Classic Eventing Nation

Weekend Winners: Pine Top & Rocking Horse

By on Feb 12, 2024 9:57 am -

We saw plenty of Eventers out at Pine Top and Rocking Horse, continuing to enjoy the (relative) warmth of the southern winters as the season picks up.

Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Elizabeth Grandos and Solaguayre La Mint, who scored 22.5 in the Senior Novice Rider at Rocking Horse!

Pine Top Intermediate H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website][Scoring]

 

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Advanced/Intermediate: Allison Springer and No May Moon (33.3)
Intermediate Rider: Kiersten Miller and Rosconnell Alto (62.0)
Open Intermediate A: Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello (29.4)
Open Intermediate B: Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill (30.0)
Open Preliminary A: Lillian Heard Wood and Chilly (25.3)
Open Preliminary B: Jenny Caras and Sommersby (26.1)
Open Preliminary 2 Day: Alexandra Knowles and September Venture (29.5)
Preliminary Rider: Laura Orlowski and St. Benedict (33.7)
Modified One Day: Jane Jennings and Clarkes Sweet Music (28.5)
Modified – Open: Fylicia Barr and Kilbunny Close Call (24.8)
Modified Rider: Katelyn Smith and Lisbane Spartacus (32.8)
Junior Training Rider: Marin Swyers and Fernhill Mac an Bata (29.7)
Open Training A: Samantha Homeyer and HHS Tiger Lily (29.2)
Open Training B: Ashley Adams and Global Halcyon (25.1)
Senior Training Rider: Megan Lichty and TBS Declan Pondi (34.0)
Training/Novice: Tracey Bienemann and Silver Bop (32.2)
Junior Novice Rider: Kennan Young and Iko Wrise (25.3)
Open Novice: Julia Wendell and Must Have (31.4)
Senior Novice Rider: Allison Carey and Sea Zar Run (31.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Lily Story and You Dazzle Me (29.4)
Starter: AJ Carter and Texas Avalanche (29.7)

 

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Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website][Scoring]

 

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Advanced – Test A: Woods Baughman and Hopak de Greenbay Z (37.6)
Advanced – Test B: Elisa Wallace and Renkum Corsair (35.9)
Intermediate Rider: Jesse Reagin and RCA Society Law (55.5)
Open Intermediate: Cassie Sanger and Fernhill Zoro (33.1)
Open Preliminary A: Anna Loschiavo and Fernhill Maverick (26.8)
Open Preliminary B: Lucienne Bellissimo and Tremanton (28.4)
Open Preliminary One Day: Sharon White and Jaguars Duende (25.5)
Preliminary Horse: Leslie Law and CLH Soldier Blue (33.9)
Preliminary Rider: Erin Farrell and Ataviuos (39.6)
Modified Rider: Olivia Alminde and Flagmount’s Spartan (35.0)
Open Modified: Chris Talley and Fast Forward (27.1)
Open Modified One Day: Cindy Rawson and Evening Melody (30.5)
Junior Training Rider: Ava Staton and Lamondale Graciana (22.6)
Open Training A: William Coleman and Box Como (30.7)
Open Training B: Chloe Paddack and Hawthornstud Fortunate Love (27.1)
Senior Training Rider: Julia Davis and Willmore (34.0)
Training Horse A: Sharon White and Quizas (26.3)
Training Horse B: Cassie Sanger and Never Enough (27.9)
Junior Novice Rider: Abby Williams and First Class (29.0)
Novice Horse: Kylie Lyman and BLF Bamiro (24.0)
Open Novice A: Robin Walker and Rock Island (24.4)
Open Novice B: Georgia Phillips and Tomgar Conspiracy (26.1)
Senior Novice Rider: Elizabeth Grandos and Solaguayre La Mint (22.5)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Sophia Street and Shannondale Jordi (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Alyssa Cairo and EWSZ Jalando (27.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Robin Walker and DHI Milan (25.9)

 

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5 Reasons We’re Looking Forward to the 2024 Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International

By on Feb 12, 2024 9:30 am -

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A big season cometh, as the 2024 Olympics loom closer and we look ahead to the roadmap that will lead us all the way to Paris. Olympic hopefuls will have worked their way backward from late July, earmarking the pathway they and their advisors feel will set themselves up well for eventual selection and success on a team.

One important step along that preparation path — both for the Olympics as well as the various spring three-day events — is the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI & H.T., arguably among the biggest early-season challenges and a true “let’s see where we’re at” test set among the trees in Raeford, NC. This year’s Carolina International, held at Carolina Horse Park, will take place March 14-17.

But it isn’t just about the big names and the top level of competition. In fact, one of my personal favorite things about this event is its attention paid to the other levels, including a popular CCI1*-S and National divisions from Novice to Advanced.

Here are just a few of our other favorite things about Carolina:

A true challenge for all, no matter the level

Sandra Holden and Evil Munchkin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We wrote an article about the CCI1*-S division after the 2023 event, and I feel strongly that including newer levels like Modified and 1* are important for education and for giving riders an attainable goal. As someone who has no aspirations to go above Preliminary level, the 1* is such a cool goal to have. It feels like something I could do safely and confidently, perhaps en route to Prelim, or perhaps as my top goal — who knows and who cares? It’s a great option to have, and it’s also beneficial for the production of younger horses. 5 stars (it felt inappropriate to give it a “1 star” rating).

For a new challenge this year, the event will host the Lumbee River EMC Festival Pro-Am Challenge, teaming up professional and amateur riders. There is no cost to join a team, so click here to learn more.

A convenient and well-laid out venue

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There is something to be said about a venue that uses its space smartly (and one that has permanent bathrooms available!). I always love visiting venues like Carolina Horse Park, which are nicely laid out and well-kept. There is a decent amount of atmosphere, which of course wouldn’t be every horse’s favorite, but I find it to be less overwhelming and more exciting. It’s just the right amount of “things going on” for horses (and riders) to gain some experience in busier environments.

A star-studded roster

Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash Van De Start. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Ok, yes, you’re also right — the roster in the 4* and Advanced divisions is always a big draw for the sporting fans among us. This is a big stop on the road to Kentucky’s spring 5* event, and many of the horses we’ll see in these divisions will be prepping for a major spring event. You also typically get to see some horses and/or riders who are newer to the level, giving you a glimpse of “ones to watch” for the future.

Entries will continue to populate through the event’s closing date on February 27, but the list is already promising. We’ll see the return of three-time winning rider Will Coleman, who so far has entered the Diabolo Group LLC’s Diabolo. Ariel Grald, who is based not far from this venue in Southern Pines, has entered Annie Eldridge (also the owner of Setters’ Run Farm) horses Diara and Leamore Master Plan, who is returning to competition after being sidelined most of 2023. Another Southern Pines rider, Andrew McConnon, will swing back into action with top horses Ferrie’s Cello (owned by Jeanne Shigo) and Wakita 54 (owned by Andrew). You can preview the full entry list here.

A strong challenge on cross country

The much-talked about water question on the 2023 CCI4*-S course. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re getting into the final days of Ian Stark’s designing career, so we’re going to enjoy these brilliant courses while we still can! Ian Stark has been the designer for Carolina’s 4*/Advanced track for nearly a decade, and his tracks here are given an extra boost of difficulty by the terrain and wooded areas scattered throughout the park’s acreage. For those in the other divisions, the course’s are designed and set by Beth Perkins, who also sets a technical and challenging track that’s appropriate for each level, making this truly an event not to be missed for the well-prepared and practiced.

You can take a glimpse at some action from last year’s 4* cross country below.

Plenty for the horse husbands and kids to do

We all appreciate the long-suffering horse husbands and horse wives and horse kids, who typically spend their days at horse shows as stand-in grooms or wishing a drink cart would magically appear alongside them, golf course style. Well, sign those wonderful family members up for a trip to Carolina International, because there’s a full weekend of family-friendly activities, plenty of food and drink options, and a beautiful locale to spend time in when you’re not at the show.

If you’re visiting the area for the first time, be sure to check out neighboring Southern Pines, which is full of amazing restaurants (I’ll go ahead and throw in my favorite recommendation, Red’s Corner, formerly owned by 5* rider Jurgens) and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Carolina International also coincides with the annual Painted Ponies Art Walk & Auction, which is an event not to be missed.

And if you’re the VIP type, the Carolina Club is a great way to experience all that Carolina International has to offer. These tickets tend to sell fast, so don’t wait to get your hands on them here.

Entries are open for the SRF Carolina International CCI & H.T. Get yours in before February 27 and join us for the fun!

EN is proud to partner with Carolina International for pre-event promotion and media services on the ground. Interested in joining us as a member of the media for this year’s SRF Carolina International? Click here to submit your credential application.

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Feb 12, 2024 8:13 am -

Some Mondays start less with a bang than with a whimper. They don’t so much fizzle into existence as they ooze, flabby and bloated, into sight, drowning out the weekend that was in a slow and treacly death. They’re uphill battles; they’re something to get through, not to succeed at. It’s neither your fault nor mine, and all we can do is tick the basic boxes and hope that Tuesday will come through with a bit more pizzazz.

Not this Monday, though, folks. Not today. Because today, we’re starting the week off with a bit of risky almost-nudity. A little game of fetch made more challenging because you’re not sure if you can actually see the ball. A touch of shamelessness. A soupçon of buttcrack. Is that a carrot in Aussie eventer Shane Rose’s pocket, or is he just happy to see us? Well, look, there’s no pockets on that mankini, so I think we can settle the matter quite definitively.

 

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I hear that this brazen bit of Boratesqueness was done in honour of a vet; truly, I think you could tell me any story here and I’d believe it, though, because I’m too caught up in trying to work out the biomechanics of jumping fences with one’s bits and pieces on the move. You can read more sensible analysis over at An Eventful Life (behind a paywall, alas, but I suspect worth it). And now, go forth and conquer your Monday, friends. It’s one you can win, I reckon.

National Holiday: It’s National Darwin Day. Not to be confused, of course, with The Darwin Awards, that tongue-in-cheek celebration of all the persistently silly ways one might remove oneself from the evolutionary timeline, but try not to do anything too dumb today anyway, lest it get worked into your obit, regrettably.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Pine Top Intermediate H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Results]

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Eventers who frequent competition’s in Britain’s west/southwest region have a new prize to aim for this year. Offered in memory of talented young rider Archie Lowe, who tragically died in 2021 after a rotational fall, the West Wilts Championship will go to the owner/rider who amasses the most points across West Wilts’s three BE fixtures this year, at any level. The prize is a cheeky £1000, which will no doubt help its winner nail down some extra training or a few more competitions en route to hitting their season goals. The aim of the championship, and the Archie Life Foundation, is to provide support to those riders who may not have all the means in the world, but who truly love being a part of the sport. You can find out more about them both, and about Archie’s legacy, here.

Got a horse on stall rest? I mean, first of all, what a way to start your 2024 out. Ugh. I feel for you, and your horse! Now, though, I’m sure your primary focus isn’t on wallowing in self-pity, but rather, making sure that that four-legged angel of yours doesn’t become the devil while cooped up. Here’s a great guide to keeping him safe, happy, and stress-free, as much as is possible when such a major routine change comes around, anyway.

This time of year feels like such a money drain. Energy prices are on the up and up, hay is more expensive, and for me, at least, as a self-employed person I need to hustle twice as hard to make the numbers work as I do during the eventing season. Something that’s quite helpful? The odd money-saving life hack. Here’s some to try – and if you’ve got one that’s not on this list, do your fellow skint equestrians a solid and drop it in the comments.

Planning a bit of a jump this week, but not sure what you actually want to work on? Instead of just popping over whatever happens to be in the ring, how about setting up some gymnastic exercises that’ll help you nail down a few fundamental skills? Here’s some to try from British eventing legend Mary King – and the bonus of it all is that moving all those poles and wings is basically your gym session for the day, too. Boom. Smashed it.

Morning Viewing:

You know what sounds like a nice thing to do today? Winning an Advanced. Okay, okay, it might take a lot of effort, a horse I, for one, don’t have, and a few MERs I will never have, but how about doing it vicariously, instead?

From the Ground Up: The Power of Showing Up

By on Feb 11, 2024 5:00 pm -

Gillian Warner is bringing us along for the ride as she strikes out on her own to launch her business as a professional. You can catch up on more installments from this series here.

I took a breath as I stepped back from the horse. I always try to keep emotion out of my training, but I couldn’t help but let out a sigh of frustration at the situation. I had been working with the horse for a month, and yet felt like we were treading water, making no progress.

He was a bit of a tough case. Inconsistent handling, and some periods of down time made starting at square one a little more confusing — he knew just enough from the years past, but hadn’t retained all of it, or had had some holes in the training.

After we found a good stopping point for the day, I let him back in his field and took a minute to think through the process, and some options. This wasn’t the first time I had worked with a horse like this. I have started many horses that have had significant time without being handled. And the one thing that it all really boils down to is consistency.

 

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With each of these horses, I’ve found the fastest way to make progress is to do little amounts, slowly and often. Showing up to be with them — either doing a full session, working on a new skill, or even just being around them — makes a difference. It “just” takes showing up, each day, and chipping away at the progress.

There will be a few days where it feels like you’ve accomplished it all, a few days where it feels like you’ve never handled them before, and a majority of days where it feels like you make a 1% improvement each time. Some days you can spend an hour developing a new skill, some days you can only spend 10 minutes working on boundaries and awareness. Both are important, and both serve a purpose in the role and power that showing up consistently has on training.

 

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It can be hard to see, because the day-to-day improvements and subtleties aren’t always obvious to the ones that see them the most. But when you realize the horse now stands in the cross ties without supervision; when the lead stays loopy and soft walking in the indoor; when barn staff tell you how much easier they are to manage in the field; the little bits, every day are worth it.

 

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So while the days where it feels like my work hasn’t been adding up to much keep coming quite frequently with this one, I look at the successes of my consistency and dedication to the baby steps — I see Winston successfully taking a lesson kid on her first trail ride, Abbey finding comfort and confidence in her canter, and Harold stepping up into a sporty and sensible family horse.

The road had seemed long and uncertain with some of them previously. But with dedication to showing up, and a commitment to chipping away towards progress, the baby steps can turn into something truly remarkable.

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

By on Feb 11, 2024 12:01 am -

That’s right, it’s already that time of year! Somehow, the 2023 season ended just last week and 2024’s is just starting tomorrow. Head down to the Carolina Horse Park March 14-17 for an event to really kick off what is looking to be an intense Olympic Year of competition. The folks at the Setter’s Run Farm Carolina International are already hard at work getting some very pretty logs going, as well as some rather large cabins in the back there.

While this year will start (especially for us here behind the stall curtain at EN) at the Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field showcase, our first CCI4* at Carolina is highly anticipated as we begin the nail-biting wait for our long and shortlists for Paris 2024. We only get this high-stakes atmosphere every four years, so take advantage of it and come watch our favorites battle it out!

U.S. Weekend Action

Pine Top Intermediate H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Evie Dutton joins Olivia and Phillip back in the ring!

The Emotional Struggle: Selling Horses When You Don’t Sell Horses

Explore their stories: The Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry

What the Future of Taking Footage at Events Can Look Like with The Pegasus App

Head over to @BritishEquestrian_Official to learn all about Female Health February and how it impacts us as riders and athletes

Sponsor Corner: The Carolina Club is back at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI4*! Who can resist mimosas and charcuterie boards on Thursday and an all day open bar on Friday? 🥂 Get your ticket or reserve a table for eight [here].

Morning Viewing: And just because we’re that excited, here are some of our favorite upper-level riders discussing just why the Carolina International is the perfect start to anyone’s season.

Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S to Offer Increased Prize Money at 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian

By on Feb 10, 2024 9:30 am -

Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the world-renowned Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™, is excited to announce that prize money for the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S is being increased to $50,000 for this year’s event, which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 25-28.

Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin® Lexington 4* runs concurrently with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE), one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” K3DE annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. The event also features the Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

Thanks to increased support from Cosequin® and other generous sponsors, the Cosequin® Lexington 4* will now offer double last year’s prize money, with money distributed to the top-ten finishers as follows:

  • 1st place – $16,400
  • 2nd place – $12,000
  • 3rd place – $7,200
  • 4th place – $4,800
  • 5th place – $2,600
  • 6th place – $2,000
  • 7th place – $1,800
  • 8th place – $1,600
  • 9th place – $1,000
  • 10th place – $600

“We are thrilled to increase the prize money being offered to our riders in the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and also deeply honored by the show of sponsor support for our event,” said Erin Woodall, Executive Director of EEI. “Without the generous support of our sponsors, the event wouldn’t be what it is today. This year promises to be the biggest and best yet for every level at the K3DE, and we look forward to providing competitors and spectators alike with the same world-class excitement they’ve come to expect.”

“Cosequin® has been a longtime sponsor of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and we are proud to return for the second year as the title sponsor of the Cosequin Lexington 4* event,” said Todd Henderson, DVM, President and CEO of Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. “We are excited to see the 4* continue to grow and offer more to the riders who have worked so hard to compete at this event.”

