Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Back to Basics

By on Dec 22, 2015 5:00 pm -

We’re excited to be publishing Area III Young Rider Diane Portwood’s video blog series as she chronicles her life as a college student and eventer.

In this week’s vlog, Diane discusses and shows us the various exercises that she’s been working on with her mare, Cinerescent, in her recent lessons. These are some great “back to basics” exercises that we can all benefit from, and the nice thing is that they can be made as low or high impact as necessary.

What are some other basic exercises you have put into your riding routine recently? Comment below to share your ideas!

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.

EN Christmas Carols: Whose Socks Are These?

By on Dec 22, 2015 3:00 pm -
Photo by Leslie Wylie. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Embarrassing top riders with bad Christmas carol parodies and/or elf-yourself videos is a time-honored EN holiday tradition. Here’s our first victim, performed to the tune of “What Child Is This?”

 

Whose Socks Are These?

Whose socks are these, who’ve come to jog

upon this hard dirt surface?

Which ground juries greet with glances discreet

and they make other riders nervous.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

This, this is Buck Davidson

for whom horses jump and dressage bells ring.

Haste, haste across cross-country,

this Buck, the son of Bruce Sr.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach at Boekelo 2015, where he helped lead the U.S. team to a 2nd-place Nations Cup finish. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Where lies he now on the leaderboard 

of all U.S. event riders?

104.5 points above the pack —

could the gap be any wider?

Source: USEA.

2015 overall leaderboard. Source: USEA.

Broken ribs, he doesn’t care —

he just keeps winning everywhere.

Hail, hail this bionic man

this Buck, the son of Bruce Sr.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM at the Richland Park CIC3*, which they won even after Buck was injured in a cross-country fall on a different horse the day before. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM at the Richland Park CIC3*, which they won even after Buck was injured in a cross-country fall on a different horse the day before. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

So bring him now horse after horse,

his groom must be exhausted.

8, 10 entries, he’ll tackle the course —

nobody knows how he does it

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Bailey Moran.

Did we mention that, between the CIC3*, CCI2*, CIC2* and Advanced divisions, he was riding nine horses that weekend? Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM at Richland Park. Photo by Bailey Moran.

Raise, raise the jumps up high,

his only limit is the sky.

Here’s to a baller 2016

for Buck, the son of Bruce Sr.

More Details Emerge Following Holly Hill Farm Explosion

By on Dec 22, 2015 9:15 am -
Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center. Photo via Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office. Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center. Photo via Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office.

Bobby and Tracy Hewlett are calling it “a miracle” that they were unharmed in the explosion that occurred in their home at Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center in Benton, Louisiana, in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 19.

Farm maintenance worker Douglas Holley, 54, was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of manufacturing/possessing a bomb and one count of possession of illegal weapons.

Douglas Holley was arrested and charged in an attempted murder at Holly Hill Farm this weekend.

Douglas Holley. Photo via Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

An updated story in the Bossier Press reveals more details surrounding the explosion. The bomb was placed under the Hewletts’ bedroom in the post-and-beam home and remotely detonated while they slept; the explosion launched both of them up into the air and off their bed. Their cat and three dogs were also sleeping inside the home at the time of the explosion and were uninjured.

“It was right under our heads,” Tracy told the Bossier Press. “We had divine protection. There’s no doubt in my mind this was a miracle.”

Bobby Hewlett, a veterinarian, said that he had treated Douglas Holley’s horse for an unspecified illness several months earlier. Despite trying to save the horse’s life for 24 hours, the horse ultimately had to be euthanized.

“From that point on, from what I understand, is that he started to harbor ill will towards us because he blamed me for its death,” Bobby told the Bossier Press.

While the Hewletts had considered Douglas a family friend, local authorities discovered bomb-making materials and instructions while searching his residence on the farm. Federal authorities, including the FBI and ATF, are continuing to investigate the case.

Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center is a large eventing boarding and training facility that hosts two USEA recognized events per year, as well as the Area V Championships. The farm’s boarders were permitted to enter the property on Sunday to see their horses.

