Classic Eventing Nation

Long Format Alive and Well in USEA Classic Series

By on Jun 2, 2015 9:30 am -
Beautiful Rebecca Farm! Photo by Jessica Kerschbaumer. Beautiful Rebecca Farm! Photo by Jessica Kerschbaumer.

The largest event in the United States, the Event at Rebecca Farm, opened entries in the classic format divisions last week. Riders have been busy collecting qualifying scores in anticipation of entering, the first step in completing their Novice or Training Three-Day Event. The Event at Rebecca Farm is a destination event for hundreds of eventers across all different levels, but right now it’s all about those who have been aiming for the long format.

Devoted venues keep the long format alive in the U.S. with support from the USEA in the Classic Series. For nine weeks each year, long format eventing returns to the U.S. But simply competing at a certain level will not get you into a three-day, and there are special guidelines for qualification.

Qualification for the Preliminary Three-Day and Training Three-Day requires NQRs (a qualifying result with a dressage score under 50, no jumping penalties on cross country and no more than four rails in stadium) while the Novice Three-Day and Beginner Novice Three-Day requires numerical final scores.

Preliminary Three-Day Event (P3D): Both the competitor and the horse must have obtained an NQR at three horse trials at the Preliminary level or higher, plus an additional NQR at the Preliminary level or higher with no more than 20 jumping penalties on cross country.

Training Three-Day Event (T3D): Both the competitor and the horse must have obtained NQRs at four horse trials at the Training Level or higher, one of which must be attained as a combination. A competitor established at the Preliminary level may compete on a horse which has obtained two NQRs at the Training level or higher.

Novice Three-Day Event (N3D): The rider must complete with a numerical final score at four Novice horse trials or higher.

Beginner Novice Three-Day Event (BN3D): The rider must complete with a numerical final score at four Beginner Novice Horse Trials or higher.

At the classic three-day, Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary riders alike perform two jogs for the ground jury, the same as at an FEI event. Pairs then perform their dressage test on the first day and get some rest before the big day.

Cross country day isn’t just about cross country at a classic three-day. Nope! You get to channel your inner Denny Emerson as you take on roads, steeplechase, tracks and END with your standard cross country run. Then it’s time for ice and ice and more ice, wraps and long walks in anticipation of passing jogs before stadium the next day.

The classic format divisions are always popular at Rebecca, and riding in one is a season goal for many riders on the West Coast and surrounding states. Here are some fast facts about other classic format three-days in the U.S. Did you know?

  • Hagyard Midsouth in October runs the only Preliminary three-day in the country. Heart of the Carolinas in late April runs the only Beginner Novice three-day.
  • The fall event at Galway Downs in Temecula runs only the Training three-day in late October, but the class is so popular it was split into two divisions last year.
  • The Training three-day is the most popular nationwide, with Areas 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 offering at least one division per year.
  • Most three-days run in the fall, following the idea that ending your season on a CCI is a goal for many eventers.

This format also serves as a stepping stone and vital learning tool for riders who might not want to participate in FEI level competition, but still want to challenge themselves and their horses. Many riders are now starting to use the Training three-day format to prepare to step up to Preliminary.

Here’s a look at the 2015 USEA Classics Series Calendar:

Preliminary Three-Day Events
Hagyard Midsouth, Oct. 22-25, 2015, Lexington, Kentucky (Area 8)

Training Three-Day Events
Heart of the Carolinas, April 29-May 3, 2015, Chesterfield, South Carolina (Area 3)
Indiana Eventing Association (IEA), May 28-31, 2015, Edinburgh, Indiana (Area 8)
Coconino, July 16-19, 2015, Flagstaff, Arizona (Area 10)
Event at Rebecca Farm, July 22-26, 2015, Kalispell, Montana (Area 7)
Colorado Horse Park, Aug. 14-16, 2015, Parker, Colorado (Area 9)
Hagyard Midsouth, Oct. 22-24, 2015, Lexington, Kentucky (Area 8)
Waredaca, Oct. 22-25, 2015, Laytonsville, Maryland (Area 2)
Galway Downs, Oct. 29-Nov 1, 2015, Temecula, California (Area 6)
MeadowCreek Park, Nov. 20-22, 2015, Kosse, Texas (Area 5)

Novice Three-Day Events
Heart of the Carolinas, April 29-May 3, 2015, Chesterfield, South Carolina (Area 3)
Indiana Eventing Association (IEA), May 28-31, 2015, Edinburgh, Indiana (Area 8)
Coconino, July 16-19, 2015, Flagstaff, Arizona (Area 10)
Event at Rebecca Farm, July 22-26, 2015, Kalispell, Montana (Area 7)
Colorado Horse Park, Aug. 14-16, 2015, Parker, Colorado (Area 9)
Waredaca, Oct. 22-25, 2015, Laytonsville, Maryland (Area 2)
MeadowCreek Park, Nov. 20-22, 2015 | Kosse, Texas (Area 5)

Beginner Novice Three-Day Events
Heart of the Carolinas, April 29-May 3, 2015, Chesterfield, South Carolina (area 3)

So start clearing the calendar, stepping up your fitness game and getting your qualifications in. The long format is here for those that want it! Have you already completed a Classic Series event this season? Are you aiming for one as your goal for the rest of the year? Let us know in the comments below.

Go Long Format. Go Classic Series. Go Eventing!

Tuesday News and Notes from Cavalor

By on Jun 2, 2015 12:05 am -
The beautiful Bromont sign. Photo via EN Archives. The beautiful Bromont sign. Photo via EN Archives.

It’s Bromont week! Whether you’re flocking to Quebec to see the show in person or (like me) will content yourself with constantly scanning social media and EN for updates, be sure to stay tuned to catch all the action of North America’s most European event. EN’s very own Wylie will be reporting live from Bromont this week. Canada, prepare to be #chinchbombed.

Events Opening Today: Fitch’s Corner H.T. (NY, A-1), The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm II (MD, A-2), Hunter Oaks H.T. (IL, A-4), Aspen Ridge H.T. (CO, A-9), Coconino H.T. (AZ, A-10)

Events Closing Today: Great Vista Horse Trials (NY, A-1), Surefire H.T. (VA, A-2), Great Meadow International Horse Trials (VA, A-2), Fox River Valley Pony Club Horse Trials (IL, A-4), Sol Events at Corona del Sol (TX, A-5), Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. I (CA, A-6), Aspen Farms H.T. (WA, A-7), Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (KY, A-8), Golden Spike H.T. (UT, A-9)

News and Notes: 

Don’t forget that TODAY is the final day to enter the inaugural CIC3* at Great Meadow International. For riders who have already entered, please remember to pay by today in order to secure your spot in the event. Entries will be accepted in postmark order until the maximum of 25 entries is reached. Please contact Steve Symansky at 540-687-6333 or [email protected] with any questions on entries. [Omnibus]

An Otherwise Perfect Farm welcomes Eiren Crawford: Back in North American after seven years abroad training with riders like Ingrid Klimke and Morten Thomsen, Eiren Crawford is pleased to make her new training base at An Otherwise Perfect Farm in Upperco, Maryland. Eiren looks forward to using her overseas experience to help horses and riders with dressage and eventing. For more information or to arrange horse training or lessons with Eiren, contact her at [email protected] or crawforddressage.com.

“Oh fiddle – back to the drawing board”: Relive the ups and downs of Simon Grieve’s recent eventing exploits, including his “woman who likes to keep her men guessing,” a mare by the name of The Loudest Whisper. [Simon Grieve’s Eventing Blog: Managing a Tricky Woman]

Join Lorraine Jackson’s equestrian pregnancy saga (vicariously): HN’s Lorraine Jackson is due in July, and she is thrilled to share this new chapter of her life with readers as she navigates the excitements and challenges of balancing pending motherhood and a committed horse life. Go Lorraine! [Horse Nation: Expecting and Eventing]

“It takes a Triple Crown for people to come to the track”: USA Today asks the question: If American Pharoah wins the Triple Crown, would new life be breathed into the sport of horse racing? Several big-name trainers and equine industry professionals weigh in. Whether a fresh Triple Crown winner means new racing fans for a revitalized industry or a happy but brief shot in the spotlight, everyone seems to agree that this colt has something special. Even trainer Nick Zito, whose horse Frammento will run against American Pharoah in the Belmont Stakes, says, “If American Pharoah wins and I got my eighth (Belmont Stakes) second place … I’m gonna say, ‘Where do I sign?’ I’d be delighted.” [USA Today: Would American Pharoah winning Triple Crown cure horse racing? Don’t bet on it]

SmartPak Product of the Day: If there’s one thing most (if not all) equestrians can agree on, it’s that white is not a flattering color when dealing with horses. With summer around the corner, I start both hoping and dreading that show officials will waive coats on spectacularly hot days. Enter the SmartSlim Ultra Cami. Antimicrobial, moisture-wicking and breathable, this slim-fitting compression cami is both comfortable and flattering under my white show shirt. It helped minimize bouncing, awkward lumps and bumps, and vanquished my awkward fear of having my bra show through. Lo and behold, it’s also machine washable! Reviews say that the shirt may run a bit large. I ordered my size and felt quite comfortable without feeling like I was being strangled; a size smaller would certainly add more compression and control. Order yours today: [SmartPak: SmartSlim Ultra Cami]

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Bobbie Jones’ First Training Level Helmet Cam

By on Jun 1, 2015 5:30 pm -
Bobbie Jones and Rebel's Heartbreaker. Photo via Bobbie on Facebook. Bobbie Jones and Rebel's Heartbreaker. Photo via Bobbie on Facebook.

Our favorite chatty eventer is back with her latest helmet cam from IEA this past weekend. Together with her American Paint, Rebel’s Heartbreaker, Bobbie successfully completed her first Training level event in ninth place with a double clear cross country run. Despite some rainy conditions, Bobbie and Rebel cheerfully made their way around the course, with plenty of verbal encouragement from Bobbie.

Bobbie excitedly posted on her Facebook after her run:

“Well, it’s official, Rebel and I are a Training Level team! We completed our very first Training event with a double clear cross country round in the rain, despite pulling another shoe (Yes ANOTHER…. that makes 2 shoes off in 3 days….), and finished 9th! I am so proud of that pony! He’s absolutely the best pony ever, no doubt about it!”

Congratulations to Bobbie and Rebel on successful move up! You can catch up on Bobbie’s other helmet cams using the link below. Don’t forget, we want to see your helmet cams too! Send them to [email protected] and look for them right here on EN!

Bobbie Jones and Rebel’s Heartbreaker Take Texas by Storm

 

#EventerProblems, Part V

By on Jun 1, 2015 3:00 pm -

What’s your problem? Our #EventerProblems series continues with the airing of 20 more reader-submitted grievances.

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

Sleeping in your truck so ponies can have lates on a stormy night #eventerproblems #truelove @goeventing

A photo posted by Sage Kurten (@skeventing) on

All I see is a xc jump potential here #eventerproblems

A photo posted by Lauren Henson (@lauren_henson) on

#eventerproblems

Posted by Crystal Rhoad Stokes on Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Making up a plausible tale/excuse/story for my husband (ok…..lying out my butt) about how this happened. #eventerproblems

Posted by Harley Cozewith on Saturday, May 30, 2015

Making up a plausible tale/excuse/story for my husband (ok…..lying out my butt) about how this happened. #eventerproblems

Posted by Harley Cozewith on Saturday, May 30, 2015

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!

Karen Stives European Developing Tour Will Send Eventing 25/18 Riders Overseas

By on Jun 1, 2015 12:20 pm -
Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace at Tattersalls. Photo by Libby Law Photography. Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace at Tattersalls. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Big news, EN! The USET Foundation and USEF announced the 2016 Karen Stives European Developing Tour for Eventing today, which will send Eventing 25/18 riders overseas next year to both the Rockingham CIC and Bramham International CCI3*-U25 in England.

The tour has been developed thanks to the the Karen Stives Endowment Fund for High Performance Eventing, which was established in 2014 after Karen donated $1 million to the USET Foundation.

This developing tour is designed to “provide the international experience necessary for talented developing athletes to step up and be ready to represent this country in international championships, strengthening the pipeline of qualified riders capable of winning medals for the future,” the USET explained in a press release.

The riders named to the developing tour will also have the ability to “explore other areas that will help further their education and experience as an athlete” during their time in England. Interested riders must fill out this application by Dec. 15, 2015.

Last year Hannah Sue Burnett and Marilyn Little were the first riders to benefit from the Karen Stives Endowment Fund, with their $25,000 Karen E. Stives Endowment Grants helping to fund their trip to Chantilly, France, to train with the 2014 U.S. World Equestrian Games team.

“Through the generosity and true understanding of Karen in terms of knowing what it takes to win on the world stage, many more developing eventing riders will have the opportunity to compete in Europe among the world’s best, honing their skills and gaining valuable experience in the hopes that they too will have the chance to win Olympic gold,” Bonnie B. Jenkins, USET Foundation executive director, said.

In 1984, Karen anchored the team that won the gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics and also won the individual silver medal. She represented the U.S. at the Luhmühlen World Championships and was named USCTA Rider of Year in 1981, 1987 and 1988. She later became an FEI judge and served as chairman of the USET Three-Day Event Selectors’ Committee for many years.

Thank you, Karen, for your generosity and commitment to helping our young riders gain valuable experience overseas! Click here to see the current list of Eventing 25 riders and here to see the current list of Eventing 18 riders. Good luck to all those who apply!

[Announcing 2016 Karen Stives European Developing Tour for Eventing]

Bromont: North America’s Most European Event

By on Jun 1, 2015 11:00 am -

Always dreamed of eventing abroad but don’t feel like dropping fat stacks on equine airfare? The Bromont CCI Three-Day Event is about the closest thing you can get to an authentic European three-day experience without stepping hoof off the continent.

The event is held in Quebec, an exotic Canadian province where everyone drowns their French fries in gravy and cheese curds.

38

Nom.

Winding your way along Bromont’s back roads, it’s easy to pretend that you’re in some quaint mountain village in the Alps.

45

Sweet ride, Monsieur Chinch.

French is the sole official language of Quebec and is the first or second language of 95 percent of the population.

127

Le Chinchillerie?

Like many European countries, Canada has a universal healthcare system that is mostly free at point of use.

215

Which is to say, if you’re going to fall off a horse and get injured anywhere, Bromont is a pretty good place to do so.

Unlike events abroad, North American eventing exists in a bit of a bubble — but this year’s edition of Bromont promises to be a truly international affair. The entry list includes riders from 10 different countries, including Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Venezuela, all aiming for the Pan American Games.

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Where the party’s at.

Altogether, it may add up to a bit of culture shock for the average ‘Murican.

Untitled

Too much?

Don’t worry, Chinch, your ketchup and fries will still be here when you get home.

Untitled

That’s what I’m talking about.

Keep it locked on Eventing Nation throughout the week for all the latest Bromont updates. Go Eventing!

Bromont Links: Website, Entry List, Timetable

Bromont bound!

Bromont bound!

Fab Freebie: Bucas Buzz Off Fly Sheet

By on Jun 1, 2015 9:00 am -
Photo by Sally Spickard. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Fly season is here! And, if you are lucky enough to live in certain parts of the country, locust season too. I was driving to the barn yesterday and happened to have my windows down so I could hear the buzzing of what sounded like thousands upon thousands of locusts. Great, right? At least they aren’t particularly pesky, but I’d still prefer to not have a bunch of insect carcasses strewn about. Just my preference, though.

Luckily, Bucas offers some really great options for fly control, and with any luck your horse will be comfortable and relatively fly-free this summer. If you’ve been in the market for a new fly sheet for this year, you definitely need to check out the Buzz Off Fly Sheet from Bucas. It’s offered in full neck and regular options, and we’re giving you the opportunity to win one this week! Be sure to read up on the Buzz Off Fly Sheet in our review here.

You know the drill: simply use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter up to three times. We’ll announce the winner in Friday’s News & Notes. Good luck to all! We’re sure your horse will thank you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: Information given in the Rafflecopter widget, including email addresses, may be shared with the corresponding sponsor at their request. You will also be signed up for our weekly EN eNews email newsletter, if you aren’t already. Don’t worry — you’ll just wonder what you’ve been missing out on — and you can unsubscribe if you don’t want it.

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By on Jun 1, 2015 12:17 am -
Crescent City Classic and Lauren Fagan schooling before Waredaca. Photo courtesy Emily Embree Crescent City Classic and Lauren Fagan schooling before Waredaca. Photo courtesy Emily Embree

Crescent City Classic is an 18-year-old Holsteiner gelding who started his eventing career as a 4-year-old with Angela Grzywinski. Katherine Hodge took him from Novice to NAJYRC to their first Advanced in 2006. He later carried Emily Embree to her first Prelim and one-star, and at 17 years old he has moved on to teach yet another rider the ropes. Crescent’s new owner is Lauren Fagan, and they competed in their first event together this weekend at Waredaca where they finished on their dressage score for seventh place in Beginner Novice Rider-B. This event marked Crescent’s 85th USEA start since he started competing in 2001! Emily says he is a true war horse and an amazing competitor that loves his job. Go Crescent!

Weekend Action:

Tattersalls International H.T. [Results]

Waredaca H.T. [Results]

Poplar Place Farm H.T. [Results]

IEA H.T., T3D & N3D [Results]

Colorado Horse Park H.T. [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Clayton Fredericks Camp: Kingfisher Park in Mooresville, NC is hosting a three-day continuing education camp for the event horse and rider July 31-August 2. Day one will consist of semi-private dressage lessons, day two will be small group show jumping exercises and gymnastics, and day three will focus on cross-country. Only 24 “campers” will be accepted. [Click here to register]

Horse Show Photo Directory: A new website has recently launched to help riders, media, advertisers and sponsors find official horse show photos across all disciplines from around the country. The site includes a competition calendar and the ability to filter by specific photographers and disciplines. Each listing links to the official photographer’s website or event gallery. [www.HorseShowPhotoDirectory.com]

Flash Floods: While official large animal evacuations have not been ordered by emergency management agencies in Texas and Oklahoma due to the heavy rainfall resulting in dangerous flash floods, the conditions have created a troublesome situation for horse owners. Some have voluntarily moved their animals to safer ground until the waters recede, but all owners are advised to have a disaster plan in place. [Storms Vex Texas, Oklahoma Horse Owners]

Beacon Charm Grant: Due to “serious, but good faith, divergence of views with the grantor,” the USEA will no longer offer the $5,000 Beacon Charm Grant. Since 1987, the grant has been awarded to a young rider with the potential to represent the U.S. internationally. The USEA plans to set up a new annual young rider grant fund named for Amy Tryon. [USEA Stops Offering Beacon Charm Grant]

Teaching Confidence: Instilling confidence in a young or green horse is crucial as it learns the ins and outs of cross country. Four-star British eventer and social celebrity Ben Hobday offers useful tips like “do little and often,” “be firm but kind,” and possibly most importantly “don’t panic.” [7 ways to give a green horse confidence]

Found in a Thicket: A 28-year-old retired hunt horse named Josh went on unescorted stroll in the country and vanished for 10 days. Local police, villagers and concerned social media followers got involved in the search. Turns out Josh was trapped in a thicket right on his own farm, and aside from a few scratches, he’s perfectly fine. [Josh found after 10 days trapped in a thicket]

Monday Video: Harry Meade’s “Save of the Day” at Tattersalls.


Area III Champions Crowned at Poplar Place + Other Scores

By on May 31, 2015 6:00 pm -

Poplar Place Farm in Hamilton, Georgia once again hosted the Area III Championships this weekend. Donna and Gary Stegman welcomed Beginner Novice through Intermediate competitors in both the horse trials and championships as well as a Starter division.

McKena Knott and Flanigan led the Intermediate horse trials from the start, adding only cross country time penalties to their score. Lydia Kennedy and Double Dare finished second, which was their first Intermediate completion. Congrats!

Screen Shot 2015-05-31 at 4.54.54 PM

Jennie Jarnstrom (SWE) and Penelope scored a 25.2 in the Intermediate Championships dressage and held on to their lead, adding 6:36 time penalties to their score and finishing nearly 12 points ahead of second place Lesley Grant-Law (CAN) and What Law.

We are delighted to see Jonathan Holling back on form after breaking his leg while schooling cross country in March. His first event back was the CHC International in March, where he rode Kildalton Cooley to a 15th place finish in the CIC2*. This weekend the Irish Sport Horse gelding placed third in Intermediate Championships.

Jonathan was also the winner of the Open Preliminary division with Downtown Harrison finishing on their dressage score of 18.4. No that’s not a typo. Downtown Harrison is also returning from an extended vacation, and this marks his second consecutive Preliminary victory this month.

Screen Shot 2015-05-31 at 4.16.45 PM

Leslie Law had a very good showing at the Preliminary level at Poplar. He finished second behind Jonathan with Cooleys Rule of Law and then won first and second place in the Open Preliminary Championships with Unborn de Lelo and Call the Law, respectively.

Madeleine Schultz and Dudley Do Right led from the start to claim the Junior Training Rider Championships with Leah Elgart and Punch Line hot on their heels in second. Kristen Paysinger and Commander II took charge of the Senior Training Championships with a 24.6 dressage score, to which they added no additional penalties. Katie Bartz and her super pony As You Wish were second.

The Fernhills were out in force in the Training Horse Championships. Fernhill Jet placed second with Candace Bell while Fernhill Kilkenny won blue for Julie Richards.

Event Entries had not yet updated to reflect the final scores in the Novice or Beginner Novice Championships at the time of posting, but we do know our favorite grey mustang mare named Hwin had a brilliant finish in her first championships.

Screen Shot 2015-05-31 at 4.17.03 PMColorado Horse Park

At the Colorado Horse Park Horse Trials, the 2014 USEA AEC Preliminary Amateur Champion Darlene McInnes and Warlord picked up a win in their first Intermediate horse trials. Amanda Hund and Pik Pilot finished less than two points behind them in second.

Show jumping proved to be the deciding factor in Open Preliminary, with not a single clear round produced out of nine pairs. Wendy Webb and T.H. Royal Flush, however, added just four faults to their score, which moved them up from fourth to win the class. Likewise, Summer Peterson and Jake the Fish moved up from fifth to finish second, and Hannah Slade and Kingfisher II moved all the way from seventh after dressage to claim third.

The lower levels were very well attended at this event, with two Training divisions, four Novices, and three huge Beginner Novice classes. Shoutout to the winners of these divisions: Lynden Fasso and Everest III (OT); Kristin Hardy and Enchanted (TR); Rochelle Costanza and Bellefire (NH); Janet Gordon and Irish Beginnings (NR-A); Melissa Morris and RSR Private Eye (NR-B); Adrienne Smyrl and Gemini Jameson (ON); Ava Severs and Rubies to Diamonds (JBNR); Amanda Hund and Valkyrie (OBN); Julie Weir and Imagine That VII (SBNR).

Colorado Horse Park H.T. Links:  [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

IEA Horse Trials

The IEA Horse Trials is a much beloved Area III event organized by the Indiana Eventing Association. Riders from Beginner Novice through Intermediate/Preliminary competed in the horse trials, and a total of 37 combinations rode in the long-format Training and Novice divisions.

Amanda Miller Atkins and Elizabeth Spencer’s Firewater won the Intermediate/Preliminary division, and the two Preliminary winners were Shannon Riley and No Pips and Kyleigh Christians and Honey Roasted.

For those of you who dream of riding in a long-format three-day event, the Classic Series is alive and well across the country. Completing a three-day takes months of dedicated endurance training, which requires a lot of time and a special relationship between horse and rider.

In the Training Three-Day, Conor Rollins led from the start with Company Target Hill Farm, LLC’s Edison T. They incurred no penalties in the endurance phases and 8 points in show jumping. Madison Nichter and her own Sterling Varvatos climbed steadily up the leaderboard from sixth to second. They were the only pair in the division to finish on their dressage score.

The Novice Three-Day had a whopping 26 entries, and it was Nancy Elberty and Princess B who came out on top, finishing on their dressage score of 33.1. Jayne Whitton and Mr Big made a big move up the leaderboard, going from tenth to second after two double-clear days of jumping. Ashley Johnson and Nellie Grey moved from 12th to third, and Brittany Weber and Lucky Sevens Trademark climbed from 13th to fourth.

Screen Shot 2015-05-31 at 5.57.59 PM

Screen Shot 2015-05-31 at 5.57.14 PM

IEA H.T, T3D & N3D Links: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Waredaca Horse Trials

Finally, at the Waredaca Horse Trials in Maryland, Kurt Martin and DeLux Z won the competitive Open Intermediate division, adding only a few time penalties to their dressage score. Sarah Cousins and Guigase du Lac vaulted up the standings with a fast cross country round and one of only a few double-clear show jumping rounds. They moved from 13th to finish second. Australian import Lauren Balcomb and Guido Hatzis were leading after dressage, but two rails and a bit of time dropped them to third.

From Preliminary level on down to Beginner Novice, nearly every division was won on a dressage score in the 20s, many of them in the very low 20s. Sara Vitkus finished first and second in Novice Horse with a 22.4 (Z Esmerelda) and a 24.6 (Regalo). The lowest winning score came from Gaby Esquivel and Strictly Business, who led the Beginner Novice Rider-B division from the start on a 21.3.

Those are some impressive numbers folks! Congratulations to all competitors this weekend. Go Eventing.

Waredaca H.T. Links: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Screen Shot 2015-05-31 at 6.09.35 PM

 

Buck Davidson, Rebecca Howard Finish in Top 20 at Tattersalls

By on May 31, 2015 4:30 pm -
Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Libby Law Photography. Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It was a great day for the North American contingent at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials in Ireland, as all five pairs jumped excellent rounds and represented their home countries well. Buck Davidson and Rebecca Howard (CAN) both finished in the top 20 in their respective divisions.

In the Irish Field CCI3*, Buck and 9-year-old Copper Beach, an Irish Sport Horse owned by Carl and Cassie Segal and Sherrie Martin, jumped a lovely clear show jumping round with just one penalty to add. This moved them up 22nd after cross country to finish 17th. Bearing in mind that Tattersalls is a selection trial for the Rio Olympics, this was a solid performance for “Sean” in his international debut.

The top three celebrate: Kitty King, William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

The top three celebrate: Kitty King, William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

The scores were close at the top, and overnight leader Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and Deborah Sellar’s Jet Set could not afford a rail down. Unfortunately, the 8-year-old Spanish stallion nicked fence 8, dropping them down to third place. This moved Brit Kitty King and Ceylor L A N to the top of the podium.

Ceylor L A N is an 8-year-old KWPN owned by Diane Bown, Jacqueline Owen and Samantha Wilson. He has been produced by Kitty and was a consistent winner at the one- and two-star levels. Another victory, earned at his very first CCI3*, is now added to this young horse’s good record.

Second place went to William Fox-Pitt and Luxury F H, capping off an excellent weekend for William, who won the Eventing Ireland CCI2* with Ramdam de Mons and the Cooley Farm CCIYH1* for 6 and 7 year olds with The Soapdodger, as well as placed second in the Land Rover CCI1* with Reinstated.

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

George Mernagh Memorial CIC3*

The CIC3* completed both jumping phases today; they show jumped while most of the Western Hemisphere was still sleeping and ran cross country before the CCI3* wrapped up the event in the stadium ring. The Tattersalls live stream didn’t miss a minute of action, and the day was organized so that viewers around the world could watch every phase today, which was lovely for the fans at home.

Rebecca Howard (CAN) and Blithe Hill Farm’s Riddle Master pulled a rail at the second fence but kept it together for the remainder of the course, adding one time penalty to lie in 13th after cross country. The 14-year-old Canadian Sport Horse later jumped a very classy cross country round with four time penalties to add, finishing in 11th place in their final prep before the Luhmühlen CCI4*.

The live stream commentators professed their love for “Rupert,” saying that he’s a bit of an “oversized pony” that always looks like he’s having a great time.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace had one rail down in the show jumping. Caroline then gave “Nacho” a positive ride around cross country to go clear on their first overseas course. With the Bramham Under 25 CCI3* in mind, she didn’t push for time, and 12 time penalties gave them a final placing of 26th.

“I’m super happy with him and it was a perfect prep run,” Caroline told EN. “I can’t tell you what an amazing horse he is. Thanks for all the support back home!”

Katherine Coleman and her 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Courage Under Fire lowered one rail in the show jumping and came very close to a double-clear cross country round. They were just three seconds over the optimum time, but they moved up seven places to finish in 21st. Katherine also finished 33rd in the CCI2* with Longwood, her own 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding.

Thanks to Tattersalls for a fabulous live stream and commentary that included compelling facts from @EventingConsult and @EquiRatings. Thanks also to Libby Law Photography for her stunning photographs included in our reports of this event. Go Eventing.

Tattersalls Links: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, @Tatts2015