Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday Video: SmartPak ‘Ask the Vet’ November Edition

By on Nov 9, 2017 4:00 pm -

As long as there will be horses, there will be horse people. And as long as there will be horse people, there will be horse health questions! For all those questions where you can’t ask your own vet, your barn buddies or you’re simply stumped or seeking a different opinion, SmartPak is here. One a month, SmartPaker Sarah and Dr. Lydia Gray answer fan-submitted questions so we can all keep learning about horse health.

Questions answered in this episode:

1. What is the best age to geld a stallion? Is it better to do it before starting them under saddle?

2. I have a young horse that had a locked stifle. It happened twice so far, once when she was 2 years old and the second time was about a year after that. Why does it happen? Is there a treatment for it? And is it a long term problem?

3. Is there any benefit to joint supplements given in feed? I have been told they are helpful but also that horses do not metabolize them when given this way and injections are better. Is this true?

4. My horse recently got her SI injected, and I was just wondering if there was anything I could do to help her be more comfortable, especially after hard work/jumping? Could I poultice/liniment the area or is there something else I could do? Thanks!

5. Clicker training for horses has been growing in popularity. What are the pros and cons of it? Is it a more humane way to train horses?

Never stop learning! And if you have a burning horse health question for Sarah and Dr. Gray to answer in a future episode, you can submit in the following ways: comment on this video (via YouTube, not here at Horse Nation) and tag your question #AskTheVet. You can also post your questions on SmartPak’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or by visiting the SmartPak blog — don’t forget the hashtag! Questions can be submitted directly via [email protected] or at the Ask the Vet Questions submission site.

Bonus: if your question is selected, you win a SmartPak gift card!

Go Riding.

New USEF Dressage Tests Released for 2018

By on Nov 9, 2017 1:38 pm -

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica in the Advanced division at Carolina International 2017. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Hot off the presses! The new 2018 USEF dressage tests have been released and go into effect Dec. 1, 2017. You can view the new tests on the USEA website or using the links below.

Beginner Novice: Test A – Test B

Novice: Test A – Test B – Novice Three-Day

Training: Test A – Test B – Training Three-Day

Modified: Test A – Test B

Preliminary: Test A – Test B – Preliminary Three-Day

Intermediate: Test A – Test B

Advanced:  Test A – Test B

What do you think of the new USEF tests, EN? Which tests will you be studying as you prepare for the 2018 season? Let us know in the comments below. Go Eventing

‘It’s So Nice to Be Able to Give Back’: Meet Volunteer Superstars Katherine & Bruce Hill

By on Nov 9, 2017 11:00 am -

Katherine and Bruce Hill. Photo by Shelby Allen.

This sport is nothing without its many fabulous volunteers, and you will be hard pressed to find any more fabulous than than Katherine and Bruce Hill. The brother and sister duo, along with their parents John and Allison, have become regular features in Area VI both riding and volunteering. Let’s meet the Hill family:

Katherine, age 17, explains that her love of horses began in a western saddle before she began riding with Jennifer Wooten and was introduced to eventing. “I grew up on my grandpa’s cattle ranch, so I did a lot of western riding when I was younger. I really wanted to start jumping around age 11, so I started jumping my cow ponies which was always entertaining,” she laughed.

Twin River’s September Horse Trials in 2014 was their first volunteer experience, and their involvement in the sport has grown exponentially since then. “It is so nice to be able to give back and show our appreciation for what everyone else does for us,” Katherine said. Now they frequent many Area VI events including Twin Rivers, Woodside Horse Trials and Fresno Horse Trials. 

All hands on deck to prepare for the jog. Katherine and her dad, John. Photo by Shelby Allen.

In addition to its charitable nature, volunteering and being involved in the sport together also provides valuable time for the Hills. “I think it’s a great experience for us as a family to do together,” said mom, Allison. “To have both kids riding is fabulous. They’re doing the same sport. We’re in the same place on weekends, we can do things together. The community is wonderful – the kids are really kind of grafted in and they really feel like they have their people and there’s a lot of people across the area that they know and they like. This area is fabulous – everyplace we go these people are our friends, so it’s really fun to be able to give back.”

