Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Feb 27, 2024 5:31 am -

Today’s the day – the day that entries officially open for the Best Weekend All Year at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event! It’s time to start stalking those entry lists, making your predictions for who’ll come forward, speculating over who’ll perform so well that they’ll chuck themselves straight into contention for an Olympic call-up… the most beautiful time of the year, in my nerdy mind, because at this point, anything could happen. The plot twists, the moments of glory, the shock upsets; they’re all still to come. I, for one, cannot wait. Want to make sure you’re there to catch all the action? You can still benefit from advanced ticket pricing – head to the box office here to nab yours.

Events Opening Today: Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, Spring Bay H.T., Unionville Horse Trials, Longleaf Pine H.T., F.E.N.C.E. H.T., Twin Rivers Spring International

Events Closing Today: Ram Tap National H.T., Pine Top Spring H.T., Ocala Winter II, Carolina International CCI & H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

So often, equestrian media is dominated by names from ‘big six’ nations. But beyond those global superpowers, there are so many riders breaking down barriers and playing a colossal part in building an equestrian industry in countries for whom competing on the world stage is a brand new novelty. One of those? Lithuania’s Aistis Vitkauskus, who we’ve been following at EN for a few years now. Get to know him, his cool, quirky Commander VG, his philosophies, and his love for fly-fishing in this profile from the FEI.

This year’s MARS Badminton Horse Trials is a special one. Okay, let’s be real, it’s Badminton – they’re all special! But this year, the world’s first five-star celebrates a big birthday, and we’re looking forward to all the celebrations of the history and future of this magical competition. Want to start feeling those butterflies nice and early? You’re in luck: on April 9, there’ll be a preview evening in Gloucestershire, packed with some of the biggest names in eventing and guaranteed to be heaving with fascinating stories and interesting insights. Get your tickets here and I’ll see you at the bar.

Costs continue to rise for eventers, and so it’s always exciting when a chance to save money pops up. That’s what’s been offered by British eventing organisers BEDE Events, who have launched a ‘loyalty scheme’ for repeat competitors: compete in five BEDE events through the season, and at the sixth, you’ll have your start fee waived. More money for cheesy chips! Sign me up, tbh.

The season is officially underway, but there’s so, so much left to come. Catch up with US Eventing in the latest episode of the USEA Podcast, where host Nicole Brown is joined by EquiRatings’ Diarm Byrne, USEA CEO Rob Burk, and President Lou Leslie to find out how they reckon it might unfold – from team predictions to exciting moments yet to come, and plenty more besides. Tune in here and get excited!

Photo by Lorenzo Castagnone, via Unsplash.

Sponsor Corner: We have some unfortunate news for equestrians out there…. if you’re not already experiencing mud season, you will be soon. With mud season comes skin problems. Luckily, Kentucky Performance Products has the quick and dirty facts on equine skin conditions. Discover how to prevent them from happening in your horse and what to do once they appear here.

Watch This:

As if eventing at the top level and vying for a place on the French Olympic team wasn’t enough, young British-based upstart Gaspard Maksud — who you may remember from his sparkling sixth place finish at the 2022 World Championships — has spent his winter learning the ropes around seriously beefy showjumping tracks. Check out his first-ever trip around a 1.50m course:

Monday Video: Boyd Goes Beginner Novice

By on Feb 26, 2024 5:00 pm -

Click here if the embedded video above does not appear in your browser.

Sometimes we spot a horse on an Advanced results list and think ‘Whoa, where did that horse come from?’ — making it seem like a top horse suddenly comes out of nowhere. In a passing glance at a results sheet, it can be tempting to view these horses like an overnight success story and forget that, like in most sports, it takes years and years of training and partnership building to make it to the top.

So when we see Gold Czar with Boyd Martin on an Advanced start list in a handful of years, let’s not forget that this is where it all started: out and about at Sporting Days Farm a couple weekends ago tackling his first recognized Beginner Novice.

Gold Czar (Medaglia d’Oro – Pleasant Review, by Pleasant Trap) a.k.a. “Remi” is 6-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred who last raced in February 2022. Remi caught Boyd’s eye while he was teaching the Cheshire Fox Hunt Adult Camp last year and he purchased the horse from the field master, who had taken him off the track about a year ago and given him a good restart with about a year of rest, hacking, and some basic flatwork.

Boyd has been chronicling his work with the youngster on Facebook and you can listen to him further introduce Remi here and watch as Boyd introduces him to his new career step-by-stephere. Will young Remi make it to the top of his new sport one day? We look forward to following along!

Breeding Spotlight: Leigh-ping Forward with OTTBs

By on Feb 26, 2024 2:30 pm -

Jeff Goodwin and Exactleigh compete at Galway Downs’ Eventing Championships in 2023. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Taking a glance at any entry list these days, there are quite a few prefixes and suffixes that we have come to know. The ever popular Irish Cooley, Ardeo, and Fernhill, the Belgian Zangersheide Z, the up-and-coming FE, Excel, HSH and Global, and even the Argentinian Solaguayre is on the rise. One could be forgiven for missing a lone “Leigh” here and there.

But not anymore.

In the 2023 edition of the annual Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, MT) — one of the top destination events on the West Coast — there were more “Leigh” horses than any other breeder, trainer, or seller. There were 14 Cooley horses, 10 Fernhill, 7 Ardeo, 6 Z, 4 Excel, 3 FE, and 1 Global.

Squeaking past them all, “Leigh” horses had 15 representatives, from CCI3*-L all the way to Beginner Novice.

Humor abounds in the names of these salwart partners: Pridefulleigh, Mixologeigh, Bankseigh, My Leighona, Casualleigh, Agatha Christeigh, and my personal favorite: Drunk & Disorderleigh.

Where do they come from?

Jil Walton operates JARBA Farms out of Rebecca Farm in Kailspell, MT where she breeds and trains her own homebreds and off the track thoroughbreds. A representative of the 1992 US Olympic Eventing team, she helped USA to a top 10 finish and finished 17th individually as the highest placed American on a self made mare called Patrona.

Embed from Getty Images

Patrona herself was an off-the-tracker who Jil, in partnership with her parents, sourced in Southern California where she grew up. Walton calls her “the beginning of it all.”

“My dad, my mom, and I would pick the ones that didn’t run and turn them into event horses and event them so I’ve been doing that my whole life,” Jil said. “Then I met one of my clients, Leigh Gray. [She] brought a horse to me to event for her [while] she worked at a vet hospital and had access to lots of Thoroughbreds. So [we] started developing a relationship with trainers, and good owners, that wanted them to go on to do something other than just sit in the field.”

Most of the horses carrying the “Leigh” in their name are former racers sourced by Jil herself, and her friend Gray. But it didn’t begin that way.

Among the horses Leigh sent to Jil to be retrained and homed was Truly Triton. A 1992 chestnut gelding out of Coastal Breeze and With Approval, it began as a rehabbing project when he came to Walton with a tendon injury. Over time however, the partnership competed to the highest levels, completing the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2004 and multiple top 10 finishes at the 4* level. As success came not only to Jil but with the horses Leigh was helping source, Jil felt a touch of inspiration.

“I decided I needed to give Leigh a little bit of credit,” she explains. “So then we started putting the Leigh on the end. I mean, it just kind of caught fire because there’s so many possibilities.”

The name options are pretty excellent (see above!). Indeed, Jil often gets messages with suggestions for Leigh names for future horses down the line.

She credits Leigh with an incredible eye for temperament and her own eye for confirmation, gleaned at her parents’ knees and her own 30+ years of experience. For soundness, she feels nothing can beat a good war horse — Thoroughbreds who have run for many years. Together, she and Leigh work in tandem to not only source successful sport horses but also to find the horse’s own passion.

“I tried to be responsible to the racehorses,” Jil says. “Some of them don’t want to jump. They don’t want to go eventing so we have one barrel racing, we have a couple that are ski-jouring.”

While Jil also breeds some of her own prospects (with the prefix JB for JARBA), her heart is firmly with the Thoroughbreds. The feeling of riding cross country on a horse with a high foundational level of fitness and forward training from their racing careers instills confidence and security. And she feels there is cause to be optimistic for the future of OTTBs in eventing.

“Before I felt like it was an uphill battle, 100%,” she says. “Thoroughbreds are getting so much more attention with the Thoroughbred Makeover and all of that. So I feel like people are more open to them now, which, for a long time, they haven’t been — so that’s rewarding to me.”

Leigh is winding down the non-profit that helped source these fine partners — the Thoroughbred Rehab Center — so there may not be a whole lot more “Leigh” horses coming through the pipeline. Jil herself is still trucking on with her part, having formed new connections and contacts in the racing industry to help retrain and rehome those horses who no longer can or want to race.

In an increasingly global sport where more and more often we see both professional and amateur members sourcing horses from outside our borders, we are seeing less and less of our own American Thoroughbred. While there is nothing wrong with finding quality wherever it may be, by casting a spotlight on our American professionals and trainers, our domestically bred horses can shine as well.

So next time you see that humor filled “Leigh” name, have a chuckle to yourself and maybe, just maybe, find your local OTTB trainer and see if you can find your next partner close to home.

Drop us a line if you know of another deserving barn, breeder, or trainer we can shine a light on!

The Weekend Update: Carolina Prep and More at Pine Top, Three Lakes, Full Gallop Farm

By on Feb 26, 2024 9:30 am -

Another weekend of eventing is in the books, with plenty of horse and rider pairs out and about in the southern states. We’re inching closer to warmer weather for the spring season, as well as some upcoming competitions, like the Carolina International CCI4* in just a few weeks!

We caught up with some of the riders aiming for Carolina, and took a look back on this weekend and celebrate our Weekend Winners! Congrats to all on successful outings, with an extra shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Priscilla Pignatelli and Dittos Gold En Fury, who scored 20.7 in the Starter Rider division at Three Lakes!

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website][Scoring]

Preliminary/Training: Alexandra Knowles and Fernhill Mac an Bata (29.8)
Training: Tracey Bienemann and Silver Bop (29.6)
Training/Novice: Margaret Schneck and Islandwood Border Patrol (31.7)
Novice: Cole William Horn and WillOMoor Pathfinder (24.7)
Beginner Novice A: Christine Hryzak and Sheeran (27.7)
Beginner Novice B: Fylicia Barr and Master Of Illusion (23.8)
Starter: Sophia Perry and Corona With Lime (29.7)
Pre-Starter: Katherine Thornton and Carlingford Finegan (28.0)

Pine Top Advanced (Thomson, GA) [Website][Scoring]

“I’m very pleased with how my horses went at Pine Top this weekend,” says Advanced B winner Ariel Grald, who reflected, “I’m based in Ocala for the winters, and although we have several great venues to choose from, I always make the trip to the Pine Top Advanced HT with my upper level horses… The cross country courses are fantastic and are a good evaluation of where the horses are at at the beginning of the season.”

We’ll see Ariel at Carolina in just a few weeks, with Anne Eldridge’s Leamore Master Plan (Master Imp xx – Ardragh Bash, by Cavalier Royale) in the 4*S, Annie Eldridge’s Diara in the 3*S (Diacontinus – Lady Revens, by Colon xx), and Annie Eldridge’s Adagio’s Nobility (Adagio De Talma – Noble Lady I, by Heraldik xx) in the 2*S.

Andrew McConnon won the Advanced A with Jeanne Shigo’s Ferrie’s Cello (Chello III – Karelza, by Wolfgang). “I’m thankful to have my horses starting off the season looking and feeling well! I had different goals for each horse and I’m pleased with all four of them. We’re really fortunate to have Pine Top Farm on our spring calendar, I’ve been going to Pine Top for nearly 20 years. I’ve had many firsts at Pine Top, including my first Advanced many years ago. It’s always been a special event to me!”

Coming out of the winter, these early spring events have been helpful in bringing Andrew’s horses back from their breaks and in utilizing their training. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from William Fox-Pitt in England the importance of a long winter break and several weeks of long hacking before starting back into work. Most recently with the help of the USEF I’ve had the opportunity to train with Leslie Law, well as my long time coaches at home who have helped me step up my game. While I’m not on the development list this year, the opportunities over the last several years from Nations Cup teams, European tour, and access to training in that program has made a huge impact to myself and my program.”

With a recent move out onto his own, Chris Talley sought out Pine Top as an important stop in his spring for his horses and program: “This year after stepping out on my own and starting my own business I came up from Ocala, Florida and came to the second Pine Top specifically because they have the Advanced division which I wanted to target with the Allison Pratt’s FE Marco Polo (Arko Junior Pms – Elfe II, by Exorbitant XX) and my own Loughtown Cici (Cc Captain Cruise – Castlelawn Diamond Clover, by White Clover) that recently stepped up to [the level].”

“The cross country at Pine Top is why I chose to come here every year. It’s big and bold and really requires positive riding. The courses offer fair questions for this point in the season and also offers a bit of terrain which in Florida you don’t get much of.”

“It’s been a very good start to the season and all the horses finished Pine Top full of confidence so I’m excited for some big spring plans… Since establishing my own business I’ve been really happy with how the horses are going. I have an amazing group of horses and wonderful owners who have been incredibly supportive. This year I really wanted to find the fun in it again. I wanted to enjoy my personal life as much as I enjoy the horses and I’ve found the perfect work/life balance which I think the horses and their performance and reaping the rewards of,” Chris commented.

