Classic Eventing Nation

Announcing the 6th Annual EN Blogger Contest Finalists!

By on Jul 20, 2016 11:15 am -

The 6th Annual Eventing Nation Blogger Contest drew the largest number of entries by far in the history of this contest. After thoroughly reviewing the slew of entries, the chinchillas judging panel has narrowed the entries down to 13 finalists.

This is truly an international contest that attracted entries from all over the world. We are excited to have finalists from the U.S., Canada, Great Britain and Ireland participating in this year’s contest.

We will be publishing their first round entries on Bloggers Row over the next week, so be sure to keep checking back to EN. Let us know in the comments which entries you like best. We hope you enjoy their creativity, insight and love of the sport as much as we gave.

Without further ado, congratulations to the 13 finalists!

Anne Bennett
Bailey Bickford
Kathy Carter
Sarah Clark
Krista Degitz
Christa Dillon
Laura Gravelle
Erica Greenwald
Lauren Grindall
Sophie Hulme
Erin Kimmer
Viviane Pendleton
Scott Shiminski

Each finalist now will be hard at work on their round two submission. Just as the 2012 Blogger Contest finalists addressed the value of the Olympic stage, this year’s group will write about a similar prompt as we count down the days to the start of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

As eventing faces the very real possibility of making further changes to the sport’s format to align with the Olympic 2020 Agenda, many have questioned whether the sport should remain in the Olympics at all. In your opinion, what is the value of the Olympic stage in eventing?

Entries are due Wednesday, July 27 at 8 p.m. EST. Good luck to all the finalists. Go Eventing.

By the Numbers: Rebecca Farm CIC3*

By on Jul 20, 2016 9:30 am -
Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Sally Spickard. Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Sally Spickard.

With several heavy hitters set to contest the CCI3* at Rebecca Farm, the CIC3* division at this destination event in Kalispell, Montana also boasts quite a talented field. Primarily composed of those on the West Coast, there are several talented young horses in this division as well as some experienced horses coming back from Rolex.

Just as in the CCI3*, 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 test their mettle over a course similar to many of his designs over in Europe. Chris Barnard will be taking over the show jumping courses for the first time this year.

TOP FIVE

1. Heather Morris and Charlie Tango: The winner of last year’s CCI2* is back to contest his second CIC3*. After a brief health setback last fall, Charlie Tango is back as strong as ever, taking second in his first two full Advanced runs before winning his first CIC3*.

Charlie Tango scored a 44.7 on this test in his last CIC3*and has been averaging in the mid-40s overall.  This horse came home with only 3.6 time penalties over his only Ian Stark course thus far, and has yet to have a rail at this level. This pair should take home another Rebecca Farm blue with a final score in the high 40s.

Mackenna Shea and Landioso. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Mackenna Shea and Landioso. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

2. Mackenna Shea and Landioso: Coming off a good finish at their second Rolex attempt, Mackenna and Landioso will be here with a new swagger in their step. Landioso is a dressage powerhouse that tends to follow up his performances with a solid cross country run.

This horse averages a 44.8 on this test, meaning they’ll be at or near the top of the leaderboard at the end of day one. These two tend to run more quickly over Ian Stark courses than their typical pace, averaging only 5.6 time penalties when they run clear over his designs. They are one of the few pairs in this field to have attempted a Chris Barnard show jumping course, jumping clear with two time penalties at The Fork in 2014. Landioso should finish in second with a score in the low 50s.

3. Amber Levine and Carry On: Amber and Carry On just stepped up to this level this year and they’ve already proven themselves contenders with only four runs under their belt so far. They most recently won the Advanced at Woodside and were second at their first CIC3* in April.

Carry On is another horse who is strong on the flat, scoring a 50.2 in his three-star debut with this test. Matching their very swift run only one second over the time over Ian Stark’s Woodside course would inch them up the rankings this weekend. They’ll hold their spot if they equal their show jumping average of one rail on the final day. A final score in the low-to-mid 50s would give them third place by the end of the weekend.

Barb Crabo and Eveready. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Barb Crabo and Eveready. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

4. Barb Crabo and Eveready: Easily the most experienced horse in the field, this horse perhaps should have been named Energizer instead of Eveready; he just keeps going and going and going. After a successful run at Rolex, this 1999 gelding is back at one of his favorite venues.

These two average a 54.7 on this test, not quite as good as their overall average but not far off. A typical pace of 7.2 time penalties over Ian’s courses will keep them in the mix, and even if they have a rail and a time penalty to match their show jumping average on Sunday, they’ll still finish with a top five place on a score in the mid-60s.

5. Mary Burke and Prince William: Prince William had quite a promising season last fall but skipped a spring campaign. This will be his first outing at this level since delivering a solid qualifying result in the Galway Downs CCI3* last November.

Prince William hasn’t performed this test yet but averages a 54.5 overall. A quick pace across the country will move them right on up, as they average only two time penalties over Ian’s designs. Show jumping may prove a bit tricky though, as they average eight time penalties and one rail in this phase. A final score in the high 60s will help them round out the top five at the end of the weekend.

Bonner Carpenter and Basco. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Bonner Carpenter and Basco. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE DARK HORSE

Bonner Carpenter and Basco: This will be Basco’s first show at this level since finishing Galway Downs CCI3* in the fall of 2014, just after he was finding his groove at the level. Strong on the flat, Basco averages just over 50 and has proven he can score in the 40s multiple times.

He’s a one-or-none horse in the show jumping in terms of rails but has struggled to find a rhythm cross country. His best efforts came at the end of 2014, when it seems he found his stride for a double clear round and a win at Woodside International CIC3*. If he can pick up right where he left off, these two could contend for a top spot this weekend.

Tamie Smith and Lagos Star. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tamie Smith and Lagos Star. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE SLEEPER

Tamie Smith and Lagos Star: With only one start at this level under his belt so far, it’s difficult to tell what Lagos Star will do on a consistent basis yet. Despite that, that one start was a second place finish at his first CIC3* at the Copper Meadows in June. With a solid effort in all three phases, he could certainly be a horse who could contend here this weekend. Simply matching his efforts from June would easily put this pair inside the top five.

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Instagram, Twitter

Wednesday News and Notes from Laser Sheen

By on Jul 20, 2016 12:01 am -
Smidge inspects his kingdom. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Cauffman. Smidge inspects his kingdom. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Cauffman.

Some retired horses are pasture puffs, but Smidge is especially special as he gets to help with the gardening. Stephanie Cauffman’s former two-star ride Smidge is now a dressage schoolmaster for her mother Cindi, Area II volunteer extraordinaire. Polite horses get to go where others don’t, and in this case Smidge shows off his ground manners by being a lovely guest amongst the daffodils.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Fitch’s Corner H.T. [Website]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website]

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website]

The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI, CIC, & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Apparently Boyd is having to lay off the beer and hot dogs. During a Q&A with NBC, Boyd mentioned that he needed to lose a few pounds in preparation for the Olympics. Not many athletes bound for Rio would admit that their belt was fitting a bit tightly! Was Boyd having a bit of a joke at the mainstream media’s expense, or is he legitimately soft around the edges? Read and decide, EN. [Q&A with Boyd Martin]

We all have events that for whatever reason, we just never succeed at. Mine is the now-defunct Maui Jim where one year a torrential downpour during my dressage warm-up blew away our chances of a relaxed test and the second year I skipped a fence on the cross country. Blogger Camilla Mortensen’s was Inavale, where she had fallen twice at the same Training lever trakehner. This year, Camilla finally got to conquer her demons. [Demons Conquered]

Tina Cook is ready to travel to Rio with Billy the Red. After being called up to become the traveling reserve to Rio, Tina admitted it’s a slightly awkward position to be in, since you don’t compete unless another teammate has misfortune. Still, she is looking forward to Billy the Red’s first plane trip and promises to do her best should she be called up to represent. [Tina Cook Excited by Call-Up]

Weekly Business Tip from Mythic Landing Enterprises: Depending on the size of your business, it can be a good idea to put together an e-newsletter that you send out to just your contact list monthly or quarterly, versus an e-blast which can be sent out to a much broader list. These e-newsletters are a great place to highlight your team’s successes and feature upcoming events, new services and sponsors. If you do have an e-newsletter, you will want to make sure that there is an easy way for people to sign up. Many companies, such as Constant Contact, can provide a button that you can put on your website so that people can sign up for your e-newsletter right there and then be automatically added to your database.

SmartPak Product of the Day: C4 is now being offered on SmartPak, in a limited range of colors. If you’re like me and want to change up your look for the day, extra buckles are available now!. [SmartPak]

In a huge throwback, here’s Mark Todd, the immortal eventer, and his legendary Charisma tackling the course in the Los Angeles Olympics…thirty-two years ago. For the record, I wasn’t even born until two years later, and here he is, ready to compete at yet another Games. #legend

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Champagne Run Helmet Cam Roundup

By on Jul 19, 2016 5:00 pm -

The helmet cams were out in force this weekend at Champagne Run H.T. at all levels. We’ve compiled them all for you here — enjoy a vicarious run-and-jump across the Kentucky bluegrass!

Heather Hornsby and Carmac (Intermediate)

Lauren McDowell and Midas Aiko (Prelim) 

John Crowell and Little Hail (Training)

Kelly Rover and Coolnaboy Rubens (Training)

Madeleine Richards and Whitfield (Training)

Margaret Kimmel and Garfunkel (Training)

Thomas Kimmel and Vital Eight (Training)

Kelly Herdman and Uss Monster (Training)

Sydnie Hansen and Sonny’s Impressive Knight (Novice)

Gracie Elliot and Ballylanders Finn McCool (Novice)

Kandace Debolt and Buzz Lightyear III (Beginner Novice)

Go Eventing.

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Dutch Olympic Eventing Team Announced for Rio

By on Jul 19, 2016 4:40 pm -

We’re nearing the end of the Olympic team announcements! The Netherlands has named the horses and riders that will be sporting the bright orange Dutch colors in Rio de Janeiro. Congratulations to:

  • Merel Blom and Rumour Has It N.O.P., a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by J.M.J. Blom & L.J. Hofland
  • Tim Lips and Bayro N.O.P., a 10-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Lips Stables, H.Meulendijks, C.v. Ham, N. v. Splunder and W.Holvoet
  • Alice Naber-Lozeman and ACSI Peter Parker, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by R. Van Reine and Y. Koornstra
  • Theo Van de Vendel and Zindane, a 12-year-old Dutch gelding owned by T. van de Vendel, J.J. van de Vendel and G.J. van de Vendel

[DUTCH EQUESTRIAN WITH STRONG TEAMS TO RIO!]

USA’s Libby Head, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Leah Lang-Gluscic Among First Burghley Entries

By on Jul 19, 2016 2:00 pm -
Libby Head and Sir Rock Star. Photo by Shannon Brinkman. Libby Head and Sir Rock Star. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

A list of early Burghley entries has been posted and we’re glad to see that three Americans have wasted no time in signing up.

Burghley (Sept. 1-4) has been the goalpost for Libby Head and Sir Rockstar since they rock ‘n’ rolled around Badminton this spring. They pair stayed in the UK to train throughout the summer and we can’t wait to see them take a crack at Burghley’s massive four-star track — it should be right up this cross-country machine’s alley.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Liz Halliday-Sharp is based in the UK but is a Burghley rookie. She’s chosen HHS Cooley as her partner to tick this four-star box; it will be his second four-star, the first being Rolex this spring where they executed a flawless cross-country round.

Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime also handily laid down a double-clear trip at Rolex this year and are now taking aim at their first competition abroad. Go big or go home! Cross country is their wheelhouse — the common denominator of these three combinations, as it should be if you’re going to tackle Burghley.

A screenshot of the first 16 Burghley entries, as posted here:

Screen Shot 2016-07-19 at 1.24.18 PM

For more information about Burghley visit the website here.

Go Eventing.

USEF Announces Fall Competition Grant Recipients

By on Jul 19, 2016 12:16 pm -
Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect. Photo by Jenni Autry. Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The USEF has announced the recipients of Land Rover/USEF eventing competition grants for the Millstreet International Horse Trials CCI3*, Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials CCI4*, Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI3*, and Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3*:

 

The following combinations have received grants for the Millstreet International Horse Trials CCI3* taking place August 25-28 in Millstreet Town, Co. Cork, Ireland:

Sinead Halpin (Oldwick, N.J.) and Manoir de Carneville Syndicate, LLC’s Manoir de Carneville, a 2000 Selle Francais gelding; Halpin has received a Land Rover/USEF Eventing Competition Grant.

Lillian Heard (Poolesville, Md.) and her own LCC Barnaby, a 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding; Heard has received a Jacqueline B. Mars Competition Grant through the USET Foundation.

The following athlete has received a Land Rover/USEF Eventing Competition Grant for the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials CCI4* taking place September 1-4 in Stamford, England:

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and HND Group’s Mighty Nice, a 2004 Irish Sport Horse gelding, or Ann Jones and Thomas Tierney’s Fernhill Fugitive, a 2005 Irish Sport Horse gelding

The following combinations have received grants for the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI3* taking place September 8-11 in Woodstock, England:

Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, Va.) and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot, a 2003 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Holly Payne Caravella (Gladstone, N.J.) and Bethann Groblewski’s Santino, a 2003 Thoroughbred gelding

Alexandra Knowles (Paris, Ky.) and Sound Prospect L.L.C.’s Sound Prospect, a 2002 Thoroughbred gelding

Kurt Martin (Middleburg, Va.) and his, Carol Jean Martin, and Bill Martin’s DeLux Z, a 2005 Irish Sport Horse gelding

The following combinations have received grants for the Military Boekelo-Enschede CCIO3* taking place October 6-9 in Boekelo, The Netherlands:

Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Marie Le Menestrel’s Meadowbrook’s Scarlett, a 2007 Thoroughbred cross mare; Kieffer has received a Land Rover/USEF Eventing Competition Grant.

Kylie Lyman (White River Junction, Vt.) and Joan Nichols’ Lup The Loop, a 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding; Lyman has received a Jacqueline B. Mars Competition Grant through the USET Foundation.

Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, Va.) and The Donner Syndicate, LLC’s Donner, a 2003 Thoroughbred gelding; Symansky has received a Land Rover/USEF Eventing Competition Grant.

[USEF Announces Fall 2016 Eventing Competition Grant Recipients]

No Swan Dives for Hannah Scheid and Mile High Murphy at Champagne Run

By on Jul 19, 2016 11:00 am -

The infield water complex was the place to spectate at last weekend’s Champagne Run H.T. at the Kentucky Horse Park. Between the plastic flamingos and an edge-of-your-seat variety show of jumping styles into the pond, if there’d been a daiquiri stand I’d have probably camped out there all day. (Feel free to pocket that idea away for next year, Champagne Run organizers!)

The complex received mixed reviews from equine competitors, however.

Despite it being a fine day for swimming, some horses weren’t quite sure they wanted to get their feet wet. Exhibit A: Hannah Scheid’s Mile High Murphy in the Open Training division.

I have no idea how I stayed on but Murphy decided to make the water more interesting today #eventerproblems

A video posted by Hannah Scheid (@hannahmariescheid) on

Well-played, Hannah and Murphy! It certainly wasn’t a swan dive — a flamingo dive, perhaps?

A few other less dramatic passes through the water:

He’s such a cool dude. #jumpthestarseq #babyunicorn✨

A video posted by William Robertson (@jumpthestarseq) on

Both horses finished on their dressage scores at champagne run this weekend!!

A video posted by Jenna Schildmier (@jms.eventing) on

Go Eventing.

Brooke USA to Auction Lauren Kieffer’s Repurposed Boots for a Cause

By on Jul 19, 2016 9:00 am -
Photos courtesy of Brooke USA. Photos courtesy of Brooke USA.

There’s still a lot of life in Lauren Kieffer’s well-worn tall boots — or at least a lot of life to give.

Lauren has teamed up with Vermont-based artist and avid horsewoman Lisa Curry Mair to help horses, donkeys and mules in need. Lisa transformed a pair of Lauren’s retired boots into a work of art, featuring Lauren and Landmark’s Monte Carlo at Rolex. Learn more about Lisa and check out images from the project on her website here.

The boots are currently up for auction, with the proceeds to directly benefit Brooke USA, the American-based fundraising arm of Brooke, the world’s largest international equine welfare charity.

“Brooke USA supports horses and animals across the globe, and I believe in their mission,” Lauren says. “I was blown away at the beautiful piece of art Lisa transformed my boots into, and hope that this contribution aids the organization in both fundraising efforts, and awareness of the ways they are contributing to the welfare of horses and animals worldwide.”

For more than 80 years, Brooke has been alleviating the suffering of equines who work in some of the poorest communities on earth. Brooke’s scientifically proven, practical and sustainable solutions to enormous equine welfare challenges, actively improve the lives of equine animals and the people who depend on them across Africa, Asia and Central America. In 2015 Brooke reached 1.8 million equines, benefiting 10 million people in the developing world.

Brooke USA’s latest project, “Buy a Donkey a Drink,” is raising support to construct five permanent water troughs in the Shala Woreda district of Ethiopia to ease the suffering of the 11,500 working horses, donkeys and mules in the region. This project will reduce the mortality rate of working equines in this area by an estimated 45 percent.

“As much as the animals will benefit from regular access to water, it is their owners who will be the ultimate beneficiaries because their working partners will be healthier, happier and better able to continue their important jobs,” Dr. David Jones, chairman of Brooke USA, said.

The bidding for the boots will conclude at 5 p.m. on Aug. 6 — click here to visit the online auction.

Go Eventing.

Tuesday News & Notes from Cavalor

By on Jul 19, 2016 12:00 am -
Ellen Walker and Pippi. Photo by Morgan Newey. Ellen Walker and Pippi. Photo by Morgan Newey.

The woman in this photo is the person who 20 years ago invited me into her barn and redirected my whole path. She was, has always been, and still is an all-volunteer coach of the Sanpete County English 4-H Program — a thankless job in cowboy country. But her students have done their best to thank her by going on to have varied careers and ambitions in the eventing world as competitors, vets, farriers, trainers, event organizers and yes as eventing journalists.

Today she is fighting for her life after an accident. If you’re the praying sort, say one for this heart of our sport. If you’re not the praying sort, go for a beautiful ride in the sunshine and just send your joy into the sky. I promise it’ll make its way to her.

Events Opening This Week:

Silverwood Farm Fall H.T. (WI, A-4)  Nutrena USEA AEC, Adequan Gold Cup Finals, and ATC Finals (NC, A-2)  KY Classique H.T. (KY, A-8)  Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (MD, A-2)  Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (CA, A-6)

Events Closing Soon:

Applewood Farm YEH/FEH & Mini Event (NJ, A-2)  Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trial (IA, A-4)  Cobblestone Farms H.T. (MI, A-8)  Olney Farm H.T. (MD, A-2)  River Glen Summer H.T. (TN, A-3)  Millbrook H.T. (NY, A-1)

News and Notes:

Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials, being held this weekend in Millbrook, NY, is featuring a $2,000 Novice Masters Challenge sponsored by Stubben North America. The winner of the Challenge will receive a Stubben Portos saddle, $1,000 cash, a silver julep cup, and the Fitch’s Corner blue rosette. All competitors and spectators are also invited to the Blue Jean Ball, which this year will be Rio Nights themed. [Fitch’s Corner Website]

Canadian Selena O’Hanlon is holding a raffle fundraiser for her trip to Rio. The deadline is July 30, and organizers are going to be drawing for several prizes, including the grand prize of a custom Foxwood High inspired jump. [O’Hanlon Eventing Facebook]

Have a Horse with Kissing Spines? A recent report states that a new treatment known as “The Coomer Method” (named for the vet who invented it) is proving to be overwhelmingly successful in treating the issue. Even better, it’s a minimally invasive surgery with a fraction of the recovery time as other methods. [Horse Talk New Zealand]

Tuesday Video: An adorable Fjord named Blonde Bombshell doing intro XC at Shepherd Ranch