On the second day of competition at the FEI Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials, the indomitable pair of Laura Collett and London 52 emerged as the dressage winners of the four-star class. Of the 94 entries, Laura and Dan were the only pair to crack the teens. They’re sat on a 19.4 ahead of Sunday’s jumping phases.
Sarah Clark and LV Balou Jeanz making dreams come true at Burghley. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Written by Cheg Darlington and Tilly Berendt.
We’re incredibly sad to report the passing of LV Balou Jeanz, ‘Dream Catcher’ and best friend of Australia’s Sarah Clark. In Sarah’s words, “How do you say goodbye to someone you can’t imagine life without? How do you thank a lost best friend who made your world whole and fulfilled your life’s purpose?”. Our thoughts go out to Sarah, co-owners Gill, Colin and Linda Clark and everyone who worked with, knew and loved Jeanz.
The 14-year-old gelding suffered an accident in the stables whilst at the FEI Nations Cup in Montelibretti, Italy in March. He was treated by on-site vets before being relocated to an equine veterinary clinic where he received further treatment to stabilize his injuries. He was transfered to Newmarket Equine Hospital in the UK where his wounds were found to have reopened and the difficult but necessary decision was made that it was in his best interests for him to be euthanized.
Sarah shared the devastating news on her Instagram account yesterday:
“Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
I have neither the words nor the heart to give him the goodbye and thank you he deserves. So for now Ill just briefly summarise the chain of events for those who’ve asked with as little emotion as possible.
LV Balou Jeanz suffered an accident in the stables at Montelibretti, sustaining deep lacerations to a hind leg and tendons. He was stabilised on site by the treating vets before we relocated him to an equine Veterinary clinic somewhere between midnight and 2am. I am so grateful to the help I received particularly that night but also the days and weeks that have followed. Thank you, all of you xxxx
It was evident to the surgeons who treated him that his injuries would be the end of his sporting career. Though devastated, the mission became to get him back to the uk, healed, then to a happy retirement as babysitter to my future young horses in Australia.
I’d been waiting for good news to share before posting anything, but it breaks my heart that none shall ever come as the situation only worsened. Upon arriving at Newmarket Equine Hospital UK, his wounds had reopened and because of their positioning over a joint, it was proving exceptionally hard for surgeons to immobilise and stabilise the injury. The likelihood of wounds reopening again and again was high. Not only that but given his highly strung nature, the likelihood of him causing further damage to himself while contained was a significant risk. In short, after numerous agonising discussions with vets, family, mentors and dear dear friends, it was decided it was not in his best interests – mentally or physically – to subject him to painful treatment and rehabilitation likely to lead to an uncomfortable retirement at best.
So…
How do you say goodbye to someone you can’t imagine life without? How do you thank a lost best friend who made your world whole and fulfilled your life’s purpose?
I cannot.
So I simply say goodnight, my King, for in dreams we shall meet again ….”
In 2022, Sarah left her native Australia to embark upon a Great British 5* adventure with Jeanz, boarding the flight with no return ticket and no funds to buy one. The decision to chase her dream of competing at Badminton and Burghley came off the back of huge success with the gelding as he rocketed up the levels on his way to the top of the sport – in twelve CCI4* FEI runs, they were top 10 in seven of them, with two wins, one second, one third and one fourth place, proving what a special and talented event horse he was, and earning him Eventing South Australia’s Horse of the Year in 2018 and 2022.
On reaching British shores, Sarah and Jeanz were based with fellow 5* eventer David Doel and she set about crowdfunding her way to Badminton. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and she withdrew before the competition got underway as Jeanz wasn’t feeling 100%. But there was another big B on her bucket list and her dream came true when Jeanz finished just outside the top 20 at Burghley in 2022, returning last season to add another British 5* completion to this horse’s truly impressive record.
It’s a real blow to the sport to have lost such an exciting talent and devastating that we won’t again see him galloping across the country and fulfilling his potential. We’ll leave you with Sarah’s words: “Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”.
I started following North Carolina-based artist Larissa Ann on Instagram a few years ago after seeing that she was the artist in residence at Carolina International. Frankly, I thought it was seriously cool for an event to have an artist in residence and very much enjoyed watching Larissa’s progress on her live painting over the weekend.
One of Larissa’s specialties is painting saddles — she just did one for the Equestrians in Paris gala last month to raise funds for the USET Foundation — and her next will be painted live over the weekend at Kentucky. You can find her in the Stübben tent!
I was the kind of kid in school who really enjoyed art class and worked hard at it for a while, but truly just did not have the innate talent for it. So I mega-respect those that do and I love getting my hands on local artists work when I’m able! Her most recent piece to really catch my eye is this 5 Star Eventing tapestry/ blanket, which goes on sale Tuesday. I might have to snag one for myself!
Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands’ Sponsored Rider Allison Springer put in a strong performance in the Stable View Intermediate division last weekend, coming in in third place with a 28.0. Allison trusts her Amerigo saddles with her horses’ health and performance. Shop now!
Elsa Warble and FE Unlimited. USEA/Lindsay Berreth photo
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce the athletes selected for the 2024 USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program (EA21). USEA Young Rider program members aged 21 and under are eligible for the program. The purpose of the USEA EA21 Program is to identify and provide consistent quality instruction to the next generation of elite event riders. The aim is to create a pipeline for potential team riders by identifying and developing young talent, improving horsemanship and riding skills, and training and improving skills and consistency.
Participants in the USEA EA21 Program will have the opportunity to work with USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) coaches that have been selected for each regional clinic by the EA21 Task Force, and the EA21 Director of Coaching, David O’Connor. O’Connor will mentor the ECP coaches selected for the regional clinics and will develop a curriculum that leads to the national camp that he will coach in Ocala, Florida, Dec. 31, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025. The exact location of the national camp will be announced in the coming months, and the national athletes will be selected from the summer regional clinics and announced in the fall.
The USEA will cover the regional clinic cost and stabling fees for all accepted applicants. Applicants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging costs, and will be contacted by the USEA and on-site Young Rider Coordinators with more information and scheduling.
The 2024 EA21 regional clinic venues, dates, and coaches are listed below, along with the athletes selected for each clinic:
*Athletes are listed in alphabetical order per clinic, and the wait lists appear in the order the athletes will be accepted should openings occur at each clinic.
Central Clinic | Longview Horse Park (Kansas City, Missouri) | Tuesday-Wednesday, June 18-19:
Coached by Bec Braitling
Camryn Chung
Ava Davis
Sierra Fishell
Addison Hagan
Megan Hopkins
Scarlett Peinado
Finley Powell
Willow Schwartz
Eva Taylor
Sierra Thomas
Abigail Williams
Brett Youssi
WAITLIST 1: Ava Staton
WAITLIST 2: Katherine Hyndman
WAITLIST 3: Annabelle Friend
East Coast I Clinic | Morven Park International Equestrian Center (Leesburg, Virginia) | Tuesday-Wednesday, June 25-26:
Coached by Shannon Lilley
Emma Armstrong
Sylvia Byars
Emeline Gilbert
Madison Haney
Lizzie Hoff
Samantha Homeyer
Caitlin O’Roark
Audrey Ogan
Eliza Quigley
Adelyn Rinehart
Camila Saenz
Annabelle Sprague
WAITLIST 1: Carlin Keefe
WAITLIST 2: Ruth Rosendaul
WAITLIST 3: Elle Stephenson
East Coast II Clinic | Stable View Farm (Aiken, South Carolina) | Tuesday-Wednesday, July 23-24:
Coached by Emily Beshear
Kate Bell
Hadley Bruce
Grace Dilger
Catherine Frank
Audrey Littlefield
Jillian Newman
Tate Northrup
Lara Roberts
Breeana Robinette
Rebecca Roth
Kelsey Seidel
Devon Tresan
WAITLIST 1: Jake Tessler
WAITLIST 2: Sophia Brady-Owen
WAITLIST 3: Chloe Paddack
West Coast I Clinic | Twin Rivers Ranch (Paso Robles, California) | Tuesday-Wednesday, June 25-26:
Coached by Rebecca Brown
Kayley Batt
Julia Beauchamp Crandon
Lauren Crabtree
Molly Duda
Ella Garcia
Fiona Holland
Jillian Mader
Taylor McFall
Soobin Oh
Nadia Vogt
Elsa Warble
Anna Weston Smith
WAITLIST 1: Brooke Corsaut
WAITLIST 2: Lauren Bebb
WAITLIST 3: Coco Ramkowsky
West Coast || Clinic | Aspen Farms (Yelm, Washington) | Tuesday-Wednesday, August 13-14:
Coached by Rebecca Brown
Shruti Bona
Simone Clark
Gabrielle Curtis
Ella Eisenbarth
Olivia Keye
McLaine Mangum
Harper Padgett
Kaylee Petticord
Abigail Popa
Caterina Ritson
Kendal Smith
Hanni Sreenan
WAITLIST 1: Lizzie Lynch
WAITLIST 2: Brianna Rasmussen
WAITLIST 3: Lorelei Frederickson
“This program has really grown in popularity since its inception and the vast number of applicants exemplifies this,” stated EA21 Task Force founding member and coach, Rebecca Brown. “The EA21 Task Force and coaches are blown away each year with the quality of applicants; the selections are an intense process each year. If you did not get chosen to participate this year, keep applying! Just because you did not make it this year, doesn’t mean you aren’t a great candidate for the following year. We are watching you, rooting for you, and hoping to get you involved in the program in years to come!”
Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’ve had some updates to the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian entry list this morning with some key withdrawals.
Phillip Dutton has withdrawn Denim from what was to be his CCI5* debut as the first in the order. Phillip posted on social media that the 9-year-old Denim was cross-entered in Kentucky as well as Tryon’s CCI4*-L a few weeks later and that he’s opting for one more 4*-L with the younger horse before tackling the next level. This change will shift Sara Kozumplik and Edy Rameika’s Rock Phantom to the top of the order.
Additional withdrawals prior to the drawn order being published include Emily Hamel and Corvett, who will instead of taking on the USEF European Development Tour starting in May, as well as Sydney Solomon and Early Review C (switched to the CCI4*-S), Grace Taylor and Game Changer, as well as Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. We also anticipate the withdrawal of Meghan O’Donoghue‘s entry, Palm Crescent, as they aim for Badminton two weeks after Kentucky.
You can view the current list of entries in both divisions by clicking here.
EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.
Tamie Smith poses with Mai Baum, owned by Ellen and Alex Ahearn and Eric Markell. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
To celebrate their victory with Mai Baum at the 2023 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, Tamie Smith and the Ahearn/Markell family are joining forces with Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) and the USEA Foundation to raise funds and create a program which helps improve access to eventing for underrepresented members of our community.
As an organization, SEE’s mission is to create a welcoming and open environment for all people who have one thing in common, a love for horses. We seek to grow both allyship and diversity in Equestrian sports by promoting access and inclusion for those who may feel marginalized because of their ethnicity or race. To learn more about SEE, click here.
A simple and elegant baseball cap with the likeness of Mai Baum will be offered for sale for $25 at the USEA booth at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, happening April 25-28 at Kentucky Horse Park.
In purchasing a cap, you will be supporting a Mai Baum SEE Scholarship offered through the USEA Foundation. This program will support experiential internships that promote openness and diversity to young equestrians. All proceeds from the cap sales will be contributed the scholarship.
When asked about the program’s goals, the family responded, “We would love USEA members to buy a cap and for those going to Defender Kentucky this year to wear one. We would like to give others the equestrian opportunity that has changed so many lives. Life sometimes just comes down to giving people a fair shot. That is what we aim to do. If we can use the Mai Baum SEE Scholarship to give the gift of equestrianism to others, we will have succeeded.”
Tamie echoes the importance of giving opportunity saying, “It’s amazing what giving someone a chance can do to their lives and those around them. There was an old saying on TV that ‘opportunity knocks, but you have to open the door.’ We want to help open the doors to Eventing for those who may never have been given that shot. If US Eventing is to going to survive and prosper, we need to expand the opportunity for everyone to participate. There are so many ways to be in and around Eventing. We just need to do our part to help expand the opportunity to do so.
