Classic Eventing Nation

Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is: Donate to Improve Eventing Safety

By on Nov 6, 2017 9:00 am -

Photo courtesy of ERA International.

The eventing community has been engaging in a tremendous amount of discourse on the topic of eventing safety of late, and that’s fantastic. We should be talking and listening to one another. But talk, of course, isn’t enough — we must back up our words with action.

And we are. To the credit of national and international governing bodies of our sport as well as dedicated individuals, a massive effort is already in place to improve eventing safety. In this Facebook post shared by Doug Payne, Denis Glaccum outlines some of the studies, programs and procedures that have been implemented both here in the U.S. and beyond.

“During the last five years there has been and continuous to be steps forward in all of these area of concern,” Denis writes.

“I think there is a considerable number of people who might be unaware of the scope and effort put forth by countless people allowing this sport to continue to develop and improve,” Doug writes. “Eventing is the safest it’s been, but continually striving to become safer still.”

Everyone agrees that safety is paramount, and that we must continue that forward momentum because where we’re at right now is not good enough. But are we willing to put our money where our mouth is? Denis considers the collective difference the eventing community “could make by writing out a $10 donation to the USEA earmarked to the various human, equine and course studies all of which are underfunded.”

“Remember,” he says, “you are either part of the problem or part of the solution.”

Can you help? Doug set up a Facebook fundraiser and in less than 24 hours has already raised nearly $1,000 for the USEA. Donate here.

You can also make donations designated for safety projects directly through the USEA here.

Go Eventing.

 

James Alliston Brings Home Galway Downs CCI3* Win

By on Nov 6, 2017 1:05 am -

    James Alliston and Happenstance. Photo by Shelby Allen.

What a weekend it was for James Alliston at Galway Downs! He won the three-star aboard Mary McKee’s Happenstance — his third CCI3* win at this venue (2011 – Jumbo’s Jake, 2012 – Tivoli). They had one rail down and one show jumping time penalty for a finishing result of 48.3.

James got the ride earlier this year, but he’s had a keen eye for “Hap” for as long as he can remember. “I always loved the horse because he’s been California bred, produced and owned,” he said of the 11-year-old Holsteiner by Heraldik son Hunter, bred by Wendy Webster. “I knew the horse when he was young coming through when I first moved to California, and I was like, ‘wow that horse is gorgeous’ because he’s big and black and very impressive.”

“All the way through his career he’s been a prolific winner, so I knew he was that caliber, but he’s made to look really easy by all the riders before like Matt, who did a wonderful job. I wouldn’t say he’s like get on and knock down low 40s dressage, I certainly struggled in the dressage and the show jumping initially just getting the hang of it,” he continued. 

The very last in the ring, James had plenty of breathing room “I think sometimes it’s quite nerve wracking when you’re in the lead because anything can happen, you could stop and fall off whatever, so that’s sort of going through your mind sometimes,” he said. “It’s like – don’t do anything crazy, don’t jump the wrong jump. And then I had the first down too, so I was like ‘uh oh this could be bad.’ Then we got going and he jumped really well all the way home.”

James earned top three placings in all FEI divisions here with Sunsprite Warmblood’s Sunsprite Madeira finishing third in the CCI2*, and Laura Boyer’s Pandora getting third in the CCI*.

Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Ellen Doughty-Hume replicated her 2016 result here this weekend, finishing second again with her own Sir Oberon, a 15-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred. This year, they added one rail and two show jumping time penalties to finish on 57.3. – 12.7 points below their CCI3* average finishing result.

“He was jumping great. I came in a little backwards to the triple that was my rail he had, but he was jumping super and he felt great after running yesterday, and he’s ready to have a break. I’m real pleased with the weekend,” Ellen commented.  

Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Lisa Marie Fergusson has never had a pole at CCI3* level, and her streak stays hot after this weekend with her own Honor Me. The 11-year-old Welsh Sport Horse earned one of only two mistake free rides today, ending the weekend with 60 penalty points.

“Tally was so full of run still after cross country. He just ate it up and showed how clever he is when I got him backwards into the two and put in a three,” she said. “It was a great course I thought it rode really well. It had enough challenge to it that you really had to ride and pay attention. He strategically placed some rails in shade, and you were going light into dark, so you had to pay attention.”

