Classic Eventing Nation

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Apr 16, 2016 12:44 am -
Gettin' it done! Taylor McFall is cleaning stalls at Twin Rivers to help raise money to fund her show season. Photo from Earl and Jen McFall's Facebook page Gettin' it done! Taylor McFall is cleaning stalls at Twin Rivers to help raise money to fund her show season. Photo from Earl and Jen McFall's Facebook page

One of the things that I love most about our sport and horses in general is that there’s always more to learn and do. Due to the sheer scope of the subject-that-is-horse, you can learn something new every single day and still not know everything at the end of your days. There’s also something very special about the work ethic that horses seem to instill in everyone that would call themselves a horse person. Eventing adds a certain scrappiness and a ‘get-it-done-whatever-the-challenge’ attitude to that work ethic. One of my favorite kids, Taylor McFall, is calling on that work ethic this weekend at Twin Rivers where you can find her cleaning stalls to raise funds for her show season with Kilbarry Prince.

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]

Saturday 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]

Meet the Yogi who does yoga on her horse

Meet the wee residents of the Banks Miniature Horse Farm

Racehorse named Horsey McHorseFace

Midwest Horse Fair offers everything

Arizona horse owner charged with animal cruelty

American Horse Council names former Julie Broadway as President

Saturday Video: It’s almost time!

Clayton Fredericks In Command of Ocala Horse Properties CCI2*

By on Apr 15, 2016 6:00 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 a busy weekend down in Florida, with more than 450 horses competing in the Ocala Horse Properties International Three-Day Festival, presented by Equiventures, at the Florida Horse Park. Clayton Fredericks is in command of the Coast to Coast CCI2* after dressage, handily leading on 34.2 with FE Money Made, a 7-year-old Westphalian gelding he owns with Amanda Bernhard and Diana Crawford.

“Connor” is off to a memorable start in his CCI2* debut so far, as that score is 10 points better than he did at Red Hills last month, where he ultimately finished in fourth place in the CIC2*. The horse’s stablemate, FE Bowman, won that event, and “Bowie,” an 8-year-old Wurttemberger gelding owned by the same group, isn’t far off the pace at Ocala either, currently sitting third in the CCI2* on 41.6 after dressage.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Under Suspection are breaking up Clayton’s stronghold at the top of the CCI2* leaderboard, scoring 40.5 to sit in second place. “Pippy,” a 12-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Mary Ann Gadbhan, is competing in her first CCI since 2014 following a careful rehabilitation period after an injury.

Alex O’Neal and DJ, formerly known as “Get Real” prior to the FEI’s new name change rule, went early in the order of go for the huge 90-horse CCI* at Ocala yesterday, but their score of 33.4 still won the dressage after the division concluded today. The 8-year-old Dutch gelding Alex owns is competing in his first one-star at this event, coming off three consecutive Preliminary wins at Three Lakes, Red Hills and Carolina.

USEF Eventing 18 rider Karri Bellamy is sitting in second place in the CCI* on 36.5 with Cool Connection, her own 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding. They’re off to a great start in Karri’s first one-star as she looks to gain her qualifier with “Noodles” to represent Area I at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships this summer.

Lee Camiolo, 16, is also competing in her first one-star at Ocala with Caharron V.E., a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding she owns. Their dressage score of 37.8 has them sitting in third place currently and is a big jump from the 53.5 they scored in their FEI debut in the CIC* at Red Hills last month. The young riders are on top of their game in Ocala!

While there’s plenty going on in the FEI divisions at Ocala, there are also a number of riders making their final preparations for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Marilyn Little is leading the Open Intermediate division at Ocala with RF Demeter on 26.5 after dressage and show jumping.

She spoke to EN last month about her different approach to Rolex this year, only running “Demi,” a 14-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Raylyn Farms, Jacqueline Mars and Patrick Witte, at the Wellington Eventing Showcase, an Intermediate at Rocking Horse and now at Ocala in the lead up to Rolex.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at the Wellington Eventing Showcase. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Ellie MacPhail and RF Eloquence, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Sally Crane, are also heading for Rolex and are currently sitting second place in the Intermediate division on 26.7. Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo, a 10-year-old Irish/Thoroughbred gelding owned by Jacqueline Mars, are in fifth on 31.5; “Patrick” is cross-entered at both Rolex and Jersey Fresh.

Ocala also held an Advanced combined test today for the Rolex pairs, with a single judge, Beth Barritt, scoring the riders on 2009 FEI Four-Star Test B, the same test that will be used in Kentucky. Liz Halliday-Sharp is still sore from her hard fall at The Fork on Sunday, but she gritted her teeth to ride Deborah Halliday’s HHS Cooley to the lead after dressage on 35.5 before withdrawing before show jumping.

Maya Black and Dawn Dofelmier’s Doesn’t Play Fair, who are coming off a big win at The Fork CIC3* this past weekend, won the Advanced combined test with a dressage score of 39.8. Buck Davidson and Carl Segal and Sherrie Martin’s Copper Beach finished second with a dressage score of 40.2, and Hannah Sue Burnett and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot rounded out the top three on their dressage score of 41.5.

Tomorrow is cross country day, with the CCI2* division going first starting at 9:45 a.m., followed by the CCI*. Cavalor is sponsoring a wine and cheese party from 5-8 p.m. Saturday in the hospitality tent, with a special prize drawing for one lucky winner, so don’t miss that if you’re there.

EN’s good friend Thehorsepesterer is uploading more videos from today’s action to his YouTube channel right now. Click here for more information on the Ocala Horse Properties International Three-Day Festival, and click here to view live scores from the event. Equiventures also has more information at this link.

Ocala Horse Properties International: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores

Screen Shot 2016-04-15 at 7.11.14 PM

Screen Shot 2016-04-15 at 7.11.22 PM

Friday Videos from World Equestrian Brands: Carolina Extended Highlights

By on Apr 15, 2016 2:50 pm -

We now have extended video highlights from Carolina International thanks to our friends at EQSportsNet. Click play above to watch the CIC3* dressage tests and show jumping and cross country rounds for the top three, Allison Springer and Arthur, Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair, and Lynn Symansky and Donner.

The CIC2* highlights video below shows the show jumping and cross country rounds for the top three, Will Faudree and Caeleste, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night, and Will Faudree and Hans Dampf.

Remember that you can you watch the full replay of all the action from Carolina International on EQSportsNet if you purchase a Full Access subscription for $25 per month. Click here for details on how to subscribe.

Hip Young Eventer Explains Hunter Hayes to Washed-Up Old Person

By on Apr 15, 2016 1:30 pm -
Who is Hunter Hayes? McKenna Oxenden, age 19, attempts to shed some light. Photo: CC. Who is Hunter Hayes? McKenna Oxenden, age 19, attempts to shed some light. Photo: CC.

When Rolex announced that a kid named Hunter Hayes would be performing in concert on Saturday, April 30 following cross country, I was underwhelmed. The name sounded familiar but I couldn’t quite place it. Had he won American Idol? Was he dating Selena Gomez?

Then I remembered: McKenna Oxenden, a junior eventer who wrote a column for Horse Nation called “The Secret Life of McKenna” before the time crunch of juggling college with riding swept her away, was a superfan. I knew this because she constantly referenced him in her columns, which were supposed to be about horses.

The zenith of her fangirldom came in 2012, when she waited in line for four (FOUR) hours to procure second row tickets to a show. “The wait was also worth it when a mom fight broke out,” she wrote, blatantly ignoring her editor’s directive to stay on topic. 

But the performance was a seminal moment in her life, apparently, and she just couldn’t hold it in. “He puts on a really great concert,” she wrote in her column. “He makes eye contact with you to make you feel special.”

I’ve always tried to give McKenna constructive feedback on her writing, which is probably the main reason why she is now an award-winning sophomore journalism major and school paper editor at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Never forget who made you, McKenna.

Earlier this month McKenna won a Society of Professional Journalists award for the category of General Assignment News. Photo courtesy of McKenna Oxenden.

Earlier this month McKenna won a Society of Professional Journalists award for the category of General Assignment News. Photo courtesy of McKenna Oxenden.

Anyway, one of the journalism concepts I tried to impress upon her as an HN writer was the judicious use of exclamation points and emphatic capitalization. But I had to pick my battles, and in the case of her Hunter Hayes concert report (to her credit she did segue into something horse-related eventually), I let her have her way.

“The icing on the cake was MEETING and getting his AUTOGRAPH!!!!!!!” McKenna wrote. “Also I got pictures with the other band members, Sam Ellis, who is my home boy, the bassist who we nicknamed ‘Dreads’ but is really named Matt, and Steve the drummer.”

McKenna, Hunter Hayes and McKenna's best friend Abby. Photo courtesy of McKenna Oxenden.

McKenna, Hunter Hayes and McKenna’s best friend Abby. Photo courtesy of McKenna Oxenden.

McKenna’s obsession with Hunter has only escalated in the years since.

McKenna selfie at a 2014 concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he opened for Dan + Shay, another band I do not know. Photo courtesy of McKenna Oxenden.

Selfie at a 2014 concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he opened for Dan + Shay, another band I have never heard of. Photo courtesy of McKenna Oxenden.

Now, at ripe old age of 19, McKenna’s two life passions — eventing and Hunter Hayes — are set to collide at the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. If you want to find McKenna on Saturday night, you know where to find her.

And when I needed the 411 on Hunter’s upcoming show, I knew just who to call (er, Facebook message — kids these days never pick up the phone). This was our conversation.

Leslie: So, McKenna, this Hunter Hayes guy. He’s a singer? Enlighten me. No rush or anything — just respond when you have a minute.

McKenna: He’s not just a singer, Wylie. He is a beautiful man, a gift from God and a flawless human being with the most amazing singing gift. He has a song for every occasion. Broke up with a significant other? He’s got one for you. Need a great drinking song? Don’t you worry. What about a song to profess your love? He’s an expert. Oh! And a song to cry to because I’m marrying him and you’re not? Yeah, he can make that happen, too.

Leslie: I hear what you’re saying. Songs about love, heartache, drinking … that stuff has been the bread and butter of great country singers — Hank, Johnny, Merle, Waylon — for decades.

The difference is, Hunter Hayes looks like he’s all of about 17 years old. MAYBE 18. (Note from Jenni: Hunter Hayes is 24.) Definitely not old enough to get married or order a beer. (You’re not old enough to do those things either, McKenna, so don’t be getting any fresh ideas.) Which is to say, as far as fountains of wisdom are concerned, I’m not sure how much life advice we should be taking from this kid.

McKenna: Now Wylie, he might look like a youngin’ but this country stud is wise beyond his years. The guy has been on a country music stage performing pretty much since he could walk. AND he played all of the instruments on his first album… now that’s talent and also admirable!

Leslie: Precocious, talented, yada yada yada. Let’s circle back to the part when you called him a “country stud.” I dunno… to me he kind of looks like a cross between Justin Bieber and Joffrey from Game of Thrones. Explain to me the appeal.

McKenna: I think the Game of Thrones reference might be a bit out there … but he’s just so cute! He’s got the baby face going for him and the blonde hair. Another big seller is the personality — extremely personable and humble! He’s like a cute little nugget.

Leslie: I assume you’ve seen the video where Tim Price, Jennie Brannigan, Buck Davidson, Boyd Martin, Hannah Sue Burnett, Lynn Symansky, and Sinead Halpin are “getting crazy” for Hunter Hayes. Do you think they actually already knew the words to the song?

McKenna: I’m pretty positive they all knew the words. They can deny it all they want but deep down they know they want crazy and love the little nugget. And Sinead, Hannah and Lynn definitely fangirl for him.

Leslie: OK, well if he’s good enough for those guys, I guess he’s good enough for me. Anything else you feel like old, uncool people like me should know before this epic, once-in-a-lifetime collision between Hunter Hayes and the event world?

McKenna: Gotta keep an open mind, expand your horizons and give the little nug a chance! And don’t forget that on his very first album, he played every single instrument you hear in it and that’s pretty neat if you ask me.

—-

Thanks for enlightening us, McKenna.

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.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 6 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets (scroll down to select the Lexington show). A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the USET Foundation.

unnamed-21

McKenna Oxenden is a 19-year-old sophomore in college hailing from Columbia, Maryland. She is a Training level event rider with her eyes set on a Preliminary move-up in early summer with the 15.1-hand Trakhener cross mare “Gossip Girl” aka Gigi. She has worked for CCI4* event rider Emily Beshear and Advanced eventer Courtney Sendak of Defying Gravity Eventing. McKenna currently trains with Chrissy Hollnagel and Sara McGowan of Willow Run Eventing. She is presently attending Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to attain a degree in the field of Journalism and a minor in both Photography and Digital Media

Rolex Rookies: Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle

By on Apr 15, 2016 12:30 pm -
Nilson Moriera da Silva and Muggle at Millbrook in 2015. Photo by Jenni Autry

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle at Millbrook in 2015. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Nilson Moreira da Silva’s ride of three years may be a “Muggle” but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something magical about this pair. Coming off a win at Poplar Place CIC3* last month, Nilson hopes to ride that momentum into their four-star debut at Rolex. “Definitely a win gives you more energy,” Nilson told EN. “It makes me want to do more, more, more.”

Starting his long and eclectic equestrian career at just 11 years old in Brazil, Nilson’s first assignment was as a groom to 12 polo ponies. While he was involved as a groom with Brazil’s national eventing team as a teenager, in his 20s he decided to pursue show jumping, a successful career which stuck for many years. It wasn’t until he moved to the United States in 2011 that he decided to return to eventing.

In less than four years, Nilson went from Training level to his three-star debut, and he and Muggle didn’t just complete that first CIC3* — they conquered, taking second at Chattahoochee Hills. Since then the pair has stayed consistent at the upper levels, becoming a mainstay on the circuit in the U.S.

Nilson and Muggle's Winning Ride at Poplar Place. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld

Nilson and Muggle’s winning ride at Poplar Place. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld

Nilson gives much of the credit to Muggle, a tall and striking 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding who was the first ever 3-year-old Future Event Horse Champion in 2007. Owned by the Phoenix Syndicate, which includes Nilson, his partner Laura VanderVliet, Melissa Stubenburg and Kathleen Overbaugh, “Prince” as he’s known in the barn is well poised to fulfill the promise of his youth at the end of April.

“He took a little time to put everything together. He has always shown his potential, but it took a little time and it takes really hard work to make him the way he is today,” Nilson said. “We still have a hard time sometimes because of his size — he’s almost 18 hands — but we’re more together now and we’ve really started to form this partnership.”

When asked about his own feelings on Rolex, Nilson is calm and logical. “I believe in the horse’s program and I believe in the horse, so going to Rolex, honestly, it’s just another big competition. For me at the end of the day, it’s no different than going to a three-star and it’s no different than going Training level. I need to be focused and hope my horse understands all we ask for, and try to do the best we can. I can’t be too nervous or all that; it’s just another day of my work.”

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle at The Fork 2016. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Nilson has an enthusiastic crew of grooms, supporters and owners to support him at Rolex. His partner Laura will be there, along with their super groom and barn manager Jessica McCabe, and the fellow members of the Phoenix Syndicate. He’ll also have two powerhouse coaches in his corner: Bruce Davidson, with whom Nilson has been working the past year, and Mark Todd, who is chef d’equipe for the Brazilian team.

“I’ve had a great team in the past five years, and I am here because of them,” Nilson said. “I think I have really good support behind me, and I’ve got to go there and do the best I can for them.”

If he and Muggle go out and give the performance they believe they’re capable of giving, Nilson feels confident they could be in the top 20, and that’s his goal for the event. “But you know, sometimes we can be surprised … and maybe we can do even better. At the end of the day, I never compete with another rider; I compete with myself. I prefer it that way.”

Best of luck to Nilson, Muggle and their team, and thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Vai Eventing!

Walk the Badminton Cross Country Course with Harry Meade

By on Apr 15, 2016 10:00 am -

It’s always an exciting week when the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials cross country preview video is released to the public, and this year we’re lucky to have Harry Meade joining Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes to take us behind the scenes for a sneak peek at Giuseppe Della Chiesa’s course.

England had a very wet winter and has also seen heavy rain in the past few weeks, but event director Hugh Thomas assured the media during Wednesday’s preview day that the competition will go on regardless of the weather. Considering the recent rain, it’s appropriate that Harry and Lizzie filmed the preview video while battling the elements, setting the scene for what very well could be the conditions come cross country day.

After the latest round of withdrawals from the event, North America currently has five combinations entered to represent Canada and the U.S. Boyd Martin is taking both Master Frisky and Crackerjack thanks to a Land Rover USEF Competition Grant. Buck Davidson has The Apprentice entered, and Libby Head will ride Sir Rockstar. Lynn Symansky confirmed this week she will forego Badminton to compete at Rolex with Donner.

Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee will compete as the sole pair for Canada. The U.S. has two combinations on the wait list who are also cross-entered at Rolex. Anna Collier and Gleaming Road are now sixth on the Badminton wait list, so there is a good chance they will get in to the competition. Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister are well down the wait list, but she confirmed to EN that they would compete at Rolex if they received a grant, which they did earlier this month.

Good friend of EN Pippa Roome published an excellent preview of the Badminton course on Horse & Hound, so be sure to check that out at this link. Leslie Wylie will be your boots on the ground for EN at this year’s event, teaming up once more with Lady Martha Sitwell to bring you gripping (and hilarious) coverage of Badminton.

Three-Time Burghley Winner Avebury Retires

By on Apr 15, 2016 7:45 am -
Andrew Nicholson and Avebury at Rolex in 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry. Andrew Nicholson and Avebury at Rolex in 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s a bittersweet day for eventing fans around the world as three-time Burghley winner Avebury has been withdrawn from the upcoming Badminton Horse Trials and officially retired from competing.

Ridden by Andrew Nicholson and owned by Mark and Rosemary Barlow, the 16-year-old British Sport Horse gelding is going out on a high note, having won the last four FEI events of his lengthy career, including clinching a fourth consecutive victory at Barbury last year.

“He’s sound and well,” Andrew said. “He just doesn’t quite feel like he used to and, as he owes us nothing, we thought it better to stop now.”

Known as “Buddy” in the stable — a nickname Andrew’s daughter’s Rebecca and Melissa gave to him as a foal — Avebury completed eight CCI4* events in his career, finishing Badminton three times and also delighting American fans when he competed at Rolex Kentucky in 2014.

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury at Barbury in 2012. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury at Barbury in 2012. Photo by Samantha Clark.

“This is a day we were all dreading,” Rosemary said. “He has served us so well, and after his last gallop he wasn’t showing his normal exuberance and zest for life. Sadly old age has begun to catch up with him, and he deserves a well-earned rest. Avebury is a horse of a lifetime and owes us nothing.”

Andrew bred Avebury, by Jumbo of a Thoroughbred mare named Memento, who raced under the name Bairn Free before enjoying a brief eventing career with Andrew until she developed a cataract in one eye and had to be retired. Avebury was originally sold as a show jumper, but Andrew’s wife, Wiggy, bought him back as a 6-year-old and evented him.

“Rosemary Barlow wanted a new horse, so I said to her that I thought I knew of one,” Andrew said. “Wiggy went away for a few days, so I sneaked him up to the gallops to see what he could do. I was quite impressed, so I suggested Rosemary bought him for me to ride.”

That started the beginning of Andrew and Avebury’s illustrious partnership. Avebury won at every level during his career, in which he amassed an impressive 2,113 British Eventing points. He competed 71 times with Andrew and 11 times with Wiggy. Avebury won 27 events in his career with numerous other top placings.

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury on their way to winning Burghley for a third time. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury on their way to winning Burghley for a third time. Photo by Kate Samuels.

After winning Barbury for a fourth consecutive time last year, Andrew and Avebury were preparing for another go at Burghley when Andrew fell at Gatcombe, suffering a neck injury that prematurely ended his season.

Avebury’s only run in 2016 was at Great Witchingham in March, which he won. He will now enjoy his retirement at Andrew’s farm in Westwood, which has been his home for most of his life. “He’s part of the family and will stay here with us,” Andrew said. “Wiggy will ride him, and no doubt my daughter Lily will put her name down for a go.”

Andrew continued: “He’s got a cheeky side to him, but whenever you walk into the yard, he’s happy to see you. He loves his work and is very bubbly about everything. He’s still naughty to catch in the field — he gallops around squealing, but as soon as it rains, or he thinks something might be happening without him, he runs up and down the fence line yelling to be brought in.

“He has been an exceptional performer. He loves a big atmosphere and shows off in it and has always been a brilliant jumper and galloper. He has always been a winner, and I have to thank him for some of the greatest days of my career.”

[Avebury Has Been Retired]

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on Apr 15, 2016 12:03 am -
But actually.

But actually.

Shout out to all those crazy riders who returned from The Fork and went right down to Ocala 3-day to run a CCI, I couldn’t have done it! They have a CCI* and a CCI2* there this weekend thats positively packed with horses and riders, as well as offering an Advanced CT for riders looking to get a tune up right before Rolex. A little sneak peak of the action coming in a few weeks! With a whopping 89 pairs in the CCI*, it’s gonna get competitive down in Florida!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

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

FENCE H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Twin Rivers CCI, CIC, & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

St. Johns H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

We spend so much time thinking about our equine partners’ fitness, but what about ours? Equal parts fitness fiend and chipotle champion, Lainey Ashker, sat down and chatted with Rider Fitness to discuss what keeps her in top shape to tame the beast that is Al. Lainey has a nutritionist that helped her change her lifestyle and diet to suit her needs, and gave her some tips for success. Also, sometimes she runs without pants (wait, what??).  [Rider Fitness]

Badminton isn’t interested in cancelling due to wet weather, despite the sloppy conditions this season. While Badminton has fallen victim to terrible spring floods before, they’re confident this year that things will dry up just in time for the big week. Wet weather caused Badminton to be cancelled in 2012, when the team decided to call off the event on the Monday before the event. The weather also led to cancellation in 1987, 1975 and 1966, while in 1963 the event ran as a one-day event due to ongoing poor weather. They’ve moved the cross country tracks to avoid the wettest parts of the park this year in hopes of avoiding such a tragedy. [Badminton Will Not Cancel]

What’s springtime without foals? Nothing. The answer is nothing. Horse Nation has your back with seven photos of ridiculously adorable wobbly legged babies of the furry four hooved variety. Because what else do you want to start your day with? [Foal Photos]

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]

We’ve all got one chubby at the barn that is a danger to himself with the spring grass coming up. It might be your companion pony, the lower level quarter horse, or even your greedy eventer, but everyone has a horse that has to be muzzled to prevent obesity. There are a lot of choices, but the Tough One Deluxe Easy Breathe Muzzle is the toughest wearing, most impossible to remove through houdini moves, and softest on the face. [SmartPak Product of the Day]

 

Day one CCI* leader in Ocala, Alex O’Neal and DJ, courtesy of The Horse Pesterer:

[adrotate banner=”85″]

Thursday Videos from Nupafeed: Ocala Young Event Horse Action

By on Apr 14, 2016 5:30 pm -

The Ocala Horse Properties International Three-Day Festival is well underway at the Florida Horse Park, with the competition kicking off yesterday with Future and Young Event Horse classes. Thehorsepesterer was on the scene to bring us behind the scenes with videos of these talented youngsters.

Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF won the 5-year-old YEH class on a final score of 78.99%. This horse, a Dutch Warmblood gelding by Jazz out of the Contango mare Bronte HVF, finished seventh in the 4-year-Old YEH East Coast Championships at Fair Hill last fall. Bethany also still actively competes the dam, Bronte HVF; they most recently finished fifth in an Intermediate division at Rocking Horse earlier this month.

We also have great videos of Debbie Adams and D.A. Got Game, who finished second on 78.19%. The Holsteiner gelding is by Cascani out of Uwita OHF. Shanon Baker and Carlingford Wells finished third on 78.13% and had the highest jumping score in the class. The Irish Sport Horse gelding is by the Thoroughbred stallion Clerkenwell out of Belleville Diamond, an Irish Sport Horse mare.

Be sure to follow Thehorsepesterer’s YouTube channel for more videos from Ocala, and click here for everything you need to know about the event, which is free to attend for the public. You can follow live scores at this link.

It’s Almost Time for EN’s ‘Insanity In the Middle’ Rolex Tailgate!

By on Apr 14, 2016 3:30 pm -
What would past Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event champions William Fox-Pitt, Michael Jung and Phillip Dutton do? If they weren't so busy winning 4*s, we think they'd be down for some tailgating. We can't wait to reveal what we've got up our sleeves (besides bracelets) for this year's edition. Photo by Leslie Wylie. What would past Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event champions William Fox-Pitt, Michael Jung and Phillip Dutton do? If they weren't so busy winning 4*s, we think they'd be down for some tailgating. We can't wait to reveal what we've got up our sleeves (besides bracelets) for this year's edition. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Are you ready to get your insanity on? That’s right, EN — the 4th annual “Insanity In the Middle” Rolex Tailgate Party, presented by Amerigo, is going to be bigger and better than ever!

This tailgate party is our favorite way to show our appreciation for our readers, who are truly the best in the land. So come on out on cross country day, April 30, to enjoy some snacks, adult beverages, free EN swag — and the best Rolex tailgate party on course!

unnamed-3

All the fun for all ages! This year we’re giving away EN onesies to EN’s tiniest eventers — stay tuned for details! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Here’s all of the info you need to know:

What: An all day, ridiculous party on the Rolex cross country course. We’ll be taking in the action while partying it up with our readers. Expect infamous EN tailgate traditions like Rolex Trivia, to be hosted this year by our friends Glenn the Geek and Jamie Jennings from Horses in the Morning; contests and giveaways featuring limited edition 2016 EN Rolex tees, world-premier EN coozies, and products from World Equestrian Brands; celebrity appearances including The Real John Thier and live performances by Chinch and the Chillas; and much, much more.

When: Saturday, April 30, from when the first horse leaves the start box (usually around 10 a.m.) until the last horse crosses the finish line.

Where: Tailgate spots B161 and B162 — check out the tailgate spot map here. We’ll give you a better landmark (“to the right/left of jump #x”) once we get set up, so be sure to follow EN on social for all the latest updates.

Want a free cross-country ticket? 

We’re looking for a few good EN friends to give us a hand with hosting — there are mimosas to be mixed, temporary tattoos to be applied, and Chinches to be body-guarded. If you can commit to working a two-and-a-half hour shift (9:30 a.m. to noon, noon to 2:30 p.m., 2:30 to 5 p.m.) we’ll hook you up with a day pass plus a gift bag and lifetime supply of EN karma.

Have a brother/boyfriend/husband in tow who wouldn’t mind being dropped off at EN’s tailgate for an hour? (Selling points: free beer and cookie cake!) We’re in the market for a few good dudes for a secret, to-be-announced project.

Email Tailgate Hostess with the Mostest Leslie Wylie at [email protected] if you can help us out on either front!

Scenes from the 2015 tailgate:

We’ll post a schedule of the fun for you in the days leading up to the party of the year. Until then, mark your calendars and get your party pants on, EN! We’ll see you on course.

Go Eventing!