Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday News & Notes from Kentucky Equine Research

By on Oct 15, 2015 12:03 am -
IMG_2066

The Chinch as a new Rio 2016 prospect! He’s joining Bella Hadid in a pairs class for Eventing. New sport, y’all.

Dressage Day One: Commence!! The Chinch is very sorry to report that while he was intending to take his new mount to Fair Hill and contest the CCI3* in his quest for Rio, he was unable to reason with the FEI for qualifications of a miniature donkey. While he took his case the the high court, he was unsuccessful and has resigned himself to chinch-bombing every photo he can manage this weekend, and generally wreaking havoc. You were warned.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

The Event at Kelly’s Ford H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

At only 19 years of age, Emily King is set to make her CCI4* debut at Pau. With bloodlines like hers, we shouldn’t be shocked, but we’re still impressed! After helping to win a team gold medal at the European Young Riders this summer, she’s preparing for the next big step in her career, with her famous mum by her side to cheer her on and give her good cross country advice! Her energy and enthusiasm for the sport is infectious, and we wish her all the best with her first attempt at the level. [Emily Heads to Pau]

Buck and Andrea Davidson are having a busy weekend at Fair Hill, but also looking forward to Monday too. Why is this? Because Monday they find out the sex of their first child together! The couple already made an adorable Facebook announcement, and it’s pretty clear that Buck is excited for this new non-horsey adventure in his life, but they’ve also already allocated an “aged” pony named Sweetums to the job of first pony. [Buck & Andrea Expecting News]

Canadian Eventer Karl Slezak has been short-listed for team competition countless times, and now has his sights set on Rio 2016. Both he and his fiancee, Kaitlyn Hewson, were short-listed for the Pan Ams this past summer, but due to untimely injuries, were unable to compete. While he’s known for his ability to ride the tough characters, his current string of young prospects are real quality, and his hopes hang on a young horse named Fernhill Dutch Design. [Karl Slezak for Canada]

My girl Kristen Carpenter is back with another incredibly insightful and relatable blog for COTH. When it comes experiencing the end of life, one can sometimes find that the joy of living becomes simplified. While there is no doubt that almost every rider does it for joy (certainly not for money!), it can still be easy to get caught up in the machinations of a horsey world, and forget why you started in the first place. I won’t ruin it for you, but Kristen helps to bring us all back to our senses. [Gallop]

Hot on Horse Nation: Mule Wins Race, Exits Stage Rail

 

KER ClockIt Session of the Week:

This is an Intermediate/** Thoroughbred mare’s session using KER ClockIt Sport. The rider trotted to warm up, then did three 6-minute gallop sets on flat terrain. Overall, the mare spent about 16 minutes of the hour-long ride in the 70-80% heart-rate zone.

The heart-rate zones were developed based on multiple studies conducted at Kentucky Equine Research that have shown that heart rate is highly correlated with both oxygen consumption (aerobic metabolism) and lactate production (anaerobic metabolism) during exercise on a  high-speed treadmill. There is a linear relationship between heart rate and oxygen consumption. Conversely, blood lactate accumulation does not rise linearly. Instead, lactate accumulation remains low until the heart rate reaches about 175-180 bpm, which is approximately 80% of maximum, and then lactate increases exponentially as the rate approaches a maximum of 220 bpm.

Being at 80-90% signals the onset of blood lactate accumulation, when there begins to be a significant level of anaerobic energy generation, and 90% represents an intensity that will result in fatigue-inducing levels of lactate accumulation. Read more about KER research and how heart rate can be used as an indicator of fitness.

unnamed-6

Get ready!!

Vote for 2015 Dutta Corp Fair Hill International Best Dressed

By on Oct 14, 2015 9:00 pm -

After a nap, downing an entire bottle of wine and carefully examining the photos from this afternoon’s Dutta Corp Fair Hill International first horse inspection, Chinch has finally selected his picks for Best Dressed. Now it’s your turn to determine the winners!

2kGrey has generously donated two gift certificates with a retail value of $200 that we’ll award to the top two finishers in this poll, which will close at noon EST tomorrow (Thursday). Go forth and vote in the poll at the bottom of this post, and be sure to keep it locked on EN for the latest from #DuttaFHI.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Live Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Peter Barry and Long Island T

Peter Barry and Long Island T. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kristen Bond and I'm Sew Ready

Kristen Bond and I’m Sew Ready. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Last year's CCI3* winner Jennie Brannigan with I Bella. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jennie Brannigan with I Bella. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Matt Brown and Talking Point BCF

Matt Brown and Talking Point BCF. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hallie Coon and Celien 2

Hallie Coon and Celien. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Justine Dutton and Jak My Style

Justine Dutton and Jak My Style. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Emily Hamel and Ramsey 2

Emily Hamel and Ramsey. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Savannah Fulton and Captain Jack

Savannah Fulton and Captain Jack. Photo by Jenni Autry. (Sorry your eyes are closed in the photo! You looked awesome.)

Molly Kinnamon and Puttin on the Ritz

Molly Kinnamon and Puttin on the Ritz. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Mikki Kuchta and Rubens D'Ysieux

Mikki Kuchta and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Jenni Autry,

Kurt Martin and Delux Z

Kurt Martin and Delux Z. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango

Heather Morris and Charlie Tango. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Fly Me Courageous

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Fly Me Courageous. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Meghan O'Donoghue and Palm Crescent

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Tamie Smith and Dempsey

Tamie Smith and Dempsey. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Elizabeth Stewart and Elusive

Elizabeth Stewart and Elusive. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Get This (Fair Hill) Party Started: A Social Media Wrap

By on Oct 14, 2015 6:00 pm -

It was a busy first day here at Fair Hill as horses and riders primped and polished for the First Horse Inspection. The jogs were certainly eventful, and you can catch up on the action from the day in Jenni’s full report here.

Behind the scenes, the hard working grooms and helpers spent most of the early afternoon getting their charges ready to trot up for the Ground Jury. Here’s a look around social media at today’s happenings:

Any guesses?

Screenshot_3

Jessica Bortner Harris and Win the War are all shined up and happy to be accepted! Photo via Jessica on Facebook.

Jessica Bortner Harris and Win the War are all shined up and happy to be accepted! Photo via Jessica on Facebook.

Screenshot_4 Screenshot_5

Screenshot_7

We will have much, much more coming your way from what promises to be a thrilling weekend here in Elkton, Md. The weather forecast looks promising, although the press veterans certainly know better…

Screenshot_6

And finally, here are some video highlights from jog day — plenty of fresh horses and pretty fall scenery to take in. Enjoy!

Go Fair Hill!

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Fair Hill Jog Report: Three Horses Spun in CCI3* Inspection

By on Oct 14, 2015 5:05 pm -
Last year's CCI3* winner Jennie Brannigan with I Bella. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Last year’s CCI3* winner Jennie Brannigan with I Bella. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’ve just concluded an eventful first horse inspection here in Elkton, Maryland at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International, during which 11 horses were sent to the holding box, with three CCI3* horses not accepted upon re-presentation to the ground jury of Nick Burton (GBR), Christina Klingspor (SWE) and Gretchen Butts (USA).

Six CCI2* horses were sent to the holding box and accepted upon re-presentation: Kristin Bond’s mount I’m Sew Ready, Helen Hayn’s mount Aqua Tom, Hillary Irwin’s mount Danehill Sunset, Ema Klugman’s mount Bendigo, Erin Sylvester’s mount Paddy The Caddy and Jessica McCabe’s mount Ferdinand.

Five horses were sent to the holding box in the CCI3*. Nilson Moreira da Silva’s mount Muggle and Ryan Wood’s mount Frankie were accepted upon re-representation. The other three CCI3* horses were ultimately spun: Liz Riley’s mount It’s The Truth, Colleen Loach’s mount Freespirit and Caroline Martin’s mount Spring Easy.

Molly Kinnamon's mount The Diesel Boy gets some love from Brian O'Connor. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Molly Kinnamon’s mount The Diesel Boy gets some love from Brian O’Connor. Photo by Jenni Autry.

That sends 75 horses forward to dressage in the CCI2* and 61 horses on to dressage in the CCI3*.

We had brisk fall weather for the first horse inspection, with the sun peeking out from behind the clouds throughout the afternoon. The lovely weather meant riders could roll out their first jog outfits of choice, and we saw some great looks.

As is EN tradition, we’ll be voting for Fair Hill Best Dressed, and Chinch is busy finalizing his picks. This year we’re giving away two gift certificates for a pair of 2kGrey riding jeans valued at $200 to the Best Dressed winners. Check back later this afternoon for our picks and the poll.

How cool is Emily Hamel's hair? Photo by Jenni Autry.

How cool is Emily Hamel’s hair? Photo by Jenni Autry.

Looking to other jog tidbits, we saw several lame riders getting a helping hand from fellow eventers this afternoon. Boyd Martin jogged R Star and Who’s A Star for Courtney Cooper, who is still recovering from a broken leg. Julie Norman jogged Sir Oberon for her good friend Ellen Doughty-Hume. #EventersStickTogether

Ride times are now posted at this link. CCI2* dressage starts at 8:30 a.m. EST tomorrow morning, with CCI3* dressage starting at 3 p.m. EST. Click here to check out our CCI3* cross country course preview. Keep it locked on EN for everything you need to know from #DuttaFHI.

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: British Eventing Young Horse Championships

By on Oct 14, 2015 3:00 pm -

As we look ahead to the East Coast Young Event Horse Championships this weekend at Fair Hill, we take a look back at the KBIS Young Horse Championships held by British Eventing at Osberton earlier this month.

Four-, five-, six- and seven-year-old horses competed over the weekend, making for a busy weekend full of promising young horses for the future.

Piggy French and AKD Corline claimed the four-year-old title while Vicky Tuffs and Its Cooley were the five-year-old champions. Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On were the six-year-old champions and Willa Newton with Caja 20 won the seven-year-old class.

Take a look at these highlights from an exciting weekend at Osberton and get excited to see some exciting four- and five-year-old Young Event Horses competing these weekend here in Maryland!

Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* Cross Country Course Preview

By on Oct 14, 2015 1:00 pm -
Photo by Sally Spickard. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Well I can officially say I’ve completed Fair Hill cross country … on foot … while panting embarrassingly and praying no one saw me in such an unfit state. But I did it. And I can tell you with certainty that we are in for a treat this weekend as Derek di Grazia has done what he does best once again.

Fair Hill is affectionately (and respectfully) known as a mini-Rolex, a solid prep for horses and riders who are eyeing Kentucky next year and a formidable test as the headlining event to close out the fall season. Walking the cross country course, it’s easy to see why; with the rolling terrain that is at times deceptively difficult and the technical questions that come rather unrelentingly, this weekend will certainly be anything but a dressage show.

The CCI3* course starts off with three nice questions to get into a rhythm and jump out of stride. Fence 4 begins to ask the listening questions, as it’s a small cabin on an incline that may have some funny looking shadows on it depending on the time of day. Truth be told, it should still serve to establish the rhythm that has been generated at the first three fences, and then riders have a good gallop with time to prep for the first water question. At fence 5, the Frog Pond, we start to see the technical questions pop up and then the going will get progressively tougher from there.

There are a few galloping stretches in which horse and rider can take a deep breath, but many of these stretches are positioned on terrain, so balance and rhythm will continue to be of utmost importance.

Seema Sonnad has an honorary fence on course, a beautiful ditch and brush at fence 9 decorated in none other than purple. Seema also has a portable fence dedicated to her that we’ll see on the Young Event Horse course this week — we’ll be sure to grab some photos of it!

The fences are all decorated beautifully, a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the team of volunteers who has tirelessly worked to get ready for this weekend. Janine McLain and Holly Covey have been in charge of decorations and have done a tremendous job in getting these fences to shine. Eric Bull and Jamie Gornall have ensured the brush fences are ready to go for the weekend. We salute all of you and cannot wait to see this course in action on Saturday.

This is also the second year without much loved and fondly remembered Judy Thayer, who lost her battle with cancer in July 2014. Judy dedicated 25 years to this event, organizing cross country schoolings and horse trials as well as serving as the cross country coordinator and lead volunteer for the big fall event.

We’ve just gotten underway with the First Horse Inspection here at Fair Hill, so Jenni will have your full report once the jog is complete. Go Fair Hill!

#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Dressage Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, Coldren’s Corner, EN’s Coverage, @eventingnation, EN’s Instagram

International Eventing Forum Schedule Announced, Jimmy Wofford to Speak

By on Oct 14, 2015 11:00 am -
Friend of EN Jimmy Wofford will be traveling from the U.S. to speak at the 2016 International Eventing Forum. Photo via EN's Instagram. Friend of EN Jimmy Wofford will be traveling from the U.S. to speak at the 2016 International Eventing Forum. Photo via EN's Instagram.

The International Eventing Forum is a highlight of the off season for eventers across the pond, and this year’s schedule is especially exciting in that Jimmy Wofford will be traveling from the U.S. to speak at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire on Feb. 1.

This year’s theme is “Back to the Future.” Here’s a look at the detailed schedule and who will be speaking:

10-10:10 Introduction from Eric Smiley

10:15-11:30 Angela Tucker: “What Doesn’t Change?” with Pippa Funnell and Tina Cook

11:30-12 Andrew Mahon and Jon Killingbeck: “The Use and Effect of Studs”

12-12:45 Jimmy Wofford: “An Eventful Story”

12:45-1:45 Lunch

1:45 David Kearney: “The Helpful Coach”

2:30-4:15: Lucinda Green: “Forward to the Past”

If you’d like to hear Lucinda speak but can’t make it to the International Eventing Forum in February, auditing spots are still open for her clinic at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland this weekend. Click here for more information and to sign up on Event Clinics.

Thinking about making the trip to the International Eventing Forum? Tickets are £45 each if purchased by the end of the year, £50 in advance and £55 at the door. Click here to purchase tickets and here to visit the website.

Last year we were lucky to have William Micklem attend the IEF and write reports on the sessions. Take a look at the links below to get an idea of the in-depth lectures you’ll find at the International Eventing Forum.

[Andrew Nicholson on Song: A Rare Behind-the-Scenes Look at His Program]

[Christoph Hess on Working with the ‘Not So Good’ Dressage Horse]

[Fittening the Event Horse a Hot Topic at International Eventing Forum]

#EventerProblems, Vol. 34: What Is An Eventer?

By on Oct 14, 2015 9:00 am -

What is an eventer? Gathering up all these #EventerProblems week in and week out, I feel like I’ve made some real progress on nailing down a few key traits that combine to make us the “special” athletes that we are.

A few of my conclusions via 30+ more reader-submitted struggles:

Eventers are entrepreneurs.

Eventers are resourceful.

Eventers aren’t scared of a challenge.

Eventers need a shower.

Dirt. Tan. #eventerproblems #horsegirlprobs

A photo posted by Meagan (@mkequest) on

Eventers aren’t fair-weather riders.

Should be a fun day showing …. #eventerproblems #horseshow #eventing #eventingnation #yuck #wethorses

A photo posted by Marjory Berkache (@lechevalfrancais) on

Why yes, we can ride dressage in the middle of a monsoon. #eventerproblems

A photo posted by @amandagroover on

Eventers are horse whisperers.

Eventers are hoarders.

And that’s not even all of them #eventerproblems #equestrianproblems #eventing #eventer #equestrian

A photo posted by Stefanie Ingram (@stefanieingram_) on

Eventers don’t get enough sleep.

Today was XC day… #eventerproblems #eventingnation

A photo posted by Abby Reinhardt (@southern_rider_girl98) on

Eventers do their own thing.

#parkingspotsarentbigenough #eventerproblems

A photo posted by @jillsmall85 on

Eventers have big imaginations.

Eventers look on the bright side.

Eventers aren’t easily grossed out.

Iodine solution getting me ready for Halloween #horseproblems #eventerproblems #eventingproblems

A photo posted by Victoria Dunning (@vicsecret556) on

Eventers take better care of their horses than themselves.

“Free breakfast” at the hotel means free breakfast for your ponies!! #eventerproblems

A photo posted by emminim (@e.r.eventing) on

Eventers are adventurous.

Eventers don’t get paid enough.

Eventers are pragmatists.

Eventers keep themselves entertained.

As do their horses.

Eventers understand irony.

Eventers get the job done.

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!

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.

 

Wednesday News and Notes from SmartPak

By on Oct 14, 2015 12:01 am -
Photo courtesy of Laura Robinson. Photo courtesy of Laura Robinson.

I’m pretty sure that we’re all getting a bit loopy by this point in the season, as demonstrated by Meaghan Marinovich’s group of riders at Heritage Park. The group dressed up as unicorns (with an extra cow and pig for variety’s sake) on their course walk. My biggest question for them is whether those onesies have booties…

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Fair Hill International CCI [Website] [Entry Status] [Order of Go]

The Event at Kelly’s Ford H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Jen McFall discusses a common trait in eventers. It’s not that we’re adrenaline junkies, or insane multi-taskers. It’s that all eventers share perseverance, the ability to hit up Plan B, C, or D. To ask each other ‘What’s next?’ because we all assume that we will pick ourselves up out of the dust and try the next thing. Ultimately, that we are all as stubborn as rocks. [A Study in Perseverance]

This week in Horse & Hound’s Numbers: A horse named Eeyore has scored a 10 in a BE 90 dressage test. Overall a ten. As in, went into the jumping phases with a 10. Like, really. Give us poor sods a fighting chance. (But really, congrats on that!) #goals [Eventing in Numbers]

Hunter rider Raleigh Hiler has found success despite disability. Raleigh is almost completely deaf in her left hear and has only partial use of her right, a condition that occurred during a bout with meningitis as an infant. Now she is permitted to use a headset in the arena to hear instructions given by the announcer. She and her instructor have found workarounds to allow Raleigh to succeed in the competitive world.. [Raleigh Hiler Has Turned Disability Into Strength]

Orchid, believed to be one of the world’s oldest horses, has died. Orchid is a former broodmare suspected to be 50 years old. That’s right, half a century old. Unfortunately, due to a bout of colic, she was recently euthanized. However, her last few years have been happy ones. [One of World’s Oldest Horses Dies]

Are you starting to consider weekend activities that have nothing to do with horses? Then that might be a sign the event season is coming to an end. Horse & Hound has compiled a fairly accurate list, most of which have already started occurring to me. Thankfully, no ski injuries (yet). [13 Ways You Know Event Season is Ending]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: New Ocala CIC3*. This week hosts Joe and Max track down Dan Jocelyn to talk Boekelo, Lauren Billys to explain the FEI points ranking system, and Sara Kozumplik-Murphy for a safety PSA regarding getting clearance from your doctor. Oh, and there’s a new CIC3* in town. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: If you’ve got a freshly clipped horse and a penchant for putting on blankets before it’s quite cold enough, you might have an issue with shoulder rubs. This shoulder guard will help prevent bald scapulas. [SmartPak]

Hey, let’s check out our 2014 CCI3* champion’s dressage test from last year.

 

Tuesday Videos from SpectraVET: Ian Stark Helps Halt Cancer at X

By on Oct 13, 2015 5:30 pm -

Rebecca Farm has been waiting until Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to release these videos from the first ever “Sh*t Show” at this past summer’s event, during which organizer Sarah Broussard, course designer Ian Stark and course builder Bert Wood competed in their own special division on green off-track Thoroughbreds.

Competitors and spectators alike donated to Halt Cancer at X throughout the weekend in order to both add and subtract points from Sarah, Ian and Bert’s final scores to ultimately determine the winner. You can hear announcer and good friend of EN John Kyle awarding and taking away points in the show jumping video above.

Ian made a valiant effort to take the win in show jumping — while wearing replicas of the many medals he won in his career around his neck — but it was Bert who emerged the victor. We now have video of all three phases of Ian’s performance thanks to Ride On Video. The dressage test is especially memorable, as he jumps into the ring at A!

The Sh*t Show helped gather donations for Rebecca’s Halt Cancer at X initiative, which supports breast cancer research funding in honor of the late Rebecca Broussard, who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2010. Halt Cancer at X raised $80,000 last year, and Rebecca Farm hopes to exceed that amount this year. You can donate to the cause at this link.

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.