"> Margie Davis: “Attached are pictures of my cross country bridle… You might notice that a spider web has developed …. Rehab sucks!!! I’m sure there are quite a few people who feel my pain.” ">
Being injured sucks. I am stuck on the couch watching whatever I choose, being brought refills of rum, and pie and ice cream. #eventerProblems
What’s YOUR problem? Tweet it, Instagram it or share it on Facebook with the hashtag #EventerProblems for inclusion in the next edition of this series.
With just a small scattering of 2015 events remaining, we’re all entering into that weird, dimly lit gap on the calendar between the end of the season and whenever we’re able to strike out again in 2016. In the meantime, we all have different strategies for keeping ourselves and our horses entertained.
We want to hear about the “secret life” of your event horse’s off season. Do you take up fox hunting? Buckle down on your flatwork? Hit up clinics? Enjoy long ambling strolls in the snowy woods? Or perhaps just give your hardworking horse a fat-and-furry “staycation”?
Let’s compare notes. Leave a Facebook comment or shoot us an email at [email protected] for inclusion in an upcoming post. Be sure to include your location, and photos are always welcome, too!
EN's Canadian correspondent Denya Massey has compiled a fantastic report for us from Buck Davidson's two-day clinic at Pippa and Jay Hambly's Glenarden Farms in southern Ontario. Buck is in Canada to compete Wundermaske in the Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge at The Royal, which kicks off tonight, so stay tuned for much more action from Canada this weekend.
Holly Jacks-Smither rides in Buck's clinic. Photo by Ian Woodley.
November here can be wicked, but in a truly kindly fashion, Ontario saved some of its most beautiful fall weather for Buck Davidson’s two-day clinic at the Hamblys’ Glenarden Farms, near Fergus, in southern Ontario on Nov. 4 and 5. Pippa and Jay Hambly have been ardent supporters of eventing, and Jay Hambly is an FEI “I” course designer who in 2016 will design the Advanced course at Fresno County Horse Park.
With groups of five, the two days included indoor work on gymnastics and technical aspects of jumping, and the second day was held outside on the expansive jumping area well populated with a wide range of jumps, and a lovely water complex, including an island.
Unfortunately I couldn’t make it to the clinic on day one, but had comments from the riders yesterday that it focused on the technical aspects of managing a course, using your leg in the turns, and engaging the horse through the sharper and more difficult turns to keep them collected and energetic.
Day 1 of Buck’s clinic. Photo by Ian Woodley.
Both days the constant refrain was using the outside rein to create a balanced turn and to remember that the steering comes from the back end. Siobhain O’Connor said Buck specifically talked about teaching the horses to be quick with their feet by riding forward.
“The first day was using difficult turns to teach your horse to slow down from your leg and come underneath themselves, not just fall through the out side shoulder,” Siobhain said. “The exercises forced you to put your leg on and guide them through the turns. If you pulled back or took your leg off, then you would lose all energy through the turn. True to Buck, his courses challenged the riders to be quick thinking and effective riders. His courses open the rider’s mind to new possibilities in their skills they didn’t knew they had.”
Lots of activity at the clinic. Photo by Denya Massey.
The cross country session on day two was on a huge field, of which Buck took fill advantage, sending horses to the far reaches over a wide variety of fences. Most fences were modest in size, working on mechanics and techniques. The message that resonated with all the horses, regardless of type or experience, was balance. It was in every sentence, and using the exercise of moving forward and then collecting every four strides at a canter/gallop in warm up and throughout the session. And: “Don’t let them hang on you!”
Buck insisted the four strides were counted from the moment you asked — “Not once you think you have it” — because, as he pointed out, the four strides come very quickly. This relates back to Siobhain’s comment that he wants the hind feet to be quick. Buck said that the more experienced horses could reach a bigger stride sooner and hold their balance longer than a less experienced horse, and the tempo will change but the rhythm should stay the same.
Once that warm up was done, the riders were sent over two single poles with a ground line, set to four or five strides. Each rider went through at four strides, looped around for five strides, and then for four strides again. When done smoothly, it looked easy, but for the five strides, Buck often called out, “Make him land close to the fence.”
Two comments stood out: If you are in a position to stop, you are in a position to jump, and don’t pull back. And after jumping, “I do not want to see your seat hit the saddle,” so riders were made to practice standing in the irons for four or five strides after the fence — to make sure the horse was moving up under you, going forward.
Buck Davidson demonstrates standing after a fence. Photo by Denya Massey.
For the stronger horses, Buck was adamant that when you want a change, do something different, or how do they know they aren’t doing what you want? They gallop on, so you pull, but they keep galloping because you keep pulling. Buck got on a strong OTTB, whose owner, Feren, said it was his first cross country clinic, galloping around a new place.
In a matter of minutes, Buck had him galloping easily, and riding him with one hand, both of them looking quite relaxed. When she got back on, Feren tried what Buck had done, saying it took some faith, but she was really delighted with the results. She learned control does not come from your hands; be OK with giving away the reins; ride with your seat; and steer with your outside leg and reins, as the steering comes from behind. Real time, real results!
Buck demonstrates how to calm a strong horse. Photo by Denya Massey.
One of the horses had a refusal and was seriously not going to jump a spooky fence. Buck had the rider come around at a small canter, stop the horse before the fence, then repeat in the same direction, then change direction and repeat twice. The stand is quiet, still, calm. This exercise means the rider is calling the shots. Then they came around for the fifth time and asked for the jump. It worked! I think even the mare was surprised!