Having just moved her business back to the states from her time in England, Kimmy Cecere enjoyed her first time at Pine Top. “What a fantastic event to start the season! Both the cross country and show jumping courses were strong and rewarding.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kimmy Cecere (@kimmycecere)

“Jacqueline Mars’ Landmark’s Monaco (Formula One – Glamour) had a fun and easy canter around the Intermediate. [Her own] OS Hermintage (Indoctro – Elvira), who has just stepped up to the level, gained confidence throughout all three phases. The rolling hills and variety of questions set both horses up to continue on to Carolina in a few weeks,” Kimmy reflected.

Kimmy’s horses seem to be making the transition to their new base in Southern Pines well. “The horses traveled super well and they love our new base in Southern Pines,” Kimmy commented. “I have developed some great new relationships, and I’m looking forward to expanding my business!”

Advanced – 2022 USEF Advanced Test A: Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello (36.5)
Advanced – 2022 USEF Advanced Test B: Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan (29.5)
Intermediate Rider: Sara Beth Anton and Legionnaire (37.2)
Open Intermediate A: Allison Springer and No May Moon (27.0)
Open Intermediate B: Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye (27.2)
Open Preliminary A: Ariel Grald and Adagio’s Nobility (26.1)
Open Preliminary B: Boyd Martin and Kolbeinn (27.2)
Preliminary Rider: Carlin Keefe and Point Nemo (26.6)
Modified – Open A: Fylicia Barr and Quantum Cooley (26.5)
Modified – Open B: Chris Talley and Fast Forward (25.8)
Modified – Rider A: Heidi Grimm Powell and Finntastic! (28.0)
Modified – Rider B: Molly McLaughlin and Top L’Amour WV (34.0)
Open Training A: Kim Severson and Cooley Consort (26.9)
Open Training B: Andrew McConnon and Connery Cooper Z (22.8)
Open Training C: Jane Jennings and SF Vancouver 2 (25.3)
Training Rider: Harrison Chang and JVK Fionn MacCumhaill (34.3)
Junior Novice Rider: Samantha Sibley and RHS Casallco Star (35.4)
Open Novice: Erin Kanara and Captain’s Lady (24.4)
Senior Novice Rider: Alexis Shrum and Anchorman (29.7)
Beginner Novice Rider: Nina Celeste Braun and Lagoon Macaroon (33.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Maddie Lichten and RF Luminati (28.8)

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website][Scoring]

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jordan Crabo (@jkc_eventing)

Open Preliminary: Elisabeth Halliday and Newmarket Cooley (29.7)
Preliminary Rider: Victoria Sudkamp and Woodstock Rio (32.6)
Open Modified: Jordan Crabo and Cooley Pot of Gold (27.9)
Open Training: Stephanie Goodman and HSH Clever Z (25.5)
Training Rider: Hannah Fatehdin and Things To Ponder (26.9)
Novice Rider A: Kirsty McLeod and Celtic Sapphire (27.5)
Novice Rider B: Coco Fiorita and Oskar (22.5)
Open Novice A: Arielle Aharoni and Veni Vidi Vici (30.6)
Open Novice B: Lauren Nicholson and Sir Prize (22.9)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Sarah Alexander and Lambrusco W (21.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Jean McNamara and Pavoratti’s Soul (35.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Lauren Nicholson and Tennyson (25.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Macy Clark and Bailando (21.9)
Open Starter: Kristen Ayers and Counting Stars (26.7)
Starter Rider: Priscilla Pignatelli and Dittos Gold En Fury (20.7)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Katie Nesbit (@kt.nesbit)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Feb 26, 2024 8:40 am -

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Desert Horse Park (@deserthorsepark)

 

Eventing will always be my sport of choice (despite the odd foray out of it — I’ve spent the last few days in Qatar, working as part of the broadcast team for the 5* showjumping at the CHI Al Shaqab, which has been an experience!) but I do think there are some cues we could take from other disciplines. Mostly, tbh, I want us to have costume classes, as they do at Desert Horse Park in California, but I don’t want them to just be restricted to kids. I’m thinking a fancy dress CCI4*-S could go over nicely. Who do I pitch this to?

National Holiday: It’s Letter to an Elder Day. Have you been inspired, or taught valuable lessons, by a horse person of an older generation? Consider writing them a note of gratitude — even if they’re not someone you know directly, we guarantee it’ll mean a huge amount to them.

US Weekend Action:

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Results]

Pine Top Advanced (Thomson, GA): [Website] [Results]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL): [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Men and women might be able to compete equally in equestrian sports, but the experience of it isn’t always the same. Menopause is one major factor that can really change a rider’s riding life, and that’s the topic on the table in this interesting interview with 55-year-old Rachel Fisher, who’ll be tackling the Badminton Grassroots Championship this year and has learned how to make her body work for her, even when it feels like a new, alien place to be. Check it out.

