Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on Mar 18, 2016 12:03 am -
Life is so exhausting. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Life is so exhausting. Photo by Kate Samuels.

I hope you all had a wonderful St Patty’s day yesterday! I went hunting in the morning for a fantastic last hunt of the season, and I think my tweed has a little bit of a green tinge, so that served me well. I did forget to wear anything actually green, but luckily an obliging horse with a mouth full of grass slimed me early on in the day, so I’m pretty sure that counts, right?

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Schedule]

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

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

News From Around The Globe:

Congratulations to Chelsea Smith, this week’s Fab Freebie winner! Chelsea will receive a triple color custom browband from Highland Browbands, and we can’t wait to see what colors she chooses. Thanks to Highland Browbands for putting on this week’s Fab Freebie! [Fab Freebie: Highland Browbands]

British Eventing has gotten jealous of our live scoring technology and looks to be upgrading this year. Live scoring could soon be rolled out across all BE competitions and the organisation is currently trying to find or develop a system to display scores on-screen at competitions and upload them to the Internet. At the moment, most events rely on scorers calculating and writing marks out by hand onto paper scoreboards. [BE Goes Live]

Spots are still available with Lucinda Green at the renowned Win Green Farm in Virginia! A two day Cross-Country Clinic with six time winner of Badminton, World Champion, Olympic Silver Medalist and world renowned clinician Lucinda Green. Lucinda is appreciated for her ability to impart confidence in both horse and rider at all levels – beginner novice through advanced, amateur or pro. [Get Your Cross Country On]

Two horse crazy girls won the competition to design a jump at the famed Badminton Horse Trials this spring. Eight year-old Lyla Mainwaring and Chloe Spence-Gray, 15, won the competition to design an element of World Horse Welfare’s Garden Gate fence as part of its Charity of the Year status at the iconic event. Both girls’ amazing illustrations will be brought to life as real jumps at the prestigious event in England. [Young Riders Design Badminton Jumps]

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]

Nothing is better than shining up your browband and your bits for a show. While there are lots of options out there, nothing screams blingy and shiny like this Herm Sprenger Diamond Paste. Diamonds you guys! Have your horse accouterments shining like diamonds. [SmartPak Product of the Day]

Boyd Martin on the Road to Rio:

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Thursday Video from Nupafeed USA: Learn About the Irish Sport Horse

By on Mar 17, 2016 6:00 pm -

The Irish Sport Horse is a staple in many equine disciplines and has a prominent place within the eventing world. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re dedicating today’s video to this sturdy and versatile breed with this great video from HorseMarket Ireland.

Take a look at various examples of traditionally bred Irish horses and the characteristics they display in this footage from the Dublin Horse Show in 2013 — a true showcase of the Irish horse.

Whether you have a Irish Sport Horse, a Connemara, or a mix of something in between, many people will tell you that these are among the best sport horses there are to be had.

Go Irish Horses, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Save the Irish Sport Horse

By on Mar 17, 2016 3:00 pm -

Phyllis Dawson, an Olympic eventer, trainer and breeder who owns Windchase Farm in Purcellville, Va., is about as big an advocate of Irish Sport Horses as you can find on this side of the pond. But after a recent horse-buying trip to Ireland she felt concerned about the future of the breed. Was the traditionally-bred Irish horse becoming endangered? Today she shares her thoughts and concerns with EN. 

Windchase's foundation sire is the late Irish stallion, Brandenburg's Windstar, who was 1/2 ID and 1/2 TB. Crossed with TB mares, he produced top sport horses. Photo courtesy of Phyllis Dawson.

Windchase’s foundation sire is the late Irish stallion, Brandenburg’s Windstar, who was 1/2 ID and 1/2 TB. Crossed with TB mares, he produced top sport horses. Photo courtesy of Phyllis Dawson.

The Irish Draught Horse (ID) has been bred for centuries to run, jump and go across the countryside. They are hardy enough to go all day through the toughest foxhunting country in the world and gentle enough for a child to ride. They are valued for their jumping ability, soundness and versatility.

The Thoroughbred (TB) is known for its speed, endurance, athleticism and heart.

The Irish Sport Horse (ISH) is a cross between Irish Draughts and Thoroughbreds, embodying the best of both breeds. Of the 14 horses that have been inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame, nine of them are traditionally bred ISHs.

Those that are half TB and half ID tend to be quiet all-rounders suitable for the amateur to foxhunt and event at the lower and mid levels. The ISH that is 3/4 to 7/8 TB is generally a good prospect for the highest levels of eventing and show jumping. They tend to be excellent jumpers and lovely loose movers, with plenty of gallop and stamina. They are sought after by top event riders around the world.

Phoenix Star is one of Brandenburg's Windstar's 3/4 TB, 1/4 ID sons. Photo courtesy of Phyllis Dawson.

Phoenix Star is one of Brandenburg’s Windstar’s 3/4 TB, 1/4 ID sons. Photo courtesy of Phyllis Dawson.

I recently spent a week in Ireland shopping for young event prospects and was shocked to find that the traditionally-bred Irish Sport Horse is seriously endangered. Due to the infusion of European warmbloods into the breeding programs, the ISH breed is being diluted as more of the ID and ISH mares are being crossed with warmbloods rather than TBs; therefore fewer and fewer of the true traditional ISHs are being produced. We are on the verge of losing these valued bloodlines forever.

It appears that many breeders and sales yards are choosing short-term economic gains over heritage, which is very disheartening. Irish horses take a bit longer to develop than most other breeds, and it seems that many buyers don’t understand this. They are attracted to the flashy movement and jump that many warmbloods show as 2 and 3 year olds, and are choosing these crosses rather than waiting for the ISHs to mature and show their talent.

As a result the Irish breeders, instead of sending their good ID and ID/TB mares to quality TB stallions as in the past, are responding to the market by crossing their mares with continental warmblood stallions (or “foreign horses” as the Irish call them), hoping for quicker sales of their youngstock. These ID/warmblood crosses may show more toe-flicking flash as youngsters but they often lack the gallop, stamina and heart needed for the highest levels of eventing. The characteristics that give the warmblood that big trot with the long stride and slow tempo do not necessarily help him on the cross-country course or in the hunt field.

If the sires are approved by the Irish studbook, one can breed a warmblood mare to a warmblood stallion, and as long as the foal is born in Ireland it can be fully registered as an Irish Sport Horse and receive a green registration book. The average buyer, seeing the horse is registered, doesn’t know they are not truly getting an ISH! This might be fine for those producing show jumpers and dressage horses, but for us eventers it is a very negative trend. As fewer and fewer of the traditional ISHs are bred, the old excellent bloodlines are going by the wayside, and once they are gone, they are gone forever.

I am not knocking the warmblood breeds; they are wonderful horses. They excel in the dressage and jumper worlds, and there are many who are successful in the eventing world as well. Nor am I trying to discourage the breeding of warmbloods in Ireland, but they should be registered with their own breed registries rather than as ISHs. I do not go to Ireland to buy warmbloods; I go there to buy traditionally-bred ISHs. I am terribly afraid that within five years these will be scarce indeed, and perhaps nonexistent in 10. This will be a tragic loss to Ireland and horsemen everywhere.

The traditionally-bred ISH, those with ID bloodlines combined with at least three-quarters TB blood, excels in the eventing world — but they are getting harder and harder to find. On my recent shopping trip, I went to 17 different yards spread out all over southern and central Ireland. I looked at a total of 67 horses for sale, and of those only 12 of them were traditionally Irish-bred, with only ID and TB blood. The rest were warmblood crosses. This trend has been going on for a while, but I was dismayed to see how much it had increased in the four years since I had last been to Ireland. Only 18.5% of the horses we were shown were truly “Irish,” and that was going to yards of breeders and trainers who had primarily shown traditional Irish horses in the past.

I feel it is short-sighted for the Irish Horse Board to allow the ISH registry to become diluted with other breeds and to risk losing the old authentic bloodlines. People from all over the world come to Ireland to shop for ISHs because they have distinctive qualities and characteristics that no other breed shares. If the ISH becomes an amalgamation of continental warmbloods and loses the characteristics that make the breed unique, Ireland will cease being a leading world marketplace for horses — buyers looking strictly for warmbloods will be more likely to go to countries like Germany, France and Holland.

So let’s save the Irish horse! What can we do?

Buyers: If you are buying an ISH check on his breeding. Talk to his breeder or look at his registration book and find out who his ancestors are. Make sure his bloodlines are compatible with what you want in a horse. Be aware that a horse can be partially or all warmblood and still registered as an ISH, and be sure to find out what percentage of ID and TB blood the horse you are considering buying has.

If there is demand for more traditionally bred Irish Sport Horses then the breeders will produce them. When searching for horses, let the breeders and dealers know that you are interested in the classic bloodlines and the traditional Irish horse.

Riders and trainers: Recognize that the ISH matures slowly and give them the time to develop properly. Train them carefully and correctly, don’t take shortcuts, and give them every chance to reach their top potential.

Irish Horse Board and Irish Draught Horse Society: Consider a separate registry for the warmbloods and warmblood crosses rather than letting them be registered as ISHs. Create financial incentives for breeders to produce traditionally-bred Irish horses.

Breeders: Preserve those bloodlines! Keep producing those traditional ISHs with a combination of ID and TB blood. Breeding often does not offer much in the way of financial gain, but then that’s not what you got into it for in the first place, is it? The satisfaction of producing a quality horse is its own reward, and knowing you are helping to protect the breed will make it all the more worthwhile.

Let’s be sure that we have traditional Irish horses to ride and enjoy for the future.

First U.S. Nations Cup Course Taking Shape at Great Meadow

By on Mar 17, 2016 10:45 am -
From left: Rob Banner, Great Meadow Foundation president; Darrin Mollett, co-organizer; Mike Etherington-Smith, course designer; Tremaine Cooper, course consultant; and Travers Schick, course builder. Photo by Shauna Alexander. From left: Rob Banner, Great Meadow Foundation president; Darrin Mollett, co-organizer; Mike Etherington-Smith, course designer; Tremaine Cooper, course consultant; and Travers Schick, course builder. Photo by Shauna Alexander.

Following the successful debut of his CIC3* course at Red Hills over the weekend, Mike Etherington-Smith headed north to The Plains, Virginia to make his first site visit of the year at the venue that will host the Land Rover Great Meadow International presented by Adequan, the inaugural FEI Nations Cup Eventing leg in the U.S.

Great Meadow debuted its first CIC3* last year to overwhelmingly positive reviews. Co-organized by David O’Connor and Darrin Mollett, the event aims to bring its “dinner and a movie” concept to the first U.S. Nations Cup leg, emphasizing great entertainment, great food, a great atmosphere and, of course, elite competition featuring many of the world’s top riders.

“It’s really great to have the Nations Cup in this part of the world,” Mike said. “I think it’s a really positive step for the sport in this country, and well done to everyone involved in making this decision. This is a massive effort on everybody involved and there’s a big commitment here, which is very exciting.”

Both Germany and Great Britain have expressed interest in sending teams to the Nations Cup at Great Meadow, which will be held July 8-10 the week prior to Aachen. The total number of entries will be limited to 40 horses and riders. Each National Federation is permitted to send one team of three or four riders with an additional alternate.

A certain number of slots have also been reserved for the U.S. to send individual competitors as the host nation. The remaining number of individual slots will be filled by riders representing other countries based on their standings in the FEI World Eventing Athlete Rankings.

Artist rendering over the new area. Credit to GreatMeadowInternational.com.

Artist rendering over the new area. Credit to GreatMeadowInternational.com.

Mike said his plans for the CICO3* cross country course are very closely to being finalized. The new 400-by-70-foot warm-up arena and 300-by-250-foot competition ring are nearing completion, and a brand new water complex constructed below the arena will also play a starring role in the course.

“This trip has been about seeing the progress on the arena. The course will go through it and then come back through it to link the two sides of the course together,” Mike said. “I’ve had various ideas about trying to change the line of the course and taking more land on the far side of the property,” but he is also mindful of keeping the bulk of the action in front of the spectators.

Tremaine Cooper is working as the course consultant to assist Mike when he can’t be here in the U.S., and Travers Schick is course builder. “Tremaine will be working with the builders to determine the final way in and out of the arena, for example,” Mike said. “He is my eyes and ears on the ground.”

The CICO3* course will feature 32 or 33 jumping efforts over a distance of about 3,500 meters. The course can be up to 4,000 meters, but Mike said he won’t push for that length considering the timing of the competition in the season and also the possibility of rain impacting the footing.

Travers Schick, Mike Etherington-Smith and Tremaine Cooper review plans for this year's course yesterday at Great Meadow. Photo by Shauna Alexander.

Travers Schick, Mike Etherington-Smith and Tremaine Cooper review plans for this year’s course yesterday at Great Meadow. Photo by Shauna Alexander.

Those who remember last year’s severe thunderstorms that caused flooding in the stabling area and an evacuation of the grounds can rest assured that measures have been taken to ensure proper drainage in stabling this year and prevent that same scenario from occurring should severe weather strike again.

“Everybody has done a lot of work to continue keeping the course beautiful and improving on it. We’ve improved the stabling and the experience for the horses and riders,” Darrin said. “The real hope is that the community will continue to embrace this as they have over the last couple of years.”

Darrin said the organizers have been thrilled to receive more than 120 applications so far for volunteers to assist at the event, and more volunteers are still needed to ensure the first U.S. Nations Cup leg can be as successful as possible. Click here to fill out a volunteer application.

The competition will begin with the first horse inspection on Friday afternoon, July 8. Dressage will start Saturday morning on July 9 and continue through the afternoon, followed by show jumping under the lights that night. Cross country will be held Sunday morning, July 10. Click here for ticket information.

Keep it locked on EN for everything you need to know about #GMI2016. You can also follow the event on Facebook here, Twitter here, Instagram here and check out the website here for more details. Who else is excited for the inaugural FEI Nations Cup Eventing leg held in North America? We sure are!

[Land Rover Great Meadow International presented by Adequan]

Kiss Me, I’m an Irish Sport Horse

By on Mar 17, 2016 9:00 am -
2015 top ranked ISH eventer in the world Cambalda gets the smooch treatment from Stephaine Cauffman and Erin Rose, Photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan.

2015 top ranked ISH eventer in the world Cambalda gets the smooch treatment from Stephaine Cauffman and Erin Rose, Photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan.

As athletic as they are tough, it’s no wonder Irish Sport Horses consistently dominate the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses Eventing Studbook Rankings.

The breed has come out on top in the WBFSH’s FEI point based ranking system every year since 2004 with two exceptions, 2010 and 2011, when it was temporarily unseated by the Hanoverian Verband and Studbook Selle Français respectively.

Last year, once again, the Irish horses needed no luck to land the no. 1 spot. The top 5 eventing studbooks on the 2015 WBFSH final ranking list, released in September:

Untitled

Screenshot from WBFSH.org

You can view the full list here.

After being absent from the 2014 list, horses competing under the American flag made a reappearance on the 2015 list, led by Cambalda (#9), Loughan Glen (#15) and Master Frisky (#17).

Cambalda (Balda Beau x Cathy’s Lady, by Unknown) the 14-year-old ISH owned by Nina Gardener and ridden by Jennie Brannigan, ranked 5th in individual horse standings in 2013 and 9th last year. The starting date of the rankings is Oct. 1 of each year so their big win in the 2014 Fair Hill CCI3* counted toward their point total, followed by top three CIC3* finishes at Red Hills, The Fork, Great Meadow and Richland Park.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Next down the line is no. 15 ranked Loughan Glen (Limerick x Tattymacall Mustard, by Cut the Mustard), owned by Jess Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft and Holly and William Becker and ridden by Clark Montgomery. The pair started off their 2015 with a win in the Belton CIC3*, followed by an impressive 6th place finish in the Luhmühlen CCI4* and wins in the Somerford Park CIC2* and Blenheim CCI3*.

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

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

No. 17 ranked Master Frisky (Master Imp x Frisky Legs, by Cooper’s Hill), owned by Stephen Blauner and Kenneth Shelley and ridden by Boyd Martin, had a massive year as well, finishing 2nd behind Cambalda at in the Fair Hill CCI3*, 2nd in the CIC3* at Carolina International, and 6th in the Rolex CCI4*.

Boyd Martin and Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Boyd Martin and Master Frisky. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Who are some other Irish Sport Horses at the top of eventing sport? In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a not-even-exhaustive list of other ISHs that broke into the 2015 top 200 ranked event horses (see complete list here):

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Go Irish Sport Horses, and Go Eventing!

Thursday News & Notes from Kentucky Equine Research

By on Mar 17, 2016 12:03 am -
Happy looking....happy! At the High Performance Training sessions. Photo courtesy of Phillip Dutton Eventing.

Happy looking….happy! At the High Performance Training sessions. Photo courtesy of Cindy Lawler.

The week following spring Daylight Savings time….the worst, am I right? I always feel like I’m underwater for at least a week while my body tries to figure out why I’m getting up an hour earlier and working for a full hour more at night. It’s light so late now, which is nice, but also means that I can still conceivably be working in the barn, so that’s what I do. Waking up when it’s dark though? Not my jam. No thanks.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Schedule]

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around The Globe:

Andrew Nicholson returns to competition this weekend for the first time since his severe neck injury last fall. He has six horses competing at Preliminary and Intermediate at Aldon this weekend, just to make sure he “remembers what to do”. (I think you will, Andrew). He’s aiming to be right back at the top level, having entered three horses at Badminton. His WEG and Olympic campaigner Nereo is entered, as well as three time Burghley winner Avebury alongside the slightly less experienced Qwanza. [Andrew Nicholson Aims for Badminton]

A German study has found that horseback riding builds character and promotes social development. 411 riders were compared with 402 non-riders of similar ages, income brackets and gender distribution, finding that the riders “were generally more determined, enthusiastic, structured and balanced than their non-riding counterparts. They also showed greater leadership, were more assertive and competitive, and demonstrated greater resilience.” We knew it. [Horse Riders Have the Right Stuff]

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]

New Vocations is having an open barn and barbecue at their new location in April! As a celebration of the expansion of their kentucky retraining facility, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is inviting everyone to join them 5:30-8:30 pm on Friday, April 29th. Once complete, the New Vocations at Mereworth facility will encompass two 15-stall barns, indoor and outdoor arenas, and an office. This project comes as a response to the number of retired racehorses in need of rehabilitation and training for second careers. Tickets are on sale now. [New Vocations]

Enter now to get a rare chance to ride with Bobby Costello in a personalized clinic! Riding with the Chairman of the USEF Eventing Selection Committee, which selects the team for the Olympic, World, and Pan American Games, can only be described as a rare and extremely valuable opportunity. Robert Costello brings his competition history as an Olympic veteran and Pan American gold medalist to his teaching by offering clinics that challenge and educate riders and horses of all levels. On Saturday, April 23, and Sunday, April 24, Costello will be offering a jumping clinic at Irish Manor Stables in Stockton, New Jersey. Saturday’s sessions will focus on flatwork with cavaletti and gymnastic exercises to prepare for Sunday’s coursework sessions. [Enter Online Here]

Who Jumped It Best isn’t just for Eventers anymore….now the show jumpers are subjected to our scrutiny! Just in time for Saint Patrick’s day, Jumper Nation has rounded up photos of the Irish team kicking butt at WEF this spring for an all Irish competition of classy jump photos. Let’s just say, the jumps are bigger, but the styles are….a little more unconventional. [Jumper Nation]

KER Service of the Week — MicroSteed™ Ration Evaluation

Do you have questions about your horse’s diet? Need expert feeding advice? Try KER’s free online ration evaluation wizard to ensure your horse is getting the most from its diet!

Developed by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), Microsteed™ online ration wizard makes choosing the appropriate feed type and amount for your horse a simple process. The program uses a detailed description of the horse to determine its nutrient requirements, then recommends appropriate feeds. You can also contact a KER nutrition advisor directly for a custom analysis and report. Get started!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: An Intro to Free Jumping

By on Mar 16, 2016 5:00 pm -
Click image to play video.

Click image to play video.

The USEA’s Young Event Horse Program is a key part to producing future superstars in the sport of eventing. With Young Event Horse symposiums and competitions all over the country, there is ample opportunity to learn about what to look for and how to best prepare your young horse for its career.

This informative video features instruction on the topic of free jumping. Free jumping is a popular way to showcase scope and footwork that comes naturally to young horses.

For those of you on the West coast who are interested in learning more, Dragonfire Farm will be hosting a free jumping clinic in Wilton, California May 21-22. This will be a useful educational opportunity for those interested in the Future Event Horse classes, which will now be asked to free jump in addition to showing in hand.

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Interested in e-facts about equine nutrition and horse health information? Click here to sign up for KPP’s nutritionalminute: http://eepurl.com/cMPw.

What’s Happening This Spring? [Updated 3/16]

By on Mar 16, 2016 3:30 pm -

What’s Happening is EN’s guide to lessons, clinics, schooling shows and other riding and educational opportunities. It’s free to post a listing. Just email the date, location, contact information and any other details to [email protected]. (If we don’t have your event listed, it’s because no one has sent us the details yet. So get those emails in!)

Location Quick Links: Alabama | California | Florida | Illinois | Kansas | Kentucky | Maryland | Missouri | New Jersey | North Carolina | South Carolina | Virginia

ALABAMA

April 16 at Steel Prize Stables: Dressage Schooling Show and Ride-A-Test with Meris Greges at Steel Prize Stables, Madison, AL. Please visit www.TVDCTA.org for more information.

CALIFORNIA

April 22-23 at Fresno County Horse Park: Lucinda Green is coming to Fresno County Horse Park in April 22-23. Contact Sue Funkey at [email protected].

FLORIDA

March 16 at Wentworth Farm: Join Peter Gray every week this winter at Wentworth Farm for “Wednesday Gymnastics” working on rider position and improving your horse’s jumping technique. Cost is $75. Please book by phone (253-425-6302) or email 24 hours prior to your lesson.

March 23 at Wentworth Farm: Join Peter Gray every week this winter at Wentworth Farm for “Wednesday Gymnastics” working on rider position and improving your horse’s jumping technique. Cost is $75. Please book by phone (253-425-6302) or email 24 hours prior to your lesson.

March 30 at Wentworth Farm: Join Peter Gray every week this winter at Wentworth Farm for “Wednesday Gymnastics” working on rider position and improving your horse’s jumping technique. Cost is $75. Please book by phone (253-425-6302) or email 24 hours prior to your lesson.

ILLINOIS

March 19 at Hollywood Casino: USEA Area IV Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet at Hollywood Casino in St. Louis, MO. “Eventing University” educational program featuring speakers Dr. Pat Bona (equine posture/myofascial release, Jessica Smith (rider fitness & physical therapy), and Marilyn Payne (tips to improve your dressage test, test video critiques, and keynote speaker at dinner). www.useaiv.org for registration information – all are welcome, and AR or YR program members receive a discount!

April 9-10 in Chicago area: Cathy Jones-Forsberg clinic, Chicago area. Contact [email protected] (all levels)
 
April 15-17 at Lamplight Equestrian Center: Wayne Eventing Derby at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL. Knock off some of the Midwestern winter rust at this low keyed competition held at a big time facility. This is the same lovely venue that hosted the USEA American Eventing Championships 2007-2009, and the Maui Jim Horse Trials. Competition consists of a Dressage test and Two Jumping rounds held over a mix of cross country and show jumping obstacles in Lamplight’s iconic Grand Prix arena. (Starter-Preliminary levels, plus Ride-A-Test option). Further information, prize lists and entry blanks can be found at www.wayneeventingderby.org or email [email protected].
KANSAS

March 26-27 at West End Farm: Please join West End Farm in Kansas City, Ks. for a Combined Test in preparation for the upcoming season. Levels from Green As Grass through Preliminary offered, and riders are able to add additional dressage tests or show jumping rounds. For more information, please contact West End Farm on Facebook.

April 10 at Longview Horse Park: Please join West End Farm and the Mill Creek Pony Club for a Combined Test in preparation for the upcoming season. Levels from Green As Grass through Preliminary offered, and riders are able to add additional dressage tests or show jumping rounds. For more information, please contact West End Farm on Facebook.

April 9-10 at Longview Horse Park: Cross country schooling at Longview Horse Park, 12600 Raytown Rod, Kansas City, MO 64149. Cost: $40 per day per horse or $50 for the weekend if paid on Saturday. Hours: 8:30-4:00. Stabling: $35 for the weekend – call for reservations Michelle Ptak (913)219-5259. Check Mill Creek Pony Club website or Facebook for release and potential rain outs/cancellations.

April 16-17 at Longview Horse Park: Cross country schooling at Longview Horse Park, 12600 Raytown Rod, Kansas City, MO 64149. Cost: $40 per day per horse or $50 for the weekend if paid on Saturday. Hours: 8:30-4:00. Stabling: $35 for the weekend – call for reservations Michelle Ptak (913)219-5259. Check Mill Creek Pony Club website or Facebook for release and potential rain outs/cancellations.

KENTUCKY

April 2-3 in Lexington: The University of Kentucky Dressage and Eventing Team is exciting to announce that Will Coleman is teaching a two-day jumping clinic at Clear View Equestrian Center. Cost is $300. Auditing is $15 per day. Click here for the entry form.

April 2-3 in Louisville: Mid South Eventing and Dressage Association Sponsored Kim Severson Clinic in Louisville, KY. Huge saving on clinic entries for MSEDA members. Saturday will be at Lands End Farm, gymnastics and show jumping. Sunday will be Cross Country Jumping at Flying Cross Farm. Click here for a registration form.

MARYLAND

March 20 MDHT Starter Horse Trials Spring Series: The Maryland Horse Trials will be holding three starter horse trials this spring on the above mentioned dates.  Divisions offered will be Introductory through Prelim/Training.  Introductory and Elementary divisions will have their own cross country course geared to these lower levels.   We will also be offering our first annual Coaches/Instructor Award this year!  Please see our web site for further details about entering.  http://themarylandhorsetrials.com/shows/schooling-ht/344-starter-ht

March 29 at Waredaca: Stephen Bradley Expert Day with focus on jumping and gridwork. More information at www.waredaca.com.

April 10 MDHT Starter Horse Trials Spring Series: The Maryland Horse Trials will be holding three starter horse trials this spring on the above mentioned dates.  Divisions offered will be Introductory through Prelim/Training.  Introductory and Elementary divisions will have their own cross country course geared to these lower levels.   We will also be offering our first annual Coaches/Instructor Award this year!  Please see our web site for further details about entering.  http://themarylandhorsetrials.com/shows/schooling-ht/344-starter-ht

April 13 at Waredaca: Jimmy Wofford Expert Day with focus on jumping and gridwork. More information at www.waredaca.com.

April 19 at Waredaca: Stephen Bradley Expert Day with focus on jumping and gridwork. More information at www.waredaca.com.

April 26 at Waredaca: Eventing Education Center – Local veterinarian Peter Radue, himself a former event rider, will give useful advice on how to assess your horse’s top line—from the poll to the tail. Is there really a problem or not? And if so, how to track the cause. Join him on April 26th for this topic plus advice on what every horse owner should have in their own ‘vet box’ for stable use and for travel. Also, become informed by Dave Kurtzman from Purina as he discusses the most current, straightforward and sensible feed issues that every horse owner needs to know! No charge to boarders and current lesson students. Others are welcome for a fee of $10. Light refreshments will be provided. Advance sign-up required via email: [email protected] no later than the Sunday preceding the lecture.

MISSOURI

March 26-27 in Cole Camp: Every month Lost Springs Farm hosts a Saturday/Sunday dressage clinic with Cynthia Spalding. Lessons are 45 minutes and private in a sand indoor with sound system. Stalls are usually available by request. Clinic is $100 per ride (stalls extra). Auditors welcome. Cole Camp is off 65 Hwy south of Sedalia. Contact Riki Mueller for ride times at 660-287-3781.

April 9-10 at Longview Horse Park: Cross country schooling at Longview Horse Park, 12600 Raytown Rod, Kansas City, MO 64149. Cost: $40 per day per horse or $50 for the weekend if paid on Saturday. Hours: 8:30-4:00. Stabling: $35 for the weekend – call for reservations Michelle Ptak (913)219-5259. Check Mill Creek Pony Club website or Facebook for release and potential rain outs/cancellations.