Another key point: When you go into water, you must move your hips forward as you hold their head up — they can’t judge how deep the water is, and they need you for balance. This relates back to keeping them going uphill. With ditches — sit up!
Sue Cornwall rides through the water complex. Photo by Denya Massey.
Far away from us, Buck was riding a horse that was going nicely by then, and suddenly — a lot like Bambi on ice — horse and Buck slid around; the horse managed to stay up, but no hope, even for Buck, and he was pitched off. The horse kindly stopped, Buck popped up, climbed back on, and cantered on back to the group — big smile, laughing, and said — with such grace and with generosity to the horse — that it was his fault for putting the horse in a place where he might be at risk of not being able to keep his footing. I think all of us wanted to hug him for being so generous, positive and still sharing his impressive bank of knowledge.
No wonder everyone wants him to come back!
Take aways: Balance. Speed. Keep their heads up. Balance. Get out of the saddle after a fence. Outside leg and rein. Balance. Be calm. Go Forward. Balance.
From Sue Cornwall, a rider in the clinic:
Buck is such a positive clinician! His constructive criticism was always helpful and supportive. He always took the time to explain why something went wrong and how it could be fixed/prevented. The theme of the two days was to ride from the seat and legs and not solely from the hands.
The first day he had a jumping course set up with grid work in the middle, with jumps set up on angles at each end of the arena. He put us all through a series of jumping and turning exercises that required us to ride from the inside leg to an outside supporting and balancing, half halt, rein, while using the inside rein for direction only.
After jumping the angled jumps, he had us turn immediately left or right on landing. As well as having to use the above mentioned aids, this exercise really taught the value of the rider leaning to the left or right over the fence from the hips, so that it was clear to the horse which direction it was to go.
Day two was outside on the cross country course. Again the theme was to have the horse in front of the leg. He had us working on lengthening and shortening our strides by the use of our seat and legs while half halting with the outside rein. He stressed the importance of not constantly pulling on the horses mouth, thereby creating a “nagging” situation, but to give and release as soon as the horse slows down, thus creating a positive situation.
He also had us stand straight up in our stirrups and out of the saddle while landing after some of the fences. This exercise helped to keep us in the perfect rider position with shoulders back, prevented behinds from hitting the saddle upon landing, and taught us how to keep our horses in front of us after the fence by allowing the horse to gallop away from the fence freely without rider interference.
It was an amazing two days chalked full of many “AH HA” moments for me! This was a check mark on my bucket list. Next on my list is to do ANOTHER clinic with Buck Davidson!
Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights at Rolex 2015. Photo by Cindy Lawler.
Just as the horse racing world compiles a large list of 2-year-olds that may contend the Kentucky Derby around this time of year, EN offers you a preview of which horses are qualified to compete at Rolex next year.
Currently, there are 94 horses fully qualified, 13 who may achieve qualification with another CIC3* in the spring, and 28 who have achieved qualification but need to renew their 12-month requirement with a CIC3* in the spring. Additionally, 13 Canadian horses are qualified but must achieve their National Federation requirements within three months of the competition date.
We make no claims that this is a complete list. Only horses that competed at least once at the Advanced, three-star or four-star levels in North America in 2015 were evaluated for qualifications. Additionally, American riders based overseas are on this list, but not other nationalities.
If anyone knows of a horse who is aimed at Rolex but has not competed at these levels since 2014, please let us know so we can properly update the list by emailing [email protected]. Similarly, if you know of a horse on this list that has been retired, sold or is otherwise not competing at this level anymore, please update us. We have done our best to update the list with news as it has come in during the season.
For a full explanation of what constitutes a qualified pair for the four-star level, read EN’s guide Know Your Qualifications: CCI4* for more details. Along with FEI requirements of completing the qualifying shows, National Federations may add their own requirements, which apply to their riders no matter which country they are based in.
For instance, the USEF requires that one of the three qualifying three-star results be within a year of the desired competition date. Equine Canada requires the completion of a qualifying Advanced or three-star within three months of the competition. Other National Federations have no additional requirements, like New Zealand. Horses are subject to the rules of the National Federation of their rider.
Riders with the following nationalities are based in the U.S.:
Australia: Horses must have another Advanced or CI3* MER in addition to FEI requirements if not ridden by a Category A rider.
Canada: Must have one MER at an Advanced or CIC3* within 3 months of competition date.
Great Britain: Horses ridden by Category A or B riders need an additional Advanced or CI3*. Horses ridden by all other riders need an additional CI3* as well as another Advanced or CI3*.
Ireland: Horses must have another Advanced or CI3* MER in addition to FEI requirements if not ridden by a Category A rider.
Sweden: Horses must have another Advanced or CI3* MER in addition to FEI requirements if not ridden by a Category A or B rider.
Riders representing Ecuador, Mexico, Netherlands, Puerto Rico are also based in the U.S., but their National Federation requirements are not published online. If anyone has information regarding qualifications for these federations, please feel free to email us at [email protected].
Many of the pairs listed below have more than sufficient qualifying results. We have listed only the three most recent shows that achieve qualification for them, plus the date of the show that most recently satisfies the 12-month requirement. An asterisk before the show name indicates one stop on cross country. When possible, we used three shows with clear cross country rounds.
FEI Category A riders do not need to accomplish any qualifications as a pair with the horse and can immediately take any horse who has completed an MER at CCI3* to the CCI4* level.
Currently, Category A riders in the U.S. include Boyd Martin, Buck Davidson, Karen O’Connor, Marilyn Little, Phillip Dutton, Will Faudree, Colleen Rutledge and Kristin Schmolze. The list was last updated by the FEI on July 1, 2015. It will be updated again in early January.
For Canada, Hawley Bennett-Awad, Kyle Carter, Rebecca Howard, and Selena O’Hanlon are all Category A riders. Other Category A riders based in the U.S. include Clayton Fredericks (AUS), Joe Meyer (NZL) and James Alliston (GBR).
Also, all of the horses listed below are qualified with their current rider. If a rider change occurs, the new rider will need to be ranked as a Category A rider in order to compete at Rolex next year.
For a review of what entails an MER, please read Know Your Qualifications for a complete explanation.
Horses and Riders Fully Qualified to Compete at Rolex 2016
Anthony Patch
Rider: Laine Ashker
2015 *Rolex CCI4* (4/25/15)
2015 Carolina CIC3*
2014 Red Hills CIC3*
Ballingowan Pizazz
Rider: Michael Pollard
2015 Great Meadow CIC3* (6/20/15)
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2015 Carolina CIC3*
Ballylaffin Bracken
Rider: Kristin Schmolze
2015 Rolex CCI4* (4/25/15)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2013 Galway Downs CCI3*
Ballynoe Castle RM
Rider: Buck Davidson
2015 Richland Park CIC3* (8/22/15)
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2015 The Fork CIC3*
Bantry Bays Dublin
Rider: Eliza Farren
2015 Richland Park CIC3* (8/22/15)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*
Blackfoot Mystery
Rider: Boyd Martin (Category A)
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
Cambalda
Rider: Jennie Brannigan
2015 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/21/15)
2015 Great Meadow CIC3*
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
Cape Town (SWE)
Rider: Jennie Jarnstrom
2015 Poplar Place CIC3* (9/21/15)
2015 The Fork (Advanced)
2015 Red Hills CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*
Captain Jack
Rider: Savannah “Woodge” Fulton
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
Carlevo
Rider: Buck Davidson (Category A)
2015 Boekelo CCIO3* (10/10/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
Castle Larchfield Purdy (PRI)
Rider: Lauren Billys
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Woodside CIC3*
2015 Copper Meadows CIC3*
Cecelia (MEX)
Rider: Daniela Moguel
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Morven Park CIC3*
2015 Poplar Place Fall CIC3*
Center Stage
Rider: Caroline Martin
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 *Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
Cisko A
Rider: Sydney Conley Elliott
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Great Meadow CIC3*
2014 The Fork CIC3*
Clip Clop (NZL)
Rider: Joe Meyer (Category A)
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
Coal Creek
Rider: Lizzie Snow
2015 Rolex CCI4* (4/25/15)
2015 Carolina CIC3*
2014 Galway Downs CCI3*
Collection Pass (AUS)
Rider: Kate Chadderton
2015 Millbrook Advanced (8/4/15)
2015 Carolina CIC3*
2013 Richland Park CIC3*
2013 Bromont CCI3*
Consensus
Rider: Julie Norman
2015 *Richland Park CIC3* (8/22/15)
2014 Red Hills CIC3*
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*
Copper Beach
Rider: Buck Davidson
2015 Boekelo CCIO3* (10/10/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2015 Tattersalls CCI3*
Courage Under Fire
Rider: Katherine Coleman
2015 Tattersalls CIC3* (5/27/15)
2015 Ballindenisk CCI3*
2014 Blair Castle CIC3*
Covert Rights
Rider: Colleen Rutledge
2015 Burghley CCI4* (9/5/15)
2015 Great Meadow CIC3*
2015 Rolex CCI4*
Crackerjack
Rider: Boyd Martin
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Rolex CCI4*
DeLux Z
Rider: Kurt Martin
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Rebecca Farm CCI3*
Doesn’t Play Fair
Rider: Maya Black
2015 Rolex CCI4* (4/25/15)
2015 Carolina CIC3*
2015 Galway Downs CCI3*
Donner
Rider: Lynn Symansky
2015 Burghley CCI4* (9/5/15)
2015 Great Meadow CIC3*
2015 Rolex CCI4*
Downtown Harrison
Rider: Jon Holling
2015 Boekelo CCIO3* (10/10/15)
2015 Poplar Place CIC3*
2014 Carolina CIC3*
Dunlavin’s Token
Rider: Bobby Meyerhoff
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2014 Bromont CCI3*
2012 Richland Park CIC3*
Escot 6
Rider: Colleen Rutledge
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/9/15)
2015 Fair Hill CIC3*
2015 The Fork CIC3*
Eveready
Rider: Barb Crabo
2015 Rebecca Farm CIC3* (7/27/15)
2015 Galway Downs CIC3*
2014 Galway Downs CCI3*
Fernhill By Night
Rider: Liz Halliday-Sharp
2015 Hartpury CIC3* (8/13/15)
2015 The Fork CIC3*
2014 Boekelo CCIO3*
Fernhill Classic (AUS)
Rider: Ryan Wood
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Five Points (Advanced)
2015 Bromont CCI3*
Fernhill Cubalawn
Rider: Phillip Dutton
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Aachen CICO3*
Fernhill Fortitude
Rider: Jenny Caras
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2015 Bromont CCI3*
Fernhill Fugitive
Rider: Phillip Dutton
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Rolex CCI4*
2015 The Fork CIC3*
Fly Me Courageous
Rider: Sara Kozumplik-Murphy
2015 Great Meadow CIC3* (6/20/15)
2015 Rolex CCI4*
2015 The Fork CIC3*
Frankie (AUS)
Rider: Ryan Wood
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Five Points (Advanced)
2015 Jersey Fresh CIC3*
Gleaming Road
Rider: Anna Collier
2015 Rebecca Farm CIC3* (7/27/15)
2015 Rolex CCI4*
2015 Galway Downs CIC3*
HHS Cooley
Rider: Liz Halliday-Sharp
2015 Boekelo CCIO3* (10/10/15)
2015 Breda CIC3*
2015 The Fork CIC3*
High Times
Rider: Jen McFall
2015 Rebecca Farm CIC3* (7/27/15)
2015 Galway Downs CCI3*
2014 Galway Downs CIC3*
Houdini
Rider: Katie Ruppel
2015 Richland Park CIC3* (8/22/15)
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
2013 Rebecca Farm CIC3*
In It to Win It
Rider: Avery Klunick
2015 *Rebecca Farms CCI3* (7/27/15)
2015 Copper Meadows CIC3*
2015 Chattahoochee Hills CIC3*
Indy 500
Rider: Andrea Baxter
2015 Copper Meadows Fall CIC3* (9/5/15)
2015 Copper Meadows Spring CIC3*
2014 Galway Downs CCI3*
Landmark’s Monte Carlo
Rider: Lauren Kieffer
2015 Boekelo CCIO3* (10/10/15)
2015 Blenheim CIC3*
2015 Jersey Fresh CIC3*
LCC Barnaby
Rider: Lillian Heard
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2015 Fair Hill CIC3*
Loughan Glen
Rider: Clark Montgomery
2015 Blenheim CCI3* (9/19/15)
2015 Luhmühlen CCI4*
2015 Belton Park CIC3*
Luckaun Quality (IRL)
Rider: Tim Bourke
2015 Burghley CCI4* (9/5/15)
2015 Millbrook (Advanced)
2015 Rolex CCI4*
2015 Carolina CIC3*
Mai Baum
Rider: Tamie Smith
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Copper Meadows Fall CIC3*
Master Boy (ECU)
Rider: Ronald Zabala Goetschel
2015 Campo de Mayo CIC3* (5/13/15)
2013 The Fork CIC3*
2012 London Olympics CCIO
Master Frisky
Rider: Boyd Martin
2015 Rolex CCI4* (4/25/15)
2015 The Fork CIC3*
2015 Carolina CIC3*
McLovin (AUS)
Rider: Ryan Wood
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Five Points (Advanced)
2015 Bromont CCI3*
Meadowbrook’s Scarlett
Rider: Lauren Kieffer
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2015 Carolina CIC3*
Mettraise
Rider: Erin Sylvester
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2013 *Richland Park CIC3*
Mighty Nice
Rider: Phillip Dutton
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Luhmühlen CCI4*
Mojito
Rider: Maddy Mazzola
2015 Woodside CIC3* (10/3/15)
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2014 Woodside CIC3*
Mr. Candyman
Rider: Phillip Dutton (Category A)
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 *Plantation Field CIC3*
Mr. Wiseguy (ECU)
Rider: Ronald Zabala Goetschel
2015 Poplar Place CIC3* (9/12/15)
2015 Campo de Mayo CIC3*
2009 Rolex CCI4*
Muggle (BRA)
Rider: Nilson Moreira da Silva
2015 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/21/15)
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2015 Poplar Place Spring CIC3*
Never OutFoxed
Rider: Holly Payne
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Rolex CCI4*
2015 Carolina CIC3*
Novelle
Rider: Angela Grzywinski
2015 *Rebecca Farms CIC3* (7/27/15)
2014 Galway Downs CCI3*
2014 Copper Meadows CIC3*
Obos O’Reilly
Rider: Will Coleman
2015 Blenheim CCI3* (9/19/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2015 Rolex CCI4*
Pancho Villa
Rider: Boyd Martin
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/9/15)
2015 Fair Hill CIC3*
2015 Carolina CIC3*
Park Trader
Rider: Buck Davidson
2015 *Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2013 Carolina CIC3*
Parker (GBR)
Rider: James Alliston
2015 Woodside CIC3* (10/3/15)
2015 Rebecca Farm CCI3*
2015 Rolex CCI4*
Petite Flower
Rider: Buck Davidson
2015 Great Meadow CIC3* (6/20/15)
2015 Rolex CCI4*
2015 Carolina CIC3*
Pirate
Rider: Megan O’Donoghue
2015 Rolex CCI4* (4/25/15)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2014 The Fork CIC3*
Proper Timing
Rider: Jon Holling
2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*
Quantum Solace
Rider: Caroline Martin
2015 Tattersalls CIC3* (5/30/15)
2015 The Fork CIC3*
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
Reins For Justice
Rider: David Acord
2015 *Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Galway Downs CIC3*
2014 Woodside CIC3*
RF Demeter
Rider: Marilyn Little
2015 Morven Park CIC3* (10/3/15)
2015 Poplar Place Fall CIC3*
2015 Bromont CCI3*
RF Eloquence
Rider: Elinor MacPhail
2015 *Chattahoochee Hills CIC3* (5/16/15)
2015 Poplar Place Spring CIC3*
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
RF Quarterman
Rider: Marilyn Little
2015 Boekelo CCIO3* (10/10/15)
2015 Poplar Place Fall CIC3*
2015 Bromont CCI3*
RF West Indie
Rider: Marilyn Little (Category A)
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Poplar Place Fall CIC3*
Rise Against
Rider: Bunnie Sexton
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Copper Meadows CIC3*
2015 Rolex CCI4*
Rubens D’Ysiuex
Rider: Mikki Kuchta
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Richland Park CCI3*
Sanskrit (NZL)
Rider: Joe Meyer (Category A)
2010 Luhmühlen CIC3* (6/17/10)
2010 Chatsworth CIC3*
2009 Blenheim CCI3*
Santino
Rider: Holly Payne
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
Shame on the Moon
Rider: Emily Beshear
2015 Blenheim CCI3* (9/19/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2015 Bromont CCI3*
Share Option
Rider: Lillian Heard
2015 Rolex CCI4* (4/25/15)
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*
2013 Richland Park CIC3*
Shiraz
Rider: Colleen Rutledge
2015 Rolex CCI4* (4/25/15)
2015 The Fork CIC3*
2014 The Fork CIC3*
Simply Priceless
Rider: Elisa Wallace
2015 Blenheim CCI3* (9/19/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2015 Red Hills CIC3*
Sir Oberon
Rider: Ellen Doughty-Hume
2015 Richland Park CIC3* (8/22/15)
2015 Great Meadow CIC3*
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*
Sound Prospect
Rider: Allie Knowles
2015 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/21/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
Sparrow’s Nio
Rider: Allie Sacksen
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
Steady Eddie
Rider: Boyd Martin
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Bromont CCI3*
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
Super Socks BCF
Rider: Matt Brown
2015 Boekelo CCIO3* (10/10/15)
2015 Bromont CCI3*
2015 Fair Hill CIC3*
Tactical Maneuver
Rider: Ashley Johnson
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/9/15)
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
2014 Morven Park CIC3*
The Apprentice
Rider: Buck Davidson
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 The Fork CIC3*
2015 Carolina CIC3*
The Dark Mark
Rider: Allie Knowles
2015 Richland Park CIC3* (8/22/15)
2015 Bromont CCI3*
2015 Jersey Fresh CIC3*
Tivoli (GBR)
Rider: James Alliston
2015 Woodside CIC3* (10/3/15)
2015 Galway Downs CIC3*
2014 Woodside CIC3*
Tsunami
Rider: Sally Cousins
2015 Richland Park CIC3* (8/22/15)
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
Veronica
Rider: Lauren Kieffer
2015 Blenheim CCI3* (9/19/15)
2015 Aachen CICO3*
2015 Bramham CCI3*
Vilas County (NED)
Rider: Werner Geven
2015 Poplar Place Fall CIC3* (9/12/15)
2015 Poplar Place Spring CIC3*
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*
VS McCuan Civil Liberty (AUS)
Rider: Kate Chadderton
2015 Blenheim CCI3* (9/19/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2015 Millbrook (Advanced)
2015 Bromont CCI3*
Walk the Line
Rider: Emily Renfroe
2015 Poplar Place Fall CIC3* (9/12/15)
2014 Poplar Place Spring CIC3*
2012 Fair Hill CCI3*
Welcome Shadow
Rider: Boyd Martin (Category A)
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
Win the War
Rider: Jessica Bortner-Harris
2015 Poplar Place Fall CIC3* (9/12/15)
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2015 Poplar Place Spring CIC3*
Horses Needing Another CIC3* To Complete Qualifications
Atlantic Domino
Rider: Jacob Fletcher
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 *Ballindenisk CCI3*
Arundel
Rider: Lillian Heard
2015 *Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
Athlone Anto
Rider: Allison Springer
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
BCF Belicoso
Rider: Matt Brown
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/9/15)
2014 Twin Rivers CIC3*
Catalina
Rider: Jennie Brannigan
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
Catchascatchcan
Rider: Sara Murphy-Kozumplik
2015 Bromont CCI3* (6/6/15)
2015 *Jersey Fresh CIC3*
Cooley Cross Border
Rider: Kim Severson
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Morven Park CIC3*
FYI
Rider: Lillian Heard
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
Prince William
Rider: Mary Burke
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Woodside CIC3*
Star Vision (AUS)
Rider: Bella Mowbray
2015 Rebecca Farms CCI3* (7/27/15)
2013 *Goulburn CCI3*
Tasman Sea (CAN)
Rider: Kiyomi Foster
2013 *Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/13)
2013 Woodside CIC3*
Vandiver
Rider: Doug Payne
2015 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/17/15)
2015 Morven Park CIC3*
Vermiculus
Rider: Lauren Kieffer
2015 Boekelo CCIO3* (10/10/15)
2015 Wellington CIC3*
Canadian Horses Fully Qualified (Need a CIC3* or Advanced within three months of Rolex)
A Little Romance (CAN)
Rider: Jessica Phoenix
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
Abbey GS (CAN)
Rider: Jessica Phoenix
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 The Fork CIC3*
Foxwood High (CAN)
Rider: Selena O’Hanlon
2015 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/21/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2015 Bromont CCI3*
Freespirit (CAN)
Rider: Colleen Loach
2015 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/21/15)
2015 Bromont CCI3*
2015 Jersey Fresh CIC3*
Honor Me (CAN)
Rider: Lisa Marie Fergusson
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Plantation Field CIC3*
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
Imperial Melody (CAN)
Rider: Cody Sturgess
2015 Poplar Place Spring CIC3* (3/21/15)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*
Irish Rhythm (CAN)
Rider: Rachel McDonough
2015 Galway Downs CCI3* (10/31/15)
2015 Bromont CCI3*
2015 Red Hills CIC3*
Kelecyn Cognac (CAN)
Rider: Waylon Roberts
2015 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/21/15)
2015 Richland Park CIC3*
2015 Bromont CCI3*
Kilrodan Abbott (CAN)
Rider: Peter Barry
2015 *Jersey Fresh CIC3* (5/9/15)
2014 Carolina CIC3*
2013 Rolex CCI4*
Madison Park (CAN)
Rider: Kyle Carter
2015 Poplar Place Spring CIC3* (3/21/15)
2014 Poplar Place Fall CIC3*
2013 Bromont CCI3*
More Inspiration (CAN)
Rider: Holly Jacks-Smither
2015 Plantation Field CIC3* (9/21/15)
2015 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2015 Red Hills CIC3*
Pavarotti (CAN)
Rider: Jessica Phoenix
2014 World Equestrian Games CCI4* (8/30/14)
2014 Jersey Fresh CIC3*
2013 Bromont CIC3*
U.S. Horses Previously Qualified (Need a CIC3* within 12 months of Rolex)
Anna Bella
Rider: Kurt Martin
2015 The Fork CIC3* (4/4/15)
2015 Carolina CIC3*
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
A.P. Prime
Rider: Leah Lang-Gluscic
2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Bromont CCI3*
2014 CHC International CIC3*
Arthur
Rider: Allison Springer
2014 *Burghley CCI4* (9/6/14)
2014 Carolina CIC3*
2012 Burghley CCI4*
Bellamy
Rider: Jimmie Schramm
2015 Carolina CIC3* (3/21/15)
2014 Bromont CCI3*
2013 Plantation Field CIC3*
Ben
Rider: Helen Bouscaren
2014 Galway Downs CIC3* (3/28/14)
2013 Galway Downs CCI3*
2013 Woodside CIC3*
Can’t Fire Me
Rider: Becky Holder
2015 Carolina CIC3* (3/21/15)
2014 Carolina CIC3*
2011 Fair Hill CCI3*
Catch A Star
Rider: Caitlin Silliman
2015 The Fork CIC3* (4/4/15)
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
Cool Decision
Rider: Amanda Wilson
2015 The Fork CIC3* (4/4/15)
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
D.A. Adirmo
Rider: Buck Davidson (Category A)
2013 Jersey Fresh CCI3* (5/8/13)
2013 Red Hills CIC3*
Esprit de la Danse
Rider: John Michael Durr
2015 Galway Downs CIC3* (3/28/15)
2014 Galway Downs CCI3*
2014 Copper Meadows CIC3*
Fernhill Fearless
Rider: Kim Severson
2014 Rolex CCI4* (4/23/14)
2014 The Fork CIC3*
2013 Fair Hill CCI3*
Fernhill Flutter
Rider: Kevin Keane
2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
F.I.S. Prince Charming
Rider: Lisa Barry
2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Richland Park CIC3*
2014 Bromont CCI3*
Goodknight
Rider: Jolie Wentworth
2015 Galway Downs CIC3* (3/28/15)
2013 Galway Downs CCI3*
2013 Woodside CIC3*
Hans Dampf
Rider: Will Faudree (Category A, Last CIC3* MER 3/19/15)
2015 Sopot CIC3* (4/25/15) (Ridden by Andreas Dibowski)
2014 Boekelo CCIO3* (Ridden by Andreas Dibowski)
2014 Waregem CIC3* (Ridden by Andreas Dibowski)
In Style
Rider: Jodi Hemry
2015 Fair Hill CIC3* (4/18/15)
2015 Poplar Place Spring CIC3*
2014 Fair Hill CCI3*
Landioso
Rider: Mackenna Shea
2014 Richland Park CIC3* (8/23/14)
2014 Bromont CCI3*
2014 Twin Rivers CIC3*
Llewellyn
Rider: Brittany Kart
2012 Red Hills CIC3* (3/08/12)
2011 *Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2011 The Fork CIC3*
Lucky Devil
Rider: Lauren Kieffer
2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 *Jersey Fresh 2014 CCI3*
2014 Carolina 2014 CIC3*
Manoir de Carneville
Rider: Sinead Halpin
2014 *World Equestrian Games CCI4* (8/30/14)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2014 The Fork CIC3*
Mensa G
Rider: Michael Pollard
2014 Richland Park CIC3* (8/23/14)
2014 Rolex CCI4*
2013 Richland Park CIC3*
Namaste
Rider: Hallie Coon
2014 Fair Hill CCI3* (10/18/14)
2014 Poplar Place CIC3*
2014 Carolina CIC3*
No Boundaries
Rider: Erin Sylvester
2015 The Fork CIC3* (4/4/15)
2014 Pau CCI4*
2014 Plantation Field CIC3*
Relentless Pursuit
Rider: Dana Widstrand
2015 Red Hills CIC3* (3/7/15)
2007 Jersey Fresh CCI3*
2007 The Fork CIC3*
Revitavet Capato
Rider: Jordan Linstedt
2015 The Fork CIC3* (4/4/15)
2014 Galway Downs CCI3*
2014 Woodside CIC3*
Shamwari 4
Rider: Boyd Martin (Category A)
2014 World Equestrian Games CCI4* (8/30/14)
2014 Luhmühlen CCI4*
2014 Jersey Fresh CIC3* (Ridden by Phillip Dutton)
Leo & Pepe chilling out in the unseasonably warm weather.
Yesterday, not only was it boiling hot (Dear November: what the hell!!?) but I had a completely ridiculous thing happen to me. I was hacking along in the afternoon with my old man Nyls, and poking across a field on a long rein, and quite honestly, reading Kristin Carpenter’s newest blog on my phone, when I felt Nyls slow down and put his head down. I assumed, as he’s a right old fatty, that he was getting a snack, and ignored him. Instead, he decided that he desired a nap. Right there. Right in the middle of the field. He LAY DOWN ON ME!!! Just buckled and went down, and settled into the grass. I was sent sprawling off to the side in complete astonishment, and he simply looked at me like, “What’s your problem, lady?”. No, he wasn’t dying, he literally just wanted to lie down and maybe eat some grass and have a roll. The fact that we were on a ride was irrelevant.
Who was the leading rider and leading horse in Britain this year? Oliver Townend topped the charts for the second year in a row, with a total of 2,086 BE points, followed by Andrew Nicholson with 1,262 BE points despite ending his season early with a rough fall at Gatcombe. Wesko finished as leading horse, followed by Leonidas II. [BE Top Horse & Rider 2015]
World Breeding for Sport Horses has released their list of top sires for 2015. Headlined by Contendro I (who was third last year), the popular Ramiro B has climbed into second spot and Heraldik XX has dropped one for the bronze position. Contendro sired horses like NZB Campino, RF West Indie, and Cheeky Calimbo. Ramiro is the sire of the ever famous and amazing Ballynoe Castle RM, and third placed Heraldik is no slouch with FRH Butts Avedon and Halunke FBW to his name. Eventing breeders Cabin White Farm are expecting a Ramiro B baby next year, who else has a famous baby daddy coming soon? [WBFSH 2015 Sire Rankings]
A new study from Britain seems to prove that while air vests protect against certain crush injuries, they do not have the ability to prevent Eventing fatalities. In the event that a horse falls directly on top of the rider, the risk of fatality is still very high, but the study showed that with the air vest, injuries were reduced by 13%. While it is established that the air vest greatly reduces injuries from general falls, the use for when the horse falls on the rider is less well known. Tests involved dropping an equine cadaver onto a Hybrid III crash test dummy in both scenarios and measuring the chest deflection, which is a standard measure used to predict the risk of serious chest injury. [Air Vest Testing in England]
In the news of DEAR GOD I CAN’T STOP LAUGHING, somebody wrote an article on the comparison of farting emissions from kangaroos versus horses. I just can’t you guys. I literally just can’t. Apparently kangaroos have been praised for their lack of farting, but after science stepped in, we now know that it’s all been lies! Kangaroos fart just as much as horses!! [Kangaroos Alongside Horses in the Pantheon of Farting]
Horse girls, we like practical gifts for the holidays. For those you love, who love horses, get them something they’ll use every day! While this isn’t romantic, a SmartPak Boot Jack is just about a god send after a long day outside in the cold and the mud and the snow, all you want is to get inside quickly and get those darned boots off! Seriously guys, boot jacks are awesome. [SmartPak Product of the Day]
And congratulations to Marty Crosson, this week’ Fab Freebie winner. Marty has snagged a First Crush Cowl, courtesy of Noble Outfitters. [Fab Freebie]
Flashback Friday to one of the most awkward water combinations I’ve ever ridden…
One of the many divisions at last month’s TCA Thoroughbred Makeover and Symposium was the freestyle, and many ex-racehorses showed off their paces in an effort to win the hearts of judges and spectators alike.
Eventer Tik Maynard, who is also known for his natural horsemanship training, took home the top honors with Mr. Pleasantree (renamed Remarkable 54 in his new career). Check it out!
We know everyone is eager to see video from this year’s TCA Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium and we promise…
Pretty neat, right? I wish I could teach my horse that going bridleless and standing on his back were acceptable things. Perhaps I’ve found a new winter project for him! Here’s some more footage of Tik and Remarkable 54 working together at liberty:
Tik also events Remarkable 54, getting some Beginner Novice events under his belt this year and also competing him in the Young Event Horse Championships class at Surefire in September.
We’re eagerly anticipating more videos and highlights from this year’s Thoroughbred Makeover, and it looks like the Retired Racehorse Project is hard at work putting together some more material for us to see the action.
You can also check out some more eventing competition from these ex-racehorses on RNS Video here.
It’s almost the holiday shopping season! Or, if you’re super OCD or particularly excited for the holidays perhaps you’ve already started shopping.
Either way, I know a fancy new OTTB is on many peoples’ lists. And why not? It’s a good time of year to be horse shopping as the tracks close down for the year and many horses are in need of new homes.
Here are our featured listings for the week — go ahead and check that off your list!
Photo used with permission from CANTER Illinois.
First this week is a fresh listing from CANTER Illinois, Won Great Pass (Pass Rush – Distinctive Gold, by Touch Gold). This is a 2012 gelding standing 16.2 hands tall with just six starts on his card. This guy is advertised to be a big love and in need of a new job as he’s a bit bored with life at the track.
While we’re on a chestnut kick, check out Andy who is currently listed with the Retired Racehorse Project. Fun fact, right now adopted horses through the RRP are eligible to receive a $20 gift certificate and a new halter and lead from Shires Equestrian!
Andromeda’s Moon (Andy) is a 2009 gelding by Andromeda’s Hero out of Locust Moon. This guy is a war horse who raced 27 times and earned over $50,000. He’s been off the track since August of this year and has several rides under his belt already.
We also had to give this girl a shout-out. Valatie Gal (Utopia (JPN) – Appetizer, by Tomorrows Cat) is a 16 hand 2012 mare who raced four times before retiring. She’s said to be a one-person type of girl who is athletic and suitable for any discipline. She is looking for her person to help her reach new heights in her new career — could it be you?
Doug Payne’s book, The Riding Horse Repair Manual, has been well-received for its advice on training and developing horses.
Doug just posted this video chronicling his work with Lysander, a horse we talent spotted awhile back who just completed the CCI2* at Fair Hill last month.
This is a great look at the growing up of “Leo” who is owned by Doug and Kristin Michaloski. There really is something to be said about the development of a horse from the early stages of training through, potentially, an upper level career.
Many of the tips and tools that Doug talks about in his video are available in his book, which can be seen and purchased through this link.
Seeing horses like this progress is always encouraging for those of us who are attempting to “make” our own partner. After all, it’s all about the journey at the end of the day, right?
This post originally appeared on our sister site, Horse Nation. All photos are courtesy of Elena Mass.
Between the elegant traditions, the action and nature’s vibrant color palate, the sport of fox hunting is a photographer’s dream come true. Elena Maas shares some images from Georgia’s Belle Meade and Bear Creek hunt clubs.
Since moving to Georgia in October of 2013, I have been introduced to an entire new world of horseback riding and adventure. The ladies I have met have taken me under their wing and have broadened my horizon, especially when it comes to the sport of fox hunting.
I have ridden in smaller hunts myself, which is quite a rush of adrenaline at 8 a.m. on a cold day in the beginning of fall. When the big opening hunts come around in the fall, I choose to ride the Tally Ho Wagon equipped with my camera and ready to shoot when hounds, steeds and riders fly past me.
The first big opening hunt that I attended was the Belle Meade Hunt in Thomson, Georgia, about one and a half hours from Atlanta. Upon arriving at the Belle Meade Hunt Stables, you see lines of tractors and trucks, pulling trailers, ready for people to hop on with coolers, snacks, and blankets.
The blessing of the hounds is quite an experience. Hundreds of spectators, horsemen and women, horses and hounds become quiet until the hunt is officially opened. The riders mount their steeds while spectators climb the Tally Ho Wagons and the all-day adventure through fields, mud, woods and across dirt roads begins.
The beauty about sitting on the back of the Tally Ho, especially for a photographer, are all the colors that come together.
You have the hunters wearing their beige breeches, the beautiful coats, the stock ties and pins, and boots, along with magnificently, beautifully and perfectly groomed horses in all shapes and colors, and of course the large pack of hounds (don’t ever dare calling them ‘dogs’, experienced hunters will enlighten you to never call them anything but ‘hounds’) galloping through fields and woods marked by the turning leaves of the fall.
Michael Willham is a member of the Otterbein University Eventing Team in Ohio. You may have read an article he submitted a while ago about his adventures down in Aiken this Spring. Now he’s back to finish off the season with another article, albeit with a humorous twist!
Michael Willham and Fernhill Cayenne. Photo by Renea Willham.
My season with my new horse, Fernhill Cayenne, has gone fantastic. We had solid performances at Training all year round and I am hoping to move up to the big “P” word sometime next year.
I am here to bring you my tips and tricks for competing in your very first Training 3-Day Long Format. I competed at the Hagyard Midsouth Training Three-Day Event this October and ended up finishing my season with a win.
For those of you with a sense of humor, here are my dos and don’ts for tackling the long format. Yes, all of these things did actually happen to me! It certainly was an interesting week.
Celebrating the win! Photo by Renea Willham.
Don’t: Look like a sissy running in your first jog. Do: Remember to run like a normal person for your second jog.
Don’t: Forget to halt at the beginning of your dressage test. Do: Laugh at yourself for doing so.
Don’t: Fall off three minutes into Phase A. Do: Run your butt off to catch your horse, get back on and gallop the rest of the way to make time.
Don’t: Let your fall cloud your judgment for the rest of the three phases. Do: Be happy that it doesn’t mean elimination and kick on!
Don’t: Get tired halfway through the final phase (cross country). Do: Dig deep and ignore the pain and numbness in your arms and legs.
Don’t: Underestimate the level of fitness required for a three-day. Do: Make your horse fit enough to gallop all of Phase A and still have enough energy for the other three phases.
Don’t: Forget your dress socks for the jog at home. Do: Be innovative and put your boot socks on to coordinate the right color.
Don’t: Let your nerves get to you as you are sitting in first going into show jumping. Do: Be one of nine people out of 35 to go double clear and clinch the win!
Do: Reflect on the craziness of the three-day, be surprised and proud of your horse that you actually made it through!
Margie Davis: “Attached are pictures of my cross country bridle… You might notice that a spider web has developed …. Rehab sucks!!! I’m sure there are quite a few people who feel my pain.” ">
