I have been tied to my phone for the better part of three days. If I’m not refreshing scores from Rebecca Farm, I’m in the middle of a flurry of texts back and forth about how all of my West Coast friends are doing in Big Sky Country. I’m certainly sad that I missed it this year, but there’s always the next one around. As they said on The Sort of OK Show About Horses with Buck and Kyle recently, Rebecca Farm just keeps getting bigger and better each year. One of these years I’ll don a maroon pinney myself and gallop through the canola fields.
Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream. Photo by Leslie Threldkeld for the official event photographer Shannon Brinkman photography, courtesy of Rebecca Farm.
Hannah Sue Burnett staked out the top of the CCI3* dressage leaderboard today at the Event at Rebecca Farm. She and Cooley Dream were the first pair in the division and they came out swinging, laying down a 43.7 that proved unbeatable in the 12-horse division.
The closest anyone got to catching them, in fact, was Hannah Sue herself on her second horse, Under Suspection, who scored a 45.6.
Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Rebecca Farm is Cooley Dream’s CCI3* debut. The 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Jacqueline Mars cut a striking figure in the ring and we can’t wait to watch them tackle tomorrow’s testing cross country course.
“Cooley is a young horse, he’s only eight this year. He’s still sort of a work in progress but he’s lovely, he’s such a fantastic horse,” Hannah Sue said.
Under Suspection is a newer ride for Hannah Sue, who began competing her this spring. The 12-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Mary Ann Ghadban was formerly ridden by Dirk Schrade in Germany before being imported to the States by Sharon White, who competed her at the three-star level.
“Under Suspection was fantastic too,” Hannah Sue said. “I thought actually ‘Pippi’ might beat Cooley Dream because she was doing so well in warm up but with the wind, she got a little excited and changes were a little more exciting than what I was hoping. But both tests were really good and I was very happy with them.”
Buck Davidson and Copper Beach, perhaps the most traveled combination in the field, rounded out the top three on a 45.7. The pair got a big cheer after their test from spectators acknowledging Buck’s support of the event and willingness go out of his way to be here this week.
Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Rebecca Farm marks the much-anticipated first FEI outing for one of the most exciting new combinations in the sport, Hawley Bennett and Jollybo. Hawley acquired the 12-year-old British Sport Horse mare, campaigned through the three-star level by Justine Dutton, in June and they already seem to fit one another like a glove. Jollybo was a bit impetuous in today’s test but Hawley, who knows a thing or two about spicy mares, coaxed her through the tension to score a 53.9, good for fourth place.
Earlier in the day the Adequan Gold Cup CIC3* division dressage was won by West Coaster Mackenna Shea and Landioso. MacKenna bested her trainer Tamie Smith‘s score of 44.5 by a tenth of a point to become the overnight leader.
Mackenna Shea and Landioso. Photo by Alleyn Evans for for official event photographer Shannon Brinkman Photography, courtesy of Rebecca Farm.
The Next Level event team of Tamie and Heather Morris had a monopoly on the top five placings, with Tamie in second, third and fifth on Lagos Star, Dempsey and Twizted Sister respectively. Heather sits third on her 2015 Rebecca Farm CCI2* winner Charlie Tango.
There were things going on everywhere you looked on Friday at Rebecca. Check out this highlight video from our friends at Ride On Video:
Rebecca Farm CCI3* dressage results:
Rebecca Farm CIC3* dressage top 10:
FEI cross country takes place tomorrow with CCI2* from 8 to 9 a.m. MT, CIC3* from 9:20 to 10:35 MT, CCI3* from 11 to 11:40 a.m. MT, and CCI1* from 12 to 1:40 p.m. MT. Saturday also sees the conclusion of Novice and Training Three-Day show jumping as well as the continuation of the horse trials divisions.
Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The USEF just announced that Phillip Dutton has withdrawn Fernhill Cubalawn from the 2016 Olympic Games due to a minor injury sustained in training. Phillip will now ride HND Group’s Mighty Nice on the U.S. team. Both Mighty Nice and Fernhill Fugitive, owned by Tom Tierney and Annie Jones, were named as direct reserve horses for Phillip.
Phillip posted the following statement on his Facebook page:
“I’m disappointed to announce that I’ve withdrawn Fernhill Cubalawn from the Olympic Games after he strained a tendon yesterday in his final gallop before shipping to Ocala for U.S. team training camp. I am sorry for his owners, Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran, and our team, especially Emma Ford, as they have all worked so hard to get Cuba to Rio.
“We are very lucky to have a top reserve horse in HND Group’s Mighty Nice to step in and take Cuba’s place on the U.S. team. Thank you to my sponsors, owners, family and team for supporting us on this journey to the Olympics. Happy is in top form and ready to make Team USA proud.”
The U.S. Olympic team is now Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice, Lauren Kieffer and Veronica, Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery, and Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen.
Further information regarding the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team selection process can be found onUSEF.org. All nominations to the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team are subject to approval by the United States Olympic Committee.
Emily King has ridden boldly onto the four-star stage over the past year, and not at all on the coattails of her famous mom but the strength of her own determination, work ethic and passion for the sport.
The 20-year-old’s first attempt at the level was Pau last fall, where a double-clear cross country trip and one rail in show jumping landed her a fourth place finish. She was nipping at Michael Jung’s heels after dressage at Badminton this spring, and while cross country day didn’t go her way you can bet she’ll be back out at the level this fall with a vengeance — and we’ll no doubt see her representing Team Britain in the not-too-distant future.
In this interview for the FEI and IMG Media, Emily talks about the path that got her where she is today, what it means to be a role model for young riders, and her own Olympic dreams.
Rachael Smith and Cinco De Mayo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Watching upper level horses and riders compete is nice in a jaw-drop way, but the most FUN divisions to watch are sometimes the lower levels — especially when there’s some serious swag and glory at stake.
That’s the case here at the Event at Rebecca Farm. More than 600 competitors from 20 states and five countries are on the entry list, nearly 75 of which are contesting the USEA Classic Series Novice and Training Three-Day divisions.
For many of these three-day riders in particular, getting to Rebecca is a dream come true. Preparing a horse for a three-day is a consuming process and a major accomplishment for “the rest of us” riders who are trying to balance life at the barn with careers, families and an untold number of other spinning plates.
Another element that makes these lower-level goalpost events so engaging is the diversity of participating horses and riders. Each pair has a unique story to tell, a tug-of-war narrative split between happy moments and hardships. That they’ve all found their way to a common startbox is a testament to their determination and hard work.
Watching the Novice Three-Day dressage on Thursday at Rebecca, each pair that entered at A brought something different to the table.
Taylor McFall and Kilbarry Prince. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Ashley Long and Rochambeau. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Virginia Stockburger and Mac Daddy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Maresa Woodfield and Zagato. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Makana Hilton and Hudson. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Can we get a closer look at that Appy’s ears?
It’s like they’re dipped in paint! Makana Hilton and Hudson. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
Two of the most “unique” horse/rider combinations that jumped out at me were Rachael Smith and her Norwegian Fjord pony Cinco De Mayo …
Rachael Smith and Cinco De Mayo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
… and Gina Shaman and her Connemara stallion Canal Prince.
Gina Shaman and Canal Prince. Photo by Leslie Wylie.
When I approached them after their tests I was surprised/not surprised to learn that Rachael is actually a student of Gina’s at Team Grey Matter. It was a 22-hour drive from their Bay Area base to Rebecca, and the team also includes Abby Holstead who is competing her horse Sabina in the Training Three-Day and Gina’s CCI* horse InForAPound Dunvegan.
Team Grey Matter was excited to make the drive — it’s their first time here — and seems like the type of crew that can keep themselves entertained! Also in tow is Gina’s mother, who is battling breast cancer, which makes their week here at Rebecca Farm an especially special and emotional experience.
Team Grey Matter kindly took a few moments to share the stories of their horses and their experience so far:
Best of luck to Team Grey Matter and all of Rebecca’s competitors!
Looking to the N3D leaderboards, Jen McFall is currently leading both divisions after dressage: A on a 23.9 with her own Stoneman DF and B on a 30.0 with the Be Real Syndicate’s Be Real. Click here to view scores.
Friday’s action kicks off at 8 a.m. in the dressage ring with the CCI2* and the CIC3*/CCI3* running from 11:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MT. Cross country continues with both the Novice and Training Three Day divisions from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MT.
The beautiful Bromont sign. Photo via EN Archives.
Following a tumultuous month for the 2018 World Equestrian Games, the FEI confirmed today that the host site contract with Bromont has been terminated “due to ongoing financial issues.”
“We are sad that the Bromont organising committee is no longer in a position to host the Games in 2018,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “We have been working very closely with the COJEM Board and all levels of the organisation since the Games were allocated to Canada in mid-2014 and have known for some time that the Bromont team was facing major financial difficulties.”
The FEI said the decision came after a mutual agreement with the organizing committee, Canadian Comité organisateur des Jeux Équestres Mondiaux 2018 (COJEM).
“We have done everything possible to offer support during these tough times, but sadly the COJEM Board was unable to put in place a realistic funding and sponsorship strategy and, despite their best efforts, we have been left with no choice but to agree between us that the contract should be terminated,” Ingmar said.
“We believe Bromont is a really special venue and equestrian sport plays a key role in the local community. We hope that they will be able to host other major equestrian events in the future.”
Rosaire Houde, chair of the COJEM board, added: “This has been a very difficult decision to come to terms with. Since the new board took over, we have left no stone unturned in our quest to find solid funding to support the Games, but sadly this has not been forthcoming. We are extremely grateful to the FEI for their support throughout the entire process, but it has been mutually agreed that we should terminate the contract. It is something I personally bitterly regret but it was the only responsible course of action.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in the Games project and who had faith in it from the outset. It was so dear to the hearts of so many people in Bromont and Quebec and we are devastated that we have been unable to deliver this great event,” Rosaire concluded.
Looking back on Bromont’s bid, it originally looked like the Games would automatically be awarded to Canada, as the remaining countries had all withdrawn their applications by January 2013. But the FEI reopened the bid process in July 2013 due to concerns that Bromont would not be able to secure the financial support necessary to host the Games.
The FEI Bureau then voted unanimously in June 2014 to award the 2018 World Equestrian Games to Bromont, which beat out Lexington, Kentucky as the only other contender due to a commercial conflict between Rolex, a key Kentucky Horse Park sponsor, and Longines, a key FEI sponsor.
Bromont faced an uphill battle from the start, from a critical lack of funding and feuds with the construction company responsible for building the venues to multiple CEO resignations and shake-ups on the board, the most recent of which came in May when five board members resigned.
The FEI is now looking at other potential host venues for the 2018 WEG, which will be held August 12-26, 2018.
“Of course it isn’t easy for any organising committee to put on an event of this magnitude in a two-year timeframe, but it is not unprecedented and the Italians hosted a brilliant World Equestrian Games in Rome in 1998 after Ireland pulled out less than two years before the Games, so we are confident that a workable solution will be found,” Ingmar said.
Which venue do you think should host the 2018 World Equestrian Games, EN? Let us know in the comments below.
Who’s that familiar man on the left?? Photo courtesy of Hilda Donahue.
That’s Denny Emerson in the hat judging the Young Event Horse classes at the Dublin Horse Show on Wednesday this week! Karen O’Connor is also judging some of the classes. The show was first held in 1864 and is much loved in Ireland. It’s official, EN staff has added Dublin Horse Show to our bucket list.
Thirty-two year old Olympian Jock Paget has only been jumping for twelve years, and came from humble beginnings. Jock is amongst the few that did not ride as a kid, instead he was initially a bricklayer in New Zealand. After casually getting into horses, he started with riding bucking broncos at the rodeo, and somehow managed to get his way into Eventing through working for Kevin McNab. “I think he took me on because although I had never jumped a horse, he needed a retaining wall built”. However, it only took him two years to get to the three star level, and the rest is history. [From Bricklayer to Rio]
Help send Holly Payne and Never Outfoxed to Burghley CCI4*!! Fox has a special place in my heart, and I feel like he would be the perfect horse for Holly to tackle the massive Burghley on, and they’re beginning their efforts to make it happen. From Holly’s page: “After a bittersweet Rolex this Spring where Fox tried his heart out for the second year in a row, it’s time to take on a new 4 star. Fox may have been bred to race but he was born to be a 4 star horse and I would love to take him to Burghley CCI **** this fall. As many of you know it is very expensive to fly a horse over seas and back. We are looking for your help to make this dream come true for both of us.”. [Send Holly & Fox To Burghley]
Could Jousting become an Olympic sport? The charity English Heritage certainly thinks so. They’re asking the public to sign a petition to make the thousand-year-old sport official with the IOC. They’ve already made movements towards approaching both the FEI and the IOC about this issue, and hope that it will be added to the Olympic program. A similar campaign has been launched in the US, where Jousting is the official state sport of Maryland (who knew!?). [Jousting at the Olympics]
Is there anything worse than getting halfway through a ride only to realize that both of you are too sweaty and the reins keep slipping? Ok, maybe worse than that is having hands that are in their own personal glove sauna in the middle of summer. That’s why you need these Roeckl Summer Chester Gloves, so you can escape both of these awful fates. [SmartPak Product of the Day]
Bonner Carpenter and Get Busy. Photo by the official event photographer Shannon Brinkman Photography, courtesy of The Event at Rebecca Farm.
Heather Morris and Get Rowdy grabbed hold of the Rebecca Farm CCI* lead early on in the nearly 50 horse strong division, and the only one who could wrestle it away from them was Heather’s own student of 14 years Bonner Carpenter.
Bonner and Darkside, an 8-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Cele Carpenter, scored a 43.1 to squeak past Heather’s score by just 0.2 of a point.
This is the first CCI* outing for both Darkside and Get Rowdy, a 6-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Team Express Group, with their first CIC*s being at Copper Meadows last month. At that event Get Rowdy finished fourth and Darkside finished seventh, so perhaps Bonner’s horse is out for a bit of revenge here at Rebecca.
Heather Morris on Get Rowdy sit second in the CCI*. Photo by Alleyn Evan for the official event photographer Shannon Brinkman Photography, courtesy of The Event at Rebecca Farm.
Both riders are based at Next Level Eventing, the training operation Heather runs alongside Tamie Smith in Temecula, California — a solid 24 hours away. The Next Level crew are repeat Rebecca offenders; Heather won the CCI2* here last year with Charlie Tango and Tamie won the CIC3* with Mai Baum, so Montana apparently suits the both of them quite well!
It will be fun to see how this weekend shakes out — a little friendly rivalry is never a bad thing.
“I’ve been riding with Heather since I started in eventing 14 years ago,” Bonner explains. “It’s a great partnership because everyone helps each other.”
Morris commented, “It’s awesome. As a coach, you always hope to see your students do well. Riding together helps put a little pressure on too and that’s a good thing.”
Both riders kindly stopped by the press tent at the end of the day to recap their rides:
Jessica Heidemann of Bellingham, Washington and her own Encore, an 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding, round out the top three in the CCI* division on a score of 44.7.
Chill vibes and a sense of community are in the air at Rebecca — between the panoramic blue skies and first-class hospitality it’s hard not to have a smile on your face around here!
Margaret Crow of Poway, California, gives her cheer section a wave and a wink after her CCI* test on Remington III.
Go Margaret! Photo by Leslie Wylie.
CCI* top 10 after dressage:
In addition to the CCI* the USEA Classic Series Novice and Training Three-Day divisions completed dressage and the Novice horse trials divisions ran cross country. Check out this highlight video from our friends at Ride On Video:
Friday’s action kicks off at 8 a.m. MT in the dressage ring with the CCI2* and the CIC3*/CCI3* running from 11:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MT. Cross country continues with both the Novice and Training Three Day divisions from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MT.
On the eve of the three-star competition here at Rebecca Farm, let’s rewind to last year’s CCI3*, won by Kurt Martin and Delux Z.
Kurt and the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding scored a 47 in the dressage, which put them in third …
… then they rose to second on the wings of a double-clear cross country trip:
Show jumping proved quite the dramatic finale, and when cross country leader Buck Davidson and The Apprentice sent some rails flying the door was open for Kurt to make the big jump into first.
Kurt and Delux Z’s momentum has since carried forward into 2016, when they completed their first four-star attempt at Kentucky, finishing in 25th place.
Best of luck to this week’s Rebecca Farm competitor — be sure to keep up with all the action as it unfolds via the Ride On Video livestream, and of course we’ll be bringing you all the latest right here on EN.
Michael Jung just announced on his Facebook page that his first choice for Rio, fischerTakinou, has been withdrawn from the Olympic Games at the last minute due to an infection. The reigning Olympic champion La Biosthetique Sam FBW will now step in to compete for the German team.
It’s tough to bet against Michael and Sam repeating their run at Olympic gold from the 2012 London Olympics. In the last year alone, Michael and the 16-year-old gelding have won four-star events at Burghley and Badminton, which ultimately helped Germany’s top rider clinch the Rolex Grand Slam.
Just 15 days to go until the first horse inspection! Click here to see the definite entry list for eventing in Rio, which will be updated shortly to reflect fischerTakinou’s withdrawal. We wish Takinou a speedy recovery.
Courtesy of Rebecca Farms Facebook page.
