Classic Eventing Nation

Training Tip Tuesday: No Stirrup November, the Right Way

By on Nov 7, 2023 3:00 pm -

No Stirrup November, or riding without stirrups in general, always stirs up a generous amount of debate. Some riders, especially those who grew up with their stirrups frequently taken away, say practicing sans irons is invaluable for every rider. Many others argue that this form of riding is unfair and uncomfortable for the horse. Wherever you rest, it’s undoubtedly useful to know how to ride without stirrups. You may find yourself with one lost during your ride, or you may want to understand how you can practice without just “bouncing” in the saddle (which is definitely uncomfortable for all parties involved).

Here’s dressage coach Amelia Newcomb with some tips and tricks for riding without stirrups, correctly:

If you’ve enjoyed the videos we’ve shared with Amelia Newcomb here on EN, you’ll want to stay tuned as we have an exclusive series coming your way this winter. Keep an eye out for more!

From Gangly Greenie to 5* Winner: See Where Ros Canter and Izilot DHI Started

By on Nov 7, 2023 11:30 am -

All smiles for Ros and Isaac after a five-star win to end the season. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It’s common knowledge amongst eventers that what you see isn’t always what you can produce when starting a young horse. Like any elite level of athletics, a top-level athlete is hard to find and challenging to produce. And not every one will make it to the top. So it’s a fair challenge for us as riders to pick out those diamonds in the rough — usually, they’re friendlier to the old pocketbook, and most upper level riders prefer the process of making one’s own horse versus purchasing a “going” one. At the top of our sport, this makes much sense: partnership is the name of the game, and that partnership can’t be built overnight.

Sometimes it takes several years, as demonstrated by this video newly-crowned Pau champion and two-time 2023 5* winner Ros Canter and the spooky and “mercurial” Izilot DHI (Zavall VDL – UN, by Cavalier), on whom she’s had the ride for about five years. And here is where that gangly journey began (click here to watch the video below on Facebook if you can’t see it embedded):

And here is Izilot DHI at his very first BE event. As you can see, always a huge talent but he has taken some channelling and patience!

Posted by Ros Canter Eventing on Monday, August 1, 2022

And here is Ros and “Isaac’s” winning jumping round at Pau:

Started from…somewhere…and now a 5* winner — let this be inspiration to never give up for all of those reading with their own sensitive and gawky young horses!

Go Eventing.

Dan Kreitl: Breaking Into The Upper Level Ranks as an Amateur

By on Nov 7, 2023 9:00 am -

This article was sponsored by World Equestrian Brands, a supporter and sponsor of both Dan Kreitl and Sharon White, who was also mentioned in this article. When I asked Dan what his favorite World Equestrian Brands product was, he didn’t hesitate. “Oh, I would have to say the Amerigo saddles. I didn’t realize until working with Sharon how important the tack really is. Oh my gosh, this is so much easier when you have the right gear. So I switched to an Amerigo with a better setup years ago and I’m super grateful for it. It’s helped my position a ton.”

Click here to shop World Equestrian Brands’ products.

Dan Kreitl and Carmango. Photo by Tilly Berendt

What would it be like to sign up for a horse trial, look at the entry list, and see your name listed next to Boyd Martin or Michael Jung? To me, it sounds horribly intimidating. I’ll scratch, thank you very much. But amateur Dan Kreitl has a different take on it. “I’d rather lose to the best than win amongst beginners.”

A Midwest man, Dan has been competing against professionals for the last several years. Most recently, he and Kay Dixon’s Carmango (Chirivell x Taramanga by Templer GL XX) competed in the CCIO4*-S at Aachen. On US soil, he finished in 5th place at the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, and won the CCI4*-S at TerraNova in March. It’s rare to see an amateur succeed at the upper levels of the sport, typically due to the balancing act amateurs have to perform to find time to ride between families and full-time jobs. But I’ve always been curious about how amateurs like Dan find the chutzpah to compete against some of the world’s best riders at the highest levels of the sport and what their experience is like along the way.

Unlike myself, who would take one look at the entry list for Aachen and think, “What the heck am I doing here?!” Dan has a technique to turn intimidation into motivation. “I’d say if I did feel intimidated, that’s more in my own head, like maybe an expectation I had or just assumed that this was an uppity crowd or maybe I wasn’t good enough to ride with this group. I typically try to turn that intimidation into inspiration and get psyched about it. I do look at the entry list and I get inspired and excited about ‘we’re competing against so-and-so, like this is the real deal now.’”

According to Dan, he’s found the upper level community to be very welcoming. “Especially at the first shows where I was competing against professionals, I never felt unwelcome. I think most people didn’t have any idea who I was. And I didn’t know many people, but I was honestly okay with that. I just put my head down and do my thing, and work hard and have fun competing horses and doing the best I can,” Dan said. “Then as I did have more encounters with and met people, I found everyone to be incredibly welcoming and encouraging. I’ve gotten a lot of free advice and coaching and tips from tack, to vet care, to just sympathizing if you’ve not done well, or hearing their stories, or sharing your success with you when you have done well.”

Don’t let the welcome wagon fool you– these riders are competitors through and through, Dan included. “I feel like our sport requires so much time and hard work that when the professionals see someone putting in their best effort and working hard at it and coming back no matter what, then I feel like everyone pretty much becomes your cheerleader. The professionals were actually giving me tips in the warm up, and I’m like ‘great, I’m going to use this info and try to beat you now,’” he said. “In so many other sports, you don’t have your direct competition offering advice and tips. I think it’s a really cool and unique thing about our sport.”

The moment you win a 4* Championship. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Beyond getting tips from his fellow competitors in the warm-up ring, Dan’s also working with 5* rider Sharon White, who is helping him reframe his mindset. “She’s really into the mind and controlling your thoughts. So we’ve had numerous discussions about this over the years and she gave me this book, Elite Minds, that has been really helpful on controlling your mind. I try to turn those thoughts into positive energy and focus on things you can control.”

Thanks to Sharon’s training, Dan controls his thoughts and mind with an iron fist. “So, for example, you can rehearse your plan and go over exactly what you can do and what you can control and how you’re going to do your ride. But worrying about the result or ‘Oh gosh, I hope I don’t have a rail’ or anything like that actually isn’t helpful or useful,” said Dan. “I’m getting a lot more control over my mind and like, ‘this thought is not helpful so get out of my head.’ Anyways, it’s just pretty black and white.”

