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American Pharoah Ends 37-Year Triple Crown Drought With Belmont Win

By Jenni Autry on Jun 6, 2015 7:36 pm -

Who cares that his name is misspelled? We don’t. The scientists couldn’t correctly predict that American Pharoah would end the 37-year Triple Crown drought, but we don’t need to put our a’s before o’s to be out of our minds excited about the fact that this horse conquered the mile and a half to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

Just the 12th Triple Crown winner in American racing history, American Pharoah — trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Victor Espinoza — won the Belmont Stakes in one of the largest margins in the race’s running, winning by 5 and 1/2 lengths over Frosted. Owner Ahmad Zayat dedicated the win to horse lovers all over the world.

He now joins the other famed Triple Crown winners: Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed (1978).

Go American Pharoah!

[American Pharoah Wins Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown]

Top 2 Bromont CCI1* Leaders Recap Their XC Rides

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 6, 2015 6:26 pm -

Beau Guimond and Filibuster ST lead the Bromont CCI1* division after cross-country today.

Yesterday’s Bromont CCI1* dressage leaders didn’t budge an inch during today’s cross-country competition. The top three pairs — Beau Guimond on Filibuster ST, Will Coleman on Butch Cassidy, and Lucia Strini on My Royal Cooley — all laid down double-clear trips, leaving no room for anyone else to slide in.

Beau and Will kindly stopped by the media tent this afternoon to tell us about their rides:

CCI1* Top 15:

Alléz Concours Complet!

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

More Than a Sand Dancer: Marilyn Little’s RF Overdressed Reveals His XC Hops in Bromont CCI2*

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 6, 2015 5:18 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Overdressed. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

When it comes to “floaty-boat” warmbloods, to revisit the made-up adjective I used to describe Marilyn Little’s RF Overdressed on Thursday, you just never know. Sometimes the springs in the dressage ring translate into mad hops over fences, and sometimes a buoyant passage is as high above the ground as they want to go.

There’s no doubt that RF Overdressed, an 8-year-old German-bred Hannoverian, can win the dressage — they’ve laid down some pretty bonkers scores this spring. But he’s a new ride for Marilyn, just imported in December, and their partnership over fences has taken a little longer to cook.

Marilyn originally thought the horse might be a prospect for the Pan Am Games but after a couple hiccups at the CIC2* and CIC1* levels in the early spring, Marilyn decided to back off from that plan. “He’s only eight and our partnership is still quite new,” she explained after her winning dressage test on Thursday.

They spent the rest of the spring working on his performance over jumps and that effort paid off today, when the horse bounced around his first CCI2* in fine form.

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

Meanwhile, Sharon White has second place on lock with Cooley On Show and is tied for third on Clifford M with Ryan Wood and Woodstock Bennett. Sharon and Ryan both have had a busy weekend; Sharon has two horses in the CCI2* and one in the CCI3* and Ryan has two in each.

Sharon and Ryan, along with Ryan’s lovely mum and little dog Snoopy, kindly stopped by the media tent to tell us about their rides.

A few top 15 photos from the CCI2*:

Ariel Grald and GHF Jonah, 7th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Will Coleman and Tight Lines, 8th place. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Kelly Prather and D. A. Duras. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

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

CCI2* Top 15

CIC2* Top 15

Alléz Concours Complet!

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

Exciting Conclusion Crowns Copper Meadows Winners

By Stephanie Nicora on Jun 6, 2015 4:30 pm -

The new Hugh Lochore designed Copper Meadows cross country course seemed to produce either a great round or a not-so-good one. Time, as always, played a factor out on course, with no double clears on the CIC3*/Advanced track, and only four double clear in the CIC2*.

Twin Rivers Ranch found themselves in a similar position after completely redesigning their course in 2014, but riders and horses have now adjusted to it well. All eventers know that numbers can predict, but there’s something about fate and horses that happens which sends everything up n the air.

CIC 3* Winners: Andrea Baxter and Indy 500

Andrea Baxter and Indy 500. Photo by McCool Photography.

Andrea and Indy have been out campaigning this spring, taking advantage of the wealth of FEI opportunities in Area VI. The pair cruised over the new course, adding only 3.2 time to their dressage score. While they did not beat their personal best score in the sandbox, this is their best finish in the CIC3*.

The only other pair to complete the course was Avery Klunick and In It to Win It. Winston was great out on course, but after pulling those unfortunate rails earlier this morning, they left the door open for Andrea and Indy.

Our leader after stadium, Barb Crabo, withdrew Eveready after a fall earlier in the Advanced. Both horse and rider are fine. “I scratched all my horses that I haven’t yet ridden today, which was all but one. She currently in 3rd in the Intermediate and I’m waiting to see how I feel tomorrow.” We all hope you feel better in the morning, Barb!

Amber Levine Leads From Start to Finish in the CIC2*

Amber Levine and Guinness St James'. Photo by Alaina Hower.

Amber Levine and Guiness St James’. Photo by Alaina Hower.

Guiness St James’, owned by Amber Levine and Valerie Mackie, didn’t let his small stature get in the way of his plan to win this weekend. “JJ” took the lead after dressage and never looked back.

While maybe not being the best mover, Amber says that what JJ lacks in flash, he makes up for in accuracy. Her goal was to ride him relaxed and comfortable all weekend, and that seems to have worked perfectly. And his economical style helps him keep his rhythm, as Amber was one of the few riders to not incur time faults either.

In second, Lauren Billys and Marseille had a great confidence building run.

“Hugh did really great,” Lauren said. “The big thing here at Copper is that they are limited by space, but he did a really good job with what is here. Time will most likely be difficult to make, and the new course is adjusted in terms of where you are on course. There’s more galloping. It’s a course you need to kick on, rather than pull, and that’s perfect for where Oz and I are in our relationship.”

Indeed, the two added 6 time faults to an otherwise clear round. Considering this is the pairs second event, we feel safe in saying they have a bright future ahead!

Heather Morris and Team Express Group’s Charlie Tango certainly made it close, adding only 0.8 time to their final score, which meant that Lauren and Heather finished separated by only 0.2 penalty points.

Heather’s teammate and BFF, Tamie Smith, finished in sixth aboard the Company West Coast Dempsey Syndicate’s Dempsey. This was Dempsey’s move up, and he certainly stepped up to the challenge.

The jumping was clearly easy for him, and knowing Tamie, Dempsey’s dressage will only improve. Look for a strong fall season for this pair.

Sarah Braun and Perfect Intentions Win Their First Advanced

Sarah Braun and her own Perfect Intentions. Photo by Ina McRoy.

It was a crazy day for the Advanced division, and two Advanced rookies were the ones to rise above.

Sarah Braun and her Young Rider partner, Perfect Intentions, didn’t have their best dressage test to start things out, but pressed on anyway. After their turn in the sandbox, Sarah said, “[Candy] was a bit tense in a few movements but was super everywhere else and worked through it!”

That seemed to be their motto for the weekend, as the Hawley Bennett-Awad coached and employed pair moved up the levels.

For those of us that know how hard Sarah worked to save Candy when she suffered a life-threatening colic, this win is especially sweet. They are quite the pair for determination and never giving up. Thanks for the inspiration this weekend, Sarah!

In second, Erin Murphy and Athlone Travel On contested their first Advanced together. This pair has also put together a great spring, including a couple good FEI finishes.

Spotting Erin on course or in warm up is easy, as she and the skewbald gelding are not just flashy, but fun. He had no trouble with the jumping efforts, just picking up time to finish behind Sarah.

Erin Murphy and Athlone Travel On. Photo by Tamara Didenko.

Our leader after stadium, Barb Crabo and Over Easy, had a fall at 11 – the angled brushes. Both horse and rider are fine. This fence caused a shake up in the division, as second place Ashlynn Meuchel and Morning Star retired there, and Gina Economou and Calidore picked up a stop.

With such a small class it’s hard to tell how difficult the question was to read. With so many in this division contesting the Advanced level either for the first time, or the first time in a while, Hugh mentioned that his course would reward the forward, committed ride.

That wraps up the final FEI event of the season for Area VI, and many eyes will now be turning to Kalispbell, MT, and The Event at Rebecca Farms.

More news and notes from Copper Meadows to come! Thanks to Ride On Video for the great recaps of all three phases here:

Dressage:

Dressage & CIC1* Show Jumping Coverage Copper Meadows June 2015

Show Jumping:

CIC2* & CIC3* Show Jumping Coverage Copper Meadows June 2015

Cross Country:

Copper Meadows International Event June 2015 – CROSS COUNTRY COVERAGE

Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon Land Bromont CCI3* XC Lead

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 6, 2015 2:09 pm -

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

Double-clear cross-country rounds are gold here at Bromont and Emily Beshear produced one of only three of them with Shame on the Moon in the CCI3* today.

Emily told us yesterday that she came here looking for a challenge in preparation for her ultimate 2015 goal: Bleinheim in September. She said that, between the toughness of the course and the challenging terrain, she thought it would be a better prep for her mare than last month’s Jersey Fresh.

Her objective for today, she said, was to give “Delta” an opportunity to step up to the plate.

“There are a lot of lines where you have to be determined and accurate,” Emily said. “Delta is certainly ready for those challenges and I need to convince myself she’s not green anymore and I need to go out and ride the course the way it’s meant to be ridden.”

Delta showed that she was ready for whatever the cross-country gods threw at her on course today. She looked keen and fit throughout, and we can’t wait to see this pair give it their all in the showjumping tomorrow.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter collected just 0.4 time penalties to move from third after dressage into second…

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

…while Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF coasted from fifth into third on the wings of their double-clean trip.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Emily, Marilyn and Matt kindly stopped by to tell us about their rides:

Dressage leader Selena O’Hanlon told us yesterday that she came here looking for redemption after a less than happy Saturday at Rolex.

Despite coming out on top after yesterday’s dressage, Selena was adamant that she was looking for a confidence-building ride today and didn’t mind collecting a few time penalties in that pursuit. Happily, Foxwood High outran his demons, making short work of the course. Eight time penalties dropped them to fifth but we’re sure Selena is just happy to have her horse back.

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

Waylon Roberts and Kelecyn Cognac was the third member of the double-clear club and made a big leap from 10th to fourth as a result.

Problems were scattered evenly throughout the course. The first water came up early, at fence #4, and it caught a couple horses off guard: Sharon White’s Wundermaske, who collected 20 then retired at fence #9, and Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbott, who retired after two stops at the water.

Lauren Kieffer and Landmark’s Monte Carlo collected 20 at the C element of fence #11, a reverse pass through the first water.

Erin Brooke Freedman’s Viola ran into trouble late in the course, at fences #20, a tricky turning combination of brushes and corners, and #22, the final water.

Zack Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail looked super early on in the course but unfortunately a fall at the back of the course brought their day to an early end.

Alexandra Knowles and The Dark Mark. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Boyd Martin and Steady Eddie. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Zach Brandt and Cavallino Cocktail. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The CCI2* is underway and we’ll be back soon with a report from that division as well.

Alléz Concours Complet!

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

Barb Crabo and Amber Levine Continue to Dominate at Copper Meadows

By Stephanie Nicora on Jun 6, 2015 1:56 pm -

Avery Klunick and It It to Win It. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Morning came early for the riders in the upper divisions at Copper Meadows. While the CIC1* completed both dressage and stadium yesterday, the remaining FEI and horse trials divisions shifted schedules to show jump early in the morning, and turn around to go out and tackle the Hugh Lochore cross country course.

Overnight leaders were tight in all divisions, and Jose Nava’s stadium course shook things up a bit.

Eveready is Ready to Seal the Deal in the CIC3*

Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 in the CIC3*. Photo courtesy of Natalie Kuhny.

This small division got even smaller this morning when Jolie Wentworth withdrew Mojito to save his legs for another day.

Barb Crabo and Eveready have 20 penalties in hand after show jumping, but we doubt they will need it! After a double clear round, it’s clear Ready has forgotten any trouble at Rolex and focused on the task at hand.

Andrea Baxter and her Indy 500 moved into second with a double clear as well. Just to note, folks, this mare is technically for sale!

Winston and Avery Klunink had two unfortunate rails to drop them down to third. But don’t count them out, as the cross country course is untested and only 2.1 points separate second and third.

Barb Crabo Continues to Lead the Advanced Division

Barb Crabo and Over Easy, making the triple bar look easy! Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Barb Crabo and Over Easy, predicted to win this weekend, remain in first despite a rail and some time. They hold a comfortable lead over Ashlynn Meuchel and Morning Star, who also picked up one rail and some time, but anyone who knows Copper knows that time cross country is definitely a factor.

The only double clear round of the division went to Gina Enconomou and Calidore, the horse that doesn’t believe scope can be defined. (Seriously, have you seen him go?) This moved Gina and Leo from 6th to 3rd, and only one point behind Ashlynn.

Gina Economou and Calidore moon-lighting in the Grand Prix. That work paid off today! Photo by Melissa Arrendondo.

Kevin Baumgardner withdrew Wembley, and time was difficult to make for this division, with all competitors but Gina adding time.

This is where the double jumping format may have come into play, with the riders being a little conservative before tackling the brand new track. Four of the six pairs are contesting their first Advanced as well.

Amber Levine makes it look easy in the CIC2*

Amber Levine and Guinness St James’. Photo by Gina Pearson.

Our overnight leaders, Amber Levine and Guinness St. James’, made easy work of the course to remain in first. JJ, the small but mighty Irish Sport Horse, certainly didn’t let his size factor into his ability to leave the rails up.

Amber said yesterday that both of her horses are good jumpers, and we would have to agree. Her younger horse, Carry On, had two rails to move him into fifth, but look for Cory and Amber out on the cross country course.

The two horses are “almost 100% completely different, “just in size alone! Cory is about one full hand bigger than JJ, but they both ooze talent and are certainly ones to watch.

Lauren Billys reflected yesterday that she is starting to feel like Marseille, aka Oz, is finally starting to feel like ‘her” horse. Their double clean round puts them in definite striking distance for win, should Amber pick up any time on course.

Despite having one rail, it’s Heather Morris sitting in third with Charlie Tango. If you want a safe bet on Belmont day, go for the girls from Team NLE/Express! Chuck has already proven himself at this level cross country, so time may play a huge factor in deciding our winner today.

Katherine Cole also benefited from a clear round, moving from 7th to 4th this morning. Her own Don Juanito, and Argentinian gelding, moved back up to Intermediate this spring.

This pair has been incredibly successful in their last two outings, winning the competitive Open Intermediate division at Galway Downs in March, and placing second at Twin Rivers in an equally big division. (The winner there was Lauren Billys and her Pan Am bound Castle Larchfield Purdy.)

A special shout out to Elizabeth New, who also jumped double clear to move into sixth. Ellee inherited “Bean” from her sister after a winning season at NAJYRC’s last year. Read more about the New sisters and Bean here!

See how the new arena played out for the riders with this recap thanks to Ride On Video!

Copper Meadows International Event June 2015 – SHOW JUMPING COVERAGE

Will American Pharoah Win the Belmont? Bromont Eventers Weigh In

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 6, 2015 1:30 pm -

Everyone knows that it’s terrible idea to hang one’s hopes and dreams on a horse — especially a 3-year-old, kinda-broke thoroughbred that would rather be playing grab-tail with his buddies in a field than getting shooed around a track.

And yet our nation does it, over and over and over again. We hold our breath when a horse wins the first two legs of the Triple Crown then get our hearts raked across the rocky shoals of the Belmont. Will American Pharoah follow suit, or could he accomplish tomorrow what some believe is now an impossible feat?

Being here at Bromont, surrounded by horse people, I decided to ask around:

Eventers are, indeed, a (mostly) hopeful breed of people — and here’s hoping that hope pays off.

Now it’s your turn to weigh in. Which response in the video did you agree with?

Go racing.

Horses and Riders Come First At Copper Meadows

By Stephanie Nicora on Jun 6, 2015 12:00 pm -

Welcome to Copper Meadows. Photo by Copper Meadows.

Copper Meadows proved once again yesterday why it is a favorite of eventers of the West, despite the sometimes very long drive! Those coming from Northern California often drive approximately 10 hours to reach the event, but once there, they are treated like family.

When rider concerns arose yesterday around the show jumping footing, Taren Atkinson and her team got behind their riders and figured out a better alternative. In order to not mess the timing of all the divisions, the CIC2*, CIC3*, Advanced and Intermediate riders agreed to start their stadium rounds at 8 a.m., and keep their same cross-country time.

The stadium wam up at Copper Meadows.

For the CIC3* riders, this means less than an hour in between stadium and cross country, where all the riders will be tackling a newly designed Hugh Lochore course.

Lauren Billys, a long time supporter of Copper Meadows, reflected on the fact that this new format will make things a little different for West Coast riders. “For us West Coasters, this is a little bit different of a test for us. But it should be fun. It requires a little more strategy, limiting the number of jumps in warm up, for example.”

Woodland Stallion Station in Woodland, CA, held the West Coast’s only one day recognized event earlier in May. On the West Coast, three days are typical, with even two days being rare. This is quite a difference from the East Coast! When Lauren was back east for a stretch, she said she watched Boyd Martin ride seven horses in a one day. That’s 21 different rides, not to mention remembering which test and which course go with each horse!

Our CIC2* leader, Amber Levine, echoed Lauren’s thoughts about the adjusted format. “It’s really just about logistics,” she said. “One of my horses has two different bridles, and (you have to) rush back to get the other horse — it’s really just the little things.”

A pair contesting their first Advanced, Sarah Braun and Perfect Intentions, also have positive things to say about the change. “It should be fun! I have never done the double jumping format from stadium to cross country, so I’m not sure what to expect, but it’ll be a good warm up going into cross country.”

This is Hugh Lochore’s first time designing in California, and the course is completely different than ever before. Amber, who came down with Chocolate Horse Farm earlier this year, is excited that she has an entirely different CIC2* course to run! “It seems to have a good flow to it but with spots for a good gallop.”

Competitors familiar with the old course knew it as a twisty, turning course with undulating terrain and Hugh has tried to level it a bit to get some gallop stretches in. You can catch Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Hugh previewing the new CIC 3* track here.

While no new complexes have been built, things have been definitely moved around, and there are some new jumps. From the familiar keyhole now residing on an unfamiliar island, to starting and finishing at different places, the course has everyone excited. As Hugh himself said, “The course has changed so much with just the route change!” The consensus among riders is overwhelmingly positive, with quite a few looking at this as their final prep for Rebecca Farms in July.

Sunset on XC at Copper Meadows. What eventer doesn’t love this view?? Photo by Copper Meadows.

All of which is to say that coming to Copper Meadows is more than just coming to an event. The venue is small, but gorgeous. Horses and riders both have advocates in the event organizers and volunteers. Perhaps Lauren Billys said it best: “The one thing I love most about Coppper is that they always take the riders into consideration. When you go there, you feel like you are welcomed into their home.”

“I think there’s a piece of Taren and her family’s heart in every event. It’s more than consideration, accomodation, more than respect. You become part of a family. Kudos to Taren Atkinson and her fabulous team.”

The venue released a statement sharing the love right back. “Copper Meadows strives to be the best that we can be, and when things don’t go perfectly as planned it is wonderful to have the support of our talented, encouraging Area VI riders!”

Go Copper Meadows, go eventing, and go #copperstrong .

In the Barns on XC Morning at Bromont

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 6, 2015 10:45 am -

Overnight CCI3* leader Selena O'Hanlon and Foxwood High are geared up and ready to tackle the course. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Cross-country morning has dawned early and bright here at Bromont International. It’s a beautiful day here in Quebec — the horses will appreciate the cool breeze, and everyone will enjoy the sunshine.

I love cross-country morning. There’s an almost tangible sense of anticipation in the air. As I write, the riders are all getting their game faces on in the barns or heading out on course to have a last-minute talk with a worrisome fence.

I headed over to the barn with my camera to spy on everyone’s preparations. Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes:

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

: Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The CCI1* has jumped wrapped up and the CCI3* is set to kick off here in a few moments. Allez Concours Complet!

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

Watch Le Chinch Jump the Entire Bromont CCI3* Course

By Leslie Wylie on Jun 6, 2015 9:00 am -

In what may be the most bizarre EN cross-country preview since John’s infamously nauseating course run videos of yesteryear, we sent Le Chinch off to test-ride the Bromont CCI3* course.

He reported back that the course was “massive” (particularly when you’re only eight inches tall) and required a great deal of accuracy (we had to fish him out of the bushes on several occasions).

Red on right, white on left, Chinch in the middle. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Indeed, if your horse has a corner problem, you’re not going to make it very far on Derek di Grazia’s big, technical course. There’s plenty to do out there and horses and riders will have their hands full from startbox to finish flags.

The track is very similar to last year’s with a few shake-ups here and there. Like last year, several riders have mentioned the coffin at #7 and #8ABC as a potential sticking point. A log to a ditch to two angled skinnies, the question will reward horses — and chinchillas — who look for their flags.

#7, #8ABC

The course is challenging enough, but heaped on top of that is distance and terrain. Optimum time is 10 minutes on the mark and with Bromont’s rolling hills, even the fittest horses will start feeling the burn along the way. Today’s field is peppered with new-to-the-level horses and riders who haven’t had the experience of being at the eight- or nine-minute marker of a 3* course, and success will come to those who are both mentally and physically prepared to fight all the way to the finish.

Some rain late Friday left the turf just spongy enough. As usual it’s a bit boggy in places, and especially heading uphill riders may find that they need to take their foot off the gas pedal and let their horses feel their way up.

Take it away, Le Chinch!