Tickets for viewing the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S are included when purchasing K3DE tickets and can be purchased at kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Feb 10, 2024 12:01 am -

To infinity and beyond! Or at least just to Wallaby Hill, which held quite a fun fancy dress class at their recent show jumping extravaganza. Of course while everyone is freeing cold or caked in mud here in the Northern Hemisphere, eventing season down under is in full swing. I don’t think I could pull off a Buzz Lightyear costume in the middle of summer though, like Shane Rose here is doing — I’d be sweating my space blaster off.

U.S. Weekend Action

Pine Top Intermediate H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Robb Hopes To Change The Culture With Sponsorship Of Thoroughbred Makeover Teams

USEF Launches Coach Education Initiative

Observations during showjumping warm-up

Dreams Are Coming True on the Back of the 2023 SmartPak USEA Pony of the Year Delilah’s Boy

12 Valentine’s Day Gifts Your Equestrian Actually Wants

Sponsor Corner: Anyone in the market for a dressage saddle? Check out this beautiful pre-owned Amerigo! If you’re looking for more pre-owned saddles, check out the collection of Gently Used Saddles on worldequestrianbrands.com.

Morning Viewing: The Kentucky Horse Park’s Superbowl prediction is really the only one you need.

$100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Entry Update: Defending Champs Return

By on Feb 9, 2024 9:30 am -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Two of the three riders who have won the Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field (this year sponsored by Conceal, with $100,000 in prize money) will return this year (March 1 and 2) to square off — but they’ll certainly have plenty of competition from others as the entry list continues to grow.

Liz Halliday has entered this popular showcase event that’s the first major stop on many a top rider’s calendar — and carries a rare six-figure purse to up the appeal — with three horses: 2023 winner Miks Master C (owned by Ocala Horse Properties and Deborah Palmer), Cooley Quicksilver (owned by The Monster Partnership + Ocala Horse Properties), and Cooley Nutcracker (owned by Nutcracker Syndicate + Ocala Horse Properties). Liz also won this event in 2019 (its inaugural year) with Fernhill By Night and in 2020 with Deniro Z.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B en route to the win in 2022. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Squaring up for the challenge will be 2022 winner Boyd Martin, who will bring back the horse he won with, Fedarman B (owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate) as well as stalwart veteran Tsetserleg (owned by Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner) and rising star Commando 3 (owned by Yankee Creek Ranch LLC).

These former winners aside, the entry list continues to grow with plenty of contenders for the top prize. That list includes riders such as Will Coleman, Phillip Dutton, Colleen Loach, Ariel Grald, Will Faudree, Sydney Elliott, Doug Payne, and many other 4* and 5* horses and riders. We anticipate more entries to pile in as the closing date draws near — and we’re still awaiting confirmation of some international entries coming to catch-ride!

It’s also not too late to grab your tickets for this event, which truly puts spectators front and center with the action, right in the heart of Aiken, SC. Click here to learn more about Grand-Prix Eventing and to buy your tickets or VIP experience.

We’re pleased to introduce Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, with her robust expertise and portfolio of property options in the Aiken area, as the sponsor of our coverage of the Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field. Seasonal or year-round, southern charm and the sporting lifestyle await you in Aiken!

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Feb 9, 2024 12:01 am -

After what seems like an eternity of insane winds and endless rain over here in the UK, there was a brief respite this week. Yep, for a whole 24 hours there was no wind, no rain and, after a long hiatus, that strange yellow orb – the sun – even made a brief comeback. Sadly, it didn’t last and the snow moved in the very next day, but for a few golden hours, it seemed that Spring was finally on her way, and with the eventing season just around the corner, spirits were given a much needed boost.

A much needed reminder that those weeks of fitness work in the driving rain would all be worth it in the end! But while my four legged friends may be nearing peak condition, ready to leap out of the start box as soon as the season starts, I must admit to being a little less dedicated to my own fitness, and may well need to have an oxygen mask waiting at the finish line.

I’m fairly confident that I am not the only one, but as dressage Queen and all round goddess Jessica von Bredow-Werndl kindly reminds us, it’s only fair on our trusty steeds that we are as fit as they are! So once this snow clears, I will be lacing my trainers up and heading out on a few runs. Unless it rains again…

U.S. Weekend Preview

Pine Top Intermediate H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Don’t forget to submit your entries today, closing day for the February Eventing Academy at Stable View (Aiken, SC). Come and enjoy schooling and a low-pressure and affordable competition opportunity. More information here.