Bruce prepares for Phase A of Endurance Day at Galway Downs. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The Hills have filled many positions, but when Bruce, age 14, can choose, he prefers any jobs that work alongside the course builders. “I’ve done jump judging and flagging and stuff, but I really like working with Louis (Blankenship – course builder) and his guys. There a lot of fun to work with,” he commented. Friday night at Galway Downs Bruce was spotted watering the cross country course with Louis because he wanted to learn how to do it – what a guy!

When they aren’t volunteering, Allison, Katherine and Bruce are competing. This weekend the siblings went head to head bot in the Training Three-Day division at Galway Downs. When asked if there is any sibling rivalry, the entire family was quick to answer with a collective “yes!”

Katherine on Phase D of Endurance Day. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Fortunately, underneath the competitive edge, they remain each other’s biggest supporters. “I was really happy for him on dressage day. He definitely put down his best test at training ever, and I had the honor to stand there and look at my mom and say, ‘he just beat my butt.’” Katherine recounted. “This was the first time we’ve been in the same division together competing since Intro, and I used to beat him all the time, so it’s definitely fair.”

Bruce finishes ninth in the Galway Downs T3D. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Bruce ended up ninth in the competitive T3D with his own Cortina, and Katherine finished 14th aboard her mother’s Stellor Rockafella, who she borrowed last minute as her own horse took a, “self-imposed vacation.” They followed one after another in the show jumping ring, with Katherine going first, and shared a sweet high five as they passed one another. This hardworking family was a pleasure to meet this weekend. From all of us at EN, thanks to John, Allison, Katherine and Bruce for all you do for eventing!

High fives between rounds. Photo by Shelby Allen.

 

 

Professional Riders Wear Many Hats

By on Nov 9, 2017 9:00 am -

This article is brought to you by Athletux Equine. For more Athletux articles, please click here.

Photo courtesy of Olivia Loiacono.

Throughout my career, I’ve always been in pursuit of a goal. Goals such as completing my first CCI4* (check), starting my own business (check) and becoming a rider that people trust with their horses as well as their students. As an equestrian professional, it’s a balancing act, especially in the sport of eventing. You have to make a name and reputation for yourself as a rider and as a coach in order to build your business, and you have to continue to grow your resume so that you maintain relevance in a competitive industry. For this and many other reasons, we professionals wear many hats: coach, rider, trainer … and student.

I am fortunate in that I have a beautiful facility here in Southern California to base my business out of. The owner of the facility, Shady Oaks Ranch near Bonsall, CA, has been nothing short of amazing in allowing me to run my training business out of her barn, which offers amenities both horse and human can appreciate.

I have a wealth of hungry students who come to the barn to learn and to work hard every day, and I’m rewarded with their successes as they continue to move up the levels at competitions. This is all a bit of a dream for me, and I’m so thankful every day to be a part of this community.

One aspect of my career that I have really tried to hone in on recently is making sure that I am still a student of a sport as well as a coach. In our sport, there is no such thing as being done learning. There is always a new perspective to gain, a new skill to learn to transfer to your horses or your students. Being a student, regardless of your professional status, is important in a sport that is always evolving.

The horse who really skyrocketed my riding career, Subway, gave me wings that I can only dream of having again (see “Subway Always Reached New Heights“). Since Subway and I competed at the top levels, I’ve spent time trying to build my riding up and applying my experience with him to the young horses I start and compete. I am also starting my search for my next upper level campaigner in hopes that I can once again chase those blue numbers on cross country, and I am looking forward to the process of finding and producing my next superstar.

Olivia Loiacono and Subway at Rolex in 2011. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

But in order to do that, I have to make sure that my boxes at home are checked. I need to make sure I have the skills that my coaches and the horses I’ve had the privilege of riding along the way, helped me acquire and I need to make sure that I am always learning new skill sets to take with me to the next horse. I also need to make sure that I am doing my part to nurture the growth of the sport as a whole, teaching my students professionally and with care so that they can continue to spread their wings.

The equine world is a competitive one, and it’s easy to get caught up in comparisons to your peers, whether you intend to or not. That isn’t a healthy approach to success of any measure. The one thing you can control is the intensity with which you are willing to work, and that is what you can stay true to. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that hard work is without match when it comes to building a reputation for yourself as a professional. Work ethic and your willingness to continue your education are two things that are recipes for success. Remain a student of the sport, so that your contributions can not only grow your own career but also help others in theirs.

I am really excited to be starting a journey to find my next partner, and I couldn’t do any of this without the village of people behind me — and you can be a part of the journey, too! To learn more about my riding history, my business, my commitment to the sport, and my plans for the future, I’d love to speak with you. You can email me at [email protected].

Thursday News & Notes from Nupafeed

By on Nov 9, 2017 12:03 am -

Virginia in the fall is literally unreal. Photo by Carly Eddahri.

I know that it’s already snowed in lots of places this fall, but I live in Virginia, and I was hoping to keep hold of my southern status a little longer. Unfortunately, Virginia decided to skip fall this year, and go straight from 80 degrees to 20. Sometimes both in one twenty-four hour period! No, I’m not busy changing blankets every four hours, why do you ask?

National Holiday: National Scrapple Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

River Glen Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Did you know that Nereo and Armada are full brothers? Bred by Ramón Beca and sourced by Andrew Nicholson, these two look-alike blood brothers each have a fantastic record at CCI4* and below. In fact, they are the only two horses in the world to have posted 15 clear cross country rounds at CCI3* and CCI4* each. Armada has four clear and inside the time rounds at Badminton on his record, but his brother Nereo has three, one of which was a win this spring. [Equiratings: Blood Brothers]

Zara Tindall might be actual royalty, but she’s earned her place at the top in the Eventing world too. Having won an individual gold and team silver at the WEG in 2006, Zara remains one of the top competitors in our sport, and was kind enough to look back on her career and share her thoughts with The National for this interesting article. [Zara Tindall on Inspiring Women and Horses in Her Life]

Eric Winter has big plans for Badminton 2018. Having enjoyed his inaugural year as course designer this past spring, Eric wants to bring old style cross country back to the forefront at the famous venue, and plans to give it a big facelift for 2018. [Badminton Cross Country Changes]

 

 

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Just You and Your Horse

By on Nov 8, 2017 5:00 pm -

The barn is our sanctuary, our happy place, and our horses are our best friends and therapists. No matter how stressed we’ve been at work or in our personal lives, we all know the peace that overcomes us when we walk into the barn. When your horse nickers a greeting. When you share a quiet moment grooming, grazing, or riding.

None of us started on this journey, a life with horses, to win ribbons and medals. We’re in it for much more than that. It’s the friendship and the partnership we need.

Need to preserve healthy joints?

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For more information, visit KPPvet.com.

Germany’s Europeans Medal in Jeopardy After Positive Drug Test

By on Nov 8, 2017 2:22 pm -

2017 Luhmühlen winners Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot. Photo by Thomas Ix.

The German Equestrian Federation (FN) confirmed today that Julia Krajewski’s horse Samourai du Thot tested positive for the controlled medication Firocoxib during the 2017 FEI European Championships at Strzegom, Poland, in August.

If the results of the B-sample match the positive result of the A-sample, Julia and Samourai du Thot will be disqualified from the European Championships, and the German team will be required to return their silver medal.

Julia and Samourai du Thot finished 18th individually at Strzegom to help Germany win the silver medal, alongside teammates Ingrid Klimke and Horseware Hale Bob, Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST and Bettina Hoy and Seigneur Medicott.

Samourai du Thot was tested on Aug. 20, 2017, the final day of the European Championships. The A-sample tested positive for the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Firocoxib, known by the trade names Equioxx and Previcox, which is categorized as a controlled medication by the FEI.

“I and my team have no explanation about how this substance has got into my horse and believe that it was not administered by any fault of our own,” Julia said in a statement on her Facebook page.

“Nevertheless, the positive result would mean disqualification for me, and lead to the subsequent loss of the hard-won silver medal for the German team. I am devastated to be even unintentionally the cause of such a bad blow for our great team, which has fought so hard for this success! That I have no idea how, when and why this substance got into Sam’s body worries me deeply and is a big mystery to all of us.”

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) also tested Samourai du Thot as part of a random control at Warendorf shortly after the horse returned home to Germany. The NADA sample also tested positive for Firocoxib, and FN said in a statement that they expect the FEI’s B-sample to also test positive.

There is no set date for the B-sample results to be released, but FN said results are expected “soon.” Once the results of the B-sample are announced, Julia will have 21 days to decide whether to pay a sanction of 1500 Swiss francs and administrative costs of 2000 Swiss francs, or explain her case before the FEI Tribunal.

FN is continuing to investigate how Samourai du Thot could have ingested Firocoxib during the European Championships.

“Two pieces of information make it now possible to limit the period when the substance must have been ingested by Sam. The first one is that a pre-probe taken on August 3 proved negative. The DOKR routinely tests all horses which are nominated to travel to international championships to compete for the German team to ensure that they are free from prohibited substances,” Julia said.

“Furthermore, there was not just a trace, but a substantial amount of Firocoxib detected. The detected level together with the relevant decomposition time suggest an administration between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning (after dressage, before cross country test). Together with the result of sample B, we will hopefully receive documents that may allow further conclusions about the exact time or amount of the ingestion.”

Julia added that she is “100 percent behind our doping prevention system and fully aware of my responsibility and due diligence in dealing with this issue.”

If Samourai du Thot’s B-sample tests positive and Germany’s silver medal is stripped, Sweden would then receive the silver medal, with Italy moving up to take the bronze medal. Click here to view the team results from the 2017 FEI European Championships.

Click here to read Julia’s full statement. Click here to read FN’s statement.

How to Cope When You Lose Your Partner in Crime

By on Nov 8, 2017 1:00 pm -

Photo by Nicole Pfeiffer Photography.

All of us readers of EN know what it’s like to be in love. We experience it everyday with our animals. For us, horses are not just a pet. They’re also the backbone to our sport, our teammate, our best friend, and our partner in crime. So what happens when they get ripped away from us?

On Monday, October 9th, I lost my best friend. Think Big (Elmo) had been by my side for over a year, but it felt like an eternity. Together we had undergone numerous challenges and triumphs. Losing him was my biggest challenge yet, and I would have to face it without him by my side.

This isn’t only about Elmo though. This past week I have received unbelievable support from family, friends, and the incredible horse community via social media. I have heard numerous stories from those that have also lost their lovely horses. It’s unfair. I wanted to share how I have been getting through it.  This is about how to cope; although, it is different for everyone. So here is my version: the do’s and do not’s of grieving the loss of a horse.

Photo by Colin Khan.

Do’s

  • Do cry, and cry a lot. Take the time to miss your horse. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that
  • Do take time to yourself. People will bombard you about what happened and how sorry they are for your loss. Unfortunately, some people will not understand why it hit you so hard. They will question why you are so upset, so do avoid them at first.
  • Do go back to the barn when you are ready (this was the hardest for me to do). Pick a time where you know there will not be many people and go. Being surrounded by horses has a healing power. The negative to this is that your horse won’t be there. You will walk by their empty stall expecting to see them in there. It hurts. You’ll cry. At the barn,  you may see people who understand, and you will most likely get some big hugs. Your barn is part of the family, and chances are they miss your horse, too.
  • Do keep busy. At first, I refused to leave my bed. I now thank my best friends for getting me out and active. Dwelling on it does not change anything that happened. You have to keep occupied to avoid the hurt. This does not mean you are forgetting, just healing
  • Do accept the love. Everyone feels for you. Once the word gets out, you may have flowers showing up at your door or maybe even cupcakes. The horse world is here to support you, so let them.
  • Do allow yourself to heal. No one is expecting you to be okay.

Do not’s

  • Do not feel guilty when you begin to cry less often. Moving on is okay — it does not mean that you are forgetting.
  • Do not reject a hug. You may not want people to hug you, but you will feel better after. I promise.
  • Do not rush into anything. Healing is important, and only time will allow for that.  
  • Do not avoid the pain. There will be triggers that cause you to break down, or your heart may hurt at the sight of something. That isn’t bad. Those are just memories coming to the surface. Allow them to fill your heart with joy — those memories are good.
  • Do not give up. If you had a dream to compete at the 4* level then keep trying, and when you get there do it for your beloved horse. If you had a dream to compete novice then do it. If this is what you love to do, do not let heartbreak stop you. But as I said, take your time to get there. Take your time to heal.