Fourth place belongs to Ecuadorian rider Ronald Zabala-Goetschel and his own Wundermaske who were the only other pair to leave all the poles up in this division. Ronald also hit a major milestone this weekend in securing a qualifying result for the 2018 World Equestrian Games. Congratulations, Ronald!

Helen Bouscaren and Ebay. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Helen Bouscaren was the lady of the hour in the CCI2* group. She and her own Ebay, an 8-year-old Oldenburg pulled off a win after having one down for a final result of 49.9.

“He was great all weekend,” she smiled. “I was really happy with him and I’m excited for him. He’s not very experienced, but he doesn’t seem to need much experience. He’s smart and brave and careful, so everything I want. Yesterday he was fantastic and came across the finish line fresh which is a nice feeling especially on a warmblood because you really don’t know what you have until you do it.”

Emilee Libby and Jakobi, an 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood owned by Linda Libby, finished second overall with a three-day total of 51.5.

Bec Braitling and Santana II. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The penultimate fence caught out first- and second-placed Erin Kellerhouse and James Alliston in the CCI*, allowing Bec Braitling to snag the title with Lauren Burnell’s Santana II. This is the 7-year-old Oldenburg’s second one-star title this year, having won the CCI* at Rebecca Farm this summer. They finish on a score of 43.7.

Erin Kellerhouse and her own Woodford Reserve finish just behind with 45 points and only one rail spotting their weekend result. James Alliston and Laura Boyer’s Pandora wrap up in third on a finishing score of 45.6.

Congratulations to all the CCI finishers at Galway Downs!

Galway Downs: Website, Results, Schedule, EN’s Coverage

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Nov 6, 2017 12:45 am -

My baby horse simply could not be cuter. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.

The show season is winding down with only a few more events on the calendar for 2018 (also, how is it November already?). Winter is a great time for clinics, schooling shows, and having stress-free fun with your horse. To help you find these opportunities, we’ve brought back our What’s Happening series, EN’s guide to clinics and schooling shows throughout the country during the off-season. Check it out!

National Holiday: National Nachos Day

Major Events This Weekend:

Galway Downs: Website, Results, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]

Full Gallop Farm November H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Some of our eventing officials will soon retire and the training of the next generation of judges, technical delegates and course designers is paramount. An anonymous donor has issued a challenge to the USEA membership to raise funds to support training grants and educational programs for young officials. For every dollar donated, the donor will match it, up to $25,000. [Double the Value of Your Gift]

With freezing temperatures comes stiff, creaky, painful joints. If you’re feeling the cold in your knees and ankles, your four-legged friends might be too. Horses with degenerative joint disease may need extra attention to ensure their comfort and mobility through winter. Here’s how you can help. [Cold Weather Challenges for Horses with Osteoarthritis]

When Bertram Allen’s horse Quiet Easy II was disqualified from a show jumping competition for a minuscule mark on his flank earlier this year, the result was a call for a critical look at the blood rule. The FEI has proposed new wording for National Federations to consider and respond to before the upcoming FEI General Assembly. [Blood in spotlight as FEI proposes new show jumping rules]

Hot on Horse Nation: The #LegsofSteelChallenge

Monday Video: David O’Connor riding Gomarus at Rocking Horse last weekend. Is DOC making a competition comeback? 

One Spun at Galway Downs Final Horse Inspection

By on Nov 5, 2017 12:33 pm -

The official Walterstown Don Fan Club – lead by Lauren Burnell and Bec Braitling. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The CCI3* final horse inspection kept everyone on their toes this morning at Galway Downs. Of the seven cross country finishers, three were sent to the hold box: Helen Bouscaren & Ben, Ellen Doughty-Hume and second-placed Sir Oberon, and overnight leaders James Alliston and Happenstance.

James Alliston and Happenstance. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Both Sir Oberon and Happenstance were passed when represented, but unfortunately Ben, Helen’s 13-year-old off-track Thoroughbred, was ultimately not accepted. The final six show jump today beginning at 3 p.m. in reverse order of standing.

