Classic Eventing Nation

Spring Has Sprung! Grab One of These Working Student Positions [Updated 3/30]

By on Mar 20, 2016 3:00 pm -
Working students totally have all the fun. Photo courtesy of Meg Kep. Working students totally have all the fun. Photo courtesy of Meg Kep.

Spring is here! Riders and trainers, if you’re looking for a working student and have a listing you’d like to add, please email [email protected]. To future working students, happy job hunting!

Hawley Bennett-Awad (CA): Hawley Bennett Eventing, located in Temecula, California, is interviewing for a Head Groom/working student position opening as of April 1st. Duties to include grooming for Canadian Team member Hawley Bennett, organizing horses and equipment for events, helping with turn in, feeding, general care of barn, assisting with jump schooling of horses, learning how to set jump courses, vet care as required, hacking and fitness work. Individuals must be self motivated, reliable, hard working, have good ethics, be willing to travel to events, have the ability to work on your own, have strong organizational skills and have a happy, cheerful and positive attitude. In exchange you will be given daily lessons, free shipping for one horse to events, the chance to learn excellent horse husbandry, travel to many local, out of state and possibly out of country events. Pony Club or eventing experience is a plus. You will also have a chance to ride horses at various levels as your skills develop. Your costs would be stall board if you choose to bring your own horse to learn and develop on. Many extras are available to you and your horse such as magnetic blanket, revita vet therapies and, Euro sizer on property. All applicants must be 18 years old and position commitment of a minimum of 6 months. Please expect a 6 day work week within barn hours. There is an apartment available on property for rent if housing is required. Please send resume and references to [email protected].

Courtney Cooper (PA): Leading sales barn and home to upper level event rider, Courtney Cooper and her team at C Square Farm have an immediate opening for a working student position at their farm in Nottingham, Pennsylvania. The team is returning home after a very successful winter in Aiken, South Carolina competing and selling horses. One of our wonderful working students is headed home so we currently have an opening for a responsible and reliable individual. Working students will receive expert instruction from an Advanced-level competitor along with exposure to many aspects of the horse business. Learn the ins-and-outs about running a successful breeding operation, sale horse program and upper level competition. Housing is provided and benefits could include board for one horse, although a horse is not required. Opportunities to ride other horses based on your ability may be available. A positive attitude and great character are required. If an opportunity like this appeals to you, please contact Courtney at [email protected] to discuss further details. Please include your resume and riding video.

Phyllis Dawson (VA): Phyllis Dawson is looking for a long-term working student at Windchase beginning in early 2016. Receive daily lessons, full board for your horse, experience riding multiple horses, housing, and shipping to competitions, a package with a value of over $3,000 per month — in return for barn work and horse care. You will be part of a top quality Eventing stable, train with an Olympic rider, and learning how to run a successful business. Plenty of riding opportunities and daily instruction, and top class facilities. Check out our Web site: www.teamwindchase.com. We are in the heart of the Area II Eventing community. Bring your horse, ride and compete — or if you don’t have a horse take lessons on ours. We are looking for dedicated students who can commit to at least six months. Contact Phyllis at [email protected]

Woodge Fulton/Full Moon Farm (FL/PA): Open working student position for 3* rider, Savannah (Woodge) Fulton. Individual will training and riding out of Buck Davidson’s barn in Ocala, FL in the winter and Reiglesville, PA during the summer. Great opportunity for learning all aspects of an upper level barn. Requires a motivated and hardworking individual. Housing provided and a minimum 6 month commitment required. If an opportunity like this appeals to you, please text Savannah at 443-821-5193. Position available immediately.

Boyd Martin (PA): The Eventing side of the business has an immediate opening for a new working student.  Candidate must be exceptionally hard working with a great attitude and willingness to learn the ropes of an Olympic level operation.  This is a great opportunity to train with the best in the business of Eventing and Dressage, and there is the potential for this to turn into a salaried position. Qualified candidate may bring their own horse and housing can be arranged.
Please email Sara for more details!

Colleen Rutledge (MD): Colleen Rutledge Eventing is seeking a working student/grooms assistant to join the team in Mount Airy, Maryland starting April 15. This position will entail duties including but not limited to feeding, mucking, tack cleaning, grooming, tacking/untacking, bathing, basic vet care, sole charge, clipping/mane pulling, facility maintenance, and some lungeing and hacking and exercising depending on experience.

The ideal candidate would be 18 years or older, mature, hard-working, self-reliant, self-motivated, conscientious, capable of following direction, have a sense of humor, have previous experience caring for and working around horses (Pony Club experience preferred) and a working knowledge of the eventing industry. Access to own transportation is a bonus.

Student will have front seat to the inner workings of a top eventing program with horses competing from novice to four star levels as well as yearlings and green broke horses and will have access to learn from other top professionals in the sport. Student will work along side head girl to prep horses for daily work and competitions along with providing the highest standard of daily care for the horses, equipment and facility. Student will have access to lessons with Colleen on a regular basis. Student will remain at the farm during away competitions to care for and exercise remaining horses.

A three month commitment is required. Student will start with a two-week trial period. If interested, please send resume and cover letter to Colleen Rutledge ([email protected]) and Alex Ambelang ([email protected]).

Jane Sleeper (KY): Looking for part time barn help- mornings 7-12:00 and we’re interviewing for a new working student for the exciting spring and summer event seasons!! Bring your horse and ride many of ours – eager to school cross country this week!! Give me a call 603-718-4446.

Below are some additional recent listings from EN’s classifieds site Sport Horse Nation:

Susie Beale (SC): Looking for an aspiring event rider to join our team in Aiken. Ride, train, work, and enjoy all that Aiken has to offer. Opportunity to stay on after we move back to PA is a possibility. We will be in Aiken the beginning of January through the end of March. Learn and train with Advanced-level competitor Susie Beale while working alongside a positive, team-oriented staff. Candidates should be hard working and have a positive attitude, no competition experience required. Stipend and shared housing available. If this is you, please contact [email protected] or Chris Adair at 484-868-6581.

Jeremy Dingy (SC): We are looking for an energetic, motivated, enthusiastic individual who is eager to further their riding and horse management skills while learning what it takes to run a quality training and boarding facility. Job duties will include tacking horses, cleaning stalls, feeding, turn out and turn in, cleaning tack, assisting in preparing for competitions, show grooming, braiding, wrapping, assisting farrier, vet, etc. Applicants should have prior experience caring for horses and must list references. In return we provide a training program for you and your horse with event/dressage trainer, Jeremy Dingy, free pasture board or reduced full board rate for one horse, and stipend. Possibility of seasoning in Central New York April through December. We are located in Hatchaway Bridge – right in the heart of Aiken’s eventing community. Contact Jeremy Dingy 315-730-0817 [email protected]

Tiffani Loudon-Meetze (SC): Eventing working student opportunity with Tiffani Loudon-Meetze. Looking for a long term, highly motivated, hard working person wanting to improve their riding skills as well as gain knowledge in horse care and management. Lovely, low key facility with brand new apartment. We are located north of Columbia SC and 1 hr. from Aiken. We offer housing, board for 1 horse, weekly lessons & transport to shows. Opportunities to ride and have lessons on other horses too. Duties include feeding, turning in and out, stall cleaning, grooming, tack cleaning etc.. 5-6 days per week. If interested please send a brief resume with references to [email protected]. Tiffaniloudoneventing.com

Selena O’Hanlon (CAN): We are sad to be saying goodbye to one of our best students. We are looking for someone to join the team. We are all very passionate about horses and the sport and we need someone who feels the same way. A hard working self starter who can use initiative and common sense. We offer daily lessons in riding and stable management, we will look at candidates with or without their own horse. [email protected]

Samantha St. Jacques (PA): St Jacques Equestrian has a position opening for a working student. We are located in Allentown, PA in the Lehigh Valley on a beautiful full service training facility. We are looking for a working student that is motivated, positive and hard working with a keen desire to improve. Please contact Samantha with resume, references and for more information. [email protected] 561-601-3048

Benita Strini, Plain Dealing Farm (VA): Immediate opening for motivated, hard working individual at premier Eventing facility in Scottsville, VA. Position involves, but is not limited to, daily care of horses including mucking, feeding, turn-out, tacking/untacking, maintaining neat and tide stable as well as some riding. Position also includes traveling to away shows and FEI competitions as well as wintering in South Carolina. Board for one horse included as well as use of the fantastic facilities. Great opportunity for someone looking to gain knowledge and experience grooming and working with a great team of dedicated, horse loving, individuals. Salary DOA, benefits include housing, insurance and vacation time. Position is full time, grooming experience ideal, and riding experience a must. [email protected]

Jane Sleeper (SC): We are looking for another eventor to join us in Aiken, SC for January 15, 2016 through March 15, 2016. We are based at Full Gallop Farm and we work, train, compete, attend clinics, and dodge the snow & frozen ground. Hope to find another working student and/or part time employee to learn, work, and enjoy the opportunity. Please contact Jane 610-857-2514, [email protected] and let’s get going!

Kelli Temple (SC): Working Student Needed – immediate opening. Aiken , SC. Board for one horse – lessons from Olympian Kelli Temple – coaching at events. PM Kelly for more info!

Amber Levine and Carry On Jump to Advanced Victory at Copper Meadows

By on Mar 20, 2016 1:00 pm -
Amber Levine and Carry On. Photo courtesy of Bill Olsen. Amber Levine and Carry On. Photo courtesy of Bill Olsen.

Amber Levine and Carry On successfully jumped a faultless round over a tricky Jose Nava show jumping course today to clinch their first Advanced win at Copper Meadows. Just the second Advanced run for this pair, the win was the cherry on top of a weekend that proved anything is possible.

Amber finished on a final score of 28, followed by Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against, who were able to move up into second thanks to a double clear round. “Ecko” definitely looked keen and ready to go today, and he got away with a few rubs but overall jumped and rated nicely for Bunnie to leave the rails in their cups. They end their weekend on a 41.5 as they move closer to their goal of journeying back to Kentucky next month.

Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo courtesy of Bill Olsen.

Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against. Photo courtesy of Bill Olsen.

Nikki Ayers and Rubicon picked up third place in their second Advanced start. A pair of rails down kept Nikki from remaining in her overnight second position, but she still gave “Rubix” some extra big pats to the delight of her supporters looking on after clearing the final fence.

Nikki Ayers and Rubicon. Photo courtesy of Bill Olsen.

Nikki Ayers and Rubicon. Photo courtesy of Bill Olsen.

The course rode well for the most part, with two out of seven pairs having rails down. There appears to be a decent amount of atmosphere in this ring at Copper Meadows, what with spectators standing at every rail and plenty of shadows to distract even the most seasoned horse. The Advanced pairs handled things well, though, and rode the course with poise and just the right amount of control.

In the Intermediate division, Jordan Linstedt and RevitaVet Capato are your winners, finished on a final score of 33.9. Jordan and Capato moved into first following a double clear cross country run  — the only one of the division — and finished up by adding no penalties in today’s show jumping.

Jordan Linstedt and RevitaVet Capato. Photo courtesy of Bill Olsen.

Jordan Linstedt and RevitaVet Capato. Photo courtesy of Bill Olsen.

Robyn Fischer and Betawave, a 7-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Robyn and Carol Singh, finished in second place with a double clear show jumping today for  a weekend score of 37.0. This mare is a rising star for Robyn; she won her Intermediate debut at Fresno last fall and most recently in 2016 picked up fourth place in her first CIC2* last month.

Mia Farley and Fernhill Fine Diamond, whom we have talent spotted in the past, are your third place finishers in the Open Intermediate on a final score of 40.5. Mia has been working hard as a part of the Eventing 18 group of young riders this year, and that work is certainly paying off with this result in the pair’s first Intermediate together.

Many thanks to Ride On Video for providing a great live stream of the show jumping today!

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Rolex Entry Update: The Kiwis Are Coming

By on Mar 20, 2016 11:00 am -
Tim Price and Wesko. Photo by Rare Air Eventing Photography. Tim Price and Wesko. Photo by Rare Air Eventing Photography.

New Zealand riders Tim Price, Mark Todd and Jock Paget have all been added to the Rolex entry list for next month. Tim Price is returning to Kentucky after finishing in second place with Wesko, a 13-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Christina Knudsen and The Wesko Syndicate.

Tim is also bringing Bango, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Numero Uno Syndicate who finished in the top 15 in his CCI4* debut at Luhmühlen last year. This horse also finished 12th in the CCI2* for 7-year-olds at Le Lion d’Angers — definitely a talented horse for Tim’s string.

Mark Todd, whom we haven’t seen stateside since 2014, has entered NZB Campino, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by New Zealand Bloodstock and Mark Todd. This is one of Mark’s most seasoned campaigners, having been tapped as his 2012 Olympic mount and most recently picking up a 10th place finish at Pau in 2015. This will be NZB Campino’s first trip to Kentucky.

We last saw Jock Paget compete at Kentucky in 2012 when he finished in sixth place aboard Clifton Promise. This time he’s bringing Clifton Signature, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred/Hanoverian gelding owned by Frances Stead and Russell Hall. Jock and Clifton Signature finished 14th at Pau CCI4* last fall.

We’re always excited to welcome overseas entries to Rolex, and we anxiously await additional entries from across the pond as the March 29 closing date draws closer. There are now 42 combinations entered. Stay tuned for many more entry list updates!

[Rolex Kentucky Entry List]

Hope Springs Eternal for Kirsten Buffamoyer and Jim

By on Mar 20, 2016 9:00 am -
Kirsten Buffamoyer and Jim at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry. Kirsten Buffamoyer and Jim at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Having a horse to gallop around big Advanced courses has been a long time coming for Kirsten Buffamoyer. No stranger to the concept of having plans go awry when it comes to horses, Kirsten is thrilled to finally have the opportunity of a lifetime with her 13-year-old OTTB gelding, Jim.

It was a chance meeting that brought Jim into Kirsten’s life — she was contacted by a gentleman who had acquired some Thoroughbreds, and she originally was going over to look at a gray son of Storm Cat.

“He wasn’t what I was looking for, and I was trying to figure out how to graciously decline when Jim came walking down the hill,” Kirsten recalled. “He was underweight and had rain rot but he had this huge eye. He was seven at the time and hadn’t been ridden in three years, but we put a saddle on him and he cantered off on this little loose rein canter. I bought him on the spot.”

Jim has an exuberant jumping style, one that Kirsten worked hard to fine tune as the upper levels approached. “He’s always jumped much higher than he needs to,” Kirsten said. “He’s a crazy good jumper, and as the jumps have gotten higher he’s really started to figure it out. We’ve worked with Peter Atkins a lot right before we moved up to Prelim so we weren’t over jumping Prelim fences by three feet!”

“When I ran around my first Prelim, it was just so easy for him,” she continued. “He was dead straight, dead honest. The only issues I’ve ever had are if I don’t sit up and steer. If I place the question in front of him and he sees it, there’s no doubt that he will go.”

After a year of Prelim competition, Kirsten elected to make the step up to Intermediate with her OTTB. She made her move at Pine Top in 2014 and was rewarded with a fourth place finish in their debut as a pair. Kirsten has limited upper level experience prior to Jim, but it was becoming apparent that she may have the real deal on her hands.

Kirsten spent the majority of 2014 and 2015 at the Intermediate and two-star level, putting all of the pieces together while keeping the “big A” in the back of her mind. As with all horses, though, the campaign was filled with plenty of ups and downs, to the point where Kirsten took a moment to consider her options.

Jim gives the big Pine Top hammock plenty of room. Photo courtesy of Hoofclix.com.

Jim gives the big Pine Top hammock plenty of room. Photo courtesy of Hoofclix.com.

“Last fall, I was at the point where I was considering selling him. I have some really nice young horses and I thought, ‘Maybe this is what I’m supposed to do, bring along the young horses and let someone else take Jim and enjoy him,'” she said.

Then, Kirsten took a lesson with Bruce Davidson Sr., where he quickly assuaged her thoughts. “Halfway through, he looked at me and asked what my plans were. He said, ‘This is a four-star horse, and you’re crazy if you sell him.’ So I guess when Bruce Davidson tells you that your horse is a four-star horse, you sit up and listen!”

So Kirsten made the decision to keep tugging away, keep chipping away at the pieces. She aimed Jim back at the CCI2* at Fair Hill. “I had two run-bys when I didn’t sit up and steer like I should have,” Kirsten recalled. “Through all of the hard things, though, he was just so spot on. He just jumped out of his skin. I thought, maybe this is my shot.”

Kirsten kept working through the winter, eyeing a move up to Advanced this spring. She made her Advanced debut with Jim at Rocking Horse in February and followed that with two clear cross county runs at Pine Top and the CIC3* at Red Hills, most recently.

Now, Kirsten is allowing herself to look farther ahead — she’s tentatively aiming for the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh this spring and then the CCI3* at Fair Hill in the fall. “I think anyone who plays this game at a serious level has the three- and four-star level in the back of their head,” Kirsten said. “My goal wasn’t necessarily a four-star, but just having the ability to go Advanced and gain experience.”

“(Four-star) is hard not to think about though!” she laughed. “It’s always kind of there in the back of your head. I guess I’ve had so many disappointments, you just kind of push it down. It’s been the ride of my life, and the dream is definitely still there.”

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Mar 20, 2016 12:01 am -
This may be a 2015 foal, but I'm a little biased - Liberty Twain DF, aka Pippa, aka my redheaded child! Photo thanks to Sherry Stewart. This may be a 2015 foal, but I'm a little biased - Liberty Twain DF, aka Pippa, aka my redheaded child! Photo thanks to Sherry Stewart.

Nothing says spring to me like a Facebook feed full of foals. Baby animals are always a winner, and baby horses rank in my top three of all time (sorry puppies, elephants and giraffe’s have you beat.) While it’s obvious to anyone that knows me, my maternal instinct isn’t exactly strong. Yet foal season triggers something deep inside me, and my fiancé has finally realized that when the computer is open and I start cooing about how cute the babes are, I am talking about the four legged kind!

I always tried to tell my parents that a baby pony would be perfect for Easter – after all, there were plenty of chicks and baby ducks and bunnies. Sadly for me, the Easter Bunny didn’t know how to ride and a horse was too big to put in a basket. At least, that’s what my parents told me. But I am still able to enjoy all the beautiful colts and fillies that are coming into the world right now – the future of our sport, full of hope (and adorableness).

U.S. Weekend Events:

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Website] [Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Kentucky Equine Research and EN are teaming up to host the Great KER Fitness Challenge this spring! Download the free KER ClockIt Sport app for your phone and record your rides for a chance to win a $100 gift card to shop.kerx.com, an EcoGold Secure XC Saddle Pad, a lesson with your choice of Bruce Davidson, Liz Halliday-Sharp, or Dom or Jimmie Schramm; and feature story about you and your horse on EN. [Contest Details]

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]

Raising healthy foals

Cheltham horse festival death toll up to seven

New 2* course to be revealed in 2018 on New Zealand’s Southland

Lea, the Blind Quarterhorse, barrel races, trails and more

How did the Mini cross the road in Arizona?

BLM seeks experienced trainers for Pilot Program

Sunday Video:

In honor of The Countdown to Rolex and our happiness at Andrew Nicholson’s planned return to competition, have this great cross country flashback!

Amber Levine and Carry On In Charge of Copper Meadows Advanced

By on Mar 19, 2016 5:30 pm -
Amber Levine and Carry On. Photo by Miles Barrett. Amber Levine and Carry On. Photo by Miles Barrett.

Amber Levine and Carry On, a 9-year-old KWPN gelding, remained in control of the Advanced at Copper Meadows following cross country today, putting in a clear round just a few seconds over time to sit on a 28.0 going into tomorrow’s show jumping.

This is the second Advanced run for Amber, who stepped up to the level with this horse at Fresno last month, finishing fourth in their debut. This pair had a successful campaign at the Intermediate and two-star level, picking up fourth place finishes in the CCI2* at both Rebecca Farm and Galway Downs in 2015.

Nikki Ayers and her “horse of a different color,” Rubicon, are also running their second Advanced together — they finished third in their debut at Fresno — and will take second place into tomorrow on a score of 38.5.

Crazy legs and harmony_eventing getting it done !! Making the… https://t.co/jxoPIQ6TB1

Posted by Hawley Bennett Eventing on Saturday, March 19, 2016

In third after two phases are Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against, who are aiming for a second go at Rolex this spring. This pair rose from sixth into third thanks to the fastest cross country trip of the day, incurring just 1.6 time penalties. They’ll be on a score of 41.5 as they look ahead to show jumping.

For anyone who is not able to attend the Copper Meadows event this weekend, Ride On Video will be live streaming show jumping tomorrow (and are also doing so today). You can view the live stream link here to follow along with all the action.

Advanced show jumping kicks off at 8:30 a.m. PST / 11:30 a.m. EST, so stay tuned for the finale of one of the West Coast’s favorite spring events!

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Saturday Video: Full Gallop Farm Prelim Helmet Cam

By on Mar 19, 2016 3:00 pm -

Collegiate eventer Michael Willham sent us his helmet cam video from his first Prelim run at Full Gallop Farm. Michael wrote the following blog about his run. Many thanks to Michael for the update, and thank you for reading!

Well, my fellow eventers, I did it. I made the jump from Training to Prelim last weekend at Full Gallop Farm’s Horse Trials in Aiken, SC while I was on my Spring Break. And let me tell you, it was SO MUCH FUN!

Now I know that many of you don’t have aspirations to make it to the Preliminary level and that’s absolutely fine. The only person who should care about what level you go is you. If you’re content and having a blast going at Beginner Novice or Novice, that is great! As for me, I don’t know how far I want to take this, but I definitely knew I wanted to at least go Prelim.

After going Training level all of last year, culminating in the Training 3 Day at the Kentucky Horse Park in October, I knew I was ready to make the move up this season. I am fortunate enough to be able to go down to Aiken and train with Phillip Dutton for two weeks over my Spring Break (I took an extra week off, you know, because: horses). I entered in two shows: Training at the first and the Prelim at the second show. I didn’t know exactly what cobwebs I would be dealing with after five months off from showing (and from being outside, darn Ohio weather).

I had prepared, prepared, and then prepared some more for this day. I have the utmost trust in my trainers, my preparation, and my horse. But no matter how much I could train for this, it was still nerve-wracking. It was only the second show of the year and I didn’t have anyone to coach me at the show or to walk the courses with me. In a strange way, I think I actually might ride better without my trainer, let me explain this seemingly outrageous statement…

Without my trainer, I take complete and total responsibility for figuring out how to ride the course, I don’t rely on being told what to do. Without my trainer, I, alone, am responsible for how I warm up.

Without my trainer, I have to employ all of my experience, all of my training, and all of my preparation without being told to do so.

Now I am not saying that I don’t value my trainer helping me at home or at shows, I wouldn’t be able to do this without them. But what I am saying is that it’s almost a sort of challenge that I have to step up to the plate, put up or shut up, go big or go home. As someone who always sets goals, is always tough on themselves, is always finding ways that I fell short and resolving to fix them, I like being challenged. And this challenge of riding without any guidance, especially moving up a level, is perhaps the biggest
challenge of them all.

Walking your first Prelim cross country course is definitely an eye-opening experience. First of all, it seemed as if everything was either a huge table or a skinny. I kept thinking “ride forward, don’t ride backwards to the jumps, keep the energy and he can jump it”. However, everything looked small once I was on Cayenne.

He is such a fantastic horse and he made all of those massive tables seem small.

Backtracking a little bit, we had a great test in the little white ring, despite it still being a little slick from the morning dew. Show jumping went great as well, going double clear over our first official Prelim stadium course. I didn’t want to know my dressage score or where I was placed though. It didn’t matter, I was just looking forward to cross country the next day. I wanted to go around clear. I wasn’t going to worry about making time, I didn’t want to sacrifice my riding and preparation for the jumps in pursuit of making time.

Cue the next day where we blaze around cross country like champs and end up coming in only 13 seconds over the Optimum Time on a course where nobody in the division made the time. I am so proud of my big, brown Irishman. It still hasn’t really sunk in fully yet, we’re a Prelim pair.

He got some huge hugs as we walked back. Tack off, sponging, studs out, hand walking, the works. It wasn’t until he was snuggled up in his box stall in the trailer with his ice boots on that I looked at the scores. We scored an amazing 24.6 in dressage, which put us in the lead. Coupled with our double clear show jumping and 5.2 time penalties out on cross country, we ended with a sub-30 final score and a first place finish at my first Prelim!

So my piece of advice, don’t let the absence of a trainer stop you from taking the leap of faith. If you’re ready for it, place trust in your preparation and go for it. This isn’t for everyone, we all still need our trainers, but there’s also a point in your training that you should be confident and capable enough to compete on your own every now and again, if you’re comfortable with that!

A big thank you to everyone who has made all of this possible! There’s too many to list. Without my parents, none of this would even be remotely possible. And thank you to my sponsor, Nutrena, who keeps my horse fueled up and ready to go.

A Primetime Ride

By on Mar 19, 2016 1:00 pm -
Leah Lang-Gluscic, AP Prime, and I. Leah Lang-Gluscic, AP Prime, and I.

My trip to Ocala was nothing if not full of firsts. It was truly the trip of a lifetime and I came home with plenty of homework and memories to last me a lifetime. I had the privilege of taking a spin on Ballynoe Castle RM over at Buck Davidson’s, and a conversation over a bottle of wine led to another opportunity to ride a top level horse: Leah Lang-Gluscic’s AP Prime.

I headed over to Leah’s Ocala base one afternoon after she expressed a need for a videographer to take some footage of a sales horse. Happy to oblige, I shot some video and Leah offered me a glass of wine to show her appreciation. As we sat on her porch taking in the views, the conversation turned to Buck and Reggie.

“So how did that even come about?” Leah asked. I happily relived the tale, smiling at the thought of that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Leah grinned at me and told me that I should come and hop aboard AP Prime next time I was over. I couldn’t quite believe my luck — if all the stars align, I might be able to say I rode not one, but two horses heading down centerline at Rolex this year!

The next week, I once again headed to Leah’s, feeling those familiar jitters at the prospect of sitting astride a horse way above my talent level. Once again, the thoughts entered my head of what could go wrong (everything) and the ways I could screw up (there were a lot).

I tried to push those thoughts from my head, though, as Leah began tacking AP up for our little jaunt. Let me just start by saying, I am a huge fan of smaller horses. Not tiny, per se, but 16 hands or so. Nothing large — I like to feel like I’m riding a sports car.

If you were to describe AP Prime in a word, “small” would not be it. The OTTB gelding is about 16.2 on a short day and every bit as muscular as the human equivalent of his athletic level. Definitely not the small, in your pocket type that I am used to.

AP eyed me cautiously, wondering what hell I was about to put him through. I laughed and reassured him that this would probably be the easiest ride he would ever have to endure.

I got on and set off around the arena with Leah watching. As I set off to do some flatwork, I focused on keeping my position as strong as possible and letting AP show me exactly how he likes to be ridden. On the flat, he’s once again a great example of a well trained horse. A whisper of a leg and he is bent around it, a soft wiggle on the inside rein and he’s on the bit. Riding horses such as this is a great learning experience and example of where you eventually want your horse to be.

I loped around the arena a bit before Leah told me to go and jump the small course she had set up. I gulped to myself, knowing that this would definitely be a different ride than what I am accustomed to.

And it undoubtedly was. Poor AP didn’t know what was coming — I think I missed every distance the first time through because I was too nervous and momentarily forgot that a horse like this could jump a two-foot course in his sleep and that I was just hindering him by trying to manage things too much.

After I choked out an apology and convinced myself I had broken AP because he cross-cantered after a fence, Leah told me to try again but to trust him and let him find his own distances when I could.

So I did, and the result was worlds better than the first. Granted, the horse still jumped me out of the tack (at two-foot — pretty impressive), but I felt much more confident by the time we had gone through again and couldn’t keep the grin off my face.

Leah had many proud mom moments while I was riding — I feel like it’s a sign of a truly great horse when he can successfully and quietly pack around an amateur. Granted, not all great horses are suitable for just anyone to ride, but it’s always a plus when you know you can safely let someone else ride your upper level horse.

After our ride, Leah told me to take AP for a hack around the farm. As he strode off confidently and looking for his next job, I took everything in. It was one of my last days in Ocala, and the experience had truly come full circle.

At the end of the day, it’s not about what “cool” things you get to do. It’s about what you learn and take home with you. From this trip, I took home inspiration — from riding both Reggie and AP I realized that having a horse that well-trained is not so impossible. I realized that even “people like me” can dream big, that we all started somewhere. I learned that eventers truly want to see their peers succeed. And those are the most important parts of this trip that I will keep with me as I continue to work towards my own goals.

I’d like to extend my thanks to Leah for entrusting me with her special horse and to each and every person who I came in contact with while in Florida. It truly is a trip of a lifetime, and the lessons learned will be valuable for a long time to come.

Rolex Entry Update: Phillip Dutton Adds 3, 37 Now Entered

By on Mar 19, 2016 11:00 am -
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn. Photo by Jenni Autry. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The Rolex entry list for 2016 continues to grow daily, and we now see the additions of several riders, including Phillip Dutton with three rides.

Phillip will be bring Fernhill Cubalawn, Fernhill Fugitive and Mighty Nice to Kentucky this year — all horses who have a shot at being seriously competitive and who are also on the Rio radar as the Olympics rapidly approach.

Fernhill Cubalawn boosted Phillip to a USEF National Champion title in 2015 with a fifth place finish at Rolex, followed closely by stablemate Fernhill Fugitive in ninth place. This will be Mighty Nice’s fourth crack at the Kentucky four-star — he finished in tenth place in his first CCI4* start in 2012 and most recently finished second in the CCI3* at Fair Hill International last fall.

Also added to the list on this latest update is Lillian Heard, who is also bringing three horses this year. In addition to her veteran partner, Share Option, Lillian will be piloting LCC Barnaby and FYI in their first CCI4* starts. This will be Lillian’s second Rolex trip, and she has enjoyed some consistent results of late with all three of her horses so she is sitting in a great position to have a competitive go in Kentucky.

Lynn Symansky returns to the entry list with Donner, the “flying deer” OTTB gelding who will be contesting his sixth four-star. This pair took a trip to Normandy for the World Equestrian Games in 2014 and also took home a top-15 finish at Burghley last year.

Canadian Olympian Selena O’Hanlon is also a recent entry with her partner, Foxwood High. 2014 was the first CCI4* for “Woody”, and the smile on Selena’s face upon finishing a clear cross country said it all. This is a partnership Selena is quite proud of, and for good reason. Woody went on to represent Canada at the World Equestrian Games and his dressage is an ever improving phase — this is a pair to watch for Canada as the season progresses.

Stay tuned for many more updates on the latest Rolex entries!

[Rolex Entry List]

William Fox-Pitt Cleared for Competition

By on Mar 19, 2016 9:00 am -
William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning. Photo by Jenni Autry. William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning. Photo by Jenni Autry.

William Fox-Pitt posted an update on his website yesterday confirming that he has been cleared to compete by his doctor. William suffered a head injury after a fall at Le Lion d’Angers last fall, and he has been on the road to recovery with the full intent of returning to competition this year.

“I have been checked by the specialist and have been cleared to compete,” William said in the announcement. “[British coach Yogi Breisner] came down this week and we jumped four horses together and it very much feels like all systems go. A big thank you to everyone who has supported me through my recovery. I am looking forward to working with Chilli Morning and the rest of the horses and getting going with the season.”

We have not yet heard whether or not William plans to aim for a spring CCI4* (or two), but we have no doubt that he has a plan in mind for how he wants to leg his horses back up with the 2016 season and, importantly, the Summer Olympics looming.

Meanwhile, Harry Meade and Hector Payne have stepped up to take some of William’s younger horses out competing — and we hear he also has a new hand to help in the U.S.’ own Andrew McConnon, who just arrived in Dorset, England this week.

We’ll continue to bring you more updates from the Fox Pitt camp and are thrilled to hear that William is doing well in his recovery.