Classic Eventing Nation

Ludwig Svennerstål Wins Strzegom CICO3*, Great Britain Widens Lead in FEI Nations Cup Series

By on Jun 26, 2016 1:30 pm -

Ludwig Svennerstål (SWE) and Håkan Svennerstål’s 17-year-old King Bob jumped clear under pressure today to win the Strzegom CICO3* in Poland. According to our friends at Equiratings, Ludwig and King Bob’s finishing score of 40.5 annihilates their previous personal best by 12 points in the 25-year-old rider’s first international win at the level.

It’s got to feel pretty good, too, to beat Michael Jung and two of his potential Rio rides.

Strzegom was Sweden’s final Olympic selection trials and the team is expected to be named very soon. Ludwig is nominated on King Bob as well as Aspe, an 8-year-old Holsteiner mare.

Michael Jung (GER) and reigning European Champion fischerTakinou, owned by the Jung family and Fischer, Klaus and Sabine, were also clear to finish second on a 40.6. Likewise Brigitte and Joachim Jung’s fischerRocana FST kept all the poles up for a fourth place finish overall.

Third went to Rosalind Canter and Caroline Moore’s Allstar B, whose final score of 46.2 contributed to Great Britain’s win in the FEI Nations Cup team competition. Rosalind, along with Izzy Taylor, Holly Woodhead and Laura Collett, added only four penalties to the final team score, giving them a commanding victory over second place Italy.

Great Britain is leading the 2016 FEI Nations Cup Eventing Series after the first four events. Germany, who finished fourth as a team at Strzegom, is second in the series with France close behind them. (Click here to view the Nations Cup Series leaderboard.)

The next event in the Series is of course Great Meadow in The Plains, Va., the first Nations Cup Eventing competition to take place outside of Europe. We’re excited that Great Britain, the 2015 Series Champions, will be fielding a team Stateside.

Italy’s Stefano Brecciaroli was the winner in the CCI3* at Strzegom with Roulette B; the 13-year-old mare is one of Stefano’s three Rio hopefuls. The pair moved up from third with only one time penalty to add in the final phase. Denmark’s Irene Mia Hastrup and Constantin M finished second, and William Nilsson Fryer of Sweden rounds out the top three with Quireboy.

Click here for final results from Strzegom and check out their YouTube channel to watch key rider rounds and post ride interviews.

Strzegom CIC3* Final Top 10:

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FEI Nations Cup Top 3 at Strzegom:

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Weekly OTTB Wishlist Presented by Cosequin

By on Jun 26, 2016 11:30 am -

What’s on your OTTB’s social calendar? We’re loving the Retired Racehorse Project‘s new interactive calendar of things to do with your Thoroughbreds.

From hunter/jumper shows that include Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program TIP classes to horse trials offering high-point Thoroughbred awards, as well as clinics and other activities, you can view the new calendar on the RPP website here.

Search for events by state, type, and discipline and find locations, links, and descriptions for events that match your search criteria. You can also submit your own Thoroughbred-specific shows, events and clinics for inclusion on the calendar.

Keep up the great work, RPP! And now, here are our three off-track event prospect picks of the week:

Photo via CANTER Minnesota.

Photo via CANTER Minnesota.

Caleb’s Cat (Tactical Cat – All Or Nothing, by Ghazi) is a 4-year-old, 16.1-2 hand total catch!

This guy is stunning and his pedigree — which includes, you guessed it, Storm Cat — is pretty awesome as well. He’s only run seven races and is retiring sound after just never hitting the board. He is a very floaty mover with good shoulder movement, which will only get better off the track. He has clean legs and good looking feet; he is built to excel in any sport horse discipline.

Located at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota.

View Caleb’s Cat on CANTER Minnesota.

View Butkennyrun on Finger Lakes Finest.

Photo via Maker's Mark Secretariat Center.

Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Thenextheartthrob (Forest Wildcat – Ravish Me, by Wild Again) is a 16.2-hand 2008 gelding — and is aptly named!

Tall, dark, and handsome, he’s a Black Beauty look-a-like with a healthy sense of self and a great deal of presence. Heartthrob had four starts in his career, finishing first once and third once, and he last raced four years ago. He had been hanging out in a field for several years when his owners decided to spice up his life by sending him to a kid’s camp for his next career.

But Heartthrob was not interested in babysitting. He’s looking for one great love who will fawn over him and flatter him and make it worth his while to excel. He needs a special adopter who will understand and celebrate his dashing good looks and his proud bearing.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Thenextheartthrob on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center. 

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Photo via Finger Lakes Finest.

Money Zapper (Ghostzapper – Simonetta, by Harlan’s Holiday) is a 2010, 16.2-hand gelding that oozes quality.

Finger Lakes Finest reports that the photos do not do him justice: “On a day when we saw many seriously nice horses, the volunteers who were privileged enough to see this big handsome son of superstar Ghostzapper were smitten, declaring him their favorite of the day! When we saw Money Zapper, we were immediately drawn in by his classic good looks, solid boned correct conformation, strong deep shoulder, big chest, uphill and well balanced build. The alert and intelligent look to his kind eye, his well mannered presence, and his very nice long-strided balanced movement add to the exciting package.”

“The groom who showed him to us said he is a well mannered good horse to handle, although he can at times be a bit mouthy … He is described as sound, and his legs looked clean. One of our volunteers felt his legs and palpated them, and pronounced them in excellent shape. His feet are over due for a trim, and his overly long toes at times seemed to cause him some difficulty while jogging, but nonetheless we could see very good movement. We also watched some race videos, and saw a balanced fluid big-strided gallop and a similarly ground covering trot with good flow from the shoulders and a flat kneed reach. This horse ticks all the boxes of what everyone says they are looking for, and considering his quality, great breeding, soundness, size and movement, he is very reasonably priced.”

View Money Zapper on Finger Lakes Finest. 

What Does ‘Brexit’ Mean for the Equine Industry?

By on Jun 26, 2016 9:30 am -
Flag of the European Union. Photo via Wikimedia Commons. Flag of the European Union. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

The world was rocked last week when Great Britain voted 52%-48% to leave the European Union, the global and local ramifications for which are still being hashed out by politicians and mainstream media. But what might this historic decision mean for the equine industry?

News of the vote sent financial markets into a frenzy and the value of the British pound fell immediately. Over the weekend, the pound dropped to $1.33–its lowest point since 1985–and while it bounced back slightly, future speculations are grim. So at the moment, the dollar will go farther in Britain, and I’ve seen more than one Facebook post of a rider planning a spontaneous horse shopping trip across the pond.

While Americans may get more bang for their buck, how about the affect of the purchasing power of the pound in other countries? The Irish Field stated in a recent article that British buyers are one of the strongest markets for Irish-bred horses and interviewed several key figures locally, including Carol Gee of Fernhill Sporthorses, who said she was shocked by the decision and that “time will tell what the implications will be.”

Goresbridge auctioneer Martin Donohoe took a pragmatic approach: “I have no worries at all about Brexit, it’s in and passed. We should get on with it now. I don’t know whether it will have an effect or not on the industry but we cannot do anything about it but live with it. A big percentage of private UK buyers are now not going to have the 9% (Value Added Tax) so they are getting more value for their money.”

One positive aspect of the vote is the potential for better disease control. Kevin Needham, director of Newmarket-based BBA Shipping & Transport Ltd, explained to Horse and Hound that horses can move freely between EU member states with a health certificate but do not have to be tested for infectious diseases. Having left the EU, Britain could move to establish stricter protocol when it comes to moving horses in and out of the country. (Note: the movement of FEI competition and racehorses between France, the UK and Ireland is covered by the Tripartite Agreement and therefore unaffected by the referendum.)

Equine business consultant Anne Clarke, of Connected Thinking, wrote a piece for the Equestrian Entrepreneurs Network back in March highlighting several facts to consider should Britain indeed vote to leave the EU. She stated that free movement will be what most affects athletes, coaches and grooms based in yards outside their home nation, citing work permits and access to health care as particularly influential points. Anne goes on to discuss scientific research, imports and exports, education, farming and even charities.

Time will indeed tell how the equine industry will be affected by the decision, but regardless of the political standing of Great Britain and the European Union, equestrians and eventers in particular are part of a community whose heart cannot be divided by borders. That fact, we know for sure.

[Pound to dollar exchange rate at lowest level for more than 30 years after Brexit]

[Brexit: ‘The British will still buy Irish horses’]

[Brexit ‘could be an opportunity for the equine industry’]

[What would Brexit mean for the equestrian sector?]

 

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Jun 26, 2016 12:00 am -
The incredibly historic and slightly musty Hunt Roster at Manhattan Saddlery. Photo by Lorraine Jackson The incredibly historic and slightly musty Hunt Roster at Manhattan Saddlery. Photo by Lorraine Jackson

If you’re ever feeling the horsey blues while vacationing in The Big Apple, the elixir is to make a stop at Manhattan Saddlery on the lower east side and check out one of the most historic and delightful tack stores in the United States. If their manager Jessie is around and you’re terribly nice, she might be willing to haul out the remarkable treasure seen above: a roll of hunts in the surrounding area from the early turn of the 20th century up into around the late 1960s. It includes fabric samples in the hunt’s colors so that riders could come in and order a custom-made coat. Just one of many other-wordly relics at this equine hot spot!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Groton House Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Surefire H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Inavale Farm Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Arrowhead H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Honey Run H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Abbe Ranch H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Dutch Horses to be Sold After Rio Olympics

6 Reasons Adopting This Team of Belgians Basically Makes Me Daenerys Targeryen

Video: Men’s Sidesaddle

Lessons Learned: Beginner Nauseous … er, Novice

“Perfect storm” felled South America’s Ice Age mammals, including horses

Sunday Video: Tips for Calming Horse Show Nerves

Saturday Video: Strzegom CIC* Helmet Cam

By on Jun 25, 2016 5:00 pm -

Juliane Barth (GER) and her 9-year-old Holsteiner Alani 2 made quick work of the CIC* cross country course at Strzegom Horse Trials in Poland this weekend, finishing clear and inside. They finished the competition on their dressage score of 45.3, moving up from 25th after dressage to an eventual eighth place completion in a division of 80 starters.

Juliane happens to be a freelance creative producer in commercial film. Subscribe to her YouTube channel, Julis Eventer, for more great videos.

Apply for Thoroughbred Incentive Program Non-Competition Awards

By on Jun 25, 2016 3:00 pm -

The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) is accepting applications for two annual non-competition awards: T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year and T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year. Thoroughbreds registered with The Jockey Club are eligible for participation in both awards and applications can be downloaded from the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program website.

The T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award recognizes a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work. The award includes a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization associated with the horse or, if no organization is associated with the horse, to a horse-related charity chosen by The Jockey Club.

The T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award recognizes young riders, 18 or under as of January 1, 2016, who own or lease a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club or other activities. The winner(s) will be determined through an essay contest with a total award of $5,000 that can be applied to the college of their choice or to their participation in an event that furthers their involvement with horses.

To apply for the T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award and/or Young Rider of the Year Award, please download an application, complete it, and send it to The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program. The application deadline is June 30, 2016!

Learn more about T.I.P. and information regarding eligibility and assistance with identification of Thoroughbreds at tjctip.com.

A Horse of a Different Color: Tango

By on Jun 25, 2016 1:10 pm -

“A Horse of a Different Color” features horses and ponies that have been successful in the sport of eventing while representing a unique breed. Do you have a horse that you think would be a great feature subject? If so, email [email protected].

Susan Thomas and Tango at the Heart of the Carolinas Three-Day Event. Photo by Lisa Shurtz.

Susan Thomas and Tango at the Heart of the Carolinas Three-Day Event. Photo by Lisa Shurtz.

Leslie Allen first spotted Tango, an Overo Paint pony gelding, tied to a trailer at a horse sale at Clemson University. When asked what attracted her to him she responded by admitting what many of us have when we brought another horse home: “He was cute!”

“We were looking for a good prospect that we would work with and maybe sell, but once we saw him and started working with him there was no way we were going to sell him. There was something really special about him,” Leslie said.

Leslie’s $900 project pony turned out to more of a challenge than expected, however, as it soon became clear that little Tango had had minimal handling. He was nervous, skittish and untrusting. Realizing she had “bitten off more than she could chew,” Leslie sent Tango to Chad Ray for a few months of training. He helped Tango get more comfortable with handling and being ridden, and for several years after that Tango enjoyed life as a farm and trail horse.

A lifelong “casual” rider, Leslie soon became interested in branching out and wanted to try her hand at eventing, but Tango’s anxiety began to show once again when introduced to this new sport.

“Tango was very reticent and scared of everything in this new environment: arenas, obstacles, loud speakers, jumps, flower boxes,” Leslie said. “Again, I was out of my element and Tango sent me to the ground several times.”

Leslie once again sought help but was disappointed when a trainer tried to push Tango too fast, leaving them back at square one and recommending he be sold. Leslie could not be persuaded, however, and went about interviewing new trainers, including Susan Thomas of Charbonnet Sport Horses in Jefferson, Ga.

Leslie Allen and Tango at Chattahoochee Hills. Photo courtesy of Leslie Allen.

Leslie Allen and Tango at Chattahoochee Hills. Photo courtesy of Leslie Allen.

Leslie said there was something about Susan that resonated with her when they first met and felt she was the right choice to help Tango. Leslie and Tango began making strides within a few short months of joining Susan’s program. The turning point in Tango’s training came simply by being patient and giving him plenty of time of to figure things out.

“From the beginning Susan expected we would be moving forward and making goals,” Leslie said. “It was important that we had goals, but when we would get to point where he was struggling, we dropped back. I’m amazed at what she’s done; he trusts her implicitly.”

Susan loved Tango’s type and way of going and knew if they could gain his trust, he would shine. She worked with Leslie and Tango, slowly building the pony’s confidence both around people and over fences. They started competing him at Intro and went from there. Soon he realized the fun of jumping and began to truly enjoy his work.

“What was fascinating about him is the more confidence he got and understanding what we were asking, he was braver and braver. It’s so much fun to watch that. It would warm your heart to watch him go and really attack a course,” Leslie said.

In May 2015, Susan took Tango to his first USEA horse trials at Poplar Place Farm, where he finished on his dressage score of 21.8 to win the Open Beginner Novice division. He then went on to win three of his next four horse trials with Susan in the irons, including the Beginner Novice Three-Day Event at Southern 8ths Farm and most recently the Area III Beginner Novice Horse Championships.

Tango’s fan club grows with every event he attends and Leslie is thrilled the once difficult pony is now being recognized for his talent. This September he will compete in his biggest event yet at the USEA American Eventing Championships at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. We wish Tango, Susan and Leslie lots of luck and look forward to cheering them on!

Ludwig Svennerstal Moves Ahead of Michael Jung, Great Britain New Team Leader at Strzegom CICO3*

By on Jun 25, 2016 11:00 am -
Ludwig Svennerstal and King Bob at Luhmühlen 2015. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Ludwig Svennerstal and King Bob at Luhmühlen 2015. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

In a surprise twist, Michael Jung relinquished his lead in the FEI Nations Cup Strzegom CICO3* in Poland. Both fischerTakinou and fisherRocana FST picked up a handful of time penalties on cross country today to drift into second fifth place respectively.

Michael said in the post-ride interview that the ground was “not perfect” and the weather hot and dry, so he intentionally did not push the horses. He’s listed on the German Olympic Team short list with fischerTakinou, fisherRocana FST and La Biosthetique Sam but revealed that he feels 9-year-old fisherTakinou is his mount for Rio.

The margin between first and second is very slim, and while Ludwig Svennerstal and the very experienced King Bob were quick and fast around a course which caused no shortage of trouble, they only hold the overnight lead by 0.1 points. Italy’s Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere were just one second over time and moved into the top three.

The real shakeup came in the FEI Nations Cup team standings, as Great Britain shot from fourth to first. Both Rosalind Canter (best equestrian’s last name ever?) with Allstar B and Izzy Taylor with KBIS Briarlands Matilda were double clear while Laura Collett and Cooley Again added only 3.6 time, moving the three pairs up the leaderboard and giving Great Britain a small advantage heading into show jumping on a combined team score of 156.6.

Italy is hot on their heels with a combined team score of 157.9. The gap then to third is wide, with Belgium moving up from sixth to third on a team score of 230.7. Although they dropped out of the top three, the three-person German team is not out of podium contention with a post cross country score of 232.0. Sweden, second in the Nations Cup after dressage, saw two horses withdrawn before the start of cross country, which took them out of the team competition.

The CCI3* cross country has just wrapped up, dressage leaders Stefano Brecciaroli (ITA) and Roulette B picked up some time to fall to third. The remainder of the new top six posted the day’s double clears, and Belgium’s Hugo Laschet and Omega de Gravelotte became the new leaders.

Click here for ride times, orders of go and live scoring from Strzegom.

Strzegom CICO3* Top 10 After Cross Country:

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FEI Nations Cup Team Standings:

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Watch the Strzegom CCI3* Cross Country Live Stream

By on Jun 25, 2016 9:00 am -

Strzegom Nations Cup CICO3* cross country has just wrapped up — we’ll be along with an update on that later — and now we’re onto the CCI3*. It’s well into the afternoon in Poland but 9 a.m. EST, so grab a mug of coffee and head back to bed with your laptop for some vicarious cross country thrills! Isn’t that what Saturdays are for, anyway? View CCI3* cross country ride times here.

The CCI3* division may not be quite as star studded as the CICO3* but it’s a critical competition for the countries represented who haven’t yet made their final Olympic team cuts. Stefano Brecciaroli, who has three nominated horses on the Italian Olympic long list, is currently holding down the top two spots but of course it’s cross country day, so anything could happen!

We also always enjoy cheering Lissa Green, the 27-year-old daughter of British eventing legend Lucinda, around the track. What a lovely young woman — we last profiled her in 2012 and are overdue for an update, but you can check that out here. She’s inside the CCI3* top 15 after dressage this weekend riding Malin Head Clover.

Top 20 heading into cross country: 

Screen Shot 2016-06-24 at 5.00.32 PM

 

Click here for more ride times, orders of go and live scoring from Strzegom.

 

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Jun 25, 2016 12:01 am -
How Sinead Halpin keeps the pony treats away on scoping day! Photo via Sinead on Facebook. How Sinead Halpin keeps the pony treats away on scoping day! Photo via Sinead on Facebook.

As we officially get into summer, I’ve become increasingly thankful for very early mornings. Here in the desert in California, it’s easy to be deceived in the morning hours when the air is still cool. Never fear, by 9 a.m. you’ll be glistening with sweat, and it’s pretty nasty. So, my alarm has been set at 4 a.m. for the past week and it’s been glorious to get the horses worked before the heat gets too bad. The things we do for our horses, right? I can’t think of many other reasons why I’d drag myself out of bed that early.

What other hot weather tips do you have? Share them in our newest series, #EventerSolutions!

Events This Weekend:

Groton House Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Surefire H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Inavale Farm Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Arrowhead H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Honey Run H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Abbe Ranch H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

News & Notes:

Elysian Hills in Marshall, VA is hosting a cross country clinic with Sharon White! On both July 18 and July 26, riders of all levels will have the opportunity to sharpen their skills with Sharon, who is popular for her straightforward yet encouraging teaching approach. Email [email protected] for more information and/or to enter!

Speaking of clinics, Justine Dutton is teaching a clinic on July 27 at RG Equine in West Grove, PA. An up and coming rider who was just selected to represent Great Britain at the Great Meadow Nations Cup leg next month, Justine also has a great approach to teaching and enjoys seeing her students improve. [Justine Dutton Clinic]

Are electrolytes as important as we think for our horses? Most tend to say yes. This great article from Horse & Hound breaks down the benefits of using electrolytes for our equine athletes. [Electrolytes and Horses]

Saturday Video:

Preview fence 23 on the cross country course at Strzegom with none other than Michael Jung!