All 11 two-star pairs were accepted, including Ben’s stablemate and current leader Ebay, ridden by Helen Bouscaren. One horse, 360 ridden by Katheryn Nichwander, was withdrawn from the holding box in the CCI*. Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve will be the final pair to jump for the one-star win with this group going at noon.

Galway Downs: Website, Live Stream, Ride Times/Live Scores, Schedule, EN’s Coverage

 

Jessica Phoenix Wins Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge at the Royal Winter Horse Show

By on Nov 5, 2017 12:30 pm -

Jessica Phoenix and Abbey GS. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Jessica Phoenix and her Trakehner mare Abbey GS captured the $6,000 top prize of the Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto last night. The capacity crowd roared their support and approval as Jessica and the 16-year-old mare, owned by Charlotte Schickedanz and bred at Galten Farms just north of Toronto, made the twisty, challenging course look easy.

Abby was Jessica’s alternate mount for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto and is her preferred ride for Indoor Eventing. Phoenix modestly gives full credit to Abbey GS for the win: “For this event you want to have something that is super careful because if you leave the show jumps up you have a good chance of winning, and Abbey GS is such a fantastic jumper and so brave and so bold that I couldn’t have a better horse for this.”

Saturday night’s course in front of the loudly enthusiastic crowd was changed for the second round. The distances between the first four fences gave the riders a chance to open up their horses and get up some speed to thrill the audience while the placing of the fences, especially later in the course, called for careful, balanced riding while going at speed.

“They did a fantastic job of organizing those courses; the layout was exceptional,” Jessica said in discussing Captain Mark Phillips’ design.

Boyd Martin and Kyra. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Indoor Eventing at the Royal gives top eventing athletes a chance to demonstrate the sport before a loud and enthusiastic crowd of people who may never normally see an eventing contest in its regular outdoor format. However, Indoor Eventing poses some unique challenges for riders more used to the pace of long outdoor courses.

Boyd Martin, who placed third on the trusty chestnut mare Kyra, laughed as he talked about warming up in a “parking lot” for the course. He was referring, of course, to the low ceiling warm-up area just off the main arena: “My head was close to the roof a few times,” Boyd said. He also joked about having a mere 15 minutes to walk and memorize the course instead of a couple of days to analyze and work out the striding.

Boyd’s plan for the second round was to “go as fast as possible and leave all the rails up”. He and his spectacular jumper, the Canadian-bred Warmblood owned by Christine Turner from Texas, did exactly that. The pair posted one of the fastest times of the night but a “really, really annoying rail yesterday” proved to be very costly as it meant that they were carrying 5 penalty points from the first round so they had to settle for third place.

Brendon McMechan and Oscar’s Wild. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Brandon McMechan grabbed second place behind Jessica riding in his first ever Indoor Eventing Challenge. He was thrilled with the performance of his 8-year-old off-track Thoroughbred “too slow for racing, but fast enough for this” Oscar’s Wild.

McMechan explained that at this time of year the gelding was usually “on vacation” and he laughed that he felt the horse was doing him a favor by coming to the Royal to compete. A nice positive and conservative ride which left all the poles in the cups and saw no awkward moments at the imposing cross country style fences meant that the pair left the arena happily in second place.

The youngest rider in the competition and the leader after the first night, 25-year-old Rachel McDonough, blazed around the course with the boldness of youth on her side. Unfortunately, as the crowd was cheering them on to victory, Rachel and her 18-year-old Thoroughbred Irish Rhythm had a rail down at the very last fence, an oxer.  The slight hiccup dropped them down to fourth place.

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration had an inspired round as the pair took any fast route they could to shave valuable seconds from their time. They gave the crowds quite a thrill but the 5 penalties they had incurred from the first night kept them in fifth place.

Waylon Roberts, an 8-time winner of this event was riding his old friend John and Michelle Koppin’s  Lancaster. They posted a textbook second round. Waylon was so thrilled with his clear, deft and classy ride that he gave a fist pump at the end of it. He excited the crowd by doing a wild gallop around the ring and tried to high five some of his many fans who were leaning on the rails cheering him on.

Selena O’Hanlon is presented with the coveted Michael Gutowski Award. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Selena O’Hanlon, riding Linnea Given’s Uptown Girl, broke the crowd’s heart when, after a lovely clear round, she and the dark-bay Hanoverian mare were another to have a rail down at the last fence on course.