April 16-17 at Longview Horse Park: Cross country schooling at Longview Horse Park, 12600 Raytown Rod, Kansas City, MO 64149. Cost: $40 per day per horse or $50 for the weekend if paid on Saturday. Hours: 8:30-4:00. Stabling: $35 for the weekend – call for reservations Michelle Ptak (913)219-5259. Check Mill Creek Pony Club website or Facebook for release and potential rain outs/cancellations.

NEW JERSEY

April 23-24 at Irish Manor Stables: Robert Costello clinic at Irish Manor Stables, Stockton, NJ. Saturday will focus on flatwork with cavaletti and gymnastic exercises. Sunday will include a discussion of course analysis and warm-up strategy followed by coursework. Levels are offered from Beginner Novice (2’7″) to Preliminary (3’7″), and each group will consist of no more than 5 riders. Rider fee is $300 for 2 days. Audit fee is $25/day. Please contact Stephanie Swites at 908-237-1281 or [email protected] for more information.

NORTH CAROLINA

SOUTH CAROLINA

March 16-17 at Stable View: The USEF High Performance Eventing Training Sessions take place with US Eventing Team Coach David O’Connor. Auditors are welcome. Times will be posted on the Stable View website www.stableviewfarm.com closer to dates.

March 16-20 at Bridle Creek Farm: Eric Smiley will be teaching a clinic at Bridle Creek Farm in Aiken, Sc. Eric is a renowned coach and producer of young horses who also coached the 2012 Belgian team and is the Director of the International Eventing Forum. For more information, please contact Megan Perry at [email protected].

March 22 & 23 at Stable View: USEA/USEF Recognized Horse Trials, Come spectate or compete at our 5th Recognized Horse Trials with divisions Beginner Novice through Preliminary. Up to $15,000 in prize money awarded. Vendors and food truck on property. Presentation of prizes with photos on Wednesday. Please contact Stable View at (484) 356-3173 or [email protected] for more information.

April 6 at Stable View: The first Wednesday of every month is the “Under the Stars” Jumper Night series. The show begins at 3:00pm and is held in the covered arena, fences start at 2’3” and work up to 3’9”. Class entry fees range from $30-$50 with up to $1,500 in prize money awarded. Please contact Amber Lee at (484) 356-3173 or [email protected] for more information.

April 13 at Stable View: The second Wednesday of each month we will be hosting a schooling or USEF/USDF Level Two Championship Qualifier Dressage show. April will be a schooling show with classes from Into-Grand Prix and USEA Test of Choice. Jan Jacobson (S) of North Carolina will be the judge. Please visit www.stableviewfarm.com for entry forms and more information. Contact Amber Lee at (484) 356-3173 or [email protected] for further information.

VIRGINIA

March 19 at Windchase: Cross Country Schooling Prep – featuring some XC questions in the indoor arena (or outside if weather permits). Jumping clinic with Phyllis Dawson at Windchase, Purcellville, VA. These clinics, offered each week through the winter and early spring, are fun and informal, with levels from very green elementary for those wanting to stick to small jumps, up through Preliminary. The cost is $70 ($55 for Windchase Boarders). All clinics are designed to be inviting and user-friendly. We will keep things very basic for the greener groups, and will incorporate some more creative elements for the higher groups as appropriate. Exercises and fence heights can be adjusted within a group for each horse as needed. Find the schedule and sign up on the Event Clinics website. You can email Phyllis at [email protected] with questions or to get on the mailing list. Sign up for this week’s clinic at this link.

March 26-27 at Windchase: Cross Country Fundamentals. This clinic will be out on the cross-country course, weather and footing permitting. You can do one or both days. Jumping clinic with Phyllis Dawson at Windchase, Purcellville, VA. These clinics, offered each week through the winter and early spring, are fun and informal, with levels from very green elementary for those wanting to stick to small jumps, up through Preliminary. The cost is $70 ($55 for Windchase Boarders). All clinics are designed to be inviting and user-friendly. We will keep things very basic for the greener groups, and will incorporate some more creative elements for the higher groups as appropriate. Exercises and fence heights can be adjusted within a group for each horse as needed. Find the schedule and sign up on the Event Clinics website. You can email Phyllis at [email protected] with questions or to get on the mailing list. Sign up for this week’s clinic at this link. Specify if you want to ride Saturday, Sunday, or both.

April 24 at Elysian Hills: Elysian Hills Starter Horse Trials – Introductory (18″), Elementary (2’3″), Beginner Novice (2’7″), Novice, Training. Elysian Hills horse trials are run in a very relaxed and supportive environment perfect for green horses or green riders at each level. Elysian Hills Training Center / 5571 John Barton Payne Road / Marshall, VA 20115; www.elysianhills.com; [email protected]

MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association Unites Bluegrass Region

By on Mar 16, 2016 1:30 pm -

Here at EN, we know that a big part of the heart and soul of this sport lies with local amateur eventers. That’s why we’re featuring awesome local eventing organizations that are recognizing and celebrating low-level eventers in our Schooling Horse Trials Spotlight series. Know of a great local organization or schooling horse trials that deserves some love? Tip us.

Photo by JJ Sillman

Photo by JJ Sillman

The MidSouth Eventing and Dressage Association (MSEDA) is one of the oldest eventing associations in the United States, tracing its roots back to the 1960s. To this day, the organization remains a great way for dressage riders and eventers in Kentucky and the surrounding area to learn and grow — all the way from the grassroots of the sport to the FEI levels.

While there is no shortage of equestrians in the Bluegrass region, the MSEDA is an organization that brings them all together around a common love of eventing and dressage. Long-time board member and current MSEDA President, Mary Fike, describes it as “a hometown support net” and an “entry portal” for dressage and eventing. “It’s a place to get information and to get involved without it being too overwhelming or daunting.”

Mary is an eventer herself, having competed through the Intermediate level in the past and coaching ever since. An all-around connoisseur of the sport, she has also been organizing events since the 1980s and earned her USEF Cross Country Designers license in 2007.

“MSEDA offers a community where riders and non-riders can come together and share all the many aspects of our horse involvement,” Mary said. “From volunteering, to competing, to owning a horse, MSEDA is the community that embraces it all.”

Photo by Suzanne Fischer Photography.

Photo by Suzanne Fischer Photography.

The shows that MSEDA sanctions vary greatly, ranging from local schooling shows to USEF-recognized dressage and eventing competitions. Additionally, the number of awards and grants they offer to their members is impressive. Year-end and high-point awards are offered for both horse trials and combined tests from the starter level all the way up to Advanced.

An array of perpetual year-end trophies recognize an assortment of achievements both in and out of the saddle; for organizers, there is even a yearly award for Outstanding Event, which is nominated and voted upon yearly by the general membership.

“We really try to recognize our members’ achievements and give them the tools they need to be successful,” Chelsea Smith, MSEDA Board Member and webmaster, said. “There is something for everyone!”

Chelsea competed through Training level on her previous horse before selling him in order to focus on getting her MBA. When she finished school she was ready to get involved with the sport again and began volunteering for MSEDA and is now even more active within the organization as a board member. One thing Chelsea loves about MSEDA is that “anyone can be involved — with or without a horse, there is something you can do to support the sport you love and your local community!”

Chelsea Smith on Queeny

Chelsea Smith riding L.E. Weber. Photo by David McWhirter Photography.

 

Education is a cornerstone of the organization. In addition to offering a vast assortment of clinics with top-level dressage and event riders, members can apply for grants and scholarships, which can be used towards honing their equestrian knowledge by attending a conference, clinic, competition or getting coaching.

MSEDA is the only regional association in the country that has its own officials training and certification program. Licensing as a MSEDA judge or technical delegate is one of the ways that the organization ensures that its sanctioned events meet the same standards.

Trophies await their recipients at the MSEDA banquet. Photo by Suzanne Fischer Photography.

Trophies await their recipients at the MSEDA banquet. Photo by Suzanne Fischer Photography.

Another mechanism for ensuring the high standards of competitions is MSEDA’s own sanctioning program for non-USEF-recognized competitions. MSEDA sanctioning includes making sure the courses are safe and fair for competitors, that adequate medical and veterinary care is available, and that the organizers carry insurance, thus providing a high-level of organization and safety for all competitors

Membership engagement is a big focus for MSEDA at the moment. A recent website redesign and an active social media presence have brought new functionality and excitement to the association. The new web page brings the organization’s current events to the forefront, as well as offering additional education and engagement in the form of original blog posts, member spotlights and news.

Photo by Inspire Grace Photography

Photo by Inspire Grace Photography.

MSEDA members are no strangers to volunteering, as volunteer hours are required in order to be eligible for awards. Half of the required number of volunteer hours must be fulfilled at one of the two USEF-recognized events that MSEDA hosts: MSEDA Dressage at the Park or the Hagyard MidSouth Three Day Event and Team Challenge.

Additionally, a vast number of MSEDA members can always be found volunteering at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event every April. For the second year, MSEDA will be hosting a Party in the Park following the conclusion of dressage at Rolex Kentucky. All proceeds give back to the community by contributing toward the renovation of the Kentucky Horse Park Dressage Complex.

“We are all in this together,” Chelsea said, “and MSEDA just really serves as a place for us to come together to celebrate our achievements, learn from each other and have a good time!”

Helmet Cam Alert! Ride Around Red Hills with Elisa Wallace

By on Mar 16, 2016 11:30 am -

Elisa Wallace wore her helmet cam for all three rides at the Red Hills International Horse Trials last weekend, which means we can get a look between the ears of three different courses on this dynamic track. Elisa finished 20th with Rolex-bound Simply Priceless in the CIC3*, 13th with Borneo Shady in the CIC*, and 13th in Open Preliminary with her Mustang power-mare Hwin.