Classic Eventing Nation

Host Country Brazil Names Eventing Team for Rio Olympics

By on Jul 18, 2016 2:30 pm -
Ruy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too. Photo by Jenni Autry. Ruy Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The Confederação Brasileira de Hipismo has named the four horse/rider combinations that will comprise the Brazilian Olympic Team for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janerio:

  • Carlos Parro and Summon Up The Blood, an 11-year-old Irish gelding owned by the rider and Nicola Tootle
  • Márcio Appel and Iberon Jmen, a 14-year-old Brazilian gelding owned by Thalita Cristina Antonioli
  • Márcio Carvalho Jorge and Lissy Mac Wayer, a 13-year-old Westphalian mare owned by the rider, Ana J. F. J. Jorge and Emiliana J. Jorge
  • Ruy Leme da Fonseca and Tom Bombadill Too, a 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by the rider, Renata Rabello Costa and Andrea Costa

The traveling reserve is Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred cross gelding owned by the rider and the Phoenix Syndicate, LLC.

We’re happy to see Ruy and Nilson on the list, as both have spent ample time in the folds of U.S. eventing while based in the States.

The two Marcios placed first and second at the Aquece Rio Olympic Test Event last year, and Carlos Parro is a Britain-based rider who most recently placed 18th in the Barbury Castle CIC3* earlier this month. 

Brazil earned its Olympic berth automatically by being the host country. Team Brazil is coached by Mark Todd. 

[Equipes Brasil — Jogos Olimpicos Rio 2016]

Hot Fun in the Summertime at Champagne Run H.T.

By on Jul 18, 2016 1:00 pm -
Ashley Maul and Melanie McGuire take a dramatic leap into the water. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Ashley Maul and Melanie McGuire take a dramatic leap into the water. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

It was a scorcher at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Champagne Run H.T. over the weekend — I’m sure I’m not the only rider who found their way to the campground pool!

Starter through Intermediate level divisions ran from Friday through Sunday, and as usual the event ran like a well-oiled machine. You can check out final scores here.

A few sights and sounds from around the barns and out on course:

Boyfriend of the year Zach Hulbert takes Karlie Slaton's Beginner Novice ride Risky Romance out for a walk. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Boyfriend of the year Zach Hulbert takes Karlie Slaton’s Beginner Novice ride Risky Romance out for a walk. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

So. Hot. Out. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

So. Hot. Out. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The struggle is real. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The struggle is real. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Elaina Anglin and Wingman are clearly enjoying themselves on their way to a clear cross country round in the Prelim/Training division. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Elaina Anglin and Wingman are clearly enjoying themselves on their way to a clear cross country round in the Prelim/Training division. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Gotta keep those white stockings sparkling! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Gotta keep those white stockings sparkling. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Muck boots are called muck boots for a reason! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Muck boots are called muck boots for a reason! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

3, 2, 1 ... have a great ride! Kelsey Boos and Watership Down Titan. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

3, 2, 1 … have a great ride! Kelsey Boos and Watership Down Titan. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Jennifer Meister guides Storm Current around the Starter show jumping course. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Jennifer Meister guides Storm Current around the Starter show jumping course. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Filming riders from atop the isle of flamingos. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Filming riders from atop the isle of flamingos. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Deborah Iezzi and Manchester make it look easy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Deborah Iezzi and Manchester make it look easy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Senior Training Rider competitors Emily Rausch and Tobias make their way back to the barn after cross country. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Senior Training Rider competitors Emily Rausch and Tobias make their way back to the barn after cross country. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Go Eventing.

 

Swedish Eventing Team for Rio Olympics Announced

By on Jul 18, 2016 9:30 am -
Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Reality 39. Photo by Jenni Autry. Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Reality 39. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Rio Olympic team announcements are dropping fast and furious following the weekend’s Aachen CICO3*, the results of which sealed the deal for Germany and Italy’s final team lineups.

Sweden is the latest to follow suit, with Team Coach Staffan Lidbeck having announced that the following horse/rider combinations will represent the country in Rio de Janeiro:

  • Sara Algotsson Ostholt and Reality 39, a 12-year-old Hannoverian mare owned by the rider and Sara Sjoborg-Wik
  • Frida Andersen and Herta, a 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare owned by Andersén Fälttävlanscentrum
  • Anna Nilsson and Luron, a 17-year-old Hannoverian gelding owned by the rider and Ingrid L-Nilsson
  • Ludwig Svennerstål and King Bob, a 17-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Håkan Svennerstål AB or Aspe, an 8-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Håkan Svennerstål AB

The travelling reserve is Linda Algotsson and Fairnet, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood stallion owned by Margareta and Bo Christer Algotsson, or Fairnando, an 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood stallion owned by Margareta and Bo Christer Algotsson.

Sweden is one of eight countries that will field full teams in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines, the others being Australia, Brazil, France, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States.

[OS-truppen presenterad, Anna Nilsson in i OS-laget]

Italy Names Eventing Team for Rio Olympics

By on Jul 18, 2016 8:00 am -
Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake. Photo by Samantha Clark. Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Following last week’s unfortunate news that Italian fan favorites Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Pennyz would not compete in the Olympic Games due to respective injuries, FISE has announced the team that will represent Italy in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Stefano Brecciaroli and Apollo van de Wendi Kurt Hoeve, a 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Polidiktus Van de Helle
  • Pietro Roman and Barraduff, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Carroll House
  • Luca Roman and Castlewoods Jake, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Ricardo Z
  • Arianna Schivo and Quefira de l’Ormeau, a 12-year-old Selle Francais mare by Iolisco de Quinhon

The direct reserve combination is Giovanni Ugolotti and Oplitas. As a side note, Giovanni’s fiancee Kathryn Robinson is also heading to Rio as the traveling reserve for the Canadian team with her own Let It Bee.

Carola Brighenti, who kindly helps EN translate Italian eventing news, also sent in this interesting tidbit: “Pietro and Luca are brothers and will both compete in Rio. Their father Federico Roman competed in the 1980 Olympics with their uncle Mauro Roman. Federico won the gold medal as an individual and Italy gained the silver medal in the team competition.”

There’s a bit of Italian eventing history to kick off your Monday! We wish the Roman brothers and the entire Italian Olympic team the best of luck in Rio.

[RIO2016: Scelti i sei azzurri per i prossimi Giochi Olimpici]

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jul 18, 2016 12:01 am -
The road to Montana is long, but well worth it! Photo via Ellen Doughty-Hume on Facebook. The road to Montana is long, but well worth it! Photo via Ellen Doughty-Hume on Facebook.

All eyes turn to Kalispell, Montana this week as the annual Event at Rebecca Farm kicks off. As I write this, horses from all parts of the country are making their way north to one of the most picturesque events on the calendar. With action from Novice all the way up through CCI3*, there will be plenty to see this week so keep it locked right here on your one-stop Rebecca shop!

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Schedule

Weekend Results:

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Scores]

Riga Meadow H.T. [Website]

The Maryland HT and CIC at Loch Moy [Scores]

Champagne Run H.T. [Scores]

Aspen Ridge H.T. [Website] [Facebook]

Coconino Classic 3-Day Event & HT [Scores]

Chehalis Valley Pony Club Benefit Horse Trial [Scores]

Bronte Creek Equestrian Sport Ltd. [Scores]

War Horse Event Series July HT [Scores]

News & Notes:

One day events are a wonderful opportunity to compete in a short amount of time. For us busy adults, this is a must on our schedules! But how exactly do you keep your head screwed on when you have to run all three phases in one day? Never fear, here are some essential tips. [Staying Organized at a One Day]

Selling a horse can be a complicated process, as much as we’d like it to be the opposite. There are many do’s and don’ts involved with selling and buying horses, so what should you as a seller know? [What Should I Disclose as a Seller?]

Weekly Business Tip from Mythic Landing Enterprises:

When you’re posting your latest sale horse on Facebook, here are a few helpful hints. 1) Be sure to read the rules for each group before posting. 2) Instead of sharing from your personal or business page, make a new post for each group. This way when the notification pops up on someone’s phone or e-mail, it reads the first line of your ad instead of “Jane Doe shared …” 3) Always include your location and contact information clearly in the text of each ad.

Monday Video:

Here’s some great footage to kick off Rebecca Farm week in style!

#SimmaDownNow: Watch Lainey Ashker’s Enthusiastic OTTB Tackle XC at Maryland HT

By on Jul 17, 2016 5:00 pm -

As an eventer who is temporarily grounded and lacking a set of my own hooves, Lainey Ashker’s helmet cams are a warm, healing, all natural and gluten-free balm to my wounds. (Gluten in the form of bagels and donuts take care of most of the other wounds.)

One of her newest uploads from this weekend’s Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm is one of my instant all-time favorites: her winning training round aboard her mother Valerie Ashker’s OTTB, Call Him Paddy. This horse is all go, and the ferocity with which he tackles the course is utterly hypnotizing. His enthusiasm is so earnest that Lainey has to politely remind him once or twice to be a gentleman and “simmadownnow”, a request I can completely relate to as a past OTTB eventer myself.

That fire comes in real handy when you move up the levels, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of this handsome feller for years to come. Thanks for sharing, Lainey, and go eventing!

Virginia Horse Trials Will Host Intercollegiate Championships in 2017

By on Jul 17, 2016 3:38 pm -
Photo courtesy of Virginia Horse Trials. Photo courtesy of Virginia Horse Trials.

The USEA and Virginia Horse Trials have announced that the Intercollegiate Eventing Championship will return to the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Va. in 2017.

The Virginia Horse Center hosted the inaugural Intercollegiate Eventing Championship this May and by all accounts the competition was a resounding success. Ten colleges and universities fielded students and their horses, forming ten teams and setting the stage for an exciting Championship debut.

Although Clemson University held a secure lead through the first two days, the gap closed on the final day of competition and the University of Georgia Red team pulled ahead to win by a fraction of a point. All the teams brought their A-game, with less than ten points separating the top four finishing teams.

It’s no secret that many eventers allow their USEA membership to lapse during their college years, but the association is making a concerted effort to retain members, and the increasing popularity of eventing teams at colleges and universities around the country is a major contributing factor in providing incentive for students to keep riding.

VHT organizer Andy Bowles said he is “keen” on the Intercollegiate program and that it is good for VHT to be involved. After a successful first run of the Championship, it will only get bigger and better from here. “The base we’ve got is extremely strong and is something to build on,” Andy said in a statement.

Andy and VHT went all out to make the inaugural Championship one to remember. The students’ horses were stabled together in the Eastern Complex where schools decorated their stall areas and set up tables and tents to promote their schools’ equestrian programs. The incentive of the Spirit Award upped the ante when it came to showing school pride, and we expect even more face paint, color coordinated outfits, school swag and cheerleading next year.

“The USEA is thrilled to have the Intercollegiate Championship return to The Virginia Horse Trials next year,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “We were so pleased with how smoothly the inaugural competition went thanks to Andy Bowles and the rest of his incredible team. This top class facility is an ideal place to let the championship grow, and we look forward to seeing how much bigger and better it can be in 2017.”

Learn more about the USEA’s Intercollegiate Program here. If your school is not yet affiliated with the USEA, get all the information you need to make that happen here and remember college students receive a $25 discount on their USEA membership.

[USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship Will Return to Virginia Horse Trials in 2017]

Boyd Martin’s Homebred Ray Price Wins Maryland CIC2* + More Results

By on Jul 17, 2016 1:30 pm -
Chinch creeps on Boyd Martin's show jumping round at MDHT at Loch Moy Farm. Photo courtesy of Michael Smallwood. Chinch creeps on Boyd Martin's show jumping round at MDHT at Loch Moy Farm. Photo courtesy of Michael Smallwood.

It was beautiful weather for eventing across North America this weekend, and many pairs were able to capitalize on sunny skies, hard work and a stroke of good luck to take home some ribbon swag.

Maryland Horse Trials

The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm ran National levels and a CIC* and CIC2* this weekend. Some competitors elected not to run cross country due to a recent lack of rain making for less than ideal footing, but our hats are off to the organizers for doing everything they possibly could to make this a top event.

Boyd Martin swept the CIC2*, clinching first, second and third places. Taking top honors on 54.2 and also making his debut at this level was Ray Price, Boyd’s homebred 8-year-old Thoroughbred/Dutch gelding owned by Windurra and Amy Lindgren.

Second on 55.3 was the 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Tura Lura, owned by Gloria Callen and Nancy Hathaway. It was also Tura Lura’s two-star debut. Rounding out the top three on 57.3 for Boyd was Santos, a 7-year-old off-track Thoroughbred gelding owned by Gloria Callen and Ron and Densey Juvonen. Boyd rode a whopping five horses in the two-star division altogether yesterday. 


. 

Boyd Martin and Tura Lura at MDHT. Video via Boyd Martin’s Facebook Page.

In the CIC*, Kelli Temple and Matilda finished on their dressage score of 39.9 to win the sizable division. Sharlee Lowe and her own Hanoverian gelding Jjamaica added only .80 of a time penalty to cruise up the leaderboard from tenth place to finish in second. Kim Severson and her own gray gelding Cooley Quality Control rounded out the top three.

In the Open Intermediate, Colleen Rutledge and Escot 6 capitalized on a double clear in show jumping and a small handful of cross country time penalties to zoom from eighth and win the division on a score of 44.0. Michelle Thomas and her own gray Thoroughbred gelding Spectacular Tap finished second, and Jill Thomas and her own OBOS Darko came in third.

[Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Champagne Run

Champagne Run at the Park Horse Trials had a huge and marvelous event in Lexington, with the lower levels being split into six or seven divisions apiece.   In the Open Intermediate, Australian transplant Lauren Balcomb led from start to finish on her own Guido Hatzis to finish on a score of 41.4.

Claiming the red ribbon honors was Chelsea Kolman on her own Canadian Sport Horse gelding Dauntless Courage. The pair was one of only two combinations to make the time on this clippy track. Rounding out the proverbial podium was Laura Crowl and her Dutch Warmblood Zee.

A beautiful sunset in Lexington over the weekend, courtesy of Champagne Run Facebook Page.

[Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Coconino

Coconino has to be one of the most unique and picturesque events in the country, with their forested cross country course surrounded by northern Arizona desert. They’re also one of the few events to run a full three-day event for the lower levels, and you can tell the participants eat it up.

In the Open Intermediate, Kimberly Steinbuch and Ruth Bley’s En Vogue laid down a super dressage test to score a 26.9 and by putting in by far the fastest time of the day on cross country, they were able to overcome a shaky show jumping round to win the division with a 50.9.

Just one point behind was Alexandra Tett on her own Quiproquo Des Vatys, a Selle Francais gelding. Third in the division was Kate Lathrop and her own Worth the Wait, who added one show jumping rail and 19.2 time penalties to finish on a score of 56.4.

Alexandra Tett and ‘Q’ at Coconino, via Alexandra’s Facebook Page.

Coconino also gave out a special award in the OI division to the pair with the best cumulative score over Summer I and Summer II, which went to Jess Hargrave and her own Regenmann.

In the Training Three-Day division at Coconino, your winner was Eileen Galoostian and her gelding Ratifier, who finished on their dressage score over the half-dozen phases with a 42.9. In the Novice Three-Day, top honors went to Christiana Schultz and her own Alexa Dawn, who won on their dressage score as well with a 26.4. There were 10 participants in this division, and we send them all an EN salute of insanity for keeping the tradition alive!

[Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

We hope you all had a safe and successful weekend! Go Eventing.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By on Jul 17, 2016 10:24 am -

As a 5’2″ woman who recently decided to retire from big horses and buy myself a 14-hand pony (check out my “The Princess Diaries” blog series over on Bloggers Row), I can’t sing the praises of “fun-sized” horses loudly enough. If you’re petite like me it’s like the difference between driving a yacht and a jetski — I still can’t get over how quick, sporty and maneuverable she is. It’s all I can do from squealing “whee!” every time we jump a jump.

The OTTBs we’re featuring in this week’s Wishlist all have one thing in common: they’re 15.3 hands tall. Which, to me, is a pretty perfect size if you can manage it. (And considering 6’2″ Mark Todd managed two individual Olympic gold medals on his 15.3-hand Charisma, you probably can.)

Have a look!

Photo via New Vocations.

Photo via New Vocations.

El Gran Turismo (Arch – Cambiocorsa, by Avenue of Flags) is a 2012 15.3-hand well-packaged athlete! He is balanced, correct and oozes potential. Known as “Gizmo” around the barn, he is described as being “a spunky little dude” and “so stinkin’ cute.” He was recently gelded so while he is currently out with four other gelding, his new owners will want to keep an eye on group dynamics and choose buddies wisely. His current group is balanced and happy. He is lovely to work around and handle and he does not have any stable vices.

Under saddle, he is so cool! He has suspension and a spring to his step. He takes quite a bit of leg to keep going forward but you know you are sitting on plenty of horse to conquer anything. Gizmo feels like he will excel at eventing or jumpers and is destined for the show ring. This guy will be a competitor in his second career after retiring from racing without any apparent injuries after three unsuccessful starts.

Gizmo comes by his athleticism honestly. His dam, Cambiocorsa, was a Graded Stakes winner who excelled at sprinting on the turf, particularly the downhill turf course at Santa Anita. At one point she went on a seven-race winning streak with four of those wins coming in stakes races, including one Grade 3. She finished her career with earnings of over $520k. El Gran Turismo is like a mini-me of his handsome sire, Arch, who passed away earlier this year. He won the Grade 1 Louisiana Super Derby as well as the Grade 3 Fayette Stakes at Keeneland.

View El Gran Turismo on New Vocations.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Punch It (Girolamo – Winning Punch, by Two Punch) is a 2013 15.3-hand filly who is pretty, well-bred and sizzling with class.

She is lightly raced with only 11 starts and is not showing much promise. Her trainer is ready to retire her sound, clean-legged, and with much potential to be successful in another career! She has a great pedigree for sport — she is by AP Indy’s young son Girolamo, out of a Two Punch mare, which is a sire much coveted in the eventing world. Her second and third dams are graded stakes producers.

She has a gorgeous build, a natural topline and a floaty, ground covering trot. At only 3 years old, Punch It will continue to grow in height and will definitely fill out. She was a bit nervous during her photoshoot, but was not naughty. Her trainer reports she is sweet and good to work with and settles quickly at the farm. Finger Lakes Finest was told that her exercise riders love riding her as she is always well behaved and “classy.” A good home is a must! There has already been a lot of interest in this fancy girl, so call quickly if you are seriously interested in bringing her home!

View Punch It on Finger Lakes Finest.

Photo via CANTER California.

Photo via CANTER California.

Wild Ruler (Tribal Rule – Our Wildest Moment, by Event of the Year) is a 2010 15.3-hand mare who won $23,683 in 23 starts and is now ready for a send-off to a new career.

“Rey” has proven herself to be quite the catch: very sweet and athletic with a fantastic mind and willing attitude. A quick learner and not spooky, this horse just screams athleticism! She can be a forward ride and sensitive at times and needs a very quiet, calm rider. Still green but has been started over jumps. She is game for anything and figures out obstacles in front of her quickly and with ease. Cleared for any discipline, but her trainers would love to see her go into an eventing and/or competitive home. Quiet enough for an experienced adult amateur but talented enough for a professional.

View Wild Ruler on CANTER California.

 

Watch Michael Jung’s Winning Cross Country Ride at Aachen

By on Jul 17, 2016 8:25 am -

Total beast mode. Ze Terminator Michael Jung and his stunning wunderkind fischerTakinou absolutely claimed and conquered the three-star course at Aachen yesterday, adding just 5.2 time penalties to their dressage score to claim the individual title.

ClipMyHorse.TV has been livestreaming all the events from Aachen this week, and yesterday put together a fabulous compilation of footage from Michael Jung’s round, including a killer slo-mo of the drop into the water.

You can see in fine detail how Michael maintains his position, gives his mount control of his head and body to optimize the landing, and calmly re-gathers his reins to continue on just a few strides later to a massive brush fence that literally dozens of christmas trees died to create.

Michael and fischerTakinou have since been confirmed as the combination representing Germany at the Rio Olympics, an impressive feat by the handsome chestnut gelding on multiple levels:

a) He had to out-perform barnmates La Biosthetique Sam and fischerRocana to nab the approval of selectors.

b) He is only nine years old.

c) He’s a French-bred Anglo-Arab / Selle Francais cross, which is a rather unusual combination and no doubt has the Anglo-Arab folks positively giddy.

Congratulations again to Michael, fischerTakinou and all their connections on a bright victory and even brighter future.

Go Eventing.