You know we love a good mustang makeover, and we also love to follow along when Elisa Wallace has a new one in her program. She’s taking us along for the ride with her latest addition, Dior, whom she is prepping for the 2024 Mustang Magic Trainer Competition. Dior is a mustang mare from the Sheepshead Heath Creek HMA in Oregon.
Follow along with the first few vlogs below, and be sure to follow Elisa on YouTube for more!
Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.
I cannot believe that we are already midway through October! This fall has been a whirlwind for me; I had the opportunity this month to put my 4-year-old homebred (Still Stanley) in training with Team USA rider and 5* eventer Jan Byyny and the process has already exceeded my high expectations. Jan has really been pushing me to ride my horse better than I knew I could from day one.
This month’s exercise is based on a move she has me do in the saddle, which really activates my core, obliques, and pelvic floor. It started on the lunge line, but what it really helps with is riding into the corners.
The sensation is hard to describe but I will do my best! When you are on a green horse every movement you make in the saddle is exaggerated, because they are still learning how to carry the weight of the rider on their back.
Jan really wanted me to focus on turning my saddle toward the center of the ring each stride. This requires you to pull your belly button into your spine and shift your weight so that your inside hip is further back than your outside hip.
Each stride at the trot while posting your outside hip is leading a little bit in front of your inside hip. In the canter, you are almost doing a microscopic crunch to sit down and around with the inside seat bone. This is something that you can easily practice at the walk though. Every step the horse takes you think that you are trying to turn the saddle toward the center of the ring.
The exercise I do off the horse that comes the closest to helping me feel this sensation in my body is called a Supine Twist.
Here’s how to try it yourself. Doing this consistently as a part of your exercise or warm-up routine will help build that muscle memory and the finite strength needed to execute core movements in the saddle, which in turn will lead to a better ability to ride into and through your corners.
Want to get in even better saddle shape? Contact Laura Crump Anderson and Hidden Heights Fitness to get started on a customized program today!
Alex Hua Tian, photographed by Y T Lim for the FEI.
This article has been updated at 11.15 a.m. EST, October 10th, with clarification on the effects of altrenogest on male horses.
China will no longer be heading to next year’s Paris Olympics, and instead, Japan will take a team spot, following breaking news of a retroactive disqualification for China’s leading rider, multi-Olympian Alex Hua Tian, and his mount Chicko from the Millstreet Group F & G Olympic Qualifier event held in July.
The thirteen-year-old gelding Chicko tested positive in a routine drug test for the controlled medication altrenogest, better known under its UK trade name, Regumate, which is used as an oestrus suppressant for mares, which helps to regulate cyclicity throughout the phases of the reproductive season. An independent investigation conducted after the fact concluded that the horse’s ingestion of the medication was inadvertent.
Nevertheless, the positive test disqualifies Alex and the gelding from the competition, which drops China to fourth place and, as such, removes their qualification for next year’s Olympic Games. They will not have a further opportunity to qualify as a team; the two remaining team tickets will be awarded at this month’s Pan American Games, and are exclusively available to countries from North, Central, and South America.
Japan, who finished third in the qualifier on a score of 125.7, have now been awarded the team qualification instead.
Alex has responded to the news with a detailed statement, reprinted in full below:
“On the 10th of July 2023, I was notified of a positive test on my horse, Chicko, during the Groups F/G Special Olympic Team Qualifier at Millstreet for the controlled medication* (not banned substance) altrenogest, prescribed and sold in the UK as Regumate. As a passionate supporter of clean sport, with a pristine record at international level for 18 years and knowing how careful we are as a team with any risk of contamination, I was in total shock. With the support of Richard Davison, Schelstraete Equine Law, JunZeJun Law and Penny Ecroyd we put together a team of specialist vets, equine scientists and toxicologists to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this adverse analytical finding.
The investigation has found conclusively that the trace amount of altrenogest detected, inadvertently entered Chicko through urine contaminated hay that he had accessed and consumed from the next door stable at this competition.
The following background is of particular significance:
As altrenogest is a controlled substance*, not banned, I have not been subject to a provisional suspension which has meant that I have been permitted to continue competing whilst this matter was still ongoing. Due to my previous clean record, the FEI have offered me their “Administrative Procedure”, which I have accepted. This includes a fine but no ban or further sanction.
However, the core principles of the FEI, clean sport and the level playing field which I not only accept but support wholeheartedly is that a horse that is found to have a controlled medication in its system during competition is a rule violation and as a result is automatically disqualified from that competition, regardless of how that substance entered the horse. The disqualification of my result means that our team result at Millstreet drops from 2nd to 4th, in turn resulting in China losing our team qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
I am in total disbelief.
Despite the findings of the investigation, as a rider, I take full responsibility for the consequences. This matter has far reaching impact on my teammates, supporters of the sport and the National Chinese Equestrian Eventing Team. I sincerely apologise to the country, the Chinese Equestrian Association, my teammates Bao Yingfeng, Sun Huadong, Liang Ruiji, our horse owners, partners, our equestrian community and supporters. I intend to continue flying the flag for Chinese equestrianism on the international stage, uphold the principles of clean sport and the Olympic movement whilst taking every possible measure to ensure that issues related to doping and controlled substances for both humans & horses do not occur.”
Altrenogest, or Regumate, is a synthetic progesterone, which effectively works to inhibit oestrogen receptors, with varying degrees of success in its intended use in mares, for whom it can delay the ‘heat’ cycle. Its use in stallions and geldings is unclear; though there is some amount of oestrogen that’s produced alongside testosterone in stallions, there hasn’t been any significant research on its effect on male horses, and anecdotal evidence is inconclusive.
In 2011, the FEI categorised altrenogest as a controlled, but not banned, substance, explaining that “Altrenogest and MPA have the possibility to be misused as a calmative, especially if used on stallions and geldings, affecting performance and therefore contrary to FEI rules on clean sport.”
The Administrative Procedure system is explained as follows by the FEI:
“If a horse’s sample is positive for a Controlled Medication Substance that was not taken at the Olympic Games or FEI World Equestrian Games™, and it is the first violation for both the Person Responsible and the horse, the Person Responsible will be offered the opportunity to take advantage of the Administrative Procedure (sometimes referred to as “Fast Track”). This means that they may accept to pay a fine of CHF 1,500 and costs of CHF 1,000 (the costs may be increased to CHF 2,000 if a B Sample analysis is requested) and, at the same time, waive their right to a Final Hearing before the FEI Tribunal. Both the Person Responsible and the horse will be disqualified from the entire Event at which the sample was taken, which includes forfeiting any prize money or medals, but no ineligibility period (i.e. suspension) is imposed. The Administrative Procedure is offered as a benefit for first-time minor offences. The Person Responsible has no obligation to accept it and may always insist that his case be heard by the FEI Tribunal. If the Person Responsible does not choose the Administrative Procedure, the matter will be referred to the FEI Tribunal, which will apply the sanctions provided for in the EADCMR (this means that the Person Responsible may be suspended and/or fined).”
Photo by Matt Nuttall.
No one in Alexa Gartenberg’s family rides horses, but from a young age she told her parents that she wanted to have horses and ride. She first tried riding at an overnight summer camp, and soon after, she started regular riding lessons. Growing up just outside of Philadelphia, Alexa began eventing with Susie Beale when she was based at Radnor Hunt Stables.
“I didn’t even know it was called eventing, I thought it was called field-riding!” Alexa explains. Her lack of knowledge about the sport did not deter her from trying it. Alexa started eventing at the beginner novice level on her first horse, who had been a lesson horse. It wasn’t exactly a fortuitous start: “I am pretty sure I got 45s on the flat and got eliminated at several of my first events,” Alexa said. Soon enough, however, she was getting the hang of the sport.
In 2016, Alexa moved to Matt and Cecily Brown’s barn to continue her eventing education. They were based at Boyd Martin’s facility, Windurra USA, at the time. The program required serious commitment from Alexa, not least because the barn was located over an hour from where she lived. “I would get out of school at 3 pm, change out of my uniform at red lights in the car on the way to the barn, and then ride before going home and starting homework,” Alexa explained.
Alexa, now 24, graduated from high school in 2018. She only applied to one college: the University of Delaware, and she did so because it was closest to the barn. She was admitted to the honors program and lived at school, studying business. She graduated in 2021, and then took the real estate exam to receive her real estate license.
“I wanted to work in real estate because you can make your own hours,” Alexa remarked, noting that horses require a flexible schedule, especially for FEI competitions. She had created a plan to be able to ride and work, and she had a couple of lovely horses at the upper levels, including the late Louis M, who took her to her first Advanced.
Alexa Gartenberg and Louis M. Photo by Abby Powell.
Then, in 2022, she went out to dinner with her parents and they made a suggestion that would change her life: that she should move to England to ride. Alexa was excited by the prospect of basing in the busiest and most competitive eventing country in the world. She asked Matt Brown, who had now been her coach for nearly six years, what he thought about the idea. He was very supportive, and suggested that she work with Australian 5* rider Kevin McNab.
Kevin, it turned out, had also hosted and trained fellow American riders Jacob and Cornelia Fletcher, as well as Avery Klunick. Cornelia connected Alexa with Kevin, and a quick phone call later, and the plan was hatched: with the support of her parents, Alexa could move to England with her two horses and train with Kevin for the 2023 eventing season.
“My single goal was to get better,” Alexa said simply. “Everyone was asking me which events I wanted to do, and what specific things I wanted to accomplish, and it was just more of an overall goal to improve and become a better rider.” This approach required some humility and a willingness to really work on the basics.
With her two horses, Frame Shamrock and Cooley Kildare, both of whom she had competed at the 3* level, Alexa started back at the Novice (U.S. equivalent is Preliminary) level at the beginning of the year. While a lot of people go overseas with a particular goal in mind, like a big three-day event, Alexa’s approach was more about putting the building blocks in place to educate herself and her horses for the long run. And it is starting to pay off: she has notched several consistent top 3*S finishes in the past couple of months, and now her focus is turning toward getting back to the Advanced and 4* level.
Photo courtesy of Alexa Gartenberg.
So what is Alexa’s day-to-day like that has allowed her to get better? One of the secrets has been that she watches a lot of horses getting worked in Kevin’s yard, and she sets rails for jump schools. “I’m like the rail girl,” she laughs, noting that every time someone heads to the arena at home to jump, she leaps at the chance to set fences and watch.
Alexa has also had opportunities to ride horses other than her own, and she has two jumping lessons per week with Kevin to hone her skills there. Finally, Alexa remarked that even just being at competitions is a learning opportunity. “You look to your left and there is Tim Price, and you look to your right and there’s Ros Canter,” she notes (both recent World #1 riders themselves). “It’s just very cool to be around people you read about and admire,” she explains.
Alexa’s time abroad hasn’t come without its unexpected learning curves, however. Every place does things differently, and Alexa tells a funny story about her first event in England, where she made a somewhat embarrassing mistake: “In England, at the national competitions you have to wear a back number for dressage. At my first event, I walked a very long way to the dressage from the parking, and I did not have a back number. Luckily, my American accent saved me, and they let me do my dressage test without one!”. Lesson learned, and Alexa now makes sure to have her back number on for dressage at national events.
Reflecting on her experience in England, Alexa says that everyone is in some ways more laid-back than eventers are in America. She has a type-A personality, which has sometimes worked against her in the past. “In 2022, I was singularly focused on getting to Fair Hill 3L, but I wasn’t having the season I wanted,” she explains. The wheels started to fall off a bit, and Alexa was so driven by that one goal that not getting to Fair Hill was a real blow.
Photo courtesy of Alexa Gartenberg.
Now, in contrast, she feels that mentally she can take the events one by one and be flexible with her plans. She has gotten exposure to some of the biggest events in England and across Europe, including in Ireland and France. Each time she shows up to compete, she is simply trying to get better. It might be a lesson for all of us—to focus less on the results and more on the incremental improvement, because then we might find that the results just fall into place.
When asked about her future plans, Alexa admits that “I was supposed to stay for only one year, but my visa is good for two years, so I’ve decided to stay for an additional year.” While she misses home and seeing familiar faces at shows, the opportunities in England are too great to pass up. Eventing in England is also much more competitive: the divisions easily have 100 people in them, compared to the 20-50 entries that we usually get in the states in each division. “I like the competition —- I think it makes me strive to be better,” Alexa muses.
As for her future plans, she is still taking things one weekend at a time, but hopes to move both of her horses up to the Advanced level next year after getting to their 3*L goals this year. In the meantime, she will just focus on getting better.
Well, file this under “things I never thought I’d need to see on social media”, but here we are. Once more, Boyd Martin’s social team has one-upped us all with this AI-generated “what Boyd would be doing if he weren’t an Olympic eventer” series. I honestly don’t think any further context is necessary, so I’ll let you form your own opinions on this one. (Can’t see the embedded post above? Might be for the best, but if you really want to, you can see the post on Instagram here.)
Events Closing Today
Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA), Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event & H.T. (MD)
Tuesday News & Reading
Coming soon to your daily News & Notes: classifieds! We’re opening up a small section of each day’s News & Notes to feature some paid classified offerings, including featured horses from Sport Horse Nation, jobs in the industry, farms for rent or sale, and more! We’re now accepting placements for as low as $10 — please email [email protected] if you have something you’d like to list! Please note: we are not currently accepting ads for used or new tack.
Meet me in St. Louis! Literally. The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention will take place during the first week/weekend in December in St. Louis, MO — incidentally, my hometown! I’m looking forward to the chance to visit, even though the best time of year in the good old STL (baseball season) is over, and I hope to see you there! Register for Convention here.
Do you have a seasonal grooming routine? It might be a good thing to put into your horse wellness rotation, and these tips from #supergroom Cat Hill are sure to help.
We always hear much talk about transitions and how instrumental they are to every phase of riding. But transitions themselves are often missing key elements to make them truly useful. Check out the six elements of every transition that should be checked off during your practice.
With Olympic qualification on the line for the show jumpers, the U.S. has announced an A team heading to the Pan American Games at the end of this month. Laura Kraut will be the most senior member of Team USA across all sports, and the jumping team also boasts fellow multi-Olympian Mclain Ward to chase the title and the all-important Paris berth.
Listen of the Day: Get amped for all things Maryland 5 Star with the USEA preview podcast!
Sponsor Corner:
Low in calories, high in nutrients, Micro-Phase from Kentucky Performance Products is scientifically formulated for the easy keeper in your barn. Everyone has one: a horse or pony that seems to live on air alone; one that eats mostly hay (and not very good hay at that), is restricted from grazing, and gets little to no grain. Micro-Phase offers the perfect solution by providing the vitamins and trace minerals necessary to support good health in a tasty, low-calorie pellet.
Managing a horse with metabolic syndrome can be particularly challenging. You can trust Micro-Phase to provide the nutrients your horse needs without the starch and sugar that cause insulin spikes. Micro-Phase contains a safe level of protein, plus natural vitamins and chelated minerals that are readily digestible.
Micro-Phase is also excellent for horses that need extra nutrition on top of their regular concentrate meal, like lactating mares, hard-working performance horses, and seniors.
Video Break:
We are HERE FOR these early Halloween costume reveals!
Ah, the early aughts of our dear sport … these were the years I personally had had been bitten by the eventing bug so I always recall watching and reading about the top horses and riders of this era with great nostalgia. Whenever I come across a highlight video from this area it’s always a real treat!
Established in 1997, the Red Hills International Horse Trials is one such event that now lives on in the memories of eventing fanatics alongside the local community. Since the event’s inception, the organizers of the event worked alongside the City of Tallahassee to make Red Hills weekend a date that was circled annually on the calendars of competitors and residents of Tallahassee and neighboring communities alike. Red Hill ran it’s last event in 2022 before the re-shuffling of the USEF eventing calendar for 2023-2027 which saw them lose their long-standing CCI4*-S division.
While we may not have Red Hills on the calendar anymore, at lease we can get a few peeks into the past thanks to YouTube. Join local Tallahassee TV-personality Anna Johnson-Reidel and the late great and beloved Roger Haller as they host this TV segment, originally aired on Comcast Sports Southeast, on the 2005 Red Hills International CIC***.
Another weekend of Eventing in the books! With five USEA events running this weekend, there are plenty of successful rides to celebrate.
Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Gracie Ortman and Simon Says, who scored an impressive 18.1 in the Open Starter A division at Woodside!
Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (Millis, MA) [Scores]
Training: Emily Smith and Addaboy (34.9)
Novice A: Genevieve Clark and Ardeo Red Rover (30.3)
Novice B: Paige Montague and Doograne Master (24.7)
Novice C: Ava Applebaum and FE City Boy (23.6)
Beginner Novice A: Leila Coady and Devon Fantasie (38.4)
Beginner Novice B: Charlene Paolini and Cedrick (28.8)
Beginner Novice C: Judith Rossi and PDF Double Down (22.5)
Starter: Claire Fitzgibbons and Ruby Tuesday (31.7)
Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. (Nashville, TN) [Scores]
Training: Jeanne Wallace and Qualifier (27.9)
Novice A: Eleanor McClain and Calla Lily (28.1)
Novice B: Rosemary Milek and OAKFIELDS ENNIS (32.8)
Beginner Novice A: Arthur Saakian and Remmington Bay (25.9)
Beginner Novice B: Jan Reynolds and Wild Rose (30.0)
Starter A: Paige Markel and Tinkerbelle (26.7)
Starter B: Margo Kaestner and Play the Ebony Keys (30.3)
The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD) [Scores]
5* CT Test A: Monica Spencer and Artist (33.0)
4* CT Test A: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me (40.5)
4* CT Test B: Elisabeth Halliday and Shanroe Cooley (35.5)
3* CT Test B: Danielle Poulsen and Snow Leopard (51.0)
2022 FEI CCI Three Star Dressage Test A: Savannah Fulton and Cash Point (34.1)
2* CT Test B: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Trinity ThankQ (33.1)
PSG: David Ziegler and Saladine STC (32.7)
Open Intermediate: Stella Sunstein and Quality Collusion (48.2)
PAG Mandatory Outing: Sharon White and Claus 63 (41.9)
Open Preliminary: Rylie Nelson and Galloway Sunrise (32.2)
Preliminary – Championships: Carlin Keefe and Point Nemo (26.6)
Modified – Championships: Hannah Hawkins and DHI Kickodieza (25.0)
Open Modified: Kerra Johnson and Fly High Quality (27.3)
Junior Training – Championships: Sophia Stolley and BWE Stopping Waves (25.7)
Open Training: Francesca Broggini and Cooley High Flyer (30.6)
Training – Championships: Linden Wiesman and Fifth Ace (31.7)
Training Rider: Charlotte Adcock and Coco Rosso (36.3)
Junior Novice – Championships: Izzy Lenk and Kiltubrid Harley (24.7)
Novice – Championships: Martin Douzant and Johnny Walker (20.0)
Novice Rider: Kara Googins and Silver Bop (24.7)
Open Novice A: Moriah Orms and Shanaclough Quality Clover (28.6)
Open Novice B: Mackenzie Parks and Tiny Tina (30.8)
Beginner Novice – Championships: Kendall Doran and Virago (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Kristin Douglas and Mainely Brews (27.9)
Junior Beginner Novice – Championships: Olivia Hicok and Huckleberry (22.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Kerra Johnson and Gideon’s Noble Gesture (27.7)
WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. (Mooresboro, NC) [Scores]
Intermediate A: Lucienne Bellissimo and Easter Star (36.4)
Intermediate B: Sara Beth Anton and Legionnaire (34.7)
Preliminary: Maggie Hitron and Mawhinney (39.3)
Training: Zoe Crawford and Trending (29.4)
Training CT: Maggie Hitron and This Is Gonna Be Fun (73.3)
Novice A: Martha Lambert and Pappillon Van Het Hellehof (31.1)
Novice B: Rachel Parrott and Mr. Barron (29.7)
Beginner Novice A: Lauren Hedrick and California Dreamin’ (30.6)
Beginner Novice B: Kimberly Keeton and Contendro’s Prinz (26.4)
Beginner Novice CT: Brittney Burgett and Heroe CDF (39.7)
Introductory: Maeve Denton and JJH Gallatin (39.3)
Introductory CT: Georgia Arnall and Half Pint (35.9)
Starter A: Sutton Smith and Betty cakes (31.3)
Starter B: Margret Stiles and Amano (30.3)
Starter CT: Harley Austin Bailey and Declan Finn Sparrow (32.0)
Woodside Fall International (Woodside, CA) [Scores]
CCI4*-S: Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF (47.6)
CCI3*-S: Helen Alliston and Flinterro Z (38.9)
CCI2*-S: Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP (30.9)
CCI1*-S: Josh Barnacle and Skyrise (33.4)
Open Intermediate: Elsa Warble and FE Unlimited (29.8)
Open Preliminary: Rebecca Braitling and Freedom Hill (23.3)
Open Training: Amber Birtcil and New Gaillard AJK (28.3)
Sr. Training Rider: Teresa Harcourt and Csongor (22.6)
Jr. Training Rider: Rylin Clarke and Furrari (30.0)
Training Amateur: Simone van Ommeren and Global Barouma (24.4)
Open Novice: Alexis Helffrich and Casanova (24.7)
Sr. Novice Rider: Seika Streets and Counterpoint (26.4)
Jr. Novice Rider: Shannon Frost and Sly Desert Cat (29.7)
Novice Amateur: Amber Ryan and Starlightpistol (26.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Katy Purmort and Elitermo (19.1)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Katie Casini and Nouveau Défi (28.8)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Katie Komnenich and Gabriel (23.4)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Zoe Barker and Kontessa M (22.2)
Open Starter A: Gracie Ortman and Simon Says (18.1)
Open Starter B: Suzanne Harvey and Killian’s Irish Pearl (27.3)
Tommy Greengard said he was “a little excited, a little nervous” before competing in both his and his horse Joshuay MBF’s first four-star at the Twin Rivers Fall International in September. They finished third, and that experience set them up for what would then be their first four-star victory as one of the West’s top up-and-coming eventing pairs two weeks later in the Woodside Fall International.
Also highlighting the event that saw the return of international competition to The Horse Park at Woodside in California for the first time since 2021 was the three-star win by Helen Alliston and Flinterro Z on the same weekend that her husband, James, and Karma were the top finishers for United States at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Netherlands CCIO4*-NC-L at Military Boekelo in Enschede, Netherlands.
Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP won their first international event together in the two-star, and Josh Barnacle and Skyrise captured the inaugural one-star held at Woodside.
There was a festive atmosphere that complemented Woodside’s hosting its first FEI event in two years with a reception on Thursday honoring the gold medal by Tracy Bowman and Jolie Wentworth at the 2023 FEI Para Driving World Championships, a happy hour hosted by Laughing Monk Brewery during the FEI show jumping rounds on Friday, and a high-energy awards ceremony for the FEI levels during the competitors’ dinner on Saturday.
Greengard, 24, can now add a victory in the CCI4*-S at the 2023 Woodside Fall International to his list of accomplishments that also includes wins in the 2022 USEA Young Event Horse 5-Year-Old West Coast Championships and in the 2022 Intermediate Championship at the American Eventing Championships, as well as two FEI victories at the two-star level.
Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF. Tina Fitch Photography
At Woodside, he and Joshuay MBF (Foreign Affair x Fernacchy MBF) led after dressage with a score of 26.8 and jumped clear in show jumping and on cross-country, just adding time penalties for their finishing score of 47.6.
“The whole thing was a highlight,” Greengard said at Saturday’s awards ceremony. “It was our second four-star. He did a really good dressage test, and he jumped super last night. So, I was just trying not to get in his way today. We’ve joked since he was a young horse just to try to stay out of his way and let him win, so it was nice to be able to that today.”
Greengard said that he would next point the 9-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding to the CCI4*-L at The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs in Temecula, California, on November 1-5 and that their goal next year could include the CCI4*-S at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.
A trip to the East next year could also be in the cards for Helen Alliston after she and Flinterro Z (Figaro B x Sara’s Muse), an 8-year-old bay Zangersheide gelding, won their second three-star event this year in the CCI3*-S at the Woodside Fall International. They led after a dressage score of 28.5, dropped to second after one rail in show jumping, and went back into the lead with the level’s second-fastest cross-country round that added 6.4 time penalties to finish with a score of 38.9.
“I’ve just been really trying to give him as diverse an education as I can,” Helen said. “I know I show mostly in California, but Derek [di Grazia] now designs at Woodside. So, I actually skipped Twin a couple weeks ago to focus on this show because Derek’s courses are definitely different than everyone else’s, and they’re quite difficult. With all horses, especially Flinterro, he needs to see a lot of different styles of cross-country and see a lot of different questions before he moves up to Advanced. When I walked the course, I was pretty wide-eyed. It looked really difficult, and he just flew around. I was very, very excited about it.”
Helen Alliston and Flinterro Z. Tina Fitch Photography.
It was a big weekend for Alliston Equestrian with both Helen’s three-star win, as well as a third place finish with Call Me Rudi (Clooney x Genia) in the two-star, and James’ 14th-place finish aboard Karma (Escudo II x Travita) as the top American pair at Boekelo. The United States finished fourth as a nation. Helen said it was the first time in 12 years that they’ve shown apart.
“We do everything together,” Helen said. “I think I was more nervous than he was, probably. I don’t know if that’s because he’s a guy or has more experience than me or what,” she added, laughing.
They did keep in touch and follow each other’s rounds during odd hours with the time difference.
“It was pretty cool for both of us to have good weekends,” Helen said.
The CCI2*-S represented the first FEI win for Elwenda DP (Westpoint x Wenderola), and for her rider, Goodman, it was her first FEI win “at least in the last 20 years,” she said. (Goodman’s USEA record goes back to 1995.) They led after each phase and added just 2.4 time penalties on cross-country to their dressage score of 28.5 for a finishing score of 30.9.
“She moved up to this level at this event last year,” Gooman said. “So, in a year, I think she has been consummate and honest. She can be a spooky horse and has developed confidence in being able to be a little bit quicker and not be as worried and spooky.”
For that reason, Goodman said she has kept a busy schedule with Elwenda DP. Woodside was their 11th event in six different states in 2023 at either the two-star or Preliminary levels.
“Just trying to give her as much as exposure as possible,” Goodman said. “She started later at life at this and just trying to give her the confidence and exposure that’s been part of her everyday routine since she did not start doing this until later.”
Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP. Tina Fitch Photography.
The 13-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood mare was originally imported by owner Deanna Briggs from the Netherlands as a dressage horse in 2017 and started competing in eventing with Goodman in 2021.
“Everything I ask her she seems to take pretty in stride, so we’re willing to let her do whatever she wants to do,” Goodman said.
The 2023 Woodside Fall International represented the first time that The Horse Park at Woodside has run a CCI1*-S. Barnacle and Skyrise (Silic x Aunt Polly) won with a score of 33.4 after posting the fastest one-star cross-country round on Saturday.
“They’re quick and a little bit lighter than some of the warmbloods, a little bit quicker on their feet,” Barnacle said about eventing with Thoroughbreds like Skyrise. “I took the wrong path in the woods, and that probably cost me a few seconds, actually.”
The 10-year-old bay California-bred Thoroughbred gelding had a three-race career in 2017 for the late owner-trainer William Delia in Northern California. Several of Delia’s former horses are now in successful eventing careers.
“My farrier sent me a picture,” Skyrise’s current owner, Summer Gloeckner, said. “I had been looking for a new Off-the-Track Thoroughbred at Golden Gate Fields. My farrier friend said I should come look at this guy. His farrier friend was shoeing him [on the track]. I went out, and it was love at first sight.”
Gloeckner competed Skyrise in three events in 2023. With Gloeckner recovering from an injury, Barnacle was back aboard for the first time since 2022 when he had taken Skyrise up to the two-star level.
The addition of a one-star marked another area of growth for the team at The Horse Park at Woodside.
Josh Barnacle and Skyrise. Tina Fitch Photography.
“Hosting our first FEI one-star that is building on the Modified courses earlier this year, it feels like a great example of what is happening here at Woodside,” said Horse Park Executive Director Steve Roon. “The Horse Park is so appreciative of two incredibly talented and dedicated teams—Bert Wood with the cross country crew and Christina Gray with the show management. Every show continues to build on our foundation of success.”
The 2023 eventing calendar for FEI events in the USEA’s Area VI will conclude with the The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs on November 1-5. That event will coincide with the USEF CCI2*-L and USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championships and the USEF Eventing Young Rider National Championships, presented by USEA.
Among the young riders from Area VI that had strong results at the Woodside Fall International were Greengard in first and Sophia Click in third and fifth in the CCI4*-S. Click rode Quidproquo (Quidado x Waleila) and Tarantino 54 (Quattro B x Los Argentina) to those placings, respectively. Also, Julia Beauchamp Crandon was third in the CCI3*-S with Playing the Game (Hillviewfarm Trnvelyan x Oughterard Beauty). Fiona Holland was second in the CCI1*-S with Joshua Tree (Acore x Gijit). Elsa Warble and Molly Duda were first and second, respectively, at the Intermediate level with FE Unlimited (Uriko x Viona III) and Disco Traveler (Donatelli x Cadence).
“It’s great to see the international levels return to Woodside,” said USEA Area VI Chair Andrea Pfeiffer. “The October date is an important one to maintain. It gives horses on the West Coast a last chance to qualify for the international divisions at Galway in November. This venue is making it so that the West Coast can do the prep necessary to get to a North American five-star or a European debut. The talent on the West Coast is growing, the future is very bright, just like the sun here.”
Paolo Torlonia and ESI Bethany Bay during the Cross Country test at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup - Ermelo (Netherlands). Copyright Photo: FEI/ Libby Law Photography
Italy’s persistence in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series proved worthwhile as they picked up the golden ticket for the Paris Olympics next year. Having competed at every one of the eight events in this popular competition, Olympic qualification was their primary focus and they made use of a large pool of talent to get them to this satisfying destination.
When Spain failed to enter here, Italy came to Boekelo knowing they had it in the bag, but it was still important to riders to prove to selectors that they were worthy contenders of an Olympic place. They finished third in the Nations Cup Series behind Belgium and France who were already qualified.
ITA-Umberto Riva rides Falconn Sunheup Z during the Showjumping. 2023 NED-Military Boekelo CCIO4* | FEI Nations Cup Eventing – Netherlands. Sunday 8 October 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Umberto Riva was the highest placed Italian athlete at Boekelo. After storming around the cross-country clear inside the time on Flaconn Sunheup Z, he wound up in 27th place out of 112 competitors. “It’s a dream for our country to be able to present ourselves in Paris and we are very happy because it was our goal for the season and we achieved it. Knowing that we came had the qualification in the pocket was good of course but we wanted to do good, so there is always pressure in a competition. We are very happy to have lots of Italian riders to compete in the Nations Cup and that’s also why we achieved this result”, Riva said.
Riva was full of praise for the Series and the event here at Military Boekelo, which he felt was a great preparation for the Olympics, “I hope to go to Paris. I think my horse is a great fit for Paris. The atmosphere here was the reason we decided to come to Boekelo, it’s a great competition, great organisation and in the arena, you really feel the atmosphere and it’s a great exercise for big competitions like Olympics.”
ITA-Giovanni Ugolotti rides Billy Hennessy during the 1st Day of Dressage. 2023 NED-Military Boekelo CCIO4* | FEI Nations Cup Eventing – Netherlands. Thursday 5 October 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Giovanni Ugolotti is a stalwart of the Italian team and a likely contender for the Italian team heading to Paris. He summed up what this result meant to his nation: “It’s amazing. It took a lot of pressure off us this weekend and for once we could enjoy the competition. It’s great for the country, to be qualified for the Olympics now we need to try to have the best possible horses to go there and try to do the best we can”.
We used the Nations Cup competition because it was very important to try to do as many as we could. We actually have a very large group of riders in Italy, and we just mix a little the riders, using younger and more experienced riders in the team. We did the Europeans (Championships) but obviously not good enough to qualify and so it was great to qualify here.”
Like many riders at Boekelo, Ugolotti used the event to qualify his individual horses for the Olympics to give him plenty of options. “After this weekend I have five horses qualified and that’s a very good position to be in.”
Ugolotti also views Boekelo as a great acclimatisation for the Olympics. “It’s an event I have come to for many years and it’s a good one to train the horses to get used to crowds and people and become hopefully championship horses in the future. We are expecting crowds probably even more than this in Paris. I am expecting the course to be strung quite tight because I know they don’t have a lot of room there and I am expecting people to be all over the place, so this will be good practice.”
Boekelo was the eighth and final fixture in the popular Eventing Nations Cup Series, which saw 16 nations compete for the prestigious title over eight fixtures. Italy join France, Germany, the USA, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Australia and China as the nations heading to Paris next year.
There will be one final chance for Olympic team qualification later this month for some nations including Brazil and Argentina. This will be at the Pan American Games 2023 in Santiago, Chile which takes place from 26-29 October.
The deadline for this winter’s Ever So Sweet Scholarship from Strides for Equality Equestrians is coming up quick! Designed to offer opportunity and open doors for underrepresented riders, the Ever So Sweet Scholarship offers the chance to train with Sara Kozumplik for several months, all expenses paid. Sweet deal, right? You can view the scholarship application and send in yours by October 15 here.
U.S. Weekend Results
Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (Millis, MA) [Scores]
Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. (Nashville, TN) [Scores]
The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD) [Scores]
WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. (Mooresboro, NC) [Scores]
Woodside Fall International (Woodside, CA) [Scores]
Major International Events
Military Boekelo CCIO4* Scores | Live Stream Replays | EN’s Coverage
Monday News & Reading
The USEA has sadly reported a horse fatality at Apple Knoll Horse Trials in Massachusetts. Ready to Rumble, a 5-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, was competing in the Training division with owner and rider Rachel Stankaitis and died after impact with a fence on cross country. Rachel was taken to a regional hospital for further care. Our thoughts are with Rachel and her connections, and we’re wishing her a successful recovery.
You could win a tailgating pass for cross country day at the Maryland 5 Star. CrossCountryApp has teamed up with the MARS Maryland 5 Star presented by Brown Advisory for a giveaway that could give you and some friends the full tailgating experience on the biggest day of the week. You can enter on Instagram here or on Facebook here.
It’s Thoroughbred Makeover week! We love a chance to celebrate Thoroughbreds, and each year hundreds of them compete for coveted titles at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover. Catch up with the latest blog from Chronicle of the Horse and race rider turned venter and Thoroughbred re-trainer Rosie Napravnik here.
Winter is coming, though hopefully yours doesn’t involve creepy blue-eyed white walkers. Winter can be tough in some areas of the world though, so finding ways to winterize your farm are important. Grab some tips for winter-proofing here.
Monday Video Break
Rewatch the double clear show jumping effort that earned James Alliston the top placing of the U.S. riders with the #supermare Karma:
