Classic Eventing Nation

George Morris Doesn’t Disappoint at Windurra Clinic

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

Photo by Lisa Thomas, Mid-Atlantic Equestrian Services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

George on contact:

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

George on transitions:

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

Back to contact:

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

George on jumping:

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

George on use of stick and spur:

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

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

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

Julia Krajewski Wins Action Packed Wiesbaden CIC3* in Germany

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Wiesbaden Final Scores]

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

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

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

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seriously, guys. Adorable.

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: Eventers Tackle Devon Hunt Night

By on May 26, 2015 5:00 pm -

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

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

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

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

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

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Weekly Training Tip from Kate Chadderton: Conditioning

By on May 26, 2015 3:00 pm -

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

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

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

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

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

Types of Fitness

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

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

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

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

Footing

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

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

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

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

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

#EventerProblems, Part III

By on May 26, 2015 1:00 pm -

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

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

A video posted by @gailsimon on

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

Go Eventing!

Camaraderie Among Competitors

By on May 26, 2015 11:00 am -
Photo courtesy of Anna Kate Conley. Photo courtesy of Anna Kate Conley.

I’ve found at this age, I (and pretty much everyone in the Junior divisions) get caught up in the ribbons, scores and results of the shows more than we care about the experience and people we meet along the way. Everyone loves to win. We all love doing well.

No one goes to a show thinking, “Oh I hope Johnny and I don’t get a ribbon this time.” Yes, it may be a .30 cent ribbon. Yes, we may spend hundreds of dollars competing for one of those .30 cent ribbons, but we want one anyway. I think, in some weird, twisted way it gives us a sense of self-worth. A ribbon signifies your training is working and you’re on the right path to success. However, it can’t always be about the ribbons or doing better than someone else.

At one point in time I became so fixated on what color ribbon I got, I found myself talking poorly about my fellow competitors. I realized instead of saying, “This transition was better than the one in my last test,” I was saying, “Well, so-and-so had bad transitions this weekend so I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to beat them.”

It took me a long time to figure out you could be friends with someone you’re competing with. It’s OKAY to lose to your friend and it’s OKAY to beat them too. Here is where maturity comes into play; you should be able to go in the ring like competitors and walk back to the barn like best friends.

I have a really good friend that I’ve been competing with since our non-color cordinated, Novice days. Rachel Finlin and her horse, Skipping Stones, have been kicking butt and taking names against me and everyone else for as long as I can remember. I never actually talked to her until about three years ago when my grandma posted a stadium picture of her, and tagged me saying, “Here’s your friend.”

I always just watched them from afar, because, lets be honest, in my eyes they were perfect and “the ones to beat.” Fast forward to spring River Glen 2015. After two years of not being in the same division (I was going BN/N, she moved on to Training/Prelim), we had finally been put together in the same Training division.

Initially I was worried, I’ve cheered them on as they rocked around Prelim, so I just knew there was no way I stood a chance against them at my first Training back. I actually told Rachel this and we laughed about it the whole weekend. I ended in first and she got second.

It was honestly a perfect way to start my season and I was SO proud of her and Skip. Before we said our farewells we made a kind of pact, if you will. We jokingly agreed since I had won that weekend, she would win the next time we were competeing together, then just go back and forth.

This weekend at MayDaze, we were both in Jr. Training. We saw eachother in warm up for all 3 phases, we chatted, we laughed and we wished eachother good luck. When we met up in stadium warm up we were both equally excited because she beat my dressage score by .2 — she had a 31.4, I had a 31.6. Rachel sat in 1st in Training A, I sat in 2nd in Training B.

She went clear around stadium, I had a rail, she had a stop on cross-country, I went clean. But, she was the first one to congratulate me when I came through the finish flags. Sunday morning we hacked Reba and Skip together for over an hour just chatting away; we may be good competitors but were better friends.

As the pressure to qualify for Young Riders increases, I’m learning just how important it is to find the healthy balance of competitiveness and friendliness. At the end of the day we’re all just taking part in the sport we love. Realizing the support you give and receive can make or break you is so vital for your success.

You’re nothing without people who believe in you, and being able to stay friends with someone even though you take turns beating eachother is such a cool thing. I love Rachel and Skip; the friendship we’ve created through competition is something everyone deserves to experience. It can’t always be about the ribbons and beating people you know (or don’t know).

One day I’m not going to have all these ribbons, but I’m going to have the memory of Rachel and I hacking the property line of the Kentucky Horse Park. If you’re a young rider and you go to a show only caring about the ribbons, make friends with someone.

Whether it be the person stalled next to you, or the girl winning your division, INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Be able to joke around about who’s doing better than who, but always be supportive when things don’t go as planned, you will be better for it in the end. After all, what do you have to lose?

Killian O’Connor Retired at Woodside

By on May 26, 2015 9:00 am -
All of Killian O'Connor's supporters. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart. All of Killian O'Connor's supporters. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

It was the perfect California evening to say farewell to a long time eventing partner. The sky was clear, the air that late spring almost summer northern California mix of warmth and coastal air, and a couple hundred people were gathered to celebrate our sport. What more could you ask for a retirement ceremony?

Tracy Bowman and Jolie Wentworth’s seventeen year old Irish Sport Horse Killian O’Connor cantered around the Grand Prix arena at the Horse Park at Woodside Saturday, a place that where many West Coast eventers first met the large, gorgeous grey gelding.

Connor was imported as a 3-year-old by Tracy, Leslie Law, and Niki Caine in 2001. The team was at an event at Oakridge, so “Connor” met them at the event because there was no one at the farm to receive him from quarantine. “I didn’t even know he was coming,” Jolie said.

In a letter Jolie wrote for the ceremony, she remarked that it must have been fate – or “kismet” – that caused the two to end up partners, as she had been joking for the previous months that she thought she’d like a gray for her next horse.

Connor and Jolie take in the moment. Photo courtesy Sherry Stewart.

Connor and Jolie take in the moment. Photo courtesy Sherry Stewart.

While Jolie didn’t know that Connor was coming, Tracy did. And Tracy put Jolie and Connor together, supporting them all the way from Novice to reach the top levels of American eventing. The pair contested their first Rolex in 2009. “He once again proved he was reliable in dressage, and we were placed in 11th after the first two days. On cross country we came out of the box not knowing what to expect, but I can honestly say it was the ride of my life. I owe all of our success at Rolex to Connor,” Jolie says.

After an injury that required some time off, Tracy, Jolie and Connor packed their bags for Rolex again in 2012, where they would ultimately withdraw after cross country. Connor showed his class in the sand box again, scoring 58.3. Only 27 pairs completed that year.

Tracy, Jolie and Connor were an important part of West Coast eventing inspiring young riders everywhere. They were recognizable from a distance, and everyone loved a Connor spotting. Young rider Maddy Mazzola got to experience the joy of riding the experienced horse as she learned how to navigate the upper levels of the sport and gain confidence in her riding.

“As everyone who says who has ridden him, it was like riding on a cloud,” Maddy said of her first time aboard Connor eight years ago. “He has a certain passion and happiness for working and competing, which has transferred into me, making my love for him and this sport that much stronger.”

This love for work was clear as Jolie went around the ring, her classic blue standing out against his almost white coat. Connor looked like he was ready to contest the show jumping in the Prelim Challenge, standing like the experienced champion he is, while being draped with his Kismet cooler and a wreath of flowers, in his colors of blue and yellow. As Jolie lead him from the arena to loud applause, Connor showed off his best jog. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

While now officially retired from competition, his working life is far from over. Connor is teaching a new generation of Kismet riders what it feels like to sit on a cloud and learn to fly.

Killian O'Connor and Jolie Wentworth. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

Killian O’Connor and Jolie Wentworth. Photo courtesy of Sherry Stewart.

We wish Connor the best of retirements, enjoying plenty of attention and turnout. According to a small bit on Jolie’s website, someone noticed his ears pricked while running cross-country at Rolex, doing the math on how many carrots he would have if every spectator just gave him one. We suspect he’s not forgotten the debt of carrots owed to him.

Happy retirement, Connor!

Tuesday News and Notes from Cavalor

By on May 26, 2015 12:01 am -

Eventers, brace yourselves. George Morris is teaching a clinic at Windurra USA today and tomorrow, which is open to auditors! The cost of auditing both days of the clinic: $60. The opportunity to watch and learn from the master: priceless.

The ride times for today are as follows:

Boyd Martin
Molly Rosin
Caitlin Silliman
Jenny Caras
Jess Brumfield
Kate Hicks
Boyd Martin
Matt Brown
Phillip Dutton
Lauren Balcomb
Waylon Roberts
Mark Beecher
Erin Sylvester
Amy Ruth
Erika Nessler
Bradly Champagne
Mike Pendleton
Emily Smith
Jess Brumfield

Events Opening Today: Cosequin Stuart H T (NY, A-1), Huntington Farm H.T. (VT, A-1), Riga Meadow H.T. (CT, A-1), The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm I (MD, A-2), Roebke’s Run H.T. (MN, A-4), 39th Annual Whidbey Island H.T. (WA, A-7), Event at Rebecca Farm (MT, A-7), Champagne Run at the Park H.T. (KY, A-8), Powder Basin H.T. (WY, A-9), Coconino Summer I H.T. (AZ, A-10)

Events Closing Today: Valinor Farm Horse Trials (MA, A-1), Seneca Valley Pony Club Spring H.T. (MD, A-2), Full Gallop Farm June Horse Trials (SC, A-3), Queeny Park H.T. (MO, A-4), Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (WI, A-4), Round Top H.T. (CO, A-9)

News and Notes: 

YRAP WoW Camp: The Area II Young Rider Advancement Program WoW Camp will be held June 29-July 2. WoW Camp is open to all Program Riders including the adults for the YRAP entry fee. Entries mailed by May 31 are just $525 for 4 days of lessons at the Horse Park of New Jersey. Instructors include Lynn Symansky, Sinead Halpin, Tik Maynard, Kristin Schmolze. and Skyeler Voss. None program riders are also welcome at the “non-member” rate. Contact Chris Donovan at [email protected] for an application.

I see London, I see France… With show season comes the dreaded Wearing of the White Breeches, not to mention the even more dreaded VPL (visible panty-lines). Fortunately, there are some lightweight, antimicrobial and seamless options available for equestrian athletes everywhere! EN’s Colleen Peachey reviewed the Knixwear FitKnix Air Boyshorts last month. This month, HN’s Morgane Schmidt Gabriel reviews the Knixwear High Rise Brief. Read all about it here: [HN: Knixwear Product Review]

Tragedy at Devon: On May 23, junior hunter rider Emma Kurtz’s mount Cambridge suffered a fatal accident while competing at the Devon Horse Show. Cambridge, owned by Scott Stewart, died when he fell on course and got tangled in the rails of a vertical jump. We send our deepest condolences to Scott, Emma, and all who knew and loved Cambridge. [CotH: Cambridge dies at Devon Horse Show]

High school equestrians can earn varsity letters: I wish I’d known about this program when I was in high school! The USEF offers a varsity lettering program for equestrian athletes who apply and complete certain requirements. Read about two high school athletes from New Jersey who followed their dreams and helped overcome the stereotype that “horseback riding isn’t a sport”: [NJ.com: No horsein’ around, high school equestrians can earn varsity letters]

Video of the Day: Watch highlights from George Morris’ clinic at Windurra in August 2013, featuring some familiar human and equine faces:

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Ze Terminator Helmet Cam

By on May 25, 2015 5:00 pm -

Michael also competed Marbach CIC3* winner Halunke FBW, who is also entered at Luhmühlen next month, in the CIC3* at Pfingstturnier in Germany this weekend, placing second on a score of 42.1. He brought a string of 9 horses with him to Pfingstturnier, competing in show jumping and eventing — because why just win in one discipline when you can achieve total world domination in every other as well?

The 10-year-old Württemberg gelding named Sportsmann S was a winner in the CSI4* 1.45m class as well, proving that Michael wasn’t kidding when he said at Rolex that he has many horses that competing in pure show jumping and dressage. He’s truly an example of being a master of his craft. We salute you, Mr. Jung!