Classic Eventing Nation

In Praise of Eventing Parents

By on Jan 8, 2016 4:00 pm -

“Someday, you’ll understand” is a common parent-to-child refrain, probably because it’s rooted in the truth. Reader Helen Guidotti tells the story of how her relationship with her parents evolved as she matured from pony rider to three-day event competitor. Thank you for writing, Helen!

Jumping the big jumps at Ledyard. Photo by Terri Miller.

Jumping the big jumps at Ledyard. Photo by Terri Miller.

At 52 years old, I may be a bit tardy in counting my parents as my inspiration to “be all that I could be,” but for some reason, Tamie Smith’s article has inspired me to write about them right now. I began riding in 1973 taking weekly lessons on a pony named Sassy with my instructor, Chris Withington.

That morphed into my first mare and lessons with Karen (Lende) O’Conner, Pony Club, 4-H and two or three rides a week at the Coolidges’ indoor arena during the treacherous winters in New England. How did I accomplish this beginning? Mom.

She drove me to all of these activities. She and my friend’s parents got together while I was away at summer camp (I was plotting to bring home a camp pony which I hinted at frequently in our required letters to home each day) and bought a trailer together.

Simone Cormier’s mother and mine would drive us everywhere to shows, clinics, lessons, pony club events, everything. We were incredibly active. At the same time mom was taking care of my four brothers’ hockey, running, hiking, skiing, music lessons, cub scouts (she was the leader) and girl scouts (she was the leader), as well as grocery shopping and feeding us all and so many other engagements.

My folks believed in a well rounded education so, I too, had to learn to do it all. She was wonder woman. She was always there for us. I would have a jump lesson and be on a high from successfully accomplishing the challenges of the given lesson.

She would be questioning me about how this felt on my horse Easy Street, how did you get him to do that, etc., etc. all the way home. Because she cared. All I wanted was for her to drive and leave me in peace and quiet on the trip home so that I could ride my high and digest what we had accomplished.

I never did any drugs or anything like that so this was my high and I wanted it to myself. Be quiet mom! I was a teenager.

Photo via Helen Guidotti.

Photo via Helen Guidotti.

My dad would come to some of my competitions, more likely he’d show up at a soccer game I was in or something less time involved. He had to take care of my brothers while mom was off with me. I was competing at Radnor Three Day and we had the 10 minute box all planned out.

Dad’s job was to walk Easy and keep him calm and happy. With two minutes left I was to jog him again. No Dad, no Easy. Where the heck is my horse? Gone!

Well, he had taken us literally and found a quiet place to walk the horse, the finish of cross country area where there were very few horses and it was peaceful. We were able to get all the gear back on him and jog and get out of the start box on time but I was not as peaceful as Easy got to be!

We had a great round and all is good but we learned to be very clear with directions in the future! Another time it was dad’s turn to take me to an event in New Hampshire, Fox Brush Farm.

We got up there and I had forgotten my helmet. I don’t know why we couldn’t find one to borrow or how we got in touch with mom but she drove all the way up, handed me my helmet and left. It was her weekend off and look what she did for me.

Photo via Helen Guidotti.

Photo via Helen Guidotti.

My parents instilled in me the confidence to do ANYTHING I wanted. Anything. They let me know I am smart, capable of great things, inspired, intelligent, filled with common sense and even if I am not the best at any given thing, if I give it my best and someone beats me, or knows more than I, they are more educated and had a great day and that’s wonderful for them.

I’ll keep trying. It took me until I was in my late 30s or early 40s when I finally had an epiphany about mom. I was at the Grass Ridge event in southern Arizona. I learned to vocalize worries and concerns that I had previously kept to myself, such as how terrifying a particular jump may be.

I told her the course looked big. She worried. She’s mom. I was warming up for cross country and she was in the warm up area, starting to ask the questions that used to drive me INSANE: Do you have your helmet? (Really mom? What’s on my head?) Do you have your spurs? (Really mom, what’s on my boots?), etc.

She could send me crazy asking those questions. This time I looked at her. I really looked at her from the back of my horse and I experienced satori (sudden enlightenment)! She was pale, she was concerned, she was worried. I had said the course was big.

I wasn’t worried at this point, I was on my wonder horse and knew we’d be fine but I had said something about the jumps. Not that this is the first time she’s ever been worried — we used to kid around that we should give talks to Pony Clubs around the country about how to deal with nerves before and during events — that’s for sure, but I saw it from outside of me.

Outside of my ego and my worries and my concerns, I saw mom. She was worried because she LOVES ME! She just wants me to come home safe and sound. I looked at her and I said “Mom, I’m okay.” “Really?” “Yes, and we’ll be fine out there.” “Really?” “Yes, mom, we’ll be great.”

Photo via Helen Guidotti.

Photo via Helen Guidotti.

And with that, her face lightened. She asked if I needed anything and I said no. And she said then, “If it’s okay with you, I’ll head down to the water jump and watch you from there with dad.” I said that would be great and I”d see her after we finished.

My relationship with her changed that day forever. We became best friends and although I don’t think she got to see any more events, every time we got together and on phone calls in between, we were bonded so closely it was incredible.

I only wish I was able to grow up and see that she drove me crazy, insane crazy, for all those years ONLY because she loves me. No other reason. She loves me and that was her way of showing it. She was doing the best, as a human being, that she could, to show support, love, care and more love.

I wish I figured it out sooner, but better late than never and I’ll cherish the relationship we had forevermore. So, thank you, Eventing Nation, for inspiring me to write about the awesomeness of parents and love and horses. Go moms, go dads and cheer on the support teams that make us who we are everyday.

Eventing Nation loves sharing reader submissions. Have a story to tell? Email it to [email protected]. 

A New Chapter in the Simply Priceless Story Begins

By on Jan 8, 2016 2:00 pm -

Elisa Wallace gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the reality of event horse syndication in this guest blog. She is currently hard at work syndicating her Rolex partner Simply Priceless, and you can visit this link for more information about the Simply Priceless Syndicate, or email Elisa at [email protected].

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless at Rolex. Photo by Blakley Releford. Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless at Rolex. Photo by Blakley Releford.