Selena’s night improved as she was presented with the Michael Gutowski Award as the highest placed Canadian in the FEI International Standings this year. She leapt to her high placing internationally when she and her long time partner Foxwood High, owned by John and Judy Rumble, made history by being the first Canadians ever to win at the Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International CCI3*.

Selena was thrilled to be presented with an award honoring the late General Michael Gutowski, affectionately known as “the Colonel”.  Gutowski was a decorated Polish war hero. A career cavalry officer and an accomplished horseman, he rode in the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a member of the Polish Equestrian team. After his distinguished and heroic war career fighting  in the 1st Panzer division fighting alongside  the Allies after the invasion of Normandy, he came to Canada where he became trainer of the Canadian Olympic Equestrian Team.

Gutowski was an Inaugural Member of the Canadian Eventing Hall of Fame, inducted in 2009 as a Builder.  Coincidentally John Rumble, owner of Selena O’Hanlon’s mount Foxwood High, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same year as a member of the 1956 Olympic Bronze Medal Team along with his horse at the time, Cilroy.

Gutowski brought the classical form of European equitation to Canada. His training principles are the foundation of the coaching system today. He was also the coach/trainer of many of the riders that have competed for Canada at the Olympics as well as other international championships. Show jumper Ian Millar, Captain Canada himself, is honored to have it known that he trained extensively with “the Colonel” in his youth.

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Turning again to the Indoor Eventing results, Autorytet, the handsome grey 15-year-old Polish Warmblood/Thoroughbred cross owned and ridden by Dasha Ivandaeva, objected to the bright pink wooden pig he was asked to jump when first presented to it but he overcame his reluctance and leapt neatly over it the second time to bring his rider home in eighth place.

Colleen Loach and Brooke Massie’s Serendipity, having incurred a technical elimination on the first evening, put in a lovely, fast round. Kendal Lehari’s usually reliable RF D’Orbalia, had a bad day at the office and took exception twice to the job at hand which led to elimination for this normally spectacular partnership.

Indoor Eventing at the Royal Winter Horse Show is definitely a highlight of the 8-day show for the enthusiastic spectators and also for the riders who are pleased to be able to showcase their sport in such a fun and supportive atmosphere.

Boyd Martin said that he had no idea that the Fair was this “awesome” or he would have come many years before. His many fans in Toronto will be delighted to hear that he hinted that he would like to come back in the future.

Best of JN: Maikel van der Vleuten’s Secret? ‘The Horse Must Be Happy to Win’

By on Nov 5, 2017 9:00 am -

Maikel van der Vleuten and Verdi. PC: FEI / Massimo Argenziano

Maikel Van der Vleuten of The Netherlands and VDL Groep Verdi had a phenomenal win in Verona this past weekend with a blazing time over the ten other combinations that made the jump-off, but the way they won in the ring isn’t nearly as important as what they did to prepare OUT of the ring.

Maikel and Verdi have a strong relationship that’s been built over years by mutual communication, trust, and an emphasis on a horse that’s as psychologically sound as he is physically sound.

“He doesn’t change, he is the same every day, in rain or sunshine and no matter where he is. He is very special, and most of all he is very honest!” Maikel said. “He also likes to win and that’s very important but he also has to be happy, not every day training in the same outdoor. I try to change the work, sometimes to go outside to the woods and I use the canter track. He is more happy to train over there.”

Maikel stresses how important these changes and tweaks are to not only keeping Verdi and all his horses fit and engaged, but genuinely happy. It’s part of the winning formula.

“There are things to think about, for example four weeks ago in Rome I could feel he was a little bored. After the show in Calgary maybe it was a little bit too much for him so the last four weeks I got busy with making him happy and good again, and it worked out very well. He was playing with the jumps again and feeling good, and then the result comes as well!” 

Maikel admits that heart and happiness alone can’t make a winner – you must have the talent, as well – but without a happy horse, they’re as useless to you as a puff of smoke.

“If you are a good rider and you have a horse that is not able or doesn’t want to win, then it’s just not possible. Every week I try to feel how he is, I don’t need to teach him jumping anymore, he knows his job and what’s most important for me is that he has to be happy.”

