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EN TRENDS:

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed Literally Spring into Bromont CCI2* Lead

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 4, 2015 6:59 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Like seriously, I think the horse has springs on its feet.

RF Overdressed is a fresh-off-the-boat German-bred Hannoverian, the sort of floaty-boat warmblood that puts you in a trance when it enters the ring.

Video courtesy of The Horse Pesterer:

Can’t get enough of that sexy trot? I offer this GIF from a video The Horse Pesterer posted of their CIC2* test at Pine Top Advanced earlier this year:

Marilyn concurs: “That’s a good way of putting it — he has a real spring in his step.” She and co-owners Jacqueline Mars and Robin Parsky imported the horse in December and recalls that, after David O’Connor first sat on him, he warned against leaving him to be her last ride of the day.

“He’s just very, very bouncy,” Marilyn says. “It is like riding a trampoline. The good news is he has a wonderful cadence, so if you’re feeling spry you just wrap your legs around him and go for a ride. But if you’re not, you feel like a rag doll.”

Marilyn originally thought the horse might be a prospect for the Pan Am Games but soon backed off from that plan, focusing instead on laying a sound foundation for the long-term. “He’s only 8 our our partnership is still quite new,” she explains.

They’ve done well for themselves at the 1* level this spring, most recently besting a field of some 70 entries at the Ocala CCI1*. They’ll be looking for their first 2* completion this weekend and are off to a hopeful start, laying down a 40.9 that puts them nearly five points ahead of 2nd placed Mikki Kuchta and Rubens D’Ysieux.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Mikki kindly stopped by the media center to tell us about her ride today. Rubens D’Ysieux is a 10-year-old Selle Francais, imported about four years ago by a client for whom he ended up being just a little too much horse.

“She had me start riding him and we just got along great,” she says, noting that he used to have a tendency toward being nervous and tense but has since settled into the sport: “He loves all three phases — he’s been a pleasure to train and ride.”

Indeed, their test today was fluid and relaxed, and Mikki says he gave her the ride she knew he was capable of. “This was everything we’ve been working on,” she says. “This is test we knew we had in him and it was great to get it today and he has more coming. He’s so expressive and talented and strong, and he’s just going to get fancier and fancier. So this is not his best test for the future but his best test for today.”

Video courtesy of The Horse Pesterer:

Mikki guided Rubens around his first Advanced earlier this year and has confidence in his ability to make short work of Saturday’s track. “The course looks good,” she says. “I just have to do my job. He’ll jump through the flags if I can show them to him.”

Since we’re in a GIFing mood, and we don’t want anyone to feel left out, here’s another Horse Pesterer clip of the pair jumping through the Advanced water at Pine Top:

Rounding out the CCI2* top three is Sharon White and her striking dark dappled grey Cooley On Show.

It was her second ride of the day, having taken the morning lead on Clifford M, who is now tied for 5th. The two horses have been nipping at one another’s heels all spring, trading places on the scoreboard from event to event, and both are in a position to be very competitive this weekend.

Sharon White and Cooley on Show. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Video courtesy of The Horse Pesterer:

Whether you’re Team Cooley…

Credit: RNS Video

…or Team Clifford…

Credit: RNS Video

…there’s no question that Sharon’s weekend is off to an exciting start.

CIC2* Top 15:

CCI1* Top 15:

Team Eventing Nation will be back bright and early Friday morning, bringing you live dressage reports from the CCI3* and CIC2* divisions. The first tests kick off at 10:30 a.m. with Ryan Wood leading off in the 3* and Arden Wildasin in the 2*.

One last GIF for the road…

Alléz Concours Complet!

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

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by Absorbine

By Leslie Threlkeld on Jun 4, 2015 4:30 pm -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld

With the welcome sunshine of summer comes the inevitable hardening of the ground as moisture evaporates and dirt packs down. Firm ground is tricky business for events and eventers. Horse trials organizers spend countless dollars and hours to provide the best footing conditions with aerators, aggravators, irrigation systems (have you seen Chattahoochee Hills’ water cannon?) and wishes for rain.

Only so much can be done to improve dry ground, however, and sometimes competitors withdraw rather than run their horses on noticeably firm going. Hard ground can increase the amount of force on a horse’s joints and soft tissues, which can lead to pain and inflammation in the joints and tendons.

If your horse has run on hard ground, there are ways you can make him comfortable and help prevent problems from developing. Make sure he is properly shod (possibly with shock absorbing pads) and take great care after cross country to cool his joints and soothe his feet. Read more about how to manage horses on hard ground through prevention, identification and treatment.

Laminitis Knowledge: We know the tell-tale sign – a horse leaning back, trying take the weight off of its painful front feet. Laminitis is a complex and tricky disease with potentially debilitating or fatal affects, and every horse and pony is susceptible to it. Here are 10 things you need to know about laminitis. [Horse and Country]

Dental Care: Think your horse has perfect teeth and doesn’t require a dentist? It’s unlikely. In a recent study, only 3% of horses were found to have no dental abnormalities. Over 50% of horses had sharp enamel points and more than 40% had hooks. While older horses are more prone to dental abnormalities, prevention with regular dental exams and records from a young age is advised. [Horsetalk]

Critically Ill Foals: Every breeder hopes for an uneventful birth and a healthy, thriving foal soon standing alongside its proud dam. Unfortunately 3 to 7% of foals have a significant health issue in the first month of life and need intensive care to recover. And there is so much that can go wrong. [The Horse]

Fiber for Hydration: Water is your horse’s most important nutrient. A British equine nutritionist suggests that a high-fiber diet may increase water-holding capacity and therefore help a horse maintain hydration for longer. [Horsetalk]

Jessica Phoenix Cleared to Return to Riding

By Sally Spickard on Jun 4, 2015 3:00 pm -

Jessica Phoenix is all smiles back in the saddle. Photo via the Phoenix Equestrian Team on Facebook.

We’re thrilled to report that Jessica Phoenix has officially made her return to the saddle after suffering a heavy fall at Jersey Fresh last month. We’re also fairly sure that she needs to have a new jersey made with #SUPERWOMAN emblazoned on the back, because we can’t think of any nickname more fitting.

Jessica had a check-in with her doctor this morning, and she was thrilled to let us know that she has “officially been cleared to go back to full equestrian activities with no restrictions.” While she’s no doubt ecstatic to be back in the saddle, we’re sure she is already planning the competition schedule for the rest of the year. She also wishes to thank everyone for their continued love and support throughout her recovery.

Jessica broke three ribs and her sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine, in a fall on cross country at Jersey Fresh. She also sustained damage to her liver, which was repaired in surgery.

Jessie informed us that she plans to make her return to competition at Dreamcrest later this month. We’ll be sure to bring you more updates on Jessie’s comeback to competition as they become available. In the meantime, please join us in breathing a collective sigh of relief and congratulating Jessie on her recovery.

#teamjessica

[Jessica Phoenix Released from Hospital]

[Jessica Phoenix Transported Back to Canada]

[Jessica Phoenix Moved Out of ICU]

[Jessica Phoenix Injury Update After Fall at Jersey Fresh]

Ryan Wood, Sharon White Split Lead at Bromont CCI2* Lunch Break

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 4, 2015 1:34 pm -

Thursday morning’s first two CCI2* riders out, Ryan Wood and Sharon White, threw down the gauntlet, now sharing the lead at the lunch break on twin scores of 46.3.

Ryan’s ride, his first of four, is Woodstock Bennett. We warned the world about him in our Bromont intro post yesterday as being one to not turn your back on — this pair finished 3rd in the CCI1* here last year and just keeps looking sharper and sharper.

Video courtesy of The Horse Pesterer:

The Irish Sport Horse gelding got his ticket to the U.S. as a 4-year-old when Ryan showed an iPhone video clip of him to Bennett’s now-owners, Curran and Margie Simpson. “I sent it to him and (Curran) said, ‘Looks good enough, let’s bring him over.” Their leap of faith has since paid off, as the horse has already accumulated a mountain of blue ribbons in the years since — most recently they earned a win at MCTA H.T. in May.

Ryan’s second 2* ride of the day is Woodstock Wallaby, who’ll be giving Bennett a run for his money after finishing a single point ahead of him at Bromont last year. The two horses have been neck-and-neck coming coming up through the levels and it’s anyone’s guess as to who will come out ahead this year.

Sharon White and Clifford Z. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sharon White and Clifford M. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sharon White laid down a lovely test on Clifford M, who is fresh off a fourth place finish in the CIC2* at Jersey Fresh last month. The 9-year-old German-bred Holsteiner gelding is a new ride for Sharon — they struck it off nicely with a prelim win in February at Rocking Horse III and followed it up with a spring full of solid finishes at the CIC1* and 2* levels.

I’m not familiar with this horse but look forward to getting to know him much better this weekend. Could he be Sharon’s next superstar? He looks the part in the dressage ring, and if he has the jumping springs to match, they’ll be real contenders this weekend and for the future.

Sharon has a second 2* ride on the books for this afternoon as well in Cooley On Show, a striking dark dappled grey who was nipping at Clifford M’s heels at Jersey Fresh and finished in sixth.

: Sinead Halpin and Grey Area. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Kelli Temple and Matilda. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Joe Meyer and Clip Clop. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Kate Chadderton and Buckharo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Allison Springer and Athlone Anto. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Sharon White and Clifford Z. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Meanwhile in the CCI1*, there’s a Grand Canyon sized gap between Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST, who leads on a 38.4, and second-placed Becky Holder on Telperion (50.3). Michell Koppin and No Stranger to the Rain round out the top three on a 51.

Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont Links: Website, Entry List, Timetable, Live Scores

Catching up with Jenny Caras, CCI3* Wunderkind

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 4, 2015 1:00 pm -

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude at the Bromont CCI3* jog. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

At 19 years old Jenny Caras isn’t old enough to order a margarita, yet she’s just old enough to pilot a 1,000+ pound animal over the sort of jumps that make even the most seasoned eventers crave a stiff drink.

Bromont, her debut at the CCI3* level, will be her biggest track yet. She and her horse, the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Fernhill Fortitude, have shared a lot of firsts together and have taken them all in stride, and we’re looking forward to watching them check off another box on the list this weekend.

Jenny imported “Forty” from Carol Gee’s yard in Ireland in 2012 and they’ve steadily made their way up the levels together. She describes him as a cross-country machine — they have had nary a cross-country jump penalty at an FEI event — and says they’ve made some big strides in dressage and show jumping since she began riding for Phillip Dutton in December. Their most recent result was a 6th place finish in the CIC3* at Jersey Fresh last month.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude in the Richland CIC2*. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude in the Richland CIC2* in August 21014. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

In addition to being a tactful and intuitive young rider, Jenny possesses a poise out of the saddle that belies her age. She says that consistently being the youngest rider in the division doesn’t bother her and that many of the top riders she used to be a bit intimidated by have over the years become mentors and friends. Her biggest challenge, she says, is keeping her perfectionist tendencies in check and having patience with herself.

“I want to make it all happen but it’s good to take a step back and remember that it all will come,” she says. “It will all work out.”

We caught up with Jenny and Forty in the barn yesterday to see how they were feeling on the eve of their first CCI3*. Sounds like all systems are go — best of luck this weekend, Jenny!

Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont Links: Website, Entry List, Timetable, Live Scores

5 Questions For the Win: Colleen Loach

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 4, 2015 12:00 pm -

Colleen Loach and Freespirit at the Bromont CCI3* jog. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

EN karma is real and while we’re always happy to give it away, sometimes it’s fun to make riders work for it as well.

Each day here at Bromont we’re doling out a big scoop of blue-ribbon vibes to a deserving CCI3* rider … but there’s a catch. They have to answer five random questions on one of our favorite subjects — winning — on camera, on the spot. There are no right answers, but it does take a fair amount of bravery to play “ask anything” with the Internet’s most no-holds-barred eventing website. Fortune favors the bold!

Our first contestant: Colleen Loach.

Colleen is competing in the CCI3* this weekend with her 9-year-old Hanoverian/Thoroughbred mare Freespirit. This pair is Canadian through and through: Colleen hails from here in Quebec and has known the Canadian-bred “June” since she was a foal.

Theirs is a special story, as Colleen backed June and brought her up through the levels under the watchful eye of Peter Barry, and it’s neat to see them now contesting one of the most prestigious events in North America together — especially because it’s on home turf.

With a fourth place finish in the Bromont CCI2* last year and a fourth in the Jersey Fresh CIC3* last month, the pair is ready for a crack at this weekend’s big cross-country track. And while they sometimes wrestle with a bit of tenseness in the sand box, Bromont is no dressage show: last year’s top three CCI3* finishers were in 8th, 13th and 10 after the first phase, respectively.

Colleen is qualified for the Pan Ams on two horses, Freespirit and the less experienced but exciting 2* horse Qorry Blue D’Argouges, so we’re sure she’ll have the selectors’ full attention this weekend. All the better reason to send some karma her way — best of luck, Colleen!

Bonus karma for the spontaneous horse rolling party that takes place mid-interview.

Keep it locked on Eventing Nation for comprehensive (and occasionally bordering on ridiculous) coverage of Bromont throughout the week. Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont Links: Website, Entry List, Timetable, Live Scores

William Fox-Pitt Reclaims Number One Spot, Boyd Martin Third in FEI World Rankings

By Sally Spickard on Jun 4, 2015 10:30 am -

William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning at Badminton. Photo by Nico Morgan.

The latest FEI World Rankings were released this morning, and William Fox-Pitt has reclaimed his spot at the top over Michael Jung, who enjoyed a short time at the top thanks to his big Rolex finish. You can’t hold William down, though, as he quickly regrouped and casually won Badminton just a couple of weeks later.

Michael Jung will now sit in second place (until his next four-star win, that is), just 15 points behind William. At this point, the lead could easily swap between the two so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top when the next list is released.

In other exciting news, Boyd Martin has climbed one spot to the number three in the world. Boyd is fresh off of a 7th place finish at Rolex aboard Master Frisky and a third in the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh with Pancho Villa. He’ll also be representing the U.S. at the Pan American Games in Toronto next month aboard Pancho Villa.

Two other Americans are present in the top 20: Phillip Dutton (11th) and Buck Davidson (15th). Colleen Rutledge (37th), Matt Brown (39th), Erin Sylvester (41st), and Marilyn Little (47th) also represent the U.S. within the top 50.

We must give a shout-out to Matt Brown, who made some big moves this time around, jumping from 51st to 39th thanks to a 5th and a 10th place finish in the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh aboard Happenstance and BCF Belicoso, respectively. Congratulations, Matt!

[Eventing — FEI World Athlete Rankings]

By the Numbers: Bromont CCI3*

By Maggie Deatrick on Jun 4, 2015 9:00 am -

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at The Fork. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Bromont is the culmination of the spring season for the East Coast, and while there will be a few events throughout the summer, the Advanced and 3* events will no longer be running every week or two like they do in the spring and fall.

While the new Great Meadows CIC3* and Rebecca CCI3* will keep things rolling more than they have in the past, the focus will fully turn to the Pan American games after this event.

Many of the horses who come here can no longer be considered green, as they now have a full season at this level under their belt. Others are coming off a re-route from Rolex, having ended their weekend early there.

Regardless of the experience level, Bromont remains a testing track, designed by Derek di Grazia as a solid test for those who eventually look to move up the level to four-star.

For the CCI3*, the dressage test will be 2015 FEI 3*-B. The cross country course designer is Derek di Grazia and the show jumping course designer is Marc Donovan.

TOP FIVE

1. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter: 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.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2. Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo: Who wants to bet against Lauren Kieffer these days? Not me, that’s for sure. Although Landmark’s Monte Carlo is one of the greener horses in the field, Lauren lately seems to excel at bringing home ribbons with horses at their first CCI3*.

This horse hasn’t performed this test yet, but averages a 49.6 overall, which should put him right in the top three. A fairly quick average of only 6.8 time penalties across the country will help him as he tackles his first Derek di Grazia course. Another horse who thus far has an average of one rail per course, he will nevertheless help Lauren secure yet another red with a score just over 60.

3. Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF: Matt recently revealed that he would be remaining East indefinitely, and we welcome him and his trio of Advanced horses with open arms. After Super Socks laid down a disappointing flat score at Jersey Fresh, Matt decided to save him for a shot at Bromont.

Super Socks BCF has performed this test once at Fair Hill in April, laying down an extremely respectable 46.7 to lead from wire to wire. This pair averages 9.2 time penalties when attempting Derek’s courses, which will drop them from the lead.

However, even a tendency towards one rail and a time penalty in the show jumping won’t keep Matt out of third. These two will finished with a score less than half a point behind Lauren, rounding out the top three.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Jenni Autry.

4. Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High: Another re-route from Rolex, Selena has brought her WEG partner here to the final selection trials for the Canadian Pan Am team. Solid on the flat, this horse tends to make up ground in the jumping phases, and will be a solid contender for Canada this weekend.

Foxwood High scored a 54.2 on this particular test at The Fork, which is better than his typical performance. A tendency to run quick over Derek’s courses, racking up only 3.2 time penalties, will help these two move up after the second phase.

Even a likelihood of one rail and one time shouldn’t prevent these two from solidifying a place inside the top five, with a score in the low 60s.

5. Marilyn Little and RF Quarterman: RF Quarterman is another who is quite green at the level, with only runs in the CIC3* at both Red Hills and Carolina under his belt. Those runs were quite solid though, and I expect this young horse will step up to the plate again this weekend.

RF Quarterman performed this test at Carolina, scoring a 55.7, although he is certainly capable of dropping that score considerably. He hasn’t yet tackled a Derek di Grazia course, but in his two runs, he averaged 9.2 time penalties.

Most importantly, he hasn’t yet had a rail at this level, and Marilyn should be able to pilot him into a top five placing this weekend, with a score in the mid-60s.

Zach Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE DARK HORSE

Zach Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail: Zach is making lemonade out of lemons after just missing out on a final qualifying run he needed to head to Rolex at The Fork. Instead he re-routed to Chattahoochee Hills in the Advanced, and will now look to make a big splash this weekend in his second CCI3*.

Zach and Cavallino Cocktail excelled at this test when they performed it at The Fork, their score of 51.1 besting their typical average by nearly five points.

In addition, this pair has proven themselves swift when running over Derek di Grazia’s courses, coming home at Twin Rivers in 2013 with only one second over the time, which pulls nearly eight points off their typical time penalty average.

Even with a likely single rail round in the show jumping, this pair could crack the top two if Zach puts the pedal to the metal on the cross country.

Sharon White and Wundermaske. Photo by Jenni Autry.

THE SPOILER

Sharon White and Wundermaske: This horse has the potential to be brilliant, and often Sharon and he can be found at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the weekend.

However, they’ve had a bit of an inconsistent six weeks, starting with a couple of stops and subsequent retirement at Rolex, followed by an uncharacteristic number of rails in the CIC3* at Jersey Fresh. If these two can return to their early spring form, they’ll likely crack the top three.

Thursday News & Notes from Woof Wear

By Kate Samuels on Jun 4, 2015 12:03 am -

This is what happens when you loan your phone to Zach Brandt. Photo courtesy of Rachel McDonough.

As Bromont dressage commences today, the most important question on your collective minds should be: Who will be streaking the Bromont sign this year? We already know that Jon Holling (2012 ~~winner~~ streaker) is on a whole new level, but because he went and busted his leg, he’s not in the running for the naked honor. Who will it be? I’m not revealing who I’m betting on, mostly because I like to play my cards close to my chest, but also because I have a sneaking suspicion that this year is going to be a bit of a surprise victory.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

GMHA June H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Gennessee Valley Driving & Riding Club Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

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

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

River Glen June H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

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

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

Copper Meadows CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Arrowhead H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Derbyshire Farms H.T. [Website]

News From Around The Globe:

Wear purple this weekend in honor of Seema Sonnad. A movement has begun for those attending, volunteering, or competing at events this weekend to wear purple in honor of Seema, who suddenly passed away last week. Purple was Seema’s color for cross country, and she could often be seen sporting a purple polo while volunteering as well.

Genesee Valley Hunt Horse Trials is extending their closing date to June 16th. Offering Intro through Preliminary, Genesee Valley offers a great event in a beautiful setting, and a fun group of people running it too! The event is a wonderful prep for Stuart Horse Trials, as it is two weeks prior. Don’t miss the chance to enter! [Genesee Valley Hunt Horse Trials]

Hannah Sue Burnett has scored a really lovely young horse from England, and is very excited for his future. Cooley Dream Extreme, previously piloted by Piggy French, has just arrived at Hannah’s barn. Already he has an impressive resume, having won several Preliminary events in England, started his Intermediate career, finishing seventh at the British six-year-old championships before finishing 2014 with a third place at Le Lion D’Angers young horse championships. [Hannah Sue’s New Ride]

Because wild speculation is a thing, let’s talk about American Pharoah and his date with destiny on Saturday. As he has become the 14th horse in the past four decades to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown, do you think he can conquer the longest and hardest of the three, the Belmont Stakes? Only eleven horses in history have accomplished this goal, and none since Affirmed in 1978. AP drew post position number four yesterday morning, and he’s already the heavy 3-5 favorite for the race on Saturday. With only eight horses in the race, could we see history in the making? [American Pharoah Draws Number Four Post]

Ever wondered what it’s like to gallop a Shire on a race track? Horse & Hound’s Gary Ashton-Coulton took a hairy beast for a spin, and recorded the whole thing from the top. They look like they’re galloping in slow motion, but from the helmet cam it seems they’re covering quite a bit of ground! Hilarious to watch them try to gallop, I’m not even sure that a draft horse that big has a difference between canter and gallop. [Race Riding Draft Horses]

Best of Blogs: What Trainers Really Think

Paul Tapner and Yogi Bear were 2nd last weekend at the Tattersalls CIC3* (after the show jumping is the xc helmet cam).

Marilyn Wore Pretty Sensible Heels and Other Notes From the Bromont Jog

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 3, 2015 6:21 pm -

Practically Pony Club approved! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

When it comes to eventing jog footwear, Marilyn Little is kind of an American hero.

She’s a pioneer who, in her interminable quest to find the balance between fashion and function, isn’t afraid of a little trial and error. Wearing heels while dragging a 1,200-pound kite down the jog strip isn’t always easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a conquest worth pursuing. And this weekend at Bromont, girl may have just discovered the golden stiletto.

Chunky heels. Why haven’t more riders caught on to these things? They’re loads sturdier than the flimsy ballet flats that seem to be the trend…

This makes me so nervous. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

…and if your horse starts losing its marbles and skittering sideways, you can just dig your heels into the ground and keep jogging with a smile on your face. They are, truly, the road studs of the human footwear world.

“Are you jogging sideways? Sorry… didn’t notice.” Photo by Leslie Wylie.

"Oh you want to bump into me? Just try that." Photo by Leslie Wylie.

“Oh, you want to bump into me? Knock yourself out.” Photo by Leslie Wylie.

In fact, I’m just going to go ahead and call it: I think Marilyn was the best dressed kite-jogger out there today. I like that she refused to buy into the spring sundress hype — let’s be real: that Canadian breeze was nippy, y’all! — and instead was like, “You do you but Imma stick with my turtleneck and tweed.” (If you want her look, and why wouldn’t you, it’s the Dubarry Blackthorn 3/4 Length Tweed Coat.) The aviator shades were a cool touch.

Go Marilyn. #winning

Marilyn Little & RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Anyway, back to the jog, that nail-biting crucible that determines whether you actually even get to compete in the three-day you trained for years and paid hundreds of dollars to enter.

A synopsis:

All 21 CCI3* horses passed. Peter Barry’s Kilrodan Abbot was held but passed upon re-inspection.

Five of the 34 CCI2* horses were held. One, Ariel Grald’s LBF Oleagh’s Image, was unfortunately spun upon re-inspection.

There were a few re-jog requests in the CCI1* but all passed on the second go.

CCI3* Photo Gallery: