Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Nov 1, 2016 12:01 am -
William Fox-Pitt greets the Advanced group of riders in his southern California clinic. Photo by Sally Spickard. William Fox-Pitt greets the Advanced group of riders in his southern California clinic. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Southern California welcomed the one and only William Fox-Pitt yesterday for part one of a two-day clinic. Hosted at the lovely Copper Meadows Eventing facility, William worked with groups ranging from Training level to Advanced throughout the day. Both professionals and amateurs participated, along with many auditors who stopped by for the day. We’ll have a much more detailed clinic report forthcoming, and in the meantime you can follow along with the happenings on EN’s Instagram.

Events Closing Today:

Paradise Farm H.T. (SC, A-3), Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials (CA, A-6)

News & Notes:

You may have seen people checking into Sacred Stone Camp on Facebook as a show of support for the Native Americans who are peacefully protesting the construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline. Many of the protesters are on horseback, and horses have been injured and killed as police violence escalates. Please consider donating to support the protestors and injured horses. [Official Standing Rock Sioux Tribe DAPL Donation Fund]

The half-halt is perhaps one of the most useful devices to have handy during your rides. In this helpful column from the USEA, Whitney Weston gives some advice on perfecting your half-halt, specifically when it comes to introducing it to an OTTB. [Introducing the Half-Halt]

Meet Fairway King, the official winner of the 2016 America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred competition at the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover in Lexington, Ky. this past weekend. Fairway King competes in dressage with rider Lauren Turner, and he was the best of 80 horses competing for the big prize. Congratulations to Lauren and Fairway King! [Fairway King Crowned America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred]

Have you listened to the new Eventing Podcast from EquiRatings? The latest episode features a candid chat between host Sam Watson and Tim Price, who discusses the highs and lows of his season and his plans as he looks ahead to 2017. You can listen on iTunes or Soundcloud. [#LockerRoomTalk: Tim Price]

Come join Caroline Martin Eventing this winter in Ocala, Florida! CME is currently looking for a working student from December to April at a new facility. This is an opportunity to bring a horse and educate yourself in the barn as well as further your riding. Work will be exchanged for full board of one horse and living is included. If you are interested, contact Caroline at 484-554-9995 or [email protected].

Tuesday Video: Why does the timing of when we feed our horses matter? Check out this educational video from Cavalor!

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: WIHS Costume Class

By on Oct 31, 2016 5:00 pm -
Laura Kraut and Andretti S in their winning presentation with ringmaster John Franzreb, David and Becky Gochman, and Bridget Love Meehan, Executive Director of WIHS. PC: Shawn McMillen Laura Kraut and Andretti S in their winning presentation with ringmaster John Franzreb, David and Becky Gochman, and Bridget Love Meehan, Executive Director of WIHS. PC: Shawn McMillen

An annual highlight of the Washington International Horse Show is Barn Night, held this year on Thursday evening, Oct. 27. The 2016 edition of this equine variety show featured the Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Races, internet sensations Dolly & Spanky and, last but not least, the $35,000 International Jumper Accumulator Costume Class, presented by the Gochman Family.

Laura Kraut AKA Little Red Riding Hood won this year’s class riding Stars and Stripes’ Andretti S, clearing the course and the high side of the joker fence in the fastest time of 44.47 seconds. Check out her round:

Halloween came a bit early for people at the Washington International Horse Show. Laura Kraut turned into Little Red Riding Hood tonight to take Andretti S to victory in the $35,000 Costume class.

Posted by USEF Network on Thursday, October 27, 2016

How about this creepy clown, though? Gotta give some props to that.

Andy “Clown” Kocher was presented with the Best Costume Award, sponsored by Equestrian Sport Productions. PC: Shawn McMillen.

Andy “Clown” Kocher was presented with the Best Costume Award, sponsored by Equestrian Sport Productions. PC: Shawn McMillen.

Good job keeping it “insane in the middle,” jumper peeps.

A very well-dressed crowd in tonight’s victory gallop! #wihs2016 #horsesinthecity #barnnight2016 #costumeclass

Posted by Washington International Horse Show on Thursday, October 27, 2016

Check out Jumper Nation’s full report on the class here.

Happy Halloween. Go Eventing!

Happy Halloween! Your Best Costumes Social Media Roundup

By on Oct 31, 2016 2:30 pm -

Eventers across America were out in force this weekend, getting their Halloween on. Here’s a sampling of your photos from social media!

