Classic Eventing Nation

Saturday Videos: Catch Up on Galway Downs Action

By on Mar 28, 2015 5:00 pm -

The FEI divisions at Galway Downs are in full swing, and our newest team member, Stephanie, is on the grounds covering the CIC2* and CIC3*. These divisions are preparing to tackle Ian Stark’s cross country course this afternoon, so stay tuned for full reports from those divisions as they wrap up their weekend.

Ride On Video and Frankie Thieriot have been hard at work as well, putting together some excellent video recaps from the action so far. You can catch up on the dressage and show jumping phases in these videos.

Many thanks to Ride On Video and Frankie for these great recaps! Go Galway.

Galway Downs H.T. & CIC  [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

The Event College Returning to Rolex in 2015

By on Mar 28, 2015 3:00 pm -
Max Corcoran, one of last year's Event College presenters, educates the masses in a clinic. Photo courtesy of Mary Beth Herbert. Max Corcoran, one of last year's Event College presenters, educates the masses in a clinic. Photo courtesy of Mary Beth Herbert.

After a successful seminar at Rolex in 2014, the USEA announced that The Event College, an educational seminar presented by the USEA’s Professional Horseman’s Council, will be returning to Kentucky this year.

The Event College is a specially designed educational series held in conjunction with Rolex Kentucky and is designed to educate the general public about the sport of three-day eventing.

“Tuition” for The Event College is free, and participants will meet the designated speaker at specified locations around the horse park throughout the event. Education will be provided during each phase of competition in 15 minute segments.

Last year’s speakers included Sinead Halpin, Max Corcoran, Leslie Law, Karen O’Connor, and many more well-known professionals. This year’s lineup is sure to be just as impressive. We’ll provide more updates on the schedule, speakers, and sign-up process as they become available. This is a great opportunity for both eventing rookies and veterans alike!

[USEA Announces Return of Event College]

Australian Lauren Balcomb Joins Team Windurra

By on Mar 28, 2015 1:00 pm -
Lauren Balcomb and Lamondale Bisou. Photo courtesy Lauren Balcomb. Lauren Balcomb and Lamondale Bisou. Photo courtesy Lauren Balcomb.

After spending six weeks in the States in 2008 working with Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin, Lauren Balcomb knew she had to come back one day. It’s taken a few years, but she’s finally arranged the opportunity of a lifetime, moving from Australia to Pennsylvania to work for Boyd Martin and get international eventing experience.

It’s not uncommon for young Americans to move overseas to work with a top rider, but it is not so often foreign riders come to the States to train. Lauren, however, sees great educational possibilities.

“The opportunity to be based with somebody like Boyd is an incredible opportunity,” Lauren said. “There’s a lot more support in equestrian here [in America]. The events are bigger – there’s more spectators and more atmosphere.”

Lauren met Boyd when he was still living and competing in Australia. He had bred a Warmblood/Thoroughbred called Kootamootoo and competed him through the one-star level before Lauren bought him. Kootamootoo and Lauren racked up quite a few wins at the one- and two-star level and eventually went around their first three-star together.

“I spoke to Boyd a couple of months ago and inquired about the possibility of coming over, and he gave me an awesome opportunity to bring the horses. I think it’s a great experience getting international experience.”

Lauren arrived in Pennsylvania the week before the Carolina International. She spent those days settling in and getting the stables ready for the horses to return north. Luckily, she missed much of the snow and ice, but the move has not been without challenges.

“I’m still waiting for it to get warm here! The cold has been a real shock,” she said. “Coming from summer – it’s been so nice and warm there – the poor horses. Neither of them had ever seen snow. It was interesting the first couple of days to say the least. They were snorting and trying to run away. They were petrified.”

Lauren’s also been learning to drive on the opposite side of the road (in a manual car, no less) and navigating without GPS. “It’s been quite an adventure!”

Lauren Balcomb and Guido Hatzis. Photo by Main Event Photography

Lauren Balcomb and Guido Hatzis. Photo by Main Event Photography

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Lauren started riding when she was 5 years old. After finishing school in 2005, she went into the equestrian industry professionally. She was named to the National A Squad in 2009 and, now 25, has experience in show jumping, dressage, and galloping racehorses.

Lauren’s top horse at the moment is called Guido Hatzis, a 12-year-old Warmblood gelding. Lauren purchased him as a show jumping stallion and they gelded him when he was 8, but not before collecting semen from him, from which Lauren has an exceptional 3-year-old.

It’s not been an easy rode with Guido, Lauren said. When she first got him, he wouldn’t go around a 95 cm course without stopping.

“Everybody told me to sack him as an eventer,” Lauren said. “I ended up just show jumping him a while then decided last year to bring him out eventing again. He went up the grades and won everything.”

Indeed, he won three of the four one-stars he entered in 2014. “He’s the kind of horse where you need to have a real rapport with him. It’s taken a long time but I think we work together really well as a team.”

Lauren jumped Guido at Boyd’s for the first time this week. The plan is to go around Preliminary at Fair Hill in April then move up to Intermediate at the next event.

Lauren Balcomb and Lamondale Florinia. Photo courtesy Lauren Balcomb.

Lauren Balcomb and Lamondale Florinia. Photo courtesy Lauren Balcomb.

About seven years ago, Lauren and her mom, Julie Balcomb, started breeding sport horses and have developed a successful program at Lamondale Farm. “Mom had a real interest in bloodlines and wanted to produce horses for me to compete and get a bit of fun doing it. It’s something we both enjoy.”

In addition to Guido, Lauren brought Lamondale Bisou with her to Boyd’s. He’s a homebred Thoroughbred cross by Balou du Rouet and out of a Thoroughbred mare off the track. Lauren describes him as a “freaky jumper.”

She hopes to bring another homebred, Lamondale Florinia, to the States soon. She’s a beautiful 4-year-old Warmblood mare by Fürst Love out of Shirley R, a mare sired by Salute, who also sired Kootamootoo.

“I went searching for Salute mares,” Lauren said. “He has produced many top eventers in Australia and we found [Shirley R] and have been breeding with her and producing really nice horses.”

Lamondale horses are given a well-rounded education, and it is typical for them to get experience in multiple disciplines as they develop. Florinia was bred to be a dressage horse but showed an aptitude for jumping once Lauren started her about a year ago, so the direction of her career may likely change. “She’s got the most incredible jump I’ve sat on. It was a pleasant surprise.”

Back home, Lauren has several good friends helping keep the remaining horses in work, including her coach, Jenny Bennett, and friend Sean Dillon. When asked if she’s planning to follow in the footsteps of another pair of Australians who now make their home in and ride for the States, Lauren chuckled.

She’d like to stay for at least a year-and-a-half, she said, but has the ability to stay for five years per her visa. “It’s open-ended. We’ll see how it goes.”

Please join us in extending a warm EN welcome to Lauren! We wish her the best of luck in her Stateside adventure and look forward to seeing her at events with the Windurra team.

Show Jumping Proves Influential at Galway Downs CIC3*

By on Mar 28, 2015 11:00 am -
Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 go double clear in the CIC3* show jumping. Photo by Stephanie Nicora Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 go double clear in the CIC3* show jumping. Photo by Stephanie Nicora

With such tight scores after dressage, Sarah Dubost’s course proved very influential in yesterday’s show jumping at Galway Downs. Six clear rounds shook up the leaderboard, as Matt Brown’s Super Socks BCF and Jennifer McFall’s High Times had an unusual number of rails. The CIC3* ran last in the FEI divisions, meaning the sun was out and everything looked quite bright in the blazing Temecula sun.

James Alliston remains the only score under 50, after putting in a foot perfect round on his own Tivoli. James was certainly pleased with his results, saying Tivoli was “really good.” Alluding to the fact that we will next see James and Tivoli in Kentucky, he remarked, “I haven’t shown him a lot recently, and it’s nice to know he can be tired and still jump carefully. In this format, you always worry if they can do that.”

James Alliston and Tivoli jump cleanly into first. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

James Alliston and Tivoli jump cleanly into first. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Sitting in second after a clear round is another Rolex bound pair, John Michael Durr and Ruth Bley’s Esprit de la Danse. John wasn’t afraid to withhold praise for his mare, who really stepped up to the plate. “The mare was super,” he said. “My buddy Jimmy (James Alliston) told me there were some time penalties out there and to hustle.”

And hustle he did! They took all the tight turns and made sure not to lose steam in the corners. JM wasn’t afraid to take some risks with angles, and it paid off wonderfully with a gorgeous clear round.

John Michael Durr and Esprit de la Danse. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

John Michael Durr and Esprit de la Danse. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

“With the course being tighter and me riding that way, she was getting better and better,” JM said. “She was amazing; she more rideable than she’s ever been. Today was her biggest leap forward ever, outside of cross country.”

JM and his mare appear to be peaking at just the right time, similar to another Rolex bound pair in Jennifer McFall and High Times. Initially planning on only completing the dressage, Jen and her team decided it would be good for both her and Billy to ride a little tired with some pressure. “Billy was so good,” Jen said with a smile. “He’s where he needs to be. I’m just thrilled with his progression.” She withdrew after her round, and their next outing will officially be Rolex Kentucky.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Matt Brown found himself with a different horse at top of the leaderboard; Happenstance had only one unlucky rail down to stay in third. “There was one I didn’t ride very well, and unfortunately I saw not a good spot out of that turn, but he’s just been jumping out of his skin.”

Hap definitely doesn’t look green out there, even though he is the least experienced in the division. “He was really putting his whole heart out there, which what he does every day that he is jumping,” Matt continued. He remarked that all his horses were jumping well, admitting he was a bit off his show jumping game.

Barb Crabo and Eveready. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Barb Crabo and Eveready. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

With less than a second between Matt on Happenstance and Jolie Wenworth on Goodknight, and just .2 seconds between Barb Crabo and Bunnie Sexton, tomorrow will all come down to time.

Since this is the CIC format, cross country will run in reverse order of standing. The top three riders commended Robert Kellerhouse and his crew for putting so much effort into the footing. While they may not be helping California’s drought, they are definitely helping our horses’ legs.

Eight horses started yesterday with plans for a trip to Kentucky this year, and two are off to Plantation Field and Jersey Fresh. Hopefully we’ll see them get the rides they need to go confidently east. West Coast, represent!

Galway Downs H.T. & CIC  [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

CIC3Star scores after SJ

Galway Downs CIC3* Cross Country Course Preview

By on Mar 28, 2015 9:00 am -

No stranger to Galway Downs, Ian Stark has redesigned the CIC3* course a bit for this weekend. Robert Kellerhouse and his crew have been watering and dragging all the tracks throughout the day, and were still going at 8 p.m. last night – only to resume this morning at 5 a.m. Temecula is known for its great weather, but that can sometimes mean hard dry ground. With temperatures expected to reach 90 or above tomorrow, many of us are wondering what happened to spring.

Heat will play a factor in how the riders choose to ride the course. With many of the CIC3* teams headed to Kentucky in a few weeks, ideally they would like to go at speed. At the same time, all the riders have expressed their commitment to listening to how their horses are feeling with the heat and the ground.

Ian Stark's course opens with some inviting gallop fences. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Ian Stark’s course opens with some inviting gallop fences. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Three gallop fences before 4AB, which has a lovely hollow out over a large fence on a mound. Ian wants to see forwardness, but “It should just be a nice rhythm. I want to see the horses showing a bit of their scope and their exuberance and ‘Wow we’re on cross country and hoorah!’ – but I don’t want to see bad riding.”

The coffin complex, 6ABC, is the first real technical challenge on the CIC3* track. It comes on a long downhill gallop approach. Ian remarked that usually it is the riders that make the mistakes at this complex, not the horses. I will say that ditch is down a steep hill, and “If they do have a 20, they need to put that behind them and ride on.” I, personally, have bad coffin juju, and Galway’s complex is about sixteen times the size of my nemesis coffin at Twin. In honor of that, I won’t be standing anywhere near 6abc!

Standing at 6A, looking at B and C, - now that is a coffin!! Photo by Stephanie Nicora

Standing at 6A, looking at B and C, – now that is a coffin!! Photo by Stephanie Nicora

At Lake Galway, the riders will face a bounce jump into the water. Ian says he chose this because it focuses on being bold without being too technically difficult. There is an option for those that choose not to do the bounce. I haven’t heard many people considering the option, or thinking the bounce is too difficult of a question. Everyone does agree, however, that it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The next technical questions is at 12AB, a large drop to a chevron. Though it’s definitely a substantial drop, it’s not quite Head of the Lake status. Ian has really taken into account how many West Coast riders are doing their final prep for Rolex here, and all the riders appreciate it.  According to Ian, “If they have a problem here, I would be hesitating about going to the Bluegrass state. It’s too late to do the training for Kentucky, so it’s keeping the confidence in the horse and rider and making sure they aren’t ring rusty.”

The CIC2* actually has the more challenging  lower water complex — they have to jump the strangely intimidating Shamu. The orca has been a fixture on course for years, and Ian has no plans to remove it any time soon. He’s not quite sure why it causes the horses to look so much — perhaps it’s plain black and white coloring — but look they do!

I spy Shamu . . . Can you? Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

I spy Shamu . . . Can you? Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Galway Downs has a full track, with over 150 racehorses stabled here for training. Usually the infield and the track are used as the gallop stretches, but because there is so much galloping going on outside, the track is used a bit differently this time.

Instead of approaching the brush chevron down the hill from the announcer’s tower, they will actually be riding up to it, directly underneath the tower. Ian thinks it will ride well, with it coming later in the course, so the horses will be a bit more tired and the tower will help frame the chevron.

He admits some of the greener horses might take a second look — I sure did! In fact, I missed the fence on my initial coursewalk, thinking the jump had just been moved aside. Silly me! Clearly I have to start working on my course design creativity…

Ride a horse, save a bull. Or something like that . . . Final combination on course! Photo by Stephanie Nicora

Ride a horse, save a bull. Or something like that . . . Final combination on course! Photo by Stephanie Nicora

Most of the CIC3* riders are planning to go for time. John Michael Durr, currently in second on Ruth Bley’s Esprit de la Danse, laughingly said that he’s going for time — and for a good reason! “My wife told me if I don’t go fast I won’t be able to go to Rolex!”  He said laughing. His plan is to “get out and run through the gear box, operating at a pace.”

James Alliston, our overnight leader, said that if the ground isn’t too hard, he will be pressing for pace. “With the older horses, you have to be a bit more careful,” he said, saying that foot soreness will be the only thing that could stop Tivoli from heading to the Bluegrass state. “I don’t have a billion horses at this level,” he said, so he plans run near the speed riders will need for Kentucky. “Go and get your eye and go fast because little mistakes aren’t so little at speed.”

Third place pair Matt Brown and Happenstance will see how they feel. This is Hap’s first CIC3* and it’s all about confidence building for him for the rest of the season. However, Matt won’t be holding any of his horses back, if they feel good. His goal is to increase fitness for all three of his horses, and he plans to be paying very close attention to what the horses are telling him.

Because of the CIC format, the cross country will be run in reverse order of go. This means James and Tivoli will be the last pair to take the course for the CIC3* division. Many think this adds a bit of pressure to the cross country — something the riders think will help them prepare for the pressure of both Kentucky and Jersey in the coming weeks. With the scores so close, time will really play a factor.

Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion to the FEI divisions at Galway Downs, in Temecula, California.

Galway Downs H.T. & CIC  [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Check out Ride On Video’s course preview with Ian Stark here:

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Mar 28, 2015 12:01 am -
The best thing about this sport is that there's an opportunity to learn something new every day, with every horse, with every horse person you associate with. Clayton Fredericks at Sweet Oaks Ranch. Photo from Jessica Kerschbaumer The best thing about this sport is that there's an opportunity to learn something new every day, with every horse, with every horse person you associate with. Clayton Fredericks at Sweet Oaks Ranch. Photo from Jessica Kerschbaumer

It’s nice to see hard work pay off. All of the recent clinics and training sessions that our West Coast based riders have been tackling are really showing some impact in the scores at Galway this weekend. Seeing this is honestly inspirational for those of us still mentally on vacation, even though we swore we were going to hit it hard when the clocks rolled back. It’s a reminder that it’s possible for those of us that promised ourselves we’d be fit and ready to rock and roll at an event by mid-April. It’s a quiet, unspoken prodding to get up and back to work because inertia begets more inertia and nothing happens without effort. Time to dust off the big yellow watch, dig out my trot-set playlist and spend some time in two-point.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Morven Park H.T.  [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T.  [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Full Gallop March II H.T.  [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T.  [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Galway Downs H.T. & CIC  [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

California student rides horse to school in creative prom proposal, gets suspended

Dubai World Cup: the $10 Million Horse Race

Animal advocates angered by practice used at horse show

Gates to open at Texas Horse Park in southern Dallas this weekend

Loose police horse briefly on patrol in downtown Cleveland

Michigan barn destroyed in large fire, no people or horses injured

Saturday Video:

Lets go for a gallop on the Galway Downs track!

Matt Brown Tops Galway Downs Dressage

By on Mar 27, 2015 5:30 pm -
Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Sally Spickard. Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Welcome to the first West Coast International Event of 2015! While Galway Downs has always been an destination event, things are especially exciting this spring. As a final prep before Rolex for over half the 3* division, there’s a sense of purpose for everyone here.

Matt Brown is your leader in the CIC3*, this time on Super Socks BCF. “Flaxen” received a 46.9 after making the test look like a Novice round. Matt and Flaxen both seemed to relax more in the second half of their test, which again makes you wonder how much higher these two can go. Scoring below his average on this test, it’s clear Matt and Flaxen are looking to improve on their last East Coast outing at Fair Hill’s CCI3*. Look out Jersey Fresh, the West is coming!

Jennifer McFall and HIgh Times. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Jennifer McFall and HIgh Times. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Jennifer McFall and High Times are continuing their excellent Rolex prep with her best dressage score to date, putting them in second. Billy couldn’t resist showing off a little in one of his flying changes, but otherwise the pair looked brilliant. Jen was only planning to complete the dressage here this weekend with Billy, who has had lessons from David O’Conner and Clayton Fredricks this week, but they decided to go ahead and show jump this afternoon. “He was so good,” she said with a smile.

Billy’s half-brother, Happenstance, sits third. Both High Times and Happenstance are by the Holsteiner stallion, Hunter xx, a son of the brilliant sport horse sire, Heraldik. Matt Brown has the ride on Mary McKee’s dark, elegant gelding, who finished the dressage on a 48.8 in his first CIC3*.

Matt Brown and Mary McKee's Happenstance. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Matt Brown and Mary McKee’s Happenstance. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Matt again rode quite relaxed, making some of us wonder if he ever breaks a sweat! Hap didn’t seem to mind the atmosphere, staying focused throughout his test.  “If he (Happenstance) doesn’t think he’s doing the right thing, he tends to get a little tense. I think my job is to keep him. Hap internalizes everything because he wants to please so much he gets a little tight, where Socks sort of reacts to the things around them. So I have to quiet them both down, but in very different ways. “

You still make it look easy, Matt.

James Alliston and Tivoli show off their lateral work. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

James Alliston and Tivoli show off their lateral work. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Just behind the top three are a list of names found on the Rolex entry list: James Alliston and Tivoli (49.5), Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight (49.6) and Barb Crabo with Eveready (51.5). With one rail between the top five, Sarah Dubost’s stadium course is sure to be a factor, possibly causing a lot of movement on the leaderboards. John Michael Durr left points on the table when he forgot his rein back in an otherwise stunning test. Of his partner, Tivoli, James said, “I did an extra flying change, which is what Tiv often does, and that hurt the score. But his walk was good. I think if I hadn’t had that mistake it would have been a really good score.”

Bunnie Sexton and her OTTB Rise Against. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Bunnie Sexton and her OTTB Rise Against. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

 

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Matt Brown also leads the CIC2* with BCF Belicoso put down the test to beat with a 44.5 in the CIC2*.“Holden” was relaxed and seemed to go through the test with little difficulty. Their partnership is truly something to watch. It takes talent to make this test look easy!

Matt Brown and BCF Belicoso make dressage look fun. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Matt Brown and BCF Belicoso make dressage look fun. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Second and third place are divided by .01 — just another example of how everyone came out to work today in the sand box. Andee Stow’s Rubicon and rider Nikki Ayers had their hard work pay off with a 48.8. The Canadian from Langley, BC and the striking red-and-white Rubicon made a statement today in their first CIC2*.

Nikki Ayers and Andee Stow's Rubicon. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

Nikki Ayers and Andee Stow’s Rubicon. Photo by Stephanie Nicora.

It was at Galway’s Fall Event that Nikki and “Rubix” moved up to the one-star level of competition, and they haven’t looked back. Nikki was especially happy with the test, as the things she worked on with Clayton Fredericks have paid off. “Imagine what he’ll be like when we get it all sorted!” Nikki said with a smile.

Just behind Nikki is Barbara Crabo and Over Easy, who also put in a very nice test for a 48.9. Heather Morris and Charlie Tango sit in fourth on a score of 50.8. Show jumping is sure to  make a difference going into tomorrow! The CIC2* starts jumping at 3:30 Pacific time.

More to come from Robert Kellerhouse’s beautiful facility including show jumping from all the FEI divisions, more photos and interviews. Go Galway!

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Galway Downs H.T. & CIC  [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Friday Videos from World Equestrian Brands: Phillip Dutton Recaps Carolina International

By on Mar 27, 2015 5:00 pm -

Phillip Dutton capped off a successful weekend at the Cloud 11 – Gavilan North LLC Carolina International with a CIC3* win aboard Jim and Kristie Norton’s I’m Sew Ready. He took a few moments to chat with commentator Karen O’Connor after his final cross country ride of the day. You can view footage of his rides on the USEF Network, along with every other ride from the CIC3* that weekend, by clicking here.

[Carolina International Coverage]

In the meantime, check out Phillip’s winning weekend aboard I’m Sew Ready below:

Snag a Working Student Job with These Listings [Updated 3/27]

By on Mar 27, 2015 3:00 pm -
Working students have all the ... fun? Photo by Meg Kep. Working students have all the ... fun? Photo by Meg Kep.

With the spring season reaching full swing, many eventers are beginning the search for working students once again. Working students are an essential part of any equine operation, involving themselves in the day to day work that goes into maintaining top horses.

Working for a rider affords you the opportunity to learn from a professional while also building your resume and sense of responsibility. It’s hard work, that’s no question! In the end, though, you’ll walk away with one of the best character building experiences of your life. We’ll be updating this post throughout the next few weeks as new listings are added.

Riders and trainers: If you are searching for a working student or groom, please email [email protected] so we can add your listing to our post.

Go Working Students!

Open Working Student Positions

Bascule Farm/Lillian Heard/Dick and Julie Hagen (MD): We have a very successful year long resident student program. We are currently looking for a strong novice level or above rider to be sponsored to compete young and more advanced horses in starter and recognized trials in 2015. Housing, field board for one horse, 4 lessons a week, competitions/hauling/coaching and $100/wk. Check out our website and fill out an application if interested in interviewing.

Hawley Bennett (CA): Hawley Bennett Eventing is looking for a working student to start as soon as possible. Things have gotten extra busy and we’d love the help! Contact h[email protected] for more information.

Kyle and Jen Carter (FL): We are looking for a barn manager and also have an opening for a working student, both starting in April.  We have a busy event barn with horses from green thru CCI****, learn all aspects of the business from selling to training and competing. Accommodations plus room for one horse. Minimum of 6 month commitment.  Please email at [email protected].

C Square Farm/Courtney Cooper (PA): C Square Farm has a long term working student position available starting at the end of March in Nottingham, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, our awesome Aiken working student will be pursuing other life adventures after selling her horse and will not be joining us back home. This position will teach you the ins-and-outs of running a successful horse business as well as lessons from Advanced-level event rider Courtney Cooper. Room and housing is provided and could include board for one horse. You do not need your own horse though, opportunities to ride other horses based on your ability may be available.  A positive attitude and a great character are required. Please contact Courtney and her team at [email protected] for more information.

Buck Davidson/Andrea Leatherman Davidson (PA/FL): We have another opening for a working student! Andrea is currently looking for someone to join her and her husband’s incredible team. Must be motivated, hard working, and a great personality. Andrea and Buck work together so the working student will become a part of a large, fast pace and rewarding program. For more information click here.

Mara DePuy (SC/VA): Mara DePuy has an immediate opening for a working student in Aiken, SC until March, when they will move north to Round Hill, VA. Fantastic opportunity for one-on-one education from one of the best. More details and contact information can be found at MaraDepuyeventing.com

Destination Farm/Natalie Hollis/Suz Cornue (MD): We have an opening for a working student starting in July.  Working students receive lessons, housing, stall board for 1 horse, shipping to events, and coaching at events in exchange for doing barn work, general farm upkeep, grooming at home and shows, and riding horses in our program. Own horse not required. Working students generally ride 3 horses a day. 6 month minimum commitment, but will sometimes take on shorter term help for the summer. We are located in Dickerson, MD- very close to many Area II events and places to XC school. Facilities include 30 stalls with indoor and outdoor ring, grass jumping field, and great hacking/conditioning/trails.  More information at www.destinationeventing.com. Contact [email protected].

Elysian Hills Equestrian Center (VA): Elysian Hills Equestrian Center is looking for working students for the summer of 2015 or long term. Working students at Elysian Hills spend much more time in the saddle than the average working student, often getting several lessons each day. In addition to caring for the boarders, horses in training, and breeding stock, working students are responsible for riding several horses a day that vary in experience from green broke to seasoned horses who have competed through intermediate. Working students have the opportunity to take lessons from renowned international event riders on a weekly basis, as well as compete in local and recognized shows throughout the area. There is no minimum age for the position, but working students must be responsible, independent, and self-motivated. This the perfect opportunity for dedicated riders who do not have the finances to back them. Students may choose to live in a shared apartment on the farm or commute. There is a possibility to bring your own horse. Please Contact Lucy Gordon at [email protected] for more information.

Sinead Halpin (FL/NC): We at Sinead Halpin Eventing are looking for a working student to start right away in Florida. We will be in Ocala till the third week in March then head to North Carolina until Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Perks of the job… great horses, great people, plenty of lessons and competitions BUT this is a HARD job with long hours, little sleep and requires a self-motivated dedicated applicant. Please email me at [email protected] if you are interested.

Allie Knowles (KY): Alexandra Knowles Eventing is in need of  one or two driven and motivated working students! AKE is a team-oriented farm so we are looking for team players, ready and willing to work and learn. Room, board, and lessons are provided. The farm is located in Paris, KY- just 25 miles from the Kentucky Horse Park! If you have any additional questions or are interested please e-mail Allie at [email protected] or check out akeventing.com

Kelli Temple (VA): Working student position for Kelly Temple Eventing opening April 1. Come work and train with Olympic rider, Kelli McMullen Temple – We are looking for a motivated, energetic and enthusiastic student who’s interest is in eventing.  Position requires 6 days of work in exchange for board of one horse, lessons, coaching and transport to shows.  We are located just outside of Middleburg, VA on a 60 acre farm with an outdoor jumping ring, covered arena and full x-country schooling course. Our team prides itself on individual attention and a positive learning environment – ideal for the dedicated rider. For more info pls contact Kelli at [email protected] or visit our website – www.kellitempleeventing.com.

Kismet Farm/Tracy Bowman/Jolie Wentworth (CA): Top California event barn, Kismet Farms, is looking for an eager working student for the 2015 season. Responsibilities to include barn chores (no mucking!), turn outs, and riding. Working student will receive frequent lessons with head trainer Tracy Bowman and 4 star rider Jolie Wentworth. Plenty of horses in the barn to ride if you don’t bring your own, but personal horses also welcome. Plenty of learning, schooling, and showing possibilities and plenty of saddle time! Modest living accommodations provided. Please contact Tracy for additional details at 925-917-3276, [email protected] or visit www.kismetfarms.net.

Jeffrey Kohler – Combined Driving (Ontario): Working Student position available at Relhok Farm Barrie Ontario. Full service training facility for riding, pleasure and combined driving, specializing in ponies. 22 stalls, wash stall, 2 grooming stalls, tack room/viewing room, 70×180 indoor, 100mx40m outdoor ring, 135 acres with hacking. Looking for ambitious, self starting, reliable and dedicated working student. Responsibilities to include stalls, grooming, turnout, tack cleaning, feeding, light lawn care etc. Different arrangements available from onsite apartment to living off site. Stall available for student’s horse or pony. Opportunity to ride and for carriage driving. Travel to shows all over Ontario and the US training/coaching in carriage driving. Availability to show if qualified — on the line, under saddle and Carriage Driving. Please contact Jeffrey Kohler at  [email protected].

Caroline Martin (FL): Full time groom needed for private yard in Spirngtown, PA and Ocala, FL (six months spent at each base) with a great string of upper level event horses competing internationally. Need someone who is knowledgeable of all aspects of horse care and show care. For more information, please contact Caroline Martin.

Sean McQuillan (VA): McQuillan Equestrian is looking for a special candidate to fill their open working student position starting in March. Located at Kilfinnan Stables in Warrenton, VA, McQuillan Equestrian is dedicated to the sport of eventing and providing top-level training to both horses and riders. Our ideal candidate has a good work ethic, strong time-management skills and a keen interest in learning, as well as their own method of transportation. You must be able to work well with others, take direction and have a great attitude. Practical experience with horses is a must, and experience with young horses and a familiarity with eventing would be helpful. We maintain a 6-day workweek with consistent barn hours. Most days will consist of riding for the first part of the day with routine horse management and the availability of a lesson in the afternoon. Traveling to shows and events should be expected. In addition to riding, you will have a behind-the-scenes look at the horse management and veterinary side of our business, and gain experience in helping to manage a successful training operation. Housing will be provided and board for one horse is a possibility. Must be at least 18 years old. If you are interested in our working student position, please send a resume and a riding video to Kendra McQuillan: [email protected]. For more information about McQuillan Equestrian, our facilities and our horses, please visit our website: www.kilfinnanstables.com.

Doug and Jessica Payne (SC/NC): International 4* Riders Doug and Jessica Payne are looking for a working student.  It’s perfect for an individual who wants to be part of a top notch Eventing and Show Jumping Barn. This job offers the rare opportunity to groom and participate at the top levels of both show jumping and eventing, and to train daily under the eye of a judge. Applicants should be hard workers and dedicated to working in a team environment.  Located in Aiken, SC until the new farm is finished being built in Hillsborough, NC. Please contact Jessica at [email protected] for more information.

Playland Farm Equestrian Center/Glenda Player (MD): Playland Equestrian Center (Union Bridge) is currently seeking long and short-term working students to be a part of the Playland team. All working students are required to be at least 18-years-old. Long-term working students stay for a minimum of six months, and receive free housing at the farm and board for one horse. Short-term working students generally come for the summer or spring break, and receive board at a reduced rate.   All students are encouraged to bring their own horse if they have one. Depending on the students’ skill level, students may receive the opportunity to work several horses a day, whether it is in-hand or under saddle, including their own horse in addition to other farm and operational tasks. Lessons/coaching/showing opportunities also available. Limited housing available on the farm. Salary to be discussed with applicant. Apply Today! Visitwww.playlandequestriancenter.com for more information.

Pollard Eventing (GA): Pollard Eventing is seeking a working student or two. Come and be a part of our successful team. Learn the ins and outs of what it takes to ride at the top levels of the sport. The position is open to candidates who can commit for a minimum of 6 months, preferably one year. Housing and lessons are provided in exchange for hard work. There is room to bring your horse. If you are interested, please contact Allison at [email protected].

Denise Rath (FL): Denise Rath at Grey Fox Farm in Ocala, FL has an immediate opening for a full time working student. This is a great opportunity for somebody who wants to do some riding & competing, as well learning the day to day operations of a large barn. In exchange for your hard work we offer nice accommodations, board for your horse & daily lessons. For the right person we can offer the rare opportunity of a free lease on one of our horses with advanced level experience. Please send resumes to [email protected] or [email protected]

Dom and Jimmie Schramm (PA): We are looking for another working student to come on board at Schramm Equestrian! A few prerequisites: Must be finished with either High School or College, no online classes or just summer working students we want someone who can commit long term. We would prefer someone in their 20s but must be at least 18 years old. Must have their own form of transportation. Must be able to pay for their horse’s hard expenses (grain, hay, feed, straw). No dogs. This is not a riding position and it will be hard work. We have a fantastic team so far and are looking to add the last piece to the puzzle. We are looking for someone hardworking that loves to have fun but also can pay attention to detail. Please email your resumes to Stephanie Simpson at [email protected]. She will be your go to person.

Jane Sleeper (PA): Active event stable with a variety of young horses through the upper level rides is interviewing for a working student for this spring season and into the summer. All duties with an individual program set up for you & your horse, and you have the opportunity to ride/compete on our horses.  Lessons, clinics, housing, and  board available to the motivated, hard working training level eventor with a six month commitment. We also offer a summer working student program for students with a shorter time frame and desire to learn by first hand experience at  a professional yard.  Come for an interview & meet the team! Email [email protected] for more information. 

USEA (Varied): The USEA Media Committee has just been launched as an effort to keep the USEA media outlets — website, FB, US Eventing magazine — current with its members and apprised of recent news and important discussion topics from coast to coast. This is a member-generated effort, and I am looking for young people interested in journalism, communications, social media, and eventing to help move this work forward. I’ve already had a strong response from the East Coast and Midwest, so now I’m calling on some of my West Coast peeps to step up! Internship credits available. Email Katy Groesbeck at [email protected] for more info.

Product Review: ConfidenceEQ Pheromone Gel

By on Mar 27, 2015 1:00 pm -

Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Join us as we test new gear and a variety of different products to help you take the guess work out of shopping for your horse. If you have a product you'd like EN to test, please email [email protected]. Go Shopping.

ConfidenceEQ is easy to use. Photo by Jenni Autry. ConfidenceEQ is easy to use. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’ve all dealt with a nervous horse. Whether it’s trailering to a new environment, warming up in a busy ring or — like my OTTB mare — standing for the farrier, sometimes horses will just come undone. If you’re like me and have owned Thoroughbreds for a long time, you’ve likely tried every trick in the book, from calming pastes to natural remedies.

I’ve had varied degrees of success with those types of options, and now there’s a whole new product on the market for people like me to keep in their back pockets. It’s called ConfidenceEQ, an equine appeasing pheromone gel made by CEVA that you can apply to your horse’s nostrils prior to a stressful situation.

How ConfidenceEQ works

The gel mimics the equine appeasing pheromone that mares produce to give reassurance to their foals while nursing. Just like mom signals to her baby that the environment is a safe one, the gel helps adult horses to feel that same security and confidence. The gel lasts for 2 to 2 1/2 hours and can be reapplied after that time is up. This video demonstrates the application process:

I know what you’re probably thinking right now: This sounds great, but is it FEI legal? Yes, ConfidenceEQ is legal to be used at FEI and USEF events. Because ConfidenceEQ is not a systemic pharmaceutical drug or tranquilizer and is not a performance enhancing product, it does not appear on the FEI’s list of banned, prohibited or controlled substances.

Sound too good to be true? As an owner who’s tried a lot of calming alternatives on my nervous Thoroughbreds, I was definitely intrigued to try it, so our awesome sponsor CEVA sent me three samples of ConfidenceEQ to test out. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience using those three samples in three different scenarios with Mia, my 10-year-old OTTB mare.

1. Alone in the barn

Being a nervous girl, Mia does not like to be in the barn all by herself while I’m grooming her and tacking her up to ride. She’ll dance around and paw and just generally be a bit of a drama queen. If another horse is in the barn with her, she’s content to stand quietly. But if she’s alone, not so much.

This was my first time trying ConfidenceEQ. The instructions tell you to apply the gel to the horse’s nostrils at least 30 minutes prior to the stressful situation. I applied the gel, which rubs in easily and isn’t sticky or greasy, which I was happy to find, and waited 30 minutes.

Mia didn’t stand still after those 30 minutes, but I definitely noticed a difference. She seemed more relaxed and wasn’t dancing as much as she usually does. By the time I got to tacking her up, she was standing quietly, which was about 45 minutes after I applied the gel. So in my first trial, the gel definitely seemed to kick in better past the 30-minute mark.

2. Standing for the farrier

Mia is a diva princess who does not understand why she has to stand still for a full 1 1/2 hours every six weeks for the farrier. Her right hind heel was clipped in a race on the track years ago, which permanently deformed the outside bulb and surrounding area of her hoof. She’s perfectly sound on it, but she needs hind shoes on at all times to stabilize the area.

That means I can’t pull her shoes in winter, so we get to suffer through long vet appointments in the frigid Pennsylvania winters when she’s cranky and cold and stiff from not being in her usual work due to the icy ground. Needless to say, she has been known to throw mini meltdowns during farrier appointments.

I decided to give the ConfidenceEQ a try in this scenario too. I applied it 30 minutes prior to the appointment, and while she was a bit fussy in the beginning, she once again settled beautifully right at about the 45-minute mark. My farrier noticed right away how much calmer and content she was to stand quietly. Needless to say, it was the most well behaved she’d been for a farrier appointment all winter.

3. On the trails

Just like Mia hates being in the barn by herself without a friend, she is not fond of hacking out alone. She won’t refuse to go or anything like that, but especially right when we’re setting out, she’ll stop and look back at me, as if to say, “Do we have to?” Life is so hard when you’re a diva princess.

So a trail ride seemed like the perfect third and final trial for the ConfidenceEQ. Since she had seemed to respond so well to the gel at the 45-minute mark after application, I followed that timeline before setting out on her hack. Low and behold, she marched right out of the barn confidently and even took a deep breath as we were starting out.

She was definitely still very much alert of what was going on around her — she is a sassy Thoroughbred mare, after all — but the ConfidenceEQ took the edge off just enough for her to be able to use her brain and keep her whits about her. It was one of the nicest trail rides I’ve had with her in recent memory.

Try ConfidenceEQ

After trying ConfidenceEQ with success, I can definitely say I’m a believer in the product and plan to keep it on hand for stressful situations. It’s not magic, and if your horse has serious phobias or behavioral issues, it’s probably not going to be a cure for that. But it will absolutely help your horse cope with stress. And since it’s USEF and FEI legal, it can safely be used at shows.

The other great thing about ConfidenceEQ is it’s affordable. A box of 10 packets is available for $59.99 from a variety of retailers. You can search on ConfidenceEQ’s website to find the best place to buy the product near you. If you’ve used ConfidenceEQ, let us know about your own experience in the comments below. Click here to visit ConfidenceEQ’s website.

Happy Riding!

Photo courtesy of CEVA