Would you buy an unbroken pony for your kids? Only if you don’t like them much, amiright — but actually, writer Jamie Sindell has kind of swayed me with her measured approach to doing exactly that. First-time pony producers should probably still not do this, but for those with a bit of experience, I think I can see the benefits now.

We love a life-hack or a top tip from the folks who really know horses. And top of that list? Professional grooms. Here’s some of their biggest ‘don’ts’ to help you become a better horse person and make your horse happy, healthy, and super-duper shiny.

Marley Bridges was en route to being a gymnastics champion. Then, a major injury forced her to give up the sport she loved at just twelve years old. It was heartbreaking — but in the process, she found horses, and eventing, and a new challenge to embrace. Check out her inspiring story here.

Morning Viewing:

I truly…don’t know what to tell you here.

 

Announcing the 2024 Ride for Charity Teams at #GPE2024

By on Feb 25, 2024 1:56 pm -

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The 2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services (GPE) Organizing Committee and the Aiken Horse Park Foundation are excited to announce the 2024 Ride For Charity Teams and Online Fan Vote!

Since the inaugural event in 2019, #AnEventLikeNoOther has featured the extraordinary Ride For Charity team competition. Along with the main event, the riders competing at the GPE are divided into 6 teams, each representing a local charitable organization. The top 3 finishing teams earn prize money for their respective charities.

In addition, since 2021 we have incorporated the “Online Fan Vote”, where the public can get in on the action and vote for their favorite team. At $5 per vote, 100% of the proceeds go back to our participating charitable organizations.

The Aiken Horse Park Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, prides itself on its charitable contributions at EVERY event here at Bruce’s Field! Whether raising funds, awareness, or both, our charitable work is central to who we are.

Please read on to learn more about our 6 participating charitable organizations and join our “Online Fan Vote” to contribute to your favorite causes. Fans may vote as often, for as many teams, as they wish! Online voting will close at 4:00 pm EST, Saturday, March 2nd. [Click here to cast your vote]

Tickets are still available for this one-of-a-kind event, and you can get yours by clicking here.

TEAM RED

Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs

Captained by Colleen Loach

Sydney Elliott

Kyle Carter

Waylon Roberts

Great Oak provides equine assisted activities that promote the physical, emotional, and psychological health of individuals with disabilities. At Great Oak, we change lives. Our programs are the catalyst for unbridled personal growth and awareness. We share our knowledge to empower individuals and their families.

TEAM ORANGE

TRI DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Captained by Liz Halliday

Dani Sussman

Buck Davidson

Shannon Lilley

We make sure that individuals’ strengths and abilities are recognized. People with disabilities are vital and integral members of our society. They are supported as members of the community, rather than clients of programs or consumers of services. Opportunities to grow and achieve are offered in natural settings on a systematic and timely basis. Everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

TEAM YELLOW

AIKEN VOLUNTEER MOUNTED UNIT

Captained by Doug Payne

Caroline Pamukcu

Arden Wildasin

Sara Kozumplik

ADPS deploys volunteer personnel to supplement other components of the department in a non-law enforcement capacity as deemed necessary by the Director of Public Safety. Mounted volunteers can be an effective tool in operations, ceremonial details, and other areas of public relations. The volunteers of the unit are civilian volunteers. Participation as a volunteer does not confer law enforcement authority upon the civilian volunteers. It is the policy of the Department to utilize trained mounted horse volunteers in specific capacities as designated by the Director.

TEAM GREEN

AIKEN COUNTY PONY CLUB

Captained by Emily Hamel

Will Coleman

Austin O’Connor

Sharon White

Aiken County Pony Club (ACPC) was founded in 1998 by Sporting Days owner Joannah Glass, and has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 20+ years. ACPC is incredibly lucky to be based in one of the most exceptional equestrian locations in the world – Aiken, SC, with access to Olympic coaches, notable equestrians and horse trainers, and exceptional facilities.  Each member plays an important role in our club, and we have riders of all abilities – from those learning to ride to those with Olympic dreams (and every one in between). Our club is part of a greater network of equestrians and sportspeople through the Regional and National Pony Club Organizations. Through Pony Club our members compete in Pony Club competitions (known as rallies), which require the kids to work together as a team, in the spirit of great horsemanship.