Friday News and Reading

If you need any help kickstarting your fitness routine, and are worried about how much you should be doing, the wonderful Maeve Sheridan over at Activate your Seat has kindly provided a handy little guide. Literally no excuses now, not even on bad weather days – you can always lift a couple of weights while watching the snow fall outside…

Monica Spencer isn’t the only Kiwi flying Stateside this month. Her compatriot, Matthew Grayling will also be making the trip, along with his long term partner Trudeau. Basing with none other than Mr Martin, they have their sights firmly set on the 5* at Kentucky. 60 year old Matthew clearly isn’t feeling his age, and hasn’t discounted a Paris call up either. Watch this space!

Speaking of Paris – in an Olympic sense that is – if you fancy taking a trip out there yourself, then the folks over at Racing Breaks have put together a pretty snazzy package to make your Olympic dreams come true. You’ll be treated like a VIP, with accommodation, concierge and Gold standard hospitality all included, as well as your choice of Eventing, Dressage or Show Jumping tickets. There’s an option to build your own package too, if you want to extend your trip – or maybe even take in all three disciplines. I mean, you might as well make the most of the journey! But be quick – places are limited, and you don’t want to miss out!

As the proud owner of a couple of OTTB’s myself, I know how special they can be with a lot of patience and the right training. If you’re in need of any hints and tips as to how to get the best out of them, then who better to turn to than the legend that is Tina Cook, British Olympian and all round Wonder Woman. She grew up with racehorses, and has successfully trained a fair few OTTB’s herself. It’s not always the easiest of tasks to convince an ex-racehorse to adapt to a slightly steadier pace of life, but as Tina has proved on more than one occasion, it can be done.

Finally, I leave you with a star of the future. You heard it hear first; ten year old Ella James Winn is certainly one to watch. The tiny little rider has been riding ever since she could sit up in the saddle, and is already clearing 5-bar gates on her equally brave pony, Sidney. As if that’s not enough, she’s also jocked her mum off, and has managed the same feat on her mother’s Connemara, too. Future 5* winner? You can thank me for the tip later.

Sponsor Corner

Boyd Martin has settled in at his winter home, none other than Stable View. Have you been following along as he trains his new OTTB Remi at the venue? Check it out.

Weekend Watching

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the eventing season is nearly upon us, and what better way to get into the groove than with some hints and tips from Eventing Power Couple, Tim and Jonelle? Enjoy, and get ready to go eventing!

A True Piece of Paris: Your First Look at the 2024 Olympic Medals

By on Feb 8, 2024 9:46 am -

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic medals. Photo courtesy of Paris 2024.

This morning marked an exciting little milestone on the pathway to this summer’s Paris Olympics, as the medals were revealed for the first time. Each Olympic cycle sees a total redesign of the medals, in a bid to mark the culture and history of the host city – and this year’s, created by Chaumet, the LVMH group’s House of Jewellery, with design help from the Paris 2024 Athletes’ Commission, are no different.

The front side of the medals features the Paris 2024 branding on a piece of iron – and that piece of iron has come straight from the original metalwork on the Eiffel Tower, built in 1889 for the World’s Fair and still the most iconic (don’t come for us, Parisians!) feature of the city’s skyline. The back side of the medals features the familiar imagery of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, flanked by the Parthenon, representing the original Olympics, and the Eiffel Tower, another nod to the modern day. (Not pictured, but relevant, is the Louvre, where you can see the Winged Victory of Samothrace, arguably the most famous depiction of Nike in art.)

The Paralympic medals feature the same front side, but the back side, instead, shows the Eiffel Tower from below, and features red neck ribbons, rather than the blue of the Olympic design.

The design process at LVMH and the final product. Photo by Thomas Deschamps for Paris 2024.

The medals were launched today in a star-studded ceremony attended by Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024 and three-time Olympic champion; Antoine Arnault, Environment & Image LVMH; Martin Fourcade, President of the Paris 2024 Athletes’ Commission, former biathlete and five-time Olympic champion; Béatrice Hess, former swimmer with 20 Paralympic titles; Alex Portal, silver and bronze medal-winning swimmer at the Paralympic Games and qualified for Paris 2024; Koumba Larroque, third in the 2023 World Wrestling Championships and qualified for Paris 2024; and Pauline Déroulède, three-time French champion and France’s No. 1 wheelchair tennis player.

Photo by Cyril Masson/Paris 2024.

The group promptly headed to the Eiffel Tower itself to bring the medals ‘home’ – a fitting reveal before the winning begins in just 169 days. Who’ll go home with them? Only time – and not an awful lot of it, now! – will tell.