Classic Eventing Nation

Grass Valley Euthanized at Belton Horse Trials

By on Apr 17, 2016 4:00 pm -
Gabriel Figueiredo Silva Cury and Grass Valley at WEG in 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry. Gabriel Figueiredo Silva Cury and Grass Valley at WEG in 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We are sad to report that Grass Valley has been euthanized at Belton Horse Trials after breaking his fetlock while competing on the CIC3* cross country course with Gabriel Figueiredo Silva Cury. Mark Todd, who rode the horse on the bronze medal winning New Zealand team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, confirmed the news to Horse & Hound.

Gabriel, who formerly competed in pure show jumping, purchased the 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding with Shaady Cury Jr. and Helena Figueiro Da Siva Cury in 2013 to pursue eventing. Grass Valley helped Gabriel quickly rise through the ranks, taking him from Novice through to the CCI4* level in just one year.

Their career highlights include representing Brazil at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, where they finished 41st individually. Gabriel and Grass Valley also completed Badminton in 2015, where Gabriel was the highest placed under-25 rider, and achieved an impressive fourth-place finish at Boekelo CCIO3* last year.

Mark Todd and Grass Valley at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Mark Todd and Grass Valley at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Mark Todd enjoyed much success with Grass Valley after taking over the ride in 2008, piloting him to a top-20 finish at Badminton in 2010 and an 11th place individual finish and team bronze medal at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington. Eric Smiley, Alberto Giugni and Jules Stiller Cournane also formerly campaigned the horse, known as “Riley” in the stable.

Gabriel and Grass Valley were strong frontrunners to represent Brazil at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this year. Please join us in sending condolences to Gabriel and Grass Valley’s owners, as well as Mark  and all others who knew and loved this true veteran campaigner.

A Horse of a Different Color: Elmegaardens Affair

By on Apr 17, 2016 1:00 pm -

I write this story as sort of a bittersweet ending to a wonderful career. Although it has been unofficial for some time that I am retiring Affair from eventing, this is the official declaration of her retirement. This story is my tribute to all that she has done for me, from introducing me to eventing, to putting up with each other’s green mistakes while we learn the ropes, to our final season where we placed in the top three in all five events. Do you have a "Horse of a Different Color" to spotlight? Tip EN at [email protected].

Photo via Michael Willham. Photo via Michael Willham.

Meet Elmegaardens Affair, “Affair”, a 12-year-old Knabstrupper Mare. Yes, you read that right, the keyboard did not go on the fritz. A Knabstrupper is a Warmblood breed originating from Denmark, numbering only about 1,500 in the world.

They are an extremely intelligent breed, used in dressage, show-jumping, and of course, the circus. They are known for their spotted coat genetics, very similar to the Appaloosa. However, Knabstruppers are not related to the Appaloosa. They merely contain the same genetic variation in their color that causes the differences in coat.

Not only is she wildly colorful, but she is actually quad-colored! She is white, has both black and brown spots, as well as one tiny fingerprint-sized buckskin colored spot inside one of the regular spots. She also has a spot in the shape of a heart on her hip, as well as an arrangement of spots on the side/underside of her barrel that is also in the shape of a heart.

Affair is anything but a “pony”. She stands at 17 hands tall and weighs in right around 1375 lbs. Affair has evented through recognized Novice Level with me (and one unrecognized Training level). She was my first horse, buying her what seems like forever ago, but was only about five years ago.

Affair was born in Denmark, then sold to Scotland shortly after. She spent several years out in a field being a horse until a breeder here in America bought her to start breeding Knabstruppers. Affair was impregnated over in Scotland, and then once she received the green light to travel, was shipped over here to the U.S.

In the intervening weeks, Affair lost the baby (while it was still just a clump of cells). Since it was now later in the breeding season and Affair had not done anything performance-wise, the breeder decided to ship her up to my barn to start her training under saddle until the following year.

I eventually fell in love with her and my parents ended up buying her as my first horse when I was 16. Looking back, it may not have been the smartest idea, seeing as how both of us had barely started jumping, but with Affair’s forgiving personality, the “green on green makes black and blue” cliché didn’t happen.

Affair loving life on cross country. Photo via Michael Willham.

Affair loving life on cross country. Photo via Michael Willham.

After buying her, I combined my passions for dressage and jumping into the only logical choice: eventing! We went to two shows in 2011 to get our feet wet, and then proceeded to have regular show seasons in the years afterward.

Dressage is my most natural phase and combined with her obedience and workmanlike behavior, we generally did well in it. However, the first two seasons (2012 and 2013) were very hit or miss. We’d have great dressage scores, but were still learning to be brave out on cross country and sharp with our feet in show-jumping. So almost every show we’d have a rail down or a refusal out on cross country.

The latter half of 2013 was our breakout season, before a minor injury set us back. Starting up again in 2014, we continued our success all the way through Novice level, including an unrecognized Training level event. Unfortunately, we had a major setback with another tendon injury at the end of 2014.

Affair took almost 13 months to come back from that, not starting back into full flat work until this past November. The decision to retire her was very difficult for me. Not because I can’t let go of her eventing, but because she absolutely loves jumping. Anyone who has seen her jumping knows that she has a certain pep in her step and twinkle in her eye when she starts jumping. Her ears are always pricked forward, looking for the next thing to fly over.

However, as the ancient Roman philosopher Seneca wrote, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” While we may not be adding the splash of color to the eventing world anymore, I have started to look into making our new splash in the “Dressage – Dressage” world.

Working around my eventing schedule with my other horse, Cayenne, I want to try to make it out to some Dressage competitions this summer at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd levels to earn our Bronze Medal. So watch out dressage world! There’s an eventer coming to take over and dizzy you with her spots (and movement!)

#EventerProblems, Vol. 68

By on Apr 17, 2016 11:00 am -

Spring event season is now in full swing, and so are your spring #EventerProblems. Here’s the latest batch of reader-submitted struggles.

#eventerproblems A photo posted by Allison Vidro (@allisonvidro) on

When you get a heal grab a couple days before a CCI… #eventerproblems #ocala #hanoverian #midwayfarms

A photo posted by Redbud Farm Equestrian (@redbudequestrian) on

 

It’s the little victories. A frothy enough mouth that he got some on his cheek. #learningtodressage #eventerproblems #ottb

 

A photo posted by Carrie Tj (@mr_hyde_horse) on

And that’s why they call them #muckboots #nomoremud #enoughwinteralready #eventerproblems

A photo posted by t-Rex Eventer (@trexeventer) on

If you missed them:

Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67.

Got #EventerProblems? Tag them on social for inclusion in a future edition!

Go Eventing.

Missouri Eventers Ready to Run for a Cause at Rolex 5K

By on Apr 17, 2016 9:00 am -
Members of 417 Eventing at Rolex. Photo via Cynthia Wiseman. Members of 417 Eventing at Rolex. Photo via Cynthia Wiseman.

Eventing and fitness go hand in hand, and this is a correlation that Southwest Missouri eventer Cynthia Wiseman has taken to a new level. Together with a group of like-minded young riders, Cynthia and the 417 Eventing Team have teamed up with Girls On the Run to contest the Rolex 5K Twilight Race later this month.

Named after the area code of the area, the group consists of several riders and their coaches who are interested in all aspects of horsemanship. Cynthia recently volunteered to be the Assistant Coach of her local Girls On the Run chapter, which encourages girls in grades four through six to cultivate good values as well as a good base of fitness.

“We’re kind of a big family,” Cynthia explained. “Everyone is from a separate barn and has a different instructor, but we all work together really well. We tend to go to Rolex every year as a group, so this year we decided that the 5k would be a good goal.”

417 Eventing members with coach Cynthia Wiseman. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Wiseman.

417 Eventing members with coach Cynthia Wiseman. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Wiseman.

Cynthia looked into the Girls On the Run program as a potential tie-in. She found a program called SoleMates, which provides the opportunity to raise money to benefit Girls On the Run during their training. “It’s just a way to get us all on the same page,” Cynthia said. “We have girls in their teens as well as younger girls, and I like the idea of the older girls being role models.”

The Girls On the Run program integrates fitness with education, and the curriculum involves learning about life situations and skills while also exercising. “One of the exercises we did was on gossip; one girl started on one end of the gym with a piece of gossip written down. Then she had to run to the other side and tell another girl, whose job it was to try to get her off the subject instead of gossiping. They work in the running but it’s also about building respect.”

The 417 Eventing Rolex 5K jersey. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Wiseman.

The 417 Eventing Rolex 5K jersey. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Wiseman.

As 417 Eventing looks ahead to the Rolex 5K, everyone has different goals. Cynthia runs competitively and is planning to go for a personal best, while the other girls are ranging from training hard for a competitive finish to aiming to complete and have fun. Just as with eventing, running is a goal oriented sport that relies on the athlete’s dedication and training.

“All of the girls ride and are very serious about it, and I want them to also be serious about their fitness,” Cynthia said. “Understanding the importance of it is a big part of this sport, and the Rolex run is a great way to focus on both.”

417 Eventing will be raising money for Girls On the Run leading up to their run at the Rolex RK5K. You can view more information on their team here. If you’re interested in running the 5K at Rolex, you can register here.

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Apr 17, 2016 6:32 am -
Winner winner! Gret Bourton winner of the Open Intermediate at Twin Rivers. Photo from Bec Braitling's Facebook page Winner winner! Gret Bourton winner of the Open Intermediate at Twin Rivers. Photo from Bec Braitling's Facebook page

 Lots of fabulous things are happening for Bec Braitling. In addition to her recent acquisition of Dinero, her other ride Great Bourton took home top honors in the Open Intermediate at Twin Rivers. The weather this weekend has been absolutely beautiful and it’s no secret that I’m super jealous of all the fun being had down at Twin Rivers Ranch. If I had any sense, I’d have driven down on Friday and stayed the weekend. Best wishes for good rides for those of you competing today.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Plantation Field April H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Live Scores]

Ocala 3-Day Festival CCI & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores][Live Scores]

FENCE H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Twin Rivers CCI, CIC, & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

St. Johns H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Does your horse have an inspiring story about coming back from a serious injury or illness? OCD Pellets wants to hear all about it! Send in your rehab to [email protected] for a chance to win an OCD prize pack (2-month supply of OCD Pellets, 1-month supply of COS Canine, and an OCD Pellets hat and T-shirt). Entries close Monday, May 2, 2016, and the story that receives the most views on EN will win. [Contest Details]

Gift horse returns to Dakota city for an emotional visit

University of Minnesota vet student forms special bond with horse

Horse put down, two jockeys hurt in racing accident

Bergen county horse rescue group gains crucial non-profit status

Red carpet welcomes equine stats of ‘Odysseo’ to Sandy

Sunday Video:

Fredericks, Mittleider Top CCI2* Events on Both Coasts

By on Apr 16, 2016 4:00 pm -
Clayton Fredericks and FE Money Made at Red Hills. Photo by Jenni Autry. Clayton Fredericks and FE Money Made at Red Hills. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s been a busy day of cross country on both coasts today with both Ocala Horse Properties and Twin Rivers holding CCI1* and CCI2* events this weekend.

Clayton Fredericks and FE Money Made retained their overnight lead with a clear cross country run with two time penalties incurred for a leading score of 36.2. This gives them a bit of breathing room heading into show jumping tomorrow — they have a rail in hand, so the game is still anyone’s to win but Clayton should be feeling confident this evening.

This is the first CCI2* for FE Money Made, a 7-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Clayton Fredericks, Amanda Bernhard and Diana J Crawford, who most recently picked up a second place in the Intermediate at Rocking Horse. This pair also had a rocking run around the CIC2* at Red Hills, finishing fourth in a very competitive field.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection. Photo by Sofie Van Olmen.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection. Photo by Sofie Van Olmen.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection bounced back from a rider fall at Carolina International to lay in second place following cross country on a two-day score of 40.5. Hannah posted on her Facebook that she was “so low because of my performances at Carolina International and today I am overflowing with pride for my horses, owners and team.”

This partnership is relatively new, with Hannah Sue and Under Suspection, who is owned by Mary Ann Ghadban, but the results speak for themselves as they’ve amassed several top 10 placings in their campaign this spring.

Lying in third in the Ocala CCI2* is another of Hannah Sue’s rides, Jitter Bug, who is owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars and Sherry Nemmers. This pair clocked a double clear run today for a score of 44.7 heading to show jumping.

Roughly one third of the division laid down double clear runs today and overall the scoreboard reflects a tough but fair course.

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Looking to the CCI1* at Ocala, Alexander O’Neal and DJ also retained their overnight lead thanks to a double clear cross country that leaves them on a score of 33.4.

Alex and DJ are coming off of a win in the Prelim at Carolina International and are contesting their first CCI1* together this weekend. This pair has a good amount of experience at the Preliminary level and just completed a hat trick of wins this season. Can they make it four in a row tomorrow?

Lee Camiolo and Caharron V.E. at Queeny Park. Photo courtesy of Kick On Photo.

Lee Camiolo and Caharron V.E. at Queeny Park. Photo courtesy of Kick On Photo.

Lee Camilo and Caharron V.E. are in second place in the CCI1* following cross country on a score of 37.7 to put the pressure on Alex and DJ tomorrow. This is also a first CCI1* for this pair — they most recently picked up a top-10 finish in the CIC1* at Carolina International.

In third in the CCI1* are Leslie Law and Gliding Class, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding also contesting his first CCI1* after a good year of Preliminary miles. This pair lies just a shade off of Lee’s score with a 37.8 and a double clear cross country run. This horse was most recently third in the Prelim at Poplar Place last month.

Screenshot_4

Looking to the West Coast and the Twin Rivers CCI2*, Sara Mittleider and Gin & Juice are the leaders following cross country on a score of 55.4. This pair has had their ups and downs since beginning their partnership last year but seem to be hitting a rhythm this spring. Gin & Juice is a 16-year-old Thoroughbred mare owned by Terrel and Linda Paine.

Kelly Pugh and Corazon. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Kelly Pugh and Corazon. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

In second are a pair EN has talent spotted in the past, Kelly Pugh and Corazon, owned by David and Candace Garrett. This pair ran across country clear of penalties for a two-day score of 57.0. This pair most recently finished in the top 15 in the CIC2* at Galway earlier this month.

Gina Miles and Contalli Di Revel bring up third place on a score of 59.5, also following a double clear cross country. This 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Corinne Young is contesting his second CCI2* — he finished 13th in his first at Galway Downs last fall. This is also one who has been with Gina since the lower levels, beginning with Novice in 2014.

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Julie Flettner and Ping Pong retained their overnight lead in the CCI1*, solidified by a double clear cross country today for a score of 44.1 before show jumping. Ping Pong, a 16-year-old Hanoverian mare owned by Julie, has lots of miles at the one-star level, including a win in their debut at Galway in 2012. This season, this pair most recently finished third in the Preliminary Rider at Fresno.

Julie Flettner and Ping Pong. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

Julie Flettner and Ping Pong. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

Kelsey Holmes and Heart of Gold SE are in second place on a score of 48.4 following cross country. The 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Kelsey is contesting her third CCI1* — they completed their most recent start at Galway Downs last fall. This pair is coming off of a fourth place finish in the CIC1* at Galway Downs earlier this month.

And in third in the CCI1* are Claire Poch and S.V.R. Ron, who will take a 49.6 into tomorrow’s show jumping. Claire took the reins on Ron last year and have enjoyed consistent results at the Training and Preliminary levels thus far — this is their first CCI1* together, and we’re quite sure Claire is over the moon with her double clear performance today.

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Twin is also running HT divisions, and Heather Morris and Charlie Tango, owned by The Team Express Croup, are the overnight leaders following show jumping on a score of 25.0.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Sally Spickard.

This is the second Advanced start for this horse, who received the inaugural Connaught Grant last winter. We were fortunate enough to catch up with Heather regarding her talented gelding, so stay tuned for much more on this pair!

Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and Michelle Pestl’s Arlington are in second in the Advanced following two phases on a score of 37.6, followed by Bailey Moran and Loughtnatousa Caislean in third on a 40.7.

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Stay tuned for the exciting finales of these events tomorrow and keep it locked here for the latest reports! Go Eventing.

Ocala 3-Day Festival CCI & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Twin Rivers CCI, CIC, & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Saturday Video: Mark Todd and Charisma in Seoul

By on Apr 16, 2016 2:45 pm -

We came across this video compilation of footage from Mark Todd and Charisma’s winning run in Seoul at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Mark and the legendary Charisma were a member of the bronze medal winning New Zealand team and also won individual gold that year.

Enjoy this blast from the past!

Five Reasons You Need to See Hunter Hayes in Concert at #RK3DE

By on Apr 16, 2016 1:00 pm -

If you haven’t heard, country superstar Hunter Hayes will be performing at Kentucky Horse Park following cross country day at Rolex this year. It’s a marquee event and one that fits right in with the party atmosphere that is cross country day on the Bluegrass. In case you needed further persuading to join the Hunter wagon, here are a few more reasons:

1) He may serenade you with this classic song that will make even the most die-hard horse girl swoon:

2) Even eventers are ready for Hunter:

3) If you need help figuring out who Hunter Hayes is (kids these days…), don’t worry, we’ve got your back. You’re officially a part of the cool kids group.

4) This. Just this. Who doesn’t want to be a part of this? Ok, maybe this is a stretch, but we can dream right?

5) A portion of ticket proceeds with go to a great cause: The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the USET Foundation. Those are some causes that all horse people can get behind!

Tickets are $35 for general admission, and a Taylor Harris Insurance Services VIP Access Package is available for $150, which includes a VIP Pit Pass at the front of stage with a full cash bar, VIP lounge with full cash bar and food, an invitation to the VIP After Party and memorabilia signed by Hunter.

[Hunter Hayes is Coming to RK3DE!]

Clifton Promise Will Retire at Badminton

By on Apr 16, 2016 11:00 am -
Jock Paget and Clifton Promise. Photo by Nico Morgan Photography. Jock Paget and Clifton Promise. Photo by Nico Morgan Photography.

Jock Paget’s partner of over a decade, Clifton Promise, who has several accolades to his name including a Badminton win in 2013, will be retired at Badminton this year at the age of 18.

“I always said if I prepare him the same as I always have every year, then I will know when it’s time to retire him – and now feels like the right time,” Jock told Horse & Country. “He’s done two competitions this season at Aldon and Burnham and he doesn’t feel the way he has in the past. It’s important we retire a day early rather than a day late.”

“Promise is the ultimate gentlemen — he has changed my life,” Jock said. The New Zealand Thoroughbred gelding owned by Frances Stead has had an illustrious FEI career that spans over 10 years with Jock in the irons.

Together, the pair competed at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington in 2010, the 2012 Olympic Games in London as well as several CCI4*s, rarely finishing outside of the top 10.

Promise will officially be retired on the Sunday at Badminton this year and will live out his retirement at Jock’s UK base. “He will retire with me and I will take great pleasure in watching him in the paddock and riding him at home,” Jock said in his Horse & Country interview. “It wouldn’t have been the right end to a successful career if Frances, the team and I couldn’t retire him happy and healthy.”

[Clifton Promise to Retire at Badminton]