I know I have Hagyard pictures to do.. but in honor of my favorite holiday here are some of my favorite Octoberfest costumes that I saw! Happy Halloween everyone! Have a spooktacular day!

Posted by Jj Kansas Jayhawk Sillman on Monday, October 31, 2016

Brinley is ready for Halloween as a Morningside Team rider! Amazing XC outfit compliments of the Freedman Family
Renie Freedman Erin Brooke Freedman

Posted by Skyeler Icke Voss on Monday, October 31, 2016

Book him! Officer Anna Joyce and the notorious @dilly.thefrenchie

A photo posted by Emily (@ekj27) on

 

May the force be with you this Halloween. #starwars #maytheforcebewithyou #princessleia #chewbacca #happyhalloween

A photo posted by Emily Pestl-Dimmitt (@emilyalesandra) on

Every year I think it can’t get any better….and then it does. You guys blow me away, and I literally can’t stop looking at these!

Thank you Brenda Black for the photos!

Posted by Claire Tyner White on Sunday, October 30, 2016

Posted by Doug Payne on Sunday, October 30, 2016

And! All of these photos from the costume contest at Waradaca’s starter event this weekend, which Gretchen Butts kindly shared with us:

Go Eventing.

Lindsay Kelley and Cooley Cruise Control Win Inaugural Virginia CCI2*

By on Oct 31, 2016 1:15 pm -
Lindsay Kelley and Cooley Cruise Control are the winners of the inaugural VHT CCI2*. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography. Lindsay Kelley and Cooley Cruise Control are the winners of the inaugural VHT CCI2*. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

The 2016 Virginia CCI/CIC and Horse Trials wrapped up yesterday at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington with great competition and gorgeous weather to conclude the fall season for many East Coast riders.

Lindsay Kelley and Cooley Cruise Control jumped the only double clear round in the inaugural CCI2* division to hold their overnight position and win on their dressage score of 51.8. 

“He’s a super show jumper. I was a little bit nervous about how he would feel after pushing him so hard yesterday but he jumped better than he ever has today. He must have known it was the real deal,” Kelley said of the 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse.

Boyd Martin and his homebred Ray Price, an 8-year-old Thoroughbred/Warmblood owned by Windurra USA and Amy Lindgren, dropped a single rail to finish second.

Woods Baughman and his and James Baughman’s 9-year-old Thoroughbred Montesquieu made a steady climb up the leaderboard, placing 13th after dressage, moving up to sixth after a double clear cross country round and finishing third overall with just one rail down in the final phase. 

Kim Severson and Ringfort Fighting Chance. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Kim Severson and Ringfort Fighting Chance won the CCI*-A division. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Kim Severson and Ellie Brown’s Ringfort Fighting Chance led CCI*-A from start to finish, adding nothing to their dressage score of 40.6 to top the 39-horse division in the 11-year-old Irish Thoroughbred’s first FEI appearance.

Boyd was second again in the one-star, this time with Barry, a 7-year-old Thoroughbred he owns, finishing on their dressage score of 43.0. Lucia Strini piloted Plain Dealing Farm’s 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse MTF Cooley Classic to third place, adding only 2 show jumping time penalties for a final score of 43.8.

Cornelia Dorr and Pia Münker’s former ride Louis M also led the CCI*-B division from the start. Cornelia, 18, and the 11-year-old Rheinlander gelding scored 40.2 in dressage and added only 4 penalties in show jumping to finish with the only final score in the 40s out of 20 talented juniors and young riders in the class. 

Charlotte Collier and Parker Collier’s 10-year-old Holsteiner Clifford M moved up from sixth place after dressage to finish second on 50.5. Will Zuschlag and his 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding RF Southern Command added only time penalties in show jumping to finish third overall on 51.0. 

Annabelle Kress and Batteries Not Included are the 2016 Area II Junior Beginner Novice Champions. Photo by Brant Gamma Photo.

Annabelle Kress and Batteries Not Included are the 2016 Area II Junior Beginner Novice Champions. Photo by Brant Gamma Photo.

Area II Championships and Adult Team Challenge

Virginia Horse Trials also hosted the Area II Championships, which added Junior Championship classes this year. Congratulations to the 2016 Area II Champions:

  • Intermediate: Sydney Solomon and Early Review C
  • Junior Preliminary: Katherine Christopher and Frodo of the Shire
  • Open Preliminary: Allison Springer and Fairvoya S
  • Junior Training: Olivia Hayes and Beaujeste
  • Training: Colleen Rutledge and Paul Just Paul
  • Junior Novice: Charlotte Stillfried and Pepper
  • Open Novice: Leslie Chelstrom Lamb and Quinn Lane
  • Junior Beginner Novice: Annabelle Kress and Batteries Not Included
  • Open Beginner Novice: Lauren Chumley and Nikolas
The War Horses — Carrie Irwin riding Clifden, Cheryl Ray riding IntotrickU, Cynthia Holbrook riding Blue Ridge Breckenridge and Hugh Wrigley riding Master the Moment — won the Training Adult Team Challenge. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The War Horses — Carrie Irwin riding Clifden, Cheryl Ray riding IntotrickU, Cynthia Holbrook riding Blue Ridge Breckenridge and Hugh Wrigley riding Master the Moment — won the Training Adult Team Challenge. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Area II Adult Rider Team Challenge has long been a popular activity at the fall Virginia Horse Trials. This year, 17 teams made up of adult riders from Areas I, II and III competed in a friendly team competition at the Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels. More information about the USEA Adult Rider program can be found on the USEA website.

“My team and I are very pleased with the success of the competition this week and grateful to all the riders, owners and volunteers for their participation. For me it’s about providing a high-quality but personable event that makes everyone who attends feel special,” VHT organizer Andy Bowles said. 

“This event is the final competition of the year for many riders, and we hope it will continue to be a destination event for eventers around the country. Thank you to everyone who makes Virginia Horse Trials an important part of their year. We will see you at the next one in May.”

Final scores for all divisions can be found on Event Entries. Visit the Virginia Horse Trials website for more news and information on future competitions and find Virginia Horse Trials on Facebook.

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SmartPak Halloween Special: Stuff Riders Spook At

By on Oct 31, 2016 11:00 am -

What things scare you only if you are with your horse? What horsey nightmares have you had?

Our friends at SmartPak asked riders those two questions and got TONS of responses, 21 of which they brought to life in this video — just in time for Halloween! Can you spot them all?

Be sure to subscribe to SmartPak’s YouTube channel for all their latest fun, hilarious, educational and/or spooky videos. Happy Halloween!

Fab Freebie: Sit Tight N Warm in a Pair of Kerrits Breeches

By on Oct 31, 2016 9:00 am -
When I went to pull on the Sit Tight N Warm Pocket Fullseats for the first time, I simply did not want to take them off. The combination of the stretchy Polartec Windpro fabric and the brushed fleece interior made me feel like I was wrapped in coziness. Photo by Lorraine Peachey When I went to pull on the Sit Tight N Warm Pocket Fullseats for the first time, I simply did not want to take them off. The combination of the stretchy Polartec Windpro fabric and the brushed fleece interior made me feel like I was wrapped in coziness. Photo by Lorraine Peachey

It’s (finally) time to give up those flip flops and tee shirts already! Cold weather is officially on it’s way … and although there is no snow on the ground yet, it’s only a matter of time. The shorter days and cooler temperatures means that it is officially time to break out my fall and winter riding wardrobe.

Fall is a fantastic time of the year for riding. There’s not much more that I enjoy then taking long hacks out. Especially when all of the leaves are bright and brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow. They only last for a short time, so I’ll take all of hacking out that I can get, cold and windy weather and all!

This week, one lucky reader will be prepared to outfit themselves for cold weather riding when they take home a pair of Sit Tight N Warm Pocket Fullseat tights from Kerrits. We recently put the updated style of the Sit Tight N Warms to the test, and you can read all about the experience here.

The Sit Tight N Warm Pocket tights feature a durable Polartec Windpro fabric, which is both wind and water resistant. It helps block out less than ideal weather so that you can concentrate more on enjoying your time in the saddle. While the fabric is durable on the outer side, the inner side is lined with a cozy brushed fleece, even the fullseat panels!

And about those fullseat panels — they are made out of Gripstretch Suede, which is low profile and conforms to the body shape in order to provide a custom like fit. The Gripstretch provides a mid level grip by utilizing stretch under tension. Which is a fancy way of saying that it helps to give the rider a secure grip in the saddle, without restriction.

And one of my personal favorite features of the updated Sit Tight N Warm Pocket tights are … the pockets! The updated styling includes two generously sized side pockets. Which are large enough to fit my smartphone in its Otterbox case. Another noteworthy feature includes the stretch ankle panels which help provide extra stretch without bulk.

A special thanks goes out to Kerrits for providing this week’s prize! You know the drill. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, and then check back on Friday when we announce our lucky winner. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Information given in the Rafflecopter widget, including email addresses, may be shared with the corresponding sponsor at their request. You will also be signed up for our weekly EN eNews email newsletter, if you aren’t already. Don’t worry — you’ll just wonder what you’ve been missing out on — and you can unsubscribe if you don’t want it.

Halloween News and Notes Presented by Fleeceworks

By on Oct 31, 2016 12:00 am -
Photo by superde1uxe via flickr/cc.

Photo by superde1uxe via flickr/cc.

Happy Halloween, EN! Looking like a crazy person for a day and shoving sweets in your face as fast as humanly possible with little to no regard to your health and well being? This is definitely an eventer’s holiday. Have fun, drink responsibly on a Monday night with children in the streets and a full day of work tomorrow, and try not to give yourself founder and/or cushings.

U.S. Weekend Results

Viriginia CCI/CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Holly Hill Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

News and Notes:

It’s Adelaide Week! The final four-star of the year is upon us, a bittersweet reminder that winter is also upon us. Unless you actually live in Australia or New Zealand or South America, in which case we’re all quite jealous at the moment. Olympic team bronze medalists Stuart Tinney and Shane Rose will both be in attendance in the four-star division, and ERM winner Oliver Townend is headed down under to compete in the three-star division on a borrowed horse. [Adelaide Rider List Goes Live]

This Young Feller Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity. Eight-year-old CJ Hackett considered himself extremely lucky to be the beneficiary of equine therapy in his (even) younger years, and in gratitude for their service and impact on his life, he donated all of his birthday money to the Bethlehem Pennsylvania mounted horse patrol. [Eight Year Old Donates Birthday Money to Mounted Patrol]

Congratulations to Lauren Turner and Fairway King, America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred! Lauren recently penned a beautiful goodbye note to her retiring partner Galivantor, and this past weekend started her next journey off with a bang, winning the dressage division AND the top title at the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover! The prize money will allow Lauren to keep both Galivantor and Fairway King indefinitely. Congratulations, Lauren! Cathy Wieschhoff was the winner of the eventing division aboard Speed Rail. [Thoroughbred Makeover Report]

Check out this awesome throwback picture from the USEA archives. The United States Eventing Association has been working on their photo archives, and thanks to the help of eventing man and myth Jimmy Wofford, they were able to parse out who each individual was in the photo. Can you tell before looking at the comments who each person is? [Throwback Photo from 1981, via USEA Facebook]

Monday Video:

 

 

That’s a Wrap: Sunday Afternoon Social Media Roundup

By on Oct 30, 2016 5:57 pm -
Two thumbs up for Jenni Autry, finishing on her dressage score for 4th place in the OBN. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Two thumbs up for Jenni Autry, finishing on her dressage score with OTTB Miss She Gone for 4th place in the OBN. Photo by Kate Samuels.

For a lot of eventers on the East Coast, the Virginia Horse Trials marks the end of the calendar year of competing, and the beginning of “vacation” for a lot of horses. With the Area II Championships running in addition to regular horse trials and several FEI divisions, it was the culmination of a year’s hard work for many pairs. There was lovely warm weather all weekend, beautiful views of the blue ridge mountains in the background, and action in every corner. Let’s see what happened on social media today …

Virginia Horse Trials Final Results

 

Kim Severson didn’t give anybody else a fighting chance, leading the CCI* on Ringfort Fighting Chance from start to finish on a 40.6 for this young horse’s first attempt at the level.

Conquer looking beautiful after dressage. Photo by Andi Lawrence.

Conquer looking beautiful after dressage. Photo by Andi Lawrence.

 

The best thing about adult team championships?? Neck ribbons!!!

Photo courtesy of Hillary Irwin.

Photo courtesy of Hillary Irwin.

 

Buck and Andrea weren’t at VAHT but I can’t NOT include this photo of them dressing up for halloween with their adorable daughter. Buck is a lion tamer!

Photo courtesyy of Andrea Leatherman Davidson.

Photo courtesy of Andrea Leatherman Davidson.

 

Jennie Brannigan knows how to take a selfie with a winning student! Sydney Raabe led the Preliminary Rider division from dressage straight through on Filou.

Photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan.

Photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan.

 

Official save of the day goes to Amy Gaynor who saved this one and made it through the finish flags with a double clear in the Novice Championship division on Studly Dudley.

Photo courtesy of Amy Gaynor.

Photo courtesy of Amy Gaynor.

 

Schramm Eventing super groom Stephanie Simpson finished 7th in her Preliminary division but got a pretty swanky neck ribbon for finishing 2nd with her adult team challenge.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Simpson.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Simpson.

 

 

Doug Payne also gets an honorable mention for his halloween costume while riding in the jumpers at Tryon this weekend, he dressed up as Bill Belicheck and his horse as Tom Brady.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Payne

Photo courtesy of Jessica Payne

Local vet extraordinaire Tiffany Snell finished 8th in the Novice Championship with her own Firebee as well as 4th in the Beginner Novice with her young horse Thunder In Saratoga.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany Snell.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany Snell.

 

Sunday Video: Tayler Stewart and Ideal Contini at VHT

By on Oct 30, 2016 3:00 pm -

We’re thrilled that we’re getting our first peek of the beautiful day of cross country being enjoyed this weekend at the Virginia Horse Trials in Lexington, courtesy of Tayler Stewart and her team.

If you’ve never been to the Virginia Horse Center, this footage will make you appreciate what a singular cross country experience it is, with undulating hills and massive forest lines all throughout the course. Exactly what you’d expect of a sprawling venue nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia.

Tayler and Ideal Contini went fast and clear in their CIC2* cross country round yesterday to land themselves a spot in the top ten. Tayler and the gray Westphalian gelding have been paired up for the last two seasons with great success, including wins last year at the Ocala Horse Properties Winter II HT and the Maryland HT, both in the Preliminary division.   Ideal Contini was previously the ride of Sally Cousins.

Congratulations on a great weekend Tayler, and thanks for sharing your talents with the YouTube universe!

Go Eventing.

Virginia CCI/CIC & H.T. Links: Website, Entry Status, Live Scores

3 Day Event at Archer Farms to Replace Windy Wyoming in Area IX

By on Oct 30, 2016 1:00 pm -
Current site of Windy Wyoming HT. Photo courtesy of event organizers.

Current site of Windy Wyoming HT. Photo courtesy of event organizers.

Area IX has been steadily building a portfolio of events that can rival any event in the country, and the most recent attempt to do so is The 3 Day Event at Archer. Rather than develop an entirely new event, The organizers of the Event at Archer are planning to move the current recognized event, Windy Wyoming, to a better site and build upon an existing course and reputation to make something even better.

“It began as a dream to move the Windy Wyoming cross country course from Laramie to Cheyenne where the weather is better and the season a bit longer,” Says lead organizer Allison Murphy. But the goal has since shifted and grown into developing a more mature and ambitious course for Area IX which is increasingly building in entries, events, and talent. “The Event at Archer will be a very high class, forward thinking cross country course for our area.”

While Laramie and Cheyenne are only 50 miles apart, the topography is different and there is more than a 1,000 foot elevation change between the two sites, making Cheyenne a more hospitable site for events in the future. Moreover, the proposed site is part of the larger Archer Complex, the new fairgrounds for Laramie County. This will allow the event to benefit from county funds, shared use of 100+ stalls of covered and uncovered stabling, RV hookups, and two large outdoor arenas with pristine footing, among other benefits.

The proposed site of the Three Day Event at Archer. Photo courtesy of the organizers.

The proposed site of the 3 Day Event at Archer. Photo courtesy of the organizers.

The event at Archer has recruited the services of certified course designer James Atkinson of Revisionist Equestrian to bring the event up to date and add new challenges for the riders in Area IX. Atkinson has made a splash in the western United States, designing courses for Spokane Horse Trials, Skyline Eventing, the Colorado Horse Park, and more.

While some of the fences from Windy Wyoming will be making the trek to the new site, many more will be sold to raise money for all-new obstacles. “The jumps are still in decent, usable condition, but do not quite fit with our new cross country tracks,” according to Windy Wyoming’s website. An online auction will be held in the coming weeks to those interested in purchasing a jump. 

The intention is to host Intro through Training levels in 2017 and add a preliminary course in 2018. Also of great benefit to Area IX, because the course is part of a public complex, it will be much easier for barns and trainers to access the course for schooling purposes than the previous venue.

The organizers of the 3 Day Event at Archer are seeking funds to the tune of $50,000 to make their dream a reality, with the intention of hosting their first recognized event on August 26-27th, 2017.

If you’d like to donate to the cause, you can check out their GoFundMe Site. For more information, visit the Windy Wyoming website and like their brand new 3 Day Event at Archer Facebook Page.

Go Area IX, and Go Eventing!