them: Part 1 “The Calm Before the Storm,” Part 2 “Triumph and Tragedy” and Part 3A “Love and Luck.” 

Gwendolen Fer celebrates her win with Romantic Love. Photo by Libby Law.

6) It takes luck ….

It is easy to dismiss someone who blames something on ‘bad luck’ as being insufficiently prepared, but at times we all benefit from good luck and if there can be good luck there must also be bad luck.

When Gwendolen Fer went into the show jumping with Romantic Love she knew that nothing less than a clear round would give her a chance of winning, as Sarah Bullimore was now only 0.1 behind her after a clear on Reve Du Rouet. They jumped wonderfully until four fences from home, then approaching a four stride related distance, vertical to vertical, she did as many have done before and took a tempting forward and long stride into the first vertical. In doing this she both increased her speed and lengthened the stride and they landed over the first vertical going too fast to make the related stride pattern work easily.

Gwendolen tried to slow on strides two and three but Romantic Love just put his head in the air. It looked certain she was going to go very deep to the second vertical, and was he even looking at the fence? The crowd gasped but Romantic Love appeared to put her legs either side of his body as his belly skimmed over the fence with his head still in the air. Clear! A very lucky clear … then Astier Nicholas came in and hit three and Gwendolen had ridden her luck and won her first 4* competition.

The sting in the tale for Sarah is that if she and Gwendolen repeated these exact performances next year the positions would be reversed and Sarah would be the winner of her first 4*. This is because it is almost certain that the coefficient that spreads the dressage scores will be removed in 2018, putting a little more emphasis on the cross country. Therefore Sarah would be the winner with the better cross-country score!

7) Yes, it does take luck ….

At the 2012 Olympics in London Andrew Nicholson on Nereo were about to go into the dressage when the judges called an unscheduled break because of a storm. The New Zealand team had prepared for bad weather by training outside at all times, rather than using indoor schools. Andrew wanted to do his test but was delayed in the end by 10 minutes. By this time Nereo had gone off the boil and performed a test that was probably five or six marks less than anticipated. Marks that probably cost him an individual bronze medal and possible the New Zealand team a silver medal. That was bad luck.

Also at Pau was one of our Irish selectors Vina Buller. Vina is one of the few riders in the world to ride at the highest level successfully in both show jumping and eventing. When I first came to Ireland I saw her ride her wonderful pony Caramel Cream on which she won the gold medal in the Junior European show jumping championships.

Caramel Cream was quality and fast and clean and wonderful. A Connemara type he reminded me of wonder pony Stroller in his ability to slide over oxers in an impossible flattened trajectory. Without Caramel Cream it is unlikely that Vina would have had her international career in horses. So how did Vina and Caramel Cream come together? Her father, a totally non-horsey doctor, bought Caramel Cream for his young daughters as an untested, unbroken 2-year-old standing in the field, for £100 including a saddle! That was extraordinary good luck.

8) It takes TB blood ….

Karen Donckers with her mare Jalapeno led from start to finish in the 2* at Pau with a very impressive performance. Jalapeno is over 80% TB as she is out of a TB mare by William Fox-Pitt’s Olympic and WEG ride Chilli Morning, who is having a great start to his stud career.

The debate continues about the role of the TB in sport horse breeding, with many using TBs less because of relatively poor prices as young horses. But I think the tide is turning. For example two of the top prices for young horses, both €26,000, at the recent elite Monart sales in Ireland were both by TBs. While just two weeks ago the TB received support from an unlikely source, Dr Thomas Nissen, breeding director and managing director of the Holsteiner Verband. “We try to use Thoroughbred stallions but it’s not so easy just now … because the Thoroughbred sires are not well known in the sport horse world. Everyone knows you need Thoroughbreds, you cannot work without Thoroughbreds. At the moment it is difficult but I am sure within the next five or six years we will need Thoroughbreds and then we will come to Ireland to find them.”

My horse of the event, the one I would have loved as a young man, was Feldale Mouse, by a pure bred Connemara stallion and out of a high class TB mare. He has jump, courage and a great brain and despite being 15 now could have a great year ahead now his rider Isabel English is being directed by Michael Jung.

9) It takes a special dam and a little breeding research ….

The dams so often still get forgotten but in the vast majority of cases these top horses have special dams with special pedigrees. I noticed three horses with striking elements of their dam’s pedigree.

The 4* winner Romantic Love is out of the TB mare Sherlove Ville, whose grandsire was Shergar. Shergar won the Epsom Derby by a record 10 lengths in 1981 and is one of the top rated TBs of all time. But in 1983 he was kidnapped in Ireland, probably by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and never seen again. Shergar only produced 35 foals, so to see his genes appear in Romantic Love is very special.

Jonelle Price’s little mare Faerie Dianimo, who finished 10th , has an unusual sire for eventing because she is by top Hanoverian dressage sire Dimaggio, but her dam side includes both Welton Gazelle and Ben Faerie, two legends of event horse breeding.

Welton Gazelle is out of the TB mare Welton Gameful the foundation mare of Sam Barr’s hugely successful Welton Stud that produced the stallions Welton Louis, Welton Crackerjack, and Welton Apollo. These stallions all competed at the highest level and have produced multiple winners of international events.

Ben Faerie was only 15.2 but was a hugely influential TB event horse sire, producing not only Ginny Leng’s great champions Priceless and Night Cap, but was also damsire of Primmore’s Pride who won three four-stars for Pippa Funnell.

Finally I was deeply impressed by Sammi Birch’s Hunter Valley who finished in 4th place. He is out of mare by Brilliant Invader who is a sport horse breeding God in New Zealand and Australia. He certainly ranks alongside Heraldik and Master Imp as a producer of event horses and with Cruising as a prolific sire of both international event horses and show jumpers. His success is no surprise genetically as he brings together the genes of three sport horse TB stallions of the highest quality, Hurry On (sire of Precipitation), Hyperion and Fairway (sire of Fair Trial).

His most famous event horse progeny is Reddy Teddy, Blyth Tait’s world and Olympic double individual Gold medallist. What is so striking is that when the genes of his dam, Double Summer, are added in there are five crosses of Hurry On (3 x Precipitation), 3 x Hyperion (1 x Owen Tudor) and 2 x Fairway. The sadness is that although we know this combination produces jump and exceptional performance these genes are becoming a rarity.

So I have an understandable excitement about my stallion Jackaroo as he has 4 x Hyperion (1 x Owen Tudor), 3 x Hurry On (1 X Precipitation), and I x Fairway. Plus he has crosses of the hugely influential sport horse sires Tourbillon x 2, The Tetrarch x 2, Big Game, Buisson Ardent, Chanteur, Umwidar, and Foxhunter. Everyone will understand why I simply love this breeding and why I believe you can specifically breed the event horse … but success only comes with good training.

10) It takes your breath away ….

The depth and breadth of skills of so many of the riders at this level are extraordinary. With some exceptions the dressage and show jumping skills of international event riders used to be moderate, but no longer is this the case. Now they can be competitive in pure dressage and pure show jumping at an equivalent level. Then to see these same riders with a quality horse in full flow across country, showing both courage and precision control of line and speed, it just takes your breath away. The huge cheering crowds at Pau agreed with me … it is our glorious good luck to be involved in eventing.

So in the enraptured words of the commentator during the lap of honour: “Suuupair Gwendolen … mag nif ique … vive la France! … et suuupair Pau … mag nif ique … et suuupair le concours complet . mag nif ique … vive le concours complet!”

Read more: Part 1 “The Calm Before the Storm,” Part 2 “Triumph and Tragedy,” Part 3A “Love and Luck.” 

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Nov 20, 2017 12:01 am -

Photo by Alison Green for Shannon Brinkman Photo, shared via Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event on Facebook.

Smartphones have oodles of megapixels and “nice” cameras are no longer found only in the hands of professionals. ‘Anyone can be a photographer these days’ is a lament that I’ve heard more than once from professionals and hardcore hobbyists alike. It’s easy to point, shoot, and get a decent snap when you have a user-friendly dSLR in your hand. Despite the pure quantity of pictures floating around, I hope that quality is still appreciated.

Shannon Brinkman, who was the official event photographer at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event this weekend, and her second shooters all produce incredible quality photos. Their eye for framing and composition makes sports photography look like portraiture; I am constantly in awe of their talent and could spend hours admiring their art. You can check out more of their photos shared on the Ocala Jockey Club Facebook page.

National Holiday: National Peanut Butter Fudge Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Mitsubishi Motors Australian International Three-Day Event [Website] [Results]

Ocala Jockey Club 3-Day International Event [Website] [Results]

U.S. Weekend Action:

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News & Notes:

We continue to remember Australian eventing trailblazer Gillian Rolton, who passed away on Saturday after battling cancer. Gillian was the director of the Australian International Three-Day Event, which took place this weekend, and the video tribute to her was presented at the event. [Gillian Rolton honoured at Australian International Three Day Event after death from cancer]

Anne Kursinski is a popular clinician in the jumper world, but the techniques she preaches can apply across disciplines. In a recent clinic in Frenchtown, New Jersey she emphasized the important of rider position, effectiveness, and correct flatwork. [Anne Kursinski Clinic Day 1: Control Your Position To Control Your Horse][Anne Kursinski Clinic Day 2: Clear Communication Is Key]

Gym memberships are expensive, but that’s not an excuse to slack on fitness. There are already plenty of everyday objects around the barn that you can use to step up your exercise program and get strong for the saddle. [Equipment for At-Home Exercise | Be Equestrian Fit]

Saturday Video: Ain’t no party like a Stutttgart German Masters party. Spot anyone familiar in the crowd?

https://www.facebook.com/stuttgartgermanmasters/videos/1705362946182655/

This One’s For the Girls: Burnett, Kieffer, Knowles Crowned Ocala Jockey Club Winners

By on Nov 19, 2017 10:24 pm -

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot prevailed on a tough day that saw just 45% of the field jump clear rounds on Mike Etherington-Smith’s CIC3* cross country at the $100,000 Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event.

“William,” a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Cruising, blitzed around to add 0.8 time penalties and move up from third place after show jumping to take the win on a final score of 42.2. Hannah and William started and ended their international season with a CIC3* victory, as they also won at Red Hills in March.

“I was trying to stay really focused on the game and not think so much about trying to win. I wanted to do a good job, go quick, and work on some of the things I’ve been working on all summer and put it together today,” Hannah said.

“I’m always picking at little things (to improve), and I felt way more in a rhythm and let him run a bit. He got kind of strong, and I was OK with it rather than trying to fight him like I have been the last couple of years. We felt like a team again; it was really fun.”

Phillip Dutton made an impressive return to competing after breaking his collarbone in September, taking both second and third places in the CIC3*. The Z Partnership’s Z, a 9-year-old Zangersheide, jumped clear with 1.2 time penalties to move from fifth to finish second place on 46.3.

David Garrett’s Indian Mill, a 12-year-old English Thoroughbred gelding, jumped one of the four clear cross country rounds inside the optimum time to move from equal eighth place to finish third on 48.4.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“Z was phenomenal,” Phillip said. “Indian Mill hasn’t done this level since Aachen last year, so it was incredible to have him come out and do that” — especially considering he delivered the fastest round of the day, coming home 6 seconds inside the optimum time of 6 minutes, 12 seconds.

Phillip campaigned Indian Mill in 2016, and David’s daughter Holland competed him at the CIC1* level in 2017, finishing in the top 10 at both Pine Top and Fair Hill. Now Phillip has the ride back, though maybe not for long.

“Indian Mill is for sale if the right person wants to bid for the World Championships next year,” Phillip said. “Otherwise I’ll keep going with him and aim for a CCI4*.

Katie Ruppel and her own Houdini jumped clear with 5.6 time penalties to finish fourth on 49.7 and take the award for the highest placed Thoroughbred in the CIC3*. The Ocala Jockey Club allocated $25,000 of the $100,000 in prize money to honor the top Thoroughbreds in all three divisions, with $15,000 awarded in the CIC3*.

Kurt Martin and Anna Bella, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by the GSC Syndicate, jumped clear with 1.6 time penalties to move from equal eighth up to round out the top five on a final score of 50.0.

Joe Meyer and Clip Clop. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Joe Meyer and Theresa Foote’s Clip Clop also made the optimum time to move from 11th place up to finish sixth on their dressage score of 50.8 — the only pair to finish on their dressage score in the CIC3* field.

Lauren Kieffer and Jacqueline Mars’ Vermiculus capped their first international run back since the Kentucky CCI4* this spring with a solid clear round and 10.8 time penalties to finish seventh on 56.1.

Elisa Wallace and the Simply Priceless Syndicate’s Simply Priceless also ran for the first time at international level since their spring CCI4* at Badminton, jumping clear and inside the time to leap from equal 20th up to finish eighth on 60.5.

Overnight leaders Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night were one of 15 combinations to pick up jumping penalties at fence 9AB, a combination of two corners appropriately named Diablo’s Devil Corners. Liz and “Blackie” added 20 jumping and 7.6 time penalties to finish ninth on 61.6.

Erin Sylvester and Mettraise win EN’s Biggest Mover Award, rocketing up from 25th to finish 10th with a clear round inside the time to complete on a final score of 65.0. Click here to view full scores in the CIC3* from Ocala.

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras Win CCI2* Wire-to-Wire

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras set the place from the start in the CCI2*, leading after dressage on 36.7, adding 0.4 time penalties on cross country, and jumping a clear show jumping round today to complete on 37.1 and seal the deal on a wire-to-wire victory.

“He’s a super horse, and he’s an amazing show jumper,” Lauren said. “He went in there and jumped great. He had a great weekend — he was calm and collected. It was a great way to end the season.”

The 9-year-old KWPN owned by Debbie Adams and Jacqueline Mars has jumped clear show jumping rounds in eight of his last nine international runs (88.9%). Shout out to EquiRatings, the Official Statistics Providers of #OJC3DE, for providing data and analysis for the event.

 

Katherine Coleman and her own Monte Classico, an 8-year-old German Sport Horse, jumped clear and inside the time to move up one spot on the leaderboard and finish in second place on a final score of 40.2.

Jon Holling and the Two Doors Town Group’s Sportsfield Two Doors Down, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare, finished third on 42.8, one of only five combinations in the CCI2* to finish on their dressage score. Click here for full scores from the CCI2*.

Allie Knowles and Business Class. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allie Knowles and Business Class Take CCI1*

Allie Knowles and Katherine O’Brien’s Business Class jumped a clear round inside the time to hold their overnight lead in the CCI1* and take the win on 40.2. She has fought hard to come back from severe injuries sustained at Red Hills in March and said the win today is an amazing way to end what has been a tough season.

“In some ways it’s been the best year of my career and life yet, and in some ways its been the worst,” Allie said. “Either way, I learned a lot, and I feel like it all came together in the last month between the last trip (to Pau) and this weekend. It made all the hard work coming back from this injury well worth it.”

“Oso,” a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse, came out fresh and with plenty left in the tank to jump a beautiful clear round over Chris Barnard’s tough show jumping track. Five of the combinations sitting inside the top 10 after cross country had rails. Only 29 of the 74 combinations (39.1% of the field) jumped clear rounds inside the time.

“He’s just a cool customer, and I think he’s quite easy on himself,” Allie said. “He doesn’t try any harder than he needs to, but when it counts, he puts in the effort.”

Leslie Law and Beatrice Rey-Herme’s QC First Class jumped clear to move from sixth up to finish second on 43.0 and win the 6-year-old CCI1* title in the Oldenburg gelding’s debut at the level.

Stephanie Cauffman and her 6-year-old Chatsworth Third Revolution jumped clear to move from seventh up to finish in third place on their dressage score of 43.1. Click here to view full scores in the CCI1*.

Please join EN in sending a massive thank you to the Ocala Jockey Club for providing $100,000 in prize money for this event. The CIC3* alone saw $45,000 awarded to the top 10, with first place receiving a cool $27,000.

This event checks all the boxes. From fabulous footing and course design to top notch hospitality and amenities, not to mention the incredible team behind the event, the million dollar view of the sunset from the OCJ Clubhouse is the icing on the cake.

Thank you to the venue owners Erik and Pavla Nygaard for sharing your slice of heaven with the eventing community; organizer Shelley Page and co-organizer Max Corcoran for running a super event; and all of the officials and volunteers working hard behind the scenes. Go Eventing.

#OJC3DE: Website, Final Scores, David’s Videos, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

 

Controversy in Adelaide: Was Stuart Tinney Clear?

By on Nov 19, 2017 1:16 pm -

Controversy has been swirling around the ground jury’s decision at Adelaide to remove Stuart Tinney’s 50 jumping penalties on cross country. He went on to jump a clear show jumping round with War Hawk and finish in third place in the CCI4*.

If you’re just tuning in to the debate, watch this video:

Stuart was initially given 50 jumping penalties under FEI rule 549.2 for missing a flag, which was introduced as a new rule for the 2017 season.

The rule states:

A Horse is considered to have run out if, having been presented at an element or obstacle on the course, it avoids it in such a way that either the head, neck or either shoulder of the Horse fail to pass between the extremities of the element or obstacle as flagged. In case the Horse has clearly attempted to jump the element or obstacle and may have missed a flag, the athlete can choose:

a) To represent (accepting automatically 20 penalties) , or
b) To continue on course incurring 50 penalties (no elimination) in case the
element or obstacle was not correctly cleared.

A Horse will be considered to have cleared the fence when head, neck and both shoulders of the Horse pass between the extremities of the element or obstacles as flagged.

With were-they-inside-the-flag-or-not uncertainty also surrounding Megan Jones with Kirby Park Impress and Hazel Shannon with WillingaPark Clifford, the ground jury of Christian Landolt (SUI), Sue Baxter (GBR) and Gretchen Butts (USA) reviewed video footage at the conclusion of cross country.

The 50 penalties were originally upheld for Kirby Park Impress and WillingaPark Clifford, but removed for Stuart Tinney and War Hawk. The ground jury based their decision to remove the penalties on this photo:

Cue pandemonium and outrage. The Sunday morning of show jumping saw a group of riders approach the ground jury to ask them to re-consider their decision. Hazel was represented by lawyer Kathryn Howard during an appeal that took place in the media center.

The ground jury poured over video footage and photos and were still deliberating 1 1/2 hours before CCI4* show jumping was set to begin. Finally they made their decision: Megan’s penalties would be removed, while Hazel’s would remain. They upheld their original decision that Stuart should not receive 50 penalties.

The ground explained their decision to rider rep Megan Jones, who ultimately agreed with their conclusion. You can watch Megan’s full explanation below.

Megan clarifies several key facts. First, Stuart never lodged a protest or appeal. The ground jury gave him 50 penalties and then decided of their own volition to remove the penalties.

“They discovered the horse did actually jump the fence as it’s stated in the rules: A horse will be considered to have cleared the fence when head and neck and both shoulders of the horse pass between the extremities of the element or obstacle as flagged,” she explains. “The flag went between Stuart’s horse’s front legs, but his head, neck and shoulders were inside the flag.”

Whether Stuart’s horse actually jumped the fence is not the critical question in this case. Notice that the rule does not even state horses need to jump the fence to be considered clear; horses only need to “pass between the extremities of the element or obstacles as flagged.”

The rule also does not state that the flag has to remain in its original position when the horse’s head, neck and shoulders pass through the flag. The flag can be knocked sideways and away from the fence and the jumping effort can still be considered clear, as the ground jury decided in Adelaide.

Megan said it best: “People don’t understand the rule and how it’s written and how it’s interpreted. They clearly have to change this somehow.”

The FEI General Assembly is currently taking place in Uruguay, and it’s a safe bet that the 50-penalty rule will be discussed. Based on what happened at Adelaide, it seems it would be wise to amend the wording of the rule to provide further clarity as to what is and is not considered a clear jumping effort.

As for what we should ultimately take away from Adelaide, Megan offered her perspective: “The event is about the winner, Clarke Johnstone. The event is about Gill Rolton, who just did the most amazing job getting this event going. Her legacy will live on. Let’s be positive about this and put it to bed now. He’s clear. End of story.”

Ocala Jockey Club CIC3* Live Cross Country Updates

By on Nov 19, 2017 1:00 pm -

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Good afternoon, EN! We’ve made it to the last North American CIC3* of the year at the beautiful Ocala Jockey Club in Reddick, Florida for their second annual International Three-Day Event.

The competitive CIC3* division will take on Mike Etherington-Smith’s formative cross country course today beginning at 1:30 pm. You can take a peak around the entire track via EN’s course preview here.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night are you overnight leaders on a 34 followed by Hannah Sue Burnett in second and third with Cooley Dream and Harbour Pilot, respectively. Click here to catch up on yesterday’s show jumping report. Liz has a bit of breathing room, 6 minutes and 12 seconds to be exact, but last year only two pairs managed to come home inside the time, so it could be a determining factor again in the event’s second running.

You can watch all the action live on EQSportsNet. Riders will NOT be starting in reverse order of standing, you can find ride times at this link.

#OJC3DE: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, David’s Videos, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot are your CIC3* winners after an influential cross country day at the 2017 Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event. Phillip Dutton claims second and third with Z and Indian Mill, respectively. The time proved tight as only four pairs achieved double clear rounds – Phillip Dutton/Indian Mill, Joe Meyer/Clip Clop, Elisa Wallace/Simply Priceless and Erin Sylvester and Metraise. CCI2* show jumping gets underway at 3:30 p.m. EST. Stay tuned for Jenni’s cross country report from Ocala!

1:30 p.m. EST: And we’re off! Phillip Dutton is our trailblazer with I’m Sew Ready.

1:33 p.m. EST: No one is surprised to see Phillip give us a masterclass around Mike Etherington-Smith’s course. Clear so far and just foot perfect.

1:34 p.m. EST: Joe Meyer joins Phillip on course with Johnny Royale.

1:36 p.m. EST: Joe has picked up 20 at the double corners at fence 9b.

1:37 p.m. EST: “I feel smarter having watched this” – Jon Holling. Phillip really made this look like a quiet canter around.

1:37 p.m. EST: Third-placed Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot have left the start box!

1:41 p.m. EST: Hannah Sue has her foot on the pedal. This pair are looking for a clear.

1:42 p.m. EST: Katie Ruppel and Foreign Affair also fall victim to fence 9, the Diablo’s Devil Corners, where they have a run out at the b element.

1:44 p.m. EST: Fence 9, the second of the Diablo’s Devil Corners, is gaming to be the most influential fence on today’s course as Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous have a stop.

1:48 p.m. EST: The devil is at work today at fence 9AB. Michael Walton has a stop at the first corner, and comes around to also have a stop at the second corner.

1:49 p.m. EST: We’ve got the first time – Phillip & I’m Sew Ready added 9.2 time penalties. Hannah Sue finished just two seconds over the time to sit tentatively on a 42.2.

1:50 p.m. EST: Erin Sylvester came off her line into the first water, but Mettraise gave her a big jump to keep on.

1:52 p.m. EST: Mettraise is full of running and Erin is letting her go – they might be a pair near the time.

1:53 p.m. EST: Jacob Fletcher Van Gough slip a bit turning to the first water – the first wear on the footing after a raining morning in Ocala.

1:54 p.m. EST: Rats… Jacob with a runout at the corner at 9. Clear on second attempt.

1:56 p.m. EST: Melissa McMaster gives MMC Paddy Patterson become the fifth victims of the Diablo’s Devil Corners at 9.

1:58 p.m. EST: World Number 4 Phillip Dutton is back again, this time with Z who is looking very confident over the first fences.

2:00 p.m. EST: After two stops at the Boat at the Clubhouse Water (20) Melissa and MMC Paddy Patterson call it a day.

2:01 p.m. EST: Erin becomes the first rider to make the time today finishing with only one second to spare.

2:02 p.m. EST: Kelly Prather and Truely Wiley have two run outs at the corner at fence 9a and she puts a hand up to retire.

2:05 p.m. EST: Alexis Helffrich gets it done at the influential Diablo’s Devils Corners with London Town. Well done!

2:08 p.m. EST: Alyssa Phillips and Bliss III have a drive by at the corner at 9a. They are ultimately eliminated after a second stop at 9a and a final stop at 9b.

2:11 p.m. EST: Zoe Crawford and K.E.C. Zara cut it close at 9b, but make it through the corners clear!

2:13 p.m. EST: Kurt Martin and Anna Bella are off and looking quick.

2:15 p.m. EST: Zoe is looking foot perfect as she goes clear through the Clubhouse Water. She’s on quite a talented mare.

2:16 p.m. EST: Kurt is textbook through the tricky corners. Arguable the best ride of the day through there.

2:16 p.m. EST: Another time posted: Phillip was faster on his second ride, Z, where he added only 1.2 time penalties to make a big leaderboard leap.

2:17 p.m. EST: Cooley O stands off the Cascading Water at 7A picking up 20, Jules Ennis gets her over it on the second attempt.

2:18 p.m. EST: Jules and Cooley O have a glance off at the corners at 9a, and they retire.

2:20 p.m. EST: Tag takes a peak dropping into the Cascading water drop at 7a, but Erin Pullen slips her reins, sits back and makes a beautiful recovery.

2:21 p.m. EST: The Diablo’s Devil Corners claims yet another victim. Erin with two stops at 9B.

2:22 p.m. EST: Phillip is back for his third ride, Lup the Loop, a newer ride for him.

2:23 p.m. EST: Phillip and Lup the Loop have a run out at 7c. Clear on second attempt as they head to those pesky corners.

2:24 p.m. EST: An amazing performance by Phillip as he pilots Lup the Loop through the Diablo’s Devil corners.

2:25 p.m. EST: Shelby Brost and Crimson looking a little sticky through the first handful of fences, but she’s getting it together as she goes clear through the Cascading water.

2:27 p.m. EST: Shelby stuck to her plan to go for four strides between the corners and fence 9, and it paid off! Way to go girl!

2:28 p.m. EST: We welcome the experienced pair of Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken to this course that is proving to be very tricky.

2:31 p.m. EST: Kristin goes for the three, but Ballylaffin Bracken adds and takes out the top rail at The Double Ditches at Fence 16. Her result will includes 11 points for activating the frangible device there.

2:33 p.m. EST: Natalia Neneman and Weisser Riese are another pair to pick up a runout at 9b.

2:34 p.m. EST: Overnight leader Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night are off and away!

2:35 p.m. EST: Kurt Martin and Anna Bella earned the fourth fastest run of the day so far, coming home four seconds over for 1.6 time penalties.

2:37 p.m. EST: Heartbreak! Liz and Blackie come to grief at the corner at 9b. Hannah Sue Burnett will be our winner – the only question remains on which horse.

2:38 p.m. EST: Another mistake at 9 – this time Cary Chavis and Game On pick up a runout. Clear on second attempt.

2:41 p.m. EST: Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus head out. They will be gunning for a top five finish.

2:42 p.m. EST: Lauren is clear through the Diablo’s Devil Corners.

2:45 p.m. EST: Ashley Kehoe grits her teeth and makes it happen through the corners with Kilteay Toss Up.

2:48 p.m. EST: Today’s youngest competitor, 18-year-old Amanda Beale Clement looking great through the first water.

2:49 p.m. EST: Amanda has made it clear through the corners with Get Ready! She is undeniably one to watch for the future.

2:50 p.m. EST: Amanda may have had an issue at the Offset Brushes. The ground jury will review footage and make a decision on penalties.

2:51 p.m. EST: If anyone else can come home inside the time, it’s Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless who are so far having a fantastic clear round.

2:53 p.m. EST: The King of Consistency Cambalda is out on course.

2:54 p.m. EST: Jennie guns for it at the Diablo’s Devil Corners, but reviewing the footage makes it seem as thought she was outside the flags on the wide side of the last corner. We believe 50 will be added to her score.

2:56 p.m. EST: Joe Meyer returns with his second ride, Clip Clop.

2:57 p.m. EST: Joe definitely wasn’t going to be fooled by the corners at 9 -he’s clear through with Clip Clop.

2:58 p.m. EST: Hannah has already cemented herself as the winner today, but with which horse? Cooley Dream out to beat his stablemate now.

3:01 p.m. EST: Hannah and Cooley Dream were not immune to fence 9 – they add 20 penalties at 9b.

3:02 p.m. EST: Katie Ruppel and Houdini are on course. If they can finish quick, they can earn second place.

3:04 p.m. EST: Katie fights for it at the corners. May be up for review, but so far marked as clear.

3:05 p.m. EST: Arg! Cooley Dream comes in a little funny to the boat (20A) at the Clubhouse Water, and stops at 20B. Hannah puts a hand up to retire. Disappointing finish for this one, but she’s still a winner with Harbour Pilot.

3:07 p.m. EST: Jacob Fletcher has a stop at 9b with past AEC Champion Atlantic Domino. It’s official – everyone is building a corner in the arena this winter!

3:08 p.m. EST: Phillip Dutton returns with his final ride of the day, Indian Mill.

3:10 p.m. EST: Katie Ruppel and Houdini finish 14 seconds over for 5.6 time penalties. Phillip could move ahead of them with Indian Mill.

3:13 p.m. EST: Phillip is home clear with Indian Mill inside the time! A master at work.

3:15 p.m. EST: An update on time – Joe Meyer & Clip Clop and Elisa Wallace & Simply Priceless both achieved the optimum time.