2016 marks the beginning of a new chapter in my career with Simply Priceless (aka Johnny). Johnny and I began our relationship in May 2013, when owners Jill and Dave Hopcroft first approached my father, Rick Wallace. He was unable to take the ride at that time and so suggested they offer the ride to me.

I was so excited, as I only had young horses at the time. I knew Johnny was pretty special and we quickly formed a strong bond. Through hard work Johnny began to progress, and over time this progress led us to an incredibly successful 2015 season. We competed at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event for the first time and were distinguished as the highest placing rookie at the event. Truly amazing! I went in with the goal of placing in the top 20 and sure enough, we did!

Rolex became our springboard, earning us a place on the USEF High Performance National Training List. We were also awarded a Land Rover USEF Competition Grant, which gave us the opportunity to have our first overseas experience at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials.

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Since 2013 Jill and Dave Hopcroft have been supportive in encouraging the development of Johnny’s full potential as an equine athlete, and I count myself blessed that they chose me as his partner.  But near the end of 2015, the Hopcrofts made the difficult decision to leave the horse world in order to pursue different priorities. Not wanting me to lose the ride on Johnny, they graciously offered him to me without putting him on the market.

Johnny is absolutely just what his name describes. He is Simply Priceless. Time and time again he has proven his huge heart and absolute class, and I truly believe that the best is yet to come. I have been given such an amazing opportunity to continue my journey with Johnny, but I can’t help worrying from time to time. Even with the tiniest thought of losing him, I feel a knot in my stomach and my eyes well up with tears.

Luckily, I have the most supportive father, Rick Wallace, and husband, Timothy Harfield. My dad basically put on his “Super Dad Cape” and told me, “Where there is a will, there is a way, and we will find a way to keep Johnny!” Sure enough, we were able to come up with a plan for syndication. So, with the help of Mark Hart, chair of the USEF-sponsored Eventing Owners Task Force, we set forth on a new journey: the Simply Priceless Syndicate.

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless at Rolex. Photo by Kasey Mueller/Rare Air Photography.

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless at Rolex. Photo by Kasey Mueller/Rare Air Photography.

What is a syndicate? A syndicate allows a group of people to share in the ownership of a horse as well as distribute annual maintenance costs, with the goal f supporting a horse and rider combination in international competition. Syndication will allow a group of 10 owners to partner with me in sharing expenses, as I contribute through donating the time and training necessary to ensure his success (unlike many other syndication arrangements, none of the yearly maintenance fee goes to training).

For those who join the Simply Priceless Syndicate, this means that they will be able to enjoy all the benefits of ownership but at a fraction of what it would otherwise cost to support an equestrian team at the four-star level. Actually, benefits are even greater than sole ownership, because joining a syndicate also means joining a family with strong sense of community.

All horses that are syndicated have to be free of liens and loans. So my father put on his “Super Dad Cape” and, as of Dec. 31, 2015, full ownership was transferred to my father’s Team Wallace LLC, using a bridge loan obtained from a very dear family friend. Then on Jan. 1, 2016, TeamWallace, LLC transferred Johnny into the Simply Priceless Syndication, LLC, which made the syndication active.

While this is very exciting, and we are delighted to have already successfully sold two shares, this is also not without anxiety, as the bridge loan used to buy Johnny is on Team Wallace’s (aka Dad’s) shoulders. We have to sell five shares by July and the remaining shares by January 2017.

In 2016 I look forward to competing at Rolex with Johnny once again. This past year we have focused on improving our dressage and stadium jumping with help from my coach, Karen O’Connor. With our international experience that was attained at Blenheim, I feel we are ready to really come out guns blazing for 2016.

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Kasey Mueller/Rare Air Photography.

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Kasey Mueller/Rare Air Photography.

Johnny has already helped me fulfill my dreams of competing at my first Rolex, and I have no doubt that he will be instrumental in accomplishing my dreams of representing the United States Equestrian Team, competing at Burghley, Badminton and many more. I am excited to continue showing the true class of this off-the-track Australian Thoroughbred. Big goals for big dreams with a horse with a heart just as big.

The Simply Priceless story has only just begun, and I am excited to join with a new family of supporters in writing this thrilling next chapter.

Vote for 2015 Eventing Nation Horse & Rider of the Year!

By on Jan 8, 2016 12:00 pm -
Which horse and rider will win the Golden Chinchilla? That's up to you, EN!

Which horse and rider will win the Golden Chinchilla? That’s up to you, EN!

We are excited to officially open voting for 2015 Eventing Nation Horse & Rider of the Year! Before we unveil the horses and riders, I can honestly say that this has been our most difficult season yet for choosing nominees. We saw so much talent, numerous dominant performances and countless inspirational moments in 2015.

These six nominees achieved true greatness from the spring all the way through to the fall season to stand out in a very competitive North American field. We heavily considered the following criteria when choosing our nominations for 2015 Eventing Nation Horse & Rider of the Year:

  • Each nominated pair garnered top placings at a CCI4*, CCI3* or international team championships in 2015.
  • Each nominated pair completed their season without a cross country jumping penalty at the FEI level.
  • Each nominated pair ranks in the top 10 of EN’s database, which tracks results at the Advanced, three-star and four-star levels.

Keep scrolling to meet the nominees, and you’ll find the poll for voting at the bottom of this post. Voting will remain open until midnight EST on Sunday, Jan. 10. We will announce the winner of the coveted Golden Chinchilla on Monday, Jan. 11.

Without further ado, EN is proud to present our nominees for 2015 Eventing Nation Horse & Rider of the Year (in alphabetical order).

Will Coleman and OBOS O'Reilly at the Blenheim Palace CCI3*. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly at Blenheim. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Will Coleman and OBOS O’Reilly

#9 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings

After battling mucus in his lungs and inflamed airway disease in 2014, OBOS O’Reilly burst back onto the U.S. eventing scene looking like a totally different horse in 2015. The 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (OBOS Quality X Omard Clover Queen, by Clover Hill) owned by the Four Star Eventing Group ultimately proved he has what it takes with an impressive CCI4* debut at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

“Oboe” made quick work of the saturated ground and heavy rains at Rolex, delivering one of the six double clear cross country rounds that day. Coming home two seconds under the optimum time saw Will and Oboe win the Land Rover Ride of the Day, plus a 24-month lease on a 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport. They ultimately had one rail down in show jumping the next day to finish in sixth place on a score of 56.6.

From his first four-star to his first overseas competition, Oboe continued to show good form throughout the season. A trip to England to contest the Blenheim Palace International CCI3* saw Will and Oboe finish on their dressage score of 51.1 to take home 11th place in an all-star field. With yet another double clear trip across the country, Oboe finished 2015 as EN’s Top Equine Performer in Cross Country, as well as #9 on EN’s Overall Rankings for 2015.

2015 Highlights: 6th, Rolex Kentucky CCI4*; 13th, Richland Park CIC3*; 11th, Blenheim Palace CCI3*

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn at Aachen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn at Aachen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn

#7 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn started the 2015 season with a bang, becoming the new USEF National CCI4* Champions as the highest placed American combination at Rolex in the horse’s four-star debut. A 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Con Capitol X Corse Lawn, by Arkan) owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt and Caroline Moran, “Cuba” added just 3.2 penalties to his dressage score to finish in fifth place at Rolex on a score of 54.1.

Cuba then made his team debut as part of the U.S. Nations Cup squad in Germany at Aachen, widely considered the toughest CIC3* competition in the world. Phillip and Cuba delivered a personal best dressage score of 46.4, show jumped clear and delivered one of the fastest trips around cross country to finish in 12th individually as the highest place U.S. combination. That performance also helped land Team USA in second place on the Nations Cup podium.

Phillip and Cuba continued their hot streak in the fall, finishing third in the highly competitive Plantation Field CIC3* before taking a trip to the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*. They stalked the leaderboard all weekend, and a double clear cross country round and one rail down in show jumping saw them finish in fifth place in the U.S. National CCI3* Championships.

Phillip and Cuba’s dominant cross country performances in 2015 — accumulating just 5.6 total time penalties across all their FEI runs — ultimately saw them ranked #4 in our list of EN’s Top Equine Performers in Cross Country for 2015, and this combination finished the season as #7 in EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings.

2015 Highlights: 5th, Rolex Kentucky CCI4*; 12th, Aachen CICO3*; 3rd, Plantation Field CIC3*; 5th, Fair Hill CCI3*

Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook's Scarlett. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett at the 2015 Pan American Games. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett

#3 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings

Though Meadowbrook’s Scarlett flew under the radar for much of her early career, that all changed in 2015 when the mare easily made the move up to the Advanced level and never looked back. An 8-year-old Thoroughbred/Holsteiner mare (All In Black X Bliss) owned and bred (in Virginia!) by Marie le Menestrel and produced by Lauren Kieffer since she was 4, “Scarlett” has never had a cross country jumping penalty in her entire career.

Lauren and Scarlett started their dominant 2015 season with a top-10 finish in the mare’s first CIC3* at Carolina International in March. Widely considered an early frontrunner for the U.S. Pan American Games team, Lauren proved Scarlett could rise to the occasion in the mare’s first CCI3* at Jersey Fresh, where they added just one rail to their dressage score of 46.6 to finish in second place.

That performance landed Lauren and Scarlett a spot on the Pan American Games team in Toronto, where they delivered two double clear jumping rounds in their U.S. team debut to finish in seventh individually and help clinch team gold — and qualify a spot for the U.S. in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

After a well deserved break, Lauren and Scarlett headed west to tackle her second CCI3* of the season at Galway Downs in California. Another swift cross country round with just a handful of time and one rail down in show jumping saw them finish in third place. A foot perfect cross country season ranked this pair #3 on EN’s Top Equine Performers in Cross Country list, as well as #3 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings.

2015 Highlights: 9th, Carolina International CIC3*; 2nd, Jersey Fresh CCI3*; 7th and Team Gold, 2015 Pan American Games; 3rd, Galway Downs CCI3*

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous at Plantation Field. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous

#2 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous gave us an exciting win streak through the first half of the 2015 season, starting with a victory in the CIC2* at Pine Top and racking up a four additional wins in the Red Hills CIC2*, Carolina International CIC2* and Ocala Horse Properties CCI2* that culminated with taking individual and team gold at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

After all their two-star success, Marilyn and “Kitty,” a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold X Richardia, by Lario) owned by Phoebe and Michael Manders, Jacqueline Mars and Robin Parsky, faced a highly anticipated move up to the Advanced level. They shook off a show jumping mishap at Poplar Place and bounced back to an impressive performance at Plantation Field, where they finished second in the competitive CIC3*.

This dynamic duo then headed to Holland for the mare’s first CCI3* as part of the U.S. Nations Cup team at Boekelo. After a solid dressage test that saw them sitting in the upper quarter of the big international field, Kitty sustained a coronet band injury during her clear cross country trip that ultimately led to her withdrawal before show jumping. Despite that finish to their season, this duo still had a fantastic 2015.

Marilyn and Kitty’s average FEI dressage score of 41.40 and average USEF dressage score of 27.60 ranked this combination as #3 on EN’s Top Equine Dressage Performers of 2015 list, and they finished the season as #2 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings. They were also one of two U.S. pairs nominated as one of the 10 top combinations in the world for EquiRatings Horse of the Year.

2015 Highlights: 1st, Pine Top CIC2*; 1st, Red Hills CIC2*; 1st, Ocala Horse Properties CCI2*; 1st, Individual and Team Gold; 2015 Pan American Games; 3rd, Plantation Field CIC2*

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen flying round the Blenheim CCI3* track to maintain their XC lead. Photo by Shannon Brinkman

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen at Blenheim. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen

#4 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings

What a comeback season for Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. It’s no secret that Clark and “Glen” (Limerick X Tattymacall Mustard, by Cut the Mustard) have battled tooth and nail to get to this point in their career. After a disappointing 2014 season, Clark went back to the drawing board with the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, owned by Jess Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft and Holly and William Becker, and ultimately discovered a winning formula.

By overhauling the horse’s fitness program and focusing less on dressage — a phase at which he already excelled — Clark and Glen started winning and never really stopped. A massive victory at the 100-strong Belton Park CIC3* in the spring signaled that they were on the right track. Then Clark and Glen firmly defeated their four-star demons at Luhmühlen, finishing in sixth place on 37.5, one of the lowest finishing scores ever recorded at the event.

With a pattern of consistency cropping up in their performances, Clark and Glen went on to best another 100-strong field in the Somerford Park CIC2*, their final prep before taking on the Blenheim Palace International CCI3*. Clark and Glen took the lead in dressage on a 33.8 and never looked back, ultimately finishing on that score to clinch their third win of the season — each time besting European fields of more than 100 combinations.

Clark and Glen are the only North American combination to appear on two of EN’s Top Equine Performers of 2015 lists — ranked #1 for dressage and #2 for show jumping. They finished the season as #4 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings, and Glen ran away with the online vote to be named the 2015 EquiRatings Horse of the Year. We’ve already profiled this combination as a hopeful for Rio next year. For his determination and perseverance, EN named Clark one of the eventers who most inspired us in 2015.

2015 Highlights: 1st, Belton Park CIC3*; 5th, Luhmühlen CCI4*; 1st, Somerford Park CIC2*; 1st, Blenheim Palace CCI3*

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

#1 on EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings

Though 2015 was the first season Tamie smith and Mai Baum competed together, they quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting combinations in the country, ultimately finishing the year as #1 on EN’s Overall Rankings. Tamie refers to the 9-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Loredano X Ramira, by Rike), owned by Alex and Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell, as the “Black Stallion” because he’s her dream horse, and when you look back on their season, it certainly seems like a fairytale.

Starting the year off with a bang, Tamie and “Lexus” won The Fork CIC2* and finished second in the Jersey Fresh CCI2* to firmly establish themselves as frontrunners for the 2015 Pan American Games team. Though they ultimately weren’t selected to represent Team USA, Tamie didn’t let that discourage her. Instead, they went on to win the Rebecca Farm CIC3*, which started their four-event win streak at some of the top three-star events in the country.

Tamie and Lexus went on to also win the Copper Meadows CIC3*, Plantation Field CIC3* and ultimately became the 2015 U.S. National CCI3* Champions with a wire-to-wire victory in the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*. Tamie’s unforgettable Fair Hill win under intense emotional pressure saw her named one of the 10 eventers who most inspired us in 2015. They also finished the season as #2 on EN’s Top Equine Dressage Performers list, in addition to taking the #1 spot in EN’s 2015 Overall Rankings.

2015 Highlights: 1st, The Fork CIC2*; 2nd, Jersey Fresh CCI2*; 4th, Great Meadow International CIC3*; 1st, Rebecca Farm CIC3*; 1st, Copper Meadows CIC3*; 1st, Plantation Field CIC3*; 1st, Fair Hill International CCI3*

A Retirement Tribute to Cold Harbor from His Biggest Fan

By on Jan 8, 2016 9:30 am -

Schramm Equestrian super groom and head honcho Stephanie Simpson penned this touching tribute to Manny and Dana Diemer's Cold Harbor, Dom Schramm's upper-level mount that was recently retired after a battle with EPM. Be sure to read to the end for a special note from Dana. Many thanks to Steph for writing, and the entire EN team wishes "Bo" a very happy retirement.

Dom Schramm and Cold Harbor. Photo by Cindy Lawler. Dom Schramm and Cold Harbor. Photo by Cindy Lawler.

Anyone that follows upper level eventing has undoubtedly heard of the legend that is Cold Harbor. Most recently “Bo” had been piloted by Dom Schramm, where I was lucky enough to meet him. To Bo I was the food lady, the personal scratcher, the keeper of the mints and his personal escort to anywhere that was worth going. However, to me Bo was a milestone horse.

He was the first horse I ever braided at an FEI event. He was the first horse I ever galloped up the historic Nelson’s Hill (I say this as though I actually had control of him. I did not. I was merely a passenger that kept him going in a general direction.) Bo was also the first horse that made me understand just how tough this sport can be.

Before coming to Schramm Equestrian, Bo was ridden by Dana and Manny Diemer’s son Andrew, who produced him to the National Intermediate and FEI one-star level before Holly Hepp Hudspeth took over the ride. Bo sustained a hind suspensory injury in the spring of 2010 and was out for the rest of the season. Boyd Martin then took over the reins when Bo returned, as Holly was pregnant, and brought Bo up through the Advanced level in 2012.

Dom Schramm and Cold Harbor at Fair Hill 2013. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Dom Schramm and Cold Harbor at Fair Hill 2013. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In 2013 Dana made the decision to send Bo to Dom per Boyd’s recommendation. To say Bo was a straightforward ride would be nothing short of a lie. Being a Canadian Sport Horse, he has Friesian influence in his breeding, which made his canter four-beat. As it turns out dressage judges aren’t fans of four-beat canters.

Although Bo wasn’t one to dazzle judges in the sand box, you could count on him to make light work of the cross country. It was not uncommon for him to trot Intermediate tables with no regard for the heart failure instilled in everyone watching. But that’s Bo.

It became apparent in the summer of 2014 that Bo wasn’t feeling himself. After a rather elaborate evaluation, it was discovered that Bo was battling EPM and was immediately put on an aggressive treatment plan. He began work again in the fall and returned to competition last winter in Aiken.

However, after a handful of events it was decided that Bo should be retired. Though no fault of his own, Bo’s body was letting him down and was making it very hard to continue eventing. Everyone agreed that although his heart was still in it, we owed it to him to retire him while he was still sound and healthy. Bo has completed 72 USEA recognized events, 11 of which were at the FEI level and included two CIC3*. He won or placed at every level with five different riders.

Dom Schramm and Cold Harbor

Dom Schramm and Cold Harbor at Fair Hill. Photo by Ab3 Photography.

Knowing that Bo’s eventing career is over is incredibly sad, but should also be a very proud point for everyone involved. I know that Dana and Manny are incredibly proud of all that Bo has done not only for them as owners, but also for Dom as a rider.

I believe that Bo’s passion is a direct reflection of Dana’s and her dismissal of all the negativity and naysayers that have criticized him over the years. We always joke that had Bo been born a Thoroughbred, he would have been a proper four-star horse. The sad part is that it’s incredibly true. You would be hard-pressed to find a horse that has a bigger heart.