TEAM BLUE

HITCHCOCK WOODS FOUNDATION

Captained by Phillip Dutton

Will Faudree

Bobby Meyerhoff

Allison Springer

The Hitchcock Woods Foundation is solely responsible for the preservation and management of the Hitchcock Woods, which is the largest privately-owned urban forest in the country. Its 2,100 acres and 70 miles of sandy trails have been a haven for pedestrian and equestrian users since the early 1800’s.

TEAM PURPLE

BATTLEFRONT OUTDOORS

Captained by Boyd Martin

Monica Spencer

Matthew Grayling

Erin Kanara

To provide outdoor adventures and therapeutic events to the men and women who serve at home and abroad.

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

By on Feb 25, 2024 12:01 am -

You can collect them all! Take your pick of Carolina International CCI4* competitors and add them to your Equiratings Eventing Manager team. Trade them with your friends Pokémon-style, and wait in line at the midnight release to get the ultra-rare shiny Will Coleman.

U.S. Weekend Action

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Pine Top Advanced (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Free USEA Digital Memberships Awarded to Volunteers for 2024

Lauren O’Connor: Surviving Years of #MeToo Turmoil and Healing Through Horses

Q&A: How has the path changed for ambitious young riders without the budget to pursue the top sport?

Liz Halliday’s three-step process to teaching young horses over narrow fences

Sponsor Corner: Calling all volunteers near the Carolina Horse Park! The Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and HT on March 14th through 17th is looking for volunteers. Choose from a half day or full day shift and get to enjoy all the eventing action from right in the thick of it. No experience needed! Learn more [here].

Morning Viewing: You’re twelve years old aboard a pony named Cupcake or Sparkles, pulling up to the Beginner Novice warmup wearing your hot pink tie-dye cross country colors, just to queue at the start box behind Boyd Martin and a spicy baby Thoroughbred. Oh, but then you beat him because he racked up time penalties from going too fast.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Boyd Martin (@boydmartineventing)

Eventing Emerging and Development Program Training Sessions Kick Off 2024 Season

By on Feb 24, 2024 3:00 pm -

Eventing Emerging athlete Maddie Hale schooling a show jumping course in Ocala. Photo by Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian.

The Eventing Emerging and Development Program participants began 2024 with training sessions to hone their skills with Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law. In addition, they heard from several industry experts to help further their knowledge of the high-performance aspects of equestrian sport.

The athletes rode in dressage and show jumping lessons with Law, setting their show jumping courses alongside Law or course designer Chris Barnard. Participants worked on their cross-country riding in lessons with Ian Stark, Eventing Team European High Performance and Cross-Country Advisor.

“The January training sessions are a good time to take a look at the basics. When you are in the middle of the season, you are more focused on the competitions along with the show jumping rounds and the test themselves,” said Law. “Overall, I thought the combinations looked good. Everyone had their horses in good shape. We had some good cross-country schooling sessions with Ian Stark. Most of the athletes have had a run now, and they all came out and had good results.”

An esteemed group of experts gave lectures to the participants on a variety of topics. Longtime groom Max Corcoran spoke about horse management, and Joanna Frantz reviewed human physiology basics and exercises for the athletes. Veterinarians Dr. Lisa Cassinella, Dr. Jonathan McLellan, and Dr. Paul McClellan shared how to keep equine athletes in top shape, and farriers Rebecca Ratte and Kenny Bark discussed hoof care with the participants. Sam Watson of EquiRatings provided an overview of data collected and key performance indicators for their high-performance analysis.

“We do a lot of lectures on top of the training itself,” said Law. “We try to cover the whole aspect of the business. The athletes have their own bases and their own programs, but we really try and help them maximize their potential in all areas.”

Along with the educational component, Law and Christina Vaughn, Director of Eventing Development & Emerging Programs, review athletes’ plans for the year ahead and possible target events for the various combinations in the spring and summer.

“We are looking to take up to six riders over to Europe to do the Nations Cups at Chatsworth in the UK and Millstreet in Ireland with the possibility of some of them doing the three-day at Bramham as well,” said Law. “That’s a big discussion with who is interested in doing that and what we need to do prior to it.”

The educational series began with the Eventing Emerging Program Training Session at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Fla., from Jan. 8-11. Along with the lessons and lectures, participants heard from a USOPC nutritionist, Rikki Keen, on having well-rounded meals.

Eventing Emerging athlete Julia Beauchamp Crandon schooling cross-country with Ian Stark in Temecula, California.
Photo by Myah Vasquez Photography.

The West Coast-based Eventing Emerging Program participants trained alongside their counterparts in the USEF/USDF Emerging Athlete Programfrom Jan. 15-18 at the Galway Downs Equestrian Center in Temecula, Calif. Both groups had their respective training sessions, often auditing each other’s lessons, and joined together for lectures from the industry experts. In addition to the main lectures, participants received media training as well as insights from a coaches’ roundtable panel consisting of Law and U.S. dressage athlete Steffen Peters.

