Classic Eventing Nation

Fast & Furious Live Updates from #GPE2023

By on Mar 4, 2023 12:20 pm -

Fences 21 and 22, the Banksia Bank and the Battle of Aiken Cannon. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Welcome one and all to our first live updates of the 2023 season! EN is delighted to be bringing you all the action from the $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, and it looks like we’re in for a very exciting finish today.

29 pairs will leave the start box this afternoon and for maximum excitement, they’ll be running in reverse order of standing. The top 5 are separated by 10 seconds of time penalties, so it’s likely the winner will be determined by who can ride the swiftest and the smoothest over this twisty-turny 4 minute, 16 second track. Our leaders, Doug Payne and Starr Witness, have only one second in hand over Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C, currently sitting in second place. Hot on their heels and are last year’s champions Boyd Martin and Federman B sitting pretty in third.

Take a peek at the course right here and get some insight on the track from EN’s boots on the ground. The first horse leaves the start box at 12:30 p.m. EST. You can find all the info you need to follow along below in our collective of links and you can also watch along yourself via the live stream on H&C+ — you can subscribe or purchase a one-time pass to watch this event here. Otherwise, keep refreshing this page for down-to-the-minute updates and as many GIFs as I can muster.

GPE at Bruce’s Field: GPE Website, Entry List, Ride Times, Live Scores, Team Scores, XC Map, XC Order of Go, Facility Map, H&C+ Livestream, Ride for Charity Public Vote, EN’s Coverage

3:00 PM: What a day at the office for Liz Halliday-Sharp. She was the only rider today to make the time and she did it on not one, but two horses. She takes top honors aboard Miks Master C, who she’s only had the ride on for less than a year still, and also finishes fifth with Cooley Quicksilver. Here’s a look at your top 10. Thanks so much for following along with our live updates today. Stay tuned for a full report and photos coming along soon!

2:55 PM: It’s going to be Liz for the win! Doug didn’t leave anything to chance today, but Liz was simply too fast to catch. Doug stops the clock at 4 minutes, 21 seconds. That’s 5 seconds over the optimum time. It won’t give him the win, but he’ll hang on to second place.

2:53 PM: Whooooaaaa Doug has work for it through the angled one-stride!

2:52 PM: Doug gives Starr Witness a forward ride to fence 8.

2:51 PM: Alright, here we go. Doug and the Ginja Ninja are now on course. Can they do it?

2:50 PM: And she has! Liz and Miks Master C put the pressure on Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Doug will have to come home no more than a second over time to clinch the win.

2:50 PM: Well, the clock on the live stream hasn’t been working for the last few rounds, but judging by Liz’s reaction looking at her watch it looks like she’s done it!

2:48 PM: Just look at Miks Master C skip through the bank:

2:46 PM: Here’s Liz and the always fun to watch Miks Master C. Right from the get-go they have the crowd gasping at their gusto. This pair is going for the win!

2:44 PM: Ack! Two seconds over for Boyd and Bruno! What a ride, it’s hard to believe that round wasn’t quite fast enough. They’ll still keep their slot ahead of Phil and Z though, so they’ll finish the competition no worse than third.

2:41 PM: So far so good for Boyd and Bruno. Bruno has a huge stride, but what clever feet to be so nimble through the bounce:

2:39 PM: And now onto our top 3! Reining champs Boyd Martin and Federman B have left the start box.

2:39 PM: No, they’re over time! It was a fast-looking round, but Phil and Z collect 1.2 time faults. That still slots them into the clubhouse lead, however, over Liz and Cooley Quicksilver.

2:38 PM: This is looking good for Phil and Z, a very smooth ride so far. I’d expect nothing less from this seasoned pair, of course.

2:36 PM: Phillip Dutton and Z are now out on course and once again, Phil is wasting absolutely no time.

2:33 PM: Goldie really gives it his all through the keyhole and good thing Collen ducked! Also a good thing Colleen’s other mount, the over 17-hand Vermont didn’t jump it like that.

2:31 PM: Nooo! Goldie get’s a funny distance and pops over the Palmetto Golf Course, which doesn’t set them up well for the bounce. He doesn’t get his eye on it and puts on the breaks. Colleen brings the gelding around again for another try instead of taking the long route, and they make it through the bounce easily on the next try. Ah well, you win some and learn some!

2:28 PM: Ah, just one second over! That’ll put Will and Pfun in provisional second now. And Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye are next out on course.

2:26 PM: WFP is so complementary of Will and Pfun’s ride, which is so forward and light in the bridle: “He looks as if he could run about in a head collar,” says WFP.

2:23 PM: Just look at the expression on this horse’s face. He’s a total pro.

2:22 PM: Woods and Contendro come home safely and Will Faudree and Pfun head out on course next, riding a little out of order.

2:19 PM: Whoops, more problems for poor Woods. Contendro comes to a stop at the Battle of Aiken cannon, so they have to do a little improvising to continue the course.

2:18 PM: Uh oh, it looks like Woods dropped a rein in the first water and loses straightness to the next question, so he opts for the long route.

2:17 PM: Long spot alert! Contendro is looking eager as ever and leaves one out.

2:16 PM: Our next on course, Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135!

2:15 PM: So close! They cross the finish 2 second over. Sara will be so pleased with that ride though, as will William apparently! Don’t forget to hug your ponies, everybody:

2:13 PM: William says that he’s given Sara strict instructions not to pull on the reins and she’s doing a bang up job. She’s got a chance to catch the time!

2:12 PM: Whoa! Look at how catty Rubens is after getting a close distance to the bounce:

2:10 PM: It’s unicorn time! Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D’ysieux are sailing around and wasting no time. They get a nice forward ride through the first question on course.

2:07 PM: Boyd and Thomas don’t quite catch the time, unfortunately. They’re four seconds over so they collect 1.6 faults and they’ll slot into provisional third place behind Phillip and Azure. Of course, we’ll see Boyd on course again as well with Federman B.

2:04 PM: Boyd and Tsetserleg are now storming around the course, garnering huge cheers from the crowd at every turn.

2:02 PM: They’ve done it! Liz and Cooley Quicksilver come in three seconds inside the time! They’ll finish no worse that 5th place today and no Liz knows exactly what she needs to do aboard her next ride.

2:02 PM: Oop, Cooley Quicksilver slips a little in between the two arenas on their way to the last two fences. It doesn’t seem to have bothered him, but that’s something to watch as the riders later try to go faster.

1:59 PM: William Fox-Pitt joins Holly Hudspeth in the commentary box for this session. He said he likes the course, thought it was fair, and thinks the time should be gettable. Liz and Cooley Quicksilver are looking speedy!

1:57 PM: And we’re back! Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver kick off our final session. This pair actually sits in 5th place so they’re riding out of order since we’ll see Liz again as the second to last ride.

1:40 PM: Alright, we have a short break ahead of the top 10. Get yourself a little snack, pour yourself an afternoon cup of tea, and meet me right back here at 1:55 PM. Here are our clubhouse leaders after our first session:

1:39 PM: Ooh, so close! Phil and Azure nearly caught the time — they stop the clock just one second over, but they’re our fastest of the day so far.

1:37 PM: A funky distance for Azure at the Palmetto Golf Club, but no matter. They make that bounce look easy.

1:34 PM: That was a nice ride from Shannon! Ideal HX is another horse now on my watch list — he looked super. They collect 4.8 time penalties. Phillip Dutton and Azure are now out on course and it looks like Phil is flooring it.

1:301 PM: Something interesting: riders can choose to pick off fence 6, the only one on turf, off the left or the right lead. As we get further down in the order and the riders are trying to go faster, it might get interesting to see how tight this turn gets.

1:29 PM: We have two more horses to head out on course before we take a 20 minute break ahead of the top ten. Next out are Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX. Colleen and Vermont finish with 7.2 to add to their score.

1:26 PM: Our next pair on course are Colleen Loach and Vermont and they get an absolutely beautiful shot over the table to skinny, fences 7 and 8:

1:24 PM: Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire have turned in the second fasted round so far, collecting 2 time penalties. No one has caught the time yet.

1:22 PM: Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, our next starters, look like they’ve been flying! I’ll be interested to their finishing time — Sydney looks like she’s going for it.

1:19 PM: Through the keyhole at the last fence for Doug and Camarillo, who pick up 14 time faults. We’ve also just gotten word that Doug has withdrawn Quantum Leap, so next time we’ll see him will be at the end of the day trying to clinch the title aboard Starr Witness.

1:17 PM: Doug Payne and his first and greenest ride of the day, Camarillo, join us next and are about halfway around the course. Doug gives this young horse a great ride through the bounce:

1:14 PM: Sarah and Mr. Cash finish about a minute over time, but Mr. Cash looks VERY pleased with himself. I’m sure Sarah will be very pleased as well to have had a nice spin around this course and give her horse a great experience.

1:12 PM: Here’s Sarah and Mr. Cash over the up-bank and the cannon, fences 21 and 22:

1:10 PM: Now on course: Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start. I’m not super familiar with this pair, but Mr. Cash looks like such a game guy. They seem to be making easy work fo the course so far and Mr. Cash’s ears are delightfully pricked.

1:07 PM: What a lovely ride William put on this horse — he’ll have gained a boatload of experience today and I bet Heather can’t wait to get back on him.

1:05 PM: Oh no! Vincent Chase just shies at the first element of the angled one-stride and runs out. There’s a lot to look at on the other side of that question. William picks him back up and they easily take the long route out.

1:04 PM: William takes the option at the Palmetto Golf Tees. Smart riding on a horse he’s only just gotten acquainted with!

1:02 PM: Amanda and Carson 119 complete their ride with 6.4 time faults and now William Fox-Pitt on his catch ride, Heather Gillette’s Vincent Chase, join us on course.

12:58 PM: And we’re back! Amanda Beale Clement and Carlson 119 are on course now. The H&C stream is giving such a great look at this massive John Deere Table, which is both fences 5 and 7:

12:53 PM: Erin and Campground have completed their ride with 10.0 time penalties and we’ll now have a 5 minute break in the action due to the withdrawal of Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic.

12:50 PM: There’s something so funny about seeing a horse jumping a tennis net. Erin is giving Campground a nice ride around and giving him plenty of opportunity to read the fences. Liz and Deniro’s score is in and they’ve picked up 4.4 time penalties.

12:47 PM: Liz and Deniro Z are home and we’re waiting on their score, while Erin Kanara and Campground, one of only two full Thoroughbreds in the field are out of the start box now.

12:43 PM: Kendall and Audacious are home with 11.6 time penalties, and now we have a very fast and experienced pair on course next: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z who are sitting in 15th and riding out of order due to Liz’s standings.

12:40 PM: Kendall takes the long route at the angles brushes, making a circle and picking off the last element.

12:38 PM: Next out of the box are Kendal Lehari and Audacious. This is a bit of a luxury for live updates, as there’s only one horse on course at a time!

12:37 PM: Our pathfinders are home and 2 sends over time. That was a really first round of the dayQ

12:35 PM: Boing! Through the angled fences for Emily and the high-jumping Barry!

12:32 PM: And we’re off! Emily Hamel and Corvett are out on course!

12:30 PM: We’re nearly ready to start, but we do have a last minute withdrawal to report: Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic will not run XC.

12:20 PM: We’re 10 minutes away from the start! Our pathfinders today will be Emily Hamel and Corvett.

GPE at Bruce’s Field: GPE Website, Entry List, Ride Times, Live Scores, Team Scores, XC Map, XC Order of Go, Facility Map, H&C+ Livestream, Ride for Charity Public Vote, EN’s Coverage

Preview the $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival Cross Country Course

By on Mar 4, 2023 9:00 am -

The final fence, the Aiken Horse Park keyhole. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The 2023 $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services is very much: same jumps, new vibe. With an entirely brand new area to run through, the Capt. Mark Phillips-designed track takes a new shape this year, while still utilizing the gorgeous Eric Bull-built cross country fences, each of which give a nod to the local area.

Take a peek at the CrossCountryApp fence-by-fence preview below (or click here to view in your browser).

The optimum time for the course is 4 minutes, 16 seconds. Historically, time isn’t easy to grab here — not surprising considering the go-kart track nature here. Riders will double back on several jumps, jumping in and out of five different arenas. The addition of a new arena to use this year reduces the amount of galloping on turf, which means the turns also come up that much quicker. Riders will need to be thinking on their feet if they want to have a shot at the time, saving time where they can but also making sure to give their horses enough time to reach each question.

Photo by Shelby Allen.

Photo by Shelby Allen.

Several related distance questions are placed around the course, including an exciting-looking bounce at 11 and 12 (there is an option, and the elements are numbered separately), as well as a severe angle and one stride between the two Bruce’s Field brushes. Riders also have the option to jump fence 6, the only fence located out on the turf, in either direction as they turn around and head back toward the arenas.

Fence 6, the Savannah River Site, can be jumped in either direction as it’s used as a change of direction point. Photo by Shelby Allen.

A total of 23 combinations will move forward to tomorrow’s cross country following Friday’s show jumping that saw seven pairs opted to withdraw and three pairs given Compulsory Retirements for having five or more rails down.

This fence will have tennis balls filling the base! Eyes up, everyone! Photo by Shelby Allen.

Cross country begins at 12:30 p.m. EST, and will be run in reverse order of standing to lead to an exciting event finish. You can view the order of go here. As always, H&C+ will carry the live stream — you can subscribe or purchase a one-time pass to watch this event here. Abby Powell will also be running live updates during cross country right here on EN.

GPE at Bruce’s Field: GPE Website, Entry List, Ride Times, Live Scores, Team Scores, XC Map, XC Order of Go, Facility Map, H&C+ Livestream, Ride for Charity Public Vote, EN’s Coverage

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Mar 4, 2023 12:01 am -

Here at Eventing Nation we always have (and always will) preach the importance of minding your melon and wearing a helmet while riding. But until I heard Brianna Noble share her experience of being turned away from sitting on her horse for her lack of helmet, I admit I was shamefully ignorant of the issue that Black equestrians face when trying to reconcile a desire to wear their hair naturally with the right to wear properly fitted safety gear. It’s another obstacle that Black riders face in participating in equestrian sport and a privilege to have never experienced an issue in finding a well-fitted helmet.

Along with recent advances in increasing transparency around helmet safety and price (I see you Virginia Tech Helmet Lab), let’s also hope — and work towards making it a reality — that the industry will also take a look at the problem of inclusivity and figure out a way to ensure that riders with all hair types can find a brain bucket that will suit their safety needs and style.

If you read one thing today make it this New York Times article, which interviews numerous riders as well as helmet manufacturers. It’s heartening to see a large mainstream media outlet drawing attention to the issue. Some of the companies’ replies to the reporter’s inquries are alright (Charles Owen is reportedly working on “several solutions”) while others are actually appalling. Safety should be inclusive. Period.

U.S. Weekend Action

$50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Tickets] [Live Stream] [Scores] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Full Gallop Farm March Wednesday H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T (Altoona, FL): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Sporting Days Farm March H.T. II (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. (Paso Robles, CA): [Website] [Volunteer] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Temple Grandin teams with Australian expert on landmark equine study

Bullet Journaling for Equestrians

Sally Cousins: Work Has Never Been More Fun For This Horsewoman

Polyester halters require special attention when disinfecting after strangles

The A-Team of 2022 Bates USEA Mare of the Year Lady Chatterley and Leslie Law

Sponsor Corner: We are drooling over these Sergio Grasso boots from World Equestrian Brands. The bling! The elegance! The style! *swoon*

Morning Viewing: Just some quick highlights from yesterday’s Grand Prix Eventing show jumping We can’t wait for cross country today!

Doug Payne Stays Atop $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival After Influential Show Jumping

By on Mar 3, 2023 7:31 pm -

One comes down, but a first place position stands for Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Shelby Allen.

For those of us in the crowd who cannot do math in our heads (ahem, me) the last few show jumping rounds of the $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, made the leaderboard a little murky. The magic figure eight ball of eventing could’ve read “reply hazy, try again.” For all the mathematicians in the room, it was a quick reshuffling of the final order.

Riding earlier in the second group, fifth-placed Liz Halliday-Sharp already had two down with former winner Deniro Z. Phillip Dutton, who went fifth from the end, bettered his odds aboard Z with a double clear round which pushed him to the top five. Fourth-placed Buck Davidson saw four come down for Carlevo, dropping him from the hunt. All looked well for Miks Master C, a newer ride for Liz Halliday-Sharp, but Liz tactfully rode to control the horse’s massive stride and ended up two seconds over the time.

Boyd Martin then only had to beat himself, as he already delivered a faultless round with Fedarman B, but Tsetserleg saw two rails drop.

Starr Witness shows off her careful scope across Michel Vaillancourt’s show jumping track. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Then finally, the crowd let out a collective groan when the pole above the water tray toppled for dressage winners Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Fortunately, Doug has an engineering degree, so once he finished within the time he knew he had kept himself in the leading position.

“She’s just getting a lot more comfortable at the level, and clearly stronger every day through what would have been more difficult aspects of the course in the past. She was very, very good through the whole triple bar to the triple line. Got a little unlucky, I think, with my rail, but it’s all good,” he said.

Doug is primarily an event rider, but has spent increasing amounts of time in the pure show jumping world. “The level of carefulness and scope is certainly different, but the margin for error at the FEI levels jumping is very, very small. Honestly, it’d be the same on a horse after a long cross country, the margin is quite small. Getting practice and being more comfortable, both in a charged environment with a lot on the line, and certainly the consequences of mistakes when they’re bigger is a little bit greater, so there’s just pressure to make yourself get better, and you can’t help but get better if you’re in the ring a bunch. We’re lucky enough that, over the winter, I was showing probably nine horses at jumper shows.”

The 12-year-old KWPN mare (Chello III VDL – Carmen, by Veneur), who is owned by Laurie McRee, Catherine Winter and Doug Payne, now sits on 23.9 points ahead of the final phase.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Two-time GPE winner Liz Halliday-Sharp will be our penultimate rider tomorrow, sitting in second place with Debbie Palmer and Ocala Horse Properties’ 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Mighty Magic – Qui Luma CBF, by Flyinge Quite Easy 958).

“He’s just got this giant stride, and actually I a little bit rode the horse that I used to have, and he’s so much more trained and polite now. He used to be, if I’d let him loose early on, he would just bucked off with me. Actually, I added too much into fence 2, when I could have just gone 1 to 2, and that would have taken care of my time, but I was thinking, ‘I don’t want to let him loose here because then I’ll be screwed.’ But actually, I should just ride the horse I have now because he’s actually wonderfully polite, much more adjustable and just a very different horse,” Liz said.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver were the first pair of the afternoon to achieve a double clear round. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Her two-phase score of 24.6 give Doug just one second of breathing room on tomorrow’s cross country, and there’s no way she’ll let him have the win easily.

Liz has got not one, but two in the top five. The Monster Partnership’s Cooley Quicksilver laid down a classy clear to keep the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Womanizer – Kylemore Crystal, by Creggan Diamond) on 27.9

Defending champions Boyd Martin and Fedarman B make a podium bid. Photo by Shelby Allen.

They are joined in the top three by the event’s most recent winners, Boyd Martin and Fedarman B, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding (Eurocommerce Washington – Paulien B, by Fedor) owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate. This pair remain on their dressage score of 25.6.

“Yeah he’s a legend, mate. I want to touch some wood, but he’s never had a pole down in a show yet, he’s a phenomenal jumper. Thrilled to be back here in Aiken in front of all of Annie’s family and friends and the syndicate,” Boyd said.

Phillip Dutton and Z move into fourth. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Phillip Dutton, who was awarded the key to the city of Aiken in 2020, holds fourth place with his Tokyo and World Equestrian Games partner Z. The 15-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Asca Z – Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z), owned by Evie Dutton, Ann Jones, Suzanne Lacy, Caroline Moran, Tom Tierney, Patricia Vos and David Vos, are on 26.3 — just six seconds away from our leader.

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Riding for Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables, Will Faudree jumped from 12th to 6th with a clear round after this influential phase aboard Pfun, a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tadmus – Celerina, by Cento).

Colleen Loach was awarded the Richard Picken Style Award. She and FE Golden Eye delivered a classy clear round. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Colleen Loach has leaned into pure show jumping in the last year, and her Grand Prix practice paid off today after FE Golden Eye breezed around Michel Vaillancourt’s track. For her efforts, she was awarded the Richard Picken Style Award. The 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Goldfever 3 – Cascade, by Contendro I), who is owned by Peter Barry, Amanda Bernhard and Colleen, sits seventh on 28.6.

“Last summer when I ended up not going to the WEG, there were a bunch of show jumping shows around in Ontario and I didn’t really want to event him, so I started doing some smaller Grand Prix, and he actually won a few of them. It’s great practice, great education as an event rider,” she said. “[The atmosphere] is pretty similar — maybe even a bit more nerve wracking. We did our first 1.50m a few weeks ago, and it looked quite large walking the course I must admit.”

Of course, jumping an Advanced show jumping track must feel smaller in comparison, but as Colleen says, “you still have to ride well.”

Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Woods Baughman leapt ten spots up the leaderboard with his and his parent’s C’est La Vie 135, a 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro I – Anette, by Aarking xx). Their score of 30 in the dressage will carry forward to the final phase.
Of the 30 starters, 13 jumped clear today (39.4%). Seven pairs have already elected to withdraw and not run cross country: Lillian Heard Wood with both LCC Barnaby & Dassett Olympus, Boyd Martin & Luke 140, Ryan Wood & Cooley Flight, Buck Davidson & Carlevo, Will Faudree & Mama’s Magic Way, and Doug Payne & Quantum Leap.

Running under USEF rules meant that any competitors who had five or more rails faced compulsory retirement and will not be permitted to continue. Three pairs saw their weekend end under the rule: Colleen Rutledge & Covert Rights, Dan Kreitl & Carmango, and Buck Davidson & Erroll Gobey.

The 29 remaining entries face Sir Mark Phillip’s cross country test tomorrow. Keep your eyes peeled for a guided tour with EN tomorrow. The first horse leaves the start box at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, and you can watch it all on Horse & Country.

GPE at Bruce’s Field: GPE Website, EN’s Form Guide, Entry List, Ride Times, Live Scores, Team Scores, Facility Map, H&C+ Livestream, Ride for Charity Public Vote, EN’s Coverage

Starr Witness Dazzles 2023 Grand-Prix Eventing Dressage at Bruce’s Field

By on Mar 3, 2023 1:25 pm -

How’s a sub-20 sound for superstar Starr Witness? Something tells me she’s probably pretty pleased with herself. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The old adage, “saved the best for last,” was certainly true in the dressage session at the 2023 $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. The final combination, Doug Payne and Starr Witness, laid down a 19.9 for the first-phase lead.

The Ground Jury of Bea di Grazia and Andrew Bennie rewarded the 12-year-old KWPN mare (Chello III VDL – Carmen, by Veneur) for her flashy, correct movements with the pair securing a perfect 10 (!) for the first flying change. Though not an FEI sanctioned competition, this is the mare’s best ever score across her International career.

“She’s a horse that, the more you throw at her, the better she is, so if you kind of just dance around kind of placated, if that’s the right word, she just starts looking, her attention is drawn everywhere else and she’s gonna find something to be engaged with. So what we’ve found is actually the more we ask of her, the better she is,” Doug said. “Actually, our goal this year is to do our first Grand Prix dressage with her. She’s got pretty much everything, she’s got the ones, twos, got the piaffe and passage pretty good. The pirouettes are coming, that’s probably the hardest thing, but that’s been a huge, huge help because we keep throwing stuff at her and she just sort of raises to the expectations.”

Boyd Martin is looking for a third win here this weekend Aiken, this time aboard Tsetserleg. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Though they have a healthy leg up on the competition, Doug doesn’t have a rail in hand, and defending champion Boyd Martin is sure to keep the pressure on with his Tokyo and FEI World Championships partner Tsetserleg TSF. The 16-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall II – Thabana, by Buddenbrock), owned by Christine, Thomas and Tommie Turner, is second on a 23. Boyd credits his wife, Silva, and Bettina Hoy, for the inspiration on the flat.

“I was thrilled with him, he’s a champion horse. I’m very grateful to the German Federation, to send over Bettina Hoy to join Silva to warm us up, and yeah he felt like a dream, and fired up for this afternoon and tomorrow,” he said.

Liz Halliday-Sharp’s newest partner, Miks Master C gave a stunning effort in the first phase at Bruce’s Field. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Liz Halliday-Sharp moved into third place with her final ride of the day, Miks Master C. Owned in partnership between Debbie Palmer and Ocala Horse Properties, the 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Mighty Magic – Qui Luma CBF, by Flyinge Quite Easy 958) earned a score of 23.8.

This is not just an individual competition, though, as riders have been split into six teams, each representing a charitable organization. After dressage, Team Purple is at the top of the pile. Boyd Martin, with Tsetserleg and Fedarman B, Sarah Khun and Ryan Wood are riding for the Tri-Development Center of Aiken County.

Much more to come from Bruce’s Field today, folks. The show jumping kicks off at 3 p.m. and competitors will come in reverse order of standing. You can watch it all live with our friends at Horse & Country at this link. Until we get started, enjoy a gallery from all the top competitors here in Aiken.

GPE at Bruce’s Field: GPE Website, Entry List, Show Jumping Order of Go, Ride Times, Live Scores, Team Scores, Facility Map, H&C+ Livestream, Ride for Charity Public Vote

 

Friday News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Mar 3, 2023 12:03 am -

More derp from horses! Photo by Jim Fiorini.

I don’t want to jinx it, but I think we escaped the winter without too much pain and suffering caused by ice and snow? My attitude towards winter is always supreme skepticism, and I assume that good weather in December will result in my punishment in February, and I never trust it. However, this year in Virginia was extremely mild, and the grass is already happily blooming. I’m now convinced that karma will catch up to me in June with the worst bug season thus far.

U.S. Weekend Preview

$50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Tickets] [Live Stream] [Scores] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Full Gallop Farm March Wednesday H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T (Altoona, FL): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Sporting Days Farm March H.T. II (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. (Paso Robles, CA): [Website] [Volunteer] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring]

News From Around the Globe:

British Equestrian has released a unified concussion guideline for use within the equestrian industry. The six-page guidance document aims to help participants to recognise concussion and know what actions to take, both in the immediate aftermath and during recovery. The guidelines have been produced in response to the action plan published by the UK Government in December 2021 to address concussion in sport to help reduce risks and potential long-term effects associated with head injuries, which Eventing is certainly familiar with. [View Concussion Guidelines Here]

As One Racing Stables has launched the first diverse and inclusive racing partnership! The group will race under the As One Racing banner and has acquired its first equine athlete to promote the group’s mission and vision. As One Racing was formed by a group of six like-minded individuals with a desire to grow the sport by broadening its base and bringing new faces to the industry. Turning to history, the group recognized the need for the African American community that had once been a vital part of the industry to be welcomed back. The group’s founders and management committee reflect its vision– a diverse group of individuals working together to compete at the highest level while carrying out a vision and mission of promoting diversity and inclusion. [Diversity Efforts in Thoroughbred Racing]

Best of Blogs: Top Five Things That Improved My Plus-Sized Riding Life

If you want to look towards classical training, Klaus Balkenhol is a good place to start. It was back in 2005 and the Rolkur debate was in full swing with heated accusations flowing. Klaus Balkenhol is a man of few words, but then again, they say that actions speak louder than words and this writer was lucky to witness one of the most telling contributions to the debate about the right – and wrong – way to work a horse when Klaus Balkenhol gave a training demonstration for a group of Italian Hanoverian breeders. He brought out the exciting young stallion, His Highness, with his stable rider, Stefan Wolff, in the saddle, and proceeded to give a demonstration of just how beautiful the correct way of working can be. [Correct Way to Train]

My dream….

Thursday Video: Gridwork for the Green Horse

By on Mar 2, 2023 7:02 pm -

I’ve gotten a big rush of the pre-season thirst for education this week, and so you’ve probably noticed a theme to my video picks: most of them are training tips that’ll help you get your horse into the swing of things to come as we tackle March. More specifically, I’ve been watching a lot of videos tailored to the inexperienced horse, many of whom will find their workload starting to step up a notch in intensity and technicality this month. Today’s video comes from Heidi Woodhead of DHI Sport Horses, who has some great gridwork tips to help you set yourself up for success this weekend. Happy riding!

British Eventing’s Howden Way Reveals Talent Pathway Tiers

By on Mar 2, 2023 2:00 pm -

British Eventing and The Howden Way are committed to nurturing talent for the future. Photo courtesy of British Eventing.

British Eventing is delighted to share The Howden Way Talent Pathway, an update to its current Youth Performance programme which will help nurture and develop the next generation of talent in our sport. With athlete and horse welfare at the forefront, the new Howden Way Talent Pathway will encourage riders to stay engaged with the sport and enable them to be independent, well-educated riders who take responsibility for their own performances. The programme will support riders as they transition through the age groups, including those moving into senior levels.

The Howden Way Talent Pathway comprises five tiers, each of which focuses on a different rider demographic:

Tier 1 – Supporting riders U28 transitioning out of Young Riders and competing at 4* and beyond.

Young Horse Academy – sitting alongside the Talent Pathway tiers, The Howden Way Young Horse Academy identifies young quality horses produced by young athletes who are not currently supported by any other talent programmes.

Tier 2 – Supporting athletes aged 12-21 aiming for success at the European Championships for Ponies, Juniors and Young Riders in the current year.

Tier 3 – Supporting the Youth riders transitioning out of age groups along with developing those Pony, Junior and Young Rider combinations who are aiming for European Championships either in the current or following year/s.

Tier 4 – Developing riders competing in their respective age groups but not eligible for Tiers 2 or 3.

There is a clear performance criterion for combinations to be eligible for each of the tiers of the pathway, with full details are available here. Eligible combinations have been invited onto the Talent Pathway, with another intake for those who reach these criteria during the year.

“We are absolutely delighted to be launching the Talent Pathway and to be able to expand and develop the support that we are able to offer our younger riders,” says Justine Parker, BE head of training and development. “By providing the right training and guidance during these formative years we can help shape riders into all-round athletes and provide them with the skills and toolkit required to enable riders to fulfil their potential and provide foundations for a lifelong engagement in the sport.”

Darrell Scaife, BE Youth Performance Manager, adds, “The Howden Way Talent Pathway offers a clear and objective performance-based recognition of ability, and will provide help and support in developing the key skills attached to potential. I am grateful to Talent Pathway and to British Eventing for providing this opportunity which will further enable our younger athletes to grow.”

Your Guide to the 2023 $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

By on Mar 2, 2023 1:05 am -

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B en route to the 2022 win. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

It’s nearly time to get this 2023 season kicked off in earnest! While we’ve been in the thick of late-winter competitions already, the $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, seems to signify the buzz that accompanies the ramp-up of each eventing season.

Returning for the fifth year in 2023, the Grand-Prix Eventing festival features a competitive roster of horses and riders and an experience fit for both new and old eventing fans.

Eventing Nation is pleased to provide the media experience for this year’s Grand-Prix Eventing, and if you’re following along with us you’ll want to keep this article bookmarked as your hub of information. We’ll keep this page updated with links all weekend. For those unable to join us in Aiken, our friends at Horse & Country will provide a livestream of all three phases. Abby Powell will also be providing live updates for cross country on Saturday afternoon.

Information Links:

GPE Website

Entry List

Dressage Order of Go

Ride Times

Live Scores

Facility Map

H&C+ Livestream

Ride for Charity Public Vote

The Entries

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Woods Baughman and C’est la Vie 135
15-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro I – Anette, by Aarking xx)
Owned by Kim, James, and Woods Baughman

A Lexington, KY native, Woods Baughman packed his bags and went off to work for 5* rider Sharon White at the beginning of his upper-level eventing career. In the process, he found his current 5* partner, C’est la Vie 135 (“Contendro” in the barn), in Germany via Dirk Schrade. Woods recently struck out on his own to carve out a path as a budding professional. While Woods and Contendro have had to work hard at finding the rideability they need to communicate well enough to stay competitive at the 5* level, this pair is certainly one to watch as a potential to impress this weekend. If Woods can adjust his horse’s massive stride on Capt. Mark Phillips’ tight track on Saturday, their dressage marks may keep them in contention for some of the $50,000 prize pot. This pair was most recently sixth in the Advanced at Rocking Horse in early February.

Amanda Beale Clement and Carlson 119. Photo by Abby Powell.

Amanda Beale Clement and Carlson 119
13-year-old Brandenburg gelding (Camarque 3 – Palma, by Phantomic xx)
Owned by the Get Ready Syndicate

Amanda Beale Clement’s international eventing career began when she was 15, and she’s collected several Young Rider accolades along the way to becoming an Advanced rider. Carlson 119 has become a horse on which Amanda can pin her aspirations, becoming her second 4* horse and journeying with her to major events such as Morven Park’s 4*-L, and the USEF National 3*-L Championship at Maryland 5 Star. This pair will be out for redemption at Grand-Prix Eventing this year, having parted ways at the 2022 event.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo
16-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Eurocommerce Caresino – Ramatuelle, by Levernois)
Owned by Katherine O’Brien

Carlevo is another horse on the entry list sourced through Germany’s Dirk Schrade, coming to Buck Davidson in time for the 2015 season having done some 2* and 3*-level eventing. Since then, he’s become a stalwart campaigner for Buck, and the pair most recently finished 12th at the 2022 Maryland 5 Star. They were also fifth at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2022. This is a pair who are well capable of putting down a competitive dressage mark, and if they can get up on the time come Saturday they could be one to threaten the top of the leaderboard and take home a chunk of the prize money.

Buck Davidson and Erroll Gobey. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Buck Davidson and Erroll Gobey
13-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cassini II – Ulla II, by Contender)
Owned by Cassie Segal, Lisa Darden and Natalie Sandler

Erroll Gobey has spent the vast majority of his FEI career under the tutelage of the very experienced Buck Davidson, who’s taken the gelding up from his first now-3* level events and eventually making his 5* debut in 2021 at Kentucky. Though he’s yet to notch his first 5* completion, he’s been a solid citizen for Buck in recent years, most recently finishing 10th at the Morven Park 4*-L last October. He also picked up a handy win in the Advanced at Rocking Horse in February. The tight, twisting track with a tough-to-beat time may prove challenging for this pair to stay competitive, but luckily Gobey’s got a good jockey in the irons who knows exactly how to put the pedal to the metal to give it all he’s got.

Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic
9-year-old Anglo-European gelding (Cassander C – Khadija des Hayettes, by Banboula du Thot)
Owned by rider

This weekend presents a big test for one of the youngest horses in the Grand-Prix Eventing field. Imperio Magic has been carefully produced by Georgia-based Mary Bess Davis of Triple Creek Eventing, and he’s got an impeccable cross country record to show for this care. Mary Bess and Imperio Magic moved up to the Advanced/4* level in 2022, not once finishing outside of the top four in three starts at the level. This weekend will likely be a “teaching” weekend for this pair, who will tackle the 5* dressage test as well as a different type of cross country than they’re accustomed to seeing. However, don’t count this pair out as ones who could surprise us with a competitive finish if they can be quick enough across the country on Saturday.

Phillip Dutton and Azure. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Phillip Dutton and Azure
11-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Omar – Cavalier Roselier, by Cavalier Royal)
Owned by Anne Moran, Caroline Moran and Michael Moran

Azure was one of the most exciting purchases by a U.S.-based rider in 2022, coming to Phillip Dutton’s barn from Irish rider Esib Power. With experience through the 4* level in Ireland, she makes a competitive addition to Phillip’s string as he looks to qualify horses for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. She’s only done a handful of FEI competitions with Phillip in the irons, but she was third in the USEF 4*-L National Championship at Tryon last fall. This weekend marks her first eventing competition of the new season, so we likely won’t see Phillip kicking for the win on Saturday. He’ll instead be looking to show this young mare some atmosphere, test her skills and training in the 5* dressage test, and give her an interesting challenge to gain some experience come cross country day.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Phillip Dutton and Z
15-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Asca Z – Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z)
Owned by Evie Dutton, Ann Jones, Suzanne Lacy, Caroline Moran, Tom Tierney, Patricia Vos and David Vos

Z came to Phillip Dutton having formerly been partnered with Portuguese rider Duarte Seabra, who rode the gelding in honor of his brother, Francisco, who passed away in a riding accident in 2015. Duarte made the difficult decision to sell Z as a future top event horse, wanting to focus on show jumping in his own career. Through Fernhill Sport Horses’ Carol Gee, the gelding found his way to Phillip and would go on to be his partner in the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (finishing 13th individually) as well as the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo (finishing 21st individually). This pair knows each other quite well, now in their eighth season together. Most recently, Z was fourth in the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in October of 2022. This is a horse we could expect Phillip to go for the gold on, though it may well come down to how quickly he can get around Saturday’s cross country.

Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire
13-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Diarado – Lantana, by Sandro Hit)
Owned by Carol Stephens

Fan favorite QC Diamantaire has become quite the world traveler with his longtime partner, Louisiana-based Sydney Elliott, having come into his own at the 4* level and earning a ticket to represent the U.S. at the CCIO4* FEI Nations Cup at Aachen as well as Boekelo in 2021. They’ve notched up a healthy amount of competitive results, finishing fifth individually at Boekelo and eighth overall in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2022. Sydney has been partnered with Carol Stephens for many years, importing horses and producing young superstars together in an empathetic and intentional way, and those results really shine with “Q”. This pair competed in the Grand-Prix Eventing in 2022, finishing eighth overall and securing a rare clear cross country inside the time — can they match or even improve that placing this year?

Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way
12-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Mighty Magic – Straightaway, by Star Regent xx)
Owned by Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables

Last weekend at Pine Top, I was sitting ringside with Ema Klugman watching the Advanced dressage. As Will Faudree trotted by on “Mason”, as Mama’s Magic Way is known at home, Ema remarked, “that’s the type of horse who could jump around any course in the world.” And to look at this striking Hanoverian gelding is to agree with that sentiment — he just looks like a classic event horse. He’s got three different 5* events under his belt at this point in his career: he was 14th in his debut at Kentucky in 2021, following that up with a top-25 finish at the Maryland 5 Star as well as a trip over the pond to compete at Badminton in 2022. This year, Mason has spent some time in the jumper ring with Will in prep for his eventing season, and he most recently won that very Advanced division at Pine Top last weekend (it was definitely the good juju from Ema, at least in part!). This weekend will be just a combined test (dressage and show jumping) for Mason, who is aimed at Kentucky’s 5* in April. For his part, Will is getting back to the swing of things after breaking his foot last season and spending much of the off-season healing.

Will Faudree and PFun. Photo by Abby Powell.

Will Faudree and PFun
16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tadmus – Celerina, by Cento)
Owned by Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables

Pfun is a veteran at the top levels of the sport as he enters his 16th year and 10th season of FEI eventing. Pfun has also enjoyed his fair share of big tracks in his time with Will, including three trips around the Kentucky 5*. In 2019, the pair traveled to Ireland and finished fifth in the tough 4*-L at Millstreet. This year, Will plans to focus primarily on 4*-S events instead of aiming for another 5*, he told The Chronicle of the Horse.

Heather Gillette and Vincent Chase. Photo by Alleyn Evans for Shannon Brinkman Photography.

William Fox-Pitt and Vincent Chase
11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Value Plus – Her Entourage, by Elusive Quality)
Owned by rider

A very special treat awaits this weekend as British Olympian and 5* winner William Fox-Pitt returns to compete at Grand-Prix Eventing once more, this time partnering up with Heather Gillette’s Vincent Chase. Heather has produced “Vinnie” herself since he came off the track, moving up to the Advanced and 4* level in 2022. Heather volunteered Vinnie as William’s teammate this weekend, and they’ve spent the last few days getting to know one another in Ocala. Vinnie’s dressage marks won’t threaten the top of the board on Friday morning, but he’s a keen jumper who’s eager to do the job. If William can put the gas pedal down, he could leap up in the standings with two clear jumping rounds. Meanwhile, Heather — a 5* rider in her own right — gets to play nervous owner/mom/groom this weekend, so if you see her, maybe give her a cookie.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z
15-year-old KWPN gelding (Zapatero – Zonne-Trend, by French Buffet xx)
Owned by Ocala Horse Properties

Here’s our first former winner of Grand-Prix Eventing — this pair won the 2020 edition of the event and remain a real threat to take a second win this weekend with a strong performance. Deniro Z has been with Liz since the beginning of his FEI career in 2015 and has been a real competitor for the former racecar driver/current adrenaline junkie. After rehabbing from a hoof injury that kept him out of the Tokyo Olympics, Deniro Z returned to competition in the spring of last year, finishing the year with a second place in the 4*-L National Championship at Tryon. This weekend will be Deniro’s first eventing competition of the season, and if we know Liz, she’ll be testing her chops to go for a competitive finish.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver
12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Womanizer – Kylemore Crystal, by Creggan Diamond)
Owned by The Monster Partnership

Cooley Quicksilver has proven himself to be a tough competitor for Liz Halliday-Sharp, who has produced him through his entire international career. She knows this gelding well, often remarking about how much he’s come up and progressed from his “over-cooked noodle” days, when she found him in a small dealers’ yard in Ireland. Purchased as a project, he grew into his own and put any and all doubts to rest when he finished seventh at the FEI WBFSH Young Horse World Breeding Championships at Le Lion d’Angers as a seven-year-old. “Monster” has now completed three 5* events and could prove to be just as competitive this weekend if Liz decides it’s his weekend to go for the gold.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C
11-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Mighty Magic – Qui Luma CBF, by Flyinge Quite Easy 958)
Owned by Debbie Palmer and Ocala Horse Properties

Miks Master C is one of the newer additions to Liz’s string, joining her in 2022 and picking up a slew of competitive results (how does three consecutive FEI wins sound? Pretty good, eh?) in the earliest days of their partnership. Liz teamed up with Miks Master C to represent the U.S. at Boekelo last fall, finishing fifth individually. This is a supremely exciting horse for Liz to have in her pocket, especially with an eye on next year’s Olympics. He’s competitive across all three phases and is well capabable of a leading dressage mark on his day to set the tone. Keep your eyes on this one this weekend!

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Emily Hamel and Corvett
16-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Corrido – Tina XII, by Clearway)
Owned by Black Flag Option LLC

It’s everyone’s favorite jumping bean, “Barry”! Corvett is one of the most exuberant jumpers you’ll see in this sport, always making sure to clear even the biggest 5* fences by a healthy margin. Despite this, he’s quite nimble and light on his feet, though the hang time does add a bit of time on the clock come cross country day. This has been Emily’s first 5* horse, and they’ve done quite well to see the sights together: they’ve competed at Kentucky, Maryland, Badminton, and Burghley. Perhaps we should add a certain German and a certain French (and heck, a certain Australian) 5* to that list! Get your cameras out while this pair jumps around on Saturday — you won’t be disappointed.

Lillian Heard & Dassett Olympus. Photo by Abby Powell.

Lillian Heard Wood and Dassett Olympus
10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Lancelot – Cushlamochree, by Cruising)
Owned by rider

Another younger horse in the field, Dassett Olympus is entering his 10-year-old season ready to compete, having already picked up several top results in 2022. He represented the U.S. at Bromont last summer, finishing fourth individually, and was in the top 10 at the Morven Park 4*-L later in the year. This is an exciting rising star for Lillian, who knows a thing or two about producing a 5* horse (she brought two to her own debut at the level, for starters!). She’s also got her more seasoned horse, LCC Barnaby, with her this weekend, giving her double the chances to put those quick-riding cross country skills to the test for a strong finish.

Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Lillian Heard Wood and LCC Barnaby
17-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Guy Cavalier – Lady Tanjour, by Rafael)
Owned by rider

Another very experienced horse in the field, LCC Barnaby brings seven 5* completions to the table this weekend, having traveled the world with longtime rider Lillian. They were most recently 11th at Maryland last fall, where Lillian told us he’s felt better and better as he’s gotten older, allowing her to ride him more efficiently and lower his dressage marks in the process. He’s historically not been the most rideable horse across the country but once more, Lillian credits time and experience with him understanding the task at hand better each year. At 17, Barnaby is an older guy, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at him — he’s still got energy and spring to spare!

Erin Sylvester and Campground. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Erin Kanara and Campground
16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Forest Camp – Kneel)
Owned by Marnie Kelly

The cutest (okay, one of the cutest) elements of Campground’s story is the fact that when he isn’t out jumping around 5* events with Erin Kanara, he can be found gallivanting about with owner Marnie Kelly. Marnie is one of those incredible owners who just loves to see her horses doing what they love, and once she figured out that Campground wanted to be a superstar she handed the reins to Erin to produce him up the levels. They made their 5* debut together at Maryland last fall, finishing 15th overall and solidifying the off-track Thoroughbred gelding’s status as a true-blue event horse. Erin is another speed queen on cross country, and she’s seen some big tracks in her career. We wouldn’t be surprised to see Erin open the throttle come Saturday to go for a strong finish.

Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Abby Powell.

Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D’ysieux
18-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Balougran – Orenda D’Ysieux, by Mr Blue)
Owned by the Rubens D’Ysieux Syndicate LLC

A true unicorn exists among us, folks. At least, that’s what we like to call Rubens D’Ysieux, whose easily recognizable coloring makes him a fan favorite and whose jumping skills have earned him more than a few prizes in the jumper ring, to boot. Sara has primarily focused on short-format events with Rubens as he’s gotten older, an avenue he seems to relish. They wrapped up their 2022 season with a third place finish at the TerraNova 4*-S and are certainly a pair to watch this weekend. They’re capable of delivering a sub-30 dressage mark, and if they can also lay down two clear jumping rounds they could find themselves in that prize pot when the dust settles.

Dan Kreitl and Carmango. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Dan Kreitl and Carmango
10-year-old Westphalian gelding (Chirivell – Taramanga, by Templer GL xx)
Owned by Kay Dixon

Everyone loves a good amateur story, and you need not look further than Indiana native Dan Kreitl for a great one. Dan doesn’t keep a ton of horses in his string — Carmango is his top horse at the moment — but he’s made the most of it, even winning the USEF 4*-L National Championship in 2022. Dan’s wife, Alyssa, has battled a rare form of cancer for the past few years, and the couple also have two children at home in addition to a college housing rental business that keeps them busy. It’s one of those “make it work with what you can” situations, and Dan’s lucky to have the support of longtime owner Kay Dixon, who can even be found in the barn helping out with chores from time to time. It’s a true family affair, and the successes couldn’t have come to a nicer guy. Dan can typically be found at events wearing his signature green and with his Great Dane, Dwight, in tow, and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him without a big smile on his face, happy to be out with his much-loved horses experiencing the sport that keeps him grounded. This pair will lay down a competitive dressage mark, though show jumping has been more their nemesis. If they can leave the poles up Friday, they would be one to watch to grab a top finish here this weekend.

Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start
11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Deauville Van T L – Ishtar Van de Start, by Toulon)
Owned by Deborah Kuhn

This will be the second full season at the Advanced and 4* level for Mr. Cash van de Start and local rider Sarah Kuhn. This pair has been together since Mr. Cash was five, and he’s become her first 4* horse now with multiple finishes at both Long and Short format events. They capped off 2022 with a 10th place finish in the 4*-L National Championship at Tryon and have gotten off to a light start in 2023 with a couple of Intermediate starts. This pair has a great cross country record, though time might keep them from climbing too far up the board on Saturday. Nonetheless, the weekend offers great opportunity to get some 5* practice and acclimate to some heightened atmosphere.

Kendal Lehari and Audacious. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kendal Lehari and Audacious
10-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred gelding (Iron Man – Meagan’s Mayflower)
Owned by rider

Canadian rider Kendal Lehari has an exciting prospect for this year’s Pan American Games and potentially the Paris Olympics in the 10-year-old Audacious, who got his first taste of the Advanced level in 2022. Kendal has become a well-respected producer of event horses, bringing 13 along from unbroken or unproven to become international eventers. Audacious was purchased as a three-year-old, a part of Kendal’s program since the beginning of his career. This pair also competes in the show jumping arena when they aren’t out eventing. This weekend will likely be an educational focus for Kendal, who will be keen to get her rising star in front of some crowds in anticipation of bigger things yet to come.

Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX
10-year-old KWPN gelding (Vittorio – Elocia, by Ustinov)
Owned by Shannon and Alex Lilley

Californian-turned-East Coaster Shannon Lilley is another rider who’s earned herself a reputation as a producer of horses and has also represented the U.S. internationally at the Pan American Games. Ideal HX is the top horse in Shannon’s string, coming her way via breeder Stal Hendrix as well as Caroline Martin’s sales program. They first began competing at the 4* level in 2022, capping off the year with a top-15 finish at Morven Park’s 4*-L. Most recently, this pair was fourth in the Advanced at Rocking Horse.

Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Colleen Loach and Vermont
11-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Van Helsing – Hauptstutbuch Hollywood, by Heraldik xx)
Owned by Peter Barry

Canada is well-represented this weekend, adding Olympic rider Colleen Loach to the mix with her two top horses, Vermont and FE Golden Eye. Originally selected to travel to Italy for the FEI World Championships for Eventing in 2022, Colleen withdrew Vermont from the event due to a minor setback, but the pair is back and ready to get to it here in 2023. Colleen galloped to two top-five finishes at Grand-Prix Eventing in 2023, and we’ll look for her to do the same or even improve on those placings this year.

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye (CAN). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye
11-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Goldfever 3 – Cascade, by Contendro I)
Owned by Peter Barry, Amanda Bernhard and rider

Also quite the powerhouse in the show jumping arena, FE Golden Eye is a horse of many talents who we’ll likely see making the step up to the 5* level before too long. This was Colleen’s Pan American Games partner in 2019, and they’ve also represented Canada in Nations Cup competition. They were sixth in the very tough Lexington 4*-S at LRK3DE last spring and finished off their season with some jumper shows. “Monty” moved up from 16th to finish 7th last year at this event thanks to two clear jumping rounds. Can they do it again this year?

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B en route to the 2022 GPE win. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B
13-year-old KWPN gelding (Eurocommerce Washington – Paulien B, by Fedor)
Owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate

Our 2022 Grand-Prix Eventing winner needs little introduction. Boyd Martin took home an emotional win with Fedarman B, who he rides in honor of the late Annie Goodwin. Since taking the reins, Boyd has collected multiple top finishes with “Bruno”, who exudes a natural ability and generally affable demeanor that makes him a quality partner. It’s a bittersweet scenario for all involved, and there wasn’t a dry eye to be found when Boyd secured the win last year. This is a highly competitive pair who would also be one to tap for the upcoming Olympics, and it won’t be surprising if they manage to repeat their victory this year.

Boyd & Luke 140. Photo by Kim Miller.

Boyd Martin and Luke 140

12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Landos – Omega VI, by Limbus)

 Owned by the The Luke 140 Syndicate 

Where Fedarman B might be described as “affable”, stablemate Luke 140 might be described more as…not the most chill horse in the barn. He’s a freakish talent who came to Boyd’s program in 2019, and he was originally selected to be Boyd’s horse for the Tokyo Olympics before sustaining a minor injury that saw Tsetserleg step up to fill in. When he’s not trying to buck Boyd off, he’s quite the athlete who’s picked up three FEI wins to date. He had a light competition year in 2022, but Boyd will be aiming the 12-year-old gelding for a spring 5* event and will use this weekend to open up the pipes in prep for bigger goals.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg
16-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall II – Thabana, by Buddenbrock)
Owned by Christine, Thomas and Tommie Turner

Boyd’s Tokyo and FEI World Championships partner is back in action this year and stands as a positive threat to take the win from stablemate Fedarman B. “Thomas” is the little horse that could, one of those horses that might be unassuming at first but seems to grow a few inches taller when faced with a beefy cross country track. He and Boyd know each other quite well at this point in their lengthy tenure together, and this partnership has served them well with countless top finishes in both National and FEI competition. Show jumping would be the only “weak” link in the 16-year-old U.S.-bred’s repertoire, but Boyd works diligtently with coach Peter Wylde to coax the best possible results out of Thomas.

Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Doug Payne and Starr Witness
12-year-old KWPN mare (Chello III VDL – Carmen, by Veneur)
Owned by Laurie McRee, Catherine Winter and Doug Payne

The “Ginja Ninja” is back in action for 2023 after having a light 2022 and a winter spent honing the 12-year-old mare’s already-stunning dressage. This pair finished sixth in the USEF National 4*-L Championship at Tryon last fall to finish their year strong. Doug says Starr Witness would definitely be a supermodel if she were human (we agree!), and she actually got her start in the hunter ring before switching to eventing. This mare can throw down in the first phase, and she loves the challenge of cross country. If this pair can make the time, and if Doug decides it’s the right time to go for the win, we could be in for an exciting finish come Saturday.

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap
12-year-old DSP gelding (Quite Capitol – Report to Sloopy, by Corporate Report)
Owned by Doug and Jess Payne

The reigning USEF National 5* Champion, Quantum Leap, has stepped up wonderfully to fill the horseshoes of stablemate and Olympic veteran Vandiver, who was retired following Kentucky last year. Affectionately known as “Baby Quantum” for most of his younger years, you can’t quite use that name these days as the gelding has notched four 5*s to date, only finishing outside of the top 10 once. Quantum Leap also turned in his first sub-30 dressage mark at the 5* level at Maryland last fall, and he stands to be a serious contender for some prize money this weekend — especially if Doug decides to be bold with his line choices on cross country.

Doug Payne and Camarillo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Doug Payne and Camarillo
9-year-old DSP gelding (Chicardo – Rehobeth, by Riverman)
Owned by Patrice Jennings-Rado and rider

“Carl” is a relative newcomer to the 4* level, having moved up to his first 4* competitions in 2022. As he’s matured, he’s gotten more rideable and stands to be another competitive horse for Doug’s Pan American and Olympic bid. He’s got some improvement to make on the flat (as young horses go), but he’s shown greater strength and abilities as his career has progressed. This weekend will be an experience-building one for this gelding, who’ll be taking on the 5* test for the first time. Doug has three chances at a share of the $50,000 prize, and we’ll likely see him go for it more with his other two, more experienced horses rather than Camarillo.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Abby Powell.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights
17-year-old Thoroughbred cross gelding (BFF Incognito – Let’s Get It Right)
Owned by rider

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights can always be marked in the program as a fan favorite, and they make their return to Grand-Prix Eventing as they prep for their spring destinations. They last competed at Bromont’s Nations Cup leg, where they finished in the top 15 overall. Most eventing fans know that Covert Rights has a good amount of Clydesdale in his breeding — a fascinating tidbit that makes him quite the attraction!

Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight. Photo by Abby Powell.

Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight
11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Pot Blue – Making Moments, by Laughton’s Flight)
Owned by Linda Ledray and rider

Australian rider Ryan Wood has been partnered with the 11-year-old Cooley Flight for his entire FEI career, stepping up to the 4* event last year. They were fifth in the Morven Park 4*-L last fall. This weekend will also be an educational one for this pair, but they’re a good pair across the country and should make for a fun ride to watch on Saturday.

Thursday News & Notes

By on Mar 2, 2023