Classic Eventing Nation

Avery Klunick Loses In It To Win It in Colic Surgery

By on Jul 1, 2016 8:14 am -
Avery Klunick and In It To Win It. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld. Avery Klunick and In It To Win It. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Our hearts are broken for Avery Klunick, who lost her friend and partner In It To Win It in colic surgery last night.

Avery and “Winston,” a 16-year-old New Zealand Sport Horse, began their relationship in 2008 and in our Rolex Rookies profile of the pair earlier in the year Avery described him as her “first everything … We’ve basically grown up together.”

In 2011 “Winston” took Avery to the FEI National Junior and Young Rider Championships, where they finished fifth individually in the CCI1*. The next year, they returned to Young Riders to finish sixth individually in the CCI2*.

They moved up to the Advanced and three-star level in 2014 and picked up several top placings, including a fifth place in the CIC3* at Twin Rivers in 2014, a top-25 in their first CCI3* at Bromont, and a top-10 in the CCI3* at Rebecca Farm last year.
The zenith of their career arrived earlier this year, when the pair jumped clear around their first and sadly final four-star cross-country course.

The Eventing Nation family extends our heartfelt condolences to Avery and Winston’s connections.

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on Jul 1, 2016 12:03 am -
Some snaps from the clinic at Bay Point Equestrian Center. Photos by Mary Pat Stone, shared by Emma Ford.

Some snaps from the clinic at Bay Point Equestrian Center. Photos by Mary Pat Stone, shared by Emma Ford.

Look at these photos of kids and adults alike learning all the skills from none other than Olympic Grooms Emma Ford and Cat Hill. Aren’t you jealous? World Class Grooming offers clinics like this all around the states all the time! If you haven’t even read their book yet, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life, and you should also probably sign up for a clinic. I can’t recommend their expertise more, and I read the book in a single night flat, something that is usually only reserved for Harry Potter books.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Park of New Jersey I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

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

News From Around the Globe:

No, Mark Todd won’t be the oldest equestrian in Rio. Usually the “elder statesmen” of the group, at the age of 60 and heading into his eighth Olympic Games, he was just edged out by another New Zealander! Olympic newcomer Julie Brougham will be representing Team NZ in dressage. [Mark Todd No Longer the Oldest Man On Campus]

Young Riders up and down the country are busy raising money to get to Colorado for NAJYRC this year. Area III Team is competing this weekend at Chattahoochee Hills and they are having a fundraiser Mexican Fiesta tonight, if you’re able to attend and enjoy tacos (who doesn’t, seriously), go! Getting to Colorado is an extreme expense for each rider, so every little bit helps, and you can also help them by donating to their Go Fund Me. [Help Area III Young Riders]

Did you know that there is a Volunteer Incentive Program for Area II? I didn’t either, until I realized that MDHT #1 and #2 need volunteers, and clicked to sign up. You can volunteer for the FEH Jump Chute Clinic (very educational!), the FEH/YEH/NEH competition, and the two actual competitions which this year include a CIC* and CIC2*! If you volunteer you get a pass to XC on the competition courses, as well as breakfast lunch and dinner, MDHT gear, and a free lesson watching your favorite riders kick butt. You can also use this website to volunteer for other events throughout Area II as the season progresses! [Volunteer It Up, Y’all]

Let’s be real, having your whips all higgledy-piggledy around the tack room is a real pain. I once broke my favorite LUCKY cross country whip because I accidentally sat on it while it was mistakenly in the crook of a tack trunk. It was tragic, let me tell you. With this inexpensive and ingenious Whip Holder from SmartPak, you’ll never be rummaging around on the ground again for the whip you want. It keeps them tidy and safe! [SmartPak Product of the Day]

 

Future Olympian Blackfoot Mystery practices his SJ skillz a few days ago:

 

Thursday Video from Nupafeed: Midsouth Prelim Helmet Cam

By on Jun 30, 2016 5:00 pm -

We’re continuing our summer helmet cam tour with a trip to the Kentucky Horse Park, where Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trials ran this past weekend.

Michael Willham and Fernhill Cayenne, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, tied for first place in the Open Preliminary 2 division after dressage on 30.7, then slipped to second place with one rail in show jumping.

“A fault free cross country would have secured the win, but I took my time in order to ensure that we got around with no jumping penalties, so we ended up coming home with 12 time penalties, which dropped us to sixth,” Michael said. “Extremely happy with him. We needed a good clear round to get us back on track again!”

Be sure to send us your helmet cams at [email protected]. Go Eventing!

[Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trials]

Throwback Thursday: Bad Jumping Clinic with George Morris

By on Jun 30, 2016 3:30 pm -

The EN staffers have a tradition of emailing each other links to posts from yesteryear. We'll be digging through the archives, and suddenly one of our all-time greatest hits will resurface. John especially enjoys reliving the glory days, a time when he could misspell nearly ever word in a post and get away with it. Then it hit us: We should pass the laughs onto you, our dear readers. Without further ado, we're kicking off #TBT with an oldie but a goodie written by the one and only Leslie Wylie.

Uncle George is cranky, he’s misplaced his reading glasses, and he’s dialing it in big-time. See how this week’s batch of riders stack up.

From George:

Via the Horse-Fail-Photos Facebook page

Via the Horse-Fail-Photos Facebook page

This attractive pair shows potential but needs polish to advance in their training.

The rider is demonstrating the proper 90-degree knee angle and is doing a good job of bending from the waist to stay with her horse. A more correct leg position, however, would show the stirrup leather perpendicular (as opposed to parallel) to the ground.

Her hand position is typical of young riders these days — hovering above the neck rather than pressing into the neck for a crest release. Of course, I prefer the automatic release, with a straight line between the elbow and the bit, but I’ve been telling you people that for years and you’re still all doing it wrong so I’ll save my breath.

This horse has a very dramatic style and seems capable of jumping a much larger fence. His expression, however, is one of anger. Not that I blame him.

Their turnout is clean and workmanlike for a schooling situation, although everyone knows that colored saddle pads and ear bonnets make me want to stab my eyes out with a pen.

Next.

Via horseforum.com

Via horseforum.com

The number one equitation flaw I see in the show ring today is young people laying on their horses’ necks. Not only is it unattractive, it also makes the horse’s job more difficult, as this photo illustrates. This rider needs let go of her horse’s ears and put weight in the heels for a more stable base of support.

Ordinarily I’d recommend working without stirrups, but this rider appears to already have that skill down.

I like how this horse is really going to the base of the fence. It’s a refreshing change from all the hunters I see loping around and leaving long, which produces a flat, unattractive jump. He has a fairly pleasant look on his face, considering the fact that his rider is on the verge of strangling him to death.

I’m just going to pretend that this rider is wearing a conservatively colored polo shirt, and that the horse’s saddle pad is clean, white and properly fitted. Clearly, I am pretending a lot of things about this photo.

From reader Marjean McIntyre

From reader Marjean McIntyre

Our third and hopefully final rider, on the other hand, is doing an excellent job of not succumbing to the trend of  jumping ahead of his horse–although he could stand to close his hip angle more to stay with his horse. His lower leg seems secure and his eyes are up, looking toward the next fence.

I’m going to decline comment on his release because I haven’t taken my blood pressure pills yet today.

The horse is demonstrating a fine bascule but is hanging his knees, which could become dangerous over a larger fence. Lots of work through gymnastic grids will improve his form. Maybe.

Why can’t anyone ever polish their horses’ hooves? Nobody listens to me. Nobody cares.

* Not actually written by George Morris. With inspiration from Practical Horseman‘s “Jumping Clinic with George Morris” and Bad Riding.

Get In: Blogger Contest FAQ

By on Jun 30, 2016 1:00 pm -

The Sixth Annual EN Blogger Contest deadline fast approaches (tomorrow! Friday, July 1), and with that in mind, here’s a last minute inspirational FAQ, as originally penned by the one and only Abby Gibbon.

Who can enter the contest?

Baby beginners and four-star veterans, tall and small, acclaimed and obscure, proximal and telescopic, one and all. If you’re reading this, you’re eligible. If you’re not reading this, you’re also eligible.

Even if I entered last year and didn’t win?

Even better. As we can daily attest, chances are you clicked “send” and immediately identified 10 ways in which you could’ve improved your writing. And as most writers would agree, rejection is the bottom rung on the dubious, many-runged ladder toward success (“Do you want the books back? I don’t imagine so in which case we will keep it for our blank department. But let me know. I wonder if any publisher will buy it.”).

If, a year later, you’ve still got the bug to write for EN: Take that second shot.

Is writing experience necessary?

Anyone who read EN back when John ran the site could argue that spelling isn’t even that important. More important is a unique point of view, keen observation and a real enthusiasm for eventing. If you’ve got those three things, they’ll sneak through in your writing.

What do I get if I win?

Your name on posts read by millions! The posts themselves highly search-identified (you’ll Google yourself! It will be there!)! Phone calls from four-star riders! Phone calls from EN staffers!

More seriously, you’ll get to the opportunity to work with an awesome group of writers and riders, writing about a sport you love, with the opportunity to bring your bloggy dreams to fruition in an atmosphere where they’ll be appreciated (and debated and discussed) by folks who understand what you’re talking about. A rare opportunity, indeed.

What’s the pay like?

The winner will become a paid freelance writer on the EN team.

Don’t you guys have enough writers already?

Nonsense. “Enough writers” is an oxymoron, like “airplane food” and “extra time.”

What should I write about?

Your post should be Funny, Interesting, Creative, Informative and related to eventing (these are the judging criteria). Other than that, it’s up to you. What was your most epic event? Who will win the Olympics? How awesome is William Fox-Pitt? How much do you want to steal Sam? All topics are fair game. Surprise and impress us.

When is it due?

TOMORROW! Friday, July 1 at midnight EST. Email entries to [email protected] with the subject “EN Blogger Contest Entry.”

Go Enter.

Groton House Farm Hosts Picture-Perfect Weekend

By on Jun 30, 2016 11:30 am -
Anna Loschiavo and Prince Renan, winners of the Intermediate/Preliminary division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

Anna Loschiavo and Prince Renan, winners of the Intermediate/Preliminary division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

Area 1 eventers made their annual pilgrimage to the beloved Groton House Farm Horse Trials in Hamilton, Massachusetts this past weekend, where competitors, volunteers and organizers alike were rewarded with a picture-perfect weekend of eventing fun.

Dressage day on Friday was busy with five concurrently running rings accommodating the 240 competitors in Novice through Intermediate/Preliminary divisions, plus dressage schooling tests. The lowest score of the weekend went to Katie Lichten and Womble with a 26.50, which the pair finished on to win the Junior Open Novice division.

Lacey Ogden and Cooley Higher Ground, winners of the Training/Novice division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

Lacey Ogden and Cooley Higher Ground, winners of the Training/Novice division. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Though the sunny weekend was welcomed by all, a lack of rain over the previous week meant firmer ground for galloping on cross country day, and many competitors opted for a slower pace coming in over the time allowed. The Novice and Preliminary courses took riders through the notorious Sunken Road, which shook up the standings and unfortunately ended the weekend early for a few competitors.

Hallie Coon and Lansdownne, winners of the Preliminary/Training division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

Hallie Coon and Lansdownne, winners of the Preliminary/Training division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

Groton House Farm, owned by Ann Getchell and the Winthrop family, takes pride in running the event over three full days, culminating in a traditional victory gallop after show jumping on Sunday. Anna Loschiavo was a big winner over the weekend as she led three victory gallops on the final day. Anna won the Intermediate/Preliminary division with Prince Renan, Senior Open Training-A with Ace of Hearts and Senior Open Training-B with Fernhill Swatch.

“I’m feeling especially grateful for the amazing group of horses I get to ride and train and my horse family and sponsors,” Anna posted on her Facebook page. “I’m still trying to comprehend the weekend and am so thankful for the partnership I have with each of these horses.”

Sarah Blum and Northern Light, winners of the Senior Open Novice-C division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

Sarah Blum and Northern Light, winners of the Senior Open Novice-C division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

The traditional three-day schedule was disrupted last year by a springtime Nor’Easter, but this weekend was the polar opposite as volunteers and patrons sat in the shade of the ancient oak trees or under the sponsor’s tent.

During lunch, spectators were treated to a demonstration given by students of Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation Inc., a long-time beneficiary of the Groton House Farm Horse Trials. The annual volunteer award was presented to Tim Murray with honorable mention going to David and Tori Wilson for their tireless efforts in organizing and volunteering during the event.

Lots of fun competitions have been happening throughout the season for the Adult Rider Program, and the Area 1 Adult Riders Program’s “As Good As It Gets” competition added extra excitement to cross country day at Groton House this year. The competition awarded ribbons to the six highest placed Adult Rider Program members in each division, with the first place member receiving a bag of goodies for horse and rider.

Sarah Morton and Tuxedo, winners of the Senior Open Novice-B division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

Sarah Morton and Topper, winners of the Senior Open Training-C division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

A trio of fundraising events over the weekend were hugely successful in raising money for the 2016 NAJYRC Area 1 team’s trip to Colorado in July. A silent auction, a supper and live auction hosted by the Lichten family at their own Aquila Farms on Friday night, and a stall cleaning service on Sunday resulted in a record breaking effort that raised more than $11,000.

The icing on the cake, according to Deb Meek, Area 1 Young Riders Program Coordinator, was the domination of the top placings in the Junior Young Rider Open Preliminary division by NAJYRC team candidates.

“The Area 1 Young Riders wish to pass along their immense gratitude to Ann Getchell and Liz Wheaton for their extraordinary support along with every person or company that donated ideas, time, effort, and merchandise,” Deb said. “It was a stunning effort!”

Sloane Pierpont and Indie, winners of the Junior Young Rider Open Preliminary Division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

Sloane Pierpont and Indie, winners of the Junior Young Rider Open Preliminary Division. Photo by Joan Davis/ Flatlandsfoto.

As always, a huge thank you to Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto for these great shots of a few of the weekend’s winners. Go Eventing.

[Groton House Farm Final Scores]

Countdown to Great Meadow: Win a Car Pass + Equi Cool Down Towel

By on Jun 30, 2016 10:30 am -
Aerial view of the new arena at Great Meadow. Photo by Jamie Rees. Aerial view of the new arena at Great Meadow. Photo by Jamie Rees.

If you missed out on EN’s last giveaway to win a weekend car pass to next week’s Land Rover Great Meadow International, you’re in luck! We’re partnering with our friends at Horsefly Group to give away one weekend car pass to the event plus an Equi Cool Down Towel to one lucky winner.

Equi Cool Down will be providing cooling stations at multiple locations on the grounds at Great Meadow next weekend for horses, humans, riders and spectators alike to ensure that everyone stays cool in the Virginia summer heat.

The Equi Cool Down Towel allows you to take your own personal cooling station on the go. All you have to do is wet the towel and then wave it, which activates a plant extract that keeps the towel cool for hours. It’s the perfect accessory to a weekend at Great Meadow!

Image courtesy of Equi Cool Down

Image courtesy of Equi Cool Down

Enter to win the Great Meadow weekend car pass and Equi Cool Down Towel using the Rafflecopter widget below. Entries close Sunday at midnight EST. We’ll draw a winner on Monday and announce the lucky name in News & Notes.

If you haven’t made plans to attend Great Meadow next week, what are you waiting for? Click here to visit the official website, here for ticket information and here for the full schedule.

The action kicks off Friday, when it’s totally free to access the grounds for the first horse inspection, opening ceremony and Morningside Bareback Puissance. EN will be on the grounds, and we hope to see you there!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday News & Notes from Professional’s Choice

By on Jun 30, 2016 12:03 am -
The proper way to do summer rides. Photo by Emily Rector.

The proper way to do summer rides. Photo by Emily Rector.

Olympic Fever is creeping in!! I don’t know how, but I’m most excited that my friend/coworker/coach Ali Brock made it onto the US Dressage team than anything else. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing somebody who has worked for so long and so hard and put every drop of sweat, tears and blood into this goal finally achieve it. Well, maybe achieving it yourself would feel better, but this is a close second!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Park of New Jersey I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

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

News From Around the Globe:

Chuck Borell, father of Maria Borell, has been charged with 43 counts of animal cruelty as of yesterday. Borell attempted to access the farm where he and his daughter had apparently abandoned over 40 Thoroughbreds and other horses; however, the farm gate was locked and he was shortly taken into custody. Last night a warrant was also issued for the arrest of Maria Borell, in what has been a long and twisted story of guilt and shame and neglect. [Update on Borell Neglect Case]

Workers in the veterinary profession is four times as likely to take their own lives, and the industry is just beginning to talk about it. With an emotionally, physically, and psychologically straining job, veterinarian suicide is twice that of human doctors, and four times that of the average population. Research shows that work overload is the most commonly cited cause of psychological distress, as well as work-life conflict, conflict with animal owners and staff management responsibilities. [Veterinarians High Risk For Suicide]

The equestrian community and people all over the world have been following the story of 18 yr old Hannah Francis, who has terminal bone cancer, and her mascot Willberry Wonder Pony.   Together Hannah and Willberry have inspired, amazed and brought tears to many eyes. We saw him ride around Badminton tucked into the back of Ben Hobday’s vest, and now Hannah has set up a charity to continue #kickingcancersbutt. There is an online auction featuring excellent prizes from top riders and companies, and great chances to get a good deal on some awesome stuff while benefitting a great cause. [Willberry Wonder Pony Online Auction]

The soundtrack from Forrest Gump seems to reduce stress in domestic horses. Well, classical music in general, but more specifically Forrest Gump. A team of researchers used in-ear musical devices for horses during travel and farriery and measured the signs of stress during the activity as well as the recovery time afterwards, and found that classical music does seem to regulate heart rate and reduce other signs of stress. [Classical Music Helps Reduce Stress]

McLain Ward started riding on two little ponies named Peter Pan I and Peter Pan II. That is all.

 

 

U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team Named; All U.S. Teams Now Official for Rio

By on Jun 29, 2016 6:00 pm -

The U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team was officially named this morning by the United States Equestrian Federation, and will include the following riders:

Lucy Davis of Los Angeles, California, and Old Oak Farm’s Barron, a 2004 Belgian Warmblood gelding

Kent Farrington of Wellington, Florida and Amalaya Investments’ Voyeur, a 2002 KWPN gelding

Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, New York, and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’, a 2002 Belgian Warmblood gelding

McLain Ward of Brewster, New York, with Double H Farm and Francois Mathy’s HH Azur, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood mare

Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Florida and Old Willow Farms, LLC’s Zeremonie, a 2007 Holsteiner mare, have been named as the traveling reserve.

This latest team announcement is the last of the three equestrian teams headed for the Summer Games, with the dressage team named earlier this week on Monday and the eventing team named last week on June 20.

The dressage team includes Allison Brock, Laura Graves, Kasey Perry-Glass and Steffen Peters; the eventing team includes Phillip Dutton, Lauren Kieffer, Boyd Martin and Clark Montgomery.

We’ll be following all equestrian events at the Rio Olympics this summer, but for in-depth coverage of show jumping, please visit our sister site Jumper Nation, and of course you can find in-depth coverage of eventing right here. EN’s own Jenni Autry will be on-site to cover the eventing portion of the Olympics at Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Center in Rio de Janeiro.

Go Team USA!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Arrowhead H.T. Helmet Cam

By on Jun 29, 2016 3:00 pm -

Today we’re taking a virtual trip out to Billings, Montana, where Arrowhead Horse Trials ran Preliminary-Intro divisions, as well as Young Event Horse classes, this past weekend.

Cyra Carlson and Matinee, a 19-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred mare owned by Christel Carlson, competed in the Training division, adding just one show jumping rail to their dressage score to finish in third place on 42.8.

Watch the helmet cam above to take a spin around the Training cross country course with Cyra and Matinee, and click here to check out final scores from Arrowhead H.T.

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