Some of the Best in the West! The crew from Ride On Video taking a break at Galway Downs. Photo via Galway Downs on Facebook.
If you are competing this weekend, be sure to double check your ride times and your clocks before you go to sleep tonight or you may find yourself on a bit too early tomorrow! Don’t be surprised if you get a little bit of sass from your four-legged friends tomorrow morning. Try not to be too dismayed by it if they are, after all – you’re late as far as they are concerned! On top of that, who hasn’t had a “hangry” moment? Even though we’re losing the later sunsets, this last sunshine-filled weekend looks to be a great one. Best of luck to those of you competing this weekend!
Bonner Carpenter and Basco. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Bonner Carpenter and her own Basco hold the lead heading into Galway CCI3* cross country on their dressage score of 45.2.
“He was super, I was really happy with him,” Bonner said after her test. “Overall he went in and was super rideable and had two great changes in the test which made me really, really happy, and I couldn’t ask for him to be much better than he was.”
Most recently on the FEI stage Bonner and her 10-year-old Dutch gelding finished sixth in the Rebecca Farm CIC3* in July. We can’t wait to watch them tackle Ian Stark’s challenging cross country track tomorrow — check out a course preview here.
“Fitness is Basco’s biggest thing,” Bonner said. “In the past he hasn’t had the stamina, so that’s probably going to be his biggest test tomorrow — galloping around the whole 10 minutes. He’s been doing a ton of fitness work so hopefully it has paid off.”
As Maggie Deatrick noted in her Galway Downs By the Numbers preview, it’s a quiet year for the CCI3* division, with only nine entries marking the smallest field since the inception of the CCI3*. This year also marks the first time that all of the competitors are based west of the Mississippi, with Texas-based Bonner and Basco having traveled from Texas to compete.
In addition to Basco, Bonner has two horses in the CCI1*, Get Busy and Darkside. The latter is in second after dressage on a score of 42.4.
Bonner Carpenter and Basco. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
While the field may be small, the competition is fierce, with Amber Levine and Carry On lurking just behind in second place on a score of 48.8. In her By the Numbers preview, Maggie dubbed Amber and the 9-year-old Dutch gelding as her “spoiler” pick to win the whole shebang. She noted that when they complete all three phases, these two have never finished out of the top five at this level, more often finishing top two.
Amber Levine and Carry On. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Amber Levine and Carry On. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Rounding out the top three after dressage are Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato, a 13-year-old Hannoverian gelding, who scored a 51.0.
Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capito. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Gina Economou and Samantha Magowan’s Calidore will be the first CCI3* pair on course, set to gallop out of the start box at 2:30 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday.
There’s plenty going on at Galway this weekend across the levels. James Alliston and Sophie Hulme’s Thomascourt Cooley hold the CCI2* dressage lead on a score of 44.5, followed closely by Heather Morris and Team Express Group LLC’s Charlie Tango in second on a 45.5.
Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Angela Bowles and Alyssa Phillips’ Oskar have the early CCI1* lead on a dressage score of 42.3.
Anne Haller followed up with the three FEI division leaders in this Day 1 Recap from Ride On Video:
Novice through Prelim horse trials divisions are underway, as well as two Training Three-Day divisions.
Megan Noelle Wilson leads Training Three-Day A dressage on her own Classic’s Mojah, who has an interesting backstory having been previously ridden by Steffan Peters.
“I got him in June from Steffan Peters. He’s kind of an ex-dressage horse turning into an eventing horse. He’s doing really great, loving eventing,” Megan explains. “He was super today, had his game face on in the dressage. Since I got him he’s just been an awesome jumper and really become an awesome event horse so far. I’m really excited for his future.”
A glimpse of the action:
Classic Mojah and Megan Wilson, leaders of Training Three Day Divison A. Photo by Captured Moment Photography.
Gabriella Ringer and Puddles show jumping in Jr. Novice Rider division. Photo courtesy of Galway Downs.
Training Three Day press conference after dressage: Megan Compton, Kaylawna Smith, Allana Baker, Megan Wilson. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Hawley Bennett-Awad & Sechelles watch Hayley Sullivan and All Riled Up start Preliminary cross country. Photo courtesy of Galway Downs.
Cross country for the FEI divisions begins at 10 a.m., starting with the CCI1* followed by the CCI2* at 1 p.m., and the CCI3* at 2:30 p.m. The Training Three-Day concludes with show jumping at 3:30 p.m., contested in reverse order of standing.
Sunday show jumping for the international divisions begins at 10 a.m. with the CCI1* division. National divisions of Training and Novice will run cross country from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
“It’s been fascinating over the years watching the progression of the place,” remarks Ian Stark in this Ride On Video produced preview of the Galway Downs CCI3* cross country course.
Follow Ian and Anne Haller as they tour the 2016 track, which will surely keep the small but fierce field of West Coast competitors on their toes when they tackle it tomorrow. We’ll be bringing you all the latest as the event unfolds, so keep it locked here!
What would your horse do for a SmartCookie? In the latest edition of SmartPak’s wildly popular “If Horses Were People” series, Sarah and Sara have some fun with the question.
Check out SmartPak’s new line of cookies here. Made with a healthy base of coconut meal, beet pulp, alfalfa, and flaxseed oil, they are available in two flavors your horse will love: ChiaMint and Guilt-Free Carrot Cake.
James Alliston and Parker. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Although Galway Downs is no longer the final three-star of the year in North America, it is still the final CCI3* of the season. This year will be quiet for the CCI3* division, with only nine entries marking the smallest field since the inception of the CCI3*. This year also marks the first time that all of the competitors are based west of the Mississippi, with the furthest pair making the drive from Texas.
The dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-B. Ian Stark has designed the cross country for this division since its inception and will be back again this year. Marc Donovan has taken over the show jumping recently, allowing the competitors to get a taste of what he typically designs out east.
TOP THREE
1. James Alliston and Parker: Parker is a horse who just keeps going and going and going at this level. Having completed an astounding 11 CCI events at the three- and four-star levels, he has yet to come home with the win. This weekend could mark his first big CCI win.
The key to winning will be to match the average score of 54.3 they’ve received in three attempts on this particular test, a score nearly seven points below their overall average. If they can put that under their belt, they’ll be in good striking position when they head into cross country, where they are all but guaranteed to come home double clear, as they have done in their last five attempts over Ian’s courses.
Show jumping can be a mixed bag for this pair as well, and they’ve averaged one rail in two attempts over Marc Donovan courses. It should be enough to eke out a win for this iron horse, with a final score in the high 50s.
Mark Burke and Prince William. Photo by Tim O’Neal.
2. Mary Burke and Prince William: Mary and Prince William are coming into this event after back-to-back wins at Aspen and Woodside. Having already finished 12th in this division last year, they come back more experienced and ready to aim for the top placings.
An average of 55.3 on this test would put this pair in stalking range after the first day. They’ll make up a lot of ground on the cross country, where an average of only 1.6 time penalties over Ian’s courses would propel them close to the top. An average of one rail and four time penalties in the stadium could make it a bit of a nail-biter on the final day. A final score in the mid-60s would cement a second place for this pair come Sunday.
Sara Mittleider and Gin & Juice. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
3. Sara Mittleider and Gin & Juice: With only two completed events at this level together, this pair’s three-star partnership is one of the newest in the bunch, but separately this horse and rider have more international experience than the rest of the field combined. As they get to know each other, they’ll begin to appear more and more at the top of the leaderboards out west.
These two have averaged a 51.8 on the B test, which would be good enough to challenge for the lead this weekend. An average of 12 time penalties over Ian’s courses would drop them down a bit after cross country day. Overall they’ve averaged one rail in two show jumping attempts at this level. A final score in the mid-to-high 70s would have Sara and Gin & Juice rounding out the top three.
Amber Levine and Carry On. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
THE SPOILER
Amber Levine and Carry On: After parting ways on cross country at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*, Amber has brought Carry On back to California to compete at Galway. When they complete all three phases, these two have never finished out of the top five at this level, more often finishing top two.
One of the top horses on the West Coast this year, Carry On will be back in familiar territory at Galway. With a dressage average in the 40s, he’ll be one to watch from day one. A strong record of fast cross country rounds paired with the fact that Carry On has yet to have a rail when show jumping is held on the final day means that this pair easily has the ability to take the win this weekend.
Wilhelm Enzinger and Wenlock Aquifer. Photo by Julie Wilson/FEI.
It’s fun to see an off-track Thoroughbred showing ’em how it’s down on the world stage, and such is the case with Australia’s Will Enzinger and Wenlock Aquifer at Adelaide. The pair leads the 10-horse CCI4* field heading into tomorrow’s cross country on a dressage score of 51.80.
“I am really happy being in this position and Aquifer is well prepared for this competition,” says Wilhelm.
Prior to his eventing career, the 12-year-old gelding (Alannan x Foam Follower, by Bell Water) earned €170,00 on the track. His only win was a 900-meter maiden race in 2006 at Victoria Park, which coincidentally is home of the Adelaide CCI4*.
The pair finished just outside the top 10 here in 2015, jumping clear but with 17.6 time around the cross country. Adelaide 2016 marks Aquifer’s second four-star attempt.
“The cross country course tomorrow will be tougher than last year — everything has been tightened up,” Wilhelm explains. “Where last year we had two strides, this year we have one, and there is more room for error. I just have to go clear and fast.”
Wilhelm has two four-star rides this, the other being Wendy Keddell and Carolyn Jolley’s New Zealand-bred Britannica MVNZ. They are 9th after dressage.
Hazel Shannon and Clifford. Photo by Julie Wilson/FEI.
Another Australian Thoroughbred, 11-year-old Clifford, sits second with Hazel Shannon on a score of 52.10.
Hazel says that while there is nothing extravagant about this Passing Shot gelding, “he just keeps doing his job, he has the biggest heart.”
Rohan Luxmoore and Belles N Whistles. Photo by Julie Wilson/FEI.
Rohan Luxmoore is in third place on a score of 53.20, riding his home-bred Irish Sport Horse Bells ‘N’ Whistles, by Ard Black Cat.
“It is a dream to ride at this level,” said Rohan, a veterinarian from Victoria and four-star rookie. “This Adelaide FEI Classics event is amazing for us here in Australia.”
Take a virtual tour of Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country course, which runs through the spectacular Adelaide parklands surrounding the city, here.
Erin Freedman knows how pony snuggles work. Photo courtesy of Erin.
Yesterday two new horses arrived at the farm where I work, which is a pretty exciting feeling. I’m lucky in that my job with the Equine Welfare Society helps me fulfill that desire to have new and exciting projects to work with on a pretty regular basis. The idea is that we give each horse six months to a year of good care, management and training before releasing them for adoption and hopefully finding a perfect match. After one horse leaves, we can open a spot for a new one, and select something from other local rescues that could benefit from the same approach. It’s always very satisfying watching new ones come in and seeing how they change over the months and blossom into different animals. Plus, this way I don’t buy too many for myself 🙂
How ’bout them Event Evaluation forms…do they really matter? Short answer: yes. If you compete anywhere next year, take a few minutes to fill out an event evaluation form, even if it is to point out just a few positive things or some areas where you would like to see improvement. Each form is submitted to your Area Chair as well as the Event Organizer, and helps immensely as competitions try to perform to their best ability every year and put on a great show. [Event Evaluation Forms]
With temperature drops at night, we’re all tempted to pull out heavier blankets, mostly because we feel cold as humans. However, it’s always important to consider a variety of factors before you start piling on the layers. Of course, clipped or unclipped is a big part, but also remember that horses are comfortable in a different temperature range than people. Also, if your horse is out at night, munching on grass keeps them warmer than standing still in a dirt lot. [9 Things to Consider Before Blanketing]
Did you see the Fantasy Farm Thursday on Horse Nation this week? Just a little country estate in Holland that has an indoor, twenty stalls, a solarium, turnouts, an outdoor arena, and also a house to hold humans. A European starter kit, so to speak. [Fantasy Farm Thursday]
Tis the season to spoil yourself invest in a new set of clippers. I just made the upgrade to these Lister Star Clippers, and holy moly do I love them. Is it normal to love clippers this much? They’re really lightweight but have great power to cut through thick, wet, or even slightly less than clean hair. They aren’t as loud as some of their heavy duty counterparts, and they’re well balanced in your hand so you don’t get arm weary after an hour or more of clipping. Hearts in my eyes. Totally worth it. [SmartPak Product of the Day]
John Filer and Glitteratti. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
All horses passed the first inspection today at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event on a beautiful afternoon in Temecula, California. With the 2016 Olympic Games behind us, the CCI3* field boasts fewer entries than in years past, but Ian Stark’s cross country course is sure to dazzle the spectators amidst numerous improvements to the facility.
For those who haven’t visited the venue recently, owner Ken Smith and organizer Robert Kellerhouse have worked tirelessly to boost Galway Downs to one of the top eventing facilities in the country. From an on-site restaurant, stunning concert and event facilities, and a gorgeous grass show jumping arena to complete the picture, Galway Downs has seriously transformed. Cick here and scroll down to see the upgrades to the venue.
Cross country fences amidst the oasis on the new Galway Downs derby field. Photo by Ann Haller.
“Ken really wanted to enhance the Galway Downs experience, as well as give local non-equestrians more reasons to come out and enjoy themselves,” Robert said. “The new KenTina offers a great atmosphere, good food and live music on Friday nights. The wedding and special event facility is a beautiful option for those that want to plan a unique celebration, and there was a local wine tasting last month that was a huge hit.
“Of course, the horses are always a priority, and the new Bermuda grass footing in the derby field is maybe the biggest investment and addition. Everyone who has ridden on it so far is just raving about it. Ian Stark borrowed a horse from my wife Erin to go out galloping around, and he really seemed pleased with the quality of the footing.”
Another view of the new derby field. Photo by Ann Haller.
Hawley Bennett-Awad has already taken a spin on the new grass arena and given it two thumbs up: “We rode in a jumper show last weekend here in the grass arena and it was awesome. The horses really handled the footing well, and their canter stride really seemed to open up. They have really done a lot of work here and it shows.”
Keep it locked on EN for much more from Galway Downs! We’re excited to partner with Sherry Stewart to bring you beautiful images throughout the weekend, and Maggie Deatrick’s predictions for who will take home the CCI3* win will go live tomorrow. Keep scrolling for a photo gallery from this afternoon’s first horse inspection. Go Galway Downs! Go Eventing.
The final CCI4* of the year is here! Dressage kicks off today at Adelaide, Australia’s International Three-Day Event, and will be streamed live tonight at 11 p.m. EST on FEI TV. Ten horses and riders are competing in the CCI4*, and you can view the small but mighty entry list here.
We have guided tours of the CCI4*, CIC3* and CCI2* cross country courses thanks to our good friends at CrossCountry App, so keep scrolling to check out the fences. Course designer Mike Etherington-Smith and German team coach Chris Bartle provide commentary on the CCI4* course. Oliver Townend, who is catch-riding Napoleon in the CIC3*, provides commentary on that course.
We also have the CCI2* course recorded by Jose Diacono. Thank you to Sylvia Williams-Roberts, the assistant course designer, for recording the CCI4* and CIC3* courses. View in full screen mode below to scroll through all the fences. You can also click here to view them on CrossCountry App’s website. Stay tuned for much more from Adelaide. Go Eventing.
“The Tryon team submitted a really impressive bid and we have every confidence in the organizing committee,” FEI President Ingmar de Vos said. “It’s a truly spectacular venue and almost all the necessary infrastructure for our eight disciplines is already in place. We are looking forward to a fantastic celebration of top level sport as all the disciplines come together to crown their world champions at the Games in two years’ time.”
The Tryon International Equestrian Center sits on 1,600 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The venue features 1,200 permanent stables, 12 arenas including an international arena with seating for up to 12,000 and VIP seating for up to 1,500, a covered arena with 5,000 seats, and a world-class cross country course that will be used for both eventing and driving.
While Derek di Grazia was originally appointed as the course designer for the 2018 WEG at Bromont, the FEI confirmed to EN today that there has been no decision as to who will design the WEG cross country course at Tryon following the change of venue.
Capt. Mark Phillips designed the course for this year’s USEA American Eventing Championships. The venue will also host The Fork International Horse Trials for the first time on April 5-9, 2017, which will be a final preparation event on the East Coast ahead of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Tremaine Cooper confirmed to EN that both he and Capt. Phillips will design the courses for The Fork.
“We are thrilled with this news and thank the FEI Bureau for having faith in us and entrusting us with the honor of hosting this prestigious event,” facility owner Mark Bellissimo said. “It’s a really great fit for North Carolina’s equestrian heritage and we look forward to working closely with the FEI and with the USEF to produce fabulous FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018.”
The original dates for WEG, Aug. 12-26, were changed following two scientific studies commissioned by the FEI that found weather conditions would be significantly improved in North Carolina during September, particularly from a horse welfare perspective. The FEI also looked at date conflicts with other events on the FEI Calendar when choosing the date.
The FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 were previously awarded to Bromont (CAN), but a lack of secure funding led to mutual agreement between the FEI and the Canadian Comité organisateur des Jeux Équestres Mondiaux 2018 (COJEM) to terminate the host contract in July of this year.
“The FEI is 100% committed to the FEI World Equestrian Games concept and we are extremely grateful to all those that showed interest in hosting the 2018 Games,” Ingmar de Vos said. “Their enthusiasm demonstrates the importance of the event across the equestrian community.”
What do you think, EN? Are you excited that WEG is staying in North America and returning to the U.S.? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
This post has been updated to include a comment from the FEI about the 2018 WEG course designer.
Some of the Best in the West! The crew from Ride On Video taking a break at Galway Downs. Photo via Galway Downs on Facebook.
