Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Feb 21, 2024 12:01 am -

The Ocala Horse Properties USEA YEH Symposium kicked off yesterday and has already been receiving great feedback on social media. Each year, it seems that this seminar (and its educational counterparts put on by the USEA) grows both in scope and in reach to new audience members.

Ocala Horse Partners came on board to support the YEH Symposium this year, which is a line of support that makes great since given their longstanding relationship with the sport as owners for Liz Halliday. Liz herself, along with countless other professionals, has had several horses come up through the levels after starting their careers in YEH program. Another recent success story is that of HSH Blake, ridden by Caroline Pamukcu to individual gold at he 2023 Pan Ams.

The program, intended to be a part of the big picture pipeline of the sport as well as a way for aspiring horse developers to have an avenue to follow, has yielded many future 5* and Championship horses.

You can read much more about the action from the YEH Symposium on the USEA website here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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]

Wednesday News and Reading

We eventing fans sure do love a live stream and EN’s one-stop hub is where they’re all at. We’ve compiled this list and its accompanying global map to assist you and cut down on confusion and frustration when it comes to eventing live streams. We’ll be updating this as new live streams are added and you can request the addition of a live stream by emailing [email protected]. Eyes on, and go eventing!

Happening tomorrow – Conversations with Team Canada. Join Kyle Carter (Pan Ams and World Championships silver medalist), Tik Maynard (two-time freestyle winner at the Thoroughbred Makeover) and Holly Jacks (5* eventer and Pratoni World Championships team member) as they share their experience, knowledge and insights about developing young sport horses. As well as an informative discussion, there will also be a live Q&A, and as if that wasn’t enough, everyone who registers for the webinar will be entered into a draw with the chance of winning a Lululemon Team Canada clothing pack. Here’s where to sign up.

Top tips from a top farrier. Having got up close and personal with some very exciting hooves – including Tamie Smith’s Kentucky winner Mai Baum, Will Coleman’s Off the Record and Lauren Nicholson’s Vermiculus, as well as being the official farrier for the Tryon WEG – Chris Martelli knows a thing or two about hoofcare. From food and forage, to competition schedules, hoof oil and fly spray, here are his six top tips to keep horses’ hooves in tip top condition.

No matter what activities you enjoy with your equine pal, being balanced as they bend is key to having a horse that moves correctly. This is something I’m working on currently with my new horse, and I have to tell you, it can be a bit of a tricky business. It’s taking time and patience and a whole lot of work – on the ground and under saddle – and both with my horse and on the exercise mat – but all the work is totally worth it and I know we’ll both reap the benefits as we progress in our training. Here’s some sound advice for teaching your horse to bend effectively. And of course, it’s never all about the horse – as riders we need to be just as strong, supple and balanced as we want our horses to be – it takes a whole lotta leg to get that bend going in the right direction! If you fancy dialing up your rider fitness, the Horse Learner Fitness YouTube Channel is a good place to start.

Take a dive into the dictionary entries regarding dishorsing. This week’s foray into the vocabulary of the horse world is all about taking leave of your mount – ‘dismounting’, ‘dishorsing’, ‘hopping off’, or perhaps ‘slithering-to-the-ground-in-a-sweaty-broken-heap’, depending how your ride’s gone I guess.

We finish up here with ‘Ponyhenge’ – a graveyard for rocking horses, of course. Yes, really. It started out with one, then more appeared. Their numbers continue to grow, but no one’s ever witnessed one being dropped off. And yes, they do appear to move around. The mystery continues…

Sponsor Corner

Ocala is growing! Ocala Horse Properties sat down with John Harms to discuss his plans for a restaurant and retail space in northwest Ocala. Stretching 11 acres in the heart of horse country, the project will feature 100,000 square feet of office, entertainment, restaurant, and retail space. Read more.

Video Break

Back in November,Courtney Cooper announced a scholarship giving two amateur riders the opportunity to train with her for 7 days throughout the upcoming year. Here’s Jen Clapp, winner of one of the 2024 C Square Farm and Excel Star Sport Horses adult amateur scholarships, enjoying a day out at Bruce’s field with Excel Star Saint Nick. Keep your eyes peeled for Jen’s blog about her experiences – coming soon on EN.

Amelia Newcomb: How to Up Your Score in USEF Training Test B

By on Feb 20, 2024 3:00 pm -

If you’re an eventer, you may enjoy the jumping phases more than dressage phase, but practicing your dressage test and riding it well can make all the difference in your overall placing. It’s super common that the Dressage test scores decide the end placing.

In this video, I will be riding through the USEF Training Test B (you can also see my demo and tips for Training Test B here). As I’m riding this test, I have a drone camera on me as well as a camera head-on, and I’ll be talking about what the judges are looking for, and commenting on what you should be focusing on as the rider.

Hopefully, this video gives you an idea of what to expect in an USEF Training Level Dressage test and how you can ride this test a little better!

Thank you to Eventing Nation for collaborating with me for this video. If you would like more help with riding your test figures accurately, check out this video:

Happy Riding!
Amelia

P.S. Want more help with your canter? Check out my FREE Canter PDF mini-course to help! Download the course here.

Amelia Newcomb is a USDF Gold medalist, a member of the prestigious USEF Dressage Development Program, and recipient of the Carol Lavell Prize from the Dressage Foundation. Based in Somis, California, she incorporates complete dressage training from starting the young horse through the FEI levels.

Amelia works to develop a trusting and confident relationship between horse and rider. Her approach incorporates all aspects of horsemanship from basic groundwork to advanced dressage movements. The emphasis is always on the foundation with the basic trust, understanding, and relaxation for both horse and rider to create a harmonious partnership.

Amelia’s mantra has always been “Dressage for All,” which is evident in both her in person and online coaching. With a successful YouTube video library of hundreds of free educational videos, over 135,000 subscribers (and counting!), and thousands of students enrolled in her online USDF accredited courses, it is clear that Amelia has a passion for teaching and dressage! “I have been blessed with many great teachers in my career and I hope to help each and every one of my students develop a connection and solid relationship with their horses.”

Learn more about Amelia on her website or discover her free educational videos on her YouTube channel “Amelia Newcomb Dressage.”

Read more tips from Amelia on EN here.

Audit Opportunity Available for Jonelle Price’s Canadian High Performance Clinic in Ocala

By on Feb 20, 2024 9:30 am -

Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

An exciting opportunity to learn from one of the best riders in the world has emerged! New Zealand Olympic rider Jonelle Price will be teaching a clinic for the Canadian High Performance squad February 27-29 in Ocala, FL. Here’s the scoop on how to pick up an auditing pass:

Canadian Eventing High Performance welcomes Jonelle Price from February 27-29th in Ocala, FL, where she will work with the Canadian National Team Program Athletes in their preparations for the upcoming season and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Winner of multiple CCI5*s, including Badminton and Luhmuhlen, as well as Medalist at the Olympics and World Championships, Jonelle brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and enthusiasm to Team Canada.

In support of the Canadian Eventing High-Performance Program, we’re opening this unique experience up to auditors for a cost of $150 USD per person (includes all three days)

The schedule for this clinic includes:

  • February 27, 2024: Dressage
  • February 28, 2024: Cross Country
  • February 29, 2024: Show Jumping

All three days, each auditor will receive full access to the training sessions, lunch, and refreshments. The cost for auditing is $150 for the three days. If you’re interested in registering to audit this clinic, please click here, and the organizing team will contact you with payment and venue details!

Don’t delay; spots are limited!

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Feb 20, 2024 3:10 am -

The season has officially kicked off in Europe as Portugal’s Mata Do Doque International gets underway. This spring ‘tour’ replaces the popular Barocca d’Alva competition, and will run a number of levels over this week’s event and its finale next week, giving riders the chance to pick up crucial qualifications and experience nice and early (something that’s especially important in an Olympic year!). Follow along with all the action on the event’s Instagram page — and Go Eventing!

Events Opening Today: CDCTA Spring H.T., Pine Hill Spring H.T., Rocking Horse Spring H.T., Stable View Spring 2/3/4* and H.T.