The Hewletts have received an outpouring of support from the eventing community, and we remain extremely grateful that no one was injured in the explosion. Former Holly Hill boarder Watson Copeland also penned this tribute to the Hewletts over on Bloggers Row.

[A Christmas miracle: Benton couple, pets survive home explosion]

[Vet says of bombing: ‘He blamed me for the horse’s death’]

WBRC FOX6 News – Birmingham, AL – WBRC.com

Tuesday News and Notes from Cavalor

By on Dec 22, 2015 12:06 am -
A very cute corgi hanging out waiting for Christmas. Photo by Dave Taylor. A very cute corgi hanging out waiting for Christmas. Photo by Dave Taylor.

How is it Christmas week already? Last I remember it was Thanksgiving and there was turkey and all the trimmings, and now it’s three days from Christmas. Luckily Amazon is here at my fingertips, making holiday shopping oh so easy and way less crowded than the mall. The weather has also made it hard to get into the holiday spirit. Here in Maryland, temps are forecasted to be in the mid-70s on Christmas, wiping any possibility of a Bing Crosby White Christmas off the table.

But alas, the barn’s radio is blaring the season’s finest holiday music, hoof stockings are hung from the stalls with care, and wrapping paper scraps are spread around my office like Christmas confetti. The joy of the season is hard to ignore when Santa hats and reindeer antlers are common attire of the barn’s bipeds, which often leads to the horses wearing them as well. So I say to all of you, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Events Opening Today:  Sporting Day Farm Horse Trials I (SC, A-3),  Galway Downs Winter H.T. (CA, A-6),  Poplar Place Farm February H.T. (GA, A-3),  Pine Top Intermediate Horse Trials (GA, A-3),  Stable View Winter Horse Trials I(SC, A-3)

Events Closing this Week:  Ocala Horse Properties Winter I H.T. (FL, A-3)

Tuesday News and Notes: 

Let the Bidding Begin: In a effort to raise money to renew the 2009-2010 Frangible Fence Study, the USEA is auctioning off a cross country fence built by Eric Bull. The fence being auctioned has a value of $900 to $1,000 and was used this past fall at the Young Event Horse East Coast Championships at Fair Hill. Bidding takes place on Facebook in the comments section of the post. To get the ball rolling, I have placed the starting bid at $550; will you outbid me for safety? The Auction ends December 31st, so bid no bid often. [Auction to Benefit Collapsible Fence Study]

Horse Hubby Christmas Ideas: Usable and practical items top this list of last-minute gift ideas for Christmas. For those guys that procrastinate to the very last minute, listed are some ways to get out of horse husband jail before you find yourself giving her another pair of horse-themed socks. But don’t get carried away and go all in; you need to know the dont’s of holiday shopping for horse girls as well. [Last Minute Christmas Ideas for Horse Girls]

Tis the Season for Treats: Your horse may be gifted bags of starlight mints, boxes of candy canes and fancy German sugar cubes this holiday season. So before you bring all the loot to the barn, take into consideration your equine’s well being prior to pumping them full of holiday sugary goodness. [Sugars and Peppermints: Not Safe for All Horses]

Writing to Yourself in the Past: If you could sit down and write a letter to yourself and have it delivered one year ago from now, what would it say? When Jennie Brannigan puts pen to paper, she has so much to tell herself. Amazing advances in her eventing career, having to watching stadium from the ground on a Sunday, and the amazing support from friends are some of the things she writes to herself. [A letter to Myself]

No Go for Trump Invitational: Due to unprecedented rain, Equestrian Sport Productions has been forced to cancel the popular Trump Invitational at the Mar-a-Largo Club in Florida. The rain fall has made the grass arena on the back lawn unfit for competition. Donald Trump has set his eyes on bringing the competition back in 2017, hoping to have the grounds back in top notch shape by then. [Bad weather forces cancellation of Trump Invitational showjumping]

Take a Ride Back in Time: Aiken is a great place for eventers and all horse lovers alike. For a limited time, you can reserve a carriage ride on the streets of downtown Aiken. From now through Dec. 31 (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), you can be driven around in true style while Al Capone leads the way. [Horse & Carriage Rides Bring Holiday Cheer to Aiken]

Cavalor Giveaway: Cavalor is giving away one month of Cavalor feed to two lucky winners to help start the New Year right. Just tell them how Cavalor has changed your horse’s life for the better, or share with them why you want to make the switch to Cavalor for your chance to win. The contest ends at midnight on Jan. 1, 2016. [Cavalor Contest]

Tuesday’s Video:

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Is It a Horse or a Deer?

