Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News and Notes from Cavalor

By on Sep 29, 2015 12:26 am -
Dave Taylor riding Sauvignon Bai. Dave Taylor riding Sauvignon Bai.

Yesterday I was able to be the second person to sit on what is hopefully a future upper-level event horse. Sauvignon Bai (AKA Sallie), is a 3-year-old Oldenburg homebred mare (bred by Victoria Carson of Flying Chesterfield Farm) that I’ve known since she was a sparkle in her sire’s eye.

Knowing a horse since day one, watching them grow, seeing them develop and finally getting to sit on them is simply amazing. It is an electric feeling to get the opportunity to sit on such and amazing horse after only 30 days under saddle. My mental high from the experience, and the thought that this mare may be something truly special, has me smiling from ear to ear hours days later. Watch out Rolex, here we come.

Events Opening Today:  Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials (CA, A-6),  Ocala Horse Properties Fall Event (FL, A-3),  River Glen Fall H.T. (TN, A-3),  Full Moon Farms H.T. (MD, A-2)

Events Closing this Week:  The Virginia CCI1*, CIC2* and H.T. (VA, A-2),  Galway Downs International Event & H.T. (CA, A-6), Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials (CA, A-6)

New Team Member at Windurra. Today upper level eventer, Erin Freedman, announced that she has joined Boyd Martin’s team. To make sure she stays busy, Erin will also be riding for Pam Liddell at Kynynmont Farms. Erin relocates from Northern Virginia with her three-star event horse Viola. Good luck to Erin and Viola. [Erin Freedman Moves to Pennsylvania]

Feed Recall in California and Arizona. Western Milling LLC has made a voluntary recall of its Western Blend Horse Feed. 1,100 fifty pound bags are included in this recall, Lot 5251, that may have been contaminated with Monensin. Please be alert and check your feed bags if you feed Western Blend Horse Feed. [Manufacturer Recalls Potentially Contaminated Horse Feed]

Win a Personalized Clinic with Boyd and Silva. Would you like to the chance to win a clinic for you and nine of your friends with the Martin’s? Dressage Today and Practical Horseman are offering you the chance to win just that. Fill out the entry online, include a mini essay on why you deserve this unique opportunity, and you could be the chosen one. [Win a Day With Boyd and Silva Contest]

Keeping That Baby Soft Skin. As equestrians we spend countless hours in the sun. If we want to avoid that leather like skin when we hit social security age, make sure you take care of the skin you were born with. Remember sunscreen, wear UV-protectant clothing, wear a hat, moisturize, and stay on top of changes in your skin. Don’t look 70 when your turn 30, take care of what you have before its too late. [Caring for Your Skin as an Equestrian]

Poppy Seeds are to Blame. The FEI has exonerated Steve Guerdat and Alessandra Bichsel after failed drug test at La Baule. The FEI has said the positive drug tests were caused by poppy seed contaminated feed. No sanctions will apply to either rider other than the automatic disqualification of their horses at La Baule. [Swiss Riders Exonerated]

Tuesday Video:

Ever wonder how Horseware Ireland makes such great rugs? Well it seems that they have a team of specialists helping out and everyone at Horseware is thrilled to have them aboard, even Andrea Quinn.

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Bobbie Jones and Rebel’s Heartbreaker Storm Around AECs

By on Sep 28, 2015 5:00 pm -

One of our favorite helmet cam wearers returned to Texas this year for the Nutrena American Eventing Championships’ final run at Texas Rose Horse Park. Bobbie Jones and Rebel’s Heartbreaker, a 9-year-old American Paint gelding, completed their Novice division in 9th place, ending on their dressage score of 32.0.

Bobbie has become well known for her enthusiastic helmet cams, and we’re thrilled she’s already posted her run from AECs for our viewing pleasure. Help us cheer on Bobbie and Rebel!

#EventerProblems, Vol. 30

By on Sep 28, 2015 3:00 pm -

Want some #EventerProblems? I’ve got one for you: When you get home from covering the American Eventing Championships at midnight, stay up another couple hours finishing your last event report, and then, just when you’re about to head for bed, you remember that you haven’t checked on #EventerProblems submissions in almost a week.

So you check, and there are so many of them piled up that you know you won’t sleep well unless you start sifting through them, and then suddenly it’s 3:30 a.m. and you’re doubled over on the kitchen table, laughing hysterically and feeling less alone.

We’re all mad here, my friends. Here are 30 more reader-submitted #EventerProblems:

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

i’ve got more scope than bear #eventerproblems

A video posted by Maggie Martin (@mkeventing) on

When you can walk the XC course but can’t ride it. #StantonFarm#EventerProblems

A photo posted by Kassidy Woody (@kassidywoody) on

Almost rocked this get-up for XC on Saturday at TR&HC. #JockeyGogglesOrSunglasses #DecisionsDecisions #EventerProblems A photo posted by Katharine Stancliff (@magicalpoppies) on

Socks won’t stay up in boots. Vet wrap to the rescue! #ncsu #horsepeopleproblems #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Jessica Alvarez (@jesssca_ann) on

It’s sports day tomorrow but I might get some weird looks if I wear my volants and show coat #eventerproblems A photo posted by Eventer (@blaze.eventing) on

Setting this alarm makes me question how badly I REALLY want to show this weekend #justkidding #eventerproblems #loveit A photo posted by Area 8 Eventer (@saragrace1290) on

Time saving, when you only have half a mane to plait…. #eventerproblems #eventinglife #greyhorseproblems

A photo posted by Beth McCann (@ejm_eventing) on

“So, they’re allowed to land *on* this fence and then jump off of it, right?” No. #RK3DE #kentuckyhorsepark A photo posted by Dawn Mackenzie (@dawnathenia) on

#badhorsejokes #punny #eventerproblems @cayleigh_gb

A photo posted by Lauren Marie (@lauren_marie_9) on

Some people see firewood… I see potential XC jumps #eventerproblems #insanityinthemiddle @goeventing #ottb A photo posted by Brenlow Properties, LLC (@brenlowproperties) on  

 

How the girls of C-Horse get sh*t done. #changingtires #doworkson #chorseequestrian photo Cred @axelromanmonty A photo posted by Cassidy Sitton (@chorseeventing) on

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.

Go Eventing!

Cody Sturgess Recovering From Spinal Fractures After Plantation Field Fall

By on Sep 28, 2015 1:00 pm -
Cody Sturgess and Imperial Melody at Rolex. Photo by Rare Air Photography. Cody Sturgess and Imperial Melody at Rolex. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

Cody Sturgess confirmed to EN today that he suffered two transverse process fractures on L3 and L2 in his lumbar spine during his fall from Imperial Melody on the CIC3* cross country course at Plantation Field International Horse Trials.

The fall occurred at the B element of fence 12, the double of brush corners on the far end of the course. “Melly,” Cody’s longtime four-star partner, was uninjured in the incident, but Cody was transported by ambulance to the trauma ward at Christiana Hospital.

Cody was released the following morning and traveled home to Port Perry, Ontario, where he underwent additional testing. While Cody will not need to undergo surgery to repair the fractures, he is facing two to three months of intense physical therapy.

He is also currently battling intense back pain and was admitted to Lakeridge Health Port Perry in Ontario this past Saturday, where he is currently undergoing treatment to manage the pain. He hopes to be released tomorrow.

The EN team wishes Cody a speedy and pain-free recovery.

Besties Heather Morris and Tamie Smith Win All the Things at AECs

By on Sep 28, 2015 11:30 am -

California girls Heather Morris and Tamie Smith were a force of nature at the 2015 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships. They rolled up into Tyler, Texas, like a hurricane and blew out with four National Championships between the two of them.

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Heather started her Saturday off with a win on Get Rowdy in the Professional’s Choice Training Horse division. The 5-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Team Express Group LLC took the weekend in stride, finishing the week on their dressage score of 22.5.

“He just grew up so much this weekend,” Heather says. “He can sometimes go in and be a little bit casual but the atmosphere in there kind of lit him up a bit and he was so good.”

What’s next for the baby superstar? “He’s ready to go to Prelim but I’m not going to move him up until next year,” Heather says. Instead, we can look forward to seeing him compete against his peers in the Young Horse Championships at Galway next month.

Later in the afternoon, Heather took a second victory gallop aboard Merial Intermediate winner Charlie Tango. Like Get Rowdy, the 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Team Express Group LLC won the dressage on 24.8 and never looked back.

The show jumping course was causing plenty enough trouble for the Intermediate division, with rails flying for all but the top two finishers, Heather and second-placed Jessica Schultz riding her own Lock ‘N Load.

“He was jumping like a freak in the warm-up,” Heather recalls, “and then the horse in front of me went clean and so obviously I couldn’t have any rails, but he’s such an amazing show jumper. I’ve had him since he was 4 and so our partnership is good, and he really hates touching anything.”

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

It’s not their first big win together — the pair bested both CCI2*s they entered this year, first at Galway and then at Rebecca Farm — but victory never gets old, especially when it’s shared with a special horse.

It’s always fun to see how riders celebrate in the moment they realize they’ve won a big event, but of all the fist pumps, high-fives and neck pats I witnessed this weekend I think my favorite reaction belonged to Heather and Charlie Tango. After their double-clear round, Heather dropped his reins and gave him a full-on bear hug that went on and on. Honestly, I thought someone was going to have to pry the two apart.

“I always give him a kiss,” Heather said. “He’s such a good boy.”

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Meanwhile, Tamie Smith was busy racking up her own collection of champion ribbons. Fresh off her big CIC3* shut-out with Maui Baum at Plantation Field last weekend, Tamie’s momentum carried over to the AECs where she matched Heather’s two wins with two of her own.

First she captured the Preliminary Horse championship with Fleeceworks Royal, a 6-year-old Holsteiner owned by Judith McSwain. We’ve been following this partnership since the striking grey mare made her debut in the 4-Year-Old Future Event Horse Program, and Tamie has done a beautiful job of developing her ever since. “Rory” had some momentum coming into this weekend herself, having topped the CIC1* at Copper Meadows earlier this month.

“I’m thrilled with her,” Tamie says. Rory has a tendency to be a bit “rude and bossy” in the show jumping, so they’ve been doing some 6-Year-Old Jumper classes, which are 1.30 meter and 1.35 meter for championships. By comparison, a 1.10 meter prelim show jumping course seems like a walk in the park. “She just kind of went into the ring and was really comfortable, like, ‘Ah! This is Novice.’ But she felt really good and really rideable and I’m super proud of her.”

In addition to her Prelim win, Rory earned the honor of being the top-placed Young Event Horse program graduate at the AECs. Can’t wait to see what this mare adds to her already-impressive resume next!

Next up was Tamie’s ride on Anita Nardine’s California-bred 7-year-old, Favian. The pair laid down the lowest dressage score of any AECs division, a 21.5, and held fast to their lead for the rest of the weekend.

Favian’s budding eventing career thus far has been a team effort. Tamie took him to his first show, Jess Hargrave took him to his second, and Heather took him to his third. “We were trying to get him qualified and he hasn’t really had a person,” Tamie says. “But from the first time I rode him until today, he’s been super. He’s ready for Training level, and that’s what you hope for going into a championship.”

Needless to say, Tamie and Heather had a lot to celebrate this weekend — and who wouldn’t want to be on that party train?

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When Chinch went missing for a solid 24 hours, coincidentally last seen at the Heather/Tamie press conference, we weren’t sure whether he’d been abducted or had staged his own chinchnapping as an excuse to party all night with friends like AEC cross-country course designer Captain Mark Phillips…

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…USEA President Diane Pitts…

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…and, of course, these double-trouble hooligans:

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(See more photo evidence of Chinch’s wild Saturday night shenanigans on Eventing Nation’s Instagram @goeventing.)

Just when we were about to call the police, he mysteriously showed back up during Tamie’s awards ceremony with Favian.

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Phew… crisis averted!

Go friends. Go fun. Go Eventing.

#AEC15: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Fab Freebie: Two William Fox-Pitt Clinic Auditing Passes

By on Sep 28, 2015 9:30 am -
William Fox-Pitt teaching a clinic at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry. William Fox-Pitt teaching a clinic at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Have you heard? William Fox-Pitt is coming to Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia, to teach a two-day clinic on November 10-11, and EN is giving away two auditing passes thanks to Team EnGaged Clinics.

Auditors will watch five different groups over the two days. Up to four riders will be selected for each group: 4-year-old horse, 5- and 6-year-old horse, Training, Intermediate/Preliminary and Advanced/Intermediate.

On the first day, each rider will receive a 30-minute private lesson on the flat with William. On the second day, each group will receive show jumping and cross country instruction in the stadium at Great Meadow. The event is closed to the public except for auditors.

Enter to win the two auditing passes using the Rafflecopter widget below. Entries will close on Friday EST at midnight, and we’ll announce the winner in Friday News & Notes. If you want to get your auditing passes now, click here to sign up on Blue Horse Entries. If you’re interested in riding in the clinic, you can apply here.

Follow the Team EnGaged Clinics Facebook page for updates on the clinic, and you can also join the Facebook event for the clinic here. Good luck! Go Eventing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday News and Notes from Event Clinics

By on Sep 28, 2015 12:51 am -
Mako looking fierce! Photo courtesy of Lacey Messick. Mako looking fierce! Photo courtesy of Lacey Messick.

Lacey Messick competed in the Preliminary Amateur division at the American Eventing Championships this weekend, and she entered her adorable 8-month-old German Shepherd puppy in the popular dog show, too. ‘Mako’ looks so cute in his eventing themed outfit for the costume contest. “Don’t even think about jumping in to Mako’s cross country water jump!” Lacey said. If you can’t tell, he’s wearing a blue shark outfit. Thanks for sharing, Lacey!

U.S. Weekend Action:

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Results]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. [Results]

Surefire H.T. [Results]

Stable View H.T. [Results]

Sundance Farm H.T. [Results]

Running Start H.T. [Results]

Nutrena USEA AEC H.T. [Results]

Jump Start H.T. [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

It’s an horse owner’s worst nightmare – fire. Stored hay can not only cause a fire but also increase the speed at which it spreads, which is why many farms won’t store hay in buildings where animals are housed. Hay can actually spontaneously combust if the moisture concentration conditions are right, and monitoring the temperature of stored hay could help prevent disaster. [Preventing Hay Fires]

Lloyd Landkamer, a sport horse breeder, USEF official, FEI steward and dedicated volunteer, passed away at his home on Friday after battling cancer. He was 60 years old. Lloyd worked many jobs behind the scenes at some of the biggest dressage shows in the country and he served on several USEF and USDF committees. [USEF Mourns the Passing of Lloyd Landkamer]

Charlotte Dujardin taught a master class at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show this weekend, and a group of lucky spectators got to watch her complete Grand Prix dressage movements on a horse called Renaissance Tyme, whom she had only ridden once. She along with U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover discussed the movements and gave the audience tips on how to get the most out of their horses at home. [Top 14 Lessons from Charlotte Dujardin]

Here in the South, we’re awfully thankful for rain after a long, dry summer, but continuous rain and some flooding the last several days wreaked havoc on the TomorrowWorld music festival that takes place at Chattahoochee Hills in Georgia. [TomorrowWorld Limits Attendees After Weekend of Weather Issues]

Team Belgium won the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping finale on Saturday. Belgium, who failed to qualify for the Rio Olympics during Aachen a few weeks ago, took an early lead in the Nations Cup competition last Thursday in Barcelona. The Brits and Dutch were hot on their heels in the final round, but Belgium got it done. Team USA finished fourth. [Belgium takes the Furusiyya 2015 title in gripping finale]

AEC helmet cam!

Life Advice for Jr. Beginner Novice Ryan Wood from 4* Ryan Wood

By on Sep 27, 2015 5:30 pm -
Ryan Wood and Galway Blazer. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Ryan Wood and Galway Blazer. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Could there be a new “Woodsy” in town? Ryan Wood, a 15-year-old from Mobile, Ala., just wrapped up a super weekend here at the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships. She and her horse Galway Blazer laid down a double-clear show jumping trip to secure third place in the competitive Jr. Beginner Novice division, finishing on a score of 33.0.

With the pressure on and this being her biggest competition yet, Ryan was as composed as any rider I’ve seen here this weekend. She sat up patiently down every line, counting her steps, and could have won an equitation class out there while she was at it.

Ryan Wood and Galway Blazer. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ryan Wood and Galway Blazer. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ryan Wood and Galway Blazer. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ryan Wood and Galway Blazer. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

But while she may have had ice in her veins during her round, as soon as they crossed the finish it was all smiles and a big pat for her partner. From start to finish, this was a fun pair to watch and we look forward to keeping an eye on Ryan’s eventing career as it progresses!

Ryan Wood and Galway Blazer. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ryan Wood and Galway Blazer. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

There is, of course, another Ryan Wood floating around out there in the event world, who is older, (arguably) wiser, and has a few more jumps under his belt.

Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic at Bromont 2014. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic at Bromont 2014. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

I asked 4* Ryan Wood if he had any words of wisdom for Jr. Beginner Novice Ryan Wood. The prompt: “If you could go back in time and give yourself some teenage eventing (or life) advice, what would it be?”

Here is what he had to say:

Here’s some life advice for you, 4* Ryan Wood: Watch your back! Ryan may be new to the sport now, but give her a few years and she may be giving you a run for your money!

Go Eventing.

#AEC15: Website, Schedule, Ride Times/Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Watch Leslie Law’s Epic Save at the AECs

By on Sep 27, 2015 3:30 pm -
Screenshot courtesy of RNS Video Media. Screenshot courtesy of RNS Video Media.

With the powers of stickability and a strong equine neck combined, Leslie Law had a lucky save aboard Cooley’s Rule of Law during their cross-country ride at the AECs. Check out the quick reactions from both horse and rider as they have a near-fall at the water, captured by our friends at RNS Video:

Nice save! The pair were 6th after cross-country in their Preliminary Horse division, but ultimately withdrew before show jumping.

For more awesome video footage from the AECs, check out RNS Video’s Youtube Channel. Go Eventing.

Tell Us How You REALLY Feel About Placing 2nd in the Gold Cup Final, Quantum Solace

By on Sep 27, 2015 1:35 pm -

Most horses would be stoked about being named Reserve National Champion. But while Caroline Martin was all smiles and poise during yesterday’s Adequan USEA Gold Cup Final awards ceremony, Quantum Solace had other ideas. Perhaps, having laid down such a pristine double-clear round, he assumed that he’d won?

As the 10-year-old Argentinean Thoroughbred gelding’s fidgeting progressed into a full-blown comedy act, I couldn’t help but snap some photos.

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Look at me! I’m Gold Cup champion! Neener, neener, neener!

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The  taste of victory, so sweet.

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I hope mom blows all $20,000 of that prize money on carrots. I’ve earned it.

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Ready for that blue ribbon now…

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Wait! There must be some mistake. That ribbon’s not blue.

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Well, this is depressing.

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Stupid red ribbon. Stupid “Reserve Champion” cooler. I’m going to shred that thing, and then I’m going to poop all over it.

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But first, I’m going to ruin this stupid photo op.

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Get this thing off me!

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Mom!!!!

Blue ribbon or not, you’re a champion in our book, Quantum Solace.

Go Eventing.

#AEC15: Website, Schedule, Ride Times/Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram