Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: On Board with Ingrid Klimke + Data Analysis

By on May 27, 2015 5:00 pm -

We have begun excitedly refreshing YouTube when we hear that Ingrid Klimke was out competing over a weekend, as her helmet cams with SAP Analysis have been a huge hit for fans all over the world. SAP Equestrian Analytics has been able to sync Ingrid’s helmet cam to provide up to the second data on speed as well as her position on course.

Ingrid competed FRH Escada JS in the CIC3* at Wiesbaden this past weekend, finishing in fourth on a final score of 46.7. If you missed any of the recap from this German event, you can catch up on Maren Engelhardt’s report here.

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North Americans Out in Full Force at Tattersalls in Ireland

By on May 27, 2015 3:30 pm -
Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Libby Law Photography. Buck Davidson and Copper Beach. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

It’s a big week for Team USA and Team Canada in Ireland, as we have a full contingent set to compete across several divisions at Tattersalls International Horse Trials, one of the country’s biggest events of the year. Our North Americans all passed the first horse inspection today, and the action kicks off with dressage tomorrow.

We’ve had one last minute withdrawal, as Clark Montgomery did not present heavy favorite Loughan Glen at the first horse inspection. It was just a change of plans for the horse, and Jess Montgomery confirmed this afternoon that Glen is just fine — “bright eyed, bushy tailed and fit as a fiddle” — and still right on track for Luhmühlen, where he’s entered in the CCI4* later this month.

Like last year, Tattersalls will once again be running an excellent free live stream (which started today with CCI* dressage and super commentary from the fabulous Sue Stewart), so you’re definitely going to want to tune in. Click here to check out the entries in all the divisions, and read on for our full preview on the North American pairs.

The Irish Field CCI3*

Buck Davidson and Copper Beach have the chance to make an early statement for Olympic selection at Tattersalls, which is a selection trial for Rio. This 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Carl and Cassie Segal and Sherrie Martin is already an experienced competitor at this level, having won Jersey Fresh CCI3* and placed second at Galway Downs CCI3* last year. This is his first trip back home to Ireland, and he should feel right at home should rain keep coming down like it did today during the trot up.

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

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

George Mernagh Memorial CIC3*

British-based American Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire are one of two U.S. combinations competing in the CIC3*. Katherine and this 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare she owns have already had success for the U.S. this year, finishing sixth in the CCI3* at Ballindenisk last month. This horse finished 10th in the CIC3* at Tatts in 2012 with Steven Smith in the irons, so Katherine will look to replicate that good result with the mare.

It’s fantastic to see Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master returning to competing after the horse sustained an injury at Badminton last year. This is the first event back at the FEI level for “Rupert,” a 14-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding owned by Blithe Hill Farm. He’s done three Intermediates and one Advanced since the beginning of April, and Samantha Clark caught up with Rebecca at Aston Le Walls earlier this month to find out more about Rupert’s triumphant return.

This is a big summer for Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace, as they’ve traveled across the pond to compete not only at Tattersalls but also at the Under 25 CCI3* at Bramham next month. Tatts is their first overseas competition! Caroline and “Nacho,” a 10-year-old Argentinian Thoroughbred gelding owned by Caroline and Sherrie Martin, have been competing successfully at the three-star level since 2013. He’s an extremely good cross country horse, and this should serve as an ideal final prep for Bramham.

Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Eventing Ireland CCI2*

Katherine Coleman and Longwood, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding she owns, will be the sole pair flying the Team USA flag in the CCI2* division. This horse was sixth in the Under 25 CCI2* at this event with Charlotte Agnew in the irons in 2011, so he has plenty of experience at this level. Katherine has had the ride on him for about a year, and they will look to complete their first CCI2* as a combination at this event.

Cooley Farm CCIYH*

Irish-based American Brianne Stanley is riding her homebred Bit of Business in the Young Horse CCI* division. This 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare owned  by Eleanor Hadden did her first CIC* last month at Ballindenisk and is now stepping up for her first CCI*. The majority of the division did dressage today, and Brianne and Bit of Business scored 59.4 to sit in 42nd place currently. There are 68 total competitors in the division, so more action to come tomorrow.

Where the action is happening tomorrow! Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Where the action is happening tomorrow! Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Watch Live

CCI3* dressage will stream all day tomorrow at this link. It is free to watch; you just need to sign up. You can click here to see the full live stream schedule for the week. Sadly we won’t get to see much of the CIC3* or other divisions on the live stream since all eyes will be on the CCI3*, but we can still cheer on Buck and Sean tomorrow; they do their test at 9:35 a.m. EST.

We’ve teamed up with the fabulous Niamh Flynn of the Tattersalls press team, Libby Law Photography and the Eventing Consultant himself Diarm Byrne of EquiRatings to bring you lots of photos, coverage and behind-the-scenes tidbits from #Tatts2015, so keep it locked on EN. Go Eventing.

Tattersalls Links: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores, Schedule, Live Stream, @Tatts2015

Stefanie Brand Released from Hospital After Rotational Fall

By on May 27, 2015 2:00 pm -
Stefanie Brand and Claudius. Photo via Stefanie on Facebook. Stefanie Brand and Claudius. Photo via Stefanie on Facebook.

We’re pleased to report that Stefanie Brand was released from the hospital in Atlanta last week after undergoing surgery to place a plate on her broken collarbone sustained after a rotational fall at CHC International earlier this month. After spending the night in Atlanta, Stefanie was on a plane the next day to return to her home country of Guatemala to begin physical therapy treatments.

“She’s feeling much better now that she is out of the hospital and seeing the real world again,” family friend and groom Barry Tomason said. “She’s of course itching to get back on her horse, but she’s taking it one day at a time at this point.”

Stefanie’s horse, Claudius, was uninjured in the fall and has traveled to Canada with the rest of the Guatemalan team. Claudius will continue his preparations for Toronto with Peter Gray, although at this point Stefanie’s plan of running at Bromont is no more.

“Peter will continue to ride the horse and keep him sharp,” Barry said. “At this point, she is not running Bromont. We aren’t sure yet if someone will ride him and do the dressage, but she will not be riding.”

As it stands now, Stefanie still would like to represent Guatemala at the Pan American Games in July, but naturally her recovery will be the top priority as she looks ahead to the rest of the summer.

We will continue to provide updates on Stefanie and her progress as it becomes available. In the meantime, we’re relieved to hear that she is well on her way to returning to the saddle and that Claudius was able to walk away from the fall unscathed.

Kristi Nunnink Announces R-Star’s Venture Into Jumper Ring

By on May 27, 2015 12:00 pm -
Kristi Nunnink and R-Star. Photo by Samantha Clark. Kristi Nunnink and R-Star. Photo by Samantha Clark.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a week for Kristi Nunnink, who announced the heartbreaking news on her Facebook page that her talented former four-star mare R-Star lost her foal by Royaldik just before the due date. Fortunately, the prognosis for “Rosie” is good, and the mare should make a full recovery.

“We still aren’t exactly sure what happened to the foal,” Kristi said. “I had dropped Rosie off at the vet clinic on my way to a show over the weekend, because she was due while I was gone. I’m very thankful that I did that, because I’m afraid we would have lost her as well if the vet wasn’t right there.”

The first sign of trouble came on Thursday evening, when the vet called and told Kristi that the foal’s vital signs were “slowing down.” Kristi instructed the vets to do whatever they could to save her beloved mare. “It was very nerve wracking,” she said. “I wanted that baby, but I love that mare more than anything, and so I told them to do everything they could to keep her alive.”

Rosie ultimately never went into labor, and the foal died in utero. The 14-year-old Holsteiner mare remained under veterinary care for the next few days while her own vital signs returned to normal, and she was released to Kristi’s care this week.

Now, Kristi has begun planning to bring the mare back into work. While a heart condition discovered before Rolex last year will prevent R-Star from returning to her career as an event horse, she’s been cleared to continue competing as either a pure dressage or a pure show jumping mount.

“Her heart could handle everything but the high cardiac activity for a prolonged amount of time,” Kristi said. “I’ve been given the green light from the vets to see what she wants to do in the jumper ring.”

R-Star was never one to have much trouble in the show jumping phase during her eventing career, so Kristi has not done much in the jumper ring with her. “I’ve done up to Fourth Level dressage with her to help her settle, but she’s always been so good with the show jumping I never felt she needed the extra time,” she said. “But I grew up doing hunters and jumpers, so it will be great to be able to make a return to that.”

Kristi is confident that Rosie will make a return to full work soon, as she’s been ridden periodically since her retirement from eventing. “She was unhappy sitting around, and she hated seeing us leave for shows,” she said. “So we eventually put shoes on her, and I had my girls start riding her here and there, just so she felt she was doing something. Once she got pregnant, she seemed much more content.”

Despite the loss of her foal, Kristi reports that Rosie is in good spirits. The mare is definitely purpose bred for dressage or show jumping (by Riverman out of Marisol, by Corofino I), so it looks like she should be right at home in the jumper ring.

“She’s quite good at getting to the base and jumping around and not up,” Kristi said. “I’ve been told on multiple occasions that she had the talent to either be a Grand Prix dressage horse or a Grand Prix show jumper, so we’ll just see what she wants to do. I don’t think I’ve even tapped into her scope. The big question is: How high can she go without me falling off?”

Kristi hasn’t left her dream of breeding R-Star behind just yet, but she does not want to put the mare through another pregnancy at this time. “I do have some very nice semen frozen still,” she said with a laugh, “so not this year, but maybe next year we may look at doing some embryo transfers.”

“I’m really looking forward to riding her — I’ve missed her!” she continued. “I’m not in a hurry to get to a jumper show; I know I will spend a lot of time doing flatwork to get her stronger, and when she feels really good, we will find a show to go to.”

We wish Kristi and R-Star the best of luck in their new adventure together and send our condolences for what surely would have been a lovely foal. We’ll keep you updated on Rosie’s new foray into the jumper world as we learn more.

Go Rosie.

George Morris Doesn’t Disappoint at Windurra Clinic

By on May 27, 2015 10:30 am -
Photo by Lisa Thomas, Mid-Atlantic Equestrian Services.

Photo by Lisa Thomas, Mid-Atlantic Equestrian Services.

“That’s it. That’s it.” I will have the sound of George Morris’ voice ingrained in my head, repeating this encouragement as his clinic participants followed his instruction and earned his praise.

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to attend a George Morris clinic, you will identify with that tone of voice, knowing that the master of hunt seat equitation is known for his sayings, quips and occasional sharp tongue. Yesterday was no exception, as he came to Windurra USA for the second year in a row and did not disappoint the spectators or riders who took part in today’s education.

As always, George’s teaching style continues to be clear, straight forward, demanding and consistent. He requires repetition of the basics and has high expectations of his students. No room for the unmotivated in a George Morris clinic, and if you come with less than your A game, expect to hear about it.

There were three groups of riders who took part in his instruction today, and attendees ranged in rider and horse experience levels. There was representation from our local upper level celebrities (Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton, Erin Sylvester, Kate Hicks, Molly Kinnamon and Amy Ruth Borun), while Matt Brown showcased why he’s become the talk of the West Coast.

All the groups had a nice mix of talent with up and coming event riders and fortunate working students who held up well under the pressure of riding in front of the Father of Hunt Seat Equitation. The dark horse of the day was jump jockey extraordinaire and Maryland Hunt Cup champion, Mark Beecher.

Here are a few snippets of “George-isms” that bear repeating and repeating.

George on contact:

“Constantly check that the horse accepts contact with a short rein and closed fingers.”
“Shorten the rein, close your fingers, raise your hand till he starts to accept the aid.”
“If the horse raises his head, raise your hand.”
“If the horse lowers his head, lower your hand.”
“Raise and close your hand if the horse gets heavy.”
“Subtle him. It’s leg/hand, leg/hand, not hand/leg.”
“Your horse’s mouth should be white.” 🙂

George on transitions:

“It’s the frequency of the transitions.”
“Canter/walk transition every eight strides if your horse is too fast.”
“It’s supposed to be active but slow.”
“Your horse should sit into the walk.”
“To halt, sink, stretch, leg on, then hand.”

Back to contact:

“Raise your hand.”
“Raise your hand.”
“Raise your hand.” (you get it)

George on jumping:

“Do not worry about your horse’s head being too high.”
“Once you see your distance, lower your hand.”
“Allow your horse to hit the poles. Don’t carry him over the jumps.”
“If you fall off, don’t pet him. Get back on quick and ride!”
“I love to stop in a straight line.”
“Horses hate corners, so stop in the corner.”
“Jump crew, hurry up!”

George on use of stick and spur:

“Make it quick, don’t nag or repeat.”
“Don’t be too intense. You’re not the Statue of Liberty!”

It goes without saying that having George Morris as a guest clinician at Windurra USA is always a true privilege for the riders and the spectators. His pension for blatant honesty is always balanced with proper praise and brilliant assessment of each horse and rider. We are thankful to everyone who took part in today’s clinic, including all the auditors and our sponsors from Purina and Stubben North America.

The clinic continues today, and auditors are welcome. Click here for more information and to see the full rider schedule. You can view a full gallery of photos from Day 1 on Boyd Martin’s Facebook page.

Julia Krajewski Wins Action Packed Wiesbaden CIC3* in Germany

By on May 27, 2015 9:00 am -
Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de. Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

Yes, I know … it’s a running gag by now to assume that Michael Jung wins everything. He doesn’t. But he still got oh so close. The city of Wiesbaden hosted its annual Whitsun Horse Show, a CDI, CSI, CIC and international vaulting competition (it would be way too boring otherwise) this past weekend.

Very rarely do you get to see world class riders from the three major disciplines battle it out. And the venue is indeed unique — it all happens in the middle of the city in the park of and right in front of Wiesbaden Castle.

This event has a limited number of open slots, and it is always a thrill to get in. In 2015, eight nations were represented, including Mexico and Japan. Of the 34 pairs that showed up for dressage, 28 finished the event (two horses were withdrawn before cross country, one rider eliminated due to omission of a jump on cross country, one horse retired on course at jump 12a and two horses eliminated on course not due to falls).

Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

The dressage ring in Wiesbaden makes for some exciting viewing, both for horses and spectators. The backdrop of the castle is truly magnificent. Horses get to show off in an arena that appears tight and, like on cross country day, spectators are very close.

The cross country in Wiesbaden is a lovely stretch of rather flat land, but with many twists and turns, some open stretches for galloping and the interesting, if not distracting, optics of other horses coming back towards the start line — eventually you’ll come close to other horses running “against” you. Ride along the course with Michael Jung here.

Dressage seemed like a repetition of the Marbach CIC3* just a couple of weeks ago, with Pia Münker and her own homebred Louis M (by Lissabon out of Angelique M by Abanos) taking an early and very comfortable lead over the rest of the field with a whopping 26.3 points.

Louis M is an extravagant mover who is ridden very well, light in the contact, nicely forward and just oozing dressage talent and athleticism at the same time. Sadly though, Pia and her flashy chestnut had some serious issues during show jumping, adding 30 penalties to their otherwise spotless record.

Pia Münker and Louis M. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

Pia Münker and Louis M. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

Since nothing was to be gained from a fast round, Pia opted for a safe, confidence-giving ride cross country and added some 11 points to her record to finish 16th overall (67.5 points).

Second place after dressage went to Julia Krajewski, a young German rider, on the exceptional talent Samourai du Thot (by Milor Landais out of Melitos du Thot by Flipper d’Elle). The 9-year-old French gelding is one of the brightest talents in German eventing right now, and it should be interesting to watch this pair mature together.

Julia and her “Sam” (coincidence? I think not …) scored 34.2 in dressage, and all they had to do is remain fault-free until the end — which is exactly what they did. Just 3.2 penalties after cross country placed them first after the action was over, with a comfortable lead over second place finisher Michael Jung and his European Champion, the Baden-Württemberg bred Halunke FBW (by Heraldik xx out of Jolanda by Jugol). This proven pair started with 40.2 after dressage and just added two time penalties from cross country.

Interesting note on the side — only two horses in the field managed to run cross country in optimum time: Ingrid Klimke’s WEG Team Gold medalist FRH Escada JS (by Embassy I out of Lehnsherrin by Lehnsherr), who incidentally also took home the fourth place ribbon (did you know fourth place in Germany is blue?), and Freya Füllgraebe’s “old-timer” 18-year-old Oje Oje (by Ocos xx out of Diane by Diolen) — this pair won the U25 prize of the event.

Andreas Dibowski and Butt's Avedon. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

Andreas Dibowski and Butt’s Avedon. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

But to get back to the actual order — third place finisher was Andreas Dibowski with his long-term partner FRH Butts Avedon (by Heraldik xx out of Karina-Andora by Kronenkranich xx), the horse he planned to bring to Rolex, then decided to spare him the quarantine and is now aiming at Luhmühlen’s upcoming CCI4* instead.

They began the weekend on a 40.4 score after dressage and merely added 2.4 points after cross country. The top five placings were rounded off by German team anchor Peter Thomsen and his Holsteiner mare Horseware’s Cayenne (by Cardino out of Siringia by Sir Shostakovich xx) on a final score of 47.6.

Peter Thomsen and Horseware's Cayenne. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

Peter Thomsen and Horseware’s Cayenne. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

The highest placed foreign rider was Stefano Brecciaroli (ITA) with his Belgium-bred Apollo v.d. Wendi Kurt Hoeve (by Polidiktus van de Helle out of Naevship v.d. Wendi Kurt Hoeve by Township xx), who started out with 41.3, added four penalties in show jumping and came home with 4.8 points from cross country to finish on 50.1 points.

Other foreign riders took eighth, ninth and 11th place – in that order Sweden’s top rider Linda Algotsson with the home-bred Fairnet (Swedish warmblood by Feliciano out of Fairlisia by Dalby Jaguar xx), Elmo Jankari (FIN) with his WEG mount, the Oldenburg/Trakehner mare Duchesse Desiree (by Don Primero out of Arogna/T. by Noble Roi xx), and Austria’s Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati on the very interesting grey Irish gelding Kilnaboy Buffet (by French Buffet xx out of Cotton Foot by Tammouz xx).

Kilnaboy Buffet is interesting because this horse began his career as a show jumper and even represented his country at the FEI World Championships for Young Show Jumpers in Lanaken in Belgium only to switch disciplines and run the FEI World Championships of Young Event Horses in Lion d’Angers in France one year later!

The Klimke family bikes the cross country course. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

The Klimke family bikes the cross country course. Photo by Lutz Kaiser/buschreiter.de.

As mentioned at the beginning, Wiesbaden’s show is also home to world-class dressage and show jumping during the same time the eventers battle it out in the spacious castle gardens. And so to those venturing into other sports, this was a firsthand opportunity to see Ingrid Klimke in the CDI Grand Prix on board her stunning black Dresden Mann — and yes, she can ride with the best out there!

Of course Michael “Zee Terminator” Jung didn’t just show in the CDI Small Tour (Prix. St Georges), but also appeared in the CSI 1.40, 1.45 and 1.50 meter show jumper classes, placing sixth in the first on board Captain Sparrow and riding the striking grey Sportsman S in the 1.45 meter class — a horse that was ridden noticeably more “forward” than many of his contestants and … well … won. The 1.50 meter class of course also saw Michael Jung in the money — this time with yet another “fischer” horse, the 9-year-old fischerTamarindo.

So, naturally, I was waiting for Michael Jung to show up in a leotard trying his hand in the vaulting competition as well, but I was disappointed …. but then, what would life be without something to look forward to? Certainly Luhmühlen on the horizon is going to test everybody, and the date is getting closer. Stay tuned!

[Wiesbaden Final Scores]

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By on May 27, 2015 12:01 am -
Silva Martin, looking both gorgeous and adorable, is officially sporting a baby Martin bump! Photo courtesy of Boyd Martin. Silva Martin, looking both gorgeous and adorable, is officially sporting a baby Martin bump! Photo courtesy of Boyd Martin.

Everyone take a second and keep the states of Texas, Oklahoma, and any other states hard hit by the rains in your thoughts. I grew up in San Antonio, and the last time it flooded like this, I was in high school, working at the barn on weekends. I spent hours stripping stalls after the floods rose about six inches into our barn, but ultimately we were lucky. Down the road, two restaurants had water up to their rafters. Keep everyone in areas affected in your thoughts and prayers this week.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Waredaca H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Poplar Place Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

IEA H.T, T3D & N3D  [Website] [Entry Status]

Colorado Horse Park H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status]

Tattersalls is streaming live world-wide starting today. Tattersalls is holding a CCI3* and CIC3* this weekend, and the entire thing is being streamed live from start to finish. Buck Davidson will be contesting the CCI3* while Caroline Martin, Clark Montgomery, Katherine Coleman and Rebecca Howard are all entered in the CIC3*. Brianne Stanley is also in the CIC1* YH. The streaming does require a one time log-in process. [CCI3* Leaderboard] [CIC3* Leaderboard] [Live Streaming Schedule]

Equestrian Events, Inc. is ready to help Stuart Horse Trials achieve new heights. Always a headline event for Area I in August, the Stuart Horse Trials and CIC is being run for the first time by EEI, the folks who bring you Rolex every year. Stuart Horse Trials will be the first event run by EEI other than our North American four-star, so get ready for an absolutely impeccably-run weekend. [Stuart Horse Trials]

This week in Horse & Hound’s Numbers: Our own Liz Halliday-Sharp set the bar for lowest dressage score at Rockingham Castle, scoring a 22.3 on Fernhill By Night in an Intermediate section and going on to finish on that score to win the division. Meanwhile, a mare named Judy finished the CCI3* at Saumur, descended from the matriarch Princess Fair bred by the Algotsson family. [Eventing in Numbers]

Event riders are calling for an international standard for body protectors. The findings of the inquest into Jordan McDonald’s death revealed he was wearing a Tipperary. Although the Tipperary is a popular brand in the U.S. and Canada, the brand does not meet the standards required for British Eventing. However, the FEI does not regulate safety vest standards as they do helmets, and Bruce Haskell, president of the International Eventing Riders Association, is calling for higher standards to be put in place. [Calls for International Standardisation of Body Protectors]

Here’s your daily dose of cute. A cute grey Shetland named Olney Phunny Bones won the Devon Shetland Pony Steeplechase from wire to wire. Piloted by Alice Nolen-Watson, Olsen Phunny Bones held off a determined challenge by Knight’s Taffy to take the win. [Olney Phunny Bones Wins Devon Shetland Pony Steeplechase]

Behind the Stall Door is back with Rothchild. Following in Sapphire’s shoes is no easy task, but Rothchild has stepped up to the plate admirably. Despite his cranky-looking ‘game face,’ Rothchild apparently has quite the pleasant personality, although he does view the stable as his kingdom. This is also a horse who loves donuts, and looks forward to his Dunkin’ every day. [Behind the Stall Door]

David Ziegler is stepping up to the big leagues in a big way. Last year David thought that his mount, the indefatigable Critical Decision, was ready to retire after his victory at Young Riders. ‘BG’ quickly let David know that retirement was not in the cards, and now he’s aiming him at a move-up to the big leagues in late June. Meanwhile, he’s prepping his dressage mount, Peninsula’s Top Man, for a debut on the U25 Grand Prix circuit later this year. [Horseware Introduces David Ziegler]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Triple Crown Mentor Series. This week Sam and Jess host Yogi Breisner, Bea di Grazia, Tiana Coudray, and Laura Collett. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: I was recently at a horse show and to my dismay, discovered that the farrier had failed to tap one of my horse’s hind shoes. We had holes for studs, but no threads to catch! From now on, I’ll be cleaning out his stud holes prior to the show, and putting in these babies to keep the dirt out. [SmartPak]

Seriously, guys. Adorable.

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Eventers Tackle Devon Hunt Night

By on May 26, 2015 5:00 pm -

Devon Hunt Night is a popular night for those attending and competing at the popular Pennsylvania hunter/jumper show. It seems that each year, a team of eventers tackles the hunter ring on Hunt Night. Last year, we profiled Justine Dutton’s Sport Ponies UK team, who placed second out of 16 teams.

This year, Sara Gartland, Samantha Fillman, and Brooke Holloway decided to swap their neck straps and monoflap saddles for martingales and hunter pads for a chance to compete at Devon.

Sara and As You Wish WF, Samantha and Adonis, and Brooke and Ace On the River (cool name!) placed fourth out of 18 hunt teams Saturday night — way to go, ladies!

Sara and As You Wish WF compete in Training and Prelim level events, Adonis and Sam compete in Novice and Training level events, and Ace on the River and Brooke are converts from the jumper ring (she qualified at Devon for the jumpers a few years ago) and currently compete at Beginner Novice and Novice level events.

Congratulations to another event team who showed the hunters how it’s done at Devon! Thanks to Julie Brooks Rudisill for providing video of this team’s round.

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Weekly Training Tip from Kate Chadderton: Conditioning

By on May 26, 2015 3:00 pm -

Kate Chadderton is an Australian native who operates a competition and training business in Maryland. She recently began offering weekly tips and advice, and we're pleased that she's graciously allowed us to share them here on EN. Keep an eye out for a new tip each week from Kate!

Kate Chadderton and Buckharo. Photo by Jenni Autry. Kate Chadderton and Buckharo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Aside from nutrition and shoeing, fitness is the most important part of a performance horses program. I rate it above training. For a horse to answer the questions you ask him on the flat and jumping either at a show or home, he must be physically able to respond.

For example, if you’re asking your horse to gallop around a 6 minute course on the weekend, it’s not fair to him, physically or mentally, if you have only flatted him once that week and he’s stood in the paddock the other 5 days.

Equally, if you’re asking him to perform a high degree of collection for half pass or flying changes, it’s only fair if you have prepared and strengthened his muscles over time. Which brings me to:

Types of Fitness

Obviously the event horse has to use his body in a multitude of ways — sometimes fast, sometimes slow. I like to incorporate several different methods of work.

Firstly I find trot sets, whilst boring (hello working students!), are great for building long slow endurance. My horses typically do it out in a hilly field and on the bit.

For my gallops I use a mixture of hills and flat ground, alternating fairly evenly between them. The hills are awesome for building amazing amounts of strength and the incline really gets their heart rate up.

I use a flat surface to encourage them to gallop on a longer stride, if they’re comfortable opening up and understand how to use their stride length for speed, we can save time without going quicker between the fences.

Footing

Your footing is of utmost importance. As I don’t have an indoor, perfectly manicured hill (yes they exist!), my galloping is done outside and at the mercy of Mother Nature, which means I’m obsessed with the weather!

I have a gallop schedule for my horses but will readily deviate from it to get better footing. For example, if the ground is hard today and it’s going to rain tonight, I’ll switch my gallop to the following morning. Same goes if it’s too wet and 12 hours of drying improves the ground.

Another technique I love using is walking the horses on hard surfaces to strengthen their legs. I’m lucky enough to have about a mile of pavement on my farm so it’s easy for each horse to do that three times a week.

Typically they go with myself or a working student after I finish schooling them. This doubles as a relaxing hack which the horses enjoy. I’ve found this really helps keep their legs tight and strong; it’s an old technique I stole from the English foxhunters!

Obviously I’m talking about event horses, but dressage horses, jumpers and almost every other equine athlete,  improve their performance thru fitness. Of course you’re not going to gallop your fancy dressage or jumping horse, but trot sets and walking on hard surfaces can be a good additional to aid in soundness.

#EventerProblems, Part III

By on May 26, 2015 1:00 pm -

#EventerProblems… we all have them — but at least we’re not alone. Here are 10 MORE EN readers who took to social media to air their eventing grievances (if you missed parts I and II, check them out here and here):

Ex didn’t like our dressage score much either #YourExBoyfriend #eventing #eventerproblems

A video posted by @gailsimon on

What’s YOUR problem? Tweet it with the hashtag #EventerProblems for inclusion in the next edition of this series. And don’t forget to follow Eventing Nation on Twitter @eventingnation and on Instagram @goeventing.

Go Eventing!