Classic Eventing Nation

Bonner Carpenter and Darkside Best Rebecca Farm CCI* Dressage

By on Jul 21, 2016 10:20 pm -
Bonner Carpenter and Get Busy. Photo by the official event photographer Shannon Brinkman Photography, courtesy of The Event at Rebecca Farm. Bonner Carpenter and Get Busy. Photo by the official event photographer Shannon Brinkman Photography, courtesy of The Event at Rebecca Farm.

Heather Morris and Get Rowdy grabbed hold of the Rebecca Farm CCI* lead early on in the nearly 50 horse strong division, and the only one who could wrestle it away from them was Heather’s own student of 14 years Bonner Carpenter.

Bonner and Darkside, an 8-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Cele Carpenter, scored a 43.1 to squeak past Heather’s score by just 0.2 of a point.

This is the first CCI* outing for both Darkside and Get Rowdy, a 6-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Team Express Group, with their first CIC*s being at Copper Meadows last month. At that event Get Rowdy finished fourth and Darkside finished seventh, so perhaps Bonner’s horse is out for a bit of revenge here at Rebecca.

Heather Morris on Get Rowdy are in second in the CCI1* dressage at The 2016 Event at Rebecca Farm. Photo by Alleyn Evan for the official event photographer Shannon Brinkman Photography, courtesy of the Event at Rebecca Farm.

Heather Morris on Get Rowdy sit second in the CCI*. Photo by Alleyn Evan for the official event photographer Shannon Brinkman Photography, courtesy of The Event at Rebecca Farm.

Both riders are based at Next Level Eventing, the training operation Heather runs alongside Tamie Smith in Temecula, California — a solid 24 hours away. The Next Level crew are repeat Rebecca offenders; Heather won the CCI2* here last year with Charlie Tango and Tamie won the CIC3* with Mai Baum, so Montana apparently suits the both of them quite well!

It will be fun to see how this weekend shakes out — a little friendly rivalry is never a bad thing.

“I’ve been riding with Heather since I started in eventing 14 years ago,” Bonner explains. “It’s a great partnership because everyone helps each other.”

Morris commented, “It’s awesome. As a coach, you always hope to see your students do well. Riding together helps put a little pressure on too and that’s a good thing.”

Both riders kindly stopped by the press tent at the end of the day to recap their rides:

Jessica Heidemann of Bellingham, Washington and her own Encore, an 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding, round out the top three in the CCI* division on a score of 44.7.

Chill vibes and a sense of community are in the air at Rebecca — between the panoramic blue skies and first-class hospitality it’s hard not to have a smile on your face around here!

Margaret Crow gives her cheer section a wave and a wink after her test on Remington III.

Margaret Crow of Poway, California, gives her cheer section a wave and a wink after her CCI* test on Remington III. 

Go Margaret! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Go Margaret! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

CCI* top 10 after dressage:

Screen Shot 2016-07-21 at 5.29.43 PM

In addition to the CCI* the USEA Classic Series Novice and Training Three-Day divisions completed dressage and the Novice horse trials divisions ran cross country. Check out this highlight video from our friends at Ride On Video:

Friday’s action kicks off at 8 a.m. MT in the dressage ring with the CCI2* and the CIC3*/CCI3* running from 11:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MT. Cross country continues with both the Novice and Training Three Day divisions from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MT.

Much more coverage to come — keep it locked here!

Go Eventing.

Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Ride Times & Live Scores, Ride On Video Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram

 

Thursday Video from Nupafeed: #TBT to Kurt Martin and Delux Z’s Rebecca Win

By on Jul 21, 2016 4:20 pm -
Kurt Martin and Delux Z. Photo by Sally Spickard. Kurt Martin and Delux Z. Photo by Sally Spickard.

On the eve of the three-star competition here at Rebecca Farm, let’s rewind to last year’s CCI3*, won by Kurt Martin and Delux Z.

Kurt and the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding scored a 47 in the dressage, which put them in third …

… then they rose to second on the wings of a double-clear cross country trip:

Show jumping proved quite the dramatic finale, and when cross country leader Buck Davidson and The Apprentice sent some rails flying the door was open for Kurt to make the big jump into first.

Kurt and Delux Z’s momentum has since carried forward into 2016, when they completed their first four-star attempt at Kentucky, finishing in 25th place.

Best of luck to this week’s Rebecca Farm competitor — be sure to keep up with all the action as it unfolds via the Ride On Video livestream, and of course we’ll be bringing you all the latest right here on EN.

Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Ride Times & Live Scores, Ride On Video Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram

 

Michael Jung to Ride Sam in Rio: Is the Stage Set for an Olympic Repeat?

By on Jul 21, 2016 2:20 pm -

Michael Jung just announced on his Facebook page that his first choice for Rio, fischerTakinou, has been withdrawn from the Olympic Games at the last minute due to an infection. The reigning Olympic champion La Biosthetique Sam FBW will now step in to compete for the German team.

It’s tough to bet against Michael and Sam repeating their run at Olympic gold from the 2012 London Olympics. In the last year alone, Michael and the 16-year-old gelding have won four-star events at Burghley and Badminton, which ultimately helped Germany’s top rider clinch the Rolex Grand Slam.

Just 15 days to go until the first horse inspection! Click here to see the definite entry list for eventing in Rio, which will be updated shortly to reflect fischerTakinou’s withdrawal. We wish Takinou a speedy recovery.

Eventing Community Mourns the Loss of Ellen Walker

By on Jul 21, 2016 1:00 pm -
Ellen aboard Arthur, one of many Hungarian Warmbloods she owned in her lifetime.

Ellen aboard Arthur, one of many Hungarian Warmbloods she owned in her lifetime. Photo courtesy of the Walker family.

The eventing community is mourning the loss of longtime instructor and volunteer Ellen Walker, who died earlier this week at Utah Valley Regional Hospital following a pasture accident at her home in Spring City, Utah. In a fitting final act from one who gave so much to so many, Ellen’s wishes were fulfilled to be an organ donor and save other lives. She was 61 years old.

Ellen was a talented instructor who could have taught at many levels, but she was extremely devoted to bringing in beginners and giving them a safe and solid foundation in jumping, dressage and eventing.

She was the instructor for the Sanpete County 4-H English Program from the mid-1980s until the day she died, and also the instructor for the Skyline chapter of the United States Pony Club in the 1990s. She was an all-volunteer instructor who continued to recruit curious riders in the heart of “cowboy country” year after year to help them find their way safely and effectively in the sport.

Ellen being recognized with lifetime service award. Photo courtesy of Walker family.

Ellen being recognized with a Lifetime Service Award at the Event at Skyline in May. Photo courtesy of Walker family.

She was a tremendous Area IX volunteer, organizing fundraisers for The Event at Skyline, coordinating volunteers, hosting training camps and clinics, and supporting riders at shows near and far, both recognized and unrecognized. She was honored by the Event at Skyline with a Lifetime Service Award just this past May.

In her personal riding career, Ellen was an exceptional trainer and competitor in dressage. She took multiple horses from their first ride under tack to competing at Prix St. Georges, and she always trained them with supreme skill and kindness. She loathed tricks and shortcuts in training. Last year for her 61st birthday, she switched gears and competed in the inaugural Event at Skyline, where she took fourth place in Intro on her pony, Pippi.

Ellen Walker and Pippi at the Skyline HT. Photo by Morgan Newey.

Ellen Walker and Pippi at the Skyline HT. Photo by Morgan Newey.

She was also a tremendous advocate, trainer and breeder of Hungarian Warmbloods and was a board member of the Hungarian Warmblood Association of America. She loved them for their history, their movement, their spirit and their friendliness, and she rescued more than one from dire circumstances.

Ellen accomplished all of this while being a full-time high school teacher. She also devoured books and loved gardening, cooking, and riding the mountain and desert trails with her many friends.

Ellen and her life long best friend, Lee. Photo courtesy of the Walker Family.

Ellen and her life long best friend, Lee. Photo courtesy of the Walker Family.

Most of all, Ellen was just the glowing, beating heart of the Utah eventing and dressage community. Her life’s work was taking people under her wing and never turning away anyone who was willing to learn.

Some of her students have gone on to make full-time careers in the equestrian industry, others ride and compete in the English disciplines as a hobby, and one former student will be going Intermediate at Rebecca Farms this weekend. Through her dedication to teaching she touched thousands of lives across generations.

Ellen is survived by her husband of 39 years, Don Walker; her two sons, Matthew and Phillip; and many other loved ones. Our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved Ellen in this unspeakably hard time.

Catching Up with Taylor McFall and Kilbarry Prince at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 21, 2016 11:04 am -
Taylor McFall and Kilbarry Prince. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Taylor McFall and Kilbarry Prince. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Taylor McFall, the 13-year-old eventer who is coming after her four-star rider mom’s job (watch your back, Jen!), is an EN fan favorite.

We’ve been following the story of Taylor and Kilbarry Prince for a couple years now, since Taylor helped buy the Connemara gelding herself via a fundraising effort of truck washing, cleaning tack and selling horse cookies. And we were stalking them even before that — this jump school on pony Maybelline still ranks as my favorite helmet cam video of all time.

Taylor and Prince contested the Novice Three-Day at Rebecca Farm in 2015 and this year they’re back for more. We caught up with Taylor after the Wednesday horse inspection to see what she hopes to accomplish at this year’s competition.

Best of luck to Taylor, Prince and all of this year’s Rebecca Farm competitors.

Go Eventing!

By the Numbers: Rebecca Farm CCI3*

By on Jul 21, 2016 9:00 am -
Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection. Photo by Jenni Autry. Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Rebecca Farm is one of the most beautiful venues in the country, and the way they roll out the red carpet to competitors, spectators and volunteers alike makes it a coveted destination event. The travel distance is quite daunting even from the west, let alone for those in the east, so Rebecca Farm has generously provided many travel grants throughout the years to aid in transportation.

The date of Rebecca sometimes conflicts with major team competitions, so their attendance generally swells every four years when potential team members can take the time to make the trek out west. This year the Olympic Games loom on the horizon, scuttling attendance by anyone going to Rio. Nevertheless, a few big names are all set to contend.

The dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-B. Ian Stark has designed this course since the event’s inception, giving the North American-based riders a chance to try their mettle over a course similar to many of Ian’s designs over in Europe. Chris Barnard will be taking over the show jumping courses for the first time this year. You can watch the competition live thanks to Ride On Video.

TOP FIVE

1. Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection: An experienced horse and experienced rider competing together for the first time this year, these two recently made their mark with a top five finish at the Great Meadow CICO3*. This will be their first CCI3* together as they tick off the qualification boxes.

Hannah Sue and Under Suspection scored a 49.8 on this test at Great Meadow, the only time they’ve done this test in their new partnership. Although they haven’t jointly seen an Ian Stark course yet, they have averaged 8.4 time penalties in their three runs which should move them up after cross country day. Since these two have yet to have a rail together at this level, they’re likely to jump double clear on Sunday. That would clinch them the win on a score in the high 50s.

Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

2. Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight: As one of the most experienced pairs in the field, Jolie and Goodknight are no strangers to the Rebecca Farm course. However this will be their first time here since 2013 and also their first go at the CCI3* course here.

Jolie and Goodknight average 52.9 on this test. They are likely to be one of the swifter pairs on cross country day, averaging only five seconds over the time when attempting Ian Stark courses. Goodknight hasn’t seen a Chris Barnard course before, but does average one rail and one time penalty overall in show jumping. A score just under 60 would be good enough for second place this weekend.

3. Buck Davidson and Copper Beach: Buck is a strong supporter of this event, almost always making the effort to get at least a couple of horses in his string out west. This year he is bringing a green horse in Approved Power, plus Copper Beach, who will be attempting his fifth CCI3* after a successful first CCI4* run at Rolex in April.

Copper Beach will be up near the top after the flat, averaging a 49.6 on this particular test. Although not always the quickest across the country, an average of 7.2 time penalties over Ian Stark’s courses will be enough to keep him in the mix. This pair averages one rail over Chris Barnard’s courses,the same as their overall average. A final score just over 60 would put Copper Beach in third at the end of the weekend.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

4. Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream: The precocious Cooley Dream is stepping up this weekend for his first CCI3*. Hannah has some exciting horses in her string now, and two top-five finishes would make the long trip to Rebecca Farm more than worth it.

Cooley Dream performed this test at Great Meadow to the tune of 49.6, although his overall average is a few points below that. With his inexperience, Hannah Sue has been taking her time across the country with him, accumulating an average of 13.6 time penalties. This is another of Hannah’s string that has yet to have a rail at this level. Look for them to finish fourth with a score in the low 60s.

5. Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon: Ellen and Sir Oberon made the trek from Texas out to Rebecca Farm for their second CIC3* back in 2013, and they return as a much more experienced pair for the CCI3*. Sir Oberon just delivered his first clear round at a four-star at Rolex in April and will look to be finishing in the top five this weekend.

Although this pair usually scores in the low 50s, they struggle slightly with this test, averaging a 57.9 in two attempts. They do tend to run more swiftly over Ian Stark courses though, accumulating an average of 6.8 penalties as opposed to their overall average of 12.4 time penalties. This will be the first time they attempt a Chris Barnard course, and although they average a rail overall, they should be able to maintain their position. Sir Oberon should round out the top five with a score in the high 60s.

James Alliston and Parker. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

James Alliston and Parker. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

THE DARK HORSE

James Alliston and Parker: Parker has run more CCIs than any other horse in the field, having finished an astonishing 10 out of 11 CCI3* and CCI4* runs, only three of which had time penalties. Double clear is the name of the game for this cross country machine, including a finish at last year’s inaugural Rebecca Farm CCI3* a remarkable 38 seconds below time.

Although Parker normally averages in the mid-60s for dressage, he did score a personal best of 50.9 on this test the only time he performed it, which was at this venue last year. If he replicates that effort and puts in an average show jumping round, he can crash the top two this weekend.

Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin and Effervescent. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE SLEEPER

Caroline Martin and Effervescent: Effervescent has only had three runs at this level so far, but he’s already proven to be a potential star for Caroline. His dressage has been incredibly consistent, hovering just over 50. He’s had no more than one rail per round thus far, and most importantly has run clear cross country rounds no more than 15 seconds over the time. If they put in a typical performance in all three phases, they could take home the win this weekend.

Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Ride Times & Live Scores, Ride On Video Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Thursday News & Notes from Professional’s Choice

By on Jul 21, 2016 12:03 am -
EN's own Stephanie Nicora and her OTTB High in the Air ( EN's own Stephanie Nicora and her OTTB High in the Air ("Owen") are at Rebecca Farm this week contesting the Training Three Day. We're sending a big dose of EN karma your way, Stephanie and Owen! Photo by Cynthia Laurence.

On my bucket list is definitely go and compete at Rebecca Farm. Every year, I’m so incredibly jealous of the pictures of the amazing views, the cross country course, and the reviews of how perfect the event is. It’s just a leeeeettttle too far away from me, and as I don’t currently have my own horse plane, it’s still on the bucket list. I feel like at this point John should probably buy an EN plane (obviously with horse cargo area) so that we can all have private transport. Ahem. John. Are you there, John?

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Ride Times & Live Scores, Ride On Video Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Fitch’s Corner H.T. [Website]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website]

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website]

News From Around the Globe:

Blackfoot Mystery hits the press again as an exemplary OTTB heading to Rio. Born just a few miles down the road from the Kentucky Horse Park, “Big Red” is out of a mare who set a record at Colonial Downs going a mile, and by the stallion Out of Place, known for adding stamina to his babies. However, the lanky chestnut only raced three times as a 2-year-old at Hollywood Park, finishing at the back of the pack with a combined total of 44 lengths of losing. Luckily for him, his success trajectory went upwards from there. [An Olympic Milestone for OTTB Blackfoot Mystery]

All Russian athletes, including riders, risk being banned from next month’s Olympics due to doping concerns. Following a report from this Monday from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that revealed “unprecedented levels of doping and subversion” in Russia, the decision regarding the ban has been postponed while legal options are explored. Russia has two individual dressage riders, an eventing team, and three riders for the Paralympics entered in Rio. [Russia Possibly Banned from Rio]

Heading to Fitch’s Corner this weekend? Don’t miss the 23rd annual Blue Jean Ball on Saturday night! Themed “Rio Nights”, you should show up at 6 for cocktails, enjoy the Novice Master’s Challenge Jumping, and stay for dinner and dancing commencing at 7. Also, attire is Rio Carnival, so bring your party pants. Buy tickets ahead of time, or pay more at the door! [Fitch’s Corner Blue Jean Ball]

I guess that’s one way of deciding if you’re ready for this whole marriage thing. Engaged couple Daniel Reeds and Sarah Cooksey decided to really put their relationship to the test by embarking together on the longest and toughest horse race in the world, the Mongol Derby. Traversing about 100km across Mongolia, to say their journey was not without intrigue is to be more than a little polite. Combine endurance with semi-feral pony horses, the wilderness of Mongolia, and a relationship. [Horseback Adventure to the Extreme]

Buck & Kyle discuss Rebecca Farm and the upcoming AECs!

All Horses Pass Rebecca Farm First Horse Inspection

By on Jul 20, 2016 8:44 pm -
Several horses sported sparkly pink ribbons at the jog today in support of Breast Cancer awareness, a cause that is near and dear to Rebecca Farm. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Several horses sported sparkly pink ribbons at the jog today in support of Breast Cancer awareness, a cause that is near and dear to Rebecca Farm. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The sun was shining down on the Event at Rebecca Farm this afternoon, as all horses across all the FEI and USEA Classic Series divisions passed the first horse inspection.

In addition to CCI3*, CIC3*, CCI2* and CCI1* FEI divisions, Rebecca Farm is also hosting Novice and Training Three-Days, both of which attracted dozens of entries. Today’s jog began at 2 and didn’t wrap up until after 6 p.m., a testament to the success of this destination event.

Gina Shaman and InForAPound Dunvegan of the CCI1*. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Emilee Libby and Jakobi in the CCI1*. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Fourteen combinations will start in the CCI3* division. Two horses were held at the jog, Erin Murphy’s mount Athlone Travel On and James Allison’s Parker, who put on a quite a show for the ground jury as usual. Both passed upon representation.

From the CCI3* jog:

Nineteen combinations will start in the CIC3*, and like the CCI3* division it is a stocked pond of horse/rider combinations hailing from both sides of the country. EN’s in-house fortune teller Maggie Deatrick used some combination of calculator and crystal ball to deduce her “By the Numbers” top five — have a look at her CIC3* predictions here.

The Future Event Horse and Young Event Horse divisions wrapped up today; the CCI1*, Novice and Training Three-Days as well as some horse trial divisions get moving tomorrow, with dressage for the two- and three-star FEI divisions to follow on Friday.

It’s absolutely breathtaking out here — green grass stretching for miles, dramatic blue peaks on the horizon, some even capped with snow. The mild breeze and lack of humidity will surely be a welcome relief to the competitors come cross country day.

Much more to come! Be sure to keep up with the action as it unfolds via the Ride On Video live stream here — here’s their day one recap.

Day 1 Highlights Rebecca Farm July 2016

Go Eventing.

Rebecca Farm: Website,Schedule, Entry Status/Ride Times, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Behind Every Great Horse

By on Jul 20, 2016 4:30 pm -

We are loving this new commercial from Guinness, which so accurately captures the spirit of all equestrian sports. It especially hits home for eventing.

“It takes much more than hard work to make a horse great. It takes passion, determination and unwavering belief. Behind every great horse is a team — a team committed to going the extra mile, not some of the time but each and every time. Ordinary people dedicated to making their sport extraordinary.”

Go Eventing.

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Wiser Concepts supplements are available only through your veterinarian. Learn more at KPPvet.com.

Definite Eventing Entries Go Live for the 2016 Olympic Games

By on Jul 20, 2016 2:00 pm -
Scenes from last year's Acquece Rio Test Event. Who will stand on the podium this time? Photo by Raphael Macek Photography. Scenes from last year's Acquece Rio Test Event. Who will stand on the podium this time? Photo by Raphael Macek Photography.

Following the final entry deadline earlier this week for the 2016 Olympic Games, we now have the confirmed definite entry list for the 65 horses and riders that will ultimately compete in Rio de Janeiro. Twenty-four nations will compete in eventing, with 13 teams and 17 individual riders. Eight countries are bringing reserve horses to Rio for eventing.

Here’s a look at who we’ll see in Rio. Combinations with an “R” next to their name are the reserve pair for their team.

definite entries 2

Who are you most excited to see compete in Rio? Just 16 days to go until the first horse inspection!

Looking to all the equestrian disciplines, a total of 200 combinations will compete across eventing, dressage and show jumping.

Here are some other fun #RoadToRio facts:

  • Team USA holds the record for the greatest level of participation in Olympic equestrian sports, with 236 horse and rider combinations competing throughout the history of the Games.
  • Team Germany has won the most medals, collecting a total of 75 to date.
  • The equestrian events of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be staged in the Deodoro Olympic Park alongside basketball, BMX, canoe slalom, fencing, hockey, modern pentathlon, mountain biking, rugby sevens and shooting.
  • The Deodoro Olympic Park is the second largest Olympic cluster of the Rio 2016 Games venues.
  • Show jumping has 27 countries, 15 teams, and 75 horse and rider combinations.
  • Eventing has 24 countries, 13 teams, and 65 horse and rider combinations.
  • Dressage has 25 countries, 11 teams, and 60 horse and rider combinations.
  • The FEI definite entries also include 34 reserve horses and 33 reserve riders.

Go Eventing.

[GAMES OF THE XXXI OLYMPIAD Definite Entries – EVENTING]