Classic Eventing Nation

How to Dress Like a Fabulous Boekelo Party Person

By on Oct 13, 2015 3:00 pm -
Photos by Leslie Wylie. Photos by Leslie Wylie.

Boekelo, which just wrapped up this weekend in the Netherlands, is part three-day event, part social event. There are big, swanky parties every night and cross-country day in particular is a sight to behold. This year some 60,000 people spilled out onto the sprawling course, some there to watch the horses, some just there to see and be seen.

To put the number 60,000 in context, that’s about twice the attendance of cross-country day at Rolex. It was pretty nuts. I’ve had better luck moving from stage to stage at Bonnaroo than I did moving from jump to jump at Boekelo. The best thing to do, I found, was just merge into the current and go with the flow.

The galloping lanes were lined with bars, and spectators started bellying up to them early. By mid-morning the party was in full swing, with champagne flutes sloshing and everyone cheering every time a horse went thundering past (not that you could always see them through the crowd!)

Great day at East Netherlands yearly tradition: the Military @ Boekelo!

A photo posted by tacopotze (@tacopotze) on

Which was actually sort of fine because the people-watching was pretty entertaining as well. As Leslie Threlkeld wrote in her Boekelo Instagram roundup, “One thing I noticed on the live stream this morning as the camera panned across the crowd and zoomed in on spectators — which happened as frequently as a horse galloping through the frame — is the Dutch are really quite stylish. I saw fur coats, you guys.”

Leslie speaks the truth, and I was taking style notes big-time. Here are a few fashion tips I picked up at the Boekelo trade fair, in case you want to get the “I just stopped by after the hunt breakfast on my way to afternoon lawn tennis with Will and Kate” country chic look.

First, let’s talk outerwear.

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You’re gonna need some tweed.

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Dude tweed.

Lady tweed.

Lady tweed.

Capes and caps are also having a moment.

It's like a blanket you can wear!

Snuggies do not count, sorry.

For a more contemporary look: puff jacket.

Iridescent is in.

Iridescent is in.

Fur-lined hoods are hip.

Or fur. Anything with fur.

Speaking of which, sorry PETA …

Boots with the fur.

Boots with the fur.

Gloves with the fur.

Fur-lined gloves.

Furry jackets.

Matchy-matchy fur jackets.

Fur capes.

This.

You think you can't pull off the pom-pom hat.

You think you can’t pull off the fur pom-pom hat.

But you totally can.

But you totally can.

You also need a scarf.

Hey guys, does this scarf make my neck look fat?

Hey guys, does this scarf make my neck look fat?

As for footwear, country boots or wellies. Your choice.

Sequined wellies, what?!?!?

Sequined wellies, what?!?!?

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. A few ideas:

A bicycle with a basket and a bell.

Bicycle with basket and bell. Very Dutch.

A sporty-looking pup.

A jaunty-looking dog.

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A watercolor set, classic novel or portable instrument.

A delicious pastry.

A delicious pastry (or totally random potato if you’re trying to do the Irish thing, I guess.)

Some sort of fake European accent is a plus. And don’t forget about your horse!

Newmarket is classic.

Newmarket all the things.

Well, that’s all the fashion tips I have for today. I’m going to go back to sitting in front of my computer now, eating potato chips from the bag in a threadbare 1997 Pony Club rally T-shirt and pajama pants.

At least I have great socks.

At least I have great taste in socks.

Go Eventing!

Boekelo: Website, Final Scores, Final Team Standings, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram

Eventing’s Top Young Horses Ready for Le Lion d’Angers

By on Oct 13, 2015 1:30 pm -
Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras at Millbrook 2015. Photo by Jenni Autry. Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras at Millbrook 2015. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The sport’s top 6- and 7-year-olds will take on the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships at Le Lion d’Angers in France this week, including two U.S. competitors in Kelly Prather and Debbie Adams’ D.A. Duras and Katherine Coleman and Claudia Kirchfeld-Pauly’s Monte Classico.

Kelly and D.A. Duras are making the trip thanks to the USEA’s Holekamp/Turner Young Event Horse Lion d’Angers Grant, which helps the highest scorer of the USEA Young Event Horse 5-year-old Championships to travel to Le Lion as a 7-year-old if the horse obtains the proper CCI2* qualifications.

D.A. Duras, a 7-year-old Dutch gelding imported from the Netherlands as a 4-year-old by his owner Debbie Adams, has already completed one CCI2* at Bromont in June, where he finished in eighth place. Looking to his breeding, he’s by the Dutch stallion Numero Uno and out of a Dutch mare by Quattro B.

Monte Classico is a fairly new ride for British-based U.S. rider Katherine, who just completed Boekelo CCIO3* this past weekend with Longwood (congrats!) and now heads to France for Le Lion.

Katherine acquired the ride on Monte Classico over the summer from Bettina Hoy and has since completed the CIC* at Ardingly with the 6-year-old German Sport Horse gelding, who is by the Westphalian stallion Monte Bellini and out of a Saami xx mare. Click here for a detailed looked at his breeding.

Looking to the rest of the entry list, World No. 1 Michael Jung is returning to his first FEI competition since winning the European Championships last month at Blair Castle despite riding with a broken leg. He later revealed that he broke a piece off his tibia in his fall at Burghley with fischerRocana FST, requiring surgery.

Rocana herself is a Le Lion graduate, having won the 6-year-old championships in 2011 before going on to become a World Equestrian Games team gold and individual silver medalist and adding a Rolex Kentucky win to her long list of accolades. This year Michael has two Le Lion entries we’ll be watching closely.

His 7-year-old entry is Lennox 364, a Hanoverian gelding with an eye-popping amount of Thoroughbred blood in his pedigree. He’s by the Thoroughbred stallion Sunlight xx and out of the Heraldik xx mare Heathers Pride, whose damsire is Star Regent xx. Click here to see his breeding.

Michael’s 6-year-old entry, fischerIncantas, is equally drool-worthy. A Holsteiner stallion that has two CIC* wins to his name this season, fischerIncantas is by the Thoroughbred stallion Ibisco xx and out of the Holsteiner mare Ressina, by Coriano. Click here to see the breeding.

There are a number of exciting horses entered at Le Lion, including Lucinda Fredericks’ ride Little Britannia, a 7-year-old British Sport Horse mare by the Selle Francais stallion Jaguar Mail and out of the late great Headley Brittania, the Jumbo mare that won Burghley, Badminton and Rolex during her storied career. Click here for the detailed breeding.

Click here to see the 6-year-old/CCI* entry list and here to see the 7-year-old/CCI2* list. You can also get a preview of the cross country course at this link. You’ll recognize a certain very cool owl jump that course designer Pierre Michelet also used at WEG last year (though the fence ultimately was not used after the course was modified).

We’ll be following along with all the action at Le Lion d’Angers this week, so keep it locked on EN.

Le Lion Links: Website, 6-year-old Entries, 7-year-old Entries, Course Preview

[Kelly Prather and D.A. Duras Are Le Lion Bound]

Pau CCI4* Entries Go Live, 5 North American Combinations Entered

By on Oct 13, 2015 11:00 am -
Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Fifty-nine horses and riders are entered to contest next week’s Les Etoiles de Pau CCI4* in France, with six combinations from North America appearing on the entry list.

For Canada, Rebecca Howard and Blithe Hill Farm’s Riddle Master, who had a strong 10th-place finish at Luhmühlen in June, will compete.

For the U.S., Jennie Brannigan and Tim and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda are making the trip thanks to their free overseas flight from the Dutta Corp they won at Fair Hill CCI3* last year, plus a Land Rover Competition Grant. This will be Jennie and Ping’s first overseas competition since Luhmühlen in 2013.

The other U.S. competitors are Barb Crabo and her own Eveready, Lillian Heard and her own Share Option, and Katie Ruppel and her own Houdini. Lillian will be competing across the pond for the first time since 2012, while Barb and Katie will be making their overseas debut.

It’s going to be a busy next two weeks for Jennie and Lillian, as they are both competing the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International this week before flying to France for Pau. Barb will have a quick turnaround after the competition, as she has three horses entered at Galway Downs.

Looking to the rest of the entry list, Michael Jung’s leg must be well on the mend, as he has entered both this year’s Rolex Kentucky winner fischerRocana FST and Halunke FBW for the horse’s first CCI4*. Michael, the current World #1, is also entered to compete two horses this week at Le Lion d’Angers, which falls about five weeks after breaking a piece off his tibia at Burghley.

Germany has eight total entries, including Andreas Dibowski and Butts Avedon, who were 11th at Luhmühlen this year. Last year’s Pau winner and current World #2 rider Ingrid Klimke is not entered to compete.

New Zealand has a strong contingent of experienced four-star campaigners. Tim Price will compete last year’s Luhmühlen winner Wesko, who finished second to fischerRocana FST at Rolex this year. Mark Todd has entered NZB Campino, who was fifth at Luhmühlen this year. Jonelle Price will compete Faerie Dianamo, who finished second at this year’s Luhmühlen.

The British have the largest contingent entered with 18 horse and rider combinations. Mary King’s daughter Emily will be making her four-star debut aboard Brookleigh. Current World #3 rider William Fox-Pitt, who won Pau with Seacookie TSF in 2013, is not entered to compete.

In all, riders from 12 different nations will take on Pau: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.S.

Click here to view the full entry list, and stay tuned for much more from Pau as EN brings you live coverage next week from France. Click here to visit Pau’s website.

[Pau CCI4* Entry List]

De Novo News Euthanized After Battling Pleural Pneumonia

By on Oct 13, 2015 8:27 am -
Tina Cook and De Novo News at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Photo by Jenni Autry. Tina Cook and De Novo News at the 2014 World Equestrian Games. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’re sad to report that Tina Cook’s homebred and 2014 World Equestrian Games partner De Novo News has been euthanized after a lengthy battle with pleural pneumonia, which he contracted while shipping home from Strzegom in Poland this past June.

Horse & Hound has closely followed the story since then, reporting in August that the horse was transported to Newmarket Equine Hospital due to fluid in his chest cavity and given a 10 percent chance of survival. An abscess also formed at the top of his chest cavity.

While it seemed De Novo News was slowly recovering, and Tina said last month that there were positive signs like the horse gaining weight, the infection ultimately spread to his joints. He was euthanized today.

By the Thoroughbred stallion Last News, Tina bred De Novo News and jumped clear around Burghley in 2002 while his dam, the Selle Francais mare Douce De Longvaut, was in foal with him.

Partly owned by Jim Chromiak, the 15-year-old gelding finished 15th individually at WEG last year and helped the British team win a silver medal. He was also ninth at Burghley in 2013 and completed Badminton twice.

The EN team sends our deepest condolences to Tina, Jim and all of the horse’s connections. For more details on the story, follow the Horse & Hound links below.

[De Novo News put down after complications from shipping fever]

[‘Positive signs’ for four-star eventer in equine hospital]

[British world silver medal-winning event horse fights for his life]

Tuesday News and Notes from Cavalor

By on Oct 13, 2015 12:33 am -
Beth Sokohl on Buckharo and Kate Chadderton on Collection Pass out for an afternoon hack. Beth Sokohl on Buckharo and Kate Chadderton on Collection Pass out for an afternoon hack.

Just about two years ago, Beth Sokohl (owner of Buckahro) had a serious fall on course at a local horse trials that has kept her from getting back in the saddle. Over the past few weeks, Beth has made the decision to give it another go. With close guidance from Kate Chadderton, Beth has joined Kate for weekly hacks, taking her very own Bucky out for jaunts around Sunset Hill at McCuan Farms.

The smiles and laughter coming from these two can be seen and heard all over the farm that bring even more beauty to this amazing place. It is great to see an owner that has supported a rider be able to enjoy her horse once again. Beth will be taking it easy and staying away from the show grounds, never the less kudos to her for getting back up on her horse. Cheers to you Beth.

Events Opening Today:  Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. (GA, A-3)

Events Closing this Week:  Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (FL, A-3),  Galway Downs International Event & H.T. (CA, A-6),  Pine Hill Fall H.T.(TX, A-5),  The Virginia CCI1*, CIC2* and H.T. (VA, A-2),  Full Gallop Farm Fall H.T. (SC, A-3)

Tuesday News and Notes:

Full Gallop Ahead: It is no secret that many events on the east coast have had to make alternate plans or cancel shows all together because of the horrid rain. Lara Anderson of Full Gallop Farm is encouraging riders to continue to enter without fear of losing their entry. Lara says “We have never had to cancel since we started running back in 2001. We may reorganize, move times around, etc, but we would do everything in our power to run.” So if the eventing gods can’t stop the rain, Full Gallop will find a way. [Lara’s Facebook Page]

Classic 3-Day Becomes Tradition: 12 years and running, Waredaca’s Classic Novice/Training 3-day is fast approaching. This year Irish Olympian Eric Smiley will be the lead clinician assisting competitors through the entire event. If you volunteer at this event you are welcome to join all seminars, course walks, and talks during the 4 days of competition. The classic 3-day will take place October 22-25 and volunteers are greatly needed. [Waredaca Novice/Training 3-Day]

Massive Renovation to NY Fairgrounds Equestrian Facility: The equestrian facilities at NY’s state fairgrounds are anticipating a $9,000,000 upgrade by 2017. Renovating the Toyota Coliseum, adding three new horse rings, and upgrading the existing stalls is the plan for these funds.  The hope is that this update will make the facilities in Syracuse a destination for many equestrian disciplines in the near future. [New York State Fairgrounds to make $9 Million Renovation to Equestrian Facilities]

W.T. Waggoner Estate Ranch For Sale: If you have a spare $725 million, then you could be the next owner of this iconic ranch. Spanning a measly 510,527 acres, the W.T. Waggoner Estate Rance has been owned by the same famly since 1849 and is said to be bigger than New York City and Las Angeles combined. The sheer size of this property is unfathomable that also includes rivers, lakes and a substantial oil operation. If you are interested in making an offer time is running out, so check your couch and cars for loose change, because you will need it. [Iconic Texas Ranch Carries $725 Millon Price Tag]

1st Time Horse Buyers Mistakes: Buying a horse for the first time is a daunting task that needs to be thought about long an hard. Knowing if you are ready to own a horse, where to look, where not to look, and what type of horse is appropriate for you are all things to know before you begin the search. Here are 6 mistakes that you should know about before you start the buying process. [6 Horse Shopping Mistakes]

Tuesday Video Break:

The water complex is normally the place to be to watch horses on cross country. Check out this montage of the intermediate and preliminary divisions at the water complex for Greenwood Farm’s Fall Horse Trials.

 

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Another Great Boekelo Highlight Reel

By on Oct 12, 2015 5:00 pm -

The videographers were out in full force this weekend at Boekelo, and for those of us who were unable to be there in person (ahem, Wylie, yes we’re jealous), it’s like Christmas morning now that the finished products are popping up! We posted a video reel from Arnd Bronkhorst yesterday, and now we have some cross country highlights from YouTube user Fieke van Teeffelen. Enjoy, and don’t forget to catch up on EN’s coverage by clicking here.

Ben Hobday Continues to Fight Cancer with Thousands of Supporters Behind Him

By on Oct 12, 2015 3:00 pm -
Ben Hobday and Baroque Du Vi leap into the first water on the Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3* cross country — yehboi! Photo by Samantha Clark. Ben Hobday and Baroque Du Vi leap into the first water on the Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3* cross country — yehboi! Photo by Samantha Clark.

Eventer Ben Hobday was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma in June of this year and has spent the last few months tenaciously fighting the diagnosis with the support of his myriad of fans and colleagues in the eventing community.

Last chemo done of the treatment- Scan in 6 weeks – now home to rest and build an immune system!! Huge thank you to the…

Posted by Ben Hobday on Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Ben has since undergone chemotherapy treatments, with the last treatment done on September 30. He’s due to have a new scan in a couple of weeks, 6 weeks after his last chemo. Ben has also had a huge outpouring of support from his friends and followers, and he’s become a big advocate for cancer research through fundraising efforts.

Photo via Ben Hobday on Facebook.

Photo via Ben Hobday on Facebook.

The #kickingcancersbutt hashtag has thousands of tweets supporting Ben’s journey associated with it, sparking global conversations about his story and those of so many others. True to form, Ben has kept his positive outlook throughout this entire process, always looking forward to the day when he can return to the saddle.

We continue to wish Ben the best of luck with his journey — we miss watching him kick around a big cross country course every weekend! Kick on Ben, the entire eventing community is behind you.

Fair Hill Draw Order Posted: Sinead Halpin, Boyd Martin Kick Off Action

By on Oct 12, 2015 1:00 pm -
Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow. Photo by Jenni Autry. Boyd Martin and Welcome Shadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

A total of 82 horses in the CCI2* and 65 in the CCI3* will start the competition this week at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International. The draw order for competitors has been posted, and it’ll be Sinead Halpin (CCI2*, Grey Area) and Boyd Martin (CCI3*, Welcome Shadow) who will be the first we’ll see in the dressage rings on Thursday.

Entries for the CCI2* are quite a bit lower than the 2014 numbers, where five combinations were still wait listed on draw order day. Entries are slightly up from 2014’s 60 for the CCI3*. We’ll also see some talented young horses as the East Coast Young Event Horse Championships will be held this weekend.

We’ll see 17 horses in the 4-year-old YEH division and 37 in the 5-year-old division — plenty of exciting up and coming talent to remember for the future! Jessica Brumfield and Landmark’s Mocachino will be the first to go in the 4-year-old class and Alyssa Peterson and Ready Or Not will be the first of the 5-year-olds.

Action kicks off this week on Wednesday with the First Horse Inspection for the CCI divisions. We’ll then move on to two days of dressage on Thursday and Friday as well as the Young Event Horse Championships, which will be held over two days.

Jenni and I will both be on site for Fair Hill, so stay tuned for much more from Maryland!

Dutta Corp Fair Hill International: [Website] [Entries] [Draw Order] [Schedule]

Cowboys Try Eventing, Insanity Ensues

By on Oct 12, 2015 11:00 am -

Skyline Eventing Park held an Extreme Horseman’s Challenge in late September as a fundraiser for its new recognized horse trials in Mount Pleasant, Utah, giving local riders and eventers a sneak peek of not only the park, but the insanity of the sport.

While many obstacles were outside the confines of eventing, such as a tire pull and getting your horse through a “car wash” scenario, the course also included some of the most intimidating elements of a cross country course, including banks and water obstacles.

The car wash obstacle. Photo courtesy of Contoy Arena

The car wash obstacle. EN recommends always wearing a helmet while mounted. Photo courtesy of Contoy Arena.

Organizers included the banks in and out of the water for the challenge, which were used on the Training level course at this past weekend’s recognized horse trials (which we heard was a huge success!). Amusingly, it seemed that only the eventers were intimidated by this.

“The problem is, I know too much,” said competitor and eventer Carrie Matteson. “In this case, ignorance is bliss!”

Ultimately, the slight intimidation factor of jumping up a level or two for one day did not stop Carrie from hailing a cab like a pro.

Photo by Lorraine Jackson.

Carrie Matteson hails a cab into the Training water complex. Photo by Lorraine Jackson.

And the cowboys weren’t afraid to test the trend out themselves, though not every pair had the same luck, and many opted to enter the water from a less tricky spot after a few attempts.

"HELL NO!" Photo by Lorraine Jackson.

“HELL NO!”

Then, there were a few pairs that just surprised the chaps off of everybody, such as the sequence from this little cow-cuttin’-quarter-horse-turned-tight-kneed jumper.

Photo by Lorraine Jackson.

EN recommends always wearing a helmet while mounted. Photo by Lorraine Jackson.

With an equal number of eventing questions and trail obstacles, the trophy buckle was anyone’s game, and there were some lightning fast rounds by all types of horsemen at the top. But local Preliminary eventer and equine veterinarian Summer Peterson claimed the top prize.

The Challenge Winner, Summer Peterson. Photo courtesy of Contoy Arena

The Challenge winner, Summer Peterson. Photo courtesy of Contoy Arena.

“This event turned out to be a RIOT!!! Both Western & English riders loved it,” organizers announced on their Facebook page.  “Everybody is requesting more Challenge races so we will do several a year.”

Cowboys will definitely be seeking revenge at the next event, and they may just even the score. And in the meantime, the American West may have gained some new eventing fans and respect in the process.

Go Eventing.

The original version of this post appeared on Horse Nation. Click here to see more photos from the Extreme Horseman’s Challenge. EN recommends always wearing a helmet while mounted.

Pine Top Farm Adds CIC3* to 2016 Winter Calendar

By on Oct 12, 2015 9:00 am -
Photo courtesy of Pine Top Farm. Photo courtesy of Pine Top Farm.

Pine Top Farm in Thomson, Georgia has been approved to add a CIC3* division to its February 25-28, 2016 Advanced/CIC2*/CIC* event. Pine Top will now be the site of the first three-star of the new year in North America and will provide an additional Olympic qualifier for Rio hopefuls.

Pine Top organizers Glenn and Janet Wilson told EN that they had not initially planned to host a three-star at their popular February Advanced horse trials, but it was requested that they do so right before the FEI application deadline, so they worked hard to get the details in order.

“We immediately called Area III chair Jane Barron, who then polled the other area organizers for approval, and we called our course designer Derek di Grazia, whose response was ‘no problem,'” the Wilsons stated in a press release.

While riders have until June 19, 2016 to obtain the minimum eligibility requirements to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the cutoff date for individual qualification based on FEI rider rankings is March 6, 2016. The addition of this new CIC3* could assist countries such as Mexico and Ecuador, which did not receive direct qualification as a team, as it gives them an additional chance to achieve points before the deadline.

“We are pleased to add this three-star division, and we are thankful that Derek is on our team. This will be his second year as our designer, and this is a big vote of confidence for us and our dedicated volunteers. We are looking forward to upping our game yet again.”

[Aiken 2016 Winter Eventing Calendar Now Includes a CIC3* at Pine Top]