Classic Eventing Nation

Will American Pharoah Win the Belmont? Bromont Eventers Weigh In

By on Jun 6, 2015 1:30 pm -

Everyone knows that it’s terrible idea to hang one’s hopes and dreams on a horse — especially a 3-year-old, kinda-broke thoroughbred that would rather be playing grab-tail with his buddies in a field than getting shooed around a track.

And yet our nation does it, over and over and over again. We hold our breath when a horse wins the first two legs of the Triple Crown then get our hearts raked across the rocky shoals of the Belmont. Will American Pharoah follow suit, or could he accomplish tomorrow what some believe is now an impossible feat?

Being here at Bromont, surrounded by horse people, I decided to ask around:

Eventers are, indeed, a (mostly) hopeful breed of people — and here’s hoping that hope pays off.

Now it’s your turn to weigh in. Which response in the video did you agree with?

Go racing.

Horses and Riders Come First At Copper Meadows

By on Jun 6, 2015 12:00 pm -
Welcome to Copper Meadows. Photo by Copper Meadows. Welcome to Copper Meadows. Photo by Copper Meadows.

Copper Meadows proved once again yesterday why it is a favorite of eventers of the West, despite the sometimes very long drive! Those coming from Northern California often drive approximately 10 hours to reach the event, but once there, they are treated like family.

When rider concerns arose yesterday around the show jumping footing, Taren Atkinson and her team got behind their riders and figured out a better alternative. In order to not mess the timing of all the divisions, the CIC2*, CIC3*, Advanced and Intermediate riders agreed to start their stadium rounds at 8 a.m., and keep their same cross-country time.

The stadium wam up at Copper Meadows.

The stadium wam up at Copper Meadows.

For the CIC3* riders, this means less than an hour in between stadium and cross country, where all the riders will be tackling a newly designed Hugh Lochore course.

Lauren Billys, a long time supporter of Copper Meadows, reflected on the fact that this new format will make things a little different for West Coast riders. “For us West Coasters, this is a little bit different of a test for us. But it should be fun. It requires a little more strategy, limiting the number of jumps in warm up, for example.”

Woodland Stallion Station in Woodland, CA, held the West Coast’s only one day recognized event earlier in May. On the West Coast, three days are typical, with even two days being rare. This is quite a difference from the East Coast! When Lauren was back east for a stretch, she said she watched Boyd Martin ride seven horses in a one day. That’s 21 different rides, not to mention remembering which test and which course go with each horse!

Our CIC2* leader, Amber Levine, echoed Lauren’s thoughts about the adjusted format. “It’s really just about logistics,” she said. “One of my horses has two different bridles, and (you have to) rush back to get the other horse — it’s really just the little things.”

A pair contesting their first Advanced, Sarah Braun and Perfect Intentions, also have positive things to say about the change. “It should be fun! I have never done the double jumping format from stadium to cross country, so I’m not sure what to expect, but it’ll be a good warm up going into cross country.”

This is Hugh Lochore’s first time designing in California, and the course is completely different than ever before. Amber, who came down with Chocolate Horse Farm earlier this year, is excited that she has an entirely different CIC2* course to run! “It seems to have a good flow to it but with spots for a good gallop.”

Competitors familiar with the old course knew it as a twisty, turning course with undulating terrain and Hugh has tried to level it a bit to get some gallop stretches in. You can catch Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Hugh previewing the new CIC 3* track here.

While no new complexes have been built, things have been  definitely moved around, and there are some new jumps. From the familiar keyhole now residing on an unfamiliar island, to starting and finishing at different places, the course has everyone excited. As Hugh himself said, “The course has changed so much with just the route change!” The consensus among riders is overwhelmingly positive, with quite a few looking at this as their final prep for Rebecca Farms in July.

Sunset on XC at Copper Meadows. What eventer doesn't love this view?? Photo by Copper Meadows.

Sunset on XC at Copper Meadows. What eventer doesn’t love this view?? Photo by Copper Meadows.

All of which is to say that coming to Copper Meadows is more than just coming to an event. The venue is small, but gorgeous. Horses and riders both have advocates in the event organizers and volunteers. Perhaps Lauren Billys said it best: “The one thing I love most about Coppper is that they always take the riders into consideration. When you go there, you feel like you are welcomed into their home.”

“I think there’s a piece of Taren and her family’s heart in every event. It’s more than consideration, accomodation, more than respect. You become part of a family. Kudos to Taren Atkinson and her fabulous team.”

The venue released a statement sharing the love right back. “Copper Meadows strives to be the best that we can be, and when things don’t go perfectly as planned it is wonderful to have the support of our talented, encouraging Area VI riders!”

Go Copper Meadows, go eventing, and go #copperstrong .

In the Barns on XC Morning at Bromont

By on Jun 6, 2015 10:45 am -
Overnight CCI3* leader Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High are geared up and ready to tackle the course. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Overnight CCI3* leader Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High are geared up and ready to tackle the course. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Cross-country morning has dawned early and bright here at Bromont International. It’s a beautiful day here in Quebec — the horses will appreciate the cool breeze, and everyone will enjoy the sunshine.

I love cross-country morning. There’s an almost tangible sense of anticipation in the air. As I write, the riders are all getting their game faces on in the barns or heading out on course to have a last-minute talk with a worrisome fence.

I headed over to the barn with my camera to spy on everyone’s preparations. Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes:

The CCI1* has jumped wrapped up and the CCI3* is set to kick off here in a few moments. Allez Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Watch Le Chinch Jump the Entire Bromont CCI3* Course

By on Jun 6, 2015 9:00 am -

In what may be the most bizarre EN cross-country preview since John’s infamously nauseating course run videos of yesteryear, we sent Le Chinch off to test-ride the Bromont CCI3* course.

He reported back that the course was “massive” (particularly when you’re only eight inches tall) and required a great deal of accuracy (we had to fish him out of the bushes on several occasions).

Red on right, white on left, Chinch in the middle. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Red on right, white on left, Chinch in the middle. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Indeed, if your horse has a corner problem, you’re not going to make it very far on Derek di Grazia’s big, technical course. There’s plenty to do out there and horses and riders will have their hands full from startbox to finish flags.

The track is very similar to last year’s with a few shake-ups here and there. Like last year, several riders have mentioned the coffin at #7 and #8ABC as a potential sticking point. A log to a ditch to two angled skinnies, the question will reward horses — and chinchillas — who look for their flags.

#7, #8ABC

#7, #8ABC

The course is challenging enough, but heaped on top of that is distance and terrain. Optimum time is 10 minutes on the mark and with Bromont’s rolling hills, even the fittest horses will start feeling the burn along the way. Today’s field is peppered with new-to-the-level horses and riders who haven’t had the experience of being at the eight- or nine-minute marker of a 3* course, and success will come to those who are both mentally and physically prepared to fight all the way to the finish.

Some rain late Friday left the turf just spongy enough. As usual it’s a bit boggy in places, and especially heading uphill riders may find that they need to take their foot off the gas pedal and let their horses feel their way up.

Take it away, Le Chinch!

 

Best of luck to all competitors. Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Bromont Belmont Birthday Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Jun 6, 2015 12:01 am -
Suzy Elliott, owner of Aspen Farms in Yelm, WA, was out hacking their cross-country course when she and her horse spotted some visitors at the Training level ditch! Photo from Suzy Elliott's Facebook Page. We were alerted to the cutness by Chesna Klimek Suzy Elliott, owner of Aspen Farms in Yelm, WA, was out hacking their cross-country course when she and her horse spotted some visitors at the Training level ditch! Photo from Suzy Elliott's Facebook Page. We were alerted to the cutness by Chesna Klimek

The last year of my life has been pretty peculiar and at times rough, so I am especially appreciative of the way the universe has chosen to align itself today, my 35th birthday. Up north we have Bromont with many of my favorite faces tackling the cross country course. At Belmont Park, we may see American Pharoah earn a place in history as the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.

On the West Coast, I will wake up in a very different place from where I was 365 days ago. I will check scores from Bromont while I wait in the drive-thru lane at Starbucks for my coffee. I will pop over to the Hunter/Jumper show where my local tack-shop’s mobile trailer is spending the weekend, in order to treat myself to a new pair of tall boots.

Then, I will find my way home — not my house, not the place I sleep at night — but home. To the barn, with my friends and my horse. The sun will warm my skin in the morning light and I will reconnect with the inner peace I have been missing lately. Happy Birthday to me.

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter,Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

GMHA June H.T. [Website] [Live Scoress]

Gennessee Valley Driving & Riding Club Spring  H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Plantation Field H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times][Live Scores]

The Middleburg H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

River Glen June H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Roebke’s Run CCI/CIC & H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times][Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park Summer H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times][Live Scores]

Copper Meadows CIC & H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Arrowhead H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Derbyshire Farms H.T.  [Website]

Sunday Links:

Swedish Riding Club members eat at a horse meat restaurant and people are very upset

Do horses even know that they are racing?

Bob Baffert rides his favorite horse to relax before Belmont

Every lash of the whip adds urgency for it’s critics

Cross country with Jim Wofford: Horses for courses

Three horses capable of a Triple Crown upset

Saturday Video: Buy me a giant horse video game for my birthday and I will be your best friend forever.

Barb Crabo, Amber Levine Lead FEI Divisions After Dressage at Copper Meadows

By on Jun 5, 2015 7:11 pm -
Barb Crabo and Eveready at Galway Downs. Photo by Jenni Autry. Barb Crabo and Eveready at Galway Downs. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Welcome back to Ramona, California, where Area VI is wrapping up their spring FEI season at Copper Meadows. It’s Friday out west, which means it’s a beautiful day for dressage! The atmosphere at Copper is warm and very eventing family friendly, which is a great combination for young horses, seasoned veterans, move ups, confidence builders and just plain fun. Copper is running everything from the CIC 3* to Intro this weekend, which means there’s something for everyone! But now, on to the dressage.

 Barb Crabo and Eveready Lead CIC3*

Barb Crabo and Eveready were predicted to win this weekend by our numbers expert, Maggie Deatrick, and once again she is proving the numbers matter! With a lovely test breaking the 50 mark with a score of 47.7, Barb and Ready have room to make mistakes and still take home the win. That isn’t in their game plan though, and you can expect them to finish strong.

A big welcome back to the West Coast to Avery Klunick! She’s been competing out east, coming in second at Chattahoochee Hills last month in their CI 3* and winning the Open Intermediate division at Texas Rose. This 15-year-old gelding has been out only three times this spring but has placed in the top 10 each time. Avery and Winston are certainly making the most of their Rebecca Farm prep with a strong outing on the flat, scoring 54.8 to sit in second.

Andrea Baxter and her mare, Indy 500, are always strong competitors in the three-star divisions out west, and today proved nothing else. Remember that this mare loves to jump, and we might see them end on their dressage score of 60.7, which currently has them in third place. They are certainly capable of moving up the leaderboard.

Jolie Wenworth is riding Maddy Mazzola’s Mojito this weekend. Mojito can be a tough horse in the sandbox and has had trouble coping with the atmosphere at shows this year. Unfortunately, it looks as if Mojito had difficulty settling today as well.

CIC 3 star scores dressage

Heather Morris and Team Express's Charlie Tango. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Heather Morris and Team Express’s Charlie Tango. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Amber Levine and Guiness St. James Lead CIC2*

Amber Levine had a great day in the CIC2* sandbox with two excellent rides. Amber is currently sitting in first on 48.6 with Valorie Mackey and her own Guiness St. James. The 10-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse is contesting his first two-star and doesn’t seem to be bothered by the change in difficulty — at least in dressage! They were the only pair to break the 50 threshold in the division.

Jolie Wentworth and Kate Miller’s Gordon Biersch stepped up to their second attempt at the two-star level in fine style, bettering their best dressage score by 1.9 points to score 50.0. The charming chestnut Thoroughbred has had a spotty record this spring, but at 10 years old, he’s primed to step out and make a statement.

In third on a score of 52.2 are Lauren Billys and Marseille, the lovely 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood Lauren recently acquired. Lauren competed at Woodside in May to win the Open Preliminary division, and it looks like this will be an exciting pair to watch in the future.

Amber Levine and her own Carry On sit fourth on 53.0 in the tight top rankings. The bay Dutch Warmblood is only 8 and is improving with every outing. Amber has produced this horse from the Novice level, starting their partnership together in 2012.

Rounding out our top five are Heather Morris and Charlie Tango on a score of 53.6. We’ve gotten used to seeing these two at the top of the standings, and Chuck’s careful jumping is sure to put pressure on the pairs sitting ahead. The 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding and Heather won their most recent outing at the CIC2* at Twin Rivers in April.

CIC 2 star scores dressage

Gina Economou and Calidore. Photo by McCool Photography.

Gina Economou and Calidore. Photo by McCool Photography.

Advanced 

Barb Crabo and her own Over Easy have been working their way back up the levels after some difficulty in 2013, but Maggie has predicted them to win. Sure enough, the Swedish Warmblood mare performed beautifully today and is leading the division on 33.8.

Ashlynn Meuchel, a member of Area VI’s 2013 Young Rider team, and Sarah Broussard’s Morning Star scored 39.3 to sit in second. Last fall the pair won Advanced at Woodside in October and recently came in sixth at Twin River’s April CCI2*— definitely a pair to watch for the future.

Erin Murphy and Athlone Travel On stepped up to the two-star level this spring and have done quite well for themselves. The skewbald gelding came from Great Britain, where Julie Tew rode him in his first FEI competition. They are a fun pair to watch — it’s always nice to see a little color at the higher levels! They’re sitting in third on 40.9.

Washington-based Kevin Baumgardner and Wembley are another pair we’d like to welcome back to the West Coast! After successfully completing the CIC2* at The Fork and the CCI2*, Jersey Fresh — where they came in 20th out of 40 — the pair have returned to Copper Meadows for their first go at Advanced, scoring 41.5 for fourth place.

Sarah Braun, 2014 USEA Groom of the Year, and her own Perfect Intentions are also contesting their first Advanced this weekend. Sarah almost lost “Candy” last year due to colic, but they’re back in the game this year thanks to a huge rallying of the West Coast eventing community, the doctors at San Luis Rey, Sarah’s indomitable spirit and Candy’s own refusual to give up. This mare has a fiery spirit and loves to jump, so it’s nice to see them perform so well in the dressage, scoring 43.7 for fifth place. I’m sure Candy’s eye was on the cross country course the entire time!

Gina Economou and Calidore, also known as Leo — a big bay gelding with a personality to match — recently won the Open Intermediate at Galway Downs. While their dressage wasn’t their best today, this horse has the scope to jump Mars, and they are well positioned to move up the leaderboard.

With a new course designer for the West Coast in Hugh Lachore, it’s possible there will be some major shake ups as we look ahead to cross country. Stay tuned for much more from Copper Meadows! Go #copperstrong.

Update! Update!: In wonderful fashion, after some concerns from the riders were voiced, Copper’s fantastic event organizers took their concerns into consideration. Currently, riders and volunteers and event staff alike are moving the show jumping ring. Subsequently, the timing of the CIC 2*, 3* and Advanced divisions will be starting stadium at 7 am Pacific, and will complete XC that afternoon.

It’s a classy act at Copper Meadows, folks – competitors, organizers, volunteers, spectators and vendors. Go eventing, go teamwork, and Go #copperstrong!

Copper Meadows Links: Website, Entry Status/Ride Times, Live Scores

Advanced scores dressade

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: Copper Meadows CIC3* Cross Country Preview

By on Jun 5, 2015 5:30 pm -

CIC 3* Coursewalk With Hugh Lochore Copper Meadows June 2015

Frankie Thieriot and Ride On Video have teamed up again this weekend to bring us some great video coverage from Copper Meadows. Frankie chatted with Hugh Lochore, the new course designer for Copper Meadows this year, about his vision for the CIC3* cross country course.

The video shows us each question on the course and includes some special commentary from others as volunteer coordinator Margie Davis, who is one of the hard working individuals who helps ensure the show runs seamlessly.

We posted our predictions for the CIC3* earlier today, and we’ll be bringing you more coverage from the West Coast all weekend. Go Copper!

Copper Meadows: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Ride On Video]

Selena O’Hanlon Is Watching the Bromont CCI3* Throne

By on Jun 5, 2015 4:47 pm -
Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Canadian Jessica Phoenix won the CCI3* here last year and now teammate Selena O’Hanlon is doing her part to ensure that the crown stays on home turf.

She and Foxwood High laid down a seamless test this morning to take the early lead and hung onto it throughout the afternoon despite challenges from second-placed Emily Beshear and third-placed Marilyn Little.

Selena and Foxwood High — 1st (46.7)

Selena comes to Quebec with her longtime partner and WEG mount “Woody” as a re-route from Rolex, where they had a less-than-happy Saturday.

“I didn’t actually come here to prove that I could do circles,” Selena says. “I came here to prove I could get him going back on the cross-country after a disappointing Rolex but it certainly is icing on the cake.”

Dressage may not have been their top priority but you couldn’t tell it from their test, which was relaxed yet expressive. “I was worried he might be tense but he just went to work,” Selena said.

Mostly, she says, she’s just eager to gallop out of the start box and give her horse a confidence building round. She’s prepared to pick up a few time penalties in favor of making sure he crosses the finish line feeling like a prince and plans to take the option at fence 20, a bending line with a big, watery ditch to an angled hedge to a corner. “Too much is riding on this and I really more than anything just want to go clear tomorrow — I don’t care about the time so much,” she says.

This is Woody’s third Bromont — they’ve done the CCI2* and CCI3* once apiece — and Selena says he’s come off the sprawling, hilly cross-country course a bit tired in the past. This time, though, she says he feels fitter than ever, so here’s hoping the pair finds the redemption they’re seeking without having to step on the brakes too much.

Bromont is the final selection trial for the Canadian Pan Am team and Woody is among the horses Selena has qualified. She’s earned her stripes already, representing her country at the 2014 World Equestrian Games and the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, and says she would love to be named to the Toronto squad.

“I love the team,” Selena explain. “I hate losing out on the team things. I just have such a good time…  It’s more than just the show, it’s the coaching you get and the lessons learned.”

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

 

Emily and Shame on the Moon — 2nd (48.4)

Emily says that Bromont has been part of the game plan since Fair Hill last fall, as preparation for her ultimate 2015 goal: Bleinheim in September. She felt that, between the toughness of the course and the challenging terrain, it would be a better prep for them than last month’s Jersey Fresh.

First things first, of course, was the dressage.  Like Selena, Emily expected the atmosphere to generate a bit of electricity in her mare and was surprised when it produced just the opposite.

“She was really relaxed and almost lazy so I didn’t quite have the test I hoped for,” Emily says, nitpicking at a few little mistakes. “I know what she’s capable of but I was thrilled with the fact that she was so quiet and relaxed in that environment. It shows we’ve come a long way.”

As for the course tomorrow, she’s impressed but looking forward to the opportunity to attack.

“There’s a lot to do,” she says. “In a sense it’s what I hoped for. It’s what I feel like she’s ready for.”

Emily says she keeps joking that it’s time to start riding Delta like a grown-up three-star horse and not the baby she has been carefully bringing up through the levels.

“There are a lot of lines where you have to be determined and accurate,” Emily says. “Delta is certainly ready for those challenges and I need to convince myself she’s not green anymore and I need to go out and ride the course the way it’s meant to be ridden.”

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter — 3rd (48.5)

Rounding out the top three is Marilyn and RF Demeter. This mare was unofficial Eventing Nation statistician Maggie Deatrick’s pick to win the whole division in her By the Numbers post earlier this week:

After a disappointing stop at the coffin early on the Rolex course, Marilyn chose to retire RF Demeter in hopes of saving her legs for another day. That day is here, and Marilyn and Demeter will be looking to pick up their first win at the CCI3* level.

An average of 49.2 for this particular test will put these two at or near the top after the first phase. Marilyn and RF Demeter finished double clear over Derek’s Rolex course in 2014, and it’s likely they will repeat that feat here.

An overall show jumping average that leans slightly towards one rail for these two won’t stop them from picking up the win. A final score in the low 50s will help this pair top the field.

Maggie’s prophecies are spot-on more often than not and, if the mare has her groove back after Rolex, a top finish here is far from out of the question. Certainly, Marilyn is on a roll, leading the CCI2* as well with RF Overdressed.

For more videos from all divisions of the Bromont CCI, visit The Horse Pester’s YouTube page.

CCI3* Photo Gallery

CCI3* Dressage Results:

3star

On the topic of Canadians and crowns, local eventer and Pan Ams hopeful Peter Barry and Long Island T have the CIC2* lead on lock.

CIC2* Top 15:

2star

Best of luck to all the competitors tomorrow. Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Schedule/Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Area II Announces 2015 NAJYRC CH-J* Squad

By on Jun 5, 2015 3:00 pm -

NAJYRC team announcements are pouring in, and talented young riders from all over the country are getting the call to step up to represent their respective areas this July at the Kentucky Horse Park. Area II announced their CH-J* team and alternates yesterday, and high hopes rest on this talented team as Area II is the defending CH-J* champion.

We took a few minutes to get to know the CH-J* team members, so without further ado here is your 2015 Area II NAJYRC CH-J* team!

Morgan Booth and Twizzel. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Morgan Booth and Twizzel. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Morgan Booth and Twizzel, Will Coleman’s former Olympic ride, are fresh off of a third place finish in the CCI* at Virginia Horse Trials. Morgan began competing Twizzel in 2014 with NAJYRC as her main goal. And this pair is on a roll. Save one pesky TE in their first event together, they have failed to finish outside of the top three in five events together.

Morgan’s been working with both Will and Katie Coleman to really get to know all of Twizzel’s buttons, and they’re primed to make a great showing in Kentucky next month. This will be her first appearance at NAJYRC.

What is your number one goal for NAJYRC this year? “I would say my number one goal is to have our best performance in Kentucky. He’s such a special horse and I would love to do well for him and for Will. Specifically, I would love to put in our best test and finish on our dressage score. I’m so excited for this experience with a great team!”

Amanda Clement and Peter Pan. Photo courtesy of Brant Gamma.

Amanda Beale Clement and Peter Pan. Photo courtesy of Brant Gamma.

Amanda Beale Clement is another NAJYRC first-timer who will be competing Susie Beale’s Peter Pan, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. This pair has many miles at the Preliminary level and most recently completed the CCI* at Ocala. In 9 starts at the Prelim or one-star level, Amanda and Peter Pan have finished outside of the top 10 just once.

What part about being a member of the Area II team are you most excited about? “I am very excited for the opportunity to be apart of the area 2 team and cannot wait to build a strong relationship with my team and my horse.”

Skyler Decker and Inoui Van Bost. Photo by Lauren Mannix.

Skyler Decker and Inoui Van Bost. Photo by Lauren Mannix.

Skyler Decker and Inoui Van Bost, her 7-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, have been together since 2014, where Skyler started her partnership with him at Novice. They’ve just stepped up to Prelim together this year and also completed the CCI* at Virginia last month. This pair has also been very competitive at the Prelim level and will certainly add even more depth to the Area II team.

While this is Skyler’s first time competing at NAJYRC, she traveled with the team to groom for Area II and Grace Fulton in 2014.

How did you find out, and what was the first thing you did? “I woke up to my email alarm and it was the team announcement. I think I probably texted my mom, Ella (Groner), and my coach, Lillian Heard.”

Ella Groner and My Security Blanket. Photo by Sam Groner.

Ella Groner and My Security Blanket. Photo by Sam Groner.

Ella Groner and Beth Mueller’s My Security Blanket were also named to the Area II team and also train with Lillian Heard. Ella began riding My Security Blanket in 2014 after the 15-year-old Thoroughbred finished a brief campaign with Lillian, and the pair hasn’t looked back.

Ella and My Security Blanket won their Junior Training division at USPC Championships and went on to place third in their Preliminary debut at Loch Moy in October of 2014. They also completed the CCI* at Virginia last month in preparation for July at the Horse Park.

What was the first thing you did when you got the team announcement? “I texted my trainer, Lillian Heard. She has helped me to become the rider I am today, and I couldn’t have done it without her.”

Camilla Grover and Remington XXV. Photo via Camilla Grover.

Camilla Grover and Remington XXV. Photo via Camilla Grover.

Yet another former four-star horse is making an appearance at NAJYRC this year: Boyd Martin’s former ride, Remington XXV. After finishing his time with Boyd, “Remi” went on to Caitlin Silliman, who was looking to gain some more mileage and experience at the upper levels. From there, Remi moved to Camilla Grover-Dodge, who will be taking the reins in the CH-J* this year.

Camilla began riding Remi in 2014 at Training level, and the number of blue ribbons they’ve earned together is impressive. They picked up four consecutive wins at the very beginning of their partnership and have also completed a hat trick of wins at the Prelim/CIC* level in 2015.

What is the first thing you’ll do when you arrive in Kentucky? “When I first get the the horse park I will probably go out and explore around to get an idea of where everything is! Unless the horses are there first, then I will definitely go check on Remi first!”

Morgan McCue and Shannondale 54. Photo by Leigh McCue.

Morgan McCue and Shannondale 54. Photo by Leigh McCue.

Morgan McCue and Shannondale 54 round out the CH-J* team for Area II. Shannondale 54 is a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse who came to Morgan in 2014 after competing with Ryan Wood and Jon Holling. Morgan also competed Shannondale 54 in some Young Event Horse divisions, in which he consistently placed at or near the top.

This is another pair that has been virtually unstoppable, collecting numerous top places at Training level before stepping up to Prelim. After moving up this past winter, Morgan and Shannondale 54 have completed three CIC* and one CCI* in their campaign to represent Area II.

What do you think the most important part of your preparation for NAJYRC has been? “Getting my horse mentally and physically prepared!”

Alternates were also named for the CH-J* team in the event one of the team members is unable to compete: Kira Statue and Castle Jordan, Sunny Greene and Flinder’s Chase, Quinn Riddle and Folk’s Hero, and Emma Stolzenthaler and Wynthrop.

Congratulations to the Area II CH-J* team! Don’t forget, we’re looking for guest bloggers from Kentucky this year, so if you are interested in contributing, please contact [email protected].

#EventerProblems, VI

By on Jun 5, 2015 1:30 pm -

Eventing Nation, I think you have a problem.

Actually, you’ve got a whole big bunch of problems. Our #EventerProblems series rages on with 20 more reader-submitted troubles that only eventers will understand.

If you missed them: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V.

When you wear a hole in the calf of your tall boots before the foot has any sign of wearing out… #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Megan Moore (@teamceoeventing) on

How my weekend horse show started. #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Christy DeMauro (@demauroeventer) on

My mare Sallie is disrespectful to my trainer Mark Combs! #eventerproblems, #EN

A photo posted by Judy Hart Lancaster (@legend7g) on

Pirate peed a big puddle and now he’s afraid to stand in it…

A photo posted by Kate Drake (@katedrakevt) on

3 boot trees- 2 boots #horsegirlproblems #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Kate Drake (@katedrakevt) on

Tie had a wardrobe malfunction… luckily he has a nice auntie who fixed it for him.

A photo posted by Kate Drake (@katedrakevt) on

“Why on earth would you make me jump this mom?” #eventerproblems #jumpallthethings #jumper #eventer #eventing

A photo posted by Jessica Childs (@jessicatamar) 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!