Classic Eventing Nation

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous Glide into Luhmühlen CCI4* Day 1 Dressage Lead

By on Jun 15, 2017 12:31 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous have been girls on fire this spring, winning their last two CIC3* starts, and they’re off to a smoking start in the mare’s four-star debut. The pair presented a positively glossy dressage performance today at Luhmühlen to take the overnight CCI4* lead.

Marilyn and “Kitty,” a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars, Robin Parsky, and Phoebe and Michael Manders, were the last of the day to go. They edged former leaders Nicola Wilson and Bulana out of the top spot by a seventh of a point, finessing each movement for all it was worth — although Marilyn says she thinks their best performance is yet to come: “In time there are a few more points to knock off for sure.”

“She was wonderful, she’s always so much fun to ride, always a pleasure to go down the centerline with,” Marilyn says. “She’s the fittest she’s ever been, so she was a little bit fresher than she normally is and there’s a great electric atmosphere out there. I just needed to trust her just a bit more.”

Marilyn describes Kitty a courageous, if low-mileage horse, and she’s looking forward to tackling Luhmühlen’s cross country track with the mare.

“This is her first first four-star so it’s going to be a big test, lots to do, but it’s beautifully presented and it seems horse-friendly enough,” Marilyn says. “She’s very smart. I can’t think of any partner I’d rather leave the startbox with, so I’m very lucky.”

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show were the first U.S. CCI4* pair out of the gate this afternoon, and they finished the day in the top 10 on a 49.8. The big atmosphere of billowing flags, menacing horse statues, on-the-move spectators and at least one giant inflatable teddy bear worked in the pair’s favor, giving the striking dappled grey a little extra oomph during his test.

“I was thrilled,” Sharon says. “Usually he’s very quiet, so he was a little sharp which was exciting — he was really taking me somewhere. We call him a surfer because he’s very laid back about everything, but he’s also very good at what he does. He’s super trainable. It’s actually odd how trainable he is.”

The 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, owned by Louise Walsh and the rider, is so gifted of body and mind, nothing thus far in his career has really fazed him. It wasn’t until his first four-star at Kentucky, where the pair retired cross country, that a course finally gave him something to think about.

Sharon explains, “I was a little passive at Kentucky because he’s such a good cross country horse, but he is young to the level and I think that at the four-star level they actually have to work. That will be a new feeling for him, to actually have to work at something.”

Katherine Coleman and Longwood. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Not unlike Hannah Sue Burnett’s CIC3* ride on RF Demeter earlier in the day, Katherine Coleman’s Longwood had some trepidations about Luhmühlen’s arena decor.

“Oh, a wooden horse — that is probably going to eat me,” Katherine laughs, translating the inner monologue of her mount. It’s hard to get a pristine change when your horse is busy giving random statues the stink-eye, but Katherine countered it with a tactful ride to score a 57.5, good for 19th place.

It’s a few points lower than what they’ve been averaging, but as Katherine puts it, “It’s what you’ve got on the day, right?”

Katherine hopes to regain some points on Saturday, as cross country is where the 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, owned by KC Eventing Ltd., shines. “All is usually forgiven on cross country day,” she says. “He’s just a proper Irish cross country machine and loves his job in that regard.”

The pair is bouncing back from a tough go at Badminton, and Katherine likes the looks of Luhmühlen as a comeback course after the grueling British four-star. “I think it looks very jumpable, which is a nice feeling after Badminton! It’s a lot to take in, Badminton, and the jumps …. you’re walking that thinking ‘Ah, I just want to get home.'”

Photo by Ginny Nayden

Luhmühlen’s recap of the first day action:

Still to come tomorrow from the U.S. contingent:

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot: Friday 2:22 p.m. local time (8:22 a.m. EST)

Will Coleman and Obox O’Reilly: Friday 3:32 p.m. local time (9:32 a.m. EST)

Luhmühlen CCI4* Day 1 Dressage Top 20: 

Luhmühlen Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Thursday Starting Order, Live Scores, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Squee! Luhmühlen Leadline Cross Country Class Is Cute to the Max

By on Jun 15, 2017 10:37 am -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

European events go out of their way to keep the crowd entertained at all times — I’ve seen a falconry demonstration at Luhmühlen, a mock hunt (replete with actual dead animal on a string) at Boekelo, and a Dirty Dancing line-dance themed award ceremony at Pau. But I’ve not yet witnessed anything as adorable as the mid-afternoon leadline cross country class here at Luhmühlen.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The pony brigade entered the ring and, in the spirit of a proper cross country competition, the excitement began immediately, with one feisty mount pitching its toddler straight into the arms of his handler. The ponies began filing in one-by-one to tackle the course, a miniature obstacle course that included a brush, a log jump and even a teensy-tiny water.

Faces of determination:

Here’s a wee video:

After everyone had successfully completed their rounds, the judging committee, which included Michael Jung, deliberated on their performances.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Meanwhile the kids grew restless on the sidelines.

They were offered refreshment from the Stirrup Cup …

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

… which I assume was water, although this kiddo’s face indicates that it may have been something stiffer.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

In the end, of course, they were all winners. Each received a rosette, their very own Willbury Wonderpony, and a job-well-done from Princess Anne.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

We’ll be back soon with more from this afternoon’s CCI4* dressage competition!

Luhmühlen Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Thursday Starting Order, Live Scores, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Hannah Sue Burnett & RF Demeter in Luhmühlen CIC3* Dressage Top 10 Despite Sabotage by Wooden Horses

By on Jun 15, 2017 7:13 am -

Hannah Sue Burnett and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Like the terrified yet glamourous heroine in a horror movie, RF Demeter couldn’t not look beautiful if she was being chased around the dressage arena by an axe-wielding murderer in a hockey mask. Which wasn’t exactly the case during her CIC3* dressage test this morning here at Luhmühlen, but the wooden horse sculptures menacing gargoyles surrounding the arena did seem suspect to the mare.

“She was really afraid of the statues,” Hannah Sue Burnett said after their test, which scored a 46.0. “I tried to show them to her yesterday but I don’t know if that just made it worse. It’s like, ‘Those horses are moving, but they’re not!'”

A tough concept to wrap one’s head around, indeed.

They’re EVERYWHERE. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Despite a conservatively played test, the pair managed a very respectable ninth place standing at the conclusion of the first day of CIC3* dressage in a stocked pond of big fish German eventers.

“She was good,” she said. “She obviously knows her job. I’m just trying to get a hang of her a little bit and in this intense atmosphere get as many points as I can.”

While it must be frustrating to know that they’re capable of a score 20 points lower, Luhmühlen is this pair’s first three-star outing together and they’ve got a big future ahead of them. Campaigned through the four-star level by Marilyn Little, who is here contesting the CCI4* with RF Scandalous, Hannah Sue and the 15-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars placed second at their most recent FEI outing, the Carolina International CIC2* in March.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to ride her,” Hannah Sue said. “She’s such a special horse. Everybody knows her — she’s like a celebrity.”

With her CCI4* ride on Harbour Pilot not until tomorrow, Hannah Sue plans to head out for a look around the cross country course this afternoon. “William” recently laid down a personal best dressage score at Houghton Hall, but uncharacteristic rails kept a tip-top finish just out of reach. “He hadn’t run for a while before that, and I think he was just a bit wild in the show jumping,” Hannah Sue said. “I’m excited. It’s time to stop messing around.”

Best of luck to you on both your rides, Hannah Sue! And don’t worry, Demi, Chinch has been hard at work since your test to tame those impostor equines.

Ride ’em cowboy!

Germany’s Bettina Hoy is the overnight CIC3* leader with Seigneur Medicott on a score of 26.3. “It went really, really well,” Bettina said of her test. “He’s an amazing horse.”

The 11-year-old Westphalian gelding has been in Bettina’s yard since he was six. “He’d only done show jumping before, but he’s taken everything in stride. He won his last three international competitions: Blenheim, Chatsworth and Houghton three weeks ago.”

Bettina Hoy and Seigneur Medicott. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The next three standings are occupied by Germans as well: Ingrid Klimke with her 2016 Rio Olympic partner Horseware Hale Bob OLD in second, Michael Jung with his up-and-coming Star Connection, and Julia Krajewski with Chipmunk FRH with whom she recently finished second in the Weisbaden CIC3*.

Dressage continues this afternoon with the start of the CCI4* division.

U.S. dressage ride times:

Sharon White and Cooley on Show: Thursday 1:37 p.m. local time (7:37 a.m. EST)

Katherine Coleman and Longwood: Thursday 3:57 p.m. local time (9:57 p.m. EST)

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous: Thursday 4:42 p.m. local time (10:37 a.m EST)

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot: Friday 2:22 p.m. local time (8:22 a.m. EST)

Will Coleman and Obox O’Reilly: Friday 3:32 p.m. local time (9:32 a.m. EST)

Luhmühlen CIC3* Day 1 Dressage Top 10: 

Luhmühlen Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Thursday Starting Order, Live Scores, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Thursday News & Notes from Nupafeed

By on Jun 15, 2017 12:01 am -

Repping Nupafeed and our fallen friend, Jon Sonkin. Photo by Corey Shannon.

The eventing community continues to reel after receiving the devastating news that our friend Jon Sonkin passed away suddenly yesterday morning. In honor of our friend, who could always be seen with a big smile and a few C4 belts in hand, eventer Ashley Russell has suggested that we ride in Jon’s signature colors of green and white this weekend. Jon was also a fan of shamrocks, so we know he’d smile if he saw a bunch of green shamrocks rocking around cross country. You will be so sorely missed, Jon.

There is a GoFundMe account that has been made in Jon’s honor to assist with his expenses. If you’d like to help out, click here.

Events This Week:

Luhmühlen Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Thursday Starting Order, Live Scores, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Feather Creek Farm HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

Golden Spike HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

Come Again Farm Fathers Day HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

Bucks County Park HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

Silverwood Farm Spring HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

Seneca Valley Pony Club Spring HT: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm June HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

Great Vista HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

War Horse Event Series June HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

News & Notes:

John Michael Durr has made quite the name for himself between competing in both eventing and show jumping/hunters, but also course designing. In this new column on the USEA website, JM talks about the importance and keys to designing courses for young event horses. [Designing for YEH]

There are all days when we wonder why we get up every day to do what we do. This timely blog from British eventer Simon Grieve talks about his feelings on what keeps him going on the tough days. [Simon Grieve: Why I Do This Job]

Are you thinking of pulling your horse’s shoes? Before you do, take a look at this helpful article for some key insights on what to bear in mind when going barefoot. [Back to Barefoot]

Thursday Video:

Check out the latest sale video for Pumba, the most bombproof horse in the world. This video was made when a buyer asked if Pumba was alright around llamas…

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Controlled Chaos During Luhmühlen Arena Familiarization

By on Jun 14, 2017 4:59 pm -

Like a school of tetra fish in an aquarium. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

It’s a miracle how many horses you can cram into a dressage arena at the same time when everybody knows what they’re doing. Exhibit A: arena familiarization this afternoon here at Lühmuhlen. Europeans spend a solid chunk of their year schooling and competing in small, crowded indoors, and they’ve worked out a solid system of not running into one another in the process.

Check it out. Having witnessed far too many fender-benders in American warm-up arenas (“But there were only two horses in the arena! How did they manage to run into one another?!”), I was suitably impressed. If nothing else the per capita aspect of quality event horses contained within one rectangular patch of real estate makes for a nice screensaver.

And, yes, the soundtrack has been on fire this afternoon. My newest deep life regret is not running out to video Michael Jung schooling fischerRocana FST to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.”

(If you were trying to “Where’s Waldo?” an American in the crowd, sorry. Although our U.S. Luhmühlen contingent could surely have held their own in traffic, they came out to school earlier in the afternoon when the atmosphere was a bit more zen.)

Watching top riders school their horses is at least as interesting, if not more so, to me than watching them perform their tests. One of the more untraditional warmups I saw was from 2015 Luhmühlen winner Ingrid Klimke, who was schooling her CIC3* ride Horseware Hale Bob in a very light seat in a deep, relaxed, stretchy shape. It looked like she was playing with a toy slinky out there. Look at his face; what a happy horse! Ingrid also took the early fashion lead with those bright cornflower blue britches — want/need/have to have.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The competition will stream live on FEI TV starting with dressage on Thursday. Until then …

Luhmühlen Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Thursday Starting Order, Live Scores, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

The feeling you get after the perfect ride.

It’s why we do what we do.

Fight back against vitamin E deficiencies that can cause muscle soreness and stiffness

Elevate was developed to provide a highly bioavailable source of natural vitamin E to horses. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, limits the damage caused by everyday oxidative stress. It maintains healthy muscle and nerve functions so horses are more likely to perform better and recover faster after training or competing.

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It is why the horse that matters to you matters to us. Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Contact us at 859-873-2974 or visit our website at KPPusa.com.

Five-Strong American Contingent All Clear Through Luhmühlen First Horse Inspection

By on Jun 14, 2017 2:42 pm -

Hallo from Luhmühlen! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

All 48 CCI4* horses passed muster in the first horse inspection at Luhmühlen this afternoon, among them five U.S. pairs. Two horses, Denis Mesples’ Oregon de la Vigne (FRA) and Kirsty Short’s Cossan Lad (GBR), who were sent to the holding box but passed upon reinspection.

The roster is a mixed one, with a sizeable representation of Badminton reroutes and four-star rookies punctuated by some heavy hitters including 2017 Badminton winner Andrew Nicholson (NZL) with Teseo and 2016 Luhmühlen winner Andreas Dibowski (GER) with FRH Butts Avedon.

Although, if the latter had gotten his way, there might be one fewer horse in the field. Bye-bye, Butts! It must be stressful always being the sexiest horse in the class.

The CIC3* competition is definitely one to watch as well, with a star-studded start list that includes a who’s who of Germany’s eventing elite: Michael Jung, Sandra Auffarth, Ingrid Klimke and more. Hannah Sue Burnett has a ride in the CIC3* as well, RF Demeter, and we’ll be following that division closely.

Representing the U.S. in the CCI4*:

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars, are on a quest for four-star redemption after retiring on cross country at Badminton. They rallied for a top 10 finish in the Houghton Hall CICO3* later that month, laying down a career-best 37.2 dressage test along the way. This pair has a lot of momentum heading into Luhmühlen, and we may well see them at the top of the scoreboard come Sunday.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Katherine Coleman and Longwood, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by KC Eventing Ltd., are likewise on the mend from an unlucky day on Badminton’s grueling cross country course. Longwood looked no worse for the wear in the Houghton Hall CICO3*, where they finished 21st, and he was feeling his oats on the jog strip today! Katherine shot him a dirty look or two as he dragged her down the runway, but his antics weren’t enough to wipe the smile from Katherine’s face even for a second.

Katherine Coleman and Longwood. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Obos O’Reilly, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Brian O’Reilly and the Four Star Eventing Group, finished sixth in the 2016 Kentucky Three-Day Event but came up a bit short this year, retiring on a cross country that snuck up on some of the most experienced pairs in the field. They’re no stranger to the top of the scoreboard and we expect them to bounce back in a big way this weekend.

Will Coleman and Obos O’Reilly. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars, Robin Parsky, and Phoebe and Michael Manders, are tackling the mare’s first four-star outing. “Kitty” has been on fire this spring, winning the CIC3* at both The Fork and Jersey Fresh. She told EN after The Fork that Kitty was feeling four-star ready, and Jersey sealed the deal on her hunch. Jog photos don’t get any sassier than this. Go get ’em, ladies.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Louise Walsh and the rider, are on the hunt for the horse’s first four-star completion. They followed up a Rolex retirement with a second place result in the CIC2* at Jersey Fresh, finishing less than a point behind the winner Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras. Since Sharon has been competing the horse, they haven’t picked up a cross country jump penalty at an FEI event, excepting Kentucky, and he is a one-or-none show jumper. This pair will have lots of fans cheering for them come Saturday on both sides of the pond!

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Looking good, kids! The competition will stream live on FEI TV starting with dressage on Thursday. U.S. dressage ride times:

CIC3* 

Hannah Sue Burnett and RF Demeter: Thursday 10:45 a.m. local time (4:45 a.m. EST)

CCI4*

Sharon White and Cooley on Show: Thursday 1:37 p.m. local time (7:37 a.m. EST)

Katherine Coleman and Longwood: Thursday 3:57 p.m. local time (9:57 p.m. EST)

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous: Thursday 4:42 p.m. local time (10:37 a.m EST)

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot: Friday 2:22 p.m. local time (8:22 a.m. EST)

Will Coleman and Obox O’Reilly: Friday 3:32 p.m. local time (9:32 a.m. EST)

U.S.A. represent! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Luhmühlen Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Thursday Starting Order, Live Scores, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

In Loving Memory of Jon Sonkin

By on Jun 14, 2017 12:26 pm -
Jon Sonkin #c4forjon

Jon with the EN Chinchilla.

We are crushed to report that Jonathon Sonkin, a much-loved member of our eventing community, died early this morning at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., surrounded by his loved ones.

Affectionately known as the “belt guy” through his work with C4 Belts, Jon always had a smile for everyone and was a bright spot in any day at every event he ever attended. Tributes to Jon have been pouring in on social media, and his family would like to thank the eventing community for their support in this difficult time.

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayers you have all sent from near and far. It is a true testament to the kind of person he was. Jonathon loved all of you very much.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made, but we will post them here on EN when they have been finalized. Messages of support for his family can be left on CaringBridge. A memorial fund has also been set up on GoFundMe.

We will never forget you, Jon.

What’s in Your Arena? Presented by Attwood: Lucinda Green’s Versatile V

By on Jun 14, 2017 10:41 am -

What’s in Your Arena? is an EN series sponsored by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces in which riders share their favorite jumping exercises. It’s easy to get stuck in a training rut, and we hope this will inspire you with fresh ideas that you can take home and incorporate into your own programs.

If you’ve ridden in or audited a Lucinda Green clinic anytime within the span of the past couple decades, maybe more, you’ve seen this exercise. The point, literally, is teaching horses to stay straight between the aids and hold their line, whether it’s back and forth across the point, jumped as a corner or one rail at a time on an angle.

It’s a Lucinda classic and suitable for horses ranging from green-as-grass to upper-level — and I’ve seen it throw a handful of FEI-level horses for a loop! For the inexperienced ones, the V end can be placed on a wee bucket; for the more advanced horses, it can be hoisted onto a barrel.

I’ve got it set up in my own ring at the moment, and it’s been too useful not to share! Here are a couple videos I found of the obstacle being utilized in myriad ways, both on its own and incorporated into a line of skinnies.

Do try this at home. Go Eventing!

Do you have an exercise to share or is there an eventer you would like to nominate for the “What’s in Your Arena?” series? Email [email protected].

Yoshiaki Oiwa Flying High After Historic Bramham CCI3* Win

By on Jun 14, 2017 8:46 am -

Yoshiaki Oiwa and Calle 44 at Bramham. Photo by Kit Houghton.

Representing the red and white colors of Japan, Yoshiaki Oiwa has worked tirelessly to make his goals of putting his country at the forefront of the international eventing scene a reality. “Yoshi” has now added a new highlight to his CV: CCI3* winner at the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials.

Yoshi is no stranger to success in the eventing world, most recently finishing in the top 10 at Badminton this spring with his Rio mount, The Duke of Cavan, as well as winning the CIC3* at Barroca d’Alva. He now has the most three-star wins of any Japanese rider in history, according to EquiRatings.

Yoshi got his start in eventing at a young age when he competed on a university team and was introduced to cross country. “I started riding around 10 or 11 years old as only a hobby,” Yoshi said. “Around age 14, I started riding every day and enjoying show jumping competitions. My first time eventing was for a university competition, and we had no choice but to do all three disciplines.”

Yoshi began to gravitate towards eventing as his chosen sport. He made his FEI eventing debut in 2002 with Prince Rockaway, with whom he completed his first CCI* in the top 30. His first taste of CCI4* eventing came in 2005 at Badminton with Voyou du Roc. This pair finished 11th that year, adding two seconds of time across country and 12 show jumping faults to their final score.

That began the start of a strong career at the upper levels, from winning the individual gold medal at the 2006 Asian Games with Khanjer Black, to finishing in the top 20 individually at the 2014 World Equestrian Games with Fifth Avenue Fame. Yoshi has also represented Japan at the Olympics twice: in London in 2012 with Noonday de Conde and at Rio in 2016 with The Duke of Cavan, with whom he finished 20th individually.

Yoshi bases in Germany currently and trains with Dirk Schrade, which has paid off in spades as he continues to put himself on the competitive map. This spring, Yoshi also traveled to the UK to train with Pippa Funnell in preparation for Belton and other events on the British spring circuit.

Bramham proved to be a big weekend for Calle 44, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cristo – Sara IV, by Quebec) owned by Yoshi. It was the gelding’s first CCI3* run, so Yoshi’s intent was for him to have a solid and educational run to set him up for bigger events ahead.

“Cross country was our big challenge,” Yoshi said. “Dressage, we did our best. Of course there is more to improve there. This was his first CCI3* and I wanted to try to make good time. He jumped everything straight out without any hesitation and got more confident as he went.”

Yoshiaki Oiwa takes his victory gallop. Photo by Kit Houghton.

Over a tough show jumping track that shuffled the final standings, Yoshi and Calle 44 delivered one of just five faultless rounds to eventually take their first CCI3* win — and the first Bramham win for a Japanese rider in the history of the event.

Looking to the clear round that sealed the deal, Yoshi said it has been beneficial for Calle 44 to compete in pure show jumping as well, something that Yoshi does regularly. Calle 44 competed at the CSI2* and CSI3* levels for show jumping over the winter, which has lent itself to his show jumping on the eventing circuit.

“I did a few weeks of a show jumping tour before this season starter,” Yoshi said. “Calle is a very careful horse so he needs a lot of confidence. The show jumping tour was just training, so no pressure. Those relaxed rounds really helped both of us.”

Yoshi will now return to Germany to continue his preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in his home country. Looking ahead, it is important to Yoshi that he does what he can to continue putting Japanese riders on the map for equestrian sport.

Japan, as with most Asian countries, is a smaller federation without many opportunities within the country to compete in pure eventing. For 2017, Japan has just 23 riders and 30 horses registered as FEI athletes, and Yoshi says that some eventers have relocated to Europe to have more access to training.

“We only have two or three places to do cross country in Japan,” Yoshi said. “There are four (Japanese) riders based in Europe, and a few more will be coming over. At Bramham, Japan had two riders in the top five [Toshiyuki Tanaka and Talma D Allou finished in fourth place], so we are doing quite good I think. We Japanese riders want to be competitive.”

So it’s all eyes on Tokyo as Yoshi and his compatriots focus on their end goal: to represent their country on the world’s biggest stage right there in Tokyo.

“I have always wanted to tell the Japanese people that our horse sports are great,” Yoshi said, “but I’ve never had the chance. Tokyo will be a chance to show our sports at the top level. I hope that we can make a really competitive team.”

Wednesday News and Notes from SmartPak

By on Jun 14, 2017 12:01 am -

Gabriella Booth and Prairie Delaney, winners of Training A at Larkin Hill. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

One of my favorite things this time of year is seeing photo after photo of people having a great time out at events every single weekend. Now that school is out, all those eventing students and teachers are free to spend their summers as they please, which means the number of riding photos crossing my feed increases exponentially. While I have no problem staying inside in the air conditioning during the worst heat, seeing those pricked ears and happy hearts gives me a daily boost.

Luhmühlen Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Great Vista H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm June H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. [Website]

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Golden Spike H.T. [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

If you haven’t tried a Classic Series long format event, you’re missing out. The Heart of the Carolinas event makes the Classic Series the main focus of their May event, running a T3D, N3D, BN3D. This years winners traveled as far as Georgia and Virginia to compete at this growing event. [The USEA Classic Series is the Backbone]

The latest episode of the Eventing Podcast went live this morning reviewing an influential weekend at Bramham and previewing the next CCI4* of the season at Luhmühlen. There is a Horseware Rambo Fly Buster Vamoose Fly Sheet up for grabs for the listener who correctly predicts the winner! Follow the Eventing Podcast Facebook page for the contest announcement. [Bramham Review & Luhmühlen Preview Show]

I grew up absolutely idolizing Rachel Weisz after her role in The Mummy, and it turns out she can ride too. That doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have her own scary riding moments though, as a recent incident while filming My Cousin Rachel shows. The stallion she was riding had been trained how to ‘die’ after being on the set of Game of Thrones, and Rachel accidentally cued him to ‘die’ in mid-gallop, resulting in an unplanned controlled fall while riding sidesaddle. [The Horse I Rode was Trained to Die]

The Bromont streaking tradition is back. Five years ago, Jon started a tradition for the winners of the CCI3* at Bromont by streaking in front of the famous Bromont sign. Sadly, this tradition has not been strictly upheld…until now. Jordan Linstedt bravely picks up the torch for a new generation of Bromont winners. Warning: This video is not very mildly not safe for work. [You Only Live Once]

SmartPak Product of the Day: I talk a lot about flies and fly control, and it’s because I always seem to guess wrong on what I do to control them for my boys. I’ve finally resorted to just buying all the options under the sun and handing them barn, trusting them to do what’s best when it’s best. These fly boots will help keep the stomping to a minimum on days when the bugs are more unbearable than the heat. [SmartPak]