Classic Eventing Nation

FEI Announces Back-to-Back ‘Clean’ Olympic, Paralympic Games for Equestrian Athletes

By on Sep 24, 2016 5:00 pm -
Denmark’s Stinna Tange Kaastrup and Smarties, double bronze medalists at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, grade 1b. Photo by Liz Gregg/FEI. Denmark’s Stinna Tange Kaastrup and Smarties, double bronze medalists at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, grade 1b. Photo by Liz Gregg/FEI.

In late August the FEI announced that all human and equine samples taken for drug testing during the Olympics came back negative for each of the equestrian disciplines of eventing, show jumping and dressage. Yesterday the FEI announced that all human and equine samples taken during the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games have also returned negative, making for a clean Olympics for equestrian sports across the board.

This announcement also means that both Olympic and Paralympic equestrian sports can celebrate back-to-back clean Games from both London 2012 and Rio 2016.

“We are very proud of our efforts on clean sport at the FEI, working closely with our National Federations and all our athletes, and everyone involved should be proud of our clean Olympic and Paralympic Games record in 2016 and 2012,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos.

Sixty equine samples were taken during the Olympic Games and 38 were taken during the Paralympic Games. All 98 samples were sent to the FEI Central Laboratory in Great Britain for testing and all returned negative. All human samples taken during the Olympics and Paralympics also returned 100% negative results.

“We actively educated our athletes about the importance of clean sport before both Games in Rio and this is proof that our educational campaign is working,” Ingmar said. “It’s the icing on the cake following such a successful Paralympic Games which saw amazing performances from 75 athletes representing 29 nations.”

The FEI’s Clean Sport campaign began in 2010 as part of an “ongoing educational outreach programme designed to simplify the FEI anti-doping regulations, which are based on World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) principles.” Learn more about FEI’s Clean Sport Campaign here.

[FEI Celebrates Clean Sport at Rio 2016 Paralympic Games]

Barbury Castle Estate For Sale, Future of UK Event Uncertain

By on Sep 24, 2016 3:00 pm -
Andrew Nicholson and Avebury at Barbury. Photo by Adam Dale. Andrew Nicholson and Avebury at Barbury. Photo by Adam Dale.

The Barbury Castle Estate in Wiltshire, UK, home of the Barbury International Horse Trials, will be put up for sale according to British Eventing. After 11 years of hosting this popular, world-class competition, Nigel Bunter said that he and his wife Penny have decided to move on.

“We want to move whilst we are young enough to embrace such a big change to our lifestyle,” Nigel said. “We will miss Barbury of course but the time is now right for us. We have loved being part of the horse trials which was conceived over a quiet drink with David Green and we owe a huge debt of gratitude for all the support that Barbury has received particularly from the riders and owners who made Barbury so special.”

Barbury served as the third leg of the 2016 Event Rider Masters Series and was an important event ahead of the Rio Olympics. It is also where Andrew Nicholson and the late Avebury made history with four consecutive victories in the CIC3*.

The 2017 competition will remain on the calendar as planned, but the future of the event beyond that is not yet decided.

“This popular venue has been a key part of the plans for many riders and teams during its time but until the future is certain Barbury Castle International will remain in the calendar for 2017,” said Chris Farr, British Eventing’s Sport Operations Manager. “Barbury Castle International has been a phenomenal success since it first came into the BE calendar in 2005, raising the bar for our sport in so many ways.”

[Barbury Castle news]

Watch It Again: Phillip Dutton and Mr. Candyman Win Plantation Field CIC3*

By on Sep 24, 2016 12:00 pm -

Mr. Candyman is a horse that Phillip Dutton thought was a “world-beater” after finishing in fourth place at Galway Downs CCI3* last fall. The 9-year-old Holsteiner had a quiet summer while Phillip focused on preparing for the Olympic Games, but he says that now it’s Mr. Candyman’s turn in the spotlight.

“Elmo,” owned by Ann Jones, Bridget Colman, Caroline Moran and Tom Tierney, returned to FEI competition last weekend in top form, winning the Plantation Field CIC3* with only 2.8 time penalties to add to his initial score of 46.9, a performance that Phillip said raises his hopes for the horse’s future.

Watch Phillip and Elmo working their way towards victory at Plantation Field, thanks to these replays on USEF Network. Click here to watch the entire CIC3* competition on demand.

Read Up on 2017 Rule Changes

By on Sep 24, 2016 10:00 am -
The new Modified level, a step between Training (pictured) and Preliminary has been officially added to the Rulebook. Photo by Jenni Autry. The new Modified level, a step between Training (pictured) and Preliminary has been officially added to the Rulebook. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The USEA has published a helpful reminder list of 2017 rule changes that go into effect on December 1, 2016. Here are a few notable changes, but you can read the USEA’s entire post at this link.

Remember these are rule changes for 2017. Don’t go to an event next weekend and operate as if these rules are already active.

One major change to the “dress code” for dressage is that Beginner Novice, Novice and Training riders will be allowed to compete without a jacket,  “In such cases, shirt – long or short sleeved with collar and without neckwear, of a conservative color, neatly tucked into riding breeches.”

Carrying a whip around or in the dressage arena (when whips are forbidden) or with the horse still wearing boots or bandages will incur an error of test, but not elimination. Entering the arena before the bell or not entering the arena within 45 seconds after the bell will also incur an error of course. Failing to enter the arena within 90 seconds of the signal, however, will result in elimination.

The new Modified level has been added to the 2017 Rules for Eventing. Modified was created as a stepping stone from Training to Preliminary and the hope is that it will better prepare horses and riders for the increased technical difficulty required at the upper levels while remaining “obvious and inviting to the horse.” Riders of any age and horses four or older may compete in Modified, and the competitor must have obtained an NQR at two horse trials at the Training level or higher. Look for orange numbers on a blue background on courses next year.

The language for the Levels of Horse Trials Appendix has been significantly expanded, specifically on the cross country test for the Beginner Novice and Training levels. These descriptions are meant to provide a basic framework of expectations at each level.

For safety, fair competition and so you don’t eliminated for something silly, it’s critical to know the rules and stay up-to-date with any changes. Find the complete current USEF Rules for Eventing here or order a hard copy of your own from the USEA store.

[2017 Rule Changes, Effective December 1, 2016]

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Sep 24, 2016 12:01 am -
With winter coming, it's time to stock up on socks for the barn! With winter coming, it's time to stock up on socks for the barn!

Hey, EN. Happy weekend! I hope you have something exciting planned. Sadly, I am chained to my office job and will be missing the festivities at Twin Rivers this weekend. On the upside, it does mean that I might luck in to some quiet time at the barn to get some painting in. With William Fox-Pitt coming to Dragonfire Farm later this year, it is certainly time to refresh some of the jumps. I’m not sure what it is, but painting jumps has the same meditative quality for me that body clipping a horse does. Part art, part labor-of-love, all relaxing. Time to find my painting duds and get to it.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Surefire H.T. [Website]

Sundance Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Saturday Links:

Horses can learn to tell us how they feel (about blankets)

Mid-life crisis? Maybe a horse can help

Barbury Castle Estate to be sold

£200 ‘Pony of a Lifetime’ wipes the floor at National Championships

Whangarei to host New Zealand Pony Club Eventing Championships

British businessman dies in Iceland after failing to admit to horse fall due to insurance fears

Saturday Video:

Colbert is horsing around again.

Star-Studded Entry List Unveiled for Stable View’s Inaugural Advanced

By on Sep 23, 2016 3:00 pm -
Clayton Fredericks and FE Money Made. Photo courtesy of Stable View. Clayton Fredericks and FE Money Made. Photo courtesy of Stable View.

We are a little more than a week away from Stable View’s inaugural Advanced Oktoberfest Horse Trials on Oct. 1-2, and the event has unveiled the entry list of riders who will compete. This is the first Advanced event to be held in the Aiken area, and the response from top level riders has been exceptional.

The Stable View organizers are sweetening the deal with some serious prize money as well, offering up to $60,000 in the Advanced division and up to $15,000 for the Beginner Novice through Preliminary divisions.

This is also an excellent opportunity for young riders to familiarize themselves with the competition venue at Stable View with the upcoming 21 Challenge Young Rider Series kicking off during the March 2017 horse trials.

Entries closed on Sept. 13 for the Oktoberfest horse trials, but it’s not too late to enter.  Entries with a late fee will be accpeted until Monday, Sept. 26. Click here for the omnibus details.

Capt. Mark Phillip's Advanced course will run through the main arena and derby field. Photo courtesy of Stable View.

Capt. Mark Phillip’s Advanced course will run through the main arena and derby field. Photo courtesy of Stable View.

Advanced Division Entries

There are 37 entries in the Advanced, and the event has split the Open Preliminary division due to the overwhelming number of entries. Here’s a look at the entry list for the inaugural Advanced, with Olympians and top riders from all across the U.S. making the trip to Aiken to compete. Who do you think will come out on top?

Emily Beshear
Jessica Bortner-Harris
Kristen Buffamoyer
Kyle Carter
Ellen Doughty-Hume
Phillip Dutton
Clayton Fredericks
Werner Geven
Jon Holling
Lizzy Jahnke
Leslie Law
Whitney Mahlock
Boyd Martin
Caroline Martin
Joe Meyer
Sara Kozumplik Murphy
Julie Norman
Doug Payne
Erin Renfoe
Julie Richards
Kate Samuels
Lexi Scovil
Jessica Schultz
Mackenna Shea
Allison Springer

Click here to see the most recent entry status for the event.

An aerial view of Stable View. Photo courtesy of Stable View.

An aerial view of Stable View. Photo courtesy of Stable View.

Course Walks

In celebration of the first Advanced horse trials, Stable View is hosting several course walks throughout the morning of the Advanced and Preliminary competition on Saturday, Oct. 1. If you plan to attend the event in Aiken, please plan to register that morning for course walks.

Capt. Mark Phillips will lead a cross country course walk at 9:30 a.m., with Olympian Boyd Martin also leading a course walk at 10:30 a.m.; both will leave promptly from the start box at that scheduled time. You can see the new Advanced course firsthand, featuring ETB Jumps on the irrigated grass track, derby field and new galloping lanes.

There will also be stadium course walks hosted by leading industry course designer Richard Jeffery throughout the morning in the outdoor stadium arena from 9 a.m.-noon. A donation of $10 is suggested to join in the course walks, with proceeds supporting a wonderful organization in the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons.

Finally, a ribbon cutting ceremony to present the new Advanced level cross country course will be held at noon at the Offset Combination at fence 20. Please join us for this celebration.

The weekend is certain to be action-packed with incredible horse sport and plenty of entertainment with local vendors, sponsor parties and a bit of non-equestrian horse power as well, and we hope to see you there. Check out all of the Advanced Oktoberfest horse trials event on the Stable View website here.

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Olivia Dutton Following in Her Dad’s Footsteps

By on Sep 23, 2016 1:45 pm -

If 14-year-old Olivia Dutton has anything to say about it, her dad won’t be the only one in the family winning Olympic medals. Olivia marked a major milestone this past weekend, completing her first CIC* at Plantation Field International Horse Trials aboard Amy Ruth Borun’s Santa’s Playboy.

Olivia and “Santa” added one rail and a handful of cross country time to their dressage score to finish in 14th place on 63.6 in the B division. Phillip coached Olivia during the weekend in between his own ride times and winning the CIC3*, and the the whole family was bursting with pride on Sunday afternoon.

Thanks to RNS Video we have footage of Olivia and Santa in all three phases. Well done, Olivia and Santa!

 

 

Enter to Win Auditing Passes & Dinner with William Fox-Pitt or Mary King!

By on Sep 23, 2016 12:30 pm -
William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero. Photo by Jenni Autry. William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s the time of year again! Both William Fox-Pitt and Mary King will be traveling to the U.S. in November to teach clinics, and EN is teaming up with Team EnGaged Clinics to give away auditing passes AND dinner with these legends of the sport. Read on for all the details about the clinics and how to enter to win these awesome prize packages.

William Fox-Pitt Clinic: William is teaching Nov. 3-5 at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. One EN reader will win auditing passes for all three days, plus a dinner with William and the rest of the clinic crew during the weekend. Enter to win by filling out the Rafflecopter widget below and leaving a comment explaining how William has inspired you. If you’re interested in riding in the clinic, click here to apply. Visit Blue Horse Entries for all the details on the clinic.

Mary King Clinic: Mary is teaching Nov. 12-13 at Split Rock Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. One EN reader will win auditing passes for both days, plus a dinner with Mary and the rest of the clinic crew during the weekend. Enter to win by filling out the Rafflecopter widget below and leaving a comment explaining how Mary has inspired you. If you’re interested in riding in the clinic, click here to apply. Visit Blue Horse Entries for all the details on the clinic.

Mary King and King's Temptress at Badminton. Photo by Nico Morgan.

Mary King and King’s Temptress at Badminton. Photo by Nico Morgan.

Entries for both giveaways will remain open through Friday, Sept. 30. Good luck! You can stay up to date with all of the news on William’s clinic on the event Facebook page here and with Mary’s clinic on the event Facebook page here. Thank you to Team Engaged for sponsoring this giveaway. Go Eventing.

[Team EnGaged Clinic with William Fox-Pitt]

[Team EnGaged Clinic with Mary King]

a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best Event Ever: One Last Look at Plantation Field 2016

By on Sep 23, 2016 10:00 am -

I’ve been fortunate to visit some picturesque, new-to-me events this year, like Bromont (oh, mountains!) and most recently, Plantation Field. The Best. Event. Ever. has so much happening on any given day, you wind up pointing your camera at much more than just the competition, and the rolling terrain, flying flags and autumn decor kept me joyously shooting away. Here are some of my favorite moments from Plantation Field that didn’t get shared during our daily coverage.

Buck Davidson gives Park Trader a pat after a super three-star dressage test. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Buck Davidson gives Park Trader a pat after a super three-star dressage test. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Legendary commentator Mike Tucker working at his post during dressage. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Legendary commentator Mike Tucker at his post during dressage. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

A butterfly lighted on photographer Susan Stickle's lens, momentarily distracting us all from the dressage tests. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

A butterfly lighted on photographer Susan Stickle’s lens, momentarily distracting us all from the dressage tests. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Teamwork makes the dream work. Will Coleman's crew put the final touches on Soupcon du Brunet before they head down centerline. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Teamwork makes the dream work — putting the final touches on Soupcon du Brunet before Will Coleman went down centerline. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Fran Robinson, a member of the Lord Willing Syndicate, congratulates "Liam" and Allison Springer after winning the CIC*-A division. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Fran Robinson, a member of the Lord Willing Syndicate, congratulates “Liam” and Allison Springer after winning the CIC*-A division. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Clayton Fredericks and FE Mississippi in show jumping. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Clayton Fredericks and FE Mississippi focused on the task at hand. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sarah Kozumplik Murphy and L'Alezane. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sarah Kozumplik Murphy and L’Alezane on course. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sara Moore and Polaris jumping nearly out of frame as they catch major air over a maxed out CIC3* table. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Sara Moore and Polaris jumping nearly out of frame as they catch major air over a maxed out CIC3* table. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Erin Sylvester reaches up to praise Paddy the Caddy after jumping through a brush table to right hand corner on the Advanced course. He's been struggling with this type of question she said, but locked on never before at Plantation. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Erin Sylvester reaches up to praise Paddy the Caddy after jumping through a brush table to right hand corner on the Advanced cross country course. Paddy’s been struggling with this type of question, she said, but locked on like never before at Plantation. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

While her horse was still locked on to the next fence, this rider managed to recover from what seemed an inevitable meeting with the ground and they went on to complete the course. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

While her horse was still locked on to the next fence, this rider managed to recover from what seemed an inevitable meeting with the ground, and they went on to complete the course. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

How about a little live music to go with your cross country, local beer from Victory Brewing Company and lobster rolls at lunchtime?

This young rider's position over a five foot wall is about as good as it gets! Oh, and she's riding bareback. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

This young rider’s position over a 5-foot wall is about as good as it gets! AND she’s riding bareback. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Bruce Davidson, Bruce Miller and Waylon Roberts after the puissance. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Bruce Davidson, Bruce Miller and Waylon Roberts all smiles after the Legends High Jump. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

All credit to the horses. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Show jumping course designer Chris Barnard used the EN jump wings (designed by the one and only Brody Robertson) on course, and it became my personal mission to figure out how many ways I could incorporate the signage into my photos.

Charles Owen sponsored a special ceremony honoring Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice's bronze medal winning performance at the Rio Olympic Games. You've go to wonder what Phillip is thinking here. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Charles Owen sponsored a special ceremony honoring Phillip Dutton and HND Group’s Mighty Nice’s bronze medal winning performance at the Rio Olympic Games. You’ve got to wonder what Phillip is thinking here. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Happy had eyes only for Emma Ford, at least until it was time for his adoring fans to snap selfies with him. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Happy had eyes only for Emma Ford, at least until it was time for his adoring fans to snap selfies with him (and what’s that logo lurking in the background?) Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Go Eventing.

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on Sep 23, 2016 12:03 am -
The not-so-elusive morning giraffe! Photo by Kate Samuels.

The not-so-elusive morning giraffe! Photo by Kate Samuels.

Fall always seems to go so much faster than spring, in terms of the Eventing season. As soon as we’ve begun, it’s almost wrapping up. I mean, we’re only three weeks away from Fair Hill International! Despite the addition of events later in the calendar year in warmer climates, I always imagine FHI as the “end of the season”, and it’s certainly the culmination of a year’s work for a large portion of the horses competing at the upper levels on the east coast. I can already feel the excitement building!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Surefire H.T. [Website]

Sundance Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Chattahoochee Hills has announced that their spring horse trials will also feature CIC ***/**/* divisions next year. On the weekend of April 7-9th 2017, Chatt Hills will add the FEI divisions to their already established horse trials, giving competitors a chance to compete on a larger stage as well as prep for spring CCI competitions in a great way. As a bonus, any pairs heading to Rolex and using Chatt Hills as a final prep run will have their entry fees waived! [Chatt Hills Changes Spring Event]

This Saturday, the highly anticipated freestyle exhibition of double Olympic gold medalist Charlotte DuJardin & Valegro will be happening at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show. Now that his team has officially announced his retirement at the end of the year, this is one of the last chances to see the duo in action on a big stage. COTH caught up with Charlotte and Blueberry, and asked them five important questions. Spoiler: they’re performing a brand new freestyle this weekend! [Five Questions with Charlotte & Valegro]

Now that Michael Phelps is done dominating the swimming world, he’s decided to own a few horses. One of which, Water Cube, has been placed in training with fellow Olympian Phillip Dutton. Originally raced and trained by Graham Motion, the horse was “great at getting third every time”, so Phelps decided he would be better off in a different career. He’s already won a novice horse trials under his new jockey, and they are hopeful for the future that the gelding can bring good press to the thoroughbred breed. [Phelps Owns Successful Eventing Horse]

Best of Blogs: Finding A Silver Lining, by Jennie Brannigan

My every day brushing boots finally died after years of hard service, so I recently decided to try out the Professional’s Choice VenTECH All Purpose Boot. I have to say, I’m very happy so far with the quality of the boot, the durability, and especially the lightweight factor. The VenTECH lining is really breathable, and for riding out through different areas of footing, and in my case, rivers, if it isn’t breathable your horse gets rubs. One of my horses is especially prone to rubs from regular galloping boots, but these are soft on the inside and seem to suit him really well. And at $35 a pair, you can hardly go wrong. [SmartPak Product of the Day]