Classic Eventing Nation

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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How to Be a Top-Notch Working Student

By on May 20, 2015 1:00 pm -
Working students totally have all the fun. Photo courtesy of Meg Kep. Working students totally have all the fun. Photo courtesy of Meg Kep.

So you’re thinking of applying for one of the working student positions you’ve seen on our page or elsewhere. You’re ready to pack your bags and head off for what will surely be one of the most pivotal learning experiences of your life. But what, exactly, should you know before you go? Naturally, all working student or groom positions require an insanely good work ethic, a great attitude, and a good handle on barn work and basic grooming.

We reached out to two top-notch grooms/working students/barn managers in the eventing world: Hawley Bennett-Awad’s Sarah Braun and Laine Ashker’s Lauren Sherrill to get their advice on what it takes to make it as a working student.

Sarah Braun: 

Be able to take direction well from your peers/coworkers and your employer

Having a little OCD helps

Be a team player

Be willing to drop what you’re doing to stay with a sick/injured horse

Be someone who doesn’t mind working long hours

Be willing to travel or stay home when trainer/employer is competing

To be able to support yourself and be a working student is tough, so be able to have time management where you can work a couple jobs on the side to earn money to live off of

Be very reliable and trustworthy

Lauren Sherrill:

Braiding! Make sure you know how to braid and preferably sew in nice tight button braids. If you need too, ask someone to help you learn.

Wrapping, if you don’t already know how to wrap or aren’t very comfortable with it get someone knowledgeable to teach you.

Mentally prepare yourself for long days in the heat of the summer. You’ll be go, go, going all day long.

Knowing how to drive a truck and trailer is a huge plus.

Be open minded to learning new and different ways of doing things.

We’ve posted other advice columns on being an A-plus working student. You can revisit these articles using the links before. Have any tips to add? Comment below! And don’t forget to check our summer edition of our working student listings here.

Advice On Being a Top Working Student
Being a Working Student Will Change Your Life
EventionTV On Being a Working Student

You Can Never Stop Learning

By on May 20, 2015 11:00 am -
Meghan discussing fundamentals of cross country to a Novice Group. Photo by Courtney Carson. Meghan discussing fundamentals of cross country to a Novice Group. Photo by Courtney Carson.

“The only way to get good at this sport is to never stop learning.”

I’m not entirely sure who said this originally — someone much more wise than I am — but I have heard variations of it throughout my entire 20 years in the saddle.  It could not be a more true statement to keep in mind when working with and around horses. There is always another way to approach a situation and every horse has a unique personality and there will never be a cookie-cutter way to teach and ride.

I am incredibly fortunate enough to be a part of a fantastic barn with more knowledge floating around than I could ever hope to absorb and retain.  Jill and Mark O’Donoghue have always been parental figures to look up to, and I try to learn from every statement that comes out of their mouths.

I also had the privilege of growing up with Meghan, who is now a household name in the eventing community, and her sister Kelty, along with other girls who have gone away and come home with new tips and tricks of the trade.

Meghan keeping a watchful eye on Jana Lyle (Preliminary rider)- Queeny Park Clinic

Meghan keeping a watchful eye on Jana Lyle (Preliminary rider), Queeny Park Clinic. Photo by Courtney Carson.

When Meghan, Kelty, and I were in high school we used to spend hours upon hours in the barn together. We would set jump courses, ride as many horses as we could get our hands on, and sit to study each other’s lessons.

We were hungry for ways to become better, and we found those through watching and listening, something that I unfortunately don’t see a lot of riders doing now days. There is a serious lack of desire to learn, along with any type of support for one another within barns.  I have seen this in multiple programs the last couple of years, and it bothers me.

I have arranged my horse’s schedule the last two weekends so that I have been able to travel with Meghan to her clinics in the area.  While I justify this as spending time with one of my best friends since she is gone six months out of the year, I also have made a point to pay attention to every moment of these clinics.

While the combinations have all been lower level horses and riders, I have probably learned more than if I had sat at Phillip Dutton’s farm and watched a bunch of 4* riders jump their 4* horses all day.

Phancy Pharm Clinic 5/9/2015- Photo via MISHO Facebook Page

Phancy Pharm Clinic 5/9/2015. Photo via MISHO Facebook Page

The horses ranged from absolutely perfect packers to hot young Thoroughbreds, and the riders spanned from nervous children who had never been in a clinic before to adult amateurs who ride with Meghan every chance they get.

This made for every possible situation one could imagine throughout the two weekends, and we also got to see a variety of communicating with the horses on the flat, throughout the show jumping, and finally out on the cross country. No pair was perfect and Meghan found something for everyone to work on!

I have watched Meghan teach hundreds of lessons, sat through several of her clinics, and had her work with me and my horses countless times, yet I still manage to take away something from every session I continue to hear. I try to do this with lessons I take myself, or that I have the opportunity to watch.

I have been amazed recently with some of the younger riders in the barn who don’t take the extra hour out of their day to sit in the arena and watch her teach.  I was also amazed at the number of riders in the clinic who loaded up and left immediately following their rides, or did not get there early to watch some of the other groups.

Super Pony in the starter group- Queeny Park Clinic

Super Pony in the Starter group, Queeny Park Clinic. Photo by Courtney Carson.

Now I know that with clinics a lot of participants have time constraints and cannot stay, or they haul in from a distance, but I still find it amazing at the lack of interest in sitting and watching others learn.  Even the lack of attention paid by riders within their own groups, talking to their husbands/wives or other supporters instead of watching and listening to the clinician.

Yes, this is a fast-paced world, but if we really want to be masters of our craft, or hell- even just kind of good at it! You have to take the time to study the sport and not just participate in it.

I see way too many people who just get to the barn, ride their horse, and jump in the car and leave.  Very few riders will put pressure on their horses when not riding in a lesson, therefore losing any ability to work through tension on their own.  At some point in your career you will be warming up by yourself, and if you have never practiced at home and alone, you will be lost trying to figure out how to ride without help in the warm-up arena.

While at events riders may run over to the ring to watch their friends ride, but they don’t sit by the ring and study other riders throughout the day. You can learn something from every ride, even if it is just what NOT to do, and I know I see a lot of that (and definitely contribute to the cause at times as well!).  How many riders sit down and watch the videos that are available online from major events and watch what the riders are doing as opposed to just watching for entertainment value?

We can all be held accountable for how good we really want to be at this sport. While things such as work, family, and other obligations in the lives of amateurs do play a part in how much time we can devote to it, I guarantee all of us could find time to watch someone else ride, stay a bit longer for a clinic/lesson, or to help set a course and learn about distances and why courses are set the way they are.

I have run the Intermediate level, and I learned more from the Starter and Beginner Novice riders in the last two weekends than I did from the Preliminary riders. You are never too good to quit learning, remember that.

By the Numbers: Woodside Advanced

By on May 20, 2015 9:00 am -
James Alliston and Tivoli. Photo courtesy of Rare Air Photography.

James Alliston and Tivoli. Photo courtesy of Rare Air Photography.

With the East Coast taking a breather for the next couple of weeks until Bromont, all eyes are turned to the West Coast. Woodside is running an Advanced this weekend alongside their banner division, the Preliminary Challenge. They’ve brought on Ian Stark this year to revamp their cross country course, so all divisions should be sporting a fresh new look.

There’s only five entries this weekend, with one re-route from Rolex, so I’ll only be giving you my top two.

The dressage test will be 2014 USEF A-B. The cross country course designer is Ian Stark and the show jumping course designer is Sarah Dubost.

TOP TWO

1. James Alliston and Tivoli: This pair has a truly impeccable record at the 3* and Advanced levels, and only some bad luck has kept them from finishing at the 4* level. After an early rider fall at Rolex, James has brought Tivoli back to the west coast and will be out for redemption this weekend.

Tivoli averages a 33.5 on this particular dressage test, which will be good enough for him to take the lead right off the bat. A history of jumping double clear over Ian Stark’s designs will just strengthen their position. While Tivoli might have a time penalty in the show jumping, this pair does average a clear round over Sarah’s courses. A score in the mid-thirties will let them easily win this division.

Kiyomi Foster and Tasman Sea. Photo courtesy of Liz Hall.

Kiyomi Foster and Tasman Sea. Photo courtesy of Liz Hall.

2. Kiyomi Foster and Tasman Sea: Kiyomi and Tasman Sea haven’t been out since 2013 and returned to the eventing scene recently at Galway Downs, finishing second in an Intermediate on their dressage score. Tasman Sea is a former four-star mount of Chelan Kozak, and Kiyomi took over the reins a few years ago to gain experience at the upper levels.

Kiyomi and Tasman Sea averaged a 38.4 on the 2010 USEF A-A test, which is identical to the 2014 USEF A-B test. They finished double clear over Ian Stark’s Rebecca course at Advanced in 2013, with their only other Ian experience coming at Galway Downs CCI3*. In the only Sarah Dubost course they’ve seen, they did have three rails and two time. Despite that, they should have no trouble holding second, with a score just over fifty.

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By on May 20, 2015 12:01 am -
Developing rider sessions are ongoing in Middleburg. Photo via USEF High Performance Facebook Page. Developing rider sessions are ongoing in Middleburg. Photo via USEF High Performance Facebook Page.

Everyone down in Texas is drowning in rain, but up here in the Northeast we are begging for it! The forecast continues to tease us with glimpses of storms, but despite a good soaking this weekend, the ground is still quite hard. If everyone could just do a rain dance so that the storms leave the south and head up here, we’d all be very grateful.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

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

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]

Thinking about entering the Great Meadow International CIC3*? Clarifications have been posted regarding the entry process on the Omnibus listing, and event organizer Darrin Mollett has released the following statement: “The CIC3* is open to all qualified competitors and is not an invitational.  Entries will be accepted until the maximum of 25 entries are received in the order in which they are received by postmark.  Riders are limited to two horses.  In the case of excessive entries, the entries from the top 10 athletes on the USEA Overall Leaderboard as of June 1, 2015 will receive priority over all other entries, regardless of entry postmark date.  Non-US based athletes will be chosen based on FEI horse/rider ranking as of June 1, 2015 rather than US national ranking ( i.e., non-US based compared to US based using the FEI horse/rider ranking). If you have any questions about your qualifications, please contact Steve Symansky at 540-687-6333 or [email protected].

Tickets are available for the Gala Dinner at Woodside. Woodside is holding their seventh annual Preliminary Challenge this weekend, culminating in an evening of show jumping on Saturday night. Offering $15,000 in prize money for the Preliminary Challenge divisions, and another $15,000 for other divisions, Woodside has created an annual banner event. The Gala Dinner is held during the final portion of the division, with full views of the competition ring. [Buy Tickets to the Gala Dinner]

This week in Horse & Hound’s Numbers: The lowest dressage score of the weekend in Britain was a 13.3, set in a BE100 division. Not one pair made the time at the CIC3* at Chatsworth, but two made the time at Advanced. [Eventing in Numbers]

Zara Phillips is hoping High Kingdom will be back for the autumn. Not only did High Kingdom cut himself in the stall before dressage at Kentucky, he cut into the joint, which required flushing the capsule. He’s expected to make a full recovery, and Zara is trying to keep it all in perspective. [Zara Phillips on High Kingdom’s Injury]

Two event riders are recovering after a car accident in England. Aaron Miller and Dan Sibley are both recovering after serious injuries sustained in the car accident that killed event groom Louiza Covey, as well as another unnamed person. Aaron Miller is recovering from a hematoma on his bowel, while Dan Sibley broke both his legs and his sternum. [Event Riders Recovering Well]

Pippa Funnell won the Chatsworth CIC3* with Sandman 7 this weekend. In doing so she set a record, becoming the first three time winner of the event. Pippa previously won Chatsworth in 2000 with Primmore’s Pride and 2004 with Supreme Rock. Mary King’s daughter Emily finished third aboard Brookleigh, just behind Irish rider Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound. [Pippa Funnell Sets New Record]

SmartPak Product of the Day: I’m pretty rabid about buying the safest product on the market, so it drives me crazy when I see people using a standard T-tap instead of the Safety Spin Tee Tap. Designed specifically to allow a horse to stand on it, I no longer have to worry about a horse pulling his foot away from me while tapping his stud holes. [SmartPak]

For Wayback Wednesday, we go way back to 2006 at Morven Park.