At this level of the sport, controlling your mindset is key. Dan had a bit of a self-described “slap in the face” moment at the Aiken Eventing Showcase earlier this year when his mindset cost him a competition. “I did a faceplant, if you will, at the Aiken Showcase this year. I was really excited to be in the showcase for the first time. I had the worst show jumping round of my life and had a terrible warm-up. It was bad from start to finish. I had five rails down so it was a mandatory retirement. It was so humbling. I was so mad at how I rode. I got anxious and when I get anxious, I get faster and more worried and ride more aggressively. It’s just like a domino effect and the horse obviously feeds off of me, and my horse Carmango tries his guts out for me. I would say that was a good slap across the face. I thought I was gonna go there and win and I didn’t even finish.”

If I were the only amateur entered in the Aiken Eventing Showcase, I’d have been anxious too, but Dan recovered well, with a little help from Bobby Costello. “It just really drove home how important it is to have control over my mind and what’s going on in my thoughts. Bobby Costello called me after the Aiken Showcase and gave me some really good practical advice about how to slow your mind down and focus on tangible things I can control throughout the show jump course. That made a huge difference. Then the next show I went to, which was the four star at TerraNova, Carmango jumped double clear in show jumping. So, I learned a lot even though I hated the experience in the moment.”

How many amateurs can say they get phone calls from the US Eventing Team Chef d’Equipe?

While they may both get advice from Bobby, in Dan’s opinion one of the biggest differences between himself and the professionals he competes against is what pressures they face. “For me, honestly, the biggest pressure I probably have in doing this sport is time. Because this is not my job and I work full time in the real estate business. And then I’m married to a non-horse wife and we have two little kids and the amount of time it takes to train and to travel– We’re in the Midwest. So I’m typically having to drive quite a ways for these higher level competitions. My wife is supportive, but like this is insane for a hobby that takes so much time and money and effort. So I feel that balancing the time, the pressure of how to balance everything and juggle it all, is probably the biggest pressure I have.”

Dan Krietl and Carmango. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Even though Dan juggles work, family, and riding, in his opinion professionals face more pressure. “Professionals are doing this for a living and their results are going to impact if they’re gonna keep the ride on the horse, and the owners are looking for X, Y and Z results, or whether you make the team or not. For professionals, their results really affect their business and their livelihood.”

Dan believes that while amateurs have less pressure on their competition record, they also have to take the slow path to the top of the sport, which isn’t to say competing in the upper levels isn’t possible – Dan is living proof of that. But there’s no way an amateur with a full-time job can clock as much time in the saddle as a professional.

“I’ve become a better rider with experience, but you can’t fast forward. I’ve always been ambitious and hungry, and like to move along as quickly as I can. But at the end of the day, it takes the time it takes. You’ve got to get the reps in and the good and the bad experiences,” Dan said. “That’s probably the biggest competition hurdle that makes the playing field different. If my whole day was devoted to my riding, I would be a much better rider than balancing, ‘Okay, I’ve got two or three hours to ride today, and I’ll try to do the most I can with that.’”

Dan’s rise to the 4* level as an amateur has a twofold message. Not only is it a bit of an underdog story as he overcomes feelings of anxiety and intimidation, as well as the plethora of obstacles that every amateur can relate to, but it’s also a great example of how welcoming the eventing community can be. It would be so easy for the professional eventers to exclude Dan, wondering why and how he got there. Instead, they’re his cheerleaders, offering advice and welcoming the (relatively) new guy. Attitudes like that are what makes me proud to be just one small part of this community.

So, to all the amateurs with big dreams who are riding their horse in the dark after a long day at the office, Dan has one thing to say: your dreams are possible. “Everyone has goals or dreams and ideas you hope you can do one day and the reality is like we have no idea if we can achieve that dream. But I would like more amateurs to know it is possible. More amateurs can and should dream. Just keep pushing towards that goal. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Nov 7, 2023 8:23 am -

 

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Are you horse-shopping this week? I love following along vicariously with the major sales — and this week’s Monart Sale in Ireland is about as big as they come, with 173 lots going under the hammer this week. I can’t wait to see which horses go the way of top pros and find it fascinating to see what raw qualities people go for when buying three-year-olds. Head to the Monart website if you, too, want to window-shop — or register to bid and pick up a future superstar of your own! You can also view our preview wishlist of the catalog here.

Events Closing Today: Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

Want the post-event debrief and deep dive on the Pan Ams? The latest episode of the US Eventing podcast is exactly that, with insights and analysis from chef d’equipe Bobby Costello joining host Nicole Brown for a full recap.

New in dispatches from the dark side: could dressage’s rider classification system use an update? Lauren Sprieser thinks so — and I really like the sound of her proposed system, which groups riders by relative experience within their level, rather than forcing amateurs to go head to head with pros. Read her thoughts on the matter here.

One of the most contentious bits of legislation being voted on at the FEI General Assembly this month is a policing of social media use for members. If passed, it could mean that riders, organisers, owners, and so on would no longer be able to pass comment or critique on fellow members or the organisation itself — and plenty of people are rightfully unhappy about this.

Heads up if you’re the owner of a Collegiate saddle: a number of models have been recalled following the discovery of an issue with the stirrup bar’s connection to the saddle. Check if your saddle is among the models here.

 

 

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Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products’ new fall sticker is here! Check out the beautiful fall leaves drifting across the KPP silhouette of a galloping horse. Get yours here!

Watch This:

Think eventing’s a bit bonkers? Let us consider, for a moment, team chasing.

Monday Video: Reflecting on a Jumping Round with Michael Pollard

By on Nov 6, 2023 4:30 pm -

It’s been a hot minute since five-star eventer and 2011 Pan Am gold medalist Michael Pollard has jumped the big twigs, but it’s a delight to see him out schooling Carl Bouckaert‘s “Eton” and even more of a delight that he’s shared an analysis of one of his rounds. I think I’m preaching to the choir here so I’ll refrain from going on and on about the benefits of reviewing video footage of your own riding, but Michael has given us a great example here of how to self-critique.