The Eventing Development Program participants gathered at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Fla., from Jan. 29 – Feb. 1. Along with the lessons and lectures, the Eventing Development Program participants received media training and spoke on a panel about their educational influences for the USEA Eventing Coaches Program Symposium being held at the same facility.

Looking beyond 2024, Law aimed to get athletes thinking long-term about the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

“There are discussions happening on L.A. in four years’ time, trying to get the riders to think bigger picture. It might seem a long way away, but it’s not,” said Law. “They are certainly capable, but now it is putting it all together for the future.”

An Eventer’s Guide to Replacing Your Safety Equipment

By on Feb 24, 2024 10:30 am -

Eventers have a reputation for being tough as nails, handy, and finding ingenious applications for duct tape. That last bit should not apply to your safety equipment — so we’re here to share some helpful information about when your safety gear should be replaced.

Helmets

Photo courtesy of Ride EquiSafe

Dents and divots are not a badge of honor — on your helmet or your head. If you’ve had a fall where your head has impacted the ground, your helmet needs to be replaced. Most helmet manufacturers offer an accident replacement program where you can buy a new helmet at a discounted rate depending on the age of your helmet.

If your helmet hasn’t had an impact with the ground, it generally needs to be replaced every 3-5 years. Whether it’s three, four, or five years depends on multiple factors, including: how often and long you ride, if your head is particularly sweaty, climate (heat and humidity grows icky stuff, which can degrade its important inner workings and also put you in contact with bacteria), and storage conditions.

Key things to check the condition of your helmet:

  • Obvious scratches and dents in the shell.
  • If your helmet has a brim, it shouldn’t be misshapen.
  • Indents or cracks in the polystyrene (the inner shell).
  • A crushed liner that no longer has padding.

You only have one head, so follow these guidelines to keep it looking and thinking like normal.

Body Protectors

Body protectors follow similar guidelines to helmets. We love the stalwart Tipperaries, except for when we see the 30-year-old ones that are hanging on by a thread and a rider proudly announcing that they’ve had it since they were 12 (they’re 56 now) or that they found it in a Middleburg second hand shop for five dollars.

So, replace your body protectors every 3-5 years depending on usage. Heat and moisture have a significant impact on foam, so if you’ve been unlucky enough to go swimming cross-country on too many occasions, you’re a prolific sweater, or enjoy riding in the rain, this will shorten the life of your body protector.

Things to check on your body protector for condition :

  • Foam: Foam should be an even thickness without obvious dents or divots. It should still have a thick, dense feel to it. If your fingers can squeeze into the foam, it’s degraded. When you squeeze the foam, the little bit of give should bounce back quickly.
  • It stinks: If it’s stinky, it’s a sign of bacteria which can degrade the foam.
  • Condition of the laces or Velcro: The laces or Velcro should have as much grip as day one. If there is no elasticity left in your laces, the grommets are missing or the Velcro doesn’t stick any more, the equipment is unlikely to stay in place the way that it needs to fully protect you.

Air Vests

Photo courtesy of Ride EquiSafe

You’re going to sense a theme here – air vests should be replaced every 3-5 years. Notwithstanding the fact that we’re starting to see more rapid innovation, but because air vests are mechanical and it’s imperative that all components are regularly checked to be in good working order. All air vests offer a warranty and also have servicing guidelines. Like the Tipperaries, we often see Point Two and Hit Air vests that look like they have been through battle (isn’t that what a cross country course is anyways?) and when we ask when they were last serviced, we get a blank stare.

There are six main components to an air vest that need to be regularly self inspected or checked by the manufacturer:

  • Textile: This is the outer shell that houses the air bladders. Inspect these to make sure that there are no rips or snags. You can also do the stink test.
  • Air chambers: The majority of air vest manufacturers don’t want you touching the air bladders themselves at risk of changing how they lie within the vest. But you can still test the condition by intentionally deploying the vest to make sure that the vest fully inflates and stores air for the appropriate amount of time. Yes, we know people loathe blowing a perfectly good canister, but it’s not without good reason .
  • Trigger: Your trigger is mechanical and is responsible for setting in motion the inflation of your vest. You want to make sure that none of the parts are rusted or corroded. Your trigger should be kept clean and dry. If you take a dunk in the water or get caught in a monsoon, make sure to dry off the trigger afterwards. As with the air chambers, the best way to check the trigger is functional is by doing a test inflation.
  • Lanyard and Key Ball: Your lanyard is a bungee. If it no longer has stretch left or is stretched out, it needs to be replaced. If your key ball is misshapen or gunky, it should be replaced. The way that the key ball sits in the trigger directly impacts if the trigger will fire correctly. You want it to fire when it should and you don’t want it to when you don’t (seems obvious, right?).
  • Saddle Strap: For the love of Pete, DO NOT hook your lanyard to a D-ring. The worst thing in the world is to be flying through the air, waiting for your vest to deploy and out snaps your D-ring. Always use a saddle strap installed on your stirrup bars and make sure that the loop that you are clipping onto is centered. Ensure that the nylon isn’t torn or frayed. ZIP TIES ARE NOT AN ACCEPTABLE REPLACEMENT FOR YOUR SADDLE STRAP. (Sorry, didn’t mean to yell there.)
  • Gas Canister: Your gas canisters should be stored in ambient temperatures. This means they shouldn’t be kept in your car or horse trailer (yes, I’m talking to you). If they are stored in extreme temps for a prolonged period of time, you risk the gas losing mass. Most gas canisters have a weight printed on them, so at a minimum it’s recommended to check the weight on a kitchen scale at least annually.

If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid falling all year, I recommend deploying your vest just to ensure it’s still functioning properly.

Stirrups

I’d love to think that everyone is using safety stirrups, but I know that’s not the case. Gone are the days of rubber banded peacock stirrups being your only option. Have you seen videos of riders getting dragged? It’s terrifying and would send anyone running to the tack store to buy stirrups with a release mechanism.

Regardless of what kind of stirrups you have, here are a couple of things to check:

  • Footbed: The footbed is what gives you grip. Whether it’s metal, rubber or polymer, make sure that there is still sufficient tread left.
  • Material: If your stirrups are metal, just make sure there’s no rust or corrosion. If it’s composite or non-metal, check for cracks. If you have composite stirrups, I actually recommend replacing every 3-5 years, just like your helmet and body protector. Look for any changes in shape, as this can mean that the material is compromised. If you have a safety mechanism, make sure that the components such as joints or flexible branches are in good working order.

Safety equipment is there to do just that – keep you safe, and the only way it can effectively do that is to make sure it’s stored properly, used properly, inspected properly and maintained properly. Duct tape and zip ties are not substitutes for good, working equipment, so put your old stuff in a shadowbox and invest the appropriate time and money into your safety.

Remember – functioning safety equipment is cheaper than an ambulance ride!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ride EquiSafe (@rideequisafe)

This article was sponsored by Ride EquiSafe — your source for all things related to equestrian safety. Ride EquiSafe provides expert demos, fittings, and guidance for the most important part of the ride: your safety. To shop air vests, body protectors, safety stirrups, and more, head to their website. 

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Feb 24, 2024 12:01 am -

Photo via Alison Eastman-Lawler on Facebook.

Alison Eastman-Lawler added a little twist to her most recent schooling show at Apple Tree Farm South in Windsor, South Carolina by hosting a ‘Bald is Beautiful Beauty Pageant’ to raise support for Locks of Love, a nationwide non-profit that provides real hair wigs to children suffering hair loss as a result of a medical condition.

The Bald is Beautiful Beauty Pageant saw three brave men — Ronan Maloney, Mike Pendleton, and Shawn Lawler — come forward as contestants to shave their head. A $10 donation to Locks of Love bought one vote to cast for the winner of the pageant, which ultimately raised an impressive $3,000!

And the winner was … the man who got his head WAXED: Ronan Moloney! If you fancy watching the painful chaos, you can do so right here. And it’s not too late to donate to the cause either!

U.S. Weekend Action

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Pine Top Advanced (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Reviving the Spirit: Jamaican Eventing Soars with the FEI Solidarity’s FEI Eventing World Challenge Series

Laughter and Learning at the 2024 Ocala Horse Properties USEA YEH Symposium

Am I Crazy? I Bought An Unbroke Small For My Kids

A Quick Look at the Amazing Equine Heart

The Big Picture Presented By Excel Equine: Are Influencers The Answer?

Sponsor Corner: Check out Woodge Fulton and Cash Point strutting their stuff 👑

Woodge chooses Amerigo Saddles for her horses. “We love everything about our @amerigo_saddles_official saddles, from the way they fit the horses to how customizable they are. From piping colors to stitching colors, you can match your saddle to your personality.”

World Equestrian Brands is your source for saddles trusted by 5* riders.

Morning Viewing: Are you a chronic looker downer when you ride? Here’s a quick top from Amelia Newcomb on how to fix your it!