Classic Eventing Nation

Your Gotta-Be-There Guide to the Central Park Horse Show $50K Arena Eventing Competition

By on Sep 19, 2017 10:00 am -

Photo courtesy of Rolex Central Park Horse Show.

Eventing is coming to the heart of New York City this Saturday evening, Sept. 23, when the Rolex Central Park Horse Show hosts the U.S. Open $50,000 Arena Eventing Team Competition. We can’t wait to see our sport showcased in such a unique and accessible setting, against the backdrop of a glittering New York City skyline.

A star-studded lineup of 24 riders representing four countries, split into 12 teams, will contest a NYC-themed Capt. Mark Phillips course that incorporates both show jumping and cross country elements.

Each team, named after a famous New York City neighborhood, will race against the clock with faults converted into time with their score being based on the cumulative time of both riders’ rounds. The top six teams will return for the second and final round of competition, which will crown the first-ever U.S. Open $50,000 Arena Eventing champions.

Here’s the updated entry list:

Team Wall Street
Ryan Wood (AUS) / Kate Chadderton (AUS)

Team Upper West Side
Clayton Fredericks (AUS) / Domm Schramm (AUS)

Team West Village
Jessica Phoenix (CAN) / Lisa Marie Fergusson (CAN)

Team Upper East Side
Waylon Roberts (CAN) / Selena O’Hanlon (CAN)

Team Times Square
Oliver Townend (GBR) / William Fox-Pitt (GBR)

Team Midtown
Phillip Dutton (USA) / Julie Richards (USA)

Team Soho
Hannah Sue Burnett (USA) / Holly Payne-Caravella (USA)

Team Chelsea
Boyd Martin (USA) / Caroline Martin (USA)

Team Tribeca
Marilyn Little (USA) / Matt Brown (USA)

Team Hell’s Kitchen
Jennie Brannigan (USA) / Lynn Symansky (USA)

Team Greenwich Village
Will Coleman (USA) / Erin Sylvester (USA)

Team East Village
Buck Davidson (USA) / Doug Payne (USA)

It’s sure to be a special moment in time, and the more we come out to support it the better the chances that it will become an annual fixture as opposed to a one-off event. We applaud The Fite Group, a market-leading luxury real estate firm serving the South Florida region, for signing on as the class’s title sponsor, a leap of faith in its inaugural year.

Eventers, it’s time to rally! Who’s up for a weekend in city? We know you’re busy people, so allow us to assist with logistics:

Tickets: General Admission tickets are $50/person and can be purchased at the Central Park Horse Show website or at this link.

VIP Seating is still available and can be purchased by contacting [email protected]. Tables seat six and have an impressive view of Wollman Rink. VIP Seating will include premier open bar and dinner. Individual VIP Seats are also available.

Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 8 p.m. Dress is cocktail/evening casual.

You spend 99% of your life in muddy boots and slobber-stained shirts with random strands of hay in your hair. How much fun would it be to dress up and pretend you’re a fancy city person for one night? Photo courtesy of Rolex Central Park Horse Show.

Getting there: It can be done on the cheap, guys! Look into budget airlines: I got a $108 round-trip plane ticket from Knoxville to Newark through Allegiant Air.

Once you’re in the city, here’s how to get to Wollman Rink:

Best Park Entrance:

Central Park South (59th Street) and 6th Avenue. Wollman Rink is a two minute walk into Central Park from this entrance. Follow the footpath directly into the park and stay to the right.

By Subway:

Take the A, B, C, D, 1 to 59th St.- Columbus Circle
Take the N, Q, R to 5th Ave/59th St.
Take the F to 57th Street

By Bus:

Take the M1, M2, M3, M4 to 64th Street
Take the M5, M7, M10, M104 to Columbus Circle

Here’s the site map:

Where to stay: The official horse show hotel, JW Marriott Essex House (160 Central Park South), is a conveniently located about 0.3 mile from the venue but will set you back about $1,000 a night. Let’s leave those rooms to the hunter/jumper folks and look into some more affordable options, shall we?