Prior to this video Michael and Eton had jumped a Mini Prix as their first round and Michael has reviewed the video of that round and planned to make some changes for this second round. Read through Michael’s commentary below and then watch the video above, or pause the video while you read!

He writes:

“After reviewing my first round, I thought I needed to get back into the saddle earlier, and shorten the reins a bit to put things back together after the jumps. I prefer a lighter half seat normally, but Eton generally jumps better with his hind legs if you are closer to the saddle. My lighter thoroughbred types wouldn’t have been as happy with that, so it feels a bit foreign to me still.

“I started this round with those changes in mind. The first and third jumps were vertical fences-I rode both off the turn sitting. I was worried I’d eat too much ground on the related distance after each, so I waited for a closer distance to make him land shallow. I was attempting to put him in a place where I could move forward to the oxers in each line. The plan worked out well in each case, but I’d have liked the verticals to be more fluid. I think I could have come with a bit more pace and stayed out on the turns a touch to improve those lines.

The line from 3 to 4 was smooth., and I wanted to get him back prior to the turn to 5 which he obliged. I was able to put him together well in the turn to the double, so I rode forward and had a nice ride there. That allowed me to hold a bit and stay straight to the oxer out…I was happy with that as well. I always tell my students to stay focused on the first rail of the first fence in a line because that’s the only one that matters, and that looking down the line guarantees a bad distance to that crucial first fence. So…I had to tell myself the same thing. It still works;)

“I let him get a little low around the turn after 7, but I was able to use the turn to prepare decently for the vertical. I did not do a good enough job shaping that turn so I landed on left lead after 8.
The line to 9 was barely bent so I held the left lead and was still able to go forward into the combination…nice to ride a really good jumper because that wasn’t perfect on my part.

“I was a little disheveled and not as accurate as I’d have liked at 10, but he still jumped well. I was able to get him back pretty nicely for both 11 and 12 but I probably over corrected the shaping of the jump at 11 because I shouldn’t have moved that much over the jump.

“All in all I was really pleased with Eton(obviously, because he’s awesome)… I stuck to my plan as well, and despite being a little tight in a couple places in the beginning I was happy that I rode a bit better than the previous round.

“So…things to improve, but pleased:)”

Weekend Winners: Rocking Horse, Texas Rose, Virginina, & Galway

By on Nov 6, 2023 3:00 pm -

While there were only four recognized events running this past weekend, what a weekend it was! With some massive events, and massive divisions running, Eventers are holding strong and coming out in force through the fall season.

Congrats to all on epic rides this weekend, with a special shout out to our Weekend Winners! Especially to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Britt Sabbah and Delilah 111, who scored a fantastic 16.7 in the Senior Starter – Championship division at Galway.

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate A: Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Flower Girl (31.0)
Open Intermediate B: Bruce Davidson Jr. and Business Class (29.8)
Open Preliminary A: Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo (31.0)
Open Preliminary B: Alyssa Phillips and Keep Calm (24.0)
Preliminary Rider: Zach Ketelboeter and Liondrive (34.5)
Modified Rider: Andrea Miser and Calysta MWF (33.8)
Open Modified: Jonathan Holling and Fernhill Esmerelda (29.0)
Open Training A: Declan Bast and FE Go My Way (25.3)
Open Training B: Karl Slezak and Charlie il Postino (25.0)
Training Rider: Remi Hopman and Tout De Suite (31.9)
Novice Rider: John Henry Milam and Fernhill Tonto (25.0)
Open Novice: Alina Patterson and Telekinesis (27.5)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Nicole Nair and Prinz S.W. (27.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Claire Anderson and Mighty Craic (42.6)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Melissa Burdette and LH Moment in Time (22.9)

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, TX) [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Katherine Anderson and High Class (66.2)
Open Preliminary: Macy Clark and One and Only (38.6)
Preliminary – Championship: Katia Martynuk and Adiesta Moon (47.5)
Modified – Championship: Anna Pierce and Dreamweaver (46.6)
Open Modified: Amanda Merritt and Apparition (28.8)
Junior Training Rider: Elizabeth Honeycutt and Classic’s Mojah (28.8)
Open Training: Lynne Partridge and Milatour Parisol (32.7)
Senior Training Rider: Amanda Terr and Gowiene (30.5)
Training – Championship: Lauren Lambert and FE Alfonso Z (30.5)
Junior Novice Rider A: Hannah Fatehdin and Things To Ponder (24.7)
Junior Novice Rider B: Julia Bryant and Mac Creiche (29.2)
Open Novice: Ellen Doughty and Orion RSF (28.2)
Senior Novice Rider: Kristina Brown and Marvel (26.1)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider A: Abigail Zimmer and Regal Regon (24.4)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider B: McKenzie Maxwell and Milenko (24.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Megan Sykes and Sicario Hit DF (30.9)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Lori Mullin and Fantastic Flair (22.8)
Starter A: Christy Hays and Sea Quest Ripples (30.8)
Starter B: Jenna Greenwood and Cadbury (24.3)
Tadpole: Emma Spielhagen and In Speed Fortuna (39.7)

Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall (Lexington, VA) [Website][Scoring]

