Classic Eventing Nation

Rolex Rookies: Amanda Wilson and Cool Decision

By on Apr 20, 2015 10:30 am -
Amanda Wilson and Cool Decision. Photo by Kasey Mueller Amanda Wilson and Cool Decision. Photo by Kasey Mueller

Cool Decision had never even cantered under saddle when Amanda Wilson went to try him. He was 4 1/2 years old and had 45 days of training. With all that in mind, she trotted him over a 3-foot coop and instantly knew the Hanoverian/Thoroughbred gelding was something special.

Amanda brought “Cody,” now 13, through the ranks from Novice level and is now preparing for their four-star debut at Rolex. As the day of the first jog draws closer, Amanda finds it increasingly difficult to put her feelings into words.

“I have no words. Really and truly,” Amanda said. “The stress is going to kill me before I even get there! I’m just trying to tie up loose ends and keep everything together.”

The trip to Kentucky has been two years in the making, as they were nearly qualified for the 2014 event save a final CCI3* run at Fair Hill in October 2013. They retired on course there and so started the next season with renewed vigor.

“We took a step back and had a whole other year at three-stars. We started 2014 with the idea that as long as we could keep it going, as long as we made it around Fair Hill, Rolex would be the plan.”

Amanda Wilson and Cool Decision. Photo by Samantha Clark

Amanda Wilson and Cool Decision. Photo by Samantha Clark

They completed four three-stars in 2014, including a 31st place finish and a clear cross country round at Fair Hill, qualifying them for Rolex.

Cody had a long break after Fair Hill, and their preparation this spring has been conservative, partially thanks to Mother Nature.

“I decided to stay in Pennsylvania this winter and stay close to home to keep things going,” said Amanda, who runs a training and boarding business at Dark Horse Farm. “We got stuck in a snowstorm, so we missed Southern Pines.”

When the snow finally melted and they made their way south, they hit Carolina International in March, where they did dressage, “kicked around” the Advanced cross country and withdrew before show jumping. They then ran the full event at The Fork,  producing one of their fastest three-star runs to finish 26th in the division.

The main focus during their preparation has been on Cody’s fitness. The track at Kentucky is considerably long, and Cody has a strange tendency to draw late. At Rolex, they ride as number 63, and depending on the weather during cross country day, a late ride time may make for a more difficult track. Cody has run well in the past, however, in rain and mud, so making sure he’s fit to finish is key.

“It’s more mental for me — I’m the one that goes around careful. He’d gallop for it all day long,” Amanda said. Cody can be quite strong, but she thinks the track at Kentucky will suit him. “We used to laugh that by the time he finally went Advanced, it would be a big enough fence to actually hold him.”

Cody is keen on course, but “keeping his mind right” in the dressage ring will be the real test for these two. “Battling the fact that he likes to get tense, plus where he’s at with fitness and the atmosphere … I think with all three of those combined it’s going to be a lot to keep his mind right. And mine too, quite frankly. I can’t get caught up in what he’s trying to do underneath me.”

Like most Rolex Rookies, Amanda will be delighted to complete the event with a sound horse, but doesn’t want to resolve herself to just finish. “If I could come out of there with no cross country jump penalties and leave with a sound horse, that’s the biggest thing. Our longterm partnership I think is going to help as far as that goes.”

Whatever the outcome, Amanda and Cody will have an incredible contingent of cheerleaders there to support them. Her friend Mary Macklin will be there to groom; her dressage coach Barb Ferneyhough is coming, as is her farrier Mike Smith. In addition, a multitude of clients and students from Dark Horse wouldn’t miss this.

“Our little town is basically shutting down, and everyone is going to Kentucky.”

Rolex Entry Update: Courtney Cooper Withdraws Who’s A Star

By on Apr 20, 2015 9:00 am -
Courtney Cooper and Who's A Star. Photo by Abbie Golden. Courtney Cooper and Who's A Star. Photo by Abbie Golden.

It’s always a nail-biter as we get closer and closer to the first horse inspection at Rolex. Sadly, Courtney Cooper announced on Facebook this morning that she has withdrawn her homebred Who’s A Star due to a bone bruise.