Heather Gillette, co-founder of Strides for Equality Equestrians says “I’m excited to develop a scholarship with the Ahearn-Markell family that will help deserving young equestrians realize there is space for them in Eventing. That they have supporters within the sport, that they have allies who want to help them and that we are invested in their success. This scholarship fits right in with other programs that SEE offers in our effort to grow the sport we love by making it more diverse and welcoming.”
Well, here we are, another week down and another week closer to Badminton Horse Trials. I am giddy with excitement already – the start list is full of first timers as well as experienced 5* riders and horses, all vying to lift that trophy.
Still, the rain continues to pour here in Blighty, and so I can only begin to imagine the difficulties that the organisers are having to face to combat the wet. But then again, they are an experienced team, led by none other than Jane Tuckwell. Jane took over as Event Director in 2020, having joined the team waaaay back in 1974, so if anyone is capable of pulling off a successful Badminton, despite the constant deluge, then it is Jane. Here, she gives a fascinating insight into a typical day in the life of Event Director of the prestigious event, which celebrates it’s 75th Anniversary this year. Although, as Jane points out, no two days actually are the same – the only constant is that they are very, very busy, especially at this point, with just weeks to go before the event kicks off.
I’m not sure I could handle the stress of it all, but I guess being surrounded by such a capable team helps to at least disperse it evenly! If you want further behind the scenes access, then do delve into Jane’s ‘Director’s Blog’ over on the Badminton Horse Trials website. There’s a whole load of posts – some of them dating back two years – giving a first hand account of what it takes to pull off one of the most famous events in the world.
If that isn’t enough, then remember to subscribe to Badminton TV where you can access footage of previous events as well as a whole load of other content, including the special 75th Anniversary special, which premieres tonight. I will certainly be watching!
Ever catch yourself muttering away to your horse? I’m certainly guilty of it…in fact I can safely say I speak more to my four legged friends than I do to any of my two legged friends. They just GET me, you know? Well, maybe they don’t, but at least they keep their opinions to themselves. According to Horse and Hound, these are the six instances when you are most likely to chatter away to them. I am certainly guilty of 1 and 2. In fact, being able to vent to my horses has probably saved me a lot of friendships…or at least avoided several massive arguments…
No this is not a late April Fools. I must admit, when I first saw the lead picture in this article, I was utterly bewildered. But it turns out this did actually happen: a horse appeared to join several surprised passengers in waiting for a train in Southwest Sydney, Australia. After doing a little more research, it seems that the poor guy was just trying to escape the rain – like the rest of us! Still don’t believe me?! Well here’s the CCTV footage to prove it. Fear not though, the horse was taken to a safe place by a more traditional means of transport, and the trains continued to run with no further disruption. *DISCLAIMER* The links here contain MANY a terrible horsey pun. Consider yourself warned.
It seems that I have become some what of a cheerleader for the EquiRatings Eventing podcast. But they are constantly churning out brilliant podcasts, and this week is no different. Not only have we been gifted over an hour of the Queen that is Lara de Liedekerke-Meier in a ‘When Nicole Met…’ show, there’s also a deep dive into the major contenders at this weekend’s Burnham Market – and if that is still not enough, then there’s another ‘EquiLume Special‘ out, this time with Phillip Dutton. Seriously guys, if you don’t already subscribe, then what on earth is stopping you? (I promise I don’t get paid for this promotion. I am just a huge fan of the show, and think you should be too).
Do you know which colour OTTB fetches the highest price? Nope, me neither, or at least I didn’t until I read this intriguing article, based on Madalynn Camp’s thesis for her Illinois State University Master’s degree, which centred around an investigation into the factors that contributed to retired racehorses having a successful second career. Turns out if they are chestnut or grey, they are worth more on the ‘retrained racehorse’ market. Who knew?!
MIM clips. Love ’em or hate ’em , they’re here to stay, contributing as they do to making our sport safer for both horse and rider. If you have ever been curious as to just how they do this, then wonder no more, as international course designer David Evans explains a little more about them here.
Ok, so this is an awkward one, bearing in mind Eventing Nation is a US publication, and thus I am assuming that the majority of those reading this will be American. But still! Bear with me. The British Equestrian Federation Fund are running a ‘Path to Paris’ Prize draw, with the aim of raising money for British Equestrian teams heading to Paris this year. I am aware that Team GBR are rivals to Team USA but even so, there are some super cool prizes up for grabs, including a Stevensons Brothers rocking horse, which just so happens to be a replica of Lordships Graffalo. So even if you just buy a single ticket (it won’t even cost you $5) then you could be in with a chance of winning some epic prizes. Besides, we’re all friends here, right?!
Sponsor Corner
Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Cora Williamson for Liz Crawley Photography.
The Stable View CCI4*-S wrapped up last weekend! Boyd Martin and Commando 3 led the CCI4*-S at Stable View from start to finish, ending on a score of 32.5. Didn’t have a chance to watch the show in person? Catch up on all the action here.
Weekend Watching
I was one of a lucky few to get a ticket for this super special ‘Badminton Preview,’ held at a very swish hotel on Tuesday evening. Hosted by Irish Olympian Sam Watson, as part of Badminton’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, the all star panel was made up of 5* superstars Laura Collett, Harry Meade and the utter LEGEND that is Ginny Leng, as well as course designer Eric Winter, Event Director Jane Tuckwell, and Team GB’s Richard Waygood. A incredible evening, full of insights, tips from the top, as well as funny stories and memories of Badmintons gone by – not least of all from Ginny. An incredible horsewoman, her list of accolades is endless so enjoy this throwback to her appearance on ‘This is Your Life:’ possibly one of the only equestrian athletes to have ever made it on there!
Exciting news to start off the day as Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian, has announced the drawn order for both the CCI5* and the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S happening at Kentucky Horse Park April 25-28.
Riders with multiple horses are selected first to give them space between rides, particularly on cross country day, which means we’ll see former winner Phillip Dutton leading the way, drawn first to go with Ann Lapides, Ann Jones, Caroline Moran, and Neill Sites’ Denim. He will also close out the roster as the final rider to see with Caroline Moran, Anne Moran, and Michael Moran’s Azure.
Jessie Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Looking to the CCI4*-S, it will be Canadian’ Olympian Jessica Phoenix trailblazing with Makayla Rydzik’s splashy Fluorescent Adolescent. Tamie Smith will be the last to see in this division, riding the Kynan Syndicate LLC’s Kynan.
You can view the full drawn order for the CCI5* below or by clicking here. The drawn order for the CCI4*-S can be found by clicking here.
EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.
The cross country course at Adelaide runs directly through the city, making for a very unique rider and spectator experience. Photo by Julie Wilson/FEI.
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival will, from 18 – 21 April 2024, deliver a show-stopping 5-star equestrian event as riders from around the country compete against each other in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
This prestigious event is the only CCI5* event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and will feature more than 70 equestrian athletes and their impressive horses as they each look to stand-out from the competition in a race to secure a coveted place on the Australian Olympic team and compete on the world stage in Paris this July.
Uniquely located in the heart of the Adelaide CBD, Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi and its surrounding parklands will host the four-day festival showcasing the disciplines of Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping.
Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival said the top-tier, globally recognised event continued to grow in popularity year-on-year. “When you provide an opportunity to see world-class riders take part in eventing that is only witnessed at this level in seven events globally, it doesn’t matter if you’re an equine enthusiast or not – you’ll be drawn into the highly competitive and engaging atmosphere that is the Adelaide Equestrian Festival,” Mr Rolton said. “Last year we welcomed more than 30,000 spectators to the Adelaide CBD parklands and with the family-friendly activations and entertainment offering that we have secured for this year, we anticipate that this number will continue to grow.”
“The incredible skill that these riders have and the raw power and ability of these horses are unmatched. We’re excited to see which riders will be using this event to their advantage in the lead up to the Olympics.”
A free family fun day on Thursday April 18 will see the public invited into the parklands to witness the start of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival with entertainment and interactive activities for all ages.
The 2024 AEF competition timetable includes:
Thursday April 18 – Through the generosity of ResourceCo Thursday is free to attend for all spectators. Watch as the Dressage competition begins, let the kids enjoy school holiday arts and craft activities and free face painting while even your four-legged pooch can have some fun in the parklands OFFICIAL OFFICIAL
Friday April 19 – Pryde’s Easifeed sponsor the Dressage competition. Guests will enjoy entertainment from world-renowned Australian horseman and bush poet, Guy McLean, plus you can opt for a seat in the VIP marquee which includes a sit-down long lunch as you watch the day unfold in front of your eyes
Saturday April 20 – The action and adrenalin of the sponsored RB Sellars Cross Country Day is sure to excite everyone. Enjoy a curated selection of pop-up wine stalls and South Australian hospitality while you witness a team of retired racehorses demonstrate their ability in the Olympic sport of eventing.
Sunday April 21 – The podium places will be decided in the highly anticipated ATCO Show Jumping Day as the final discipline showcased for the festival.
South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said: “Adelaide’s beautiful Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi and its surrounding parklands will be hot to trot this April, as we welcome back the Adelaide Equestrian Festival.
“More than 30,000 spectators came out last year to experience the five-star equestrian event – the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere – which is only set to grow in 2024 as more than 70 riders compete in the lead up to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics,” Minister Bettison said.
“The elite sporting festival will continue our state’s non-stop event action, cementing South Australia’s reputation as an event destination of choice while injecting valuable dollars into our economy as athletes and spectators stay and play in SA.” Adelaide Equestrian Festival tickets can be purchased at www.adelaideequestrianfestival.com.au.
The competition will also be streamed live on H+C+ (membership or one-time pass required – use code EVENTINGNATION15 to save 15% off an annual memmbership) here.
The only 5* set in a city center. Photo via Adelaide Equestrian Festival Facebook.
We’re just a week out from our first 5* of the year, which surely calls for a massive eventing high five! ✋
That’s right, this time next week the high flying horses and riders of the Aussie and Kiwi eventing scene (and their canines – yes, there is a ‘Dog Jog’, of course) will be strutting their stuff at the First Horse Inspection before embarking on the only 5* event to take place in a city center. It really is a sight to behold so it’s great news that those of us not able to make the trip can watch along on H&C+ (subscription required).
Mike Etherington-Smith is the man in charge of the cross country course – here’s what he has to say about designing in an Olympic year, making things fair to the horses, and whether he’ll be ‘mean Mike’ when it comes to the finishing touches:
Close on the heels of the Aussie offering, Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event kicks off in just two weeks time. Could we be more excited?! Hard no on that front, for sure. We’ll be bringing you MUCH MORE on this – you know it! – but for now, here’s Jay Hambly, assistant to course designer Derek di Grazia, with his insights into Derek’s designing:
Staying with the Kiwi cohort, this week’s edition of the USEA Podcast talks to two New Zealand riders who are vying for Kentucky glory. Matthew Grayling traveled to the States with his ride, Trudeau, in cracking form – on the back of three consecutive wins, no less – and made his debut on US soil at Carolina this spring. Monica Spencer made the trip last year and has burst onto the American eventing scene in fine fashion, taking 7th at Maryland 5* and 5th in the 4*-S at TerraNova last month. They’re both up for the big one at Kentucky. Listen in as they join the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event preview show with stand-in host Rosie Russell. If you’re wondering where regular host Nicole Brown’s at, she’s been busy at home welcoming her new baby boy. Many congratulations to the Brown family from all of us at EN!
Hey buddy, got enough space there? Teaching my horse to stay out of my space has been a crucial lesson for us, and learning it has made all the difference in almost every other area of his training. This is my space, you stay outside. But I get to come into your space (for snuggles etc.) whenever I want. It sounds harsh, but being consistent with this has really improved my relationship with my guy – he knows where he stands, literally, and that makes him a whole lot happier than when he was so insecure he had to step on my toes to feel safe. Here’s how to go about showing your horse how to stay out of your space.
Want to add a dose of adorable to your day? Check out amazing duo Finn and Quinn as they tackle a grid– hands-free! They’re using the new Ecogold saddle pad from the Pony Collection. Shop for yours here and get FREE shipping with code “EN”.
Video Break
Here’s a throwback to last year’s Maryland 5* and the $1 horse who came 5th in his debut at the top level. Mia Farley and Phelps are headed to Kentucky and we can’t wait to see them doin’ their thang at the Horse Park in a couple of weeks.
For now, enjoy this clip of their time at Maryland. You’ll find the full video here.