CCI3*-S: Laine Ashker and Lovedance (46.4)
CCI2*-L: Tim Bourke and Bon Vivant DSF (28.6)
CCI2*-S: Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond (33.2)
CCI1*-L: Rebecca Lee and Elton B (25.7)
Advanced/Intermediate: Allison Springer and Vandyke (53.1)
Open Intermediate: Andrew McConnon and FVF Top Gun (49.0)
Open Preliminary: Michael Pendleton and Adorrado (32.3)
Preliminary Rider: Caitlin Reamy and El Patrone (54.2)
Modified Rider: Jillian Newman and Curraghgraigue freeman (26.0)
Open Modified: Mandolin Whitten and Bossanova (27.3)
Junior Training Rider: Leeci Rowsell and Man of Conviction (29.2)
Open Training A: Martin Douzant and The Little Prince (24.2)
Open Training B: John Secan and Sing To Me Cooley (23.9)
Senior Training Rider A: Hanna Peck and Ana Navarre (35.8)
Senior Training Rider B: Morgan Hiller and Silly Wabbitt (31.5)
Training Horse: Kerra Johnson and Detailed in Diamonds (27.5)
Junior Novice Rider A: Katelyn Good and Tiddlywinks (30.0)
Junior Novice Rider B: Alexa Pratt and Compromise Elsewhere (27.5)
Novice Horse: Margaret Ragan and Excel Star Mission Control (31.4)
Open Novice A: Martin Douzant and Bourbon at Midnight (24.7)
Open Novice B: Abigail Dennis and AK’s Lavigna (29.7)
Senior Novice Rider A: Kelly Follain and Casper (31.1)
Senior Novice Rider B: Hannah O’Brien and Crazed (30.7)
Beginner Novice Horse A: Amanda Beale Clement and B.E. Wexford Boy (32.9)
Beginner Novice Horse B: Amanda Beale Clement and B.E. Cointreau (30.8)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Sophie Gallivan and Dynamic Moonbeam (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Mary Hope and American Jones (29.6)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider A: Morgan Spring and Growl (24.7)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider B: Megan Nock and Tidewater’s Breeze (24.9)
Starter A: Katherine Lorenzen and Heaven Sent Solstice (19.4)
Starter B: Malinda Zielke and Jorie (22.7)

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (Temecula, CA) [Website][Scoring]

Defender CCI4*L: Elisabeth Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker (39.5)
Adequan CCI3*L: Sabrina Glaser and Cooley Mr. Murphy (32.0)
Pro Series Equine CCI2*L: Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz (28.8)
Dechra CCI1*L: Auburn Excell Brady and BSP Boudica (27.0)
Open Preliminary: Auburn Excell Brady and Galliard’s Lancer (22.1)
Preliminary – Championship: Bonner Carpenter and Piccadilly’s Pride M.E. (31.7)
Modified – Championship: Stephanie Goodman and Global Monmore (36.4)
Open Modified: Ellie Ryhorchuk and Jacobite (31.2)
Preliminary/Modified – Challenge: Alexandria Wehrman and Captain Yondu (31.7)
Junior Training Rider – Championship: Maddie Kelly and Favoloso (33.0)
Modified/Training – Championship: Tommy Greengard and Cooley Sligo (22.7)
Modified/Training – Challenge: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Remember Me (24.8)
Open Training: Lauren Billys Shady and Mister Cooley (27.6)
Senior Training Rider – Championship: Teresa Harcourt and Csongor (28.6)
Training Rider: Charlotte Greatwood and Lochdown Cruise (30.8)
Junior Novice Rider – Championship: Isabella Rega and Blurred Lines (26.9)
Novice Rider: Caitlin Mulvihill and Under the Spotlight (27.1)
Open Novice: Whitney Tucker Billeter and Beautiful Mine (25.3)
Senior Novice Rider – Championship: Keelari Mauzy and West Coast Cooley (29.4)
Training/Novice – Championship: Seika Streets and Counterpoint (32.6)
Training/Novice – Challenge: Whitney Tucker Billeter and Aspen (24.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Tiffany Jorgensen and Belissima (30.3)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider – Championship: Charlotte Boleda and Bellechase (30.0)
Novice/Beginner Novice – Championship: Dawn Scott and Cappa Aoife (32.0)
Novice/Beginner Novice – Challenge: Bari Boersma and Reverie GWF (18.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Erin Kellerhouse and Sunhill Rover (21.2)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider – Championship: Justin Flach and Aracelli (32.1)
Junior Starter – Championship: Bo Moore and Zodiac Kowboy (35.3)
Open Starter: Alexis Boxer and Excel Star Everglow (27.0)
Senior Starter – Championship: Britt Sabbah and Delilah 111 (16.7)

VHC Eventing presented by Capital Square Sunday Highlights

By on Nov 6, 2023 1:30 pm -

Tim Bourke (IRL) and Bon Vivant DSF, owned by Jill Smith win the CCI 2*L

Photo credits: Brant Gamma Photography

Tim Bourke (IRL) and Bon Vivant DSF, owned by Jill Smith won the CCI 2*L with a score of 28.6. Tim Bourke has been catch riding Bon Vivant DSF [V] who belongs to Jill Smith. “Since Jill is pregnant, the goal has been to put some mileage on V,” he said. According to Bourke, this is V’s second or third 2*L. “He is a Canadian bred horse and super-fast. I’m happy for the whole team behind him. Jill’s groom Sara Lujano did a fantastic job caring for him over the weekend and he’s not the easiest horse in the world. He is a little bit cold backed, and he needs to be lunged before we get on. The dedication she has is wonderful,” he added.

Bourke wanted to come out of dressage with a sub 30 score and accomplished that with their score of 28.6. “He was fast on cross country and is usually quite a show jumper, but I’ve never ridden him after the cross-country phase. I was just catch riding and we had only been doing the short format, but he was still full of energy. Sometimes you have a different horse on Sunday, but not this one. He was very good,” said Bourke.

“The VHC Eventing team did a fabulous job organizing this event. When there was a change in the leadership, we as professionals all got behind the new organizers to support this event. Joanie Morris, Roxanne Booth and the team were phenomenal. Going to the debriefing last night they were all there and asking us how they can do better. They want our opinion and our feedback and that’s a good thing. This venue is only about two hours away from us and we always want to support this event,” he added.

Rebecca Lee (CAN) and Elton B owned by Carol Richardson win the CCI1*L

Photo credits: Brant Gamma Photography

Rebecca Lee and Carol Richardson’s Elton B had a great weekend at VHC Eventing presented by Capital Square and won the CCI1*L with a score of 25.7. “Carol bought him two years ago and then broke her ankle so she couldn’t ride. She had me ride him and then we moved him up in May to Modified. We did a few and qualified for AEC in Kentucky and came in third! Carol was getting used to the idea of watching him go faster and jumping bigger jumps, so we thought we’d try an FEI. We did Plantation and although I had a rail in show jumping and the conditions there were really tough with the hurricane coming in, he was great despite the worse rain conditions I have ever ridden in. It ended up being a great experience and we ended up finishing in fourth. That’s when we decided to add VHC Eventing to our calendar,” said Lee.

