Classic Eventing Nation

Celebrate a Triple Crown Winner, Adopt an American OTTB, Presented by Cosequin

By on Jun 7, 2015 6:30 pm -

We’re all still recovering from the thrill that was witnessing a moment of sports history yesterday. American Pharoah has to be part unicorn, right? Either way, he’s the symbol of how great those American Thoroughbreds are — as if we needed any further proof!

In honor of Pharoah’s big win, we snapped up three of our favorite OTTB listings for your perusal this week. If there was ever motivation to go ride a Thoroughbred, it was that race. Our listed horses this week may not have had the success American Pharoah is enjoying, but that just means they are ready to become your next sport horse!

We were really pleased to see that Bob Baffert announced that he was donating $100,000 between himself and his wife, Jill, to various charities, including those focused on Thoroughbred aftercare. “(American Pharoah is) a lucky one,” Bob Baffert said in an interview after the Belmont. “When he’s retired, he gets to be a stallion and enjoy life.”

There are countless organizations which need our support to continue offering these horses a chance at a new home and a second career. We’ve compiled a list at the bottom of this post of some organizations that could use your support, so please take a moment to check them out and offer your support if you can. If we missed any, please comment and we will get them added!

Here are this week’s OTTB Wishlist listings from our awesome sponsor, Cosequin.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest on Facebook.

Photo via Finger Lakes Finest on Facebook.

Looking for a horse related to a current upper-level eventer? Look no further: Finger Lakes Finest is currently offering Distinct Attitude, who shares the same sire as Leah Lang-Gluscic’s horse, AP Prime. Distinct Attitude (Aptitude – Distinctive Flag, by Distinctive Pro) is a 5-year-old gelding standing 16.3 hands. He raced 31 times and earned nearly $20,000 throughout his career. He’s said to be sound and possesses great movement for the sport world.

Check out more about Distinct Attitude on Finger Lakes Finest here.

Photo via After the Races.

Photo via After the Races.

Next up is this adorable gray gelding, Mo Bandit. “Mobie” is a 5-year-old gelding standing 15.3 hands. Mo Bandit (Valid Request – Most Impressive, by Spectacular Bid) raced just five times, and is said to have retired a little sore behind. Further examination has found a hematoma or an outcropped vein on his hock which should not pose an issue in the future. He is enjoying some letdown time with After the Races in Pennsylvania and will be ready to move on to his new home soon!

Learn more about Mo Bandit by visiting After the Races here.

Photo via the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center.

Photo via the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Finally this week is a handsome guy available through the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in Lexington, Ky. Dare Me (Johannesburg – Oatsee, by Unbridled) raced just three times and has already started his continuing education while he awaits his new person. More information will be coming soon, so keep an eye on his listing if he’s caught your eye!

Visit Dare Me’s listing on the MMSC here.

If you love OTTBs as much as we do, here is a handy list of rehoming and adoption sites. Don’t forget, these horses need our help! Once again, please let us know if you know of a reputable agency that can be added to the list.

CANTER

Finger Lakes Finest

Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center

MidAtlantic Horse Rescue

New Vocations

PA Racehorse Rehoming

Recycled Racehorses

Retired Racehorse Project

Second Stride Inc

Hope Bromont CCI2*/3* Winner Marilyn Little Has a Big Mantlepiece

By on Jun 7, 2015 5:23 pm -
Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Earlier today Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed earned themselves this sweet, sweet hunk of Canadian eventing memorabilia…

The Bromont Two Star Perpetual Trophy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Bromont CCI2* Perpetual Trophy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

…and by the end of the afternoon she and RF Demeter had won him a little friend.

Bromont Three Star Perpetual Trophy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Bromont CCI3* Perpetual Trophy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

“This qualifies as a really good day,” Marilyn said after her round. “In this sport there are a lot of different days, and this is a good one.”

Unlike the CCI2*, which Marilyn led from start to finish on RF Overdressed, Marilyn wasn’t in the tip-top spot when she cantered into the show jumping arena. She was in second but certainly within striking distance, being just half a point away from cross-country leaders Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon.

Rails were flying throughout the CCI3* division — there wasn’t a single clear round. Marc Donovan’s course was a test of the horses’ ability to rebound after a taxing cross-country day and several of the horses were clearly not on their usual game. The issues weren’t at any one fence but scattered evenly around the course, which had a beautiful, forward flow but reprimanded even little mistakes.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn explains that while her mare is usually very sharp on Sunday, she felt a little tired today and didn’t quite get her toes clear of the vertical skinny. They emerged from the ring with four jump faults in hand, leaving Emily a bit of breathing room. When Emily and “Delta” pulled two rails, however, Marilyn and Demi switched places: Marilyn in first, Emily in second.

Marilyn describes Demi as sound, tough and brave — a “once in a lifetime horse” — and says she is thrilled that her horse finally got her moment in the sun. “I’m surprised this is her first win,” Marilyn says. “It’s always just been one thing or another, or me, that’s kept her out of the winner’s circle … maybe this will break the ice.”

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The rest of the pack got a good shuffle as well. Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac moved from fourth to third on a four-fault round, with third-placed Matthew Brown and Super Socks BCF dropping to sixth after pulling three rails.

Jenny Caras, the talented 19-year-old making her CCI3* debut we featured earlier this week, jumped her way up the scoreboard from being 14th after dressage to fourth place overall. She and Fernhill Fortitude had a clear cross-country trip that was darn near optimum time, just 1.2 time faults over, and a four-fault round today. The future is blindingly bright for this class pair.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Bromont CCI3* Top 15

scores

That’s a wrap for Bromont 2015. We’ll be bringing you some odds and ends over the next few days, including an impending announcement about the Canadian Pan-Am Games squad, but for now we’re signing out. Congrats to all of this weekend’s competitors and here’s wishing everyone a safe journey home.

Alléz Concours Complet!

Bromont: Website, Entries, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

Best Quotes and Reflections from Copper Meadows

By on Jun 7, 2015 3:30 pm -
Smiles and beverages are keys to success. Just ask Team Express and NLE. Smiles and beverages are keys to success. Just ask Team Express and NLE.

It’s been a picture perfect California weekend at Copper Meadows, a fitting wrap up for Area VI’s last FEI event of the spring season. But it isn’t the ribbons that brings everyone out, weekend after weekend, long drive after long drive.

From hooting and hollering support (clapping is for some other sport, like golf), to helping move a whole show jump arena, eventing creates a community and family that just isn’t replicable. As eventers, we sometimes have our own language – and make up our own words. Of course, that tight-knit bond is all about showing the love — sometimes in special ways. Scroll down for a quick look at what we call normal.

Eventers show love with pet names: “So proud of the little bugger!” — Gina Economou, referring to Exclusive (aka Linus) getting around the big Training course.

Isabella Kelley perfectly times her photo to catch Hawley Bennett and Bodark in the 2*!

Isabella Kelley perfectly times her photo to catch Hawley Bennett-Awad and Bodark in the 2*!

A quote that puts things into perspective:

“We went out to walk the course and quickly decided it was the lower level Olympics, complete with ditch walls and everything!” — Amanda Blake, currently sitting in third with her own Tahoe’s Prize DF in the Senior Novice division.

While Dempsey's a cutie, sorry Tamie, Lainey is still reigning selfie queen!

While Dempsey’s a cutie, sorry Tamie, Lainey is still reigning selfie queen!

On how winning really only feeds the addiction:

“As for the prize money, it’ll be going towards their CCI2* entries for Rebecca Farm!” — CIC2* winner Amber Levine, who took home first and fourth with Guiness St James’ and Carry On.

Robert Schwartz, Mackenna Shea and Avery Klunick. Bonding! Photo Mackenna's FB page.

Robert Schwartz, Mackenna Shea and Avery Klunick. Bonding at events takes many forms! 

One quote taken completely out of context by the reporter:

“Also, it wasn’t small!” — Megan Traynham (actually referring to the feel of the new cross country course, sixth place with Lord Lombardi in the  CIC1*).

What is a horse show without dogs? Dragonfire Farm's Dylan and Monte guard the ranger.

What is a horse show without dogs? Dragonfire Farm’s Dylan and Monte guard the ranger.

The weekend’s best advice on how to travel in style: 

“Motel necessities: Diffuser and white noise!” — Jennifer McFall

 

Lauren Billys and Marseille look like they just stepped out of a catalogue, but no, they just finished a 2*! Photo by Lauren Billys.

Lauren Billys and Marseille look like they just stepped out of a catalog, but no, they just finished a 2*!

And finally, quite possibly the best quote from an Advanced division winner, ever: 

“I can’t even believe I entered this division!” — Sarah Braun, upon finding out she won the Advanced with her own Perfect Intentions. Sarah had quite the weekend, ending in third on Dr. Korin Potenza and Dr. Nick Huggon’s Crowning Event in the CIC1*. This was Talan’s move up as well!

Plus, enjoy some FEI Cross Country coverage thanks to Ride On Video and Frankie Thieriot Stutes!

See you in September, Copper! Go #copperstrong!

Copper Meadows: [Website] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed Win Coveted Bear-Eating-Salmon Bromont CCI2* Trophy

By on Jun 7, 2015 2:45 pm -
Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

All week long, the suspense has been killing us: Who was going to win the most Canadian trophy of them all?

trophy

Bromont Two Star Perpetual Trophy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

In the end — actually, all the way from the beginning — it was Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed, who have been leading their CCI2* division all week. You can read our recaps of their dressage and cross-country performances here and here.

Marilyn and Overdressed had one rail in hand when they went into show jumping and they used it. Marilyn told us later that she felt the horse was just a bit tired: “That was the longest course he’s every done in his career.” She thought it was a great education for him, explaining, “Best I can tell, they have to learn how to be tired and still perform.”

Overall, though, she was thrilled his performance and says she can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

On Marilyn’s heels was Sharon White, who packed a double-punch with Cooley On Show and Clifford M. Both jumped fault-free show jumping rounds to finish in second and third respectively, and we look forward to watching these lovely horses develop under Sharon’s expert guidance. She stopped by yesterday to tell us about them — you can check out the interview here.

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

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

Do you think Cooley on Show is giving Clifford M a hard time here? Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Do you think Cooley on Show is giving Clifford M a hard time here? Photo by Leslie Wylie.

While Marilyn and Sharon sat tight in their seats at the top of the scoreboard, the rest of the field got shuffled around a bit by felled rails. Marc Donovan’s show jumping course has a beautiful flow, with forward galloping lines and plenty of encouragement to keep your horse in front of your leg. But if you got lulled into getting a bit flat and strung out, it was nearly guaranteed to catch up with you by the finish.

CCI2* Final Top 15

twostar

Meanwhile, in the CIC2*, it was fitting to hear the Canadian anthem come over the loudspeakers courtesy of Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. The overnight leaders had a beautiful trip around the course and Waylon had a big smile on his face during the awards — he was clearly happy to win one for the home team.

Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

CIC2* Final Top 15

onestar

 Back shortly with a CCI3* report. Alléz Concours Complet!

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

Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST Bogart the Bromont CCI1* Win

By on Jun 7, 2015 1:15 pm -
Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST grabbed the Bromont CCI1* dressage lead and never let go, besting a field of 32 horses with a final score of 42.4.

The 20-year-old from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, went into show jumping with a rail in hand and started celebrating with a fist-pump about halfway over the final fence — a bit prematurely, perhaps, as the horse knocked the rail. But hey, lesson learned, and he’s still going home with a big silver cup.

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You know Chinch couldn’t resist getting up in that thing. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Beau told us yesterday that he got the Canadian-bred Hanoverian about a year ago, having been sourced by Boyd Martin. This is Filibuster’s first CCI and Beau’s second, and Beau feels like despite their relative inexperience they’re a well-matched pair: “He’s a super horse and he tries, and I’m a bit green too.”

Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The second- and third-placed pairs held their ground from start to finish as well. Will Coleman and Butch Cassidy laid down a lovely round today for second place — you wouldn’t know from watching that he is just six years old. Will got the Spanish-bred gelding as a four year old and says he’s been a fun one to bring along.

The horse is actually a relative of Will’s 2012 Olympic mount, Twizzel, and he notes that the two have “eerily similar” personalities both in and out of the tack. In the barn, Will says both horses are cheeky and love people. Under saddle, he explains, “They have to be really encouraged to work hard but when you get them on your side they’re really both quite fun to ride.” Watch the full video of our interview with Will here.

Will Coleman and Butch Cassidy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Butch Cassidy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Butch Cassidy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Butch Cassidy. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lucia Strini and My Royal Cooley rounded out the top three. Lucia kindly stopped by the media center to tell us about her ride, which was My Royal Cooley’s debut at the CCI1* level.

Lucia, of Charlottesville, Va., imported him from Ireland when he was four and says she has developed him slowly. “He’s really big and it took him a while to learn to use both ends of his body,” she explains. “This is his best competition ever — he put it all together. Show jumping is his weakest phase so I was very, very happy with him.”

2015 marks Lucia’s third time at Bromont and she thought it would be a great learning experience for her horse. “I love Bromont. It’s such a great one-star for the babies. It feels like a big deal for them — it’s so nice and has a great atmosphere.”

Lucia Strini and My Royal Cooley. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lucia Strini and My Royal Cooley. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Next down the standings is Becky Holder and her OTTB Telperion, who moved from seventh place to fourth over the course of the weekend.

Becky Holder and Telperion. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Becky Holder and Telperion. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Congratulations to Caileigh Levely-Connolly of Canada and her horse West River for being the top-placed Young Rider pair. Also, new for 2015, the Hedger Family Amateur Award Trophy was awarded to the top amateur rider in the CCI1* division. The inaugural winner of the award was Michelle Coppin and No Stranger to the Rain — a job well done, Michelle!

Top 15 in the CCI1*

scoreThe CCI2* is underway — back soon with more!

Allez Concours Complet!

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

I Woke Up Like This: Sunday Bromont Jog Report

By on Jun 7, 2015 11:30 am -
Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The first order of business, of course, is who passed and who didn’t. So we’ll run through that quickly and then get down to real talk, including but not limited to the fact that Waylon Roberts wore a kilt.

CCI3*: Colleen Loach’s Freespirit was held but passed on reinspection. Other than that, all clear!

CCI2*: Selena O’Hanlon’s A First Romance and Nobie Cannon’s Bust a Groove were held but passed upon reinspection. Kelli Temple’s Matilda and Kate Chadderton’s Collection pass were unfortunately spun.

CIC2*: Arden Wildasin’s Dusky Shadow was held but also passed upon reinspection.

CCI1*: One horse, Haley Rosenberg’s Evil Munchkin, was spun.

Overnight leader Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Overnight leader Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Now, onto the fun stuff. Who wore what? Here are our Sunday jog superlatives:

Best Kilt

Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen.

Not too much competition in this category. Waylon Roberts and Bill Owen. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Best Use of Bling

Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Kate Chadderton and Collection Pass. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

“Now That’s What I Call a Tie” Award

Sean McIntosh and Wild T'Mater. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sean McIntosh and Wild T’Mater. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

“Scarf I Most Wanted to Steal” Award

Nobie Cannon and Bust a Groove. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Nobie Cannon and Bust a Groove. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Ballsiest Footwear

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Most Stylish Jacket

Lucia Strini and Sammy Jo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lucia Strini and Sammy Jo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Best Horse-Human Color Coordination

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Bravest Dog

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Show jumping is underway and we’ll be bringing you all the latest. Allez Concours Complet!

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

Wise Espartaco Collapses, Dies After Cross Country at Roebke’s Run

By on Jun 7, 2015 11:00 am -
Ronald Zabala-Goetschel and Wise Espartaco. Photo by Charles Swita/Brant Gamma Photography. Ronald Zabala-Goetschel and Wise Espartaco. Photo by Charles Swita/Brant Gamma Photography.

It is with great sadness that we can confirm Wise Espartaco, owned and ridden by Ronald Zabala-Goetschel, collapsed and died following cross country yesterday while competing in the CCI2* at Roebke’s Run Horse Trials in Minnesota.

The event organizers said in a statement that a necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. The USEA Equine Cardio-Pulmonary Task Force will subsequently review the findings.

“Manny,” a 12-year-old Argentinian Sport Horse gelding, was making his debut at the CCI2* level. He jumped clear on cross country with 24.4 time penalties before collapsing and dying soon after.

The horse was a consistent competitor at the Preliminary and one-star level and stepped up to Intermediate this year, most recently finishing 15th in his Intermediate division at Virginia Horse Trials. Ronald was using Roebke’s Run to qualify the horse for Ecuador’s Pan American Games team.

Please join us in sending our most heartfelt condolences to Ronald and his team for the heartbreaking loss of a talented horse.

Godspeed, Espartaco.

Oswaldo and Sarka: The Sweetest Love Story of Bromont 2015

By on Jun 7, 2015 9:00 am -
Sarka Kolackova de Mendez . Photo by Leslie Wylie. Sarka Kolackova de Mendez . Photo by Leslie Wylie.

In 1976 Oswaldo Mendez was a 19-year-old kid on a 6-year-old horse representing his home country of Guatemala in the Olympics.

He was competing in show jumping, which that year was held in Bromont and at the Olympic stadium in Montreal.

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Oswaldo Mendez at the 1976 Olympics in Bromont. Photo courtesy of Oswaldo Mendez.

Oswaldo Mendez at the 1976 Olympics in Bromont. Photo courtesy of Oswaldo Mendez.

Oswaldo Mendez at the 1976 Olympics in Bromont. Photo courtesy of Oswaldo Mendez.

Now, nearly 40 years later, Oswaldo is back — but playing a different role.

This time he’s here as the proud husband and trainer of Sarka Kolackova de Mendez, a member of the 2015 Guatemalan Pan Am Games squad. The team is using Bromont as a prep trial for the Games and Oswaldo was all smiles this afternoon as he doted on his wife, who is currently sitting in a competitive sixth place in the CIC2* heading into show jumping.

Sarka Kolackova de Men and Sir Royal. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sarka Kolackova de Men and Sir Royal. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

This is Oswaldo’s first time back at Bromont since the Olympics and the experience is clearly a special one. I’ll let him tell you his story:

Peter Gray, the Guatemalan team coach, introduced me to his riders today. They seem like an absolutely wonderful bunch, visibly enjoying the experience and looking forward to the Games in Toronto next month.

Team Guatemala. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Team Guatemala: Jose Marroquin, Tiziana Billy Prem, Alvaro Del Valle, Sarka Kolackova de Mendez and Peter Gray. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

It’s exciting to have such a diverse international contingent represented here at Bromont. In addition to the Guatemalans, Sofia Baussan of El Salvador is competing in the CIC2* and Leonor Muoz of Costa Rica is competing in the CCI1*. The Mexican Pan Am team, coached by Karen O’Connor, was entered to compete as well but were sadly unable to procure Visas in time for the event.

The Eventing Nation has no borders and we’ll be cheering on our Central and South American eventing friends both this weekend and in Toronto next month. Go Eventing!

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

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Jun 7, 2015 1:00 am -
Artwork by Lindsey Khan Artwork by Lindsey Khan

What a race. I’m still speechless. I was beginning to believe that I’d never see it done in my lifetime, that the early-summer ritual of hype would stretch on endlessly for the rest of my life. I am especially excited for what a win for American Pharoah may mean for us as Eventers. Several times in the course of the coverage, considerable energy was invested in talking about what a “pet” American Pharoah is. With mare owners undoubtedly lining up around the block, I’m hoping that in addition to his athleticism he passes that temperament on. A great athlete with a great brain is hard to find, and if American Pharoah can bring that to the table it will be excellent for those of us in the “secondary thoroughbred market”.

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

U.S. Weekend Action:

GMHA June H.T. [Website] [Live Scoress]

Gennessee Valley Driving & Riding Club Spring  H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

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

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

River Glen June H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

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

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

Copper Meadows CIC & H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Arrowhead H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Derbyshire Farms H.T.  [Website]

Sunday Links:

Zayat Family & Stables: Five Fast Facts You Need to Know

At Home on a Hors: Taylor Houser Chasing Her Dream

How Horse Owners Spend Their Excess Cash on ‘Secret Lives of the Super Rich’

Police Public School in India to make Horse Riding Mandatory

Texas Horse Dead After Being Struck By Vehicle

Comstock Bridge in Connecticut Reopens Access to Horse Patrol

Sunday Video: The race that made the world sit up and take notice of the horse that would break a 37 year old dry streak. American Pharoah in the 2015 Arkansas Derby.

End-of-the-Day Thoughts on Bromont Cross Country

By on Jun 6, 2015 10:19 pm -
Allie Knowles and The Dark Mark. Photo by Leslie Wylie. Allie Knowles and The Dark Mark. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Could it have been a more magical day for horse sport? I’m still in disbelief that a real live Triple Crown winner is walking the earth.

Like the Bromont eventers we surveyed yesterday, I was hopeful but braced for my heart to get broken by another oh-so-close Belmont bummer. We watched a page in the history books get written tonight, and that’s an experience we’ll carry around in our life satchel forever. Go American Pharoah.

There was a touch of je ne sais quoi in the brisk Canadian air today at Bromont as well. The sun was shining and the birds were singing and the horses were doing what they were supposed to. Bromont and the people circulating about it this weekend are clearly doing something right. So what is it?

Course design

This year’s Bromont track had the respect of even the most seasoned eventers: It was plenty big and plenty demanding, asking tough-love questions from every possible angle. It reshuffled the scoreboard in a way that was fair, not flukey. It was breathtaking to watch, but not in a thrills-and-spills sort of way. Rather, it was because each and every jump did such an excellent job of spotlighting what our amazing equine athletes are capable of.

Most importantly, every competitor walked back to the barns safe and sound, a testament to Derek di Grazia’s skill, tact and experience. Let’s not be afraid to ask hard questions of our horses, but let’s frame them in a way that makes sense. Safety will follow close behind.

Sinead Halpin and Topgun, 11th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Sinead Halpin and Topgun. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Hospitality

Whether you’re a competitor, official, spectator, sponsor, journalist, vendor or volunteer, Bromont rolls out the red carpet to ensure that everyone feels like they’re part of something special. The organizers and officials are among the friendliest in the land, and that in and of itself carries incredible value.

After Marilyn Little’s dressage test on RF Overdressed, with whom she is in the CCI2* lead, she expressed how excited she was to have all of the horse’s owners at the event. One of the owners is Robin Parsky, who has been quite involved in show jumping — she owns Kent Farrington’s superstar mare Blue Angel — and is now dipping her toes into the world of eventing. Bromont might not be a Grand Prix in Paris, but between its spectacular natural beauty, artful courses and accomodating atmosphere, Marilyn said that she felt confident Robin would come away from the event feeling excited about the sport.

We all play different roles but every piece of the eventing puzzle is important. It’s lovely, and refreshing, to be treated as such.

The Jaguar Land Rover Cross Country VIP Tent. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The Jaguar Land Rover Cross Country VIP Tent. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Heart

To less experienced pairs, today’s startbox must have felt like one of those butterfly conservatories, filled with the bright, fluttery magic of possibility. Others came in seeking redemption from a season that veered off course, or a stiff challenge worthy of the hard work they’ve been putting in. Everyone sets out on course with a different goal, and it’s exciting when the mark is met — whatever that may be.

As I talked about in this morning’s course preview, Bromont favors competitors are mentally and physically prepared to fight all the way to the finish. There were a lot of fighters out there today.

Exhibit A: CCI2* competitor Madison Gallien had a white-knuckle moment at fence #4B when her horse stumbled on the landing, nearly unseating her in the process. Watch her react, buckle down and get right back to business to finish her course jump-fault free.

Horsemanship

Horsemanship, and sportsmanship, have a trickle-down effect. We’re all in this together and it’s our collective responsibility to set a healthy precedent, but leaders of the sport, with their influence and visibility, play an especially critical role.

Examples today abounded. For instance, after her winning CCI3* dressage test yesterday Selena O’Hanlon explained that her goal for today was to give her horse a confidence building round — not chase a ribbon. “Too much is riding on this and I really more than anything just want to go clear tomorrow,” she said. “I don’t care about the time so much.” She went out on course today, stuck to her plan, and even though she dropped down the scoreboard a few places she achieved her goal. That’s horsemanship, and the more it gets spread around, the better.

Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Can’t wait to see how everything shakes out in the show jumping! The jog starts at 8 a.m. and we’ll be back on the grounds bringing you all the latest. Until then, Allez Concours Complet!

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