Classic Eventing Nation

Best of April Fool’s Day 2016: Insanity in the Middle Edition

By on Apr 2, 2016 11:30 am -

April Fool’s Day is the happiest time of the year at EN Headquarters. Last year a number of excited readers believed that Ballynoe Castle RM had undescended testicles and would be able to father offspring, and that all of the Aussie event riders living in the U.S. were teaming up to film a Real World spin off. We still get emails asking when the show will air …

This year, with eventing fans around the world already questioning whether the FEI’s radical proposed changes to the sport’s format were in fact an April Fool’s joke long before the actual day, we couldn’t resist spoofing the concept by adding a few more suggested rule changes and new names of our own. Click here if you missed our post from yesterday

Here’s a look at EN’s April Fool’s posts through the years:

2015: You Won’t Believe the Secret Ballynoe Castle RM Has Been Keeping Inside for 14 Years
2014: EN Publisher Announces Launch of Equestrian Media Empire
2013: FEI Officially Recognizes Gay Horses
2012: Silva Martin to Take Over Ride on Neville Bardos
2011: Snapping Turtle Causes Concern in Badminton Lake Complex
2010: Chattahoochee Hills to Host World’s First CCI5*

The rest of the internet celebrated April Fool’s Day with equal enthusiasm. Here’s a look at some of our favorite pranks with an equine theme around the web.

Breaking #eventing news: Andrew Nicholson to ride for Australia https://www.an-eventful-life.com.au/eventing-news/andrew-nicholson-ride-australia

Posted by An Eventful Life on Thursday, March 31, 2016

BREAKING: the beloved Budwesier Clydesdale hitch has gone missing in Kansas en route to an event. Horsemen in the…

Posted by Horse Nation on Friday, April 1, 2016

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting horse recording applications for unicorns!! To record your unicorn please visit www.usef.org

Posted by United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) on Friday, April 1, 2016

Exciting news! AQHA is partnering with Uber for an unforgettable transportation experience. Could be coming soon to your town!

Posted by American Quarter Horse Association on Friday, April 1, 2016

“We are proud of our American brand of Eventing and we think that it could really catch on in Europe. We are currently…

Posted by United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) on Friday, April 1, 2016

Tim Price Heading to Kentucky with Two Olympic Hopefuls

By on Apr 2, 2016 9:30 am -
Tim Price and Wesko. Photo by Rare Air Photography. Tim Price and Wesko. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

New Zealand eventer Tim Price made the most of his first trip to Rolex in 2015, finishing in second place with Wesko, the 13-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Christina Knudsen and the Wesko Syndicate. When asked in the final press conference if he planned to return to Rolex in 2016, Tim jokingly agreed to come back on the condition that winner Michael Jung stayed home.

The stage is set for a rematch this year, as both Michael and Tim are returning with the top two horses from last year’s event. Tim is also bringing Bango, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Numero Uno Syndicate, who will be contesting his second CCI4*.

Both Wesko and Bango are on New Zealand’s radar as potential horses for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, and Tim is sticking to his plan of producing consistent results and keeping his horses fit and in the game as the selectors watch closely.

“Right now, Wesko would be my number one and Bango my number two (for Rio),” Tim said. “I’ve got five qualified, and I think you have to base it on performance, and I want to go to Rio and be competitive. I want to take the horse that’s on the best form and performing well, so it’s my policy to go and compete them.”

Wesko has certainly earned the right to be called one of Tim’s top horses. Better known as “Dash” in the barn, Wesko has three top placings at the four-star level, including carrying Tim to the first CCI4* win of his career at Luhmühlen in 2014. Most recently, Wesko finished third at Pau last fall.

“I think Wesko has Rio written all over him,” Tim said. “I’ve felt it since he sort of came of age. He’s proven himself at the four-star level and is finding that job easier. I think he would be an out and out Olympic horse with all three phases and the two jumping rounds at the end. He’s a showman; he enjoys the performance side of things.”

Tim selected Kentucky over Badminton for Wesko as he feels Derek di Grazia’s course better suits the horse. “He’s not a horse to put up on a shelf and wrap in cotton wool; he needs the runs for his fitness and for his wellbeing,” Tim explained. “The cross country lets the horse settle into a rhythm, and the questions come at nice paces at Kentucky.”

The prep for Wesko this spring has been light. He’ll run in the Advanced at Burnham Market this weekend as one of his final prep runs for Kentucky.

Tim Price and Bango (NZL). Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Tim Price and Bango (NZL). Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Meanwhile, Bango is also stepping up to the plate for Tim, picking up a top-15 finish in his CCI4* debut at Luhmühlen last year. This horse came to Tim as a 3-year-old and “I never let him go.” Known as “Uno” in the barn, he also finished in 12th place in the CCI2* championship for 7-year-olds at Le Lion d’Angers in 2013.

“I’ve brought him through very quietly and patiently,” Tim said. “He’s always been all class. It’s taken him awhile to grow into his body and mature. He finds it all very easy and has cruised up the grades nicely. I feel like this year he feels ready to go. I think of him as a Kentucky/Burghley horse; he just eats up the ground and jump things in stride.”

Tim is looking forward to bringing Bango, as he feels the atmosphere and good footing will give him the best chance of having a confident finish.

“I’m lucky enough to have the financial support to make (Kentucky) an option for him,” Tim said. “A horse like Bango will show his greenness, but having the opportunity to go and school in the ring at Kentucky is a huge advantage. It’s great for a young horse. And I also feel that the travel away from home makes a horse grow up and find themselves in the journey.”

As for himself, Tim relished his time in Kentucky last year and is ready to get back. “I loved all of it,” he said. “The hospitality, the organizers who always find a way to help you, the enthusiasm and the participation — it’s nice to be over there and have so much fun in that environment.”

His one regret from 2015 was having to leave his celebratory champagne glass behind in order to rush to the airport to catch a flight back to the UK. “If I’m lucky enough to be in that position again, I’ll really not look forward to having my champagne glass pulled!”

Ladies Lead the Way in Galway Downs CIC2* and CIC*

By on Apr 2, 2016 7:00 am -
Frankie Theriot Stutes is all smiles on the Chatwin Group's Chatwin to lead the CIC2*. Photo by Anita Nardine. Frankie Theriot Stutes is all smiles on the Chatwin Group's Chatwin to lead the CIC2*. Photo by Anita Nardine.

When someone tells you that you can’t have it all, point them in the direction of eventers. This weekend marks Frankie Thieriot Stutes’ return to FEI competition with the Chatwin Group’s Chatwin since having her first child, and we’re pretty sure he’s got some pastries in his future.

Frankie and her husband Mike welcomed son Drake into the world almost six months ago. Tamie Smith campaigned Chatwin, an 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding, for Frankie during her pregnancy and following Drake’s birth. But this weekend, Frankie’s back in the irons — and back in first with her dark and handsome partner. (In case you were curious, Drake is the most incredibly chill and adorable kid, with eyes and fashion sense that melt even non-baby lover hearts.)

Chatwin hasn’t placed lower than second in any competition since October 2014, and Frankie came out swinging at Galway, laying down a dressage test that score 40.0 for a 9.7-point lead in the CIC2* over Barb Crabo and her own Over Easy, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare that scored 49.7. Canadian Nikki Ayers and Andree Stowe’s Rubicon, a 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding, put in a solid test for third on 51.7.

“A couple years ago this environment would have been intimidating for both of us, but we have come far in our relationship and it was great,” Frankie said. “Tamie really helped give him more experience last year while I wasn’t riding. I think it is a tough course tomorrow. I plan to have fun and look forward to it.”

As in the three-star, the stadium course wasn’t full of double clears. In fact, there were only three clear trips in the division of 15, with rails falling all over the course. Frankie and Chatwin secured the overnight lead by being one of the three double clear rounds.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Tamie Smith again! This time piloting Graceland's Lagos Star to second place overnight in the CIC2*. Photo by Captured Moment Photography.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Tamie Smith again! This time piloting Graceland’s Lagos Star to second place overnight in the CIC2*. Photo by Captured Moment Photography.

Tamie Smith and Graceland’s Lagos Star moved from fifth to second on 53.6 with their clear round, and Kelly Pugh and David Garrett’s Corazon jumped from seventh to third on 54.2.

Tamie and “Legos my Eggos” have really started to gel this year. She took over the ride on the 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding at the end of last year and came out for 2016 with a bang, placing second in their first outing at Intermediate and then winning at Fresno’s CIC2* in February.

Kelly and Corazon, a 9-year-old Dutch gelding, are also a pair that seem to always be in the top three, and their partnership is young as well. Keep an eye on Chatwin, Lagos Star and Corazon this year!

 

In the CIC*, first through third places remained unchanged after stadium, though dressage leader Jennifer Wooten-Macouzet extended her lead on Lauren Billys’ former ride, Ballingowan Ginger with a clear round to sit in first place on 42.3. It’s a pleasure to see Ginger, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare owned by Jordyn Horwitz, out competing again and performing so well, as well as to see Jennifer back in the FEI divisions.

“The course was a true show jumping course; you really had to keep your balance,” Jennifer said. “The cross country looks straight forward. I spent last year out of the tack, and this will be my second ride on this horse. I plan to ride really forward tomorrow and am excited to get out there.”

Jennifer-Wooten on Jordan Horowitz's Ballingowan Ginger lead the CIC 1* division. Photo courtesy Captured Moment Photography.

Jennifer Wooten-Macouzet on Jordyn Horwitz’s Ballingowan Ginger lead the CIC* division. Photo courtesy Captured Moment Photography.

Emilee Libby and her own and Linda Libby’s Jakobi sit in second in the CIC* on 47.2. Green to this level, Jakobi, a 7-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, didn’t seem to mind the atmosphere, the test or the jumps, hitting only one rail to remain in second after stadium.

Kimmy Steinbuch and Ruth Bley’s En Vogue are in third on 47.8 in the 11-year-old Hanoverian mare’s first FEI competition. Kimmy took over the ride from Ruth last year and quickly became a force to be reckoned with at the Preliminary level. Young Rider Kelsey Holmes had a double clear round to move her into fourth place on 49.4 with her own Heart of Gold SE.

Today’s cross country features a jump dedicated to Ian Stark and some fun with water complexes,  terrain and good gallop stretches. Don’t forget you can watch the action LIVE from Galway Down at rideonvideo.net. Check back later today for our final scores and highlights from the exciting finale.

#GalwayDowns: Website, Ride Times/Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

GD 2 star scores day 1

GD 1 star scores day 1

Mackenna Shea and Landioso Set the Tone in Galway Downs CIC3*

By on Apr 2, 2016 6:30 am -
Mackenna Shea and Landioso are your overnight leaders after dominating dressage and getting through stadium. Photo by Lisa Takada. Mackenna Shea and Landioso are your overnight leaders after dominating dressage and getting through stadium. Photo by Lisa Takada.

The national day of funny pranks marked the opening of the spring event at Galway Downs, featuring more than 500 horses in multiple divisions. With many of the entries in the FEI divisions looking for their final Rolex prep and a Young Rider team qualifier, we are midway through the spring season in Area VI and the weather couldn’t have been nicer.

CIC dressage was held in two rings to accommodate the large classes, even with the CIC3* stadium scheduled to begin in the afternoon. Despite a small entry list of eight riders, the CIC3* is packed with top combinations ready to set the tone for the rest of their spring season.

For Mackenna Shea and Jordan Linstedt, today was especially moving as it marked their first return to FEI competition since both their horses underwent colic surgery last summer within a week of each other.

Mackenna and her own Landioso, a 14-year-old Bavarian Warmblood gelding sourced by Michelle Pestl, set the tone for the day by laying down a fluid dressage test to deliver a 43.3. That score gave her a commanding lead over the rest of the field, and coming off a win in the Advanced division at Twin Rivers, the pair is back on track for Rolex.

“I felt pretty good (about the test),” Mackenna said. “I didn’t have a long warm up, but he is really good on the flat. We have been working on his rideability.”

Tamie Smith and Dempsey strutting their stuff in the 3*. Photo by Lisa Takada.

Tamie Smith and Dempsey strutting their stuff in his first CIC3*. Photo by Lisa Takada.

Other Rolex-bound competitors include Jennifer McFall and High Times, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by the High Times Syndicate, who came second after dressage on 51.9. They won their last outing at Advanced, with a blue ribbon coming at Fresno. Working hard but also giving “Billy” time to just be a horse in the off season seems to have worked in the pair’s favor, with definite improvements in their dressage scores.

Barb Crabo and her own Eveready, a 17-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding, also had a solid test to round out the top three on 52.8 after the first phase. “After the second or third movement, I was really able to push and get a lot out of him,” Barb said. “He really got his act together today, as he was a bit frisky at his first show (of the season), and I was really happy with him.”

But this was not to be a dressage test. With a new course designer for stadium at Galway Downs in Michael Roy Curtis and a windy desert setting, only Bunnie Sexton and her own Rise Against, a 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, went double clear (we’re sensing a trend here — “Ecko” is definitely a freak of nature!).

Tamie Smith started the division on Dempsey, an 8-year-old Dutch gelding owned by the West Coast Dempsey Syndicate that is contesting his first CIC3* at Galway. A clear round with only time penalties made the course seem eminently doable, especially since Tamie and Dempsey made it look like a gorgeous hunter round. Andrea Baxter and her own Indy 500, who are prepping to go east to Jersey Fresh, had two uncharacteristic rails.

Barb Crabo and Eveready are on their way to Rolex. Photo courtesy of Captured Moment Photography.

Barb Crabo and Eveready are on their way to Rolex. Photo courtesy of Captured Moment Photography.

Barb Crabo and Eveready put in a clear round with three time penalties to move into second on 55.8, and Mackenna and Landioso held on to the overnight lead despite three fallen rails for a score of 55.3. Tamie Smith sits in third on Company Twizted Syster’s Twizted Syster, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare. “Chloe” jumped beautifully over the course only to pull the final rail.

“I thought the show jumping course was great; it was really challenging,” Mackenna said. “You had a good balance of fences that flowed. Even though we had several rails down, it was my fault. I plan to ride forward but careful tomorrow.”

Stadium proved tricky for all the FEI divisions, causing shake ups across the boards. Today brings the Ian Stark-designed cross country course, which has a nice blend of natural looking obstacles, including an intimidating angled-skinny-brushes combination over water, the patriotic fence two, and a fun water combination that includes Galway’s beloved Shamu!

#GalwayDowns: Website, Ride Times/Live Scores, Live Stream,EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

GD 3 star scores Day 1.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Apr 2, 2016 12:41 am -
Redefining Redefining "busy." Photo from Tamie Smith's Facebook page

One of the expressions that used to make me laugh as a kid is “busier than a one-legged man at an ass-kicking contest.” I’d have to say Team Next Level Eventing is giving that one-legged man a run for his money when it comes to being busy. I’m exhausted just thinking about the logistics of making all of those rides happen.

I mean, they’re at Galway Downs — when will Tamie Smith and Heather Morris have time to go to the FOOD TRUCKS?! I know that even managing two horses at a show dramatically increases my caffeine intake. With that many, I’d probably drink enough coffee and soda to stop my heart.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Morven Park Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm April H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Galway Downs CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Saturday Links:

Fleeceworks Fernhill is having a baby, and we want you to guess the due date! We’re teaming up with Fleeceworks to give away a brand new Bamboo Contour Cross Country Pad to the winner of this contest. Entries close on April 5, and you can find more information here. 

Horse riding is leading cause of sport-related traumatic brain injuries, study finds

Johnny Cueto’s prancing horse is glorious

Man charged after horse pelted with more than 100 paintballs

Virginia horse woman held in jail pending bond hearing next week

Family asking for help after horse loses eye to gunshot

Saturday Video: Ahem… ARE YOU READY FOR SOME ROOOOOOLEEEXXXXXX????

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Standardbred Eventers

By on Apr 1, 2016 5:00 pm -

When we think about off-track horses Thoroughbreds are usually the first breed that comes to mind, but they aren’t the only equine ex-racers out there looking for second careers. The Standardbred racing industry faces a similar challenge, but as with OTTBs a number of organizations and adoption agencies have risen up around the country — and the world — in the service of these often underestimated horses.

Last week EN’s sister site Horse Nation shared a quiz video that challenged readers to “guess which horse is the Standardbred.” Created by the Standardbred rescues Won by One and ROC the Standardbred, it challenged the stereotypes surrounding the breed.

“Standardbreds have unfortunately picked up a reputation for being un-elegant plain Janes, but in reality they come in many shapes, sizes, colors and abilities, just like the Thoroughbred,” Kristen Kovatch wrote. “As demonstrated in this video, the Standardbred can be an excellent choice for multiple disciplines and there are many deserving animals coming off the track looking for homes.”

The breed’s versatility, athleticism and heart is no new development. Exhibit A: Halla, the German show jumper ridden by Hans Günter Winkler who three Olympic Gold Medals.

Photo via the IOC Olympic Museum Collections (CC).

Photo: IOC/Public Domain.

By a Standardbred out of a French trotter, the 16.2-hand mare was first trained as a steeplechaser, then competed unsuccessfully as an eventer (she was too nervous for the dressage) before settling into a successful show jumping career. The rest, as they say, was history.

While this particular tale doesn’t involve eventing, it’s too good a story not to share: Halla and Winkler had already won back-to-back World Championships when they competed at the 1956 Olympics in Stockholm. In the first round Winkler pulled a groin muscle after his mare took off early for a jump. Despite the pain, Winkler decided to continue riding, as the German team would be eliminated without him.

Any drugs that could reduce the pain enough to make him comfortable in the saddle would also reduce his mental capacity,  therefore he was only given black coffee before his ride to try to help reduce his dizziness and double-vision. Halla sensed that her rider was not right and performed the entire course clear with only steering from Winkler. Their performance won them the Individual and Team Gold.

Halla went on to win another team gold at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, after which she was retired.

And, of course, we’d be remiss not to include USEA Hall of Fame horse Jenny Camp, who won Individual Silver in eventing at both the 1932 Los Angeles and 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. Ridden by Captain Earl F. Thomson, the Army-bred mare was by the famous Thoroughbred jumping sire Gordon Russell out of a mare that is thought to have been part Thoroughbred, part Standardbred.

The three-day event at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin was a legendarily punishing competition, cross country day especially. Out of 50 entries, 27 horses completed the course, three were fatally injured, and two horses were unable to finish on account of lameness (you can read my history of it and find video here).

Jenny Camp, though, proved as tough as she was talented and finished strong.

Photo: IOC/Public Domain.

Photo: IOC/Public Domain.

Standardbreds are still out there competing successfully as sport horses today. Off the Track Western Australia, a non-profit program that supports the transition of retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses to second careers post racing, recently posted this video that does a great job of outlining both the rewards and challenges of eventing a Standardbred.

In particular, it highlights the successful transition of two of the organization’s retired Standardbred racehorses, Nicolana Wild and Whitbys Revival, both of whom are now excelling in the sport of eventing.

What a wonderful reminder to think outside the box when it comes to choosing event horses. For more information on off-track Standardbred adoption, we encourage you to check out the many resources available online. The United States Trotting Association maintains a directory of programs and agencies here.

Go Standardbreds.

USEF Announces Spring Competition Grant Recipients

By on Apr 1, 2016 3:52 pm -
Boyd Martin and Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry. Boyd Martin and Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hot off the presses! The USEF just announced the recipients of Land Rover/USEF eventing competition grants for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials.

Tiana Coudray received a grant to Rolex and will ride Jatial Inc.’s Ringwood Magister, a 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. “Finn” most recently finished second in the Owen Pugh CIC3* at Burgham International. EN caught up with Tiana earlier this week to chat about Finn’s comeback.

Both Boyd Martin and Lynn Symansky received a grant for Badminton. Lynn will ride The Donner Syndicate’s Donner, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. Lynn and the Flying Deer are coming off a strong third-place finish in the packed CIC3* division at Carolina International.

Boyd confirmed to EN that he will ride both Lucy Boynton Lie’s Crackerjack, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, and Steve Blauner and Kenneth Shelley’s Master Frisky, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, at Badminton, splitting the grant equally between the horses. “Crackers” most recently placed third in the Advanced division at Carolina, while “Mikey” finished 16th in the CIC3*.

The USEF International High Performance Programs are supported by the USET Foundation, USOC and USEF sponsors and members. Click here to read the full press release.

[USEF Announces Land Rover/USEF Eventing Competition Grant Recipients for Spring Competitions]

Stable View Announces $65,000 Advanced Horse Trials and 21 Challenge Series

By on Apr 1, 2016 1:30 pm -
GRC Photo GRC Photo

Stable View Farm will host its first Advanced horse trials on Oct. 1 and 2 this fall, offering $65,000 in prize money in the hopes of drawing a large crowd to the top-notch facility in Aiken, South Carolina. The top finishers in the Advanced division will share a $50,000 prize purse, with the other National divisions splitting an additional $15,000.

Capt. Mark Phillips designed the new Advanced track, with builder Eric Bull putting his signature stamp on the look and feel of the course. Stable View hosted a record number of entries last week for its spring recognized horse trials, and owners Barry and Cyndy Olliff hope the new Advanced horse trials will also attract new competitors to the facility.

Stable View is also excited to partner with Plantation Field and Fair Hill to launch the new 21 Challenge Series for young riders. All riders under 21 will have the opportunity to accumulate points on a series leaderboard while competing in the Preliminary or CIC* divisions at the spring horse trials for Stable View, Plantation Field and Fair Hill.

GRC Photo

GRC Photo

To be eligible for a series award, riders must attend the 21 Challenge Series kick-off event at Stable View on March 21-22, 2017, and then compete in at least one other spring horse trials at Plantation Field or Fair Hill. The top three riders will receive a Stable View prize package that includes one month of free board, apartment accommodations on-site, and training sessions at the facility during the 2018 winter season.

Training sessions for each young rider will be arranged with resident Olympians or top clinicians who will be in Aiken for the season. Boyd Martin and other top riders base out of Stable View during the winter, and past clinicians at the facility include William Fox-Pitt and Phillip Dutton.

Carla Geiersbach, executive director at Fair Hill International, said she is excited to see a series for young riders that will give them access to train with international level riders. “By targeting the Preliminary and one-star level competitors, we will work together to help the next generation of the sport. High school and college is the time when young people are determining their path.”

GRC Photo

GRC Photo

Mary Coldren, organizer for Plantation Field Equestrian Events, echoed Carla’s sentiments and said she is thrilled to see Stable View spearhead the effort for the 21 Challenge Series. “We are excited to work with Stable View to encourage and support the young riders in the sport and to give them this opportunity,” Mary said.

All eyes will be on Stable View’s inaugural Advanced horse trials in October, but the facility will also hold a slew of combined tests, jumper shows and dressage shows throughout the spring, summer and fall. Stable View’s popular “Under the Stars” series alternates dressage and jumper shows every Wednesday evening throughout the year.

Click here to check out the full calendar of events at Stable View and here to view the omnibus listing for the Advanced horse trials on Oct. 1 and 2, 2016. Stay tuned for full dates and more information on the 21 Challenge Series, which kicks off in 2017. Go Eventing.

2016 Rio Olympic Power Rankings: Round 4

By on Apr 1, 2016 11:30 am -
Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Luhmühlen. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Luhmühlen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The season is in full swing now, and judging by the number of entries at Carolina and The Fork, everyone is gunning for Olympic contention. Carolina and Poplar Place both held CIC3* events since Round 3, rearranging the ranks quite a bit. The rolling scores within one calendar year also continue to have an effect, with the 2015 CIC3* events at Galway Downs, Poplar Place and Carolina all dropping off.

Both Galway Downs and The Fork will host CIC3* competitions before our next rankings, which will be the last time we see the majority of Rolex-bound horses before the big weekend. Rolex entries closed on Tuesday, with 96 entries listed as of this article’s publication. We’ve also now seen Badminton entries, and before long Jersey Fresh should be revealing their entries too.

When creating these rankings, we used the following criteria:

  • The horse and rider must have already qualified as a pair at one of the 2015 qualifying events.
  • The average penalty score for each phase is added up to determine each horse’s average completion score.
  • Rankings are calculated using FEI scores in the previous calendar year only, from the three-star and four-star levels.
  • The rankings will be rolling, meaning that scores will be dropped from the averages as they pass the one-year date.
  • Only results as a pair are counted.

Currently 70 U.S. combinations have achieved at least one Olympic qualifier, although five of those pairs are no longer competing together. Pairs not yet qualified will have additional opportunities in 2016 to qualify at Rolex, Badminton, Jersey Fresh, Saumur, Tattersalls, Bromont and Bramham. We’ll list a few pairs at the end of the rankings who have yet to qualify but could certainly be up for consideration if they qualify this spring.

Note: To be considered for an Olympic team, a horse must have been submitted as an applicant to the FEI by Feb. 19, 2016. This list does not reflect whether horses have been submitted for Olympic consideration.

Rewind to: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Luhmühlen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Luhmühlen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

1. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Luhmühlen CCI4*, 2015 Blenheim CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 37.57
  • Number of FEI 3*/4*runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: #1

Clark currently has this horse entered at the Belton CIC3* in the middle of April, which they won last year. That will be the first time Loughan Glen competes this year.

2. Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 47.28
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 5
  • Last round’s ranking: #2

As mentioned in Round 3,  Mai Baum will not be out competing until later this spring and will aim for the CICO3* at Great Meadow in July. Mai Baum sustained a minor injury after Fair Hill last fall and is just starting back to work. This decision has been made so as to not rush his fitness level and work load as he comes back into full competition shape.

3. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Rolex CCI4*, 2015 Galway Downs CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 50.10
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 5
  • Last round’s ranking: #3

Fernhill Fugitive got a pass for Carolina after winning the CIC3* at Red Hills last month. We’ll next see him at The Fork in the CIC3*, and he is one of Phillip’s three entries for Rolex. The last time this horse scored over 50 in the dressage phase was at the 2015 Carolina CIC3*.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn. Photo by Jenni Autry.

4. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Rolex CCI4*, 2015 Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 50.40
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 5
  • Last round’s ranking: #4

Fernhill Cubalawn began his 2016 competition season by placing fourth in the Carolina CIC2*, adding no show jumping penalties and only two cross country time penalties to a dressage score in the 40s. Next, he will go head-to-head with several stablemates in the CIC3* at The Fork before heading to Rolex.

5. Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 52.90
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 4
  • Last round’s ranking: #6

Mighty Nice echoed his stablemate’s performance in the Carolina CIC2*, finishing eighth after taking a slightly slower pace following a double clear show jumping round and high 40s dressage. He’ll be one of Phillip’s six CIC3* entries at The Fork before going to Rolex.

6. Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Rolex CCI4*, 2015 Blenheim CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 53.87
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: #7

OBOS O’Reilly finished fifth in the Carolina Open Intermediate division in his first outing of 2016, tacking a double clear show jumping round onto a dressage score in the low 30s before taking his time across the country. He will next move on to contest the CIC3* at The Fork before heading to Rolex again.

7. Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*, 2015 Galway Downs CCI3*
  • Average Completion Score: 54.33
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* Runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: #9

Meadowbrook’s Scarlett bypassed Carolina in favor of running the CIC3* at The Fork. She will not be tested at the four-star level this spring. Lauren confirmed to EN that Scarlett will instead return to the Jersey Fresh CCI3*, where she finished second last year.

8. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Bramham CCI3*, 2015 Blenheim CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 54.77
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 4
  • Last round’s ranking: #10

Lauren opted to only run one of her Advanced horses at Carolina. Veronica got the weekend off and will now contest the CIC3* at The Fork before having another go at Rolex.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

9. Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 54.84
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 7
  • Last round’s ranking: #8

In his first CIC3* of 2016, Ballynoe Castle RM was well positioned to take as high as second place at Carolina, following a 40s dressage score and double clear show jumping round. Unfortunately, a fall on cross country early in the division forced Buck to withdraw Reggie before the cross country. This horse will be next up to bat at The Fork CIC3* and is listed as one of six potential entries for Buck at Rolex.

10. Jennie Brannigan and Catalina

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 57.93
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: #13

Catalina skipped Carolina International in favor of getting some extra time in the show jumping ring. She is currently entered in the CIC3* division at The Fork and will contest her first CCI4* at Rolex.

11. Boyd Martin and Master Frisky

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Rolex CCI4*
  • Average completion score: 58.67
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: #5

Master Frisky has fallen in the rankings a bit due to a slightly higher dressage average at Carolina, followed by a slower pace across the country. A beautiful clear show jumping round in what has previously been his weakest phase is a great sign, however, and he’ll be back with a vengeance in The Fork CIC3*. Boyd and “Mikey” received a USEF Land Rover Competition Grant to Badminton, and Boyd confirmed to EN that will be the horse’s spring plan.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Jenni Autry.

12. Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Bromont CCI3*, 2015 Boekelo CCIO3*
  • Average completion score: 59.50
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 7
  • Last round’s ranking: #15

Matt has now jumped four of five FEI show jumping rounds clear in the past calendar year, showing this horse has some major show jumping chops. After finishing in 15th place at Carolina CIC3*, this pair will next be at the CIC3* at The Fork before making their Rolex debut.

13. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Bromont CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 59.92
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 6
  • Last round’s ranking: #17

After a run in the Wellington Eventing Showcase, Marilyn Little spent some time in the jumper world before entering RF Demeter in the Intermediate at Rocking Horse Spring this weekend. They’ll also have another Intermediate run at Ocala before making their fifth appearance at Rolex later this spring. Marilyn gave EN more insight into her spring strategy here.

14. Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Bromont CCI3*, 2015 Blenheim CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 60.04
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 5
  • Last round’s ranking: #12

Shame on the Moon proved she was a force to be reckoned with at Carolina, tying for first after dressage and posting a clear round with only one time fault in the show jumping. Unfortunately, a drive-by on cross country dropped this pair a bit in the rankings. They’ll make sure all systems are go in the Advanced at The Fork next weekend before heading to this mare’s first Rolex.

15. Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Boekelo CCIO3*
  • Average completion score: 60.15
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 2
  • Last round’s ranking: #18

Jon opted to forego Carolina with this experienced horse and will now contest the CIC3* at The Fork.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo courtesy of Rare Air Photography.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo courtesy of Rare Air Photography.

16. Buck Davidson and Copper Beach

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Tattersalls CCI3*, 2015 Boekelo CCIO3*
  • Average completion score: 60.53
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 6
  • Last round’s ranking: #14

Copper Beach had a solid run at the Carolina CIC3*, placing inside the top 20 after adding two rails and a handful of time penalties to his 40s dressage score. “Sean” is next entered in The Fork CIC3* and is one of Buck’s six possible entries at Rolex.

17. Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 62.43
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: #11

Blackfoot Mystery delivered his highest dressage score yet at Carolina, and we will likely see it dropping down again at The Fork CIC3*. Show jumping remains a question mark for this horse as he aims for his first four-star at Rolex. Boyd and “Big Red” jumped a clear show jumping round at the Wellington Eventing Showcase and went on to win, but they had three rails down at Carolina.

18. Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow

  • Qualifiers: Fair Hill CCI3*
  • Average completion score: 62.60
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 3
  • Last round’s ranking: #19

This precocious mare earned her keep again at Carolina in the Advanced, finishing fourth with a dressage score in the low 30s, adding only a rail and a handful of cross country time penalties. Welcome Shadow is bypassing The Fork, and Boyd confirmed to EN that she will compete in the Jersey Fresh CCI3*.

Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

19. Lynn Symansky and Donner

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Rolex CCI4*, 2015 Burghley CCI4*
  • Average completion score: 63.05
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 6
  • Last round’s ranking: Unranked

Donner finished a stellar third in the massive Carolina CIC3*, adding only 4.8 time penalties to his 40s dressage score. Lynn competes him next in The Fork CIC3* and will then go on to Badminton after receiving a USEF Land Rover Competition Grant.

20. Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo

  • Qualifiers: 2015 Boekelo CCIO3*
  • Average completion score: 63.52
  • Number of FEI 3*/4* runs in past calendar year: 5
  • Last round’s ranking: #20

Landmark’s Monte Carlo placed second in the Advanced at Carolina, adding only cross country time penalties to his dressage score. Lauren has this Jacqueline Mars’ homebred entered for his first Rolex at the end of the month, but first he will contest one last Advanced at The Fork.

Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

CAROLINA, POPLAR PLACE & BURGHAM RECAP

At Carolina, Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair were the top pair already qualified for the Olympics, with Lynn Symansky and Donner right on their heels. Collen Rutledge with Covert Rights and Allie Knowles with Sound Prospect both put in top 10 performances, while Phillip Dutton and Mr. Candyman snuck into 10 place. The winners, Allison Springer and Arthur, along with Phillip Dutton and Indian Mill, Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch, and Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville all put in strong showings, but still have yet to qualify for the Olympics.

Meanwhile in the Advanced, Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo finished in second, with Boyd Martin rounding out the top four with Crackerjack and Welcome Shadow. Down in Georgia at Poplar Place, Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Catchascatchcan were the only U.S. Olympic qualified pair to compete, finishing fifth in the CIC3* division.

Across the pond, Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister returned to the top levels with a splash, finishing second of 30 in the CIC3* at Burgham International. This pair will also need to gain Olympic qualification this spring to remain in contention for Rio.

Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect. Photo by Rare Air Eventing Photography.

Rio Watch List
Combinations currently ranked outside the top 20
(their next competition is listed in parentheses)

  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and HHS Cooley (The Fork A-A)
  • Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect (The Fork CIC3*)
  • Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace (The Fork CIC3*)
  • Kurt Martin and Delux Z (The Fork CIC3*)
  • Doug Payne and Vandiver (The Fork A-A)
  • Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights (The Fork CIC3*)
Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Contenders Not Yet Qualified
 (their next competition is listed in parentheses)

  • Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot (The Fork Advanced-A)
  • Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister (Belton CIC3*)
  • Will Faudree and Hans Dampf (The Fork CIC3*)
  • Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville (The Fork CIC3*)
  • Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4 (The Fork CIC3*)
  • Julie Richards and Sandhills Brillaire
  • Allison Springer and Arthur (The Fork CIC3*)

FEI Unveils Latest Round of Proposed Changes to Eventing

By on Apr 1, 2016 8:10 am -
Photo by Eric Swinebroad. Photo by Eric Swinebroad.

With the FEI Sports Forum in Switzerland now less than a week away, the FEI Eventing Committee has released the final proposal of suggested changes to the sport’s Olympic and World Equestrian Games competition format, as well as significant general rule revisions that would go into effect starting in 2017.

The FEI said the previous round of proposed changes — which EN outlined here: Radical New FEI Proposals Could Change the Sport of ‘Equestrio’ as We Know It — were intended to make the sport more accessible, attention-grabbing and viewer-friendly to a broader mainstream audience. However, the changes were met with a largely negative reaction from the eventing public.

The USEA and USEF issued tactful yet critical responses, which you can review here and here, respectively. The eventing public exercised less polite restraint, with more than 80 percent of EN readers voting not to change the name of the sport in our most recent poll.

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The FEI solicited further feedback from the public through forums on its website before releasing this most recent proposal. Read on for a summary of the changes, which will go forward for further discussion at the FEI Sports Forum next week.

Renaming the Discipline 

The FEI’s outside marketing consultants have suggested that a different name for eventing will “promote the understanding of the sport to new audiences” and make the sport more relatable to the general public. Additionally, the FEI believes a new name for eventing would open doors for additional marketing and sponsorship opportunities.

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Screenshot via FEI

The FEI Eventing Committee suggests the following name options:

  • Equestrian Triathlon
  • Equi-triathlon
  • Equestrio
  • Triquestrian

Revision:

  • Trihorseathon
  • Gymnastequestrathon
  • Supercalifragilisticequestrioalidocious

The FEI Eventing Committee is also proposing that the three phases be renamed to facilitate a better understanding for mainstream viewers who may not be familiar with the sport.

Revision: “Name the three phases Dressage Equidancing, Cross Country Horse Parkour, and Show Jumping Pick Up Sticks.”

Dressage Tests & Positive Scoring

“Shorter time for the Dressage Test (e.g. speed up entry and exit of horses in the arena, deletion of collective marks, taking out 1st salute, etc.)”

Revision: “Introduce team quadrille for dressage to expedite the first phase and make it more interesting to the general public.”

“A new scoring system, to help make the understanding of the sport more self-explanatory to a wider audience in line with the IOC Agenda 2020.”

Revision: “Implement a voting system in which spectators tweet or text to vote for who they think should win the dressage, further encouraging engagement from the public and attracting new fans.”

american-idol-voting

Screenshot via FEI

Competition Formats

“The traditional order of tests (Dressage – Cross Country – Jumping) held on consecutive days, allows retaining the essence of the discipline (equal importance of the 3 tests), ensuring best monitoring for horse welfare and reliability of immediate results.”

Revision: “In the interest of mainstream audience appeal, the Final Horse Inspection will become an additional phase with points added or deducted for style.”

EN interprets this to mean that the ground jury would likely find mainstream appeal in Laine Ashker’s jog style:

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But would likely deduct points for Phillip Dutton:

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Olympics & World Equestrian Games

“To enhance the ‘Team’ element of the Team Final competition, all three members of each team enter the arena together and individually start at a short interval one after the other. “

Revision: “Introduce an exciting relay-style baton pass for team show jumping to up the sport’s wild card factor.”

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Dress Code

“For the cross country test all nations will have to use national flag colours for dress and saddle paddle pads to clearly identify and differentiate the countries.”

Revision: “In addition to matching outfits in all phases, each rider must end the dressage test with a custom team salute, ideally something that distinguishes the nations.”

EN interprets this to mean that the Americans, for example, could release a bald eagle into the sky for their team salute.

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General Update of the Star Level System

“A lower level new 1 star level to be introduced, 1,2,3 star existing categories to be upgraded one level, use of the current Olympic format for Olympic and WEG, renaming the current CCI4* to “Classics” as a special category outside of the star system.”

Revision: “Change the star system to emojis in an effort to connect with a younger fan demographic.”

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Other Rule Changes

The FEI Eventing Committee is also proposing general rule change suggestions for 2017.

“Commentators: with experience in Eventing – brief to be prepared, video clips available for big screen to show the ‘real sport’ (outdoor, 3 disciplines etc).”

Revision: “Replace beloved and extremely competent FEI commentator John Kyle with 2014 Winter Olympic commentators Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir.”

tara-lipinski-and-johnny-weir-2-broadcaster-ftr

This latest round of changes will be presented at the FEI Sports Forum on April 4 and 5 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Click here and here to read the full documents of the proposed changes.

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Facebook comment from when EN initially posted about the FEI’s proposed changes.

Go Equestrio.