Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday News & Notes from Woof Wear

By on Jun 11, 2015 12:03 am -
This is Boyd's new creation on the Windurra cross country schooling course. I like it. Photo courtesy of Boyd.

This is Boyd’s new creation on the Windurra cross country schooling course. I like it. Photo courtesy of Boyd.

Tonight, I am going to the local SOAR Eventing Derby Night! Oh, what’s that, you say? It’s where a whole bunch of awesome people who are influential in keeping the local eventing scene thriving get together and haul a bunch of show jumps and portable cross country jumps into a giant arena, and we have combination derby jumping rounds at different eventing levels. It’s held at night, so it’s finally cool in the Virginia summer, and there is home cooking and socializing and spectating and it’s just a blast. If only every community could enjoy the same camaraderie and competition simultaneously!

Samantha Clark is on the grounds at the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials to bring us coverage here on EN all week. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica and Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire are in the CCI3*, and Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace are in the Under 25 CCI3*. Stay tuned for Samantha’s excellent coverage.

Bramham Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, @samanthalclark

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Valinor Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website]

Seneca Valley PC Spring H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status]

Full Gallop Farm June H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status]

Queeny Park H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T.  [Website]

Aspen Farms CIC & H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Round Top H.T.  [Omnibus]

News From Around The Globe:

William Fox Pitt has won Bramham CCI3* seven times, but he’s not yet satisfied. He’s riding Fernhill Pimms, a horse with already two CIC3*’s and a CCI2* victories under his belt. However, he does have competition from the usual crowd, and all eyes will be on Oliver Townend as he attempts to pilot the controversial Lanfranco around at a big competition. Andrew Nicholson is returning with MHS King Joules, the horse who earned Mary King a yellow card at this very event last year. [Bramham CCI3* Heats Up]

Irish biotechnology company Equinome has announced the release of a new test for the thoroughbred speed gene analysis. Four years ago, Equinome came out with the first speed gene analysis test, and they are claiming that the new procedure more than doubles the accuracy of predicting elite thoroughbred racing potential rather than using just pedigree alone. While this all sounds amazing and sciencey and exciting, I still think there’s an unknown x-factor that’s important in any horse sports, and they can’t just be reduced to numbers. [Equinome Predicts Fast Thoroughbreds]

After moving from east to west coast in 2013, Jessie Hargrave now joins forces with Tamie Smith and Next Level Eventing. Jessie was based in North Carolina for most of her career, working for riders like Rebecca Howard and Holly Hudspeth. However, she upped and took her career west and hasn’t looked back. With Jess, Tamie, Heather Morris and Nikki Hall Clarke all based in one barn, this is surely a powerhouse of a stable! [Next Level Eventing Welcomes Jessie Hargrave]

If you’re looking for the ideal low level packer, or all around enjoyable horse, how do you find that gem? Horse & Hound has a great guide for finding that horse that will safely take you around just about anything at the lower levels, and what to look for when you’re shopping. The horse that is enjoyable for many to ride is a popular commodity, and sometimes hard to find! [How To Find Your All Arounder]

A Pharoah Tale Ending……yep!

Preview the Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3* Cross Country Course

By on Jun 10, 2015 5:15 pm -
Last of the Summer Wine! Nick Gauntlett and Francis Whittington walk the Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3* XC. Photo by Samantha Clark. Last of the Summer Wine! Nick Gauntlett and Francis Whittington walk the Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3* XC. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Course Designer Ian Stark has made a few changes to the Bramham cross country this year — some that the riders will welcome, for example the roofed house at fence 3 that caused so much trouble last year has gone — but others might have them scratching their heads and losing a bit more sleep.

Like his riding in his heyday,  it’s what Ian is now renowned for — big, bold, galloping courses that you have to attack and you have to be brave, and there’s certainly plenty to do up here in Yorkshire this weekend.

Both U.S. team coach David O’Connor and CCI3* competitor Lauren Kieffer have come here straight from Derek Di Grazia’s CCI3* in Bromont, Canada, and I was surprised that David thought the latter has more terrain, “I thought Bromont this year was really strong, I thought it was a big course and it really rode exceptionally well. There are a lot of places here where you can put your hands down and just keep galloping for a long time, at Bromont you don’t get to do that.”

However, David added that this is his first trip back to Bramham in twelve years and he thinks it’s looks really good. Lauren agreed, adding that it was always a confidence booster knowing you could trust Derek’s courses would ride well if you ride them well, and she is hoping for a similar result this weekend.

I’m going to try and get back out on the course with a couple of riders to go over some of the more complicated combinations in some detail, but in the meantime here’s a quick look at the CCI3* course.

I was lucky enough to walk round with Nick Gauntlett and Francis Whittington who are like two very old men reminiscing about the ‘good old days’ when they first came to Bramham (about a hundred years ago!) and also lucky enough to bump into Yogi Breisner briefly but he quickly overtook us old fogeys!

What they all said was that not a single fence on the course could be underestimated — wise words indeed! Go cross country at Bramham and Go Eventing!

Bramham: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, @samanthalclark, Twitter, Instagram

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Bramham Flyover

By on Jun 10, 2015 5:00 pm -

Another big ticket European event is approaching this weekend, and a small but mighty American contingent will be representing the Stars and Stripes. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica are entered in the CCI3* after receiving a Land Rover Competition Grant, along with UK based Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire.

Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace are entered in the Under 25 CCI3* after a solid prep outing at Tattersalls earlier this month.

Be sure to check out Samantha Clark’s in-depth cross country course preview here, and British Eventing also just posted this wonderful flyover view of the Bramham Park grounds, and it’s breathtaking. It definitely puts perspective on how beautiful these European events truly are. Enjoy this bird’s eye view and a peek at some big questions on the cross country course.

Our very own Samantha Clark is  our eyes on the ground this weekend, so stay tuned for much more as we cheer on our Americans at Bramham.

Bramham International: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, @samanthalclark, Twitter, Instagram

No more guesswork. No more worries. 

With hundreds of different supplements on the market today, trying to pick the right one for your horse can be frustrating and worrisome. Let your veterinarian and Wiser Concepts® supplements ease the uncertainty. As a team, you and your vet will choose the Wiser Concepts supplement that best meets your horse’s needs. 

Wiser Concepts supplements are available only through your veterinarian. Learn more at KPPvet.com.

All 72 Horses Pass First Horse Inspection in Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3*

By on Jun 10, 2015 3:10 pm -
Lauren Kieffer and Veronica at Equitrek Bramham CCI3* First Horse Inspection Photo by Samantha Clark

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica at Bramham. Photo by Samantha Clark.

The Equi-Trek Bramham CCI3* First Horse Inspection took place as it normally does in front of the house, with the competitors walking onto the main front lawn from the picturesque stable yard, but unusually this year, it also took place this afternoon bathed in glorious sunshine.

We can’t help but remark on it as it happens so rarely here in England, and it really makes all the difference! Perhaps inspired by the warmth and the wonderful surrounding we were treated to not only some stunning horseflesh which of course we expect from a division packed with such depth and quality such as this, but also some seriously classy outfits, both from the men and the ladies.

Everyone who presented was accepted. Richard Jones withdrew Highland Ford before the Inspection which meant 72 horses came before the Ground Jury of Angela Tucker (president), Christina Klingspor and Harry Payne.

Two horses, Sarah Ennis’ Horseware Stellor Rebound and Nick Gauntlett’s Crown Talisman were asked to trot up twice before being sent to the holding box; both were accepted upon re-inspection. Flora Harris’ Bayano  and Cedric Lyard’s Cadeau du Roi were also asked to trot up twice but were also accepted.

Lauren Kieffer and Team Rebecca’s Veronica both looked stunning and very appropriate. Veronica travelled well here with super groom Shannon Kinsley while Lauren was competing at Bromont, and they stayed a few nights with Chris Bartle in Yorkshire before settling in here at Bramham.

Although reluctant to share too much for fear of jinxing herself, which I completely understand, Lauren is excited that Veronica will stay here after Bramham and she will return to England after the Pan Am Games with four more of her horses to spend the rest of the fall season here in the UK.

Veronica will go home with Jess and Clark Montgomery and stay with them until the end of July when Lauren and Landmark’s Monte Carlo, Landmark’s Jungle ROC, Vermiculus and the show jumper Smilla will join her, and they will re-locate to Henrietta Knight’s in Wantage and be based there.

Tentatively the plan at the moment is that Lauren, Shannon, Aubyn Geser and the horses would stay there until October; with the exception of Veronica they are all owned by Jacqueline Mars, and Lauren was quick to remind me that it was all due to her generosity that this is possible. Ms Mars is planning to come and watch her horses compete in England, and Lauren said she had fond memories of doing the same when David and Karen O’Conner were based over here too.

Katherine Coleman is also representing the USA in the CCI3* here at Bramham, but being based here she had less far to travel. Courage Under Fire looked stunning, as did she; we’ll keep our fingers crossed for both our American pairs this weekend.

We do have a precedent as Bruce Davidson won the very first running of the three-day event here back in 1974 on Paddy. More recently in 2003 Will Coleman won the U25 CCI3* on Fox in Flight so equally that should give our young rider contender Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace some hope. The Under 25 CCI3* division trot up Thursday afternoon at 5:30 p.m.

Dressage gets underway early tomorrow morning, but stay tuned for a cross country preview before then. The Under 25 CCI3* riders, including Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace, do their dressage on Friday. Go the USA at the Equi-Trek Bramham Horse Trials, and Go Eventing!

Bramham: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, @samanthalclark, Twitter, Instagram

 

Longtime Eventing Breeder and Advocate Dee McMaster Passes Away

By on Jun 10, 2015 2:30 pm -
Dee McMaster and her granddaughter, Codi. Photo courtesy of Lisa Robinson. Dee McMaster and her granddaughter, Codi. Photo courtesy of Lisa Robinson.

We are greatly saddened to hear that longtime event horse breeder and supporter Dee McMaster passed away suddenly in her sleep last night. Together with her daughter, Melissa, Dee had worked hard over the years to support a sport that was dear to her, always looking for the best crosses in which she may find a new generation of eventing greatness.

Dee had found success in breeding eventing prospects, producing several young horses who placed well at Young Event Horse competition in her home state of Florida. She had also recently purchased the stallion SWB Talbot, whose first crop of foals was on the ground this spring. SWB Talbot is syndicate owned and will continue breeding this year to produce event and sport prospects here in the U.S.

Melissa McMaster would often take the reins on the homebred horses once they were ready to compete, and under the MMC Eventing name you will find several horses who were bred or sourced by Dee herself. “She really loved the breeding part of this, and she hoped that one day she would get to sit in the white tent at Rolex and watch a horse she bred go down center line,” Melissa said.

A memorial fund in honor of Dee has been set up — you can click here if you would like to support the McMaster family. We’d like to thank Dee for all of her contributions to the sport, and the entire EN team sends its most sincere condolences to the McMaster family today.

Weekly Training Tip from Kate Chadderton: Scheduling Shows

By on Jun 10, 2015 1:00 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.

Each person has a different time frame to work with when planning their show schedule. For me, the upper level horses start competing at the beginning of February in Georgia and continue on their way to spring three-days.

However, most people have work and family schedules to work around, in which case I recommend a different approach. Making two big goals each year is a great way to go.

Whether it’s the American Eventing Championships, a three-day, or a move up to the next level, it gives you a point to work back from. In my area (Maryland) a popular goal is to use the double weekend of events at The Maryland Horse Trials (MDHT) at Loch Moy to move up a level. It’s an event most horses and riders are familiar with, which helps generate confidence.

Typically a combination would compete at the Novice level at MDHT 1 and then make the move to Training at MDHT 2. For this particular goal, I would decide how many more Novice events a rider and horse needs, then work backwards and figure out the calendar to get them to the point where they can achieve their goal.

A similar process applies to the AECs. First, the combination has to qualify, so I would plan a fair way in advance to qualify then select a couple of testing events (the AECs are championship level, i.e. hard!) to make sure the horse was capable. Then I would use the event preceding the AECs to give the horse an easy, confidence building run.

If a horse has a weaker area in dressage or show jumping then they’ll go to specific dressage and show jumping competitions to nail that area down.

I try not to do more than two eventing competitions in a month and really try to avoid going back to back on upper level horses. This allows them to have a mental and physical break. I will show jump (for example, at HITS) on a Thursday and event on the weekend as it’s not too strenuous.

Let’s Get to Know Five Roebke’s Run Riders and Their Horses

By on Jun 10, 2015 11:00 am -

The organizers of the Roebke’s Run Horse Trials, held June 5-7 in Hector, Minnesota, took a huge step forward in once again putting on a great show that saw about 155 participants from throughout the U.S. and some abroad taking part on a well-groomed, dynamic course.

Riders participated in the three-day event for a CIC/CCI entry fee of $310 that for many this year introduced them to one of the premier courses in the United States. Here’s what some of them had to say.

Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Master Boy. Photo by Pat Schmidt.

Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Master Boy. Photo by Pat Schmidt.

Ronald Zabala-Goetschel

The most experienced rider at Roebke’s Run this year was Ronald Zabala-Goetschel of Ecuador in South America. His list of accomplishments can fill a page, but most notable was his participation in the 2012 London Olympics. He arrived here with a goal to qualify for Ecuador’s Pan American Games team, which he easily did.

Ronald brought three horses with him, Wise Espartaco, an Argentinian Thoroughbred gelding; Mr. Wiseguy, a Belgian Warmblood gelding; and his Irish Sport horse gelding, Master Boy. He drove 26 hours cross country from West Grove, Pennsylvania to get here.

Reflecting on his Olympics, he said, “My Olympic moment was arriving at the stadium, where everyone is the same; no nation is better than the other one. It was the best moment of my life.” His next stop will be to compete in the Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada.

Ronald was impressed with Roebke’s Run course. He said he enjoys all venues and said the course layout designed by Capt. Mark Phillips is a very technical course. His weekend ended on a sad note as Wise Espartaco, “Manny,” collapsed and died after he jumped clear on the Saturday cross-country run.

The 12-year-old gelding was a consistent competitor at the Preliminary and one-star level and stepped up to the Intermediate this year. A necropsy will be conducted by the University of Minnesota to determine cause of death, and Manny’s cremated remains will be sent to Ronald’s farm in Pennsylvania, where he will be buried.

Nick Staples. Photo by Pat Schmidt.

Nick Staples and Bound By Blood. Photo by Pat Schmidt.

Nick Staples

One of the younger riders to compete at the CCI1* level was Nick Staples, 15, from Wichita, Kansas, on his 13-year-old Percheron cross gelding Bound by Blood. His primary reason for competing at Roebke’s Run was to make a clear round on the cross-country leg in order to qualify for Young Riders.

“The cross county course here is gallopy and has some tough lines with difficult questions. I love it,” Nick said. “My horse is a careful but big jumper; he’s fast, strong and mean. Nick, now in his fifth year of competing, was accompanied to Roebke’s Run by his father, John, a 1988 Olympian alternate who is also his full-time coach.

His goals for the future are to reach the four-star level in five years, ride at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and coach other eventers.

Jacob Fletcher and Fly Away Ferro. Photo by Pat Schmidt.

Jacob Fletcher and Fly Away Ferro. Photo by Pat Schmidt.

Jacob Fletcher

At age 21, Jacob Fletcher of Arkansas is already a very seasoned rider who takes his sport seriously and has competed throughout Europe. He brought three horses to the competition at Roebke’s Run: Atlantic Domino, Fly Away Ferro and Van Gough.

Fletcher competed in the CCI2* division on Fly Away Ferro, an eight-year-old who was doing Training level just a year ago and came home with a blue ribbon to top all other competitors in his class. After the first day of dressage competition, two of his horses were number one on the leader board.

Fletcher spent 10 months this past year riding and training in England under the tutorship of Kevin McNab. He’s been competing at the FEI levels since 2009.

“Competition there (England) is quite different; there’s no stabling and all three phases are held in one day. You need a real good Thoroughbred horse with good stamina,” said Fletcher. “I came here this year because it was a good time on the calendar, the climate is fantastic and Roebke’s Run has pretty much the best footing in the country. The footing here is very much like Europe.

“The Capt. Mark Phillips course is very comparable to Red Hills. The cross-country course is twisty through the woods and walked easier than it rode. It’s tough enough. The Schweiss family here at Roebke’s Run have been unbelievably accommodating.”

Fletcher has decided to stay at Schweiss Stables for the upcoming July Roebke’s Run Horse Trials that will be a precursor to him competing at Rebecca Farm Horse Trials in July.

Elizabeth Crowder and Red Poll. Photo by Pat Schmidt.

Elizabeth Crowder and Red Poll. Photo by Pat Schmidt.

Elizabeth Crowder

Elizabeth Crowder, 23, hails from Oklahoma. Between event competitions she is starting her last year in pharmacy school in Arkansas. Crowder was using Roebke’s Run as a qualifier for a two-star on her 8-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred, Red Poll. She began the weekend with a top start in dressage. Red Poll was a retired racetrack horse she has been training for the past three years.

“The dressage ring here is very good. I thought the cross-country one-star course starts very open and was beautiful with one of the better looking water jumps around,” Elizabeth said. “I wanted to come here ever since I heard about it a few years ago; it’s a lovely venue. I’ll be leaving my horse here until the next competition in July.”

Mary Peabody Camp and Rivertown Lad. Photo by Pat Schmidt.

Mary Peabody Camp and Rivertown Lad. Photo by Pat Schmidt.

Mary Peabody Camp

Mary Peabody Camp is an 18-year-old rider who came up to Minnesota from Crestwood, Kentucky, with her horse Rivertown Lad. She met her goal to qualify for Young Riders and took home a first place in the CCI* division.

“Winning first place was icing on the cake. My coach is very talented in dressage. I think the course here is beautiful and kept up extremely well,” Mary said. “We’ve been talking about how we were impressed the entire weekend and have made friends with Elizabeth Crowder and Jacob Fletcher, who helped me out a lot. Coming for the one-star and winning should help my chances of being selected to the Young Riders team.”

[Roebke’s Run Final Scores]

Meet the 2015 Area III NAJYRC Teams

By on Jun 10, 2015 9:00 am -

NAJYRC is just around the corner, and the team announcements continue to come in anticipation of the event, to be held July 14-19. Area III is the defending CH-Y** team and are sending a solid group of riders to contest both the CCI1* and CCI2*. Coaches Julie Richards and Leslie Law will be helping prepare their teams at training camp this summer.

CH-Y** Team Members

Adrian Jones and Irish Odyssey. Photo courtesy of Steve Berkowitz.

Adrian Jones and Irish Odyssey. Photo courtesy of Steve Berkowitz.

Adrian Jones has been named as a rider for both teams, although she will only be representing Area III on one at the end of the day. Adrian is an accomplished one- and two-star rider, and has both Irish Odyssey (CCI2*) and Magnificent Toy (CCI1*) qualified.

Both owned by Laura Jones, Irish Odyssey is a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare and Magnificent Toy is a 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding.

Adrian and Irish Odyssey represented Area III at NAJYRC in 2014, finishing 11th overall in the CH-Y**. She most recently placed second in the CCI2* at Jersey Fresh with Irish Odyssey and 10th in the CCI1* at Ocala with Magnificent Toy.

Do you know which horse you will end up taking to NAJYRC? Both horses are fantastic and ready to go! While this is great, it also makes the decision of who to take more difficult. As of now, I am planning on taking whichever horse the team coach would like me to take.

Nicole Doolittle and Tops. Photo courtesy of Ivegotyourpicture.com.

Nicole Doolittle and Tops. Photo courtesy of Ivegotyourpicture.com.

This will be Nicole Doolittle’s fourth appearance at NAJYRC and her second in the CH-Y**. Lexington has treated Nicole well — she won individual gold in the CH-J* in 2013 and finished 10th individually on the gold medal team in 2014.

Nicole returns to NAJYRC with former CCI3* horse Tops, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. This pair most recently won the Intermediate at Virginia Horse Trials.

This is your fourth trip to NAJYRC — what is your plan of attack for 2015? This year I plan on entering the competition as both a fitter horse and rider. We’ve really worked on our fitness and hopefully that will help us throughout the competition this year! I would love to have three good, consistent phases, in hopes for an individual medal.

Diane Portwood and Cinerescent. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

Diane Portwood and Cinerescent. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

Also making her return to Lexington and stepping up to the two-star team is Diane Portwood and her own Cinerescent, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare. Diane and Cinerescent were 14th in the CH-J* in 2013 and most recently completed the CCI2* at Ocala.

This pair has had a solid year of Intermediate and two-star competition and should be ready to make a splash at NAJYRC this summer.

How are you looking to build on your experiences from 2013 this year? The 2013 NAJYRC was a great experience, but I do regret not getting to know my teammates more than I did. A huge part of what makes the NAJYRC so special is the bond that is formed between teammates. This is something most of us have never gotten the chance to experience, and I hope that I’ll be able to build a more of a comradery within the Area III team. I’m also hoping that I won’t have as much of an issue with show ring nerves now that I have quite a few bigger shows under my belt.

Calvin Ramsay and Hoodwink. Photo by Ivegotyourpicture.com.

Calvin Ramsay and Hoodwink. Photo by Ivegotyourpicture.com.

Calvin Ramsay is another NAJYRC veteran, having competed with Flintstar in the Y-** in 2014 and with Hoodwink the CH-J* in 2013, who has had great success in Kentucky. Placing second individually in 2014 and fourth in 2013, Calvin is returning with Hoodwink in 2015.

Calvin is ready to bring his A game this year on a horse on which he’s had consistent results. This pair has campaigned at the Intermediate and two-star level since the winter of 2014, so expect them to show everyone how it’s done at NAJYRC.

Since this is your third time returning to NAJYRC and you’ve historically done quite well, are you feeling more pressure than you might otherwise? I feel excited by I try to avoid getting nervous. It keeps my mind off the possible problems that could happen to me and that helps me focus on actually riding.

Lauren Kieffer and Spring Easy (left) and Effervescent (right). Photos by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin and Spring Easy (left) and Effervescent (right). Photos by Jenni Autry.

Caroline Martin is another with a dual threat this year. She’s got two horses qualified for the CH-Y** team, and it will be exciting to see which is selected to start the team.

Spring Easy is an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Sherrie and Caroline Martin. He placed third in his CCI2* debut at Galway Downs last year and has since stepped up to complete an Advanced and a CIC3* in 2015.

Effervescent is another 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse also owned by Sherrie and Caroline. The gelding made his CCI2* debut this year at Ocala, where he placed 23rd. Caroline has said that she believes Effervescent may do better in the dressage at NAJYRC, but that Spring Easy is the more experienced of the pair.

Caroline will wait until training camp to determine which horse will be selected as her first choice. This will be Caroline’s third trip to NAJYRC — she won individual gold here in 2013 aboard Quantum Solace.

What is the the biggest part of being a member of the Area III team? The team is all about a group effort and not just yourself. I really want to help everyone else in the sense of supporting them. It will be really great to have all of the kids from different areas together.

CH-J* Team Members

Mikensey Johansen and Exterminator. Photo by Jessica Johansen Lively.

Mikensey Johansen and Exterminator. Photo by Jessica Johansen Lively.

Competing at her first NAJYRC is Mikensey Johansen and her 7-year-old OTTB, Exterminator. Miksensey and her family purchased “Moe” as a 3-year-old, and he was trained by Werner Geven.

Mikensey took over the ride in 2014, competing at Novice and Training level before stepping up to win their Prelim debut in 2015. This pair has one CIC1* and one CCI1* under their belt and are looking forward to representing Area III for the first time.

What was your first reaction when you saw the announcement? I was very excited. Moe and I have come a very long way and I believe we will do it. I have a lot of trust in him and he has a lot of trust in me.

Parker Miller and Jos Baco. Photo by Marcie Miller.

Parker Miller and Jos Baco. Photo by Marcie Miller.

Parker Miller and her own 13-year-old Argentinian Thoroughbred, Jos Baco, were also named to the CH-J* team for Area III. She and Jos Baco have come up the levels together, steadily working their way up before stepping up to Prelim this year.

Parker and Jos Baco were most recently 10th in the Prelim championships for Area III at Poplar Place. They also completed the CCI1* at Ocala earlier this year.

What is the most exciting part about being named to the team this year? I think honestly the most exciting part is knowing that all of my hard work has paid off. I have had this dream since I was 10. I think I really got lucky teammate wise because they are all of my really close friends and I actually ride with Briggs (Surratt) every day!

Briggs Surratt and Hat Trick at Rocking Horse. Photo by Patricia Dileo.

Briggs Surratt and Hat Trick at Rocking Horse. Photo by Theresa Bender.

Briggs Surratt is also making his return to Kentucky this year representing Area III. You may remember Briggs from a great piece his father, Andy, wrote about him last year.

Briggs and his 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Hat Trick, were unfortunately eliminated at NAJYRC last year, but they’ll be bring a whole year’s worth of experience with them in their re-attempt in 2015.

This pair recently stepped up to the Intermediate/two-star level and completed the CIC2* at Red Hills earlier this year.

What are you looking forward to the most about being on the Area III team? I’m looking forward to building relationships with my team and working towards winning the gold together.

Congratulations to all Area III team members! Remember, if you or anyone you know is interested in guest blogging from Lexington, please email [email protected].

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By on Jun 10, 2015 12:01 am -
Kurt Martin to the rescue. Photo via Sara McKenna. Kurt Martin to the rescue. Photo via Sara McKenna.

We had some crazy storms roll through the other night up here on the East Coast, and downed trees come with the territory. Three star rider Kurt Martin came to the rescue of a trapped horse trailer in Virginia, busting out his trusty chainsaw and proving that he can do more than just sit pretty on a horse. We applaud your woodsman skills, Kurt, and are all eagerly waiting for your clinic on how to dodge falling trees.

Samantha Clark is on the grounds at the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials to bring us coverage here on EN all week. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica and Katherine Coleman and Courage Under Fire are in the CCI3*, and Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace are in the Under 25 CCI3*. Stay tuned for Samantha’s excellent coverage.

Bramham Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, @samanthalclark

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Valinor Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website]

Seneca Valley PC Spring H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status]

Full Gallop Farm June H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status]

Queeny Park H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T.  [Website]

Aspen Farms CIC & H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Round Top H.T.  [Omnibus]

The FEI announced yesterday that the U.S. has been awarded a Nations Cup date for eventing, but the venue and date have not yet been revealed. Great Meadow confirmed to EN that they were the only venue to apply for a date, so that’s likely the venue. Now we await the date and official announcement. [FEI Bureau Meeting Report]

The Chronicle of the Horse is also following the purple movement. In honor of Seema Sonnad, the purple broke out in force at Plantation Field this weekend, and there are reports of purple being worn all over the country. I felt my own purple shirt was a little too pink, but I was reassured that it was, in fact, a shade of purple. #colorblind #becauseofSeema [Plantation Field Goes Purple]

The Pas de Deux of the century will be held at CSIO Mannheim. In part of the centenary Nations Cup gala ceremony, dressage super stars Charlotte Dujardin and Isabelle Werth will be performing a Pas de Deux. While there is no word on which horses will take part in the test, it is sure to be a highlight of the July 18 gala. [Dressage Greats Perform Pas de Deux]

PRO made sure to recognize the hard work of grooms at Bromont. This year, PRO awarded the PRO Equine Management Training Center Groom’s Award, worth $200, to Anne Marie Duarte, who grooms for Selena O’Hanlon. [Anne Marie Duarte wins PRO award at Bromont]

Not going to the Pam Ams?  Go to Fitch’s Corner HT in Millbrook, NY on July 17-18 for a great competition with lots of frills.  New is the $2,000 Novice Masters Challenge for riders 40+.  Derek di Grazia will create the championship style XC course with Marc Donovan for Stadium.  The stadium jumping will be held during the popular Blue Jean Ball on Saturday night.  Boogie over the fences with famed DJ Flo from New York.   Fitch’s has the best Market with fashion and gifts for home as well as products for horse and hound. [Fitch’s Corner]

This week in Horse & Hound’s Numbers: There must have been something in the water over at Berriewood in Great Britain, as twenty-two riders forgot where they were going in dressage. [Eventing in Numbers]

This week in Behind the Stall Door: RF Demeter, recent winner of the CCI3* at Bromont, is next up in this COTH series. Demi has a number of other nicknames all related to Goldfish thanks to her short term memory and physical looks. [Behind the Stall Door]

Andreas Dibowski has sold 3* horse Hans Dampf to a rider in the U.S. Andreas announced on his Facebook page on Monday that he had sold Hans Dampf, a 9 year old Oldenburg gelding, to a rider in the United States. Hans Dampf won the Malmo CIC3* in his first attempt at the level last August and went on to place second at the Waregem CIC3* and ninth at Boekelo CCI3*. Most recently, he was fourth at Sopot CIC3*. While the U.S. rider remains unnamed, it’s only a matter of time before we see this horse out competing on American soil. [Andreas Dibowski Facebook Page]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Jennie Brannigan and Laine Ashker. This week Samantha and Jess chat with Jennie and Laine about their 2015 season thus far and where they are headed next. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: Hanging water buckets at shows is just a pain. The twine never lets the buckets hang perfectly even and making sure the knots are secure is time consuming. Enter the Loop-De-Loo, the best bucket strap ever. Just wrap around the stall bars and through the loop on the end and voila! Perfectly hung buckets. I’ve also used these to hang cross ties, stall guard, and blanket chains. [SmartPak]

American Pharoah was awe-inspiring on Saturday, and I will never forget watching that race for as long as I live. But the phrase Chic Anderson uttered while calling the Belmont in 1973 during Secretariat’s incredible win never fails to raise the hair on my arms whenever I hear it.

Canada’s Pan American Games Team Under Gag Order Until Saturday

By on Jun 9, 2015 7:20 pm -
Photo via Wikimedia Commons Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Canadian eventing fans have been waiting on pins and needles to find out which horses and riders will comprise this year’s Pan American Games team, which was expected to be announced immediately after the conclusion of last weekend’s Bromont International Three-Day Event.

Equine Canada confirmed to EN that the Canadian Pan American Games eventing team has already been selected and the riders have been notified, but the official announcement of who made the team will not come until this Saturday, June 13, which is being celebrated as #PanAmDay in Canada.

The Canadian Olympic Committee will announce the Pan American Games teams for all of its sports on this day, and Equine Canada will release an official statement with the announcements for their teams soon after. As a result, the riders named to the Canadian eventing, show jumping and dressage teams have been placed under a gag order until the June 13 announcement.

Jessie Christie, communications manager at Equine Canada, told EN that the intent behind embargoing the team announcements from release until Saturday is to maximize the impact and excitement for the Pan Ams, which are being held in Toronto this year. Indeed, Canada is going all out this Saturday in honor of the Games, with #PanAmDay celebrations taking place in many cities.

In the case of the Canadian eventing team, the timing of the selection notification and subsequent enacting of the gag order covers the 72-hour window in which riders who didn’t make the team are allowed to appeal. Article 11 of the 2015 Canadian Pan American Games Selection Procedures states:

“In light of the time restrictions imposed by the FEI and OC (Olympic Committee) deadlines, a dispute/appeal must be filed by the rider within 72 hours of the announcement of the 2015 Pan American Games Eventing – Definite Entries and the named substitute(s)/ alternate(s).”

Fleur Tipton, Equine Canada’s manager of eventing, confirmed that the 72-hour window to launch an appeal started from the time the riders were notified of their selection or non-selection. Multiple sources confirmed to EN that the riders were notified of their selection yesterday. The window to launch an appeal is now in effect and will end while the riders are still under the gag order, one day before the team is officially announced to the public.

While the identity of the riders named to the team remains under lock and key, Venezuelan rider and Pan Ams competitor Elena Ceballos confirmed to EN that Kyle Carter and his homebred FR’s Trust Fund were not named to the team; instead, Kyle will be coaching the Venezuelan team in Toronto.

Due to the urgency of needing to declare a team coach in order to receive Pan Am accreditation, the Venezuelan Olympic Committee could not wait until June 13 to find out whether Kyle, who has trained Elena and her fellow Venezuelan Pan Am team rider Juan Andres Larrazabal for many years, would be riding for Canada or coaching their team.

It’s the end to Kyle’s run to Toronto with “Finn,” his 9-year-old Dutch/Thoroughbred gelding we featured two years ago on EN’s Got Talent. After finishing in third place on a score of 44.3 in the CCI2* at the Ocala Horse Properties International Horse Trials in April, many thought of Kyle as a virtual lock for the team. Due to the gag order, Kyle is unable to provide comment to EN at this time.

Canada’s selection process for Toronto follows the events surrounding last year’s selection snafu for the Canadian World Equestrian Games team, when Kathryn Robinson was named to the squad only to be removed and replaced due to a missing piece of paperwork.

Stay tuned as we continue to wait for the announcement of the Canadian Pan American Games team.