Classic Eventing Nation

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Find Your 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover Project

By on Nov 28, 2017 2:30 pm -

If you’ve been thinking about participating in the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, your opportunity is coming up! Trainer applications for the 2018 edition of the event open this Friday, December 1st, and updated rules will be published that day as well. Applications will be accepted through January 15th and approved trainers will be announced on February 1st.

Eligible horses must have raced or had a published work after June 30, 2016 and not have started training in a second career before December 1, 2017. To help you out, we’ve picked out three eligible candidates for next year’s Thoroughbred Makeover to feature in this week’s OTTB Wishlist:

Talk Time (Quality Road – Deb’s Honor, by Affirmed): 2012 16.1-hand Kentucky bred gelding

Here’s a well-bred and classy horse who’ll make a lovely sport horse prospect! Talk Time’s sire, Quality Road, is known for producing offspring that are both easy to work with and workmanlike. This athletic guy had a decent record at the track, earning $84,000 in 28 starts. Talk Time is reported as sound and with no vices and was very well-mannered for photoshoot on a blustery New York day.

View Talk Time on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Global America (Globalize – Beautiful American, by Quiet American): 2012 16.1-hand California bred mare

Here’s a lovely looking filly who has a disposition to match. Global America’s connections report that she is easy-going, has an in-your-pocket personality, and isn’t at all mareish. She’s ready for her second career and could go in any direction. She trotted out very nicely and also has recent radiographs of her knees and ankles available for viewing.

View Global America on CANTER California.

Photo Shoot (Giant’s Causeway – Kreisleriana, by Seeking the Gold): 2007 16.2-hand Kentucky bred gelding

This horse appears to be aptly named! Photo Shoot is ready to bring the same competitiveness to his next career that he brought to the track. A well-traveled guy, this gelding has raced at many different tracks up and down the U.S. and Canada, earning over $200,000 in 47 races. This elegant horse will need someone with experience to bring him along, but he’s sure to be a stunner!

View Photo Shoot on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

On Giving Tuesday, Remember Equine-Based Charities

By on Nov 28, 2017 12:00 pm -

A therapeutic riding lesson. Photo: Flickr/Andrew Hutchinson/CC.

Happy Giving Tuesday: this growing annual movement reminds us to keep some room in our plans this holiday season for charitable giving as well as gift-giving to family and friends. If you’re looking for ideas or inspiration for an equine-based charity to support this year, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites.

The Brooke

In developing regions of the world, equines are still a critical aspect of the workforce — an estimated 100 million working horses and donkeys support 600 million people in such tasks as carrying water, hauling fuel and feed or pulling loads. The Brooke seeks to improve the lives of these working animals through community-level change, including education, health care and networking with local veterinarians. The Brooke also works with governments in these countries to develop legislation to better protect working animals. Learn more about The Brooke.

US Equestrian’s Disaster Relief Fund

2017, frankly, was a terrible year in terms of natural disasters: from wildfires all across the American west to hurricanes in the Southeast and Puerto Rico, the United States was hit hard — and of course, where there are people there are horses. US Equestrian’s Disaster Relief Fund was a resource for horse owners in need in these times of crisis, providing funding for emergency veterinary care as well as feed. We’ll never know what tomorrow might bring, but the Disaster Relief Fund could very well be our parachute. Learn more about the Disaster Relief Fund.

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

The TRF is the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the world, devoted to protecting the Thoroughbred racehorse when his racing days are over to prevent him from possible neglect, abuse or slaughter. To this mission, TRF has sheltered thousands of animals, with many going on to second careers while some remain at sanctuary. TRF has also partnered with State of New York Department of Correctional Services to create a vocational training program for inmates, focusing on equine care and management. Learn more about Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

PATH International

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International) is the credentialing organization for therapeutic riding centers and also certifies instructors and specialists. PATH International provides training and educational resources for therapeutic riding schools all over the world, insuring that students, teachers and horses are safe, healthy and happy and that the maximum benefit can be reached by all. Through PATH International, prospective students can find an accredited organization that will best match their needs to enrich their experience. Learn more about PATH International.

Your local rescue or therapeutic riding center

Keeping your donation in your own community can be one of the best ways to help affect change at the local level — search for reputable horse rescues or therapeutic riding centers in your area that could benefit! Keep in mind that donations don’t have to be in the form of cash: many rescues or programs are desperately in need of volunteer help, either for day-to-day operations or for larger projects. Your individual talents will be appreciated, whether you’re able to groom rescue horses, repair fence, repaint the barn, muck stalls, be a sidewalker champion, design marketing materials, write articles or build a mounting ramp.

Need more ideas? Check out our past weekly Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding columns, which spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world.

Go riding.

Let’s Discuss: What Is Your Fantasy 2022 WEG Venue?

By on Nov 28, 2017 9:00 am -

My fantasy vote goes to Rome, with dressage and show jumping to be held in the majestic Stadio dei Marmi and cross country running through beautiful Italian wine country! Photo by Stefano Grasso/Longines Global Champions Tour.

The 2022 World Equestrian Games is the hot potato of equestrian championships — nobody seems to hang onto it for very long. To recall, in December 2016 the FEI named Lexington and Slovakia’s Samorin the official candidates to host the WEG; then, in January, the Kentucky Horse Park withdrew itself from consideration, explaining that they did not think it would be “economically feasible,” leaving the Samorin Equestrian Centre as the only official bidder.

But at last week’s FEI General Assembly, it was announced that Samorin had decided to not sign the WEG host agreement and had subsequently withdrawn its bid. The FEI Bureau has decided to reopen the bidding process under a revised timeline, with the host to be allotted at the FEI Bureau meeting in November 2018.

“We are confident there will be candidates, but these are complex Games and we need to make sure we do it right,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos told the General Assembly.

Loads of candidates, we’re sure! Step right up!

We thought we’d kick-start the nomination process. Which brings us to this week’s “Let’s Discuss” question: Who would you like to see host the 2022 WEG? Think outside the box and remember — in this thought experiment, at least, money is no object!

It doesn’t have to be an established equestrian venue like Lexington or Tryon; consider the 2014 Normandy WEG’s conversion of a soccer stadium into its main arena. Lots of swanky NFL stadiums sitting around here collecting dust in the offseason, just sayin’. Maybe you’d like to see cross country run through Central Park or Augusta National Golf Club, or the rainforest or the Mongolian steppe. Dream big! Who knows, the FEI seems to be grasping for straws anyway, maybe we can shake loose a lead or two.

Share your wildest 2022 WEG fantasy venue in the comments section below! 

 

Giving Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Nov 28, 2017 12:01 am -

Happy Giving Tuesday! Whether or not you shopped ’til you dropped this weekend or not, consider using this day to support a charity important to you. If you’re looking for some equine related giving Tuesday options, consider the USEA Foundation. Thanks to an anonymous donor, each dollar given to the Roger Haller Fund for educating eventing officials will be matched, so your contribution can go twice as far.

National Holiday: National Day of Giving

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

Tuesday News:

The Man. The Myth. The Legend. Mr. Medicott. “Cave” accomplished a lot in his star-studded career. Not only did he earn multiple CCI4* top ten finishes, he did so with three different riders! This puts him in a league of his own. Equiratings breaks down just how cool this is. [Mr Medicott – 4* Domination with 3 Different Riders]

The Maryland Horse World Expo is officially closing its doors. The Expo, held each January at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, announced today their plans to abandon the 2018 date and beyond due to reduced numbers of attendants and exhibitors. Disappointed visitors are encouraged to visit the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo, March 1-4, 2018 in Harrisburg. [CANCELED: Maryland Horse World Expo]

Did you know that using a cell phone while competing is grounds for disqualification? Well, I’d hope you wouldn’t be texting on cross country, but this is just one of the real ways to end your weekend early! This list is worth going over again. [Rule Refresher: Disqualification]

Tuesday Video: No excuses to take the winter off in 1936!

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: A Thanksgiving Day Tradition with the Myopia Hunt

By on Nov 27, 2017 5:00 pm -

Photo via Myopia Hunt on Facebook.

Since its founding in 1882, the Myopia Hunt of Hamilton, Massachusetts, has gathered on Thanksgiving Day morning to cap off the season in style. Myopia is oldest operating drag hunt in America and they work closely with private landowners and conservation organizations alike to preserve open space in the area. The club additionally hosts events open to the public throughout the year including the annual Myopia Horse show and two hunter paces each year, which are very popular — particularly with local eventers.

The tradition of the Thanksgiving Hunt has since been adopted by the general public as well. Early in the morning before dinner preparations begin, throngs of spectators donning warm winter hats and clutching their coffees congregate at Appleton Farm in Ipswich to watch the spectacle as the hunt departs. This short video by Jay Burnham captures the excitement as the hunt set out this year:

SmartPak Cyber Monday: Sales on Sales on Sales!

By on Nov 27, 2017 3:00 pm -

Not actually my horse, but he’ll be snug as a bug in this new rug thanks to SmartPak’s sales! Photo via SmartPakEquine.com.

Whether you’re getting a jumpstart on your holiday shopping list or investing in a few new pieces for yourself or your horse, Cyber Monday is a great time to visit SmartPakEquine.com!

Cyber Monday sale: Using code Holiday17, enjoy 15% off your eligible purchase (plus an additional 5% off with your association discount for certain memberships) — PLUS, orders over $100 are eligible for a free $15 SmartPak gift certificate, which can make a great gift or be applied to one of your own future orders!

25 Deals of Christmas: SmartPak’s annual ongoing holiday sale is in full swing, with a special deal available daily! Today’s deal? 30% off SmartPak and Rockin’ SP turnouts! There’s a different deal every day, so keep checking SmartPakEquine.com to see the ways you can save big every day.

Christmas is already coming early for my new horse Jobber, who is in need of a new turnout sheet after just two weeks of romping around in an old sheet I already owned, happily punching holes right and left. Armed with sales on sales on sales, I snagged him a brand-new SmartPak Ultimate High Neck Turnout Sheet, which comes with SmartPak’s 10-year Indestructible Guarantee — if he punches holes in THIS sheet, I can send it back to SmartPak, no questions asked, and get a replacement or refund!

Normally a $199 purchase, the 30% Deal of Christmas combined with the Cyber Monday sale gave me a bottom line of $119 for this sheet, PLUS a SmartPak Gift Card for $15, PLUS free shipping! That’s definitely a heck of a way to kick off my holiday shopping… plus ensure that Jobber will be comfy and dry in the rain and snow this winter.

Go SmartPak!

Weekend Instagram Roundup: A Pine Top Thanksgiving Tradition

By on Nov 27, 2017 12:30 pm -

I love horsey holiday traditions. Growing up my family’s Thanksgiving tradition was attending Tennessee Valley Hunt’s opening day meet, my two sisters and I riding and my parents following along in the tally ho wagon. The hunt was hosted by a beautiful farm nestled in a bend of the Holston River, and the sight of horses and hounds in the early morning mist could have been a Christmas card. There were bagpipes and warm cider and a big breakfast afterward, and I’ll always be thankful for those memories, and for my family and our horses and the incredible community of horse people who made it possible.

I know many Area 3 eventers feel the same way about Pine Top Thanksgiving Horse Trials. It’s a special event, the penultimate on the 2017 calendar, and many thanks to Janet and Glenn Wilson for opening their arms to the eventing family during the holidays.

A rundown of the weekend’s winners:

Open Prelim: Carmen Schatte & Lady Elvira (30.5)
Prelim/Training: Elizabeth Henry & Charlotte La Bouff (32.8)
Open Training: Emily Beshear & Shame on the Moon (29.3)
Training Rider A: Erin Jarboe & Sir Rockstar (42.6)
Training Rider B: Amy Kaplan & FGF Salisbury Knight (36.1)
Training/Novice: Mellisa Warden & Schikeria (34.9)
Open Novice A: Kate Brown & Dylano Q (25.3)
Open Novice B: Alex Martone & Goldpower (30.8)
Novice Rider A: Jenny Tucker Brinkley & Guinness X (29.3)
Novice Rider B: Emily Thomas & Ohio (33.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Pippa Moon & Bling (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Marlena Schlerman & The Golden Ticket (32.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Elise Mooney & First Lyte (27.9)

See final results here.

A few of your photos from the event:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb71HUkhHRX/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb-6_LBgyP0/

Good job Frankie!!

A post shared by Anna (@annabel.perkins) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb9g1-NgIWN/

Pine Top the night before cross country.

A post shared by Willow South Eventing (@willowsoutheventing) on

Best #xc coaching in the country!! #gwif #pinetopeventing #kidsofeventers #dogsofinstagram

A post shared by Go With It Farm (@gowithitfarm) on

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb7547Klm7i/

be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire ✨

A post shared by Lauren Allen (@laurenalllen) on

Go Eventing.

Eventers in the Offseason: Brian O’Connor Returns to Theater Stage

By on Nov 27, 2017 9:43 am -

Brian O’Connor, center, and the cast of Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush. Photo by Chris Banks/Metro Stage.

If you event in Area II, you hear Brian O’Connor announce at horse trials all throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Eventers in the area are in for a real treat over the holiday season, as Brian has returned to his acting roots as a cast member of Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush following a nearly two-decade hiatus from the stage.

Playing through Christmas Eve at Metro Stage in Alexandria, Virginia, Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush transports the audience to 1912, when the Old Bull and Bush Public House in London is alive with British music hall songs and Christmas carols.

While he ultimately pursued a career in announcing, Brian’s background is in theater. The eventing season keeps him too busy to be involved in the theater scene year-round, but Christmas aligns perfectly with the offseason.

“I had been working with another theater group, the Providence Players, during the Christmas slot for the last few years as a director, and also doing scenic design and artistic design,” Brian said. “Since we finish the eventing season in November and don’t pick up until January or February, it works well with the schedule.”

Brian O’Connor plays the Chairman in Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush. Photo by Chris Banks/Metro Stage.

This is the first time in nearly two decades Brian has taken the stage as in an acting role, and his portrayal of the Chairman in Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush has been hailed as “dashing” in local theater reviews.

Like Brian, the play is also returning to the stage after a lengthy hiatus, as Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush previously played as a holiday staple at nearby Arena Stage 15 years ago. The play transforms the Metro Stage theater lobby into an authentic pub, and the play centers around famous music hall star Florrie Forde and her troupe of British performers celebrating the holidays.

“It’s such a fun show and the perfect thing to see around the holidays,” Brian said. “With so many eventers located in Area II, we hope everyone will bring their family and friends to come out and see the show. It feels like being in a British pub at Christmas.”

The show is expected to be packed on weekends, so Brian recommends seeing the show on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Show times are 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 3 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and 3 and 7 p.m. on Sundays. For tickets, call the Metro Stage box office at 703- 548-9044, or purchase them online.

[Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush]

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Nov 27, 2017 12:45 am -

Erin Jarboe, Sir Rockstar and Libby Head. Photo by Karolina Sabonaityte.

Libby Head’s four-star pocket rocket, Sir Rockstar, is enjoying the limelight at Training level with UGA student Erin Jarboe. They just won the Training Rider-A division at Pine Top’s Thanksgiving Horse Trials this weekend, which officially wrapped the 2017 eventing year. Check out Erin’s shirt: Red [wine] on the right, white [wine] on the left, cross country in the middle. This girl is after our own hearts!

National Holiday: Cyber Monday (can’t stop, won’t stop shopping for horse stuff)

U.S. Weekend Action:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Oliver Townend won his second Burghley CCI4* title in September. Check out this interview where he reveals his biggest accomplishment, what it means to win the big ones, and where he places emphasis in his business. [6 Things to Know About Oli Townend]

We all know that proper saddle fit is critical to a horse’s comfort and performance, and proper fit changes as a horse’s muscles develop through exercise or diminish during time off. Here are some important points to remember when it comes to saddle fit. [9 Points of Saddle Fit]

Pastures looking pitiful? There is hope! Rest, reseeding and good maintenance can bring your pastures back to life. [Improving Pastures Through Renovations]

Monday Video: Unicorn on course!

The Manx Man Euthanized After Cross Country Fall at Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T.

By on Nov 26, 2017 7:22 pm -

Avery Lewis and The Manx Man. Photo by Sarah Edwards.

We are heartbroken to report that Avery Lewis’ The Manx Man has been euthanized following a rotational fall at Pine Top Farm’s Thanksgiving H.T. Avery and “Toby” were competing in the Preliminary/Training division at the Thomson, Georgia venue when they both fell at fence 8, a log hogs back, on cross country.

Avery was transported to the hospital and was released without injury. Toby was transported to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine where he was humanely euthanized due to injuries sustained in the fall. 

Avery and the 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Rock City x Queen’s Habbit) began competing together in 2016 before earning winning results at both Novice and Training level. Most recently they enjoyed a 19th place finish at the USEA American Eventing Championships.

The entire team at Eventing Nation sends our condolences to Avery and all who loved Toby.

[Equine Fatality in the Pine Top Thanksgiving Horse Trials Training Rider Division]