“What was originally thought to be a small issue revealed a bone bruise after more diagnostics. We felt that the concussion of the cross country test would be too much to expect given his bruise, ” Courtney said. “We are expecting him to make a full recovery and hopefully to have a great fall season.”

Courtney and “Tag” were one of our Rolex Rookies slated to make their four-star debut.

Hallie Coon also withdrew Namaste over the weekend. These two most recent withdrawals bring the entry list down to 76.

Sixteen horses have now been withdrawn since entries went live: Mr. Medicott, Copper Beech, Zatopek B, Cavallino Cocktail, High Times, HHS Cooley, Manoir de Carneville, Nonsensical, Mojito, FRH Butts Avedon, Parklane Hawk, Freddie Mac, Arthur, Pancho Villa, Namaste and Who’s A Star.

For inquiring minds, 63 horses were entered on the morning of the first horse inspection at last year’s event, and 60 ultimately went forward to dressage.

Wondering if you missed any Rolex headlines over the weekend? Click here to check out all of EN’s #RK3DE coverage and here to see our picks for the event.

[Rolex Entry List]

 

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By on Apr 19, 2015 11:30 pm -
The birthday girl, Andrea, with Carol Davidson. Photo courtesy of Helene Gallagher The birthday girl, Andrea, with Carol Davidson. Photo courtesy of Helene Gallagher

Wishing a very happy birthday to Andrea Davidson, who celebrated her 30th birthday yesterday! Andrea took a trip from Team BDJ’s winter base in Ocala to their Pennsylvania base at Buckwampum Farm for a weekend clinic. Buck’s mom, Carol Davidson, surprised her there with flowers, gifts and a delicious ice cream cake for everyone to enjoy. What a treat!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Fair Hill International H.T. & CIC [Results]

Longleaf Pine H.T. [Results]

CDCTA Spring II H.T. [Website]

River Glen Spring H.T. [Results]

Holly Hill Farm H.T. [Results]

St. Johns H.T. [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Isn’t science amazing? Tissue-engineered skin already exists for humans, dogs, and even mice. A technological breakthrough has now made artificial equine skin a reality, useful in treating severe burns and wounds and an alternative to complicated and painful skin grafts. [Researchers develop artificial equine skin]

Pony Google doodles.  Earlier this week, through its festive homepage “doodle,” Google celebrated the 155th anniversary of the first successful delivery of a letter by the Pony Express on April 14, 1860. Looking to waste a little time on this Monday morning? Play this adorable, addicting Pony Express game, developed by Google to accompany the doodle. [155th Anniversary of the Pony Express]

What’s coming down the pike. We’ve talked about it, but maybe not really believed it. Whether we like it or not, reform is coming to international horse sports. The FEI Sports Forum in Switzerland is coming up this month, and some major decisions are likely to be made. [You’re either forum, or against ’em]

Choose the right bit for your ride. I’m grateful for the horses I ride that go in a simple snaffle, as finding the right bit for your horse can be an exhausting process and often one that must be worked through during competition. There are countless bits to choose from. Here’s a helpful guide to assist you in making the right choice. [5 tips to choose the perfect bit]

Equi-spective. Sheryl Jordan, the equestrian director at the new Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, Virginia conducts classes that teach individuals how posture can attract or repel horses. Through the exercises the participants learn how to better communicate with other humans. [Beyond Horse Whispering]

BLM says no. A 25-year-old Grullo stallion captured by the BLM has become an internet sensation just from a photo. The interwebz, outraged, calls for the release of this gorgeous pony back into the wild where he may live out his days as he’s always known them – free. The BLM says that scenario is not likely. [Release the handsome stallion]

Monday Video: Check out Jordan Linstedt’s Road to Rolex!

Sunday Video: Cross Country at Kihikihi International

By on Apr 19, 2015 5:00 pm -

XC

Here's the Kihikihi International Horse Trial cross country summary video 🙂 Enjoy! Eventing NZ

Posted by Equestrian Live NZ on Saturday, April 11, 2015

The Kihikihi International Horse Trial is a popular annual event on the North Island in New Zealand. It is organized completely by a dedicated group of volunteers that make up Kihikihi Waikato Eventing, Inc.