These philosophies should have more front and center dialogue in the sport — and certainly many riders are working on how to put the horse first as often as possible — but it’s less common to hear it put in such stark terms that a horse have happiness. Not rest, or time off, or health, or fitness – but mental happiness.

You can learn more about Maikel at his website, or follow him on Facebook. Full press release from FEI in Verona available here.

Go Maikel, and Go Jumping!

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Nov 5, 2017 12:01 am -

Photo by Shelby Allen.

Not having done a long format event (yet!) I’ve always admired them, and they remain high up on my bucket list. T3D Endurance Day at Galway Downs was exciting as always. I love seeing the months of preparation pay off as these riders spent nearly an hour in the saddle conquering roads & tracks and steeplechase before finally leaving the box for cross country. Plus, at Galway steeplechase is on a soccer field, and who among us hasn’t daydreamed about galloping across a perfectly manicured piece of land like that?

What I didn’t realize until now is how much work it can be to organize. It’s a bit of a four-ring circus, so thank you to the many events and the USEA that work hard to keep these Classic Series events running!

National Holiday: National Donut Day (yay!), Daylight Savings Time Ends (boo!)

Major Events This Weekend:

Galway Downs: Website, Schedule, Ride Times & Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm November H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links: 

Bute, No Hats and One Pair of Breeches: Mark Todd Recalls His Early Eventing Career

Oliver Townend Leading UK Rider for Fourth Year

Vet Suspended Over Falsifying Horse’s Vaccination Record

Daniel Stewart’s Tip of the Month: Reframing for Resilience

Double the Value of Your Gift! – Donor to Match $25,000 for USEA Educational Funding

Feeding Your Horse During the Winter

Sunday Video: Clipping level – expert

James Alliston Keeps Control of CCI3* at Galway Downs

By on Nov 4, 2017 9:40 pm -

James Alliston and Happenstance. Photo by Shelby Allen.

A quick and clear cross country run today at Galway Downs puts James Alliston on track for his best ever CCI3* finishing score. He and Mary McKee’s Happenstance remain on their dressage score (43.3) to keep hold of the top spot in the division.

“He felt really good. It was a strong course I thought – a lot of angles, a lot of hard jumps really. I was delighted with how it went,” he commented. At 9 minutes and 42 seconds, James did have the quickest run of the group, something he admits he didn’t set out to achieve. 

“I think I probably went a little too quickly which I shouldn’t have done,” he explained. “I think I was too far inside the time. I think I got a bit panicky because I started quite slowly and I was down a little bit on my minute markers and it was quite open at the end of the course. He was full of running. I let him go and he is quite fast.”

If you read Maggie Deatrick’s By The Numbers ahead of this weekend, their lead should be no surprise and the question now remains – will we see them aim for a four-star level one day? James had this to say:

“His cross country is really really good. He’s good at other phases too, but his cross country is fast and brave. You don’t know until you go and do it, whether they can, but I don’t see any reason not to give it a go. We’ll see how it all plays out the rest of the weekend.”

Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Ellen Doughty-Hume her own Sir Oberon moved from fifth to third after a penalty-free round. The 15-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred sits on a score of 51.3 in third fifth season at this level.

“We’ve been together about 10 years now. He’s been my first horse for a lot of stuff. We kind of went up the levels together. He’s taken me everywhere – my first three-star, my first Rolex,” she grinned. “By this time, we know each other pretty well. This is our fifth year competing at the CCI3* level, so if I get him in a bad spot he knows kind of how to help me out, and I do the same for him. He’s a phenomenal horse.”

Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me. Photo by Shelby Allen.

When Lisa Marie Fergusson heard that Eric Winter was taking over as course designer at Galway Downs, she jumped at the chance to ride one of his courses.

“I thought it was a great course, and that’s why I came out here is to ride Eric Winter’s course. I’d ridden Derek di Grazia a bunch and Mike (Etherington-Smith) and Ian Stark, and I love them all, but I wanted to do something a little different,” she said, hinting that she and Honor Me have eyes on Badminton in the spring, which Eric also designs. 