By on Dec 21, 2015 5:00 pm -

Whoops

Posted by Horses UK on Sunday, December 20, 2015

Is this an audition for a spot on Santa’s sleigh or a show jumping round? Check out this gutsy jump-off where an awkward distance meets a more than game horse! What happens next? You’ll have to watch the video to find out!

Now the question remains: Is this truly a horse, or is it a deer?

A Dream Bigger Than Ourselves

By on Dec 21, 2015 2:00 pm -

Lauren Billys accepted the award for 2015 Female Puerto Rican Equestrian of the Year last week in San Juan, and she's very kindly shared her thoughts on this achievement in a blog for EN. Many thanks to Athletux Equine for partnering with us on this blog series, and congrats to Lauren. Viva Puerto Rico!

Lauren Billys accepts the award as 2015 Female Puerto Rican Equestrian of the Year. Photo via Lauren Billys. Lauren Billys accepts the award as 2015 Female Puerto Rican Equestrian of the Year. Photo via Lauren Billys.

Sitting atop a rooftop in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, the temperature and humidity feel like a light blanket wrapping around me. To my right are alumni to the Puerto Rican Olympic team with medals from the Central American, Pan American and Olympic Games hanging in their homes.

I sit in a group of athletes, each put forward by their sport’s federation, and collectively we sit as the best athletes in Puerto Rico for the year of 2015. In front of me is the Puerto Rican and Olympic flags, and the anthems of Puerto Rico and the Olympics begin to play. It is in that moment that I think, “How in the heck did I get here?”

The answers to this question, however, are sitting just next to me, too. To my far left, my grandmother and Puerto Rican family members sit: the people who gave me the heritage to make this possible and the encouragement to reach for what they knew this opportunity could offer.

Closer to me sits the president and the chef d’equipe for the Puerto Rican Equestrian Federation: the two women who tirelessly work behind the scenes to make these possibilities and daily practice materialize into international competitions and recognition.   Sitting closest to me is my teammate, who rides dressage, believes in this system and makes the dreams of his family, owners and himself into a reality through vigorous commitment and hard work.

Photos courtesy of Lauren Billys

Photos courtesy of Lauren Billys

And in that moment I realize that the final piece of this dream lies within me, intertwined with the will and ambition of my parents and the training from my coaches. This dream vibrates within my core, reminding me that we all have one chance at this life, one chance to seize THIS day, THIS opportunity. I never want to look back and regret that I didn’t try hard enough. And it hits me that my dreams are coming true on an unpredictable and unplanned path.

This moment feels different than anything I imagined as a little girl dreaming of attending an event like this. Riding for Puerto Rico is a completely distinctive experience and is the greatest gift I have ever received. I have learned more about myself here than any other facet of my life; I know why I have an affinity for red lipstick, where that sass comes from and my love for spicy food.

And, my team is unlike any other country’s team. It lives within a team of athletes from all sports who aspire and have achieved their dreams of attending the most prestigious competitions in the world to represent Puerto Rico with pride. We are boxers, soccer players, judo fighters, shooters, tennis players — athletes all held tight by the cord of sportsmanship and a dream bigger than ourselves. We are Puerto Rico. This is my team.

At this award ceremony, I received the coveted award of the female Puerto Rican Equestrian of the Year from the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee. This award is the most humbling award of my life and has encouraged me. I realize my dreams are possible, even for a girl who grew up riding bareback through rivers and orchards, for someone who only went Preliminary when she was 21 years old.

None of this would be possible without my sponsors, family, syndicate and friends for talking horses, being my support system and giving me my dreams. There is no doubt that I am changed by this experience. Where this journey leads is yet to be known, but I am inspired to move forward with my team, competing alongside athletes who dream big in all fields of play. Viva Puerto Rico!

#EventerProblems, Vol. 47: XXL Edition

By on Dec 21, 2015 11:45 am -

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … for #EventerProblems. Grab mane because I’m pretty sure that this is the biggest edition we’ve ever posted!

If you missed them: Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46.

My Christmas cookies are a little unconventional. #thehorselife #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Stephanie Church (@stephlchurch) on

My very broken dressage saddle, thanks to my ottb who was very determined to get out of dressage #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Lauren Rosendahl (@life_of_an_eventer) on

Any Appaloosas looking for a job?

A photo posted by Nancy Toby (@nancytoby) on

Damn it. #ottb #lostshoe #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Helen Brew (@helen_brew) on

B helping get the mud off his bell boots #bellbootprobs #eventerproblems #bentley

A video posted by Tori Morgan (@tmorgan994) on

The sheer terror that is a new green mounting block where the old blue one used to be… #ottb #eventerproblems #naughtyhorse

A photo posted by Erica Spradling (@xbetterbesocialx) on

Dear mud: I will be happy when you are gone, and no sooner. #equestrianproblems #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Jaci Dryer (@jaci34) on

When it’s raining but you still have to go on a walk….. Thank you waterproof sheets #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Hayden Jones & Ragtime Blues (@rolltopeventer) on

Headlamp works great… Just wish I wasn’t using it at 5:30 #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Mallory (@mallorayyyy) on

Jail bird wants out! #eventing #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Caroline Hawkins (@chawk413) on

Dorado rejects the idea that the trailer’s not for him… #ottb #eventerproblems #boredwithstallrest #readytogo

A photo posted by Erica Spradling (@xbetterbesocialx) on

VICTORY!!! #eventerproblems #eventerprobs #lifewithhorses #mudseason

A photo posted by @camelias2009 on


Sometimes I get distracted by other projects and forget to check in on the #EventerProblems hashtag for a few days.

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

Go Eventing.

Fab Freebie: Stay Dry & Stylish with a Kerrits Coach’s Coat

By on Dec 21, 2015 9:00 am -
The long lines of the Coach's Coat are designed to help keep the rider dry both in and out of the saddle. Photo by Lorraine Peachey. The long lines of the Coach's Coat are designed to help keep the rider dry both in and out of the saddle. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Happy start of Christmas week, ENers! I’m about to go on overload from all of the holiday functions, decorations, shopping, cookies, lights and the general splendor of this time of the year. It seems to have really snuck up on me this year, but I’m going to enjoy each and every moment of the season that’s left.

So let’s kick off the week with another Fab Freebie. This week, one lucky reader will be taking home a Coach’s Coat from Kerrits. When the conditions outside turn cold and rainy, it’s time to gear up in some all weather appropriate outerwear that will help keep you warm and dry. We recently reviewed the Coach’s Coat, and you can read all about the experience here.

The Coach’s Coat is designed to provide protection against the rainy and snowy weather of the cold season to keep the rider dry both in and out of the saddle. It is constructed of Hydrotek fabric, which is both windproof and waterproof. In addition, the coat is also critically seam sealed to protect against all weather conditions.

In the saddle. And out of the saddle. I stay dry and comfortable while wearing the Coach's Coat...which has made it one of my go to outer layers. Photo by Lorraine Peachey

In the saddle. And out of the saddle. I stay dry and comfortable while wearing the Coach’s Coat, which has made it one of my go to outer layers. Photo by Lorraine Peachey

The Coach’s Coat from Kerrits is available in four colors, including Pepper Plaid, Bronze Plaid, Arctic Plaid and Flint Check, all of which coordinate with the rest of their collection. All four colors are available in sizes small through extra large and have a retail price of $199. You can find it here.

A special thanks goes out to Kerrits for providing this week’s prize!

So you know the drill. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, and then check back in our Friday News & Notes, where we will announce our lucky winner. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Information given in the Rafflecopter widget, including email addresses, may be shared with the corresponding sponsor at their request. You will also be signed up for our weekly EN eNews email newsletter, if you aren’t already. Don’t worry — you’ll just wonder what you’ve been missing out on — and you can unsubscribe if you don’t want it.

Monday News and Notes From Event Clinics

By on Dec 21, 2015 12:49 am -
Royal Palm Farm getting into the Christmas spirit! Photos courtesy Royal Palm Farm. Royal Palm Farm getting into the Christmas spirit! Photos courtesy Royal Palm Farm.

It’s officially Christmas week! For me that means visiting with family I literally only see once a year, but not before getting wild and crazy at the annual EN Virtual Office Christmas Party. Of course many of us with horses don’t tend to do much in the way of traveling on holidays…the animals still need to eat…but we’re a resourceful bunch and find plenty of ways to bring holiday cheer to the farm, like the crew at Royal Palm Farm in Eufala, Ala. In the above photos, Tiffany Palmer gives Roy and Jean Brinkman’s Trakehner stallion Stiletto a smooch (we can only assume there was mistletoe nearby) and Anissa Cottongim’s Tatendrang does his best Rudolph impersonation, but of course we already know both these boys can fly!

Monday News and Notes:

Gift shopping for a horse girl is equally the easiest and most complicated thing one can do. Socks with horses on them – awesome. Jewelry with horses or horseshoes – great. The economy sized duct tape or package of diapers – we always need these! But never, ever, make the mistake of trying to buy something for our horse. [Horse Girl Gifting 101]

Are you in Wellington this winter? Have you for years been ready for your close up? Stable and Spice is calling for 10 WEF riders to participate in a video series about fitness and nutrition. Each rider will be filmed once during the season and featured in one episode. [Casting Call]

Bridles, martingales, draw reins and other head tack and accessories might seem simple enough, but each component of each piece of tack has a significant influence on communication between horse and rider, and incorrect usage can have detrimental results. Know that your tack is appropriately fitted, used only when necessary for training and that pressure is being properly applied. [Head Tack Mechanics]

Schooling days at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina will begin January 5, 2016 and continue every Tuesday through March 1. At $25 dollars a round, riders can school over courses from 2’3″ to 3’9″ on excellent footing, with approximate start times for each height. There is no need to sign up in advance! [Winter Schooling Days]

One of my most prized possessions is a sleigh bell I found in my stocking on Christmas morning when I was a kid. The sound of bells are synonymous with the holidays, but there is much more to the purpose of sleigh bells – as well as the different types – than you possibly could have imagined. [Everything You Never Knew About Sleigh Bells]

What to do without an indoor? Slap some bells on and jump.

Posted by Reed Ayers on Saturday, December 19, 2015

Employee Charged with Attempted Murder at Holly Hill Farm

By on Dec 20, 2015 9:01 pm -
Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center. Photo via Bossier Parish Sheriff Office. Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center. Photo via Bossier Parish Sheriff Office.

An explosion that occurred yesterday at Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center in Benton, Louisiana is being investigated by local authorities as a possible attempted murder case, and a farm employee has been taken into custody and charged as a suspect.

Douglas Holley was arrested and charged in an attempted murder at Holly Hill Farm this weekend.

Douglas Holley. Photo via Bossier Parish Sheriff Office.

According to KTBS, an explosive device was detonated at the home of veterinarian Bobby Hewlett and his wife, Tracy, in the early morning hours of Dec. 19. Bobby and Tracy were sleeping inside the home at the time of the explosion and were uninjured in the blast.

Investigators determined that the bomb had been intentionally placed underneath the master bedroom in the pier-and-beam home.

Douglas Holley, 54, has been arrested and charged with two counts of attempted first degree murder and one count of manufacturing a bomb. Douglas, an employee at Holly Hill for the past four years, lives in a separate residence on the property.

Holly Hill is a well-known eventing boarding and training facility that hosts a spring and fall USEA recognized horse trials and is also the host site for the Area V Championships.

We are so relieved that no one was injured in the explosion, and we will update this post with more information as it becomes available.

[Investigation continues in Benton home explosion]