Now, I know some of this sounds a bit ridiculous. I agree. I never thought I would be able to return to the barn and see Elmo’s empty stall.  I never thought I would stop crying. I did not think that I could go another day without seeing him. I didn’t think I could survive it, but I did. I have returned to riding; although, everyday I wish that I could give Elmo once last hug, or ride him one last time.

It still hurts; I think there will always be a hole in my heart that I will never be able to fill. I have come to realize that the hole is good. The emptiness of it is also full of the love between us. As riders we form an unbreakable bond with our horses, and that never goes away even after they are gone.

Michael Jung Says Badminton 2018 Next for La Biosthetique Sam FBW

By on Nov 8, 2017 7:30 am -

Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Whispers about the future of Michael Jung’s super horse La Biosthetique Sam FBW have been swirling following a remark he made at a press conference in the lead up to Stuttgart German Masters. Michael clarified to Horse & Hound that his 17-year-old partner will continue competing, with an eye on Badminton 2018 and without the demands of team competition.

The double Olympic champion was meant to conclude his season at Pau CCI4* following a surprise late entry last month, but Michael elected to withdraw Sam before dressage when he wasn’t quite right before their test.

Michael also retired Sam on course at Burghley after the horse incurred the first jumping penalties of his illustrious international career. Forgoing championships means Sam can still compete at the highest level “so he doesn’t have the pressure” of needing to complete for the team, Michael explained. Click here to read his full comments on Horse & Hound.

Sam was meant to take a step back from competing at championships last season, but a late injury to fischerTakinou saw Michael once again look to his longtime partner for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. At 16 years old, Sam received the call up to defend his Olympic title and delivered, finishing on his dressage score to win individual gold for the second time in his career.

In addition to his two individual Olympic gold medals, Sam also won individual gold at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. He also has Olympic team gold and silver medals, won individual and team gold at the 2009 European Championships, and finished as the 7-year-old Reserve World Champion at Le Lion d’Angers in 2007.

We look forward to continue cheering for Sam at the biggest competitions in the world.

[Michael Jung on his superstar’s future: ‘If Sam feels well, he’ll do Badminton 2018’]

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By on Nov 8, 2017 12:01 am -

Jessica Phoenix is going mainstream. Photo via Jessica Phoenix FB page.

Jessica Phoenix is the subject of a the new book ‘Rise’, coming out soon, which details her recovery from a life-threatening injury in 2015 to achieving a second team spot on the Canadian Olympic team. I have always been a touch jealous of Jessica’s last name, which lends itself so well to metaphor of the best kind.

National Holiday: Cook Something Bold Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

River Glen Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Sometimes greatness spans generations. Many may remember Jane Sleeper and her mare UN tacking Rolex and Burghley in past years. Now UN’s legacy has continued on not only in her offspring but in her years as a schoolmaster. Now 22, she has broguth others through to the Intermediate level while her first offspring are confidently tackling the 2* level and jumpers. [UN Spreads Her Legacy]

We’ve all heard horror stories of tack malfunctioning, but this takes the cake. Ginny Howe and her mount Echo P were both lucky to walk away unscathed after they had a girth completely give way two strides out from a table in a CCI2*. The girth appeared to give out internally, despite visual inspection prior to their run, and the rider and saddle were well enough balanced that they didn’t even realize something was wrong until a few strides from the next combination. [Watch Eventer Survive Hairy Moment]

Four-star events can both be nail-biters to the finish and foregone conclusions. Gwendolen Fer and Romantic Love’s win at Pau was done by the narrowest margin allowed by eventing scoring, and they aren’t the only ones to eke out at win in a stunning finish. EquiRatings takes a look at several of the tightest finishes as well as the biggest margins that we’ve seen at the 4* level in the past decade. [A Game of Inches]

SmartPak Product of the Day: SmartPak is having one of their perk sales, meaning anything of the SmartPak brand is on sale. I use this opportunity to pick up staples like this small-hole haynet, which keeps my brats from tearing out all their hay and throwing it on the floor of the trailer, then looking at me sadly when there is no hay left. [SmartPak]