And so far, so good as they added nothing to their dressage score (60) for third place. “He was fantastic. The only jump that made me a little nervous was six because he jumped the brush and he locked right on to the direct line to the corner, and I was planning to bend it, but he locked on and he jumped everything great. He adjusted his stride when he needed to. He didn’t hesitate anywhere. He felt amazing,” Lisa beamed. 

Of the ten starters, seven finished with only our top three coming home inside the time. One was eliminated, Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against retired, and Robyn Fisher and Betawave had a horse fall at fence 24 The competition confirmed that Robyn suffered a broken scapula, and “Leta” is ok.

Helen Bouscaren and Ebay. Photo by Shelby Allen.

A penalty-free trip around cross country launched Helen Bouscaren and her own Ebay into the lead of the CCI2* division. In his first long two-star, the 8-year-old Oldenburg galloped easily around the Temecula Valley venue to finish under the time and remain on his dressage score of 45.9.

“He’s technically green at the level, but he doesn’t feel green,” she said. “He’s really professional and brave, and covers up my errors which is nice. Every fence he’s looking for the next jump, so it’s a nice feeling.”

For Helen – the highlight of the course was “The Moat” at 15 and 16. “I thought was really strong with the two corners. When we walked it, James thought it would be kind of long for him because he doesn’t have a very big stride, so I really attacked it, but I didn’t really need to actually,” she explained. “He jumped in big and bold. I wouldn’t say it was easy, it was a hard course, but he was dead straight and he didn’t do anything anything wrong. That was pretty cool because I felt like when he did that.” 

Emilee Libby and Jakobi. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Emilee Libby piloted Linda Libby’s Jakobi to a faultless finish today as well for second place. The 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood sits on a score of 47.5. Kim Liddell leapt from fifth to third with her own Eye of the Storm. They carry 51.6 penalty points onto the final day of competition.

Galway Downs: Website, Live Stream, Ride Times/Live Scores, Schedule, EN’s Coverage

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Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Five Good Mares

By on Nov 4, 2017 5:00 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.

They say that if you can get a good mare on your side, she’ll be your best horse. Loyal, hard working and tough. Plenty of people out there won’t give a mare a chance because they think she’ll be hormonal all the time, but they’re missing out on a horse that will give you everything she’s got and then some. Here are five good mares for sale on Sport Horse Nation this week.

Page Too. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Horse for Sale: Page Too, 15.3+ h 2014 model TB

Page Too, 15.3+ h 2014 model TB… just showed absolutely no interest in the race track! A very good girl, she has started over fences and has even been to her first hunter show! Very brave, hacks out, no soundness issues or vices. Ready to start a new career, we just have too many! Located in Maryland.

Neila. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Horse for Sale: “Neila” out of 3* mare Lucinda II by the TB stallion Salute the Truth.

FMF Red Shift (aka Neila), home bred July 2011 chestnut mare. She is out of the 3* mare Lucinda II by the TB stallion Salute the Truth. That makes her about 7/8ths tb. Her dam’s sire is the famous Irish horse King of Diamonds.

Neila has run a few successful trainings. She will be in Ocala from October to April. Is flashy on the flat and brave to the jumps. She is a solid 15.3+ and is still growing. Located in Maryland.

Harriet. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Harriet- Brave WB Mare

Harriet is a 2011, 16hh reg Westphalian mare. She has been started dressage, shown hunters, and schooled cross country- she could happily go any direction. She is not mare-ish at all and is as honest and straightforward as they come.

By no fault of her own, she has had limited miles and is still quite green. She has 3 beautiful gaits and a one-in-a-million personality, she is a lovely mare for anyone to bring along. Locatedi n California.

Roz. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Amateur friendly CIC 2* mare

BC Serendipity won the USEA Blue ribbon award at the Preliminary level in 2016 and competed successfully at Intermediate in 2017 with a 2nd, 3rd and 7th in the CIC2*. “Roz” was ridden by an amateur at beg. novice and novice until 2016 (so very low miles) and was safe enough to take an amateur beg. novice the same year as running intermediate.

Roz has very solid flat work with lovely changes, lateral work and comfortably jumps 1.20m. She hacks out well. She requires no maintenance and has great feet. No vices.