The competition took place earlier this month, and when you combine the country’s beauty, the heart of the New Zealand bred horse and the cool attitudes of the locals, it’s hard not to put a horse vacation in New Zealand at the top of your bucket list.

Check out this great video of the 2015 Kihikihi Horse Trials from Equestrian Live NZ that manages to capture the essence of eventing and the feeling we get after a great ride.

Go New Zealand. Go Eventing.

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro Dazzle U.S. Crowd in Las Vegas

By on Apr 19, 2015 3:00 pm -
Charlotte Dujardin celebrates another win. Photo courtesy of FEI/Dirk Caremans. Charlotte Dujardin celebrates another win. Photo courtesy of FEI/Dirk Caremans.

The biggest stars in the dressage world, Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, dazzled the crowd in Las Vegas yesterday with a freestyle performance that brought the house down. Performing their freestyle to the tunes of How to Train Your Dragon, Charlotte and “Blueberry” earned a 94.196% at the FEI Reem Acra World Cup Dressage Final.

“I don’t think we’ll ever see a horse like Valegro again in our lifetime,” Charlotte said on her Facebook page. “He is my soulmate, my best friend and I cannot believe how hard he tries every time we go down that centre line.”

Indeed, the crowd couldn’t even bear to hold its applause in an arena where silence usually reigns. Cheers and applause erupted long before Charlotte and Valegro had made their final halt and salute — but the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood was unfazed by the added commotion and even seemed to grow even taller and more proud with each cheer.

Thanks to YouTube user Natalie Pai, we’ve got video footage of Charlotte’s entire freestyle:

Reactions on social media were ones of awe and admiration, and deservedly so. The U.S. fans welcomed this pair onto their soil with open arms — although perhaps more than a few are wishing she’d just change her citizenship already (and perhaps switch to eventing!).

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Congratulations to Charlotte and Valegro on another job well done! You heard it from Carl Hester first — what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, so it looks like they’re staying put!

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen Victorious in Belton CIC3*

By on Apr 19, 2015 1:00 pm -
Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen celebrate their Belton win. Photo via Clark on Facebook. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen celebrate their Belton win. Photo via Clark on Facebook.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen bested a strong field of 115 today to win the Grantham Cup CIC3* at Belton International in England. This is Loughan Glen’s first FEI start of the season; he completed the Advanced at Weston Park earlier this month in preparation.

One of just two pairs to break into the 30s in the dressage, Clark and Glen earned a 39.8 on day one, sitting just behind early leaders Bill Levett and Shannondale Titan, who scored a 36.6. Clark added no jumping or time penalties on show jumping and completed a clear and quick cross country with just 1.6 time penalties.

Clark and Loughan Glen are reported to be headed to Luhmühlen this year, so this weekend is a great prep for their first CCI4* effort together since Badminton last year.

Their clear and fast jumping efforts were good enough for a final weekend score of 41.4 to edge out Bill Levett, who came home from cross country just one second later than Clark. Great Britain’s Kitty King and Persimmon complete the top three on a final score of 47.4, adding just .8 time penalties on cross country to her three-phase total.

Two pairs turned in double clear efforts: fourth placed Padraig McCarthy and Simon Porloe and 11th placed Georgie Spence and Wii Limbo. The cross country did cause a few problems for some combinations, causing 11 pairs to retire or end their day with elimination. For the top half of the leaderboard, though, the course seems to have ridden quite straightforward.

Many heavy hitters could be found in the field of 80 that completed the event, including Mary King, Andrew Nicholson and Mark Todd, and it’s great to see the American flag at the top of the leaderboard. Well done, Clark and Glen!

Belton International: [Website] [Scores]

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EN’s Team Picks for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

By on Apr 19, 2015 11:00 am -

It’s officially Rolex week, EN! We’ve been bringing you all the news on the entries and withdrawals, introducing you to the Rolex Rookies, and scouring social media for everything you need to know about this year’s event. Now the EN team is ready to unveil our picks in seven categories: Big Winner, Top American, Best Rookie, West Coast Wonder, Spoiler Alert, Top Thoroughbred and Best Mare.

Let us know your own picks in the comments. You can see all 77 entries at this link; click on a rider’s name to see full stats and details on their horse. Keep it locked on EN as we continue to bring you coverage of the only CCI4* event in North America. Check back soon to see resident fortune teller Maggie Deatrick’s predictions for the entire top 15.

Rolex Links: Website, Entries, Schedule, EN’s Coverage

Laughing all the way to the WEG podium. Photo by Julia Rau.

With two entries at Rolex, the EN team agrees that Michael Jung will almost certainly be celebrating come Sunday. Photo by Julia Rau.

Big Winner

Jenni Autry: Michael Jung & his unicorn La Biosthetique Sam FBW. It is difficult to imagine a scenario in which Michael and Sam don’t add a Rolex watch to their already hefty collection of hardware, which includes five total Olympic, WEG and European gold medals.

Maggie Deatrick: Michael Jung & La Biosthetique Sam FBW. Michael and his indomitable Sam are like the elven queen Galadriel in Lord of the Rings: all shall love them and despair.

Kate Samuels:  I’m giving the advantage to defending champions William Fox-Pitt & Bay My Hero. I know the easy choice is Michael Jung, but WFP has won here multiple times on multiple horses. Bay My Hero scores well and is consistent. 

Sally Spickard: Michael Jung & fischerRocana FST. It’s very difficult to bet against the Germans in any scenario, and Michael Jung has already shown us that he can win in Kentucky. It’s a bit of a toss-up between Sam and Rocana, but I’m going with the mare. She tore through WEG and has never really seemed to miss a beat.

John Thier: Michael Jung & La Biosthetique Sam FBW. Google has invented the world’s first machine that can ride horses, and its name is Michael Jung.

Leslie Threlkeld: Michael Jung & La Biosthetique Sam FBW. I’d love for it to be his mare, but how can you bet against a sure thing?

Leslie Wylie: Michael Jung & La Biosthetique Sam FBW. 2010 remix.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica at The Fork. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Top American

Jenni Autry: I’m going all in on Lauren Kieffer & Veronica, who have emerged as one of the most consistent pairs in U.S. eventing. After one more year of solidifying their partnership and a pair of Advanced wins this season, we can expect greatness in Lexington.

Maggie Deatrick: Lauren Kieffer & Veronica. Lauren and her Troll haven’t put a foot wrong all season; don’t look for them to start now.

Kate Samuels: Lauren Kieffer & Veronica. They were 2nd last year a little under the radar, and the mare has come out brilliantly this spring. Lauren is completely on a roll with all her horses, and while I don’t know where she’ll finish amongst the Europeans, she’ll be top of the U.S. pack. 

Sally Spickard: Buck Davidson & Ballynoe Castle RM. I root for Buck and Reggie each year, and they seem to be ever improving their already solid partnership. They’ve placed higher at each Rolex they’ve completed and this could very well be their year to seal the deal.

John Thier: Lauren Kieffer & Veronica. A decade of coaching from David O’Connor and two years of learning what not to do from being my Young Riders teammate.

Leslie Threlkeld: Lauren Kieffer & Veronica. Lauren has been unstoppable this spring, and she doesn’t strike me as one to crack under pressure.

Leslie Wylie: Buck Davidson & Ballynoe Castle RM. Buck + Reggie = together 4ever.

Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair at Plantation Field. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Best Rookie

Jenni Autry: Maya Black & Doesn’t Play Fair. Maya and Cody made the move up to the Advanced level last year and never looked back. They won Plantation Field in the company of Olympic and WEG horses, which shows just how deadly they can be. This little jumping bean should bounce around the course.

Maggie Deatrick: Maya Black & Doesn’t Play Fair. Cody looks primed and ready to ping around the Rolex course with his usual enthusiasm.

Kate Samuels: Maya Black & Doesn’t Play Fair. I’m picking this horse because I saw him run cross country at Carolina International this spring, and while his stature may make the jumps on Saturday look bigger than ever for Maya, he’s a complete little monster, and I think they’ll rip around in good style. 

Sally Spickard: Leah Lang-Gluscic & AP Prime. I’m going with Leah and AP Prime because I liked their performances around two of Derek di Grazia’s tougher tracks: Bromont and Fair Hill. AP is a true blue Thoroughbred, and the big galloping course at Rolex should suit him well.

John Thier: Leah Lang-Gluscic & AP Prime. EN karma.

Leslie Threlkeld: Elisa Wallace & Simply Priceless. If he can hold it together in dressage, he’ll put in a respectable test and then go clear and fast everywhere else.

Leslie Wylie: Elisa Wallace & Simply Priceless. Go Mustangs!

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jordan Linstedt and Revitavet Capato. Photo by Jenni Autry.

West Coast Wonder

Jenni Autry: John Michael Durr & Esprit de la Danse are peaking at just the right time, finishing on their personal best three-star score in their final prep run at Galway Downs last month. John Michael is poised to deliver a performance that would make his mom extremely proud.

Maggie Deatrick: James Alliston & Tivoli. Tivoli is talented in all three phases and will make the West Coast proud.

Kate Samuels: Jordan Linstedt & Revitavet Capato. I remember when Jordan went around Rolex the first time, impossibly slow! The trust and bond she had with Tullibard’s Hawkwind was awesome, and with Capato, she’s blossomed into a sophisticated rider. This horse is phenomenally athletic, and I love the pair of them. 

Sally Spickard: John Michael Durr & Esprit de la Danse. John Michael is one of our Rolex Rookies this year, and he’s been on the ride of his life with his powerhouse mare. Dani doesn’t have a cross country jump penalty on her FEI record with John Michael, and she tends to be quick across the ground.

John Thier: Jordan Linstedt & Revitavet Capato. Talented rider + athletic horse.

Leslie Threlkeld: Jordan Linstedt & Revitavet Capato. As has already been said, Jordan’s a classy rider, and have you seen this horse’s mesmerizing gallop?

Leslie Wylie: Maya Black & Doesn’t Play Fair. Little horse, the biggest heart!

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Spoiler Alert

Jenni Autry: I feel decidedly unpatriotic not picking an American, but I have to go with Francis Whittington & Easy Target. They laid down a 36.2 in dressage at Badminton last year, won Blenheim on a score of 38.8 and are hovering on the edge of greatness.

Maggie Deatrick: Jennie Brannigan & Cambalda.  Jennie and Cambalda’s average performance will land them well inside the top 10, but if they throw down their best dressage test too, look for a jump up to finish as high as second place.

Kate Samuels: Jennie Brannigan & Cambalda. Four times unlucky at the four-star level, and I think everyone has stopped expecting them to win. They might benefit from some of the spotlight being removed, and Ping did go clear last year (at least he thought he did).

Sally Spickard: Marilyn Little & RF Demeter. Marilyn and Demi are one of the most consistent pairs we see on a regular basis here in the U.S. This mare is almost always near the top in FEI competition, and we already know that she’s quick footed, even around the bigger tracks.

John Thier: Jennie Brannigan & Cambalda. Nobody puts Jennie B in a corner.

Leslie Threlkeld: That’s a tough choice between Marilyn Little & RF Demeter and Jennie Brannigan & Cambalda. With karma on their side, Jennie and Ping will do well, but for the spoiler category, I have to choose the show jumper turned winning eventer.

Leslie Wylie: Jennie Brannigan & Cambalda. Third time’s a charm.

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Top Thoroughbred

Jenni Autry: Lynn Symansky hasn’t played her full hand yet with Donner this season. Expect to be wowed when he puts on his dancing shoes; they’re poised to deliver their personal best dressage score, which will put them within striking distance of the leaders.

Maggie Deatrick: Donner. The Flying Deer is as Thoroughbred as they come, and Rolex is old news to him.

Kate Samuels: Anthony Patch. Lainey Ashker and Al have all the pieces to be in the top 10 or even top five, but they’ve been thwarted several times by Rolex for some reason. I need it to be their year in 2015. #LAE

Sally Spickard: Anthony Patch. Lainey will have her game face on in Kentucky this year after her weekend was ended before she could even canter down centerline last year. This is another pair who is consistent and has one of those partnerships that some of us can only dream of.

John Thier: Donner. First time back to the Kentucky Horse Park after a top-five finish as a youngster in 2013.

Leslie Threlkeld: Anthony Patch. Laine is always proud of him, and they both work too hard to be disappointed once again.

Leslie Wylie: Donner. Runs like a deer.

Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Best Mare

Jenni Autry: I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more Veronica.

Maggie Deatrick: Michael Jung & fischerRocana FST. As if one super horse isn’t enough, Michael has yet another waiting in the wings to take his place.

Kate Samuels: A tie between fischerRocana FST and Veronica. I mean, it is Michael Jung, but Veronica looks to me like she could take on the big guns this year. (I feel like Veronica is a mare that you don’t mess with.)

Sally Spickard: fischerRocana FST. This mare is fascinating and with Michael in the irons, the sky itself may not even be the limit. This may only be fischerRocana’s third CCI4*, but she’s come dangerously close to winning both attempts — one being WEG — so it will just be a matter of peaking at the right time and putting together three consistent phases.

Leslie Threlkeld: fischerRocana FST. I wouldn’t actually be surprised if Jung pulled a Mary King and finished first and second.

John Thier: fischerRocana FST. What Leslie T said. You heard it here second.

Leslie Wylie: Veronica. Move, fischerRocana FST, get out the way.

Rolex Rookies: Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair

By on Apr 19, 2015 9:00 am -
Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

When we featured Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair on EN’s Got Talent back in 2013, they were gearing up for the horse’s first CCI2* at Galway Downs that fall. Now, nearly a year and a half later, she and “Cody,” a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Jon and Dawn Dofelmier, are preparing to compete in their first CCI4* at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

“I was just taking it one step at a time and really didn’t have any idea that the Advanced level was even going to be a possibility at that time,” Maya said. “I feel lucky that we moved up to the Advanced level last year, and now we’re trying this. I always hoped that I would get to go to Kentucky at some point, so this is a start.”

Taking things one step at a time has always been the name of the game with Cody, who the Dofelmiers originally purchased as a prospect for Dawn to campaign at the Novice level. When they sent him to Maya for his initial training, it became clear there was much more to the diminutive 15.3-hand gelding than meets the eye.

Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair at Galway Downs. Photo by Jenni Autry.

They quickly rose through levels, dominating at events along the West Coast, from their home in Washington state all the way down to southern California — though Cody didn’t always make things easy. Notoriously quirky and spooky with his own distinct personality, Maya has patiently handled his antics from day one, and now she has a solid partnership to show for it.

After Cody finished second in that first CCI2*, they landed a slot on the USEF High Performance Winter/Spring Training Lists, and Maya moved east to work for Jan Byyny in preparing to move up to the Advanced level in 2014.

They had one hell of a debut, finishing fifth in the Bromont CCI3*, winning the Plantation Field CIC3* and capping the year with a third-place finish at Galway Downs CCI3*. While things didn’t go their way at events like Richland Park and Fair Hill, Maya took those as learning experiences and rebounded at the competitions that followed.

Maya Black and Doesn't Play Fair at Plantation Field. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair at Plantation Field. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“I definitely feel like I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and we had some learning blips on our record from last year, but it was my first year going Advanced, and it’s a different level. I feel like it’s the same thing with Kentucky,” Maya said.

“I feel like I’m prepared as much as I could be after going Advanced for one year, and yet four-star is a different level. I’ll have to ride smart and read my pony throughout the course and see how it goes. I know I could stay at the Advanced and three-star level for another year. At the same time, I have a sound, healthy horse. Why not give it a shot?”

With Cody the fittest he’s ever been in preparation for his first four-star, Maya has been thinking through her strategy to get the most out of him in dressage, a phase where the horse excels yet can get rambunctious when he’s feeling especially fresh. He just did his final gallop down in Ocala, where Maya has been based for the winter.

“I definitely feel like it’s still a work in progress. He was really fresh at Carolina in the CIC3*, in part because I think he came up from Florida where it was hot, and then we got to Carolina where it was a lot cooler. I think it will be helpful getting to Kentucky a few days early so he can acclimatize, because it will be cooler there than it is in Florida right now,” Maya said.

Maya Black & Doesn't Play Fair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Maya Black & Doesn’t Play Fair in their Advanced debut. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“I also need to read him better, and I’m still trying to figure out exactly what strategy to use. I might take him for a light canter or a little pre-ride before his test, which I think will be helpful for him to get his brain in the right place. He just sometimes can’t quite contain himself.”

A large support crew is coming to Kentucky from the Pacific Northwest to cheer on Maya, along with Lizzie Snow, Mackenna Shea, Anna Collier and Jordan Lindstedt, who all hail from Washington state. “There’s a number of people coming from Whidbey Island to watch; it’s exciting for them to have this many riders from the area competing,” Maya said. “We’re looking forward to seeing all our old friends.”

Cody is the third horse Maya has produced to the two-star level and the first one that has successfully progressed beyond that; now she’s just days away from marking that next milestone in her career. “I try not to get too worked up about these things, but I feel like it has been something that I’ve been looking forward to doing for a long time, and in that way, it’s exciting.”

You can support Maya and Cody’s trip to Rolex at this link.

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Apr 19, 2015 12:03 am -
West coast super stars enjoying a post cross country graze. Photo from Matt and Cecily Brown's Facebook Page West coast super stars enjoying a post cross country graze. Photo from Matt and Cecily Brown's Facebook Page

For the last few years I’ve heard people who doubt the might of the West Coast. There are those that write off the West Coast because it’s a smaller community with fewer venues. There are those who have suggested that those out west are at a disadvantage because we don’t have the same sort of terrain and training opportunities. As West Coast riders continue to head back east and get it done, I’m hearing less and less of those voices. I suspect that after 2016, California will be the hip place to winter rather than Florida. (Maybe not, but a girl can dream, eh?)

U.S. Weekend Action:

Fair Hill International H.T. & CIC [Website] [Live Scores]

Longleaf Pine H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

CDCTA Spring II H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

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

Holly Hill Farm H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

St. Johns H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

Sunday News and Links:

Rolex Meet and Greet excitement at the Omega Alpha booth (#172)! Several Omega Alpha riders will be dropping by for a meet and greet during Rolex. Thursday and Friday take some time to stop by and meet several of Omega Alpha’s sponsored riders  Times are as follows: 1:00 pm on Thursday  for Lauren Kieffer, 3:00 pm on Thursday  for Selena O’Hanlon and Jessie Ferguson, 12:30 on Friday for Hannah Sue Burnett.

Davidsons to Hold Signing at Rolex The Hagyard booth will be THE place to be at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Eventing legends Bruce and Buck Davidson will be signing items for fans Friday during the lunch break (starting at noon), and Hagyard-sponsored eventer Allie Knowles will be stopping by during Thursday’s lunch break. Hagyard will have hats and photos available for signing, or fans can bring their own mementos. The Hagyard booth can be found on the floor of the indoor, on Custom Made Road.

Group calls for release of handsome Utah Mustang that became online sensation

Beyond Horse-Whispering

California Horse Racing Board votes to ban cobalt at track

Jim Rome’s horse, Shared Belief, injured during race

Colorado State University hosts annual horse sale

Two taken to hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning at Wisconsin horse fair

Sunday Video: Super Socks BCF at Fair Hill in 2014.

Final Rolex Preps: A Social Media Roundup

By on Apr 18, 2015 5:00 pm -

The First Horse Inspection at Rolex is just days away, and competitors have been putting the finishing touches on their training this week. While some are squeezing in a few final lessons, others are heading to local shows for a last run through the four-star test.

Colleen Rutledge is first down the centerline on Thursday with Shiraz. They’re looking to make a good first impression!

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Photographer Allie Conrad practiced filming with a drone during one of Rolex rookie Lizzie Snow’s final gallops with Coal Creek. Check out the video here!

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Click here to watch Rolex rookies Angela Grzywinski and Novelle schooling.
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Phillip has three horses entered this year: Mighty Nice, Fernhill Cubalawn and Fernhill Fugitive. Click here to read his latest blog, “Counting Down to Rolex.”
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Some horses have arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park already. Others will wait until Monday to hit the road. We’re looking forward to seeing the best horses and the best fans in the country in Kentucky less than one week from today! Go Rolex! Go Eventing!