Events Closing Today: Full Gallop Farm March I H.T., SAzEA Spring H.T., Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. International, Southern Pines H.T. I

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

Planning on attending today’s USEA YEH Symposium? Lucky you — the schedule is jam-packed with seriously interesting stuff from some of the sport’s leading lights. Here’s a primer of everything you need to know to get the most out of your day. Go forth and learn, friends.

In 2018, she became the Pony European Eventing Champion — and now, at just 21, Saffie Osborne is setting the racing world alight. She just became the first female winner ever at Dubai’s Meydan racecourse, just weeks after her return from injury.

There’s no headache quite like a tax headache. And if you’re planning to donate your horse to a riding program and claim the value as a write-off on your taxes, that’s all well and good — if you get the paperwork part right. If not, the IRS could give you a bad day indeed. Here’s how to avoid that.

Liz Halliday-Sharp is a seriously cool customer. But that grace under pressure that’s so enviable is something she’s learned to hone and refine — and so it’s something you can have, too. Here are her tips for keeping your headspace clear, calm, and uncluttered at a show.

 

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Sponsor Corner: 

Have a horse that hates powdered supplements? Kentucky Performance Products’ InsulinWise is now available in pelleted form!

InsulinWise Pellets:

🩸 Maintains normal metabolic function and healthy insulin levels.
🥗 Supports a healthy body weight and normal fat distribution.
🤝 Sustains healthy laminae within the hoof.

Shop here.

Watch This:

Check out the evolution of the Pony Club Championships in the US from 1993 to 2018 thanks to this great montage from Total Recall!

 

Monday Video: Views from Ram Tap

By on Feb 19, 2024 3:00 pm -

Fancy a good look at the Ram Tap XC course? You’re in luck, as usual East Coaster Emma Hinke seems to have stopped by the Fresno, California venue while out west this past weekend. She captured many pairs in the Advanced/Intermediate and Intermediate divisions tackling their cross country course.

You can catch a debrief of the action from this important West Coast prep event in EN’s new column, The Weekend Update.

Weekend Winners: Jumping Branch, Ocala, & Ram Tap

By on Feb 19, 2024 12:30 pm -

Way to knock it out of the park this weekend, Eventing Nation! We are celebrating some fantastic rides this weekend for our Weekend Winners, with some impressive scores.

While we saw so many low scores this weekend that would certainly deserve an extra nod, we’re floored by the almost unbelievable *5.7* that won our Unofficial Low Score Award this weekend. Special congrats to Open Introductory winner Allyson Hartenburg with Iconic!!

Jumping Branch Farm H.T. (Aiken, SC)[Website][Scoring]

Junior/Young Rider Preliminary: Paige Ramsey and MTF Cooley Classic (33.2)
Open Preliminary: Boyd Martin and Vivantura (30.7)
Preliminary Rider: Mikki Kuchta and Special Reserve (41.7)
Junior Training: Larkyn Hendren and Castle’s Boy (35.6)
Open Training A: Allison Springer and Lickity Split (23.3)
Open Training B: Michael Pendleton and Adorrado (25.0)
Training Rider A: Samantha Reinbold and Donald Drake (32.2)
Training Rider B: Catherine Kelly and Dylano Q (32.3)
Novice – Junior: Katie Tyer and Excel Star Beholden (33.6)
Novice Rider A: Lisa Hida and Cooleys Rule of Law (34.7)
Novice Rider B: Patricia Thompson and The dark knight (33.6)
Open Novice A: Alexander Conrad and Lexington II (26.4)
Open Novice B: Alexander Conrad and Ad Lib (20.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Michelle Drewien and Mr Opportunity (31.5)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Rebecca Saria and Prince Caspian (30.0)
Junior Beginner Novice: Mackenzie Wendt and Castall (36.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Rebecca Barber Tyler and Uncle Artie (25.0)
Open Beginner Novice B: Michael Pendleton and HC Work of Art (35.6)
Starter A: Sydney Johnson and Mae’s Racer (24.1)
Starter B: Yuki Igari and Poppin Good Pic (30.7)

Ocala Winter I (Ocala, FL) [Website][Scoring]

Advanced/Intermediate: Alyssa Phillips and Oskar (34.3)
Intermediate Rider: Michelle Mercier and Shirsheen Fun For All (40.4)
Open Intermediate – One Day: Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Flower Girl (31.4)
Open Intermediate A: Sharon White and Shirsheen Ice (41.8)
Open Intermediate B: Phillip Dutton and Denim (26.2)
Open Preliminary – One Day A: Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom (29.2)
Open Preliminary – One Day B: Elisabeth Halliday and Newmarket Cooley (27.4)
Open Preliminary Seven Year Old: Katie Malensek and MRF Qwlkstep (31.5)
Open Preliminary A: Leslie Law and Countess Cooley (34.0)
Open Preliminary B: Jennie Brannigan and Kismet (27.7)
Preliminary Horse: Leslie Law and Really All Gold (28.1)
Preliminary Rider: Laurie Seely and Contefino Grande (29.4)
Modified – Open A: Ariel Grald and Obalix (26.3)
Modified – Open B: Ashley Kehoe and Daktaris (36.9)
Modified – Rider A: Adelyn Rinehart and Corona Life (30.8)
Modified – Rider B: Kate Bell and FE Velvet Black (29.3)
Open Modified – One Day A: Sophia Middlebrook and Monbeg Odyssey (27.3)
Open Modified – One Day B: Madison Temkin and Fernhill Bertus (27.8)
Junior Training Rider: Addison Hagan and FE Friday (34.3)
Open Training – One Day: Meghan O’Donoghue and Kingcarra Cooley Diamond (21.9)
Open Training Six Year Old: Madison Temkin and Fernhill Fairytale (22.5)
Open Training A: Hannah Sue Hollberg and “J” (24.2)
Open Training B: Joe Bowersox and Fernhill Finalist (28.3)
Senior Training Rider A: Robyn Harter and Gold to Blue Monteverdi (31.1)
Senior Training Rider B: Nancy Lee and PHF Wine Me Up (21.0)
Training Horse: Karl Slezak and Zenith Ruby de Rev (29.4)
Junior Novice Rider: Jaeli Uselding and My Fair Prince (31.1)
Novice Horse: Kylie Lyman and BLF Bamiro (26.7)
Open Novice – One Day A: Sinead Maynard and Lightning V/Z (29.0)
Open Novice – One Day B: Declan Bast and Midnight Oil (23.1)
Open Novice A: Jacob Fletcher and DHI Noteworthy (29.5)
Open Novice B: Ainsley Hagen and Ardeo Hennessy (27.5)
Senior Novice Rider A: Maura Tierney and Ballytarsna Dunne Waiting (28.3)
Senior Novice Rider B: Ashley Costello and Bourbon Flight (36.1)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Thomas Borthwick and Oliver’s Sword (24.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Coco Fiorita and Oskar (27.7)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kendyl Tracy and Bobbie Burns (22.7)
Open Beginner Novice B: Megan Sykes and Sicario Hit DF (28.8)

Ram Tap H.T. (Fresno, CA) [Website][Scoring]

Advanced/Intermediate: James Alliston and Karma (38.3)
Open Intermediate: Megan McIver and Elle (35.0)
Open Preliminary: Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z (29.0)
Open Modified: Alexandria Wehrman and Captain Yondu (16.8)
Open Training: Alexis Helffrich and Casanova (21.1)
Training Rider: Seika Streets and Counterpoint (29.2)
Novice Rider: Dede McCoy and Dune DeHeir (26.8)
Open Novice: Alexis Helffrich and Templeton’s Dolce Flame (25.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Ellen Gudiksen and Kilkenny Fugitive (27.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Amber Birtcil and Meant To Bee (17.9)
Open Grasshopper: Luellen Rusick and Willow (26.6)
Open Introductory: Allyson Hartenburg and Iconic (5.7)

The Weekend Update: Winter Training Pays Off at Ocala, Ram Tap

By on Feb 19, 2024 10:30 am -

Welcome to The Weekend Update, a new offering here on EN that will recap important prep events each Monday. While we can’t be at every event in person, we want to recognize the efforts of those out there competing each weekend around the world. This column will focus on key prep events and divisions that feature 4* and 5* horses and riders en route to major spring destinations. Keep an eye out also for our weekly Weekend Winners column, which celebrates each recognized event running in the U.S.!

Rain Never Keeps the Eventers Away at Ocala Winter I

Ocala Winter I at the Florida Horse Park attracted numerous horse and rider combinations from Beginner Novice to Advanced/Intermediate, which many riders attributed to the care and maintenance of the grounds, as well as the community the event provides. “Florida Horse Park has done such a fantastic job from punching and watering the ground to great course design,” Sinead Maynard remarks.

Alexa Thompson also appreciates the event for the opportunity it provides horses, “I have been coming to the Horse Park since 2009, and it has been really neat to see how hard everyone is working to continually improve an already great venue.” After returning from France in December after working with Maxime Livio, Ocala was the perfect event back in the states to get her horses going, and finished this weekend 2nd in the Advanced/Intermediate with Just To Be Clear (Extase – Utopia Tb, by Gran Corrado).

“The footing in Ocala is similar to what we were training on in France, so the horses seem really happy! I was quite pleased with “Karti” this weekend. It was his first event back since the 4*S at Montelibretti in Italy in November. We had goals for each phase this weekend, and it was really fun to be able to accomplish them while also walking away with a top result.”

While she may no longer be in France, Alexa’s development continues with the support of Maxime from afar, “I have been working with Maxime from afar via Pivo and loads of videos, texts, voice memos, and phone calls. He and his team feel like my French family, and I miss them dearly, but thanks to technology, I still get to have him as a resource and mentor, no matter our locations.”

Support came from riders near as well, as Sinead Maynard experienced this weekend. “My new ride, Serengethi (Sir Donnerhall – Pia Luisa M, by Pavarotti Van De Helle), owned by The Journey Syndicate, was a little wild in the show jumping. Thankfully, Ocala is filled with knowledgeable people around every corner. My friend Hannah Sue Holberg met me at cross country warm up after recommending a slight bridle adjustment. She is a genius, and I had a delightful run around the track due to her help. We are so lucky in Ocala to have such great venues and great people. These things combined are helping us to produce great horses and great partnerships!”

Partnerships are the name of the game when it comes to riding and training horses throughout all of life’s stages. We saw Jacob Fletcher taking over the ride for wife and training partner Cornelia while she’s expecting their first child. “Cornelia and I train and work together, so the transition to competing her horses has been smooth and easy. They were great this weekend, and what they do next for the rest of the spring is up to my newest owner, Cornelia!” Jacob laughs.

Jacob had Fletcher Farm’s Fabian (Up To Date – Ineke, by Beaujolais) in the Open Preliminary, and finished in 5th in the Open Intermediate with Cornelia’s DHI Qyaracolle Z (Quinar Z – Celiacolle Z, by Chellano) as well as 11th with her Daytona Beach 8 (Duke Of Hearts Xx – Sandance, by Santander H). Qyra and Daytona will be doing Chattahoochee Hills’ 3* next.

Advanced/Intermediate winner Alyssa Phillips is feeling well prepared for their first FEI of the season in a few weeks. “All [my horses] clicked in at Ocala.” After winning the Advanced/Intermediate with her own Oskar (Coriando – Nicole), she looks forward to the upcoming year, “Oskar has come out so much stronger this year and I’m really happy he’s happy… My goal with him is to go to Europe on the Developing Tour to compete on some Nations Cups to gain more team experience, so we will be building up to that!”

Final results from Ocala can be found here.

 

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West Coast Season in Full Swing at Ram Tap (Fresno)

Good venues, partnerships, and winter training also ensured good results at Ram Tap for our west coast eventers.

“The ground was awesome, and it was a great start of the season show for the horses,” James Alliston comments. James finished 1st and 2nd in the Advanced/Intermediate with Alliston Equestrian’s and Nations Cup ride Karma (Escudo II – Travita, by Lavita) and Alliston Equestrian’s Paper Jam (Paparazzo – Reely Jamin).

“They went well, and hopefully this sets them up for a good year ahead. It was great to have Paper Jam back in the game after a length layoff. We’re looking forward to having him in the lineup this year,” James comments.

Tommy Greengard had a great start to his season, winning the Open Preliminary with Andrea Pfeiffer’s That’s Me Z (Take a Chance On Me Z – Veneita, by VDL Indoctro). “I was so happy with how mature and confident That’s Me Z started off his season. I was fortunate to ride with Leslie [Law] during the U25 in January and I feel like both Z and I really took what we worked on and applied it in the ring which paid off.”

Allyson Hartenburg‘s training also certainly paid off, bringing in an almost unbelievable result in the Open Introductory with Dede McCoy’s Iconic. Allyson and Iconic scored an incredible 5.7 in the dressage, and went double clear in cross country and show jumping to finish on their dressage score. “This was Iconic’s first horse trial, and I was really pleased that he put in a nice, steady test. When I saw the score, I thought there must be a typo! I’m naturally happy that he came away with the win on an unbelievable score, but most importantly he had an educational and confidence building first show. It was an extra treat that his owner, Dede McCoy, also came away with a win on her other horse, Dune DeHeir.”

Final results from Ram Tap can be found here.

 

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Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Feb 19, 2024 6:41 am -


For the second week running, your Monday News & Notes hasn’t just been brought to you by FutureTrack — it’s also been brought to you by Shane Rose’s contentious undercarriage, which has had a particularly exciting and silly few days.

Last week, we shared the images of Shane’s foray into Borat-style mankini-donning, which the Aussie rider undertook in a fancy dress class at the Wallaby Hill Extravaganza. Many laughs ensued! We all giggled at that man’s buttcrack! Over the last couple of days, though, it’s all unraveled a bit — after receiving an anonymous complaint about the mankini, Equestrian Australia chose to step Shane down from competition while they undertook a review of the incident. That prompted a tidal wave of global support, a petition, lots of half-nakey solidarity poses, and, quite remarkably, a hell of a lot of mainstream news coverage around the world, too, including pieces in the New York Times, on the BBC, The Guardian, and plenty more besides.

Now, EA has seen sense, concluded their review, and reinstated Shane, who can get on with the important business of aiming for another Olympics, and there’s been some positive benefits to the silliness, too — Wallaby Hill sponsors Bowrals Kubota have announced they’ll be providing free mankinis to spectators at next year’s event and will donate $100 to men’s health charities for every person brave enough to wear them. Plus, the comments sections of many mainstream media outlets would suggest that Shane has won eventing some new spectators this year, who’ll tune in to the sport in Paris just to cheer on — fingers crossed, anyway! — their new sporting hero.

National Holiday: It’s Tug of War Day, a holiday I celebrate every time my horse has had a few days off and needs to be steered to the field.

US Weekend Action:

Jumping Branch Farm H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Results]

Ocala Winter I (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Results]

Ram Tap H.T. (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

I love a Chronicle throwback, and I love a spotty botty on a horse. Here’s a nice meeting of those two passions that tells the story of a horse named Crocodile, a diminutive rider, and plenty of gentle 60s-style chaos.

Even if you’ve never ridden a horse, you can be a Horse Girl™️. That’s exactly how writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied’s foray into horses came about: she spent her childhood devouring pony novels and learning the ins and outs and politics of the horse world, but only made her own steps into it once she’d moved to London and been plunged into — and escaped again — the depths of the lockdown. This piece for The Guardian shares her experiences as she puts all that book-learning into practise.

How important is rider position, really? This interesting and salient thinkpiece from trainer Jeremy Steinberg is well worth a read if you’ve ever found yourself on either side of the form v function debate, and while it’s focused on dressage, a lot of his points apply across the disciplines. Give it a read here.

Morning Viewing:

Let’s go eventing with Elisa!

Irish Olympian & 5* Winner, Austin O’Connor Scheduled to Compete at #GPE2024

By on Feb 18, 2024 10:00 am -

Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue: Your 2023 MARS Maryland 5 Star winners! Photo by Sally Spickard.

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 thrilled to announce 2023 Maryland CCI 5* winner, Austin O’Connor (IRL), is scheduled to compete at the March 1 & 2 event, in Aiken, SC.

O’Conner bases his program at Alderbrook Stud in England, and will be making the trip across the pond to catch ride at #AnEventLikeNoOther.

US Eventing fans will likely recognize world #22, Austin O’Connor, as they witnessed him win the 2023 Maryland CCI5* this past October, becoming the first Irishman to win a 5* in 58 years! 2023 was a big year for O’Connor, as he also took 3rd at the Badminton CCI5* back in the spring, also aboard Maryland winner Colorado Blue. O’Connor has represented Ireland at 7 championships and 13 CCI5* competitions thus far in his career (fei.org).

Carlson 119 & Amanda Beale Clement at the 2023 Showcase
Photo by Christine Quinn Photography

O’Connor will be teaming up with showcase veteran, Carlson 119. The 14 yo German Sport Horse gelding, owned by Micheal Dell’Angelo, Reese Dell’Angelo, & Elizabeth Bales, was the long time partner of Amanda Beale Clement until just this past year when Amanda handed the reins over to student Reese Dell’Angelo, who is now learning from the experienced schoolmaster.

“Carl” and Amanda have had some very impressive results throughout their career together, including several top 5 finishes at the CCI3* and CCI4* level. The pair competed at both the 2022 & 2023 Showcase. Amanda and Carl were the top placed Young Rider pair in 2023, scoring a 27.7 in the first phase. If O’Connor and Carlson 119 can repeat that success in 2024, they’ll be well placed heading into the jumping phases with a good shot at the top of the leaderboard.

Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue at the Tokyo Olympics (2021). Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

On attracting such an impressive, international rider to the GPE, event director Joanie Morris commented:

“We love that there is this kind of buzz about this event. It is the only eventing showcase of its kind and that lends itself to great interest from overseas riders. It is a huge testament to our sponsors who stepped up and allowed us to increase our prize money to $100k, and to the team at the Aiken Horse Park Foundation that continues to raise the bar across the board. We look forward to welcoming Austin to Aiken, in addition to the best riders in North America.”

VIP & General Admission tickets available online

There are several General Admission ticket options available. Exclusive online purchase options include:

  • One Full Event Pass which grants access to Friday, March 1st Dressage & Show Jumping AND Saturday, March 2nd Cross-Country
  • Full Event Pass $30.00 (Friday, March 1st & Saturday, March 2nd)
  • Two Single Day Pass options, which grant access to one day’s activities respectively

Friday, March 1st Only Pass $20.00 (Dressage & Show Jumping)

Saturday, March 2nd Only Pass $20.00 (Cross-Country)

These General Admission ticket options are only available online. General Admission tickets will be available at the gate for $25.oo per day,

VIP tickets include:

  • Invitation to the Thursday evening, February 29th, Welcome Party
  • Ring side for the Friday evening, March 1st, Show Jumping
  • Prime viewing locations for the Saturday, March 2nd, Cross-Country
  • Access to all VIP areas (VIP tent & Chalets) for the entire event
  • Food & Beverage served
  • VIP Parking

VIP tickets start at $1,000.00. For more information on Reserved Tables, Chalets, or Tailgate Parking Spots, please contact [email protected].

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

By on Feb 18, 2024 12:01 am -

Carolina International’s new ribbons are looking good, and they’ll look even better on your horse’s bridle 😉

In preparation for the first CCI4*-S of the 2024 season, join the effort tomorrow, February 19th, to clean up the grounds and beautify the Carolina Horse Park! Some Park Clean Up Day jobs include painting fences, cleaning signs and branch removal, and volunteers of all ages are welcome. Many hands make light work! Lunch and refreshments are provided, so sign up here to join together in brightening up the Park and its community.

U.S. Weekend Action

Jumping Branch Farm H.T. (Aiken, SC)[Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Ocala Winter I (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Ram Tap H.T. (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Take a dive into Lara de Liedekerke-Meier’s excellent competitive stats

Honorary Event Chair Mark Wahlberg to host benefit event “Equestrians in Paris” for the US Olympic and Paralympic teams

Are Exosomes the Future of Suspensory Injury Healing?

West Tennessee Pony Clubbers Launch Business to Help Thoroughbred Rescues and Horses in Need

California breeders jump on the Jaguar foal train

Sponsor Corner: Competitors will get to take a crack at some new cross country fences at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International! Take a look behind the scenes as these beautiful new fences are installed on course.

Morning Viewing: If this wasn’t your dream job as a horse-crazy child… you’re lying.