Roz is a full sister to multiple Rolex starter Honor Me and the late Smart Move (CCI 3*). Priced to sell at 30K US. 14yr old 15.3hh. Suitable for keen young rider to get upper level miles or teach someone new the ropes. She is a Welsh Sport Horse. Located in British Columbia.

Piper. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Novice level event pony and 1.10 M Pony jumper mare

Piper has competed 3 novice level events with 0 stadium and only 1 xc penalty, can easily move up to training. She is a confirmed pony jumper at 1.10 M winning in the Child/Adult jumper classes as well as getting good ribbons at Devon in the pony jumpers.

Qualified and competed at Pony Finals for her first time this year with her 13 year old rider who has brought her along in both eventing and the jumpers. Tidy jumper, rides like a little sportscar at 13.1H.

Foxhunts first flight keeping up with the big horses first field. Low maintenance pony that a small adult or kid can have fun on in multiple disciplines. This is not a beginner pony. Located in Maryland.

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.

Best of HN: 7 Reasons My Barn is Basically an HGTV Dream Home

By on Nov 4, 2017 3:00 pm -

So rustic! So homey! All photos by Kristen Kovatch.

Here’s the funny thing: I don’t even watch a lot of HGTV. Truth be told, we don’t have cable at home — we’re a modern couple, and we went the way of the Roku a long time ago. There are, however, a few times a year that I find myself perhaps in a hotel for the night, visiting family at home or otherwise somehow able to access a television to while away a few hours… and somehow, every time, HGTV seems to be on.

Whether you’re watching House Hunters or Fixer Upper or one of the myriad other “dream home” series that give you the perfect arc of action in an hour or less, there are a few things that I’ve noticed make for the perfect home — whether they’re features already part of the place, or a DIY project you choose to add yourself. And I’ve also noticed that my barn possesses all of them already. Step aside, HGTV. We got this.

1. An open floor plan

This space just really flows, you know what I mean? Visual cues help separate the cross-tie area from tool storage, but at a moment’s notice we could open up the goat pens and use that space for additional wash stalls. That’s what’s so fun and flexible about this space — we’re really making the most of one room.

2. Dramatic lighting

We just redid the lighting in the barn’s center aisle so I’m actually really excited about this — it added a fun new modern update to this rustic space while still flooding the barn with warm, traditional light. (In all seriousness, these flat LED lights will save a ton on the electric bill, are virtually indestructible by overeager horse noggins and they don’t get hot — win win win for a barn setting.)

3. Huge yard

It doesn’t matter if you have one Chihuahua or eighteen kids — the house buyers on HGTV absolutely must have a huge yard that provides versatile space for wearing out said dog or offspring while also providing outdoor living and entertainment spaces with fancy things like a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, maybe some of those big-bulb carnival lights that are so trendy right now.

Feast your eyes on this giant yard. And yes, we do sometimes have campfires and sleep-outs in this versatile outdoor living space.

4. Walk-in closet

When we talk about our gorgeous and interior-lit walk-in tack room, my sister-in-law and I like to look at each other and giggle: I’ll say things like “oh, there’s plenty of room for my random bit collection in here!” to which she’ll respond “not if my goat feed goes in there first!” So cute.

“This tack room is so big you could put a horse in it!” Get out of there, Winston.

5. Sliding barn doors

Sliding barn doors are HAVING a MOMENT, you guys. Everyone wants them for everything, from “discreet” bathroom doors to closet doors to random bedroom doors even though a conventional hinge door would actually be about 500 times easier, but who’s counting. As it turns out, my barn was fashion-forward this whole time, boasting not one but THREE sliding doors that only occasionally run off their sliders and drive me totally nuts.

6. Board and batten siding

Overshadowed only by its currently-sexier cousin shiplap, board and batten siding is JUST DARLING for when you want to add that rustic touch to your living room, guest room, random bathroom wall or heck — the whole house. While the front-facing sides to the barn were redone with metal siding more recently, the back sides are still the original board and batten painted in screaming “barn red” which makes our home style sense totally on point.

7. Your adorable hosts

For all of the above reasons plus this super-staged photo for a product review, my husband and I could totally be equestrian home style makers for HGTV. Just call us Chip and Joanna.

Photo by Kim Bentley