Classic Eventing Nation

FEI Confirms Great Meadow Nations Cup CICO3* Date

By on Nov 15, 2015 11:00 am -
Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Big news, EN! The FEI has released the dates for the 2016 Nations Cup Eventing Series, and Great Meadow in the Plains, Va. will be hosting a leg on July 8-10. This is the first Nations Cup leg ever to be held in the U.S., so this is huge news for the sport here in the States.

A Nations Cup leg in the U.S. was originally approved by the FEI in June, and Great Meadow had previously promised a whole slew of international caliber events to be added to its calendar. Thanks to the combined efforts of the organizing committee at Great Meadow and Great Meadow Foundation President Rob Banner, the dream is now becoming a reality.

“If we do win the bid for the Nations Cup, the event will only get bigger,” organizing committee co-chair Darrin Mollett told EN earlier this year. “It’s always rewarding to be a part of these things when they’re just starting out, and we’d love for people to be involved. We’re a small committee, and we want people with ideas. If you’re excited about eventing and the direction the sport is going, then please join us and be a part of it.”

“We’ve proved that we can certainly draw a big crowd, and a lot of people realized at the WEG Prep Trials that we can handle the larger task as well,” Rob Banner said in March. “We’ll get together the very best committee we possibly can to not only navigate the organization of a Nations Cup but also work with the FEI to secure a date.”

Nations Cup Schedule

Now that the bid has officially come to fruition, the hard work continues to prepare the venue to host riders from multiple nationalities who will be traveling in for the event. Rob has also worked with Washington Dulles International Airport to secure a new vetport which would assist international riders with getting their horses into the country.

Additionally, another new location has been introduced: Vairano, Milano, which replaces the Montelibretti leg.

We’ll continue to bring you more news on the preparations for the first ever Nations Cup leg in the U.S. and we’d like to congratulate and thank those behind the Great Meadow effort for giving U.S. eventing a big boost.

[FEI Nations Cup Eventing Series 2016]

[Great Meadow Promises Showstopper at Inaugural CIC3*]

[FEI Approves U.S. Nations Cup Event]

2015 Goresbridge Go for Gold Sales Meets Record Success

By on Nov 15, 2015 9:00 am -
Top selling Go for Gold horse, Goreshill Pearl. Screenshot via the Go for Gold catalogue. Top selling Go for Gold horse, Goreshill Pearl. Screenshot via the Go for Gold catalogue.

It was a feast for the eyes at this year’s Go for Gold Goresbridge public auction in Ireland, with several elite bred horses selling to the highest bidder — a few of which included some American riders who were out to find their next star.

The top horse this year was a 10-year-old Irish mare, Goreshill Pearl, who previously competed through the three-star level with Luke Drea. She was purchased for €85,000 by Joseph Murphy.

Several American buyers were present at the sale. Steve Blauner, an owner for Boyd Martin, purchased two 3-year-old geldings: Mr Mitchel (Watermill Swatch x Rinealun Blaze, by Coevers Diamond Boy) and an unnamed gelding by Puissance out of Flame and Passion.

Arden Wildasin, who took over the ride on Phillip Dutton’s 2012 Olympic mount, Mystery Whisper, also acquired a new horse through Sarah Wildasin.

Ballinglen Dreamys Boy is a 5-year-old who has hunted and competed through the EI100 level and should be an exciting one for Arden to bring along.

Tom and Becky Holder are also coming home with a new horse, an unnamed 5-year-old by Atlantic Cruise out of Silkcut Lady.

Oliver Townend had entered three of his competition horses into the sale, two of which were sold: Peruising, sold to Carol Gee, and LCC Cooley, sold to Richard Sheane.

The top-selling 3-year-old, a gelding by Ramiro B. Screenshot via the Go for Gold catalogue.

The top-selling 3-year-old, a gelding by Ramiro B. Screenshot via the Go for Gold catalogue.

In all, 49 of the 63 horses listed sold and collected just under €1.1 million. The sale recorded the highest ever clearance rate at 85%. The top 3-year-old sold was an unnamed gelding by Ramiro B out of Willow Roads, sold to Richard Sheane for €42,000.

“Credit must be given to Goresbridge Sales and their selectors for compiling an all-round quality catalogue which attracted buyers from the UK, America, Europe and beyond in numbers,” Horse Sport Ireland Director of International Marketing Elaine Hatton said. “The results throughout the sale underpin the high standard of sport horse production found in Ireland. With clearance rates of up to 85% it emphasizes the fact that Ireland is a destination of choice for any buyer looking for quality and value.”

You can view the ful sale results here and you can also head over to the Go for Gold YouTube channel to check out each horse in action prior to the sale.

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Nov 15, 2015 12:20 am -
Great Brewski rocking his first Intro! Photo from Ashleigh Guich's Facebook page Great Brewski rocking his first Intro! Photo from Ashleigh Guich's Facebook page

I am truly bummed that I didn’t get to make it down to Fresno County Horse Park yesterday to join in on the fun. Several of my friends took young horses to their first outings and it looks like everyone had a grand time. Today is show jump day and then that’s it, it’s done! The show season will have come to a close on the West Coast. While I didn’t make it out to as many events as I would have liked to, I still had a fantastic time at the ones I did. I hope your 2015 was a glorious show season and that you met the goals you set out for yourself whatever they may have been. Here’s to planning 2016’s show season!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

River Glen Fall H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Ocala Fall H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

The Horse Radio Network Holiday Radiothon is coming up on Cyber Monday, Nov. 30! Featuring 20 hosts, celebrity guests and over $2,500 in prizes, you don’t want to miss this epic 12-hour long party. EN’s own Jenni Autry and Leslie Wylie are hosting the final hour, and we need YOU to call in so we can show the world eventers are awesome. [HRN Holiday Radiothon]

The first independent International Cross Country Safety Conference is coming up this February. The purpose of the conference is to “inform, discuss and contribute to the ongoing success of cross country courses while increasing awareness of best safety practices that should be adopted.” Discussions will include the use of frangible pins and other emerging safety technologies, developing a global cross country safety standard, Q&A sessions with guest speakers and more. Here’s the kicker though, they need to do a bit of fundraising for this to all go down, so even a little bit helps, and contributes towards a smarter and safer sport. Read more in Leslie’s write up [Cross Country Safety Conference in Ireland] and contribute to the Kickstarter [David Morton’s Kickstarter]

Are you feeling the #NoStirrupNovember pain? We completely understand. That’s why we’re teaming up with Total Saddle Fit to give away a beautiful pair of calfskin leathers as your reward for all of your hard work this month. We’ve extended the deadline to Monday, November 16 at 5 p.m. EST so enter now! [#NoStirrupNovember Contest Details]

Turf club ramps up horse racing pitch to Missoula county

Commentary: Wild horses need more humane management

Three missing horses found safe in Florida

Sunday Video:

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by Absorbine

By on Nov 14, 2015 5:00 pm -
Are you familiar with the new USEF rule for vaccinations starting Dec 1st? Photo by: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse. Are you familiar with the new USEF rule for vaccinations starting Dec 1st? Photo by: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse.

In the past, vaccinations for my horses have not been something that I would spend much time on conducting my own independent research on. Instead, I very much would base my decision on which vaccinations would be administered on having a conversation with my veterinarin, and asking for their advice.

Some years, that meant additional vaccinations were recommended, if there was an elevated risk for a particualar disease or infection in my genernal geographic area. I am very fortunate to have a veterinarian that I trust completely to help me make the best decisions to keep my horses in best possible health.

But that doesn’t mean that I can’t start to be more proactive in being aware of what vaccines might be relevant to administer to horses in my area…and in fact, that could even help to make my conversations with my vet more insightful if I’m ready to ask questions about specific vaccinations.

With some of the outbreaks in recent years, the USEF has announced a new vaccination rule. Starting on December 1st, any horse that enters grounds on which a USEF-sanctioned competition is being held will be required to have documentation of being vaccinated for the equine influenza and equine herpesvirus within the last 6 months. You can learn more by reading this article over on TheHorse.com.

And then check out some of the other headlines from this week in Horse Health News, presented by Absorbine:

Relieve Equine Back Tightness with Massage: Does your horse more a little stiffly when you begin to warm up before a ride? Did you know that certain types of equine back pain can be addressed by using a safe and simple sports massage technique? Learn more about the technique here. [Practical Horseman]

What You Should Know About Blanketing: The great blanket debate; many horses that have adequate shelter available to them do great going without blankets during the winter season. Though others may benefit from blanketing due to factors such as workload or age. Check out this handy guide over at TheHorse.com to help learn more about blanketing factors you should consider. [The Horse]

TLC for Sutures: No one looks forward to having their veterinarian attend their horse to sutured a wound…but if the need arises and your horse has a wound that requires a extra help to heal, then sutures it is. The next step is to keep those sutures both clean and dry, so help the wound heal. Check out some tips on ‘TLC for Sutures’ here. [Equus Magazine]

Benefits of Using an Automatic Waterer: There are a number of reasons to consider undertaking the installation of automatic waterers in a barn or in an area that can be accessed from a pasture. Check out this video of Alayne Blickle (from Horses for Clean Water), which offering reasons to consider automatic waterer installation. [The Horse]

Saturday Videos: Watch More GoPro Footage from Galway Downs

By on Nov 14, 2015 3:00 pm -

Lady Photographic has posted more footage from the cross country course at Galway Downs earlier this month, and it’s more must-see footage from the CCI1* from the unique perspective of a cleverly placed GoPro.

There was also a strategically placed camera on the CCI2* course:

We shared some video footage from Lady Photographic of the CCI3* as well, be sure to revisit that here. We are loving the unique perspectives — it’s really neat to be able to see cross country from different angles.

 

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

By on Nov 14, 2015 1:00 pm -

I keep seeing so many OTTB listings popping up on my News Feed, and as much as I most definitely cannot afford another horse, it’s so hard to not pick up the phone and scrape together some money! With the tracks closed down for the season, there are countless horses needing new homes before the winter. This is a great opportunity to snatch up a nice horse for little money!

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest on Facebook.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest on Facebook.

Looking for a horse who has already had a bit of let down time? Look no further than Who (Legion Field – Road to Town, by Williamstown), a 2009 gelding who is available through Finger Lakes Finest in New York. Standing 16.2 hands, this guy has 14 races on his record and is said to be retired sound. His trainer has even already ridden him since coming off the track and has turned him out with other horses with no issues.

Who on Finger Lakes Finest

Photo via Thoroughbred Sport Horses on Facebook.

Photo via Thoroughbred Sport Horses on Facebook.

Next up is Cool Attitude, a 2010 gelding standing 16.1 hands. Cool Attitude (Cool Conductor – Here Comes Mindy, by Erin’s Tiger) is an Indiana bred who raced 16 times with two wins. He’s a lovely looking horse and evidently lives up to his name with a chill attitude. He’s available through Thoroughbred Sport Horses in Lexington, Kentucky.

Cool Attitude on Thoroughbred Sport Horses

Photo used with permission from CANTER PA.

Photo used with permission from CANTER PA.

Don’t let the mud fool you! Foreverearth (Seattle Fitz (ARG) – Earthrawindandfire, by Artax) is an athletic girl who is currently available through CANTER PA. She is a 2009 model and raced 21 times in her career. She’s said to be clever and willing and a very flashy and self-preserving girl who should do well out on cross country with her new owner.

Foreverearth on CANTER PA

Showcase Your Clipping Creations This Winter

By on Nov 14, 2015 11:00 am -
Jordan Hillier's training, Alicia MacDonald, got creative with the leftover hair! Photo by Jordan Hillier. Jordan Hillier's training, Alicia MacDonald, got creative with the leftover hair! Photo by Jordan Hillier.

It’s officially clipping season! I’ve gotten pretty lucky in that my horse hasn’t grown a bunch of fuzz yet — he’s still pretty sleek and shiny, which is a relief. I know the time to clip is coming, though, but this year I think I’d like to get a little creative with it.

I have a friend who clips horses for the winter and does a great job of making designs and finishing up with a clean cut horse. It got me thinking — there have to be other people who get equally creative, right? Then I found the photo featured above and thought we needed to have a place to share all of your amazing (or funny!) clipping creations.

We’ll be posting the most creative clip jobs right here on EN throughout the winter. Perhaps these will serve as inspiration for the artistically inclined or as a reminder of how much work winter is. Either way, let’s have fun with our clips this year and send your clip job photos to [email protected] or tag us on Instagram using @goeventing.

Happy Clipping!

5 Minute Clinic with Hawley Bennett-Awad

By on Nov 14, 2015 9:00 am -

Our new 5 Minute Clinic series focuses on some exercises a clinician has integrated into his or her teaching. We hope these tips will give you some material to work on in the coming months — or motivate you to sign up for a clinic near you! Do you have a 5 Minute Clinic tip to submit? Email [email protected].

Hawley gives Prelim pair Amanda Pezold and Beth McDaniel's Alabar some pointers. Photo by Beth McDaniel. Hawley gives Prelim pair Amanda Pezold and Beth McDaniel's Alabar some pointers. Photo by Beth McDaniel.

Hawley Bennett-Awad recently stopped over in Kansas City for a three-day clinic including dressage lessons and jumping lessons out in a jump field at West End Farm. As usual, she brought a whole arsenal of tools to help the students achieve their goals throughout the weekend, and everyone left with a smile and a more confident horse.

One exercise Hawley used in her lessons on both jumping days was a small grid with three canter poles in front of a vertical, followed by one canter pole and an oxer, followed by a skinny set on a bending line to both the left and the right.

Riders were instructed to have a straight and steady horse coming into the gymnastic and to also have an up and alert eye to plan ahead for their bending turn to the skinny fence. It was a challenging question due to some terrain in the field as well as fresh horses and a new question for  many in the shape of the skinny fence.

Straightness, holding your line and asking your horse to adjust with your body were key focal points of the exercise, which was quick to tattle on you if you did not have on of those three pieces.

The skinny was also a first for many of the horses and some of the riders, so Hawley introduced it individually, focusing on rider position and encouraging straightness to prevent runouts.

Gymnastic work is engaging for both horse and a rider and is the perfect way to work on your technique over the winter. We were privileged enough to have nice weather for this clinic, which allowed us to go out into the field and ride on some terrain, but these exercises could easily be moved indoors if needed.

Many thanks to Hawley for her time and to West End Farm for hosting a great clinic!

For more information on attending or scheduling a clinic with Hawley, click here. You can also find a schedule of some upcoming clinics with various riders here on Event Clinics.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Nov 14, 2015 12:01 am -
I need to get myself one of these before they sell out. I need some fine Area VI threads to snuggle up in at the office. Aww yiss! I need to get myself one of these before they sell out. I need some fine Area VI threads to snuggle up in at the office. Aww yiss!

This week I busted out my barn jacket for the first time this season. I also wore a hoodie to the office as well as some fleece lined riding tights. (No, seriously. It’s a very casual office, and when paired with a big hoodie they can pass for yoga pants. I’m fashion forward.) Best of all, there was frost on my windshield the other morning and I liked it. The first frost is a thing of wonder and beauty due to the death it brings. Good bye flies. There may be a few stragglers yet as we haven’t officially hit freezing in the Sacramento Valley, but I think I may have sprayed my last few blasts of fly spray for the season. This is one of the simple pleasures that comes with the colder weather. Yes, fly spray is a great smell, but an even better smell is anything you smell without flies buzzing at your nose.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website]

River Glen Fall H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Ocala Fall H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times][Live Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

The Horse Radio Network Holiday Radiothon is coming up on Cyber Monday, Nov. 30! Featuring 20 hosts, celebrity guests and over $2,500 in prizes, you don’t want to miss this epic 12-hour long party. EN’s own Jenni Autry and Leslie Wylie are hosting the final hour, and we need YOU to call in so we can show the world eventers are awesome. [HRN Holiday Radiothon]

The first independent International Cross Country Safety Conference is coming up this February. The purpose of the conference is to “inform, discuss and contribute to the ongoing success of cross country courses while increasing awareness of best safety practices that should be adopted.” Discussions will include the use of frangible pins and other emerging safety technologies, developing a global cross country safety standard, Q&A sessions with guest speakers and more. Here’s the kicker though, they need to do a bit of fundraising for this to all go down, so even a little bit helps, and contributes towards a smarter and safer sport. Read more in Leslie’s write up [Cross Country Safety Conference in Ireland] and contribute to the Kickstarter [David Morton’s Kickstarter]

Are you feeling the #NoStirrupNovember pain? We completely understand. That’s why we’re teaming up with Total Saddle Fit to give away a beautiful pair of calfskin leathers as your reward for all of your hard work this month. We’ve extended the deadline to Monday, November 16 at 5 p.m. EST so enter now! [#NoStirrupNovember Contest Details]

The world’s last truly wild horse is making a comeback

Is there really such a thing as a woman’s horse?

Florida horse owners are scared after thefts and killing

After severe horse abuse case momentum builds to change Virginia laws

Saturday Video:

The gradual end of show season has me like…

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Andrew Nicholson Talks Recovery, Plans for Future

By on Nov 13, 2015 5:00 pm -

Andrew Nicholson is looking well after a scary fall at Gatcombe this summer left him with a serious neck injury. He’s since returned home and has been working to recover well enough to get back in the saddle and to what he does best.

Andrew sat down with Jonty Evans to talk about his recovery and what his plans are for the coming weeks and months. Naturally there is a lot involved in the recovery from any injury, but Andrew seems to be in good spirits and is positive about his return to the saddle.

We look forward to seeing you back at it, Andrew!