Classic Eventing Nation

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by Absorbine

By on May 21, 2015 6:00 pm -
Photo by Artur Baboev via Wikimedia Commons Photo by Artur Baboev via Wikimedia Commons

And suddenly, it feels like summer – okay, not everywhere it seems – but in much of the country the days are getting awfully hot and humid. Riders, farm employees and horses may start to slow down a little, but the work still has to get done, so particular care must be taken in summer to bar against dehydration and heat exhaustion.

For the sake of ourselves and our horses, our schedules and habits must change: for instance, ride earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat of the day; take shorter rides and allow for lots of walk breaks; remove your helmet between rides if you ride multiple horses and try to remember to drink more water than you think you need – if you’re feeling thirsty, you’re already behind on H2O intake.

Keeping the horses hydrated can be a bit trickier, however, because as the old saying goes, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” There are plenty of tricks to try and get horses to drink, like flavoring water, soaking hay and feeding sloppy, watery mashes.

Water is inarguably the most important nutrient, but do you know how dehydration actually affects your horse’s health and wellbeing? The Horse published an article this week outlining what happens when horses receive insufficient amounts of water.  Click here to read the article, and remember to always make sure your horse has access to clean, fresh water, regardless of the weather!

Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance in horses is the decreased ability for cells to transport glucose (sugar) into muscles and other tissues. It is often associated with metabolic disease, laminitis and Cushings. Diet, age, breed and many other factors are at play, but grazing on lush grass and becoming overweight is considered a common culprit. A recent study tested the effects of heavy grazing on glucose tolerance, and the results may come as a surprise.  [Horsetalk]

Equine Herspesvirus: With so many horses in the United States on the move for shows, lessons and even vet visits, there is a lot to consider as they may come in contact with unfamiliar horses. EHV-1 is a contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory tract and may cause abortion in pregnant mares, and some agriculture department websites maintain updates on the presence of the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) in their state. Fran Jurga has rounded up important notifications regarding the disease from around the country. [The Jurga Report]

Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is an increasingly popular form of treatment for a variety in ailments in horses. However, according to this article, the “scientific jury” is still out because there are no “peer reviewed controlled clinical trials” analyzing the affects of laser therapy in horses, even though it has proven to be an effective treatment in humans. How does laser therapy work? How is it used? Here is what you need to know. [Horse Canada]

Nutrient Deficiency: Most commercially prepared horse feeds provide your horse with a balanced diet to meet his energy, protein, and vitamin and mineral needs. However, some horses are at risk for developing a nutrient deficiency or imbalance. But like most aspects of horse ownership, you shouldn’t change a diet or add supplements willy-nilly. Learn about the common nutrient deficiencies and how to find out if your horse has one. [The Horse]

Remarkable Reading: You may not want to read this first thing in the morning (like I did!) or if you have a weak stomach, but this is an incredible story about a veterinarian determined to help a horse who was going to be put down if the foreign object in his body was not recovered. The story has a happy ending, but it took quite a lot of persistence took get there. [Horse and Hound]

USEF Announces Spring/Summer Land Rover Competition Grants

By on May 21, 2015 5:13 pm -
Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Jenni Autry. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hot on the heels of last night’s announcement of the Pan American Games team and alternates, the USEF has also released the recipients of Land Rover Competition Grants for this spring and summer. Two grants have been given out for the upcoming Bramham CCI3* and Luhmühlen CCI4*:

Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials – June 11-14

Lauren Kieffer and Team Rebbeca, LLC’s Veronica
Veronica is a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare

Luhmühlen CCI4* Presented by DHL – June 18-21

Clark Montgomery and Jessica Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft, and Holly and William Becker’s Loughan Glen
Loughan Glen is a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

Kurt Martin and Anna Bella originally received a grant to compete at Bramham, but have since withdrawn from the competition. Libby Head will also be competing at Luhmühlen thanks to her receipt of the Essex Award at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention last year.

Congratulations to this round of grant recipients as they prepare to pack their bags to hit the European circuit. We’ll bring you more updates from the traveling pairs as their journeys begin, so stay tuned for much more.

Mike Etherington-Smith Named New CIC3* Course Designer for Red Hills

By on May 21, 2015 3:00 pm -
Lauren Kieffer and Czechmate. Photo by Jenni Autry. Lauren Kieffer and Czechmate. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Red Hills International, a popular destination for eventers prepping for Rolex or stepping up a level, announced today that a new cross country course design team has been put in place in preparation for 2016 and beyond.

“Etherington-Smith’s international experience at the highest levels of the sport, combined with O’Connor’s 17 years of experience competing and coaching at Red Hills creates a true dream team,” Marvin Mayer, co-organizer of Red Hills, said in a press release. “Needless to say, Red Hills is extremely proud to have two of the sport’s premier professionals as part of our family.”

Mike Etherington-Smith will take the reins of the CIC3* course design from Hugh Lochore, and David O’Connor will be collaborating for the CIC2* and CIC* courses. Mike has stepped up his involvement in course design this year and is renowned for his design of the courses at both the 2000 and 2008 Olympics as well as the World Equestrian Games in 2010.

A big priority for the new design team is to expand the galloping lanes in an effort to give the competitors more time out in the open while on course.

Another priority will be to improve the footing at the venue, and the team has already been hard at work preparing the footing for next spring. The footing has had lime added and has been added and had top dressing and seed drilling, all of which have already begun to yield positive changes.

Additionally, fiber will be added to the crushed stone base in the arenas with the intent being to give the horses more cushion while competed on the surface.

We’re excited to see these new improvements, as well as the new vision in the cross country courses brought about by Mike Etherington-Smith and David O’Connor. We’ll see you in Tallahassee next spring!

For more information, visit the Red Hills website or Facebook page.

57 Pairs Set to Contest Popular Woodside Preliminary Challenge

By on May 21, 2015 1:00 pm -
Frankie Thieriot and Chatwin. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart. Frankie Thieriot and Chatwin. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

The ever-popular Preliminary Challenge at Woodside is set to commence this weekend, and 57 pairs across two divisions (Rider and Horse) will compete for $15,000 in prize money and an additional $15,000 in prizes. This is the seventh running of this event, which has attracted professionals and amateurs alike since its inception.

The Preliminary Challenge will run dressage on Friday, cross country Saturday morning, and will conclude with show jumping in the atmospheric Grand Prix Arena on Saturday evening. A heated ringside tent will offer a Gala Dinner for fans, friends, and family, and tickets to the tent — which have sold out each year — are available here. Reserved seating and dinner is $60 per person or $550 for a table of 10. Proceeds from the Gala Dinner will benefit construction of the cross-country course at the Horse Park at Woodside.

“I think the format we’ve created for the Woodside Preliminary Challenge – the evening show jumping competition with the awards right afterward and the catered dinner – has become something truly special over the last six years, ” said event organizer Robert Kellerhouse in a recent press release. “The Preliminary Challenge has become a competition that the riders aim for every year, and it’s become an event that people in the Woodside area and people riding in the other divisions at Woodside look forward to watching every year.”

Riders will have a chance to take a crack at new course designer Ian Stark’s creation on Saturday, which is an exciting development for this event. The course promises to be challenging yet fair, and we are looking forward to seeing how it rides over the weekend.

As far as qualifications are concerned, competing horses in the Horse division may not have competed above Intermediate from 2008-2015, while the riders may be of any experience level. For the Rider division, the riders may not have competed above Intermediate between 2008 and 2015. In other to achieve qualification for the Preliminary Challenge, horses and riders must have also earned two qualifying scores as a pair at Prelim.

CWD, Devoucoux, Equine Insurance of California and Professional’s Choice are the Presenting Sponsors of the 2015 Event At Woodside. Sunsprite Warmbloods is the Gold Medal Sponsor.

The Silver Medal Sponsors are: JRD Saddles, SmartPak and Voltaire Design.

The Bronze Medal Sponsors are: Auburn Laboratories Inc., Elk Grove Milling, Finish Line Horse Products, Geranium Street Floral, Ice Horse, the Professional Riders Organization, Ride On Video, and Shires Equestrian Products.

Friend Sponsors are: American Medical Response, California Retirement Management Account – funding aftercare for OTTBs, Eventing Training Online, Revitavet Therapeutic Systems, Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic and Triple Crown Nutrition.

Tickets for cross country day ($10/person) as well as Saturday evening’s Gala Dinner can be found here. We’ll be bringing you recaps from the Preliminary Challenge all weekend, so stay tuned for much more from Woodside.

Go Eventing!

The Spring Event at Woodside: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

4 Things You Might Not Know About fischerRocana FST

By on May 21, 2015 11:00 am -
You just won the lion's share of $300K + some sweet wrist-candy for your dad... thoughts? fischerRocana: "My head itches." Photo by Leslie Wylie.

You just won the lion’s share of $300K + some sweet wrist-candy for your dad… thoughts? fischerRocana: “My head itches.” Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Michael Jung’s little-bay-mare-that-could, fischerRocana FST, has seemed hell-bent on stealing her big brother’s thunder throughout the past year.

Rocana’s world domination tour started last summer, when she took second at her very first 4* at Luhmühlen. Then, in the fall, she secured Team Gold and Individual Silver at World Equestrian Games in Normandy — as Michael’s “reserve horse.” Most recently, of course, she shut-out La Biostheque Sam FBW at Rolex 2015, making it clear that she was no second fiddle but a force to be reckoned with on her own terms.

So, we know she can win. But having only recently emerged from Sam’s shadow, this supermare is still a fresh face on the world stage. Who is she? Where did she come from? Where did she get her freak-of-nature talent?

Here are four things about Rocana you might not know:

She’s never had a cross-country jumping penalty at an FEI event.

Michael Jung and Fischerrocana FST. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

Michael Jung and Fischerrocana FST. Photo by Rare Air Photography.

From her first 1* at Fontainebleau in 2011 through Rolex last month, fischerRocana has maintained a pristine cross-country record throughout the 26 FEI competitions she has completed.

She went double-clear at 16 of them, with the most time penalties accrued (11.4) at the 2014 WEG in Normandy. The treacherous going on that course kept everyone else’s pace in check as well, and Rocana still finished with a Team Gold and Individual Silver.

Additional fun fact: She placed in the top two at 13, or 50%, of those 26 events. You can check out her FEI Performance Record here.

What’s it like to pilot the Rocana cross-country machine? Take a vicarious spin via this helmet cam from the 2* course at Radolfzell in Germany last spring.

Her momma gave her hops; her daddy gave her speed.

Speaking of all those double-clear rounds, Rocana may be genetically predisposed for them. While registered as a German Sport Horse (SATHU), her breeding is a mix of jumping and racing lines — she’s 63.87% blood — that clearly added up to produce an incredible and well-rounded athlete.

Her sire is Ituango xx, a thoroughbred who stands at the Marbach Stud and has produced a number of successful racers as well as sport horses. Ituango raced for two years before an injury ended his career, and his parents — sire Acatenago, three-time German racehorse of the year with earnings of nearly $4.5 million, and dam Lagunas, a Derby winner — were both racing powerhouses.

On the other side of Rocana’s pedigree is her dam, Rose, an Oldenburg who brings to the table a legacy of dressage and jumping talent from the likes of influential stallions like Calypso II and Cor de la Bryere.

Screen-Shot-2014-09-02-at-11.36.44-AM

Source: Horsetelex.com

 

She has a little sister, who is also killing it.

Her name is — wait for it — fischerRicona, and not only are they full sisters, they also look alike and have a gift for leaderboard domination.

At eight years old, Ricona is two years younger than her big sis but already boasts an impressive competition record with Michael Jung in the irons. Last year she won her first CIC3* at Wiesbaden, the latest in a string of wins and top finishes at the 1*/2* levels. Of the 11 FEI events she’s completed, she has placed in the top two in seven. That’s 64%, besting even her world-beater big sister’s 50%. Better step up your game, Rocana — Ricona is coming for you!

View Ricona’s FEI Performance Record here.

Here she is coming through the CIC2* water at Kreuth, which she won on her dressage score of 34.7, last year:

Despite her accolades, she’s still not Michael Jung’s favorite horse in the barn.

The best stall is still reserved for Rocana’s star stablemate, La Biostheque Sam FBW.  After winning Rolex on his mare, Michael confessed during the press conference that Sam is still his “favorite.” It’s the horse that first established his stature as a world champion, but his affection for the horse extends well beyond their accomplishments on the international stage.

“He is a special personality and a very good friend of me,” he said. “I think no horse is better than him.”

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. That’s OK, Rocana — just keep stealing those ribbons out from under that hotshot brother of yours. You’re a fan favorite, for sure!

Michael Jung accepts his ribbon from Gillian Rolton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Michael Jung accepts his ribbon from Gillian Rolton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Go fischerRocana. Go Eventing!

Making the Tough Decision

By on May 21, 2015 9:00 am -
Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime. Photo by Kasey Mueller. Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime. Photo by Kasey Mueller.

Every fiber of my being wants to be a four-star rider. Let’s start with that.

While I consider the entire four years with AP to be my prep to Rolex, I could never have imagined how intense the three months before that huge weekend in April would be. The amount of focus, attention to detail, and commitment to your program necessary during that time starts to look a lot like a pretty severe personality disorder.

Your day to day activities start to carry so much weight, and you lose sight of any reasonable perspective in this world. With this comes very intense reactions, good and bad, to anything and everyone around you, a very intense emotional rollercoaster. Combine all of this with the fact that a very large part of my identity is wrapped up in my being an eventer, and you can get a sense of the intensity involved in prepping for Rolex.

I love this silly face!

I love this silly face!

My prep became all the more stressful when AP took a tumble, unrelated to a fence, in the show jumping at the Fork. It then became a waiting game to see if he would be 100% for the biggest test of our careers. As my vet began checking him over at the Fork, I promised myself that if there was any increased chance of injury, I would make the decision in the best interest of my horse.

Fortunately, AP looked great in the weeks following the Fork, and I got the 100% sign off to go ahead as planned, always intending to do one last check before cross country at Rolex.  As I stood in the treating stall with AP and my vet, I felt confident and hopeful. I felt like my horse and I were exactly where we should be, ready to tackle the task ahead.

As my vet read the ultrasound, I knew she was about to tell me something I did not want to hear. AP’s leg look slightly more inflamed than it had the week prior, and she could no longer tell me he was at status quo. I was facing the first really tough decision of my eventing career.

My vet began telling me the pros and cons of running the next day, but it was completely unnecessary. In that moment, I learned something about myself: I would never sacrifice the wellbeing of my horse for my own personal goals, validation, or livelihood.

While the decision was devastating, I can take away this little piece of information about myself. Completing Rolex would have changed my life in more ways that I can list, all for the better. If I can make the tough call in that moment, I know I can make it anytime.

It has taken weeks to have a full appreciation of this silver lining. At Rolex, I held myself together in the barns, not until I got back to my hotel and knocked on my parents’ door did I fall apart. The weight and significance of my decision came down on me at once.

Photo courtesy of Tom Neuman.

AP tolerating his fancy circles. He was very upset not to run cross country! Photo courtesy of Tom Neuman.

While I knew I was doing the right thing, it was not an easy pill to swallow. Throughout the rest of the weekend, there were certain people that triggered tears, and I was so worried about the disappointment that my sponsors and AP’s fans would feel. Much to my delight and surprise, I received nothing short of an outpouring of support for my horsemanship, something that speaks to the amazing people that are the sport of eventing!

Saturday night, my mom asked me, “What would you have done if AP had an owner and they wanted you to run regardless of the ultrasound?” I told her I would under no circumstance run a horse that wasn’t 100%. As hard as it is to get owners and as much as I wouldn’t want to lose one, I knew in that moment, I would still make that call.

First of all, no one puts more pressure and expectations on me than me — to a fault — so no one could have made me want my first four-star more in that moment. It’s just not possible. I also know that if I continue to make these decisions that show the utmost respect and love for my horse, I will attract owners that will back me up in these tough moments.

Hopefully I can build a program where everyone involved with LLG Eventing can not only enjoy the immense highs of coming through the finish flags at a world class event, but also sleep at night when the tough decisions need to be made and enjoy the long, successful careers of their horses.

Weeks later, it’s still tough. I really thought that, at this point in time, I would be a four-star rider. Dealing with that unfulfilled piece of me just plain sucks, there’s no getting around it. However, having a happy horse that will be on track to run Fair Hill this fall certainly helps, and I have that much more fuel to the fire to get us to Rolex next year hungrier than ever!

Thursday News & Notes from SmartPak

By on May 21, 2015 12:03 am -
How could you not have a stupid grin while riding a red dinosaur?

How could you not have a stupid grin while riding a red dinosaur?

Having a backup horse is a really great idea, for a number of reasons. While Nyls’ season started out great with a win at Carolina and a sixth at The Fork….it sorta fizzled after that with stupid things like foot soreness. Now we’ve got that under control, he’s ballooned up so much with the time out of full work that it looks like I’m stuck waiting for the fall season again. Le sigh. However, I have a red dinosaur to take some of the focus off old fatty pants, and he’s thriving under the extra attention! I’m heading to VAHT this weekend with him for one last run at Novice….mostly to see if he’s finally stopped gawking at jump judges on cross country. Hooray giant baby!

FEI Weekend Events:

Saumur CCI3*/CIC3* [Website] [Entry List] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Mystic Valley Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Virginia CIC, CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Flora Lea Spring H.T  [Website] [Entry Status]

Paradise Farm H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status]

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

The Spring Event at Woodside H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

May-Daze at the Park H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Coconino Spring H.T.  [Website] [Ride Times]

 News From Around the Globe:

Obviously, the biggest news of yesterday was the announcement of the US Pan American team. A massive congrats goes out to all the people involved in the success of the pairs named, and fingers crossed that everyone has good luck for the next few months at least! [US Names Pan American Squad]

The second biggest news is that American Pharaoh’s owner confirmed sale of the colt’s future breeding rights to Coolmore Stud. The Triple Crown contender will continue to race for the rest of the year, regardless of how he runs in the Belmont, and owner Ahmed Zayat will retain control of his racing career. The deal with Coolmore, which declines to disclose the amount that changed hands, includes several bonuses should the colt win either the Belmont or any other million dollar purses before he retires. [American Pharaoh’s Breeding Rights Sold]

The Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover competition is jam packed this year! With over 350 entries already for the October event, Thoroughbreds from 44 states will be traveling to Kentucky to show off their skillz. Held over three days with ten different disciplines on parade, there will be seminars and vendors and amazing fun. You can now buy tickets! General admission is free, and seminars are $25. [RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Competition]

Newly minted Pan Am alternate Matt Brown is looking to help some horses and riders while he’s based on the east coast! From Matt’s Facebook: “In an effort to earn a living while here on the East Coast Matt is available to do some teaching, riding, and half or whole day clinics depending on the location. All levels and disciplines welcome. Want some self defense lessons or need a fun way to stay fit while increasing your balance and coordination? He is also available to teach private or small group Kenpo Karate or kickboxing lessons as well. [East West Training]

If you’re not listening to Carl Hester’s tips for top horse management, I don’t know what you’re doing. Carl isn’t just any dressage rider, because as we know he’s been involved in the powerhouse that is Charlotte Dujardin and Valero from the beginning, but he also used to Event, which makes him a little bit cooler. e-Venting spent a morning at his barn, and got some pretty awesome quotes, which I think we could apply to all horses in all disciplines. Read this. [A Morning With The Maestro]

Heading to a show this weekend and feeling the nerves already? Horse & Hound knows how to lay out the seven top ways to make the best of your competition weekend. I love that “make a schedule” and “don’t look at the scoreboard” are the top two, because those are definitely part of my routine! Also, the perfectly British “don’t faff about” works its way in there as well. [Seven Ways to Optimize Competition Performance]

Pan Am contenders Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett looking very fresh at the end of their Jersey CCI3* course:

logo_600x100 SmartPak

Team USA Reacts to Pan American Games Squad Announcement

By on May 20, 2015 8:07 pm -
Photo via Wikimedia Commons Photo via Wikimedia Commons

We’ve been waiting for the announcement all day, and it finally arrived: The Team USA riders and horses who will look to shore up a ticket to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with a top showing at the Pan American Games are:

  • Phillip Dutton and Tom Tierney and Simon Roosevelt’s Fernhill Cubalawn or Tom Tierney and Annie Jones’ Fernhill Fugitive
  • Lauren Kieffer and Marie Le Menestrel’s Meadowbrook’s Scarlett
  • Marilyn Little and Raylyn Farm Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ RF Scandalous
  • Boyd Martin and the Pancho Villa Syndicate’s Pancho Villa

So what did Team USA have to say after a grueling selection process — one Coach David O’Connor called “very competitive” with one of the strongest groups we’ve had gunning for a team like this in a long time? Let’s break it down in alphabetical order of the riders (you might want to read our full analysis on the team selection process first).

THE TEAM

Phillip Dutton: The fact that the selectors have named Phillip Dutton with either Tom Tierney and Simon Roosevelt’s Fernhill Cubalawn or Tom Tierney and Annie Jones’ Fernhill Fugitive shows just how much they value Big Phil’s experience in a scenario they’ve deemed “must win.”

Phillip said last week he hopes to take Fernhill Cubalawn to Aachen in August for the Nations Cup, and he confirmed again to EN tonight that he still wants to take Fernhill Cubalawn to Aachen and aim Fernhill Fugitive for the Pan Ams.

Regardless of which horse ultimately goes to Toronto, Phillip said he’s excited to have them named to the team, especially since Tom Tierney is a partner in both horses; Annie Jones has been a longtime and extremely dedicated supporter of his; and Simon Roosevelt put his faith in Fernhill Cubalawn last year, with the horse going on to be this year’s USEF CCI4* National Champion.

“I’m excited to get to represent the U.S. again, and it’s a very important championship for us. Hopefully we’ll have a great performance that will set us up for the Olympics. I think it’s a great team,” Phillip said. He added that both “Cuba” and “Jack” came out of their first four-star at Rolex Kentucky feeling great and are in good form as we look ahead to Toronto.

Lauren Kieffer: New team member alert! The stars have been aligning for Lauren Kieffer, starting last year with winning the USEF National CCI4* Championship at Rolex Kentucky with Team Rebecca’s Veronica and converging this year with an exciting number of young up-and-coming horses waiting in the wings for the U.S. Pan Ams team.

Our hearts broke a little when Red Hills CIC3* winner Czechmate was sidelined from qualifying for the Pan Ams due to a minor injury, but then Marie le Menestrel’s Meadowbrook’s Scarlett swooped in and sealed the deal. And, as a cherry on top, Lauren also has Jacqueline Mars’ Vermiculus named to the reserve list.

“It’s been a lot of hard work for a lot of different people, and so many have invested in me over the years, from Marie le Menestrel, who owns Meadowbrook’s Scarlett, to Jacqueline Mars, who owns Vermiculus,” Lauren said. “I’m extremely grateful to them and thrilled for both owners to have horses named to the team and as an alternate.”

While Lauren is a Young Riders veteran, this is her first time on a senior team, and she said she’s grateful for the opportunity and excited to play a part in this next phase for Team USA. “I hope we’re in a transitioning phase and really do start delivering in major competitions — not just because I’m a part of the team, but because I want to see us succeed,” Lauren said. “It will take a lot of work, and it’s up to us now to make this happen.”

Marilyn Little: New team member alert! Marilyn is another rider reveling in her first appointment to Team USA tonight — one some argued should have come with RF Demeter at last year’s World Equestrian Games. RF Scandalous’ spot on the team is made more special by the fact that Phoebe and Michael Manders own half of the horse; they also owned half of RF Smoke on the Water.

“I am incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system of family, owners, support staff and sponsors who have each made this opportunity possible; each of them is so deserving of endless thanks for their support,” Marilyn said.

“It is incredibly special that Scandalous is owned by Phoebe and Mike Manders and my parents Ray and Lynne Little. The Manders have been inspiring — strong enough to stay the course through the highs and lows that are often an intrinsic part of horse sports. My parents have jumped each jump with me, every step of the way, both on course and in life. There are no words to describe my appreciation for all that their belief has made possible.”

Marilyn said she hopes to “make the red, white and blue proud” and that she knows the real work is only just beginning: “There isn’t a horse or rider who hasn’t worked really hard for this, but in my mind the real work starts tomorrow. Today is a happy day. Now you make sure you are the best horseman you can possibly be.”

Boyd Martin: The U.S. Pan Ams team is a nice balance of veteran members and newbies, and Boyd Martin is certainly no stranger to Team USA. He played a smart hand this spring, pulling the Pancho Villa Syndicate’s Pancho Villa from Rolex Kentucky to target the final Pan Ams selection trial at Jersey Fresh, and it paid off with a spot on the team.

“I’m very honored and proud to be named on the team. I think Pancho is perfectly suited for this competition, and I’m very thankful to his owners for supporting him. We’re looking forward to getting down to business in Toronto,” Boyd said.

“There’s a huge amount of pressure and responsibility that comes with it because of the scenario the country is in. In my point of view, it’s a must-win competiion, and the result here could have huge ramifications for the country. Like any other time to represent America, I’m taking this competition extremely seriously.”

Interestingly, Boyd has developed five major syndicates for Team USA since changing his nationality (sorry, Australia!) and all the horses have gone on to represent the country in key competitions: Neville Bardos at WEG in 2010, Otis Barbotiere at the Olympics in 2012, Trading Aces and Shamwari at WEG in 2014, and now Pancho Villa at the Pan Ams in 2015.

“Some of my owners have been in on all the syndicates, and I have to thank all of Pancho’s owners for the support,” Boyd said. Let’s give the whole Pancho crew a shoutout: Ron and Densey Juvonen, Kathleen Crompton, Doug and Cindy Howe, Mike and Anne Laver, Steve Blauner, Andrew and Sandra Holden, David and Nancy Hathaway, Craig and Gloria Callen, George and Gretchen Wintersteen, and Fernanda Kellogg and Kirk Henckels.

THE ALTERNATES

The selectors could name up to 12 alternates for Team USA, and we ultimately saw six combinations named. Here they are in alphabetical order:

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda: It is fantastic to see Jennie back in the selectors’ good graces after they left her off the 2015 USEF Winter/Spring Training Lists. While “Ping” had a pesky 20 at the Head of the Lake at Rolex, he did win the selection trial at the Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3* last fall — not easy by any means. We’re still hoping Jennie uses her free Dutta Corp flight to go to Australia and shows everyone what’s up at Adelaide. What do you say, Tim?

Matt Brown and BCF Belicoso: This has to be a bittersweet day for Matt, as he came into the season with three very qualified horses and is only named to the alternate list with one. All we can say is that Matt and his wife Cecily are extremely hardworking and dedicated to this sport. It is because of the Browns and owners like Mary McKee and the lovely people at Blossom Creek Foundation that the sport will rise again in this country. Go Super Hero Horses.

Will Faudree and Pfun: I think we were all disappointed not to see Caeleste at Jersey Fresh, but Will has another very exciting two-star horse in Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables’ Pfun, who has continued to chip away at his dressage score since moving up to the two-star level. Will is an experienced Team USA competitor, and Pfun did finish on a score of 47.0 at Ocala — a very exciting combination for the future.

Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus: Lauren is the only rider to have a horse named to both the main team and alternate list, and she has an exciting partner in Jacqueline Mars’ Vermiculus. He’s done only one CCI2* in his career so is a bit green to the level, but he finished on his dressage score of 47.0 at Ocala in good company — keep your eyes on this one.

Michael Pollard and Cyrano: This is where I thought we might see Michael and Carl Bouckaert’s Cyrano after a winter and spring season of highs and lows. Though they won the final selection trial at Jersey Fresh CCI2* on a score of 36.9, they also had runouts at two events earlier this season, including a selection trial. The selectors preach consistent good form for a reason.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum: This is a combination I think had to have been extremely close to making the team — if only they had a few more competitions together under their belt to prove their consistency. There’s not much more to say aside from the fact that Ellen and Alex Ahearn’s Mai Baum is a star in all three phases, Tamie Smith is a fierce and extremely talented competitor, and these two are destined for greatness.

What do you think of Team USA’s squad for the Pan American Games? Let us know in the comments below. Go Eventing.

[USEF Names Team and Alternate Members for Pan American Games]

USEF Names Team and Alternate Members for Pan American Games

By on May 20, 2015 5:21 pm -
Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Jenni Autry. Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived: the USEF has just named the team members and alternates for the 2015 Pan American Games, to be held in July in Toronto.

With Team USA’s Olympic qualifications on the line for 2016, the selectors had a job envied by none in naming this team on which many hopes will be pinned. To that end, here are your 2015 Pan American team members for the United States:

Phillip Dutton and Tom Tierney and Simon Roosevelt’s Fernhill Cubalawn or Tom Tierney and Annie Jones’ Fernhill Fugitive
Fernhill Cubalawn is a 2003 Holsteiner gelding 
Fernhill Fugitive is a 2005 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Lauren Kieffer and Marie Le Menestrel’s Meadowbrook’s Scarlett
Meadowbrook’s Scarlett is a 2007 Thoroughbred cross mare 

Marilyn Little and Raylyn Farm Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ RF Scandalous
RF Scandalous is a 2005 Oldenburg mare

Boyd Martin and the Pancho Villa Syndicate’s Pancho Villa
Pancho Villa is a 2003 Selle Francais gelding

The alternates are as follows:

Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda
Cambalda is a 2002 Thoroughbred cross gelding

Matt Brown and the Blossom Creek Foundation’s BCF Belicoso
BCF Belicoso is a 2006 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables’ Pfun
Pfun is a 2007 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Lauren Kieffer and Jacqueline Mars’ Vermiculus
Vermiculus is a 2007 Anglo-Arabian gelding

Michael Pollard and Carl, Nicolas and Stanislas Bouckaert’s Cyrano Z
Cyrano is a 2001 Zangersheide gelding

Tamie Smith and Alex Ahearn’s Mai Baum
Mai Baum is a 2006 German Sport Horse gelding

As per the usual with big announcements such as these, there are plenty of surprises as well as no-brainers on the roster. Final team veterinary evaluations were performed on all horses this week, which certainly plays into the decision making process for any team scenario.

We’ll have an in-depth analysis of the Pan Am team coming your way shortly, so keep it locked right here for all of the latest Pan Ams coverage. In the meantime, here’s a rare sighting of David O’Connor as he names the team he’ll be taking to Toronto with him.

Go Team USA.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Five Minutes with 5 Ring Eventing

By on May 20, 2015 5:00 pm -

The latest video in Kyle and Jennifer Carter’s video blogs opens with Kyle manning a tractor at Chattahoochee Hills last weekend, helping out to aerate the hard ground. Kyle’s sense of humor is on full display here — trust us, Kyle, many people care about your updates!

Kyle goes on to recap 5 Ring Eventing’s weekend at CHC International, providing his insight on why he finds coaching so fulfilling, why he’s glad he’s not a member of the Jenner-Kardashian clan.

Towards the end of the video, we get a sneak peek of the new developments back at the Carters’ home base in Florida. There are some exciting new things coming in the near future, and we can’t wait to see what the finished product looks like. Don’t forget to invite Chinch to the open house, Kyle and Jen!

To watch more from 5 Ring Eventing, click here.

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