Classic Eventing Nation

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Nov 19, 2016 6:00 am -
Some of the new jumps that went in at Fresno County Horse Park this year. FCHP's final event of the season runs this weekend. Photo from FCHP's Facebook Page Some of the new jumps that went in at Fresno County Horse Park this year. FCHP's final event of the season runs this weekend. Photo from FCHP's Facebook Page

This particular weekend always makes me a bit nostalgic as it signifies the final West Coast event of the season. It calls up an old familiar feeling, similar to the way going on winter-break felt during high school. Everyone is of good cheer and is either looking forward to what the New Year will bring or wondering where the past year has gone.

This year I find myself squarely in both camps. While I’m ready to get on with the evening ritual of snuggly quarter-sheets, podcasts and riding in the dark, the show season will pick up sooner than we expect.

If you were like me and took a season to slack off, it’s sometimes a bit worrying how much it feels like you missed in one season. However one of the things that makes eventing unique among horse sports is the way that the community is always willing to keep your seat warm and is excited to show you what you’ve missed since you were away. Here’s to next season!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

USEA Introduces Event Companion App, coming soon for both iOS and Android

Top lot breaks record at Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale

From HorseNation: How to Set a Horse-Friendly Budget

11 Year old girl suffers ‘life-changing’ injuries in fall

The World Equestrian Games in Our Backyard: Excited But Slightly Terrified

Horse owners warned of spread of toxic weed in Florida

Saturday Video: This is what winter is for.

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: SAP Technology Meets Eventing

By on Nov 18, 2016 5:00 pm -

SAP is one of the most helpful innovations to hit our sport since … I’m thinking zip-up tall boots. This smart tracking technology heightens eventing fans’ engagement, allowing them to follow along with horse and rider around a cross country course or take the dressage judge’s seat and co-score competitors in real time.

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Screenshot via ERM video.

Screenshot via ERM video.

Screenshot via ERM video.

In this video from the Event Rider Masters series, of which SAP is the Official Technology Sponsor, international British eventer Zara Tindall remarks, “The technology is incredible — what you’re able to show, what the horses are doing, how they’re traveling, the vision you get from the rider’s cam.”

Screenshot via ERM video.

Screenshot via ERM video.

Screenshot via ERM video.

Screenshot via ERM video.

It’s also of benefit to athletes and their coaches, who can benefit from the data and information gathered from a ride by SAP Equestrian Analytics.

Paul Tapner, Australian four-star rider and incoming ERM digital and technical manager, explains, “Understanding how speed influences our time, and the length of stride, and getting some real measurements — that is going to be fantastic for our sport.”

The future is now. Go Eventing!

Eventers Hannah Francis and Astier Nicolas Nominated for FEI Awards

By on Nov 18, 2016 1:30 pm -
Hannah Francis at Tattersalls 2016. Photo courtesy of Jack Lyons Media. Hannah Francis at Tattersalls 2016. Photo courtesy of Jack Lyons Media.

The end of the competition season means the beginning of the awards season, and each day this week the FEI has unveiled the shortlist of nominees for each of the five categories of the annual FEI Awards. Besides the international scope and unique categorization of these awards, they are special because the public gets to cast votes for nominees. This year we are pleased to see two eventers on the shortlist.

The Against All Odds award is for “a person who has pursued his or her equestrian ambitions despite a physical impairment or extremely difficult personal circumstances.” The nominees in this category are inspiring individuals, and we are proud to see eventing’s own Hannah Francis in the running.

Hannah and her trusty sidekick Willberry Wonder Pony raised many thousands of pounds for cancer research throughout her own difficult battle against the disease. She passed away this summer, but her heroic efforts and everlasting hope and determination inspired people around the world, and her legacy lives on through the Willberry Wonder Pony Charity.

The FEI reports that it received by far the most nominations across all categories for Hannah. Learn about the other three nominees for the Against All Odds award here.

Astier Nicolas and Piaf de B'Neville. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Astier Nicolas and Piaf de B’Neville. Photo by Jenni Autry.

France’s Astier Nicolas is up for the prestigious Best Athlete award, given to an athlete who “has demonstrated exceptional skill on the field of play and taken the sport to a new level.”

Astier, 27, brought home a team gold and individual silver medal with Piaf de B’Neville at his first Olympic Games in Rio this summer. Earlier in the year he brought home a win from the Chatsworth CIC3* and was active in the Event Rider Masters Series, finishing seventh on the ERM leaderboard.

Also up for Best Athlete is Germany’s Isabelle Werth (dressage), Great Britain’s Nick Skelton (jumping) and Great Britain’s Sophie Christiansen (Paradressage).

And yes, we’re as surprised as you are to see back-to-back individual Olympic gold medalist Michael Jung omitted from the list.

Also up for grabs is the Longines™ Rising Star award for talented young stars between 14 and 21. Meet the four nominees from around the world competing in vaulting, dressage, jumping and reining here.

A groom is a vital part of any high performance program and are as deserving of recognition for their efforts as anyone. The nominees for the Best Groom award this year include three Rio Olympic grooms and a professional “flying groom.” Click here to learn more about them.

The FEI Solidarity award focuses on “grass roots” projects and an individual or organization that has shown skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport. There are three nominees this year. Learn more about their contributions to the horse world here.

The winners for each category will be honored at the glittering FEI Awards Gala, presented by Longines, at the Prince Park Tower Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on November 22.

[FEI Awards]

2017 NAJYRC Eventing To Be Held at Rebecca Farm Pending FEI Approval

By on Nov 18, 2016 12:00 pm -
Photo by Leslie Wylie. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Go west, young event riders! The USEF has announced Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, MT, as the proposed location for NAJYRC eventing in 2017 pending FEI approval. The competition will take place July 20-23, in conjunction with the venue’s annual Event at Rebecca Farm.

The 2017 Event at Rebecca Farm (July 19-23) will feature classes ranging from Novice-Intermediate horse trials and Novice and Training Three-Day Events to FEH/YEH and CCI1*-CCI3* divisions. Adding NAJYRC to the mix is an exciting idea, giving young riders from around North America a supported pathway to experience a unique competition they might not otherwise have the opportunity to contest.

Historically all the NAJYRC disciplines have been held in one place, most recently in 2016 at the Colorado Horse Park. 2017 will be a departure from this format, with HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, NY, as the proposed location for dressage, jumping and para-dressage; endurance proposed to not be held as there was no feasible venue option; and the location for reining yet to be announced.

[USEF Announces Rebecca Farm as Proposed Location for 2017 FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championship Discipline of Eventing]

#EventerProblems Vol. 97: Winter Is Coming, Part II

By on Nov 18, 2016 11:00 am -

Go ahead and unpack those cozy sweaters, admire the cascading leaves, bask in the brilliant glow of late autumn. Soak up the season while you can because we’ve got bad news for you, suckers: The end is nigh.

All around the Eventing Nation, readers have been seeing the signs, heeding the omens and ‘Gramming ominous proof that winter is just around the corner. Here’s a sampling of the struggles that lie ahead, starting with an #EventerProblem from EN’s own Leslie Threlkeld:

Insult to injury… #horsesofinstagram #fall #fail #eventerproblems #equestrian

A photo posted by Kelsy (@byebyecharlie07) on

Body clipping day! ✂️#thisismyhorseondrugs

A video posted by jmk (@ottbs_n_pitties) on

If I have enough mud on me I won't have to do dressage, right? #eventerproblems #ottb #arlo

A photo posted by Angela Plaisted (@grub79) on

Go Eventing.

Anti-Bullying Campaigns Gain Support Within British Eventing Community

By on Nov 18, 2016 8:00 am -
Anti-bullying campaigns have garnered support within the eventing community. Phot by Tudor Rose Equine.

Anti-bullying campaigns have garnered support within the eventing community. Photo by Tudor Rose Equine.

Anti-Bullying Week, a promotional event run by the British charity FamilyLives, takes place this week in the UK and has the backing of the British Equestrian Federation and its member bodies, including British Eventing.

The theme this year is ‘Power for Good.’ The event focuses on supporting children and young people, and encouraging individual and collective action to prevent bullying and create safe environments where children can thrive.

BE has supported the event to help prevent bullying in sports clubs, where some young people are subject to name calling, verbal bullying, threats and intimidation. In its ‘Safeguarding Equestrian Sport’ document, the BEF states that bullied children may feel frightened or in danger, and that cyberbullying is also an issue.

Eventer Michael Owen and dressage rider David Morris support the #notonmyyard campaign. Photo by Katie Amos.

Eventer Michael Owen, right, and dressage rider David Morris support the #notonmyyard anti-bullying campaign. Photo by Katie Amos.

Support of the week aligns with the current ‘NOT on My Yard’ anti-bullying campaign which has been backed by Campaign Ambassador Hartpury College, host of the NAF International Hartpury Horse Trials, and is aimed at combating bullying in the equestrian world.

The scheme was set up in January by riders Samantha Thurlow, Alan Jones and Nicky White, and the Hashtag #notonmyyard has been created for social media use; eventers including Oliver Townend and Ben Hobday have reportedly supported the campaign via social media.

British eventer Michael Owen, who won the Advanced section at Ballindenisk this year, is an ambassador for the campaign, saying, “I’ve seen this type of thing firsthand and am proud to be part of the Not On My Yard campaign.”

Friday News & Notes from Nupafeed

By on Nov 18, 2016 12:03 am -
Photo via HorseSmart UK Facebook Page.

Photo via HorseSmart UK Facebook Page.

November in Virginia is a really confusing time. When I wake up, it’s dark, which is depressing, and then I go outside wearing 4-5 layers, a scarf and a fuzzy hat because it’s about 30 degrees outside and there is frost on the ground. By 9 a.m., I’m pulling off layers as I heat up riding, and by midday, it’s 70 degrees. I’m also done with my day around 5, because it’s basically already dark, and I have a weird amount of “free” time after that, which I’m not used to. Luckily, I also believe in going to bed early and I’m not ashamed to admit it. #seventhirtybedtimeandlovingit

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Hey, just a friendly reminder that your USEF membership is expiring on November 30th! Yeah, I’ve been getting the emails too, and basically ignoring them probably until the 29th, but I thought I’d just throw it out there that you can renew super easily online. Don’t be a procrastinator like me. [USEF]

Are you going to the USEA Convention? The discounted room rate for the Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood Hotel has been extended through Friday, Nov. 18. [Discounted Room Rate]

The event next weekend at Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day is hoping’ with action. More than 40 companies ranging from artisanal food purveyors to luxury saddle makers have signed on to sell their wares in the bustling Vendor Village at the inaugural Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event on November 24-27, in Reddick, Florida. “With the event being held during Thanksgiving weekend, we wanted to provide a Vendor Village that would offer spectators a chance to bring their families to watch Olympic riders compete in the great sport of three-day eventing, as well as enjoy everything this spectacular venue has to offer,” Equiventures CEO Richard Trayford said. [Ocala Jockey Club International]

The Canadian Young Rider program is holding a live auction through November 19th to raise funds for aspiring riders. The BCYR program has produced international riders like Rebecca Howard, Hawley Bennett, Stephanie Rhodes Bosch and Danica Meyerhoff to name a few, and does an excellent job providing support and guidance to young riders of all ages. They have things like entries for Aspen Farms, Galway and Rebecca Farm, lessons with the aforementioned incredible riders, and awesome oil paintings. All items are offered at bidding prices well below market value, so make sure you check it out! [BCYR Live Auction]

Sharon White is hosting a three-part winter clinic series, including cross country, gymnastics and dressage days. Receive personalized instruction from four-star event rider, and one of our country’s best instructors, Sharon White. Riders of all levels, Intro to Advanced, are invited, and auditors welcome!  Private and group lessons available. You can even sign up online. [Blue Horse Entries]


 

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Four Training Packers For Sale

By on Nov 17, 2016 4:30 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN each week. We’re starting with much loved and sought-after Training level packer. Here are four we’ve seen for sale in the last two weeks! We’ve included the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and more information.

Motocross. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Poos via Sport Horse Nation.

Motocross. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Poos via Sport Horse Nation.

Training/Prelim Packer

Motocross (Lexi) is a 15.2-hand, 12-year-old Thoroughbred-cross mare. She has competed extensively at the Preliminary level and has completed a handful of Intermediates. Lexi took her current rider from Beginner Novice to Intermediate and is now looking to teach a junior or amateur the ropes at the lower levels. Lexi is well schooled and obedient on the flat, brave cross country, and careful in the show jumping. She is very straightforward to jump and is accepting of rider errors. Lexi is a pleasure to have in the barn. She stands for vet and farrier and ships well. Lexi does require some routine maintenance. This is reflected in price. She is fit and ready to go and will continue to compete until sold.

Located in Virginia

Intrepid. Photo courtesy of Allison Springer via Sport Horse Nation.

Intrepid. Photo courtesy of Allison Springer via Sport Horse Nation.

Excellent Preliminary/Training Packer!

Intrepid is a wonderful 2001 16.3-hand New Zealand Sport Horse gelding that is very sadly being offered for sale. He was bred and imported by Joe Meyer who competed him through the two-star level. He is fancy on the flat, a very safe jumper and knows his job cross country. He is very sound with minimal maintenance and has many great years at the Preliminary/1* level left in him. A perfect horse for an adult amateur or young rider. Lovely, sweet temperament, no vices, loads himself onto the trailer and loves his treats. A good home is a must.

Located in Virginia

Photo courtesy of Madeleine Schultz via Sport Horse Nation.

Dudley Do Right. Photo courtesy of Madeleine Schultz via Sport Horse Nation.

Training Level Packer, YR Potential

“Dudley Do Right” is a beautiful 7/8TB 1/8Percheron, 12 year old. Shown thorough Training Level placing 3rd at AECs. Incredible on the flat with easy upper level potential. Clean show jumper and brave XC. Ditches, banks, and water with desire for more. Prelim/ Young Riders prospect. Would be happy taking an amateur around the lower levels, or competing in Young Riders, straight dressage, or even fox hunting. His successful show record can be viewed on usea horse search #138587. No vices, no extra maintenance, wonderful temperament and adorable personality. Rider selling to go to college.

Located in Alabama

Photo by Captured Moments, courtesy of Tracy Avvakumovits via Sport Horse Nation.

Shining Star. Photo by Captured Moments, courtesy of Tracy Avvakumovits via Sport Horse Nation.

Low Level Eventing Packer

Shining Star, aka Squiggles, 15.2-hand, 10 year-old registered Canadian Sport Horse. Squiggles is a barn favorite that truly loves her job. She is the same horse every day. Super fun to be around. She has taken her current young rider from Intro through Training level eventing with ease in 1.5 years! This horse would be a great addition to any program. Loves the jumping phases, always consistent and careful (no cross country jump faults or stadium refusals with her young rider). She gives her rider great confidence to jumps, banks, ditches and water and is a great teacher. Her dressage is competitive enough for placing. Squiggles is sadly outgrown and is looking for her next kid to show the ropes of eventing!

Located in California

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information. 

#ThrowbackThursday: 16 GIFs That Perfectly Articulate How You Feel

By on Nov 17, 2016 2:14 pm -

It’s #ThrowbackThursday, and today we’re throwing it back to a classic from the EN Archives. Here are 16 GIFs that perfectly articulate how you feel …

… when your parents/significant other comments on how expensive and time-consuming eventing is.

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… when they’re counting you down in the start box.

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… when Test A keeps getting mixed up with Test B in your head.

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… when you’re walking your cross-country course and get to the giant trakehner.

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… when there’s free wine at the competitor’s party.

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… when you get your dressage test back and your score wasn’t what you expected.

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… when your horse jumps down the drop like a boss.

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… when you nail it in the show jumping.

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… when the ring steward is calling your number.

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… when a big name rider compliments your horse.

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… when you get a bad spot into the combination.

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… when someone shows up at the jog looking like a mess.

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… when your trainer tells you it’s time to move up a level.

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… when you’re rehashing your cross-country ride back at the barn.

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… when someone asks you if you’d like to ride at a straight dressage show.

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… when you’re entering your next event.

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Go Eventing.

Welcome Home, Valerie Ashker! OTTB Ambassador to Complete Cross Country Ride on Saturday

By on Nov 17, 2016 11:45 am -
Valerie Ashker and Primitivo on their Incredible Journey. Photo by Samantha Clark. Valerie Ashker and Primitivo on their Incredible Journey. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Since they set off on May 9 we have been closely following Valerie Ashker and partner Peter Friedman’s coast-to-coast journey on retired racehorses. They are now on the homestretch, set to “cross the finish line” in Middleburg, Virginia, this Saturday, Nov. 19.

Samantha Clark met up with the pair and their horses at the end of October in downtown Cincinnati. She detailed the story of what will ultimately be a 3,500-mile trek in a feature for EN: An Inside Look at Valerie Ashker’s Incredible Journey.

We’re sure there are some aspects of the trip that Valerie won’t miss. “My bum will never be the same!” she memorably exclaimed in her interview with Samantha.

In the same breath, however, she lament that it is drawing to a close.

“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done but it’s been such a mission, and so many people behind it,” she said. “For it to end is like being dropped out of the sky into nowhere-land. To have so much support has been incredible, and we’ve all been through so much together, and we’re here and we’re healthy and we’re ready to go on to the next 300 or so miles of the trip but then what? It will be tough saying goodbye to this.”

Valerie Ashker and Primitivo and Peter Friedman and Solar Express on the outskirts of Cincinnati. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Valerie Ashker and Primitivo and Peter Friedman and Solar Express on the outskirts of Cincinnati. Photo by Samantha Clark.

As their journey nears its finale daughter Laine sounds proud — and unsurprised that her tough, determined mother is soon to achieve her ambitious goal.

“Valerie Ashker set out on highway 50 aboard her 15.1 hand OTTB Primitivo in early May with two goals in mind: to make it clear across the country and to raise awareness for the versatility, soundness and overall character of the American Thoroughbred. Rehoming these Thoroughbreds from our nation’s racetracks to our show rings has been an unpopular movement to the masses as many import warmbloods from Europe for their movement and temperament instead,” she said.

“However, when seeing my mother ride on the shoulder of a three lane highway with tractor trailers whizzing by, or stopping at a traffic light to hold a light conversation with local neighborhood kids who have never seen a horse in real life, one must seriously question the outdated mindset of those ‘crazy Thoroughbreds.'”

Incredibly, Valerie and Peter have ridden the same two horses, Primitivo and Valerie’s 17-year-old retired OTTB prelim eventer Solar Express, the entire ride.

“These two horses have gone clear across the country with their own four hooves and if that isn’t a testament to OTTB soundness and true grit, than I don’t know what is!,” Laine remarks.

The pair’s ride will conclude on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Middleburg Training Center on Route 611 (St. Louis Road). The welcome home celebration is open to the public, so please come on out to cheer them on! Many thanks to Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation for its support of the event.

“Being as both of these horses began their careers on the racetrack, she figures that she will end a legendary ride with the very institution that gave them the unbridled will to run,” Laine says.