So Bo, I hope that you enjoy this new chapter. I hope you take joy in the fact that I will never force you to let me brush your face again, I will never have to clip your ears, I will never hose you after being ridden (although the water was never as cold as you made it out to be), but most importantly I will always be your biggest fan.

From Dana Diemer: “A few thanks for a wonderful career have to go out to Doug Dean who bred Bo, John Williams and Ellen Chaney who brought Bo into our view, Andrew Diemer who got everything started, Marc Donovan who helped in the early years, Lynn Doki Camina who taught Bo to count to three while cantering, and most especially to Dom and Jimmie Schramm and Steph Simpson. Bo holds court every day with the driving ponies across the fence line, Steph. I’d like to think he is telling them about all of his adventures going to places with you worth going.”

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on Jan 8, 2016 12:03 am -
The adorable Valerie Ashker with the equally adorable homebred, "Flecks On Fleek"! Photo via Valerie's FB.

The adorable Valerie Ashker with the equally adorable homebred, “Flecks On Fleek”! Photo via Valerie’s FB.

The worst thing about winter has got to be night check. I’m lucky enough to have monsters that are delighted to be out all night every night during the temperate seasons, but in the winter, they stay in the barn overnight, which is just depressing. After a long day of work, I’m so excited to get back into my cozy house, take a shower, and pretty much refuse to move for hours at a time. Then 8-9 rolls around, and I have to spend at least 45 minutes convincing myself to re-layer everything and venture back out into the cold. This might be the most first world problem of all time, but you guys feel me, right?

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Ocala Winter I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Got the RRP fever? If you’re diving head first into the world of TB retraining, first off, welcome! Second off, it’s a complicated but rewarding process, so make sure you get all the info you can. The USEA has a great series right now featuring several OTTB specialists, who are excellent at finding and retraining the ex-racehorses for careers in Eventing. This week’s episode comes from Kelly Williams, and speaks to the process of finding the right one, knowing how much to push him/her, and knowing what kind of training techniques appeal to the Thoroughbred mind. [Re-Training Your OTTB for Success in Eventing]

If you’re heading to Badminton this spring, why not dye your horse bright pink. That’s exactly what Emma Hyslop did with her four-star mount Waldo III (Wally). Dying the normally white Wally the color of pink candy floss is aimed at raising her social media presence, and in turn awareness for breast cancer. However, Wally does compete early in February in Italy, and it’s doubtful that all his dye will have disappeared by then. Does the FEI have rules on rainbow colored horses?? [Badminton Bound Pink Horse]

The USEF is pleased to announce the continuation of the Eventing Frangible Technology Grant Program. Organizers of USEF-licensed eventing competitions may apply for a grant to supplement the use of frangible devices. Organizers of USEF eventing competitions offering divisions at the Preliminary level and above, taking place during the 2016 USEF competition year, may request frangible devices by completing a Frangible Technology Grant Program Request. Allocations of frangible devices, worth up to $500, will be awarded per property. The deadline to apply for the 2016 competition season is November 1, 2016. [Apply for a Frangible Pin Today]

Best of Blogs: Like The Kids Say, by Lauren Sprieser

Hot on Horse Nation: Clydesdale Photobombs Girl

Competition season is upon us, so isn’t it time you gave yourself a little treat for 2016? Treat yo’ self with these adorable and high quality blingy spur straps! With just enough sparkle to give yourself a little flair, but not so much that you blind the dressage judge when you pass C, these spur straps will give you a little extra spring in your step. We all know that confidence is half the game, and sometimes it’s just fun to sparkle a little! [SmartPak Product of the Day]

P-Dutty breaks down some jumping skillz:

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Thursday Video from Zoetis: Fernhill By Night Shows Off His Jumping Chops

By on Jan 7, 2016 5:30 pm -

It’s Ocala/Aiken season, y’all! It seems the winter has passed relatively quickly for those who head to warmer climates for a few months. Now that the first events of the new season are coming up quick, we’re starting to see some upper level horses getting back into full work for 2016.

Luckily, our good friend, Thehorsepesterer, also made the pilgrimage to Florida this year and has begun uploading sneak peeks of the horses and riders enjoying the warm weather. Here’s a jumper round from Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night, who are based in Ocala at Horsepower Equestrian.

Jenny Caras Awarded Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant

By on Jan 7, 2016 3:30 pm -
Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Jenni Autry. Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Eventing 25 rider Jenny Caras received some great news to kick off her new year this week: she is the 2016 recipient of the Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant from the USET Foundation.

The Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant was established by the Pirie family and is dedicated to furthering the career of an up and coming rider with great talent and the potential to represent the U.S. on the world stage in the future. The grant was established in Amanda’s honor and will grant up to $5,000 to Jenny for training expenses for this year.

This announcement comes on the heels of the Essex Grant, which was awarded to Jenny at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention in December. This is a grant designated for riders 25 and under and aimed at developing them from the Young Rider ranks into the senior environment.

In a press release, Jenny said that a big goal of hers was to travel to England to compete Fernhill Fortitude, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, at Bramham.

“That’s my big goal for the summer,” Jenny said in the release. “I’d really like to use this grant to open up opportunities for me to get more training that I wouldn’t have necessarily gotten without it, especially in the show jumping because that’s my weakness. I’d like to use the money to go to jumper shows and get jumper lessons to supplement everything else that I’m doing.”

Many congratulations are in order for Jenny and “Forty” as they continue working towards their goal of reaching the top levels of the sport. Additionally, we’d like to thank the Warrington family as well as everyone else behind these generous grants and development programs that continue to improve our riders.

Transform Mind-Numbing Trot Sets into Exciting Adventures with These 3 Apps

By on Jan 7, 2016 2:00 pm -
Screenshot from Screenshot from "Zombies, Run!" via zombiesrungame.com

‘Tis the season for low, slow distance work as we start legging our horses back up for the spring season. Lap after lap around the field with nothing to do but stare between between our horse’s ears and contemplate what we’re going to eat for dinner… it gets old pretty fast.

It should come as no surprise when our horses start inventing little games for themselves like “Killer squirrel! Run for your life!,” “I think there’s something evil hiding behind that round bale we’ve already passed without incident 20 times,” and “What’s that terrifying sound? *BOLT* Oh, it’s just my own hooves swooshing through the grass, haha. Hey, where’d you go?”

Horse or human, you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta to do keep from going completely insane, and maybe our horses are actually on to something. Tricking yourself into believing that your life is in danger is way more entertaining than, say, counting the number of fence posts you pass just because you have nothing better to do.

Here are three smartphone running apps that were created as boredom relief for human runners but could be useful in the context of equine conditioning as well. In addition to all the standard bells and whistles — GPS mapping, speed/distance tracking, etc. — each supplies its own unique “motivational” tool.

1. Zombies, Run! 

Only a few have survived the zombie epidemic. You are a Runner en-route to one of humanity’s last remaining outposts. They need your help to gather supplies, rescue survivors, and defend their home….

There’s nothing like a herd of zombies to keep a spring in your horse’s step. This app sends its users out into the post-apocalyptic world on missions that much more exciting than what you’re actually doing, a.k.a trotting circles around a field.

If you enable the “zombie chases” function, you occasionally encounter big, moaning packs of zoms during your mission which you must “outrun.” You determine the frequency of the attacks and by what percentage you must increase your speed to beat them. Interval training… boom!

2. Runtastic Story Running 

Wolves at your back and fire all around. Stopping would mean certain death. There’s just one way out! Follow the mysterious instructions of the Eagle, while running for your life before the eyes of bloodthirsty spectators. For your life and the salvation of your people… Can you make it?

The Runtastic app includes an activity function called Story Runs wherein you can choose your own death-defying adventure. Whether you’re in the mood to escape from Alcatraz or hunt for the cure that saves all mankind, these narratives are a bit less interactive than those of “Zombies, Run!” but they’ll no doubt add a little exhilaration to your ride.

Alternately, if your horse is already providing the adrenaline rushes (“The neighbor’s Corgi has bloody fangs, mom, I swear! We’ve gotta get out of here!”), you can choose a more mellow story line like “Moments of Bliss” which takes listeners on a chill, woodsy jaunt.

3.The Walk 

A bomb explodes in Inverness station, and you’re given a package that could save the world. To stay alive, you’ll need to walk the length of the UK….

So you’re not quite to trot-set fitness level, or maybe you’re rehabbing from an injury with walks. There’s an app for that, too!

With “The Walk” you’re not just strolling laps around the field, you’re risking your life on an important mission. And the more you move, the more the story unfolds.

All are available for Android and iOS.

How do YOU keep yourself entertained during long conditioning rides? Leave your own strategies in the comments!

Go Eventing!`

Unrealistic Expectations

By on Jan 7, 2016 11:00 am -

Tamie Smith had a very successful year in 2015, the product of hard work and sheer determination. In her latest Athletux Equine blog, Tamie writes about the meaning of unrealistic expectations and making your dreams into reality. You can follow along with more from Tamie and Next Level Eventing here. Many thanks to Tamie and Athletux for sharing, and thank you for reading!

Tamie Smith hugs Mai Baum after her beautiful test. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tamie Smith hugs Mai Baum after her beautiful test at Fair Hill. Photo by Jenni Autry.

I woke up this morning…another day before dawn. For many of you who don’t know me, I was cursed with NOT having the morning time gene. But as I grudgingly sat up and started getting dressed, something pretty profound went through my head.

I was putting on my breeches and then my custom Italian-made boots and thought, wow, it wasn’t too long ago when I couldn’t even afford a cheap pair of riding boots and I had to tape them when the zipper broke because I couldn’t even afford to get the zippers replaced. Heck, I didn’t even have a dressage saddle for the longest time, I borrowed one or rode in my Stübben all purpose saddle that was my mother’s when I was growing up.

I had every odd you can imagine that I would never make it to be a top rider, let alone be listed on a World Class list. The one odd that wasn’t against me was my desire and my false sense of ability (I was always certain that if I had a good horse I could go to the Olympics). I obviously was completely delusional, but was I?

I remember back in 2007 the US Eventing Team coach Captain Mark Phillips called me and said, “You seem to be a good rider, but your horse is a bit long in the tooth, so we won’t be adding you to the developing rider list this year.” I promptly said to him, “Well aren’t you training me, not my horse?” He chuckled and then hung up on me.

Love for the "Black Stallion." Photo by Jenni Autry.

Love for the “Black Stallion.” Photo by Jenni Autry.

I was perplexed. I thought, I’m not getting any younger. If I have some ability why can’t they just train me on my older horse? This falls into the category, if I knew then what I know now, I would have graciously said, “Thank you for the call,” and hung up the phone.

My odds consisted of being a young single mother working a full time job, living in a rough part of town because it was all I could afford, driving over an hour away from my house to work and an hour the opposite direction to the barn where I rode, having to pay for daycare, making $100.00 monthly payments on a horse that my trainer gave me because I was in love with him and trying to figure out how I was going to finish my degree because I knew if I had a college degree I had a chance of becoming something.

I told someone once, if I knew it was going to be this hard I’m not sure I would have ever gotten to where I am now and I feel like I’m not even close to where I want to be.

It is so humbling to have people ask to take a picture with you, talk about all of the horses you used to ride and the ones that you currently ride, and to have “fans.” To be the girl that so many have said, “You’ve been such an inspiration.” Even writing those words seem odd.

It’s an unbelievable feeling because it seems like yesterday that just cantering down the center line at my first CCI3* at age 33 and scoring a 61 was the most unbelievable feeling. I had dreamt of riding and competing at the 3* level and never knew it was possible. But I had desire, ambition, drive to work hard, and like I said before, unrealistic expectations.

A bittersweet win ... Photo by Jenni Autry.

A bittersweet win … Photo by Jenni Autry.

I think anyone who wants to become the best at something needs to have those type of expectations.

The amount of people who said you can’t, because of this or that. That I didn’t have the horse and even if I had one horse I would need multiple horses and I would never have the money to ever do that.

Then I was told that I was a wife and mother of 2 kids and because of that I would need to leave my family if I ever thought I would make it to the top. I was asked, “What do you want more, a riding career or your husband and kids?” It astounded me that anyone would ever say that to me, and ultimately that wasn’t even a question I acknowledged because at the time I had no clue that I had all of those odds against me.

I rode horses for free just to ride. In hopes of riding something and it being the one that could take me to the top. If someone said they couldn’t, I would. This wasn’t always the best idea as I got a few broken bones or head injuries, but it made me better. I just remember thinking, if I can be dedicated it will happen.

This winter I have been teaching a lot of clinics and I see so many faces that have the desire I have, some act like it will be impossible, probably because they have people telling them it is impossible. I also see so many faces that have the ability but not the desire, and I’ve said it before, I would rather have heart and desire than ability any day of the week.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Sally Spickard.

As I reflect back on the many struggles I have had, it helps me realize the many blessings I have. The struggles I have endured are more than I even want to write about, but just those I spoke about are enough to hopefully inspire someone.

To help give someone the edge to know that it feels impossible but if they work hard they can make their impossible dreams comes true, that you can have children and a husband and still be a top rider, that no matter what the odds are, if you have desire with some natural talent and, most importantly, a ridiculous work ethic, you just might have a chance of someday getting close to your goal and fulfilling part of your dreams.

I remember one of my students was on the side of the warm up a few years ago and a competitor said to a friend of theirs, “That is Tamie Smith, it must be nice to just have people buy you expensive horses to ride around.” My student promptly said to the lady, “She actually got that horse for 10k because nobody else wanted him or could ride him.”

It is very easy to assume that some riders just arrived at the place of expensive horses and glory. In fact, I hear that a lot from people who don’t really know me. If they only knew the amount of tears, broken bones, body aches, heartbreak, sleepless nights, depression, impossible odds that has been endured to gain a small piece of success, they might decide I have a bit of success coming to me.

Whatever the future holds, one of the things I’ve wanted to do for younger girls who were or are struggling is to help shape their future. Help them the way the people who got me to this place helped me. At the very least, I want and try to inspire my students. I have always wanted to be an example to my students and the girls who have worked for me. I am strict, sometimes tough to work for as I expect things to be very detail oriented.

Tamie Smith and Fleur de Lis. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tamie Smith and Fleur de Lis. Photo by Jenni Autry.

I am a perfectionist and that isn’t always fun to work with. I have learned to be a bit easier to be around now that I have a system but I have always been very adamant about teaching a work ethic, that the horses welfare is first and foremost the most important above all, and to be honest.

I hope that my story will help inspire someone who has all the odds against them.

Be honest, honesty will always let you sleep at night, and at the very least you will always know in your heart you got where you belong because you earned it, not because you cheated or tricked your way. That will always catch up with you in the end.

Be gracious, your success is always because of someone, most times several someones. Work hard, at the very least by working hard you are making your mark and working on your legacy. I have gained so many good friends and people I consider family in my quest to achieve success.

I feel fortunate because of it. I have also learned that my imperfections are not always well received but ultimately appreciated because the ones that get to know me know I would do anything for the people who ask or need anything.

I guess my point is that if you think you have what it takes to reach a dream or a goal, you probably do. You need unrealistic expectations to achieve them, but in the end you just might end up surprising yourself and exceeding what you ever thought was possible.

My unrealistic expectations are even more unrealistic now that I am getting closer to achieving a little success. It is probably what makes me a better rider and horseman.

Keep dreaming, and fighting. It will be the biggest fight of your life but the dreams start to become reality and then you stop and think back and you have no idea how you ever got to where you are now but you know you have what it takes to keep after what you have always wanted.

Dressage Gold with William Micklem: The Variables for Dressage

By on Jan 7, 2016 9:30 am -

This is the final article in William Micklem's popular "Dressage Gold" series. Be sure to read the previous installments, "Good Dressage Equals Medals and Money," "Standing on the Shoulders of the Wrong Giants" and "The Constants." Today he discusses the Variables. Be sure to click here to learn more about the Micklem bridle, which is part of William's personal drive for more humane training.

The variables 10x15

Once the horse is “in gear” using the Constants, the right Variables are used for each progressive exercise and series of exercises. IMPULSION is at the heart of the five Variables, and the other four are DIRECTION and SPEED, which are the variables we should all start with, and finally BALANCE and TIMING to make a circle of strength.

They come from those two master coaches of the USA show jumping and eventing teams, Bert de Nemethy and Jack Le Goff. They both often made the same statement: “If you have the right Direction, Speed, Impulsion, and Balance, then Timing (the ability to see a stride) is much less important.” These five have become my Variables, the variable components that are required for literally every exercise we use.

THE FIVE VARIABLES

DIRECTION – The direction refers to the precise route you take, the rein you are on and the bend that you have, depending on which school movement or exercise you are riding.

SPEED – The speed refers to going slower or faster in any of the paces, or within one pace as in shortening and lengthening.

IMPULSION – Impulsion refers to both a propelling and supporting power originating from the hind legs and going through the back, with the whole horse working as one co-ordinated unit. It is a combination of suppleness, strength and spring, and when combined with Acceptance is “controlled” Impulsion.

BALANCE – Balance refers both to keeping an even distribution of weight, enabling a steady equilibrium, and to the changing amount of weight carried by the horse on the hind legs in relation to the fore legs according to the required exercise. The higher the degree of collection the more the weight is on the hind legs.

TIMING – Timing refers to the timing of transitions and flying changes, and the timing of a horse’s stride in front of a fence (feeling/seeing a stride), The right direction, speed, impulsion and balance are more important initially than precision timing.

The Powerful Simplicity of the Variables

You are about to go into a dressage test, or show jumping round, or cross country, or even race and you are under pressure. So what do you concentrate on? You have already got your horse “in gear” with the five Constants, so the easy answer is you now focus on the Variables.

And the simplest and most effective thing to do is just concentrate on getting the right Direction and the right Speed, the first two variables. People forget about the importance of precision with the direction and are frightened of using the word speed. “Don’t confuse speed with impulsion,” they chant, but it is a fact that an extended trot is faster in speed than a collected trot, and different speeds are required for different parts of a jumping course and for different types of competition.

It will get you most of the way there and as you gradually also manage to keep the right level of impulsion it will bring success. Of course the better trained the horse the more they will maintain the right level of impulsion by themselves, and as ever the sign of a good trainer is how little they have to do in the competition rather than how much they have to do.

With competitive horse riding simplicity is greatly underrated. This is why much of equestrian instruction is so complicated despite the fact that this will greatly reduce a rider’s effectiveness. Without doubt simplicity is vital when it comes to communicating to horses or any animal of a different species, it is a no brainer, but it is also key to successful performance for the rider.

Yehuda Shinar and his colleagues, who helped England win the World Cup in 2003, did an 18 year study starting in the 1980s. They analyzed 4,500 performers in order to discover the psychological make-up of a winner. They concluded that there was just one main quality shared by successful performers — “the ability to maximize one’s potential even under pressure and competitive situations.”

So simplicity is also of huge benefit to a competition rider because generally speaking the brain doesn’t work well under stress. In fact it has been proved that cognitive brain activity under pressure reduces to between 3% and 30%. This is why we do silly things under stress, whether it is taking a wrong turn, forgetting the name of a person you know well, or just reacting slowly.

Therefore the whole subject of learning to Think Clearly Under Pressure (T CUP thinking) is something most elite sports teams work at. And the foremost technique is to keep practising a simple technique. The top show jumpers are brilliant at this and they have much to teach the other disciplines. With the variables even children or novice riders have a simple method to follow that makes immediate sense and works!

Impulsion

Impulsion is a variable component because it is a misunderstanding to think that maximum impulsion is needed all the time. To give two obvious examples, the level of impulsion in trot is greater than for walk, and the level of impulsion required for extended trot is greater than required for working trot. We have to train with this in mind so it becomes possible to both increase and decrease impulsion.

In addition a good tempo (the speed of the rhythm) is primarily the result of having the right level of impulsion for each speed. Having achieved a first level of impulsion, and connected the horse from the hind legs through the back to the bit, it is then relatively easy to increase the level of impulsion as you work through the normal progression of exercises, but highest levels of impulsion can only be produced in a naturally athletic horse. As ever this will only happen if the horse thrives mentally and is happy in their work.

Direction & Speed

The fundamental priority for any dressage test or jumping round, having established the Constants satisfactorily, is to have the right direction and speed. Says British dressage star Spencer Wilton, “the information you give your horse needs to be 50% telling him where you want to go.” You control the direction primarily by controlling the bend in the neck and position of the forehand as a horse is like a car with front wheel steering but rear wheel drive.

It is not always possible to control the direction precisely if the straightness is lost, but in training, rather than physically manipulating the direction, which tends to restrict the horse’s way of going, you should instead make the exercise easier and go back to improving the straightness. At all levels riders will find it easier to control the direction if they look where they want to go and then allow their aids to happen naturally.

A decrease and increase of speed leads to shortening and lengthening, and when combined with the right level of impulsion to collection and extension. The faster the speed the greater the demand will be for impulsion, whereas a slower speed with extra impulsion will produce a more elevated step (eventually resulting in passage).

Balance & Timing

Balance and Timing are the final two Variables. When a horse has a steady equilibrium they can be said to be in balance, but a horse can have different balances. The horse can be balanced more on the forehand, as with a young horse or racehorse that has to “let down” to gallop, or they can have a more horizontal balance, as with a novice horse in the working paces or when doing flying changes. Then in collection the horse can be more “uphill” and eventually lower the quarters and “sit,” which is required in the advanced movements of pirouette and piaffe.

Horses for dressage are bred with a naturally more “uphill” balance but the benefits of this are often exaggerated. Good basic conformation and especially spinal flexibility are more important ingredients for a dressage horse. The right balance for a particular exercise is vital but it is primarily engineered by having the right speed and impulsion, and by the rider not giving the horse a supporting rein contact. If there is a loss of balance the horse’s natural response to regain the balance is to slow down, so the rider will need to allow this combined with getting the right level of impulsion.

Self-carriage is vital and means the balance is consistent. However in contradiction to this riders are continually encouraged to kick and hold (spank and yank) and “hold a horse together” in order to balance them. As a result you get horses going with short necks, dropped backs and often with tension.

As even Xenophon said, “… if the rider holds the horse back with the rein and at the same time asks him to go forward, the horse will be irritated … .” Riders misunderstand the instruction to ride from the leg to the hand and as a result fix the hand.

Dutch dressage superstar Anky Van Grunsven, multi Olympic gold medalist, emphasizes the importance of using the aids separately: “leg without hand, hand without leg, so you don’t confuse the horse.” She connects this to badly ridden half halts. “A half halt is not squashing a horse between driving leg and holding hand. Look at the rule book which states that it is ‘an almost imperceptible’ use of the aids.”

Finally I use timing to refer to the timing of transitions, the beginning and ending of movements, and flying changes, and the timing of a horse’s stride in front of a fence (feeling/seeling a stride) to find a good take off point. But the right direction, speed and impulsion are more important initially than precision timing.

On the other hand if you work at the timing in isolation it will lead to a manipulated, inefficient and mechanical result. In addition everything becomes easier as the horse becomes immediately responsive to delicate aids, what the Germans call durchlaessigkeit.

We should always remember the horse is not a machine and we should never neglect the mental side. This is why we keep returning to and revising the Constants, especially the Acceptance, Calmness, and Forwardness to keep the mental side right. Then we will have happy horses and happy riding days. 

The Bottom Line

So my Constants and Variables set us up for success as we work through the beautiful progression of exercises and tests, and there is nothing more satisfying to me than transforming a horse into something more beautiful and happier because of good dressage. We just need to use the Constants and Variables and follow the example of Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, Michael Jung, William Fox-Pitt and many of the best show jumpers in the world.

In addition Charlotte Dujardin emphasises that you don’t need a flashy trot in a young horse to do good dressage, just three good correct paces and a good temperament … and good training. So there are more horses out there than most realise that can do good dressage. And the pay off will be huge because good dressage is a golden key to more medals, more joy and more happy horses and riders. Yes it’s a huge challenge, but that is precisely what makes every little success on our dressage journey so rewarding.

This is the final article in William Micklem’s “Dressage Gold” series. Click the links below to read all of the installments:

PART 1 – Dressage Gold with William Micklem: Good Dressage Equals Medals and Money

PART 2 – Dressage Gold with William Micklem: Standing on the Shoulders of the Wrong Giants

PART 3 – Dressage Gold with William Micklem: The Constants for Dressage

PART 4 – Dressage Gold with William Micklem: The Variables for Dressage