“VHC Eventing was his first 1*L and Carol was here this weekend helping with him the whole time,” she said. The pair sat in second place after the dressage phase which according to Lee “was great because we’ve been working on that.”

“Sometimes Carol calls him a llama because he puts his head way up in the air. We’ve been working on more dressage and less llama,” she laughed.

The pair vied against Andrew McConnon (USA) and Connery Cooper Z, who had the lead after the dressage phase.

“I was surprised to see them get a rail in the show jumping because he is a lovely rider, and the horse has a great jump. We went clear, which was great. Michel [Vaillancourt] designed a very technical course for the 1* which I thought was a good test at this level and I thought it was great. His wife Deirdre bought a horse from me a couple of years ago in Aiken and I got to meet him then and Michel is a really nice guy as well as an excellent course designer,” she said.

“I thought the jumps were great and the courses rode really well. The jumps were beautiful, and we appreciate them aerating the footing. The barns were great with the new floors and doors, and we loved the rubber mats. It was so much nicer for us and our horses.”

As part of her win, Lee also received a Vespucci bridle from World Equestrian Brands. “It’s just beautiful,” said Lee. They also won a free picture from Brant Gamma Photography and prize money thanks to the support of the Virginia Horse Industry Board, “That was awesome,” said Lee. “I was excited and so was Carol. She loves her horses and takes great care of them, and we had her other horse in Novice, and they ended up in fourth. We got to show at a great facility and her horse won prizes and prize money which made it very exciting for us,” she added.

“I want to thank my barn students at Rebecca Lee Eventing. They have all been so helpful and supportive. Especially to Kate Geier who helped with all of the horses on Saturday and Sunday,” said Lee.

“I thought the VHC team did such a great job. There were so many horses this weekend and everything went smoothly. I also had two horses in Novice, and they were really good about fitting us in for show jumping and cross country. I was a little late because of ribbon presentations and the ring people were so friendly and really accommodating. The officials and stewards were friendly and open to our questions during the Rider Briefing. I had some questions, and they were helpful and very approachable. All the ring stewards were flexible and didn’t mind answering any of my questions either. I really appreciate that they put on this event, and we’ll be coming back.”

Kate Bearer Wins the Hyperion Stud Young Rider Award

Kate Bearer [USA] and Danielle Poulsen’s Capability Brown won the Hyperion Stud Leading Young Rider Award after placing fourth overall in the CCI 2*L.

Photo Courtesy of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation

According to Bearer, “I work with Danielle and Capability Brown [Bane] is her old 4* horse. I was thankful to have the ride on him.” Bearer has been riding him all season. “He has been invaluable in getting me this experience at this level and helping me to go out and be competitive.”

Bearer continued, “This was my first-time riding on the Oak Hill side. I didn’t ride at the May event, so it was awesome to see the new jumps and see what has changed over there. The footing was good and aerated, and the staff did all that they could, which we appreciated. The jumps were super and decorated amazingly. It was plenty hard enough and a really good course to run around.”

“The show jumping was awesome. It was a really good course with a lot of related distances which I really enjoy riding and it was a very fair course for a long format.”

“I really want to thank Danielle who has supported me through the levels and given me a lot of opportunities to grow as a rider and getting us here,” she added.

For more information on Hyperion Stud and the Award, please find them online.

Virginia Tech Wins the Intercollegiate Challenge

Congratulations to Virginia Tech for winning the Intercollegiate Challenge. They also tied for the Volunteer Competition with Randolph Macon College.

Pictured L-R: Jill Newman, Mark Combs (coach), Mandolin Whitten, Rose Schild. Not pictured is Emma Oldenburg. Photo Courtesy of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation.

President of Virginia Tech Eventing Mandolin Whitten said, “It was super exciting to have so many team challenges going on between eventing and volunteering. It really encourages people to come out and volunteer, participate and compete. We really appreciate Dover Saddlery for the great gift certificates they gave us and to World Equestrian Brands for the Equilibrium boots,” she added.

Whitten also won the Open Modified with Lee Byrd’s Bossanova and teammate Jill Newman won the Modified Rider.

Liz Halliday Leads Newly Crowned National Champions

By on Nov 6, 2023 12:30 pm -

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs offered myriad magic moments yesterday as the 2023 USEF National CCI4*-L and 2*-L Eventing Championships and the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, presented by USEA, concluded. However, it may be the event’s glimpse into the future that is most indelibly etched for those who competed, organized, volunteered, or watched in person.

Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker are 2023 USEF CCI4*-L National Eventing Champions. PC – Sherry Stewart.

The VIP Pavilion was sold out, the Grand Prix arena was ringed several deep with fans and the vibe was Saturday night sizzle, California style.

“The event is amazing,” said US Eventing CEO Rob Burk, speaking of the entire experience. “The team here at Galway Downs just leaned into raising the bar, not only for California, but for eventing facilities anywhere in the country. Some of the most important things in our sport are the stables, the horsemanship, the quality of footing and you are not going to get better footing than this anywhere, in show jumping or cross-country, or more of the feel of a Championships than what we have here.”

Even before the results were determined, Burk predicted that Galway Downs will be widely acknowledged as a world-class equestrian sport stage. Which has been part of the plan for some time – a combined effort of Galway Downs owner, Ken Smith, organizer Robert Kellerhouse and Nilforushan Equisport Events.

The future looks bright for Young Riders, too. “I see this as a snapshot of what our Olympic and WEG teams will be in the next few decades,” Burk continued. “Early indicators of future success” included having Young Riders Championships contenders take the top two spots in the Pro Series Equine CCI2*-L and a reserve in the Adequan CCI3*-L; and an Emerging U25 rider take third in the Defender CCI4*-L.

Liz Halliday & Cooley Nutcraker top the USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championships & Defender CCI4*-L

Speaking of the future, Pan Am Team USA silver medalist Liz Halliday zoomed back from Santiago, Chile to ensure Cooley Nutcracker got his crack at the national title, the $16,500 of the division’s $50,000 in prize money and a place on the 2024 Olympic team selectors’ radar screen. The 9-year-old Irish Sporthorse’s 29.9 dressage score on Thursday established a solid lead which widened to five rails in hand by the show jumping conclusion.

In the interim, Clayton Fredericks’ cross-country shook up the standings. Five of 12 pairs were eliminated, including Liz on her first ride, Shanroe Cooley, late in an otherwise smooth-looking effort. Liz liked the rest of the course, but felt the test at 19A-B was a little too tough, too late in the track and lacked a “graceful way to ride it without just manhandling it.”

Fredericks, a 5* contender himself, acknowledged it was gut-wrenching to have the first three pairs fail to finish. “I never set something I won’t ride myself and we had a fairly good intensity,” he said of the 4* national championship route. “The only thing is maybe the level of the horses was on the green side. There were 4 or 5 doing their first 4*-L and that always affects the results. The problems were spread evenly throughout the course, and I think the course was of a good level for what we are doing here.”

Warming up as one of those partnerships tackling their first 4*-L, Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF filtered the reports through the rock-steady influence of Andrea Pfeiffer, the Chocolate Horse Farm proprietor for whom Greengard rides. “She is like an emotional rock for me. It made that a lot easier to cope mentally.”

Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF. PC- Sherry Stewart

They stuck with their plan of a careful pace throughout and it paid off, after a double clear show jumping round, to finish reserve in the USEF CCI4*-L National Championships. It also resulted in a third place finish in the Defender 4* that netted $10,000.

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II. PC — Sherry Stewart

Australian Bec Braitling and Arnell Sporthorse’s Caravaggio II finished 2nd in the Defender CCI4*-L, earning the $12,500 reserve check. But as an Australian, Braitling was not eligible for the US title contention. Caravaggio’s performance was win enough. After an intense summer of training and competing in Europe, Braitling saw marked improvement in “Ernie’s” ability to keep his considerable abilities “together” through all three phases. She plans on a 5* debut as next year’s target for the 2011 British bred horse.

An uncharacteristic two show jumping rails slotted Galway Downs-based Emilee Libby and Tosca into fourth overall and third in the USEF National 4*-L championships. It was this pair’s debut 4*-L effort, too.

Sabrina Glaser & Cooley Mr. Murphy top the Adequan CCI3*-L

Sabrina Glaser’s journey from Langley, British Columbia, was rewarded with a win aboard Cooley Mr. Murphy in this 22-horse division. Sabrina described her partner of 4 years as “probably the trickiest horse I’ve ever sat on.” After consistent successes at 3*-S, he had “niggly little injuries that made us trickle along for a while.” It led to him getting over-familiar with the dressage test and “wheeling and bucking into transitions” in earlier outings. “But he kept a lid on it” Thursday to score a 32 in the sandbox. Double clear on cross-country vaulted them into the lead, followed by double clear show jumping, several exuberant fist pumps and $7,000 of the division’s $21,000 in prize money.

PC – Tina Fitch Photography

Area VI Young Rider Molly Duda was thrilled with her reserve finish, the $5,250 check and how “fresh and good” Disco Traveler felt. “I was surprised because in our last 3*-L, I could feel his fitness was lacking a bit on the final day. But today, he was jumping out of his skin and I am super proud of him.”

Erin Kellerhouse didn’t have the stellar dressage outing she and Bon Vivant GWF are capable of. That was nicely counterbalanced by a “fabulous” effort on cross-country that made a tough track “feel like Training Level.” Just a few time faults there, plus double clear stadium, moved this Galway Downs-based duo from 8th after dressage into third and a $4,200 prize check.

Kellerhouse credits some of her show jumping success to regularly competing in the Nilforushan Equisport Events jumping competitions that have been a significant part of Galway Downs’ evolution as an international venue. “It’s really helped me get to know what type of ride he likes, and it’s helped all of my horses.”

Hanni Sreenan Atop the USEF CCI2*-L National Championships and Pro Series Equine CCI2*-L

Hanni Sreenan aspires to 5* competition and came to Galway Downs expecting “an amazing experience.” She didn’t expect that to include the double crown of USEF National CCI2*-L Champion and the USEF Eventing CCI2*-L Young Rider Individual title. But that’s what she and Ebenholtz, a 2007 Hannoverian, earned by staying fault free after their 28.8 dressage start.

They were second going into Marc Donovan’s stadium finale and ascended to the top when Area VI Young Rider Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb had two heartbreaking rails to disrupt what would have been a Young Riders sweep of the division’s top three spots.

Area V’s Molly Duda and Carlingfords Hes a Clover were also double clear on cross-country and stadium to move from 4th after dressage to reserve champion in this competitive 40-horse division sponsored by Pro Series Equine.

James Alliston and Cora snapped the Young Riders sweep, finishing third on their 31.3 dressage effort.

Auburn Excell Brady Wins the Dechra Equine CCI1*-L

Auburn Excell Brady registered a first international win for Boudica BSP and it was indeed a victory in her partnership with the 2016 KWPN mare named after a Celtic warrior. She’d been marketing the mare as a show jumper, for Andrea Baxter, because it didn’t seem eventing was in the cards. “Honestly, I was scared of her at first. She’s big, very athletic and not always agreeable,” the California professional explained.

PC – Tina Fitch Photography

Excell Brady’s dressage coaches felt she had potential aplenty, but cross-country was “tricky,” to put it mildly. “We duked it for a few days in a clinic with Ian Stark this summer, and Ian really helped me work things through.” The warrior pair led this 28-horse field with a 27 in dressage and didn’t give up an inch.

“The level of competition and the atmosphere are fantastic,” said Excell Brady, a longtime Galway Downs exhibitor. “It’s really a special experience riding down centerline and I thought the cross-country and show jumping courses were great, though challenging.”

Unprecedented prize money, live-scoring on the jumbotron and overall pizzazzy presentation were icing on the cake, she said. Excell-Brady was one of several competitors to especially appreciate the enhanced amenities for spectators, including owners, clients and family.

USEA Area VI Young Rider Scarlett Peinado and Shadow Inspector also finished on their dressage score, a 27.4, to maintain 2nd place in the Dechra Equine CCI1*-L and be crowned the 2023 USEF CCI1*-L Eventing Young Rider National Champion. Qualifying for the Young Rider Championships was a “big goal” coming in and “I have not processed what happened” she said in the afterglow.

Shadow Inspector is a California veteran thanks to his years with Haley Turner. “My horse knew what was going on here, even in all this atmosphere,” Peinado said. “I was very nervous – a little bit panicked, so I was just trying to manage my stress and remember the course.” She travelled from Pennsylvania, where she trains with Area V chef Dom Schramm. He advised pretending like it was a schooling show, which proved effective throughout Marc Donovan’s turny track of quick-arising obstacles. Striding got a little tight in the final combination of pastel-colored cookie-standard obstacles, but the pair stayed clear to gallop to individual Young Rider gold.

Close behind in the Dechra Equine CCI1*-L third spot was Harper Padgett and Cooley Starship. Their finish on a 28.2 dressage score resulted in individual Young Rider silver and helped Area VII earn 2*-L team gold.

Scarlett Peinado & Shadow Inspector with Galway Downs organizer Robert Kellerhouse. – PC Tina Fitch Photography

USEF Eventing Young Riders Championships, Presented by USEA

Sarah Ross epitomized good sportsmanship after the two rails that knocked her from individual Young Riders gold to bronze in the CCI2*-L division. “Of course, it’s upsetting. I came here for the Young Riders Championships, from Florida and after spending a fair amount of time competing in jumper shows earlier this year. It’s been my dream to compete here, and this has been incredible and I’m excited about next year.”

She and her fellow team gold medal winning Area VI riders agreed the best part of the experience can only be understood once experienced. “You don’t understand until you’ve done it,” Ross elaborated. “You want a sponge, and all of the sudden, you have 20 sponges coming your way. Now we can all be excited about going home and cracking on with homework from this great experience.”

CCI1*-L Standings
Team Gold: Area VII
Harper Padgett, Olivia Keye, Lizzie Hoff, Caterina Ritson
Team Silver: Area VI
Brooke Corsaut, Fiona Holland, Greylin Booth, Jillian Mader Team Bronze
Bronze: Alberta/Ontario, Canada
Mackenzie Hoffman, Mickanna Austad, Michaela Aulicino, Avery Tallman

Individual
Gold: Scarlett Peinado, Area V
Silver: Harper Padget, Area VII
Bronze Lizzie Hoff, Area VII

CCI2*-L Standings
Team Gold: Area VI
Sarah Ross, Gabriella Ringer, Lauren Crabtree, Julia Beauchamp Crandon
Team Silver: Area VII
Kaylee Petticord, Avery Jacob, Hanni Sreenan, Harper Padget

Individual
Gold: Hanni Sreenan – Area VII
Silver: Julia Beauchamp Crandon – Area VI
Bronze: Sarah Ross – Area VI

CCI3*-L Standings – Individuals
Gold: Molly Duda – Area VI
Silver: Else Warble – Area VI
Bronze: Kayla Dumler – Area VI

Phillip Dutton Dominates Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge

By on Nov 6, 2023 11:30 am -

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton claimed the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge in a thrilling night of competition on Saturday, November 4, at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Having won Friday night’s first round of competition, Dutton, a six-time Olympian, was last to contest Saturday’s deciding second round riding Quasi Cool. He thrilled the packed house once more with an electric performance and clear effort to take the championship title.

“It was an incredible crowd,” enthused Dutton, 60, who is based out of his True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania. “It was a full house, and it’s fun to show off our sport in a major city like this. We spent the day looking at the cows, sheep, and pigs, and it’s just really a lot of fun to be here. We even met Royal Ambassador Kay, so it was a great day.”

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool jumped clear in both phases of the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge to claim the overall title on Saturday, November 4, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

While Friday’s course certainly tested the athletes, Saturday’s track designed by Captain Mark Phillips of Great Britain proved to be even more demanding. Competitors raced back and forth across the arena over a combination of show jumping and cross-country obstacles, negotiating several tricky lines as they took chances and made tight turns in an effort to produce the fastest clear time. Just three combinations managed a fault-free ride, but it was Dutton’s double-clear across the two days of competition and combined time of 181.41 seconds that reigned supreme.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my horse,” shared Dutton of Caroline Moran’s 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Quo Vados x Lord). “He’s coming back from a bit of time off, and he’s just showing me how much he loves doing this. On Friday, the format was a bit foreign to him with all the turning, and he really learned from that and did it so well on Saturday. Obviously, I haven’t done this kind of stuff with him before, but he came out Saturday and was much more maneuverable and adjustable.

“The hard part of eventing is that for a lot of the cross-country jumps we want the horses to not go too high and stay lower over the top,” he continued. “When you put show jumping fences and cross-country jumps in here, it’s not that easy for the horses to understand not to get too high for some and then to be careful with the others. ‘Quasi’ is very good at judging how high to go, and he’s very careful all the time, so it’s nice to have.”

Six-time Olympian Phillip Dutton is presented as the winner of the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge by Scott Cieslar (left), CEO and Chief Nutritionist of Mad Barn, and Dr. Emily Gilbert, Mad Barn’s Performance Science Specialist.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Top Canadian talent Kendal Lehari, 36, of Uxbridge, ON, was the only other rider to jump fault-free both rounds with Iron Lorde for a second-place finish in a combined 193.03 seconds. As the highest placed Canadian rider, she was presented with the Col. Michael Gutowski Award.

“I love indoor eventing,” expressed Lehari, who has been competing in the Indoor Eventing Challenge for more than a decade. “We are used to riding across acres where things are so spread out, and here everything comes up so fast and it’s such an adrenaline rush. It really tests your instincts, and you just ride gritty and get it done. You have to think so fast. It’s totally different than what we normally do, but it’s so exciting and so great having the spectators. It’s such a fun atmosphere and opportunity.”

Lehari’s partner for the class, Iron Lorde, is normally campaigned by her mother, Gwen Lehari, but Kendal took over the ride a couple weeks prior to prepare for The Royal. While Iron Lorde has not tackled an upper-level event recently, his past experiences, including foxhunting, driving, and even competing in the Cup classes at the Royal Horse Show as a three-year-old, helped the 11-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding by Prinz Habicht prove his versatility.

“He was amazing,” said Kendal. “I might have to steal him off my mother now because he impressed me a little more than I was expecting. I couldn’t be happier. He really stepped up to the plate.”

Kendal Lehari was the top Canadian in the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge, finishing in second riding Iron Lorde.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Dutton’s daughter, 22-year-old Olivia Dutton, completed the top three on five faults and a combined time of 194.28 seconds riding Pioneer Archibald, a 12-year-old British Sport Horse gelding (Primmore’s Pioneer x Holland) owned by Joanie Morris.

Hunter competition was in the spotlight on Sunday, November 5, when Taylor Brooks of Ashton, ON, and Spectre, owned by Taylor Bond, claimed victory in the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby.

A field of 19 horse-and-rider combinations contested the decorated course set by Ken Krome of the United States. Ninth to go in the order, Brooks and Spectre, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding, impressed the judges with their brilliance and handiness to earn a base score of 86 with an additional 10 high option points and 10 handy points for an overall score of 106.

“Spectre truly is an incredible horse,” said Brooks, 32, who won the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby at the 2022 Royal Horse Show with the flashy chestnut. “I’ve had the pleasure of being his rider for almost six years now, so our partnership is pretty solid. We showed here last year together, and I knew going into this week that I had a good chance to trust him, believe in him, and go out there and do our best. It’s magical anytime I ride him, and it’s a dream come true to win here. It’s an amazing opportunity to compete under these lights with the crowd and a course set so beautifully.”

Taylor Brooks of Ashton, ON, and Spectre won the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby on Sunday afternoon, November 5.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Second place honours went to Elodie Lemieux of Saint-Lambert, QC, and King’s Landing, her 12-year-old warmblood gelding, with an overall score of 102. Isabelle Lapierre of Levis, QC, and Carrera S, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding sired by Corrado I and owned by Johannie Légaré secured third place with a total score of 100.5.

The Royal offers numerous hospitality experiences including the Royal Terrace for VIP and corporate hosting and the Coliseum’s Sky Suites which offer stables and groups their own private suites. The Tanbark Club will continue to welcome Gold and Platinum VIP ticket holders. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for full details.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, including daily schedules and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalfair.org/royalhorseshow. Also download the new Royal Agricultural Winter Fair app for more news and information at your fingertips!

$20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge

1. Phillip Dutton / West Grove, PA / Quasi Cool / 0 / 181.41

2. Kendal Lehari / Uxbridge, ON / Iron Lorde / 0 / 193.03

3. Olivia Dutton / West Grove, PA / Pioneer Archibald / 5 / 194.28

4. Diana Burnett / Blackstock, ON / Whatsyourproblem / 5 / 215.16

5. Colleen Loach / Dunham, QC / Major Chase / 10 / 180.48

6. Jessica Phoenix / Cannington, ON / Fluorescent Adolescent / 10 / 180.95

7. Holly Jacks / Hillsburgh, ON / Josephine / 10 / 199.80

8. Jamie Kellock / Cedar Valley, ON / Summer Bay / 10 / 200.29

9. Hanna Bundy / Toronto, ON / Don’t Blink / 30 / 189.45

$15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby

1. Taylor Brooks / Ashton, ON / Spectre / 106

2. Elodie Lemieux / Saint-Lambert, QC / King’s Landing / 102

3. Isabelle Lapierre / Levis, QC / Carrera S / 100.5

4. Kristjan Good / Campbellville, ON / Nitecap / 100

5. Sarah Long / Newmarket, ON / Good Vibes / 99

6. Emma Edwardson / Calgary, AB / Diarado Dream / 97

7. Kennedy Ballard / St Lazare, QC / Jazz Air / 96

8. Cawthra Burns / King City, ON / Buckingham / 93

9. Kristjan Good / Campbellville, ON / Carano / 92

10. Ashley Arnoldt / Langley, BC / Light My Fire / 90.5

Website / Results

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Nov 6, 2023 6:17 am -

 

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A post shared by Tom McEwen (@tommceweneventing)

The last time we saw Tom McEwen, he was closing out Pau and getting a start on his stag do in fine style — by wearing a naughty nurse’s outfit to the final press conference, of course. We’re delighted to report that he appears to have survived his trip to Benidorm with a frankly frightening collection of lads, and made it home to the UK to be married, on Friday, to partner Harriet Fettes. Congratulations to the happy couple — and good luck on recovering from the hangovers.

National Holiday: It’s National Nachos Day. I can get behind that; some of my favourite memories with the EN team involve bowls of queso and endless eventing chat in some strip mall Mexican. As a British resident, and, as such, someone who can’t actually get queso in my home country, believe me when I tell you that at night, I dream of cheese.

U.S. Weekend Action

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Results]

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Results]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, TX) [Website] [Results]

Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall (Lexington, VA) [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

One of the major talking points of the tail end of the 2023 season in the US is the introduction of the Starter level. But, as is always the case when a new level is added to the recognised roster, not everyone’s happy about it. US Eventing’s Rob Burk chatted to organisers to find out their thoughts on the addition and explain why Starter is a worthy add-on to the extant levels in the USEA book.

Speaking of contentious decisions (though this is much, much more contentious): one of the draft rules being voted on at this month’s FEI General Assembly is one that would allow the FEI to demand access to emails, messages, and so on while investigating potential doping violations. A number of governing bodies are firmly against this, suggesting it represents a violation of the human right to privacy. Read more about it here.

Ever struggled through life with a head shaker? I have — and it’s not much fun. My first horse, a rescue called Danny that I bought off a sandlot with a Folgers can full of money I’d saved raking blueberries (yes, really) was an idiopathic head shaker, and it was so hard to predict his triggers — and to stay secure in the saddle when he was struck by a really bad bout of head shaking. It’s something I avoid like the plague nowadays, but the truth is, head shaking can find you at any point, because there are so many causes, so many types, and so little solid information about what actually causes it all. But in positive news? A recent study suggests that the use of cannabinoids could help to manage this tricky condition. Check out why and how in this piece.

Fancy a morning podcast listen while you muck stables? Have an entrepreneurial side you’d like to explore in the horse world? Or simply just wondering what the ‘Mad Barn’ that sponsored the Indoor Eventing at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair is? Then this episode of Hitting Your Stride, with Scott Cieslar of Mad Barn, is for you.

Morning Viewing:

It’s high-flying Mustang time! Check out Elisa Wallace and Wyeth in action in the Open Training at the Majestic Oaks schooling show.