If you can spring for $200-400 night — another reason to drag your barn buddies along and split the cost! —  the world is your oyster. A friend of mine who has attended the Central Park show before recommends the Salisbury Hotel (123 W. 57th Street), which she describes as “kinda old and crappy but super easy walking distance and not as expensive as some other places.” For the price (about $220/night), the Ameritania (230 W 54th Street) looks boutique chic and is about half a mile away.

Even if you have zero travel budget to work with, like me, you can make this thing happen. Crashing on a park bench hobo-style in Central Park seems really convenient to the horse show and would make EN’s accountant happy, except I’d worry my laptop and camera would get stolen. So I booked a shoebox size “pod” in the Chelsea Cabins (370 8th Avenue) for $82/night, also about half a mile away. That’s which is about as cheap as it gets in Manhattan.

You can always venture a bit further afield tho, and check out alternative lodging like Airbnb and hostels. I’ve also been known to crash on dodgy friends’ friends couches in the meatpacking district, etc. Do what you gotta do, just be there!

That time I camped out on jump #19 at Rebecca Farm. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Complete schedule of events: Make a week of it!

Go Eventing.

[Rolex Central Park Horse Show Welcomes The Fite Group Luxury Homes as Title Sponsor of U.S. Open $50,000 Arena Eventing Competition]

 

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Sep 19, 2017 12:01 am -

Still reeling over Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border’s win at Blenheim! Of course, credit must also be given to super groom Andi Lawrence who has also put so much work and heart into it. This horse has risen up the ranks under Kim’s watchful eye. He stepped on the scene by winning the USEA Young Event Horse Championship in 2012. I wonder if Kim knew then the horse she’d have five years later at Blenheim. I would say what a happy ending, but at just 10, we still have so much still to see from Cooley Cross Border!

National Holiday: Talk Like A Pirate Day

Events Opening This Week: Full Gallop Farm November H.T. (SC, A-3) Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (FL, A-3) Galway Downs International Event & H.T. (CA, A-6)

Events Closing This Week:  Heritage Park H.T. (KS, A-4) Willow Draw Charity Show (TX, A-5) Radnor Hunt H.T. (PA, A-2) Woodside International Horse Trials (CA, A-6) Course Brook Farm Fall Horse Trials (MA, A-1) Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event & Team Challenge H.T. (KY, A-8) Kent School Fall H.T. (CT, A-1) The Event at Skyline (UT, A-9) Middle Tennessee Pony Club Horse Trials (TN, A-3) The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2) WindRidge Farm Fall Horse Trials (NC, A-2)

Tuesday News:

It was a whirlwind weekend for the U.S. at Blenheim. That is especially true for the dedicated grooms of these top horses. They often put blood, sweat and tears into their careers, and they consider every defeat and success their own. Courtney Carson shares her experiences from behind the scenes. [USA! USA! USA!]

FEI President Ingmar De Vos has been elected to the International Olympic Committee. The IOC has been putting the pressure on ahead of the last few Olympic cycles for horse sports to mold for better understandability. His election will hopefully give a louder voice for Olympic equestrian sports in the future. [Horse Sport Gets A Crucial Voice on the IOC with Election of Ingmar De Vos]

Have you ever wanted to crack one open and share a beer with your horse? Turns out, it may have some benefits. Many people use beer to help conditions like anhidrosis, but vets are finding that it can also help encourage a horse to eat and drink. Looks like happy hour every once and a while isn’t such a bad thing. [A Beer for Our Horses]

Tryon has released spectator lodging options for the 2018 World Equestrian Games. Are YOU going? [Tryon 2018 – Lodging]

Tuesday Video: Watch Buck Davidson finally pull off that elusive win at his hometown venue.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Meanwhile at Stone Gate Horse Trials …

By on Sep 18, 2017 5:00 pm -

Bouncy horse races are the best inflatable thing to happen to the sport of eventing since the invention of air vests. We spotted them at the Tryon International Equestrian Center during Saturday Night Lights at the AECs:

Recognize any of these bouncy horse jockeys? #aec17

A post shared by Eventing Nation (@goeventing) on

I know. Will Faudree’s somersaults blew our minds, too.

And then reader Jackie Smith sent us this great video: “While everyone’s eye was on Blenheim and Plantation this weekend people missed the fun filled Saturday Night at the Races at the Stone Gate Farm Horse Trials. Here’s a link of one of the races handily won by Cassidy Wozniak.”

Love it. Go Eventing!

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: ‘ISO the Next Donner’ Edition

By on Sep 18, 2017 3:30 pm -

Lynn Symansky and Donner at Burghley 2017. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

How great was it to see Lynn Symansky and American-bred OTTB posterhorse Donner right up there at the top of the Burghley leaderboard earlier this month? The pair placed 6th, yet another feather in the cap of this epic partnership.

Foaled on April 18, 2003 in New York, Donner raced under the name Smart Gorky (Gorky Park (FR) – Smart Jane, by Smarten) before finding his calling in the sport of eventing. Back in 2014, we published the story of his racing career — check it out here.

OTTBs are alive and well in the sport, and the next generation of superstars are out there, maybe coming off the track as we speak. In tribute to Donner, here are three New York bred bay geldings that caught our eye this week!

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

In Harm’s Way (Hook and Ladder – New Harmony, by A.P. Indy): 2010 16.2-hand New York bred gelding

This handsome hunk is described by his connections as an “in your pocket” type. He has had a strong race career, earning over $196,000 in 27 starts, but his owner/trainer is ready to let him retire while he is still sound, capable and content.

In his time with his current connections, he has become the barn mascot — his charming demeanor, solid bone, excellent conformation and athleticism make him a shining example of the care he has received. Harm does wear bar shoes to support an injury from 2014, but as his race record proves, he has returned to prime condition without incident. X-rays are available to serious inquiries.

His sire Hook and Ladder is known for his propensity to throw babies with good brains and athleticism and jumping ability. We know several that have gone on to successful sporting careers. This talented, classy gelding will not last long. Bring him home and make him your next sport horse!

View In Harm’s Way on Finger Lakes Finest OTTBs.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest.

Exley (Officer – True Argument, by Yes It’s True): 2008 16-hand New York bred gelding

This classy, handsomely built gelding has clearly been impressive from a young age. He sold as a yearling for $100,000 at Keeneland, and he proved a worthy investment, earning over $224,000 on the racetrack! Here is your chance to own a six-figure horse!

He is clearly well loved by his caretakers — a gleaming coat with good flesh and bone. This horse is athletic, handsome and reported as sound with no vices. He has wintered at the farm with his owner: He turns out well with others and is well behaved in turn-out. With his excellent demeanor and athletic, uphill build, this one has unlimited potential for many disciplines. Big geldings in this price range tend to go quickly, so we would suggest calling fast if he checks all the boxes for you.

View Exley on Finger Lakes Finest OTTBs. 

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest.

Thirty Percent (One Nice Cat – Smokin Sue, by Smokin Mel): 2012 16-hand New York bred gelding

We think he is 100 percent gorgeous, and full of potential for so many new disciplines! This handsome gelding was such a chill guy for his photo session, soaking up the sun and posing perfectly without a chain over his nose. His trainer says he is a very good boy who does everything right, is sound, and while he has won a race this year, in his last couple of races he seems to have lost his zest for racing so it is time to let him find a new calling.

With his balanced correct build, clean legs and amazing strong sloping shoulder, we can see jumping in his future. He is also a very nice mover, showing off a light trot with a good toe pointing reach. Show hunter, eventer, fun on hunter paces, dressage? Take your pick — this one can go in any direction. He is by One Nice Cat out of a mare by Smokin Mel (we know there are many fans of Smokin Mel offspring out there).  Fappiano, In Reality, Graustark, Ribot, Black Tie Affair, and Regal Classic are just a few of the “sport friendly” sires in his pedigree.

View Thirty Percent on Finger Lakes Finest OTTBs.

The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of

By on Sep 18, 2017 1:00 pm -

Jordan Linstedt has always backed our team and our dreams, starting from Beginner Novice up!

“This is the stuff dreams are made of.”

I have heard this phrase so much throughout my life — in the news, books, Facebook posts and even conversation. However, I never thought about what it meant. What are dreams made of? What makes someone dream? It struck a thought, and sparked an idea.

I wonder what made Michael Jung dream of competing at Rolex? Did he dream it? Did he dream of winning it? Did a young Mark Todd ever look up in wonder at top level competitors and say, “One day I’ll be like them”? Perhaps the greats of our sport were once like the rest of us. Perhaps they all were once young riders looking up in awe at high level competitors, making a silent dream to be at some point compete there as well.

Have you ever finished a ride, and seen a younger competitor smiling your way? Did you notice the Beginner Novice rider watching the 3* in amazement? Did your eye catch the twinkle in theirs? That is the stuff dreams are made of. Dreams are made of the fist pumps after a clean round, the grinning smile after a great test and the squealing “Good boy/girl!!” while landing off an impressive jump. When one person’s dream comes true, another is born.

When I watched young riders in my area medal at NAJYRC, a dream was born to one day be like them. When Michael Jung won the Grand Slam, countless young riders watched and told their coach, “That’s what I want to do.” If this is true, could it be possible that when you jumped through the water on cross country, someone silently told themselves, “One day, that’s going to be me”? I say yes.

Really, we are all just dreamers. Dreamers with work ethic and determination. Everyone starts somewhere. At some point Phillip Dutton was going around his first horse trials. At some point Lauren Kieffer wasn’t 100% how to get her horse on the bit. Everyone starts out not knowing, but dreaming. So who’s to say you aren’t going to make it?

This, again, intrigued me. What decides whose dreams come true, and whose are put to rest? Is it all about natural talent? Is it politics? Does the horse make a big difference? I would say each of these are factors, but there’s something bigger going on. Before Phillip Dutton could start his journey to the Olympics, he needed someone to believe he could get there. Everyone needs someone to believe in their dreams. Someone that sees the light in their eyes and says, “Let’s make this dream come true.”

This is what dreams are made of. Dreams are made of dreamers and believers and hard work and never giving up and trusting undoubtedly. I have seen the light in fellow competitors younger than myself. That twinkle of, “Please me a chance, I want it, too” makes me want to cheer them on more than ever.

This being said, don’t be afraid to help and guide on the younger ones. Help mentor, guide and support so that one day they can be a part of someone else’s dreams. When I first started training with my coach five years ago, I had a dream of competing at NAJYRC. In less than two weeks I’ll head to my first Preliminary, the first leg of my long-time dream. I have had so many coaches, family members and friends believe in my dreams. Without believers, there can be no dreamers.

Investment and encouragement are the supporting legs of success. There are younger riders in my own barn that I adore cheering on. I believe in their dreams of competing, and while I am no coach, I can offer encouragement; we all can. We are all part of the stuff dreams are made of. We all inspire, notice and cultivate it. The more we notice it, the more our sport will grow, and the more young riders will say, “I want to do it like they do.” I personally believe that when a dreamer has a believer backing them, they can do anything.

Keep dreaming, keep believing, and go eventing.

Product Review: Rambo Summer Series Turnout Blanket

By on Sep 18, 2017 11:00 am -

Don’t let the title fool you, this is the perfect turnout sheet for awkward fall weather. The Rambo Summer Series Turnout is the ultimate blanket to use for spring, summer and fall. The features on this blanket are about as customizable as you can get for weather that changes throughout the day, and you’ll never look back once you’ve got one to call your own.

Let’s start with the basic design, which is as innovative as I’ve ever seen. This blanket has a lightweight waterproof back covering, but a net body, which means that it both protects your horse from possible rain, but also remains breathable. The waterproof top is also incredibly soft, and while it doesn’t feel rugged on the fingertips, it is as durable as all the other Horseware turnouts.

The main cool thing about this blanket is the removable 100g liner that follows the lines of the soft-shell along the back and loins of your horse. You can see in the photo below that it covers all the important core areas of your horse’s back to carry him from warm days into slightly chilly nights. This liner has multiple fastening points, with velcro in the front and back, and buttons along the lower edges that keep it secured to the outer blanket. It is very easy to remove and replace, as you so desire with the changing weather.

The neck cover for the Rambo Summer Series Turnout is also easily removable, but don’t worry about your horse getting rubs on the withers or mane. This neck cover has a polyester mane protection strip, and an improved wither darts that offer enhanced neck and wither freedom to help prevent wither pressure and rubs. There is also a soft lining for the chest and shoulders that is designed to prevent unsightly rubs in that area.

The fit on this blanket is also really good, with leg arches and plenty of room for big shoulders when they are moving around the paddock. It features two elasticated belly surcingles, a nice covering tail flap, and a wipe clean tail cord. No more poop butt (you know what I’m talking about)!

The Rambo Summer Series Turnout also has my favorite type of front closure, double snaps alongside two sets of double velcro. My horse has really big shoulders, and if he doesn’t have this kind of closure up front, the blanket is pulled back and the velcro is undone, and then he’s left with straight metal buckles on his skin. Not comfortable in the least.

The neck cover features double velcro closures that ensure that it stays in place even if your horse decides to roll 20 times and then take a few laps of honor around the field.

This blanket is the perfect mix between a cool coat, a fly sheet and a lightweight turnout, making it useful for all different seasons and well worth the purchase. Especially if you have horses that have sensitive skin or are turned out during the day with varying weather and temperatures, this blanket could really change your world. It’s on sale right now, too! You can find it on the Horseware website for only $199.

 

Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Sep 18, 2017 12:03 am -

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border hear the Star Spangled Banner at Blenheim. Photo by Libby Law.

Roslyn Johnson, a member of the Cross Syndicate, stated after Kim and Cross’s big win at Blenheim, “This does our hearts good during such an emotional time in the USA…thank you, Kim Severson, for making us all very, very, proud.” I think we can all agree with that.

National Holiday: National Cheeseburger Day

Major Events This Week:

Blenheim: Website, Results, Live Stream, ERM Live Stream, BE TV Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Plantation Field: Website, Schedule, Results, USEF Network, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

GMHA September H.T. [Website] [Results]

Marlborough H.T. [Website] [Results]

Poplar Place Farm CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]

MeadowCreek Park Fall H.T. [Website] [Results]

Flying Cross Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]

Stone Gate Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]

Colorado Horse Park Trials [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Don’t miss this excellent recap from Doug Payne on his trip to Blenheim with Vandiver. “I was lucky enough to receive a travel grant from the USET Foundation and Jacqueline Mars for Vandiver to compete at Blenheim. I can’t thank them enough. During every international trip a lot is learned and hopefully I can apply what was gained here to earn a US team medal in the near future!”  [Doug Payne Recaps Blenheim]

Helen “Penny” Chenery, the charismatic owner of racing legend Secretariat, died yesterday following complications from a stroke. Penny loved Thoroughbreds and championed women in business and sports. Even after Secretariat retired, she remained active in the Thoroughbred industry through the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Jockey Club, Secretariat Foundation and more. [Penny Chenery dies at 95]

Emma Shackell was just 16 when she laid eyes on Alan, a small 3-year-old colt at an auction. Fearing he’d go to slaughter, she bid on him and won. He proved to be a difficult horse with a bad napping and rearing habit, sending Emma off to the hospital more than once. But she persevered and they have their sights set on a three-star next season. [‘I thought he’d go for meat’]

Livestock owners are still feeling the effects of the recent hurricanes Harvey and Irma and the recovery process will be long and trying. Many people and organizations have pitched in to help any way they can. Thoroughbred Charities of America has set up a grant for Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare to provide hay to horses on the U.S. Virgin Islands. [TCA Provides Emergency Grant]

There are many ways to help furry hurricane victims. [South Florida SPCA Needs Our Help] [Houston Horses, Harvey, and How You Can Help]

Best of the Blogs: Classical Training: You Get What You Give

Hot on Horse Nation: Equestrian Social Skills

Monday Video: Cuteness overload! The DVCTA Junior Quadrille Team perform on matching Haflingers at Plantation Field International.

Kim Severson Crosses Borders To Take Blenheim CCI3* Title

By on Sep 17, 2017 4:01 pm -

Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It’s been sixteen years since Kim Severson last visited the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, winning the CCI*** aboard the legendary Winsome Adante.

Today, the Star-Spangled Banner rang out across the Marlborough Arena again as history repeated itself on this happy hunting ground and Kim took the title with her ‘unreal’ partner, Cooley Cross Border.

Photo by Libby Law.

For Kim and Cross, the victory caps off a long summer dedicated to improving the horse’s fitness and performance.

After fitness issues surfaced at the horse’s 4* debut at Rolex earlier this year, Kim rerouted to Tattersalls. Here, she says, he was ‘totally overwhelmed’, and so it was decided that he would spend the summer at Cooley Farm, from which he was bought. Richard Sheane, who owns the sport horse empire in Co Wicklow, Ireland, has been instrumental in revolutionising Cross’ approach to the job.

“I have to thank the team at Cooley Farm – they’ve done the fitness work and looked after him all summer, and I’ve been able to fly back and forth to compete him,” said an elated Kim. She made six trips to Ireland throughout the summer, competing at unfamiliar venues where, she says, she just had to ‘show up and ride!’

“It was so good for me to come over and do it – I just had to show up and jump what I saw, without thinking about what it was going to be like. I’ve been able to compete him a lot more than I would at home, too, because the ground’s so good in Ireland. Coming over has helped me get back to where I used to be.”

Where she used to be – and arguably is again – is at the forefront of the world stage, collecting accolades aboard the special sort of horse that comes along once in a lifetime – and then only for the lucky ones. Now she finds herself with another exceptional talent in her string.

“He’s an amazing jumper – he’s just unreal,” she enthused. “I can really trust him to go in there and do it. I always knew he had this sort of win in him, but it’s just taken a long time to get there. You never go in expecting it, so to win it is pretty incredible. I’m elated, I’m thrilled for the horse, and thrilled for the owners.”

Kim’s head groom Andi Lawrence has been working with the horse for two years, and says that she has found being separated from her charge hard.

“It’s been amazing working with him,” she said. “Not seeing him all summer has definitely been tough – he’s just the best, and he’s always the same, whether he’s in the barn or in the field. He’s amazing.”

The sentiment was shared by Team USA connections and supporters in the collecting ring as Kim and Cross took their lap of honour.

“To come back and do what I did sixteen years ago is pretty special – although it makes me feel old!” she laughed. “The last time I came here I was the baby, and now I’m one of the older ones.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZJbSGJAZGW/?taken-by=goeventing

Laura Collett and Mr Bass put in a flawless double-clear over Di Boddy’s tricky showjumping track to move up to second place, after Julia Krajewski and Pippa Funnell each pulled two rails to drop to third and fifth, respectively.

Hannah Sue Burnett and RF Demeter. Photo by Libby Law.

Hannah Sue Burnett and RF Demeter dropped from sixth place to twelfth after four poles hit the floor.

“She wasn’t really jumping like she normally does,” she said of the chestnut mare, who’ll now head back to the US and have a well-deserved holiday.

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Libby Law.

Doug Payne and Vandiver may not have had the day they had hoped for, with three rails dropping them two places to fourteenth, but they earned a coveted qualification for next year’s World Equestrian Games, and valuable experience working in new conditions.

“Man, it’s frustrating!” said Doug after his round. “I should have used bigger studs, but you live and learn – we don’t really jump on grass in the States. It’s all a learning experience. In normal conditions he’s right there with me but out there he was just slipping a little bit.”

Andrea Baxter and Indy 500. Photo by Libby Law.

Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 pulled just one rail to move up from 31st to 25th position.

“I’m super stoked  – it’s been a good redemption weekend,” said Andrea. “This is her third CCI this year so she’ll have a holiday now, and then we’ll look ahead to Rolex and Burghley next year. I’d lie to spend more time over here, but on a planned trip next time! It’s been really educational to be over here.”

Lauren Kieffer and DA Duras. Photo by Libby Law.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmarks Monte Carlo stood 13th after cross country, but after a fall from DA Duras in the CIC*** earlier in the day, she opted to withdraw before showjumping.

Chris Burton and Cooley Lands. Photo by Libby Law.

The eight and nine-year-old CIC***, which is considered a great showcase for the sport’s future stars, was won by another Cooley graduate – Cooley Lands, ridden by British-based Aussie Chris Burton.

“He’s very smart and so clever to ride,” said Chris of the exciting young horse, who will contest Boekelo’s CCI*** next month.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z added just 8.8 time penalties to finish 5th in the class.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Libby Law.

One of the great heartbreaks of the weekend was the last-minute cancellation of the high jump class this afternoon, in which riders pay the price for poles down by removing an article of clothing. I’m told it was too slippery to run the class – I think the riders were just being terribly windy about the cold snap. So no bulging British biceps for you this time – but, dear readers, I shall make it my mission to provide you with what you need at the earliest possible opportunity.

So that’s a wrap on an incredible week of competition at the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, and what a way to end it! I like to think that Kim has figured out which side of her shiny new SsangYong Tivoli to get in and is currently doing donuts in the Marlborough Arena to some serious Beyonce bangers.

…a girl can dream.

Thanks for following along with all the barminess from Blenheim – absolutely #chuffedtobits to have had you all along for the ride. I’ll be bringing you more madness from across the pond soon, but in the meantime, go Americans abroad, go Kim Severson, and GO EVENTING!

The top ten at the conclusion of the 2017 SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI***.

Blenheim Links: Website, Entries & Scoring, Live Stream, Event Rider Masters, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Five American Horses Accepted, Two Withdrawn at Blenheim Final Horse Inspection

By on Sep 17, 2017 4:11 am -

Good morning sports fans! It’s the last day of competition here at the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, and this morning’s final horse inspection dawned bright and early. (Okay, okay, less bright, more early – like, 7.30 early. I’m not sure I can reliably identify a horse at 7.30am, let alone run alongside one.)

Five of our American partnerships will go forward to this morning’s showjumping. Unfortunately, Tiana Coudray and Liz Halliday-Sharp withdrew Under the Clocks and Carpe Diem IV – it’s a shame not to see them jump today, but we’re excited to see what these great partnerships have in store for next season!

The showjumping commences at 9.30am BST/4.30am EST, and will run in reverse order of standings. Our Americans left in contention are:

  • Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 – 31st after cross country – 3.05pm BST/10.05am EST
  • Lauren Kieffer and Landmarks Monte Carlo – 13th after cross country – 3.39pm BST/10.39am EST
  • Doug Payne and Vandiver – 12th after cross country – 3.41pm BST/10.41am EST
  • Hannah Sue Burnett and RF Demeter – 6th after cross country – 3.53pm BST/10.53am EST
  • Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border – 3rd after cross country – 3.59pm BST/10.59am EST

Stay tuned for all the updates on their progress – go Americans at Blenheim!

Blenheim Links: Website, Entries & Scoring, Live Stream, Event Rider Masters, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Be Touchable is Untouchable in Event Rider Masters Finale

By on Sep 17, 2017 3:58 am -

Izzy Taylor wins the final leg of the 2017 ERM series! Photo by Libby Law.

The 2017 Event Rider Masters series roared to a thrilling finale today at the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials as Izzy Taylor topped the podium for the first time. The win is the latest in a string of great results this season, with 8 of her 15 career international wins taking place in 2017.

“The horses have really stepped up in calibre and we’ve got a really good team of grooms, owners, and sponsors, so it’s all come together,” explains Izzy, who runs a yard of approximately 20 horses alongside raising her two children. “It’s a big unit, and everyone is massively supportive – the girls on the yard know that sometimes their job description will include school runs!”

Izzy Taylor and Be Touchable. Photo by Libby Law.

Izzy claimed the win aboard Be Touchable, an 11-year-old KWPN gelding who has been 1st or 2nd in his last four CIC*** runs.

“He was mega in all three phases,” she said. “He can be cheeky, so with him you really have to go and you have to mean it. He has to be concentrating every second of the way – if he’s not, then you have to be. He was fantastic today.”

Tim Price and Ascona M. Photo by Libby Law.

New Zealand’s Tim Price took second place on the grey mare Ascona M, who is one of the horses he’s been campaigning for wife Jonelle this year.

“I’ve always had geldings, but have gotten into riding mares this year,” he said. “They really take the bit between their teeth and if you can channel that, it’s great. She’s very on the job, and now she understands the diversity of the job and the different fences – she also knows she’s good, and puts her best foot forward. She’s a real talent for the future.”

Ascona M is one of several talented horses that Tim will have to hand back to Jonelle now that she’s made her return to international competition, but he’s not about to give in easily: “shall I just get her pregnant again?” he quipped.

Chris Burton and Graf Liberty. Photo by Libby Law.

Aussie Chris Burton – the fastest rider in the world – set a blistering place to be the first rider home inside the time, and with that he earned himself third place aboard Graf Liberty.

“The course caused more trouble than we thought it would – I’m gutted for my mate Shane [Rose, who suffered 20 penalties]; I thought we might have another Aussie podium, which would be been fun. But that’s the thing about this sport, you reverse the order and it does put the pressure on. I had a lovely round – he’s quite experienced now and he knows his way around, although he did get pretty excited in the warm-up,” he said.

Your 2017 ERM series podium. Photo by Libby Law.

With the final leg of the 2017 season in the books, the overall podium could be decided. Gemma Tattersall held such a commanding lead after the penultimate leg at Blair Castle that she couldn’t be caught, but the battle for second and third places raged on.

“Chris and Lisa Stone [Gemma’s patrons and the founders of the ERM] are both so supportive, and have been throughout my career,” said Gemma. “I actually really enjoy the pressure – I love that about this series, and have really embraced it this year.”

Ultimately, it was to be Sarah Cohen in second place, despite her withdrawal before cross country today.

“He’s very cross he hasn’t run, but he’s done enough, and I want to have him for next season,” she said of her stalwart companion Treason, with whom she’s contested every leg this year.

Third place for the season went to Mark Todd, who well and truly broke his ERM curse this season with a string of solid results.

The ERM has committed itself to bringing eventing to a wider audience without compromising its authenticity, and its campaign of creative thinking has certainly proven successful so far, with 1.4 million livestream views and 2.5 million Facebook views this season alone. The team is already hard at work on some seriously exciting plans for next season, including further international expansion, more advanced technology, and increased viewing opportunities, so watch this space: we’ll be bringing you all the latest updates!

The top ten at the conclusion of the Event Rider Masters CIC*** at Blenheim.

Blenheim Links: Website, Entries & Scoring, Live Stream, Event Rider Masters, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram