Classic Eventing Nation

By the Numbers: Poplar Place CIC3*

By on Mar 24, 2016 9:30 am -
Joe Meyer and Clip Clop. Photo by Jenni Autry. Joe Meyer and Clip Clop. Photo by Jenni Autry.

All eyes may be on Carolina, but meanwhile down in Georgia, Poplar Place Farm is running their own CIC3*, alongside an Advanced. While Carolina draws the majority of entries this weekend, Poplar Place has their own set of loyal fans, and is hosting a respectable division of fourteen entries. For this event, I’ll be listing the top four placings, as well highlighting a new partnership that could potentially steal the show.

For the CIC3*, the dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-A. Tremaine Cooper has designed this cross country course for many years, and Jan Brodkin is the long-time designer of the show jumping course.

TOP FOUR

1. Joe Meyer and Clip Clop: Joe and Clip Clop have formed a solid partnership in the past year, culminating in a solid showing at Fair Hill CCI3* last fall. With Rolex as their ultimate goal this spring, this pair will be looking for a solid outing this weekend.

Joe and Clip Clop average a 55.1 on this particular test, a little better than their overall average. They have a good record of jumping over Jan’s courses, averaging no rails and one time penalty. Similarly, this pair favors Tremaine Cooper courses, their time penalty average of 4.8 over his designs bettering their overall average. This pair should win comfortably with a score just over sixty.

2. Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Catchascatchcan: Sara’s less experienced mount only moved up to this level last year but has a very consistent record. They’ve had a couple trouble spots thus far this year, but look for this pair to pull all three phases together this weekend.

Catchascatchcan averages a 56.4 on this test, right in line with his average. A double clear show jumping average over Jan’s courses will strengthen their position after the second phase. This horse does run slightly slower over Tremaine Cooper courses, but an average of 9.2 time penalties will give them a final score in the mid-sixties, good enough for second.

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle (BRA). Photo by Jenni Autry.

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle (BRA). Photo by Jenni Autry.

3. Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle: Muggle is a fairly experienced horse at this point, and after a couple years at the three-star level, their goal this spring is Rolex. Muggle’s strongest phase is on the cross country, so look for him to inch up the ranks throughout the weekend.

Muggle averages a 57.6 on this particular test, which is a couple of points better than his typical score. He also seems to favor Jan Brodkin stadium courses, averaging only one rail and no time. A swift average of only 4.8 time penalties over Tremaine Cooper courses will rocket them up the ranks after cross country. This pair will round out the top three with a score in the mid-to-high sixties.

4. Diana Burnett and Bonner’s Chief II: Bonner’s Chief is a newer horse to this level, having only moved up to the Advanced ranks last August. He’s proven to be capable of solid performances, and should give another this weekend.

This pair averages a 52.4 on this test, which should put them amongst the leaders this weekend after the first phase. A tendency to jump double clear over Jan Brodkin’s courses should solidify their position. However, Diana and Bonner’s Chief tend to be more sedate cross country, averaging 20.4 time penalties. This will drop them to fourth, on a final score in the low seventies.

Julie Richards and Sandhills Brillaire. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Julie Richards and Sandhills Brillaire. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE DARK HORSE

Julie Richards and Sandhills Brillaire: Julie and Sandhills Brillaire are a new partnership this winter, formed after Julie imported the mare in a whirlwind decision last fall. Prior to being imported, Sandhills Brillaire had an extensive three and four-star career with Craig Barrett, culminating in a win at Adelaide CCI4* in 2012, and a third in 2013.

Since coming to the U.S., Julie and this mare have quickly ticked off the boxes together, running two Intermediates before placing fourth at Pine Top CIC2*. Most recently they put three solid phases together at Red Hills in the CIC2*, finishing sixteenth. If the relationship really starts to click this weekend, these two could pull out a surprise win.

Diana Burnett and Manny at Rolex 2011. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Diana Burnett and Manny at Rolex 2011. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

ADVANCED

Number of horses: 3

Pairs to watch:

  • Diana Burnett and Manny

Thursday News & Notes from Kentucky Equine Research

By on Mar 24, 2016 12:03 am -
Swimming pools ftw. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Swimming pools ftw. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Today I am on my way to my hands down favorite event of the year, Carolina International. It’s just a short five hours from my house, but I feel like I’ve already missed so much with the record three whole days of dressage. That just goes to show you how popular this event is! I’m also totally excited to see the Ian Stark 3* course. While I’m only running the Intermediate, I’ve been dying to have a go at one of his courses for years now, but he’s only been available on the west coast, so this will be a delight. Nyls prepared for the weekend in his usual way, by spending an inordinate amount of time standing in the river up to his belly and taking deep breaths. I think it’s horse meditation.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Carolina International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Feed]

Poplar Place Farm CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Stable View Winter II H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Ryan Wood helped make Powell’s debut at the 3* level a successful one, leading after day one of dressage at Carolina International. The 10-year-old gelding has a background in dressage before his career with Ryan, so the first phase comes naturally to him. The plan is to have competent rounds in the jumping phases, setting him up for an educational CCI3* later in the season. Jessica Phoenix on Bentley’s Best stepped into second place and Buck Davidson had a good ride on The Apprentice for provisional third. Keep coming back for more updates as the next two days unfold. [Carolina International Day One]

Want more photos from Carolina International CIC3*? Your wish is my command. [USEA Gallery, Day 1]

You know you want to read George Morris’ autobiography. Jumper Nation has gone ahead and given you a little sneak peak, in case you were on the fence about the endeavor. My favorite quote is “I’m a genius in my field….when it comes to my profession, I know I’m a genius”. Head on over to get the full goods. [Jumper Nation]

How well do you know Captain Mark Phillips? Horse & Hound has a wonderful new series called the “Eventing Geek Quiz”, and since we all know that Eventers are geeks for random facts, this seems perfect. Take the test and find out just how clever you are! [Mark Phillips Eventing Geek Quiz]

You know those creepy soft finger looking things that are on the bottom of foal feet? Yeah, they’re technically called “eponychium”, not soft creepy finger things. They serve to protect the uterus as the foal is born, and disappear within 24 hours. Horse Nation has the in depth story on these weird little things. [What The Muck is That]

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]

KER ClockIt™ Session of the Week – Spring Conditioning

This week’s KER ClockIt™ Sport session illustrates a horse’s first day of conditioning sets for this season. The rider started the session as she and her horse were walking over to the rolling field. She reports the first canter set was faster than normal because her horse felt fit and raring to go! Between being the warmest day of the year so far at 77 degrees F and having some winter coat left, her horse was foamy after the session.

Tired of interminable trot sets? Using KER ClockIt Sport to record your rides not only gives valuable insights into your horse’s fitness, but now you can also win a great prize! Share your ClockIt sessions for a chance to win the KER and Eventing Nation Share Your Sessions Sweepstakes. For more information, visit the website.

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Ryan Wood and Powell Cruise to Early Lead in Carolina CIC3*

By on Mar 23, 2016 5:30 pm -
Ryan Wood and Powell. Photo by Jenni Autry. Ryan Wood and Powell. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Summit Sporthorses’ Powell made the first CIC3* test of his career one to remember today at the Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North LLC Carolina International Horse Trials, scoring 44.1 to hold the lead at the end of the first day of dressage in the packed three-star division.

This is an exciting up-and-coming horse for Ryan. Bred in New Jersey by Ilona English, the 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Pablito x Donnerwerth) stepped up to the Advanced level at Millbrook Horse Trials last year and is contesting the first three-star of his career here at Carolina.

“He’s a pretty calm-headed, level-headed character, so he entered (the ring) pretty well,” Ryan said. “He’s naturally very good in the dressage phase, and he actually had a little bit of a dressage career before I started eventing him, so all the movements in the Advanced test have been established for quite awhile.

With this being Powell’s first three-star, Ryan said he’ll be looking for a clear show jumping round on Friday and will plan to cruise around Ian Stark’s new cross country course on Saturday. The big spring plan for this horse is the CCI3* at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event, so Ryan will be keeping a few cards up his sleeve for that competition.

Ryan has a cadre of horses moving up to the three-star and four-star levels right now. With three entered at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in Frankie, Fernhill Classic and McLovin, and with Ryan also listed as a Generation Next rider on the Australian High Performance Squad, 2016 is set to be a big year for him.

It’s also an exciting time for Powell’s breeder Ilona English, who has consistently been ranked as one of the Leading Eventing Breeders in the United States Equestrian Federation rankings. “She’s definitely making an imprint on the eventing here in the States,” Ryan said — and he also has a slew of young horses bred by Ilona that are coming up the ranks. Remember her name!

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jessica Phoenix was thrilled with Bentley’s Best after his test today, which scored 45.6 to take second place after the first day of dressage. The 9-year-old Trakehner gelding (Hirtentanz x Eichendorff) owned by Don Good stepped up to the CIC3* level at Plantation Field last year and has been showing plenty of promise ever since.

Don Good, who also owns Pavarotti, is a longtime supporter of Jessica, and she said she’s excited Don will be here this weekend to watch “Benny” go in person. It’s been eight years since Jessica last competed at this event, and she said it’s eye-opening to see all the changes that this superstar organizing committee has implemented since overhauling the competition three years ago.

Buck Davidson and The Apprentice were the second pair to go this morning but made a lasting impression in their test, scoring 45.9 to sit in third place on 45.9. Dirk, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Sherrie Martin (Casado X Fernblick), is cross-entered at both Rolex and Badminton Horse Trials, and Carolina will be one of the horse’s key prep runs regardless of which competition he ultimately targets.

It certainly wasn’t an easy day in the sandbox for the three-star division, with many combinations receiving much higher scores than what we usually see on the leaderboards. The judges, Sandy Phillips and Bobby Stevenson, seemed to reward contact that proved steady, consistent and correct, and a rock-solid turn on the haunches and clean flying changes proved equally critical.

Looking to the other divisions, Eliza Farren and Crotty Equine Ventures’ Cooley Dawn Raid are leading the CIC2* on a score of 43.4, followed by Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing’s Hans Dampf in second on 44.1, with Doug Payne and Kristin Michaloski’s Lysander in third on 44.4 at the halfway point of the division.

Will Faudree and Hans Dampf. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will Faudree and Hans Dampf. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Will is steadily making his comeback after undergoing neck surgery to stabilize his C6 and C7 vertebrae following a fall at this venue while competing in Five Points Horse Trials in September of last year. He ran several of his horses around the Preliminary at Southern Pines Horse Trials two weeks ago, and this weekend is his first FEI competition since the accident.

“It’s great to be back on top of the horses and not watching them on the ground anymore. I feel great. I’ve had no reservations about coming back out, and I expected to. I was prepared to, but I have a good partnership with all the horses,” Will said. “I’ve been working on getting to know Hans better, and since I’ve been back in the tack we’ve had lots of long hacks and conversations. He’s a phenomenal horse, and I’m very excited to be able to come back on him.”

Looking to the CIC*, Katie Lichten and RF Luminati lead in the early going on 39.4, with Liz Hawley and Signature Moves in second on 44.8 and Will Coleman and Cooley Off the Record in third on 45.2. We have two more days of dressage ahead of us here at Carolina, with a record-breaking number of entries pushing the event to start a day early today.

Remember that you can watch the remainder of CIC3* dressage live tomorrow, plus both jumping phases for the CIC3* and CIC2* courtesy of EQSportsNet. Karen O’Connor and Charlotte Skinner-Robson are providing commentary, with guests like Hannah Sue Burnett joining them today on the live steam. Click here for details on how to watch.

The second day of dressage starts bright and early tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. Stay tuned for a full CIC3* course preview from EN’s own Kate Samuels, who is back out with her own Nyls du Terroir at Carolina this weekend. We’ll also be bringing you a special episode of the Shehannigans Show featuring Sinead Halpin and Hannah Sue Burnett, so stay tuned for much more.

You can view a full video of Ryan Wood and Powell’s leading CIC3* dressage test below courtesy of EQSportsNet, and be sure to check out EN’s Instagram for plenty of behind the scenes photos from #2016CI. You can also view more amazing photos from Allie Conrad Photography on the Carolina International Facebook page.

#2016CI Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Watch Ryan Wood and Powell take the lead of the Setters’ Run Farm CIC3* on a score of 44.1 on the first day of the Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North LLC Carolina International.

Posted by EQSportsNet on Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Laine Ashker’s 2015 Carolina International CIC3* Helmet Cam

By on Mar 23, 2016 4:30 pm -

Post by Lainey Ashker.

Carolina International is upon us and we can’t wait to see this year’s courses — there’s always a lot to do out there.

Jenni is on the scene for EN and will be bringing us a course preview soon; in the meantime, enjoy this helmet cam of last year’s CIC3* track as viewed between the pricked ears of Laine Ashker’s partner Anthony Patch.

The pair makes it look easy, coming home clear with just 2.80 time. Best of luck to all this year’s competitors!

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10 Questions with Jessica Bortner-Harris Presented by Omega Alpha

By on Mar 23, 2016 3:00 pm -
Jessica Bortner-Harris and Win the War. Photo by ED/Hoofclix.com Jessica Bortner-Harris and Win the War. Photo by ED/Hoofclix.com

1. How did Bug get his name, Win the War?

I went to Charles Town Racetrack to pick him up with shipping boots, travel helmet, and tail wrap. I was getting him all suited up and this big, fat racetrack trainer guy comes up and he says, “You sure do have a lot of armor for that horse!” I say, “Yeah, well, it’s the most money I’ve spent on a horse, and he’s young, and I don’t want him to get hurt in the trailer.” He sort of huffs and walks off.

Later, it’s dusk, and we are walking him to the trailer down the shedrow outside, and the big dude comes running out behind us and throws his fist in the air and says, “Win the war, Buddy, win the war!” Bug’s Jocky Club name is “Little Jitterbug” and I had every intention of showing him as that, as it was as cute as he was. However, after that, my best friend said, you HAVE to show him as “Win the War.” That’s too awesome.

2. What is your best eventing memory with Bug?

It’s tough to nail down just one memory that I love. I think my best memory is finally getting our CCI3* cross country done. We have had a lot of road blocks and silly little things getting in our way in the past, and we just couldn’t seem to get it done. That was pretty tough for me mentally, because I knew that he had what it took to get it done and get it done well. When we crossed the finish line at Jersey Fresh last spring, I just leaned down and hugged my boy and told him, “I finally rode the way you deserved. We finally did it!”

3. Tell us about your other up-and-coming horse, Bishop.

The second horse in the Win the War Syndicate, Bishop de Selah, is a 7-year-old Zweibrucker gelding. He is pretty fabulous and makes me grin like an idiot just as Bug does. He was born and raised in West Virginia at Selahway Farm owned by Jane Hartleroad. One of my best friends, Autumn Grogan, got him going and did his basic work. The day I met him, I fell in love. He’s a quirky dude, but he and I have always just clicked.

I acquired him from her last May, and he has just blossomed as the months have passed. He has now done two Training level events, and he’s just amazing. Funny enough, his attitude about this sport really reminds me of Bug at that age. Bold but careful. If it’s scary, just jump higher. He is an amazing mover and jumper and just finds it all so much fun. (Jessica is still selling shares for the syndicate. Email her for more info.)

4. You’ve recently moved your business to a new farm in North Carolina. Talk about that change and what it means for you.

My personal farm has been located on my husband’s family’s land in a beautiful but extremely rural area. I love it there, but it has made running the business pretty difficult. I was driving over an hour to teach each of my students, so I was spending five or six hours in the car every day. It meant my days were extremely long, and I was running myself very thin. This new venture with John and Kim Sigmon is going to be amazing. I do have to drive over an hour to get to Sigmon Farm Park in Newton, N.C., but it’s one drive a day, rather than multiple. The farm is beautiful and located in a much more populated area. The horses love it there and the care is unmatched.

Kim and I make an excellent team, and I’m really excited about where things will lead. This new venture has also pushed me to make some major changes. I am no longer breeding, and I am downsizing my herd by a lot. When you own your own farm, sometimes it’s easy to just take on too many. My goal is to get down to just my string and two select young horses from my breeding program that I believe will be lovely eventers. We will then take on 2-3 resale horses at a time. Kim is an avid fox hunter but has done pretty much everything you can think of on a horse. Between the two of us, we should have some pretty fabulous horses to sell.

Jessica riding Bishop in a lesson with Clayton Fredericks. Photo by Mia Hughes.

Jessica riding Bishop in a lesson with Clayton Fredericks. Photo by Mia Hughes.

5. If you could try any other riding discipline, what would be and why?

I think straight show jumping would be a blast on the right horse. People have told me for years that I should take Bug over to the jumper ring and win some money. I think he would love it!

6. If you could ride any other eventing horse, past or present, who would be and why?

That’s a tough one! I think I would choose Cooley Cross Border. I remember the video that Kim took of him from Ireland, and I was enamored then! He is such a very cool horse. I love a horse with some cheek and he definitely has it. Kim has done an impeccable job with him.

7. An injury disrupted your season goal to reach Rolex. What kind of advice would you give to another rider who may have suffered a recent set back?

I have learned with horses, all things can go wrong. My best advice is to be able to write your plans in pencil and not be afraid to use an eraser…a lot. I am a planner, through and through, but I have gotten a lot better over the years to sit down and reassess. I’m hugely bummed about my plans being changed this year, but I already have a new plan, and if that goes awry, I’ll come up with another. This sport definitely teaches you to rise from the ashes over and over and over.

8. Now that you’re back in the saddle, what is your priority going to be moving forward this year?

Going forward this year, my goal is to go to Rebecca Farm for the CCI3* with Bug. I have always wanted to go, and this set back has made the timeline make more sense. At this point he knows his job, so I don’t plan to run him off his feet. I will be super selective about where he goes leading up to it, and he will have a pretty quiet fall. I hope to save him for the big things I want to do and keep him happy and sound for as long as possible. In light of Bug having a lighter year, I am hoping that Bishop gets to have more mileage and maybe shoot for a CCI* late in the fall.

9. Who is your equestrian idol?

This is a tough one. I’m not sure that I can pick just one! I try to take traits from all riders that I really love and aspire to be like that. There is so much to learn from every rider that you watch. I love the way Clayton Fredericks can sit patiently and wait for the distance he wants. I love the way Phillip Dutton can see a distance from 100 miles away every time. I love that Kim Severson is accurate and always on point in the dressage. I love that Bonnie Mosser is a genius at both horse and rider fitness. I love that William Fox-Pitt can keep his super tall body so quiet on every horse that he rides. The list goes on and on. I am also a huge fan of every rider that appreciates their horses and thanks them for the hard work they put in for them every day.

10. What is your favorite Omega Alpha product?

My favorite Omega Alpha product is definitely AntiFlam, though it’s hard to choose just one. My horses work hard and deserve to feel their best. I can see a huge difference in them when they’re on AntiFlam. They have less soreness and recover well after work.

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‘The Buck and Kyle (and Baby Aubrey Davidson) Show’ Talks Carolina International

By on Mar 23, 2016 1:00 pm -

The co-hosts of The Sort of OK Show About Horses with Buck & Kyle are back, joined this go-round by a swaddled-up co-host who, while she didn’t have too much to contribute commentary-wise, definitely upped the episode’s adorable factor.

Can we get a close-up?

UntitledSquee!

Baby show-and-tell aside, the meat and potatoes of this week’s show is the Carolina International, which is getting underway as we speak in Raeford, North Carolina. Buck and Kyle discuss the course, the competitors and, of course, their picks to win the CIC3*, CIC2* and CIC1* divisions.

To the winner, the spoils; to the loser, the obligation to compete in a humiliating costume designed by his opponent, most likely involving a pom-pom cross-country hat cover. Nothing against pom-pom hats, Aubrey, but your dad and Kyle probably can’t pull them off as well as you do.

Want to share your thoughts, hedge your bets and/or heckle Buck and Kyle? Email them at [email protected].

Click here to subscribe to the show on YouTube, and stay tuned for the next episode. As for Carolina International, Jenni will be bringing us all the action throughout the weekend so keep it locked here.

Go Buck and Kyle (and, most of all, Aubrey)!

#EventerProblems, Vol. 62: Spring Struggles Edition

By on Mar 23, 2016 11:00 am -

Ah, spring. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and you’ve got a whole new set of #EventerProblems on your hands. Including but not limited to:

Daylight Savings Time pros…

This post work ride outside brought to us by daylight savings time!! #eventerproblems #thankfulforspring #stilltired

A photo posted by Lizzie Sauter (@lizzie_sauter) on

…and cons

Mares in heat

Maybe it’s Maybelline,maybe it’s Regumate. Love my mare today. #eventerproblems

A photo posted by chmortensen (@chmortensen) on

Shedding

Rain

#stormwatch #timelapse #mustridebeforeitrains #californiaproblems #eventerproblems

A video posted by Caitlin Lighthouse Peterson (@caitlinlighthouse) on

Which leads to… mud.

 

Oh, the horror!!#mud #aweekvacation #eventerproblems

 

A photo posted by Emilie Reinhardt (@e.r.eventing) on

Losing that winter weight

Bad footing

I guess that last lesson was a little muddy #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Emily Maher (@e.a.maher) on

 

Mark Phillips: “Water or mud?” Rider picked the water. #eventerproblems

 

A photo posted by @say_duh_nelle on

Winter riding in the great Northwest. #PNW #eventerproblems #fairweatherisrare #aspenfarms #areavii #usea

A photo posted by Deco Pony (@decopony) on

No spring break for you!

Your first tan “tan” of the year

Just four days and the watch/glove tan is too real. #eventerproblems #sunnysouthcarolina #aikensc

A photo posted by Tasia (@corgibutt401) on

The waiting game



Go away already, winter! It’s supposed to be spring!

Living up to the crazy eventer stereotype. A little snow never hurt anybody, right? #eventerproblems #FloridaOrBust

A photo posted by Heidi S (@the_dancing_burrito) on

I’d rather be getting ready in the snow than competing in the snow! #area2 #eventerproblems #ihatewinter

A video posted by Sara Gartland (@sagartland) on

Walking my cross country course for tomorrow in the SNOW #wtf #eventerproblems

A photo posted by erinstartover (@erinstartover) on

Hoping for a miracle so that I can actually compete this weekend #area2 #eventerproblems #ihatewinter

A photo posted by Sara Gartland (@sagartland) 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.

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

Go Eventing.

Badminton Entries Go Live

By on Mar 23, 2016 9:00 am -
Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry. Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh at Badminton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The entry list for the 2016 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton CCI4* went live this morning. Ninety horses have been accepted and another 27 are wait-listed. Only a maximum of 85 horses will ultimately compete, but more are shown on the accepted list because of double entries and riders who have entered mutliple horses.

Twelve nations are represented on the accepted entry list, including a strong contingent from the United States. Buck Davidson has entered Park Trader and The Apprentice, and Boyd Martin has four horses entered (Cracker Jack, Master Frisky, Blackfoot Mystery, Shamwari 4). These six horses are also all entered at Rolex Kentucky; Buck and Boyd must declare their final entries to Rolex by the closing date of March 29.

Lynn Symansky and the Donner Syndicate’s Donner are also double-entered in both Rolex and Badminton. Phillip Dutton has one horse entered at Badminton with his relatively new ride Indian Mill, and Libby Head is entered on her pocket rocket Sir Rockstar. Kathryn Robinson and Let It Bee are the sole representatives from Canada.

Anna Collier and Gleaming Road and Tiana Coudray with Rindwood Magister are currently wait listed.

We’re delighted to see both William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson entered. William has entered his 2012 Rolex Kentucky winner Parklane Hawk and Andrew has entered his 2014 World Equestrian Games mount Nereo and three-time Burghley winner Avebury.

Sam Griffiths is entered with 2014 Badminton winner Paulank Brockagh as well as Happy Times.

[Badminton 2016 Entries and Wait List]

Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

By on Mar 23, 2016 12:01 am -
Justine Dutton's pair of FEI horses made an early appearance at the Carolina stabling. Photo via Justine Dutton's FB page. Justine Dutton's pair of FEI horses made an early appearance at the Carolina stabling. Photo via Justine Dutton's FB page.

Because I’m assigned to Wednesday’s N&N, I rarely ever get to say that a big event is starting; the most we might get is jogs for a big CCI in the afternoon. For the first time in a year and a half that I’ve been with EN, I get to announce that we are live with both scores and steaming from Carolina today with dressage! You can thank the 225 FEI entries for the fact that Carolina had to alter their schedule and are now allowing you to procrastinate from doing work as early as hump day!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Carolina International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Feed]

Poplar Place Farm CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Stable View Winter II H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

If you’re looking for an awesome gift idea, Jumper Nation has you covered. Custom brushes seem to be all the rage over in jumper land these days, and I have to admit that it’s a trend I could get on board with. I know that I personally have been using the same set of brushes for eons, and despite not being terribly expensive to replace, there has never seemed a need to. Which makes these custom brushes all the more desirable; an item that’s both affordable and thoughtful, and you’ll never lose another brush!  [Custom Brush Sets]

Sometimes the horses tell you they just aren’t ready to retire. Such is the case with Maven, a 20-year old Cleveland Bay/Thoroughbred cross owned and ridden by Lauren DeNeve. In the fourteen years Lauren has owned Maven, they’ve come back from OCD surgery, two sinus surgeries, a tendon injury, a hip fracture, and having two foals. Originally planning to do an Advanced with her in 2007, plans got delayed. Thought to be retired, Lauren decided to play a little at Preliminary last fall, and now plans are to cap off Maven’s amazing competition career with an attempt at an Advanced finally[Maven, The Comeback Queen]

Andrew Nicholson doesn’t do anything by halves. That includes his comeback to competition. This past weekend, Andrew returned to competition for the first time since his fall from Cillnabradden Evo at Gatcombe. He competed three horses in the Novice (equivalent the Preliminary) and three in the Intermediate, taking the win with one of his Intermediate entries. Welcome back, Andrew! [Andrew Nicholson Returns to Competition]

Behind the Stall Door with Icabad Crane. As a racehorse, Icabad Crane placed third in the 2008 Preakness Stakes, just one race in a career that spanned 33 starts. With a resume like that, Icabad was bound to be a bit of a celebrity even before he entered Phillip Dutton’s barn. After completing his first CCI1* last fall, he’s as popular as ever, even more so than some of Phillip’s Olympic prospects. [Behind the Stall Door]

SmartPak Product of the Day: It’s abotu to get warm again, which means it’s time to add electrolytes back into our horses’ diets, if they aren’t on them year round. SmartLyte Pellets are one of my favorites, because they are primarily made of potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and best of all, no sugar added. Also the pellet form keeps those picky eaters from rooting around and avoiding the powers.  [SmartPak]

Let’s take a rewind back to the days when Carolina was known as Southern Pines II and they only ran national levels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qqpQFmmY0M

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Carolina International Throwback

By on Mar 22, 2016 6:00 pm -

You may remember Kelsey Briggs and The Gentleman Pirate, who seemingly miraculously recovered from a neck injury to return to upper level competition last year. In honor of this week’s festivities at Carolina International, we’re throwing things back to Kelsey’s helmet cam from last year. This pair tackled the CIC1* track in 2015 and have since been making strides toward moving up to Advanced.

Best of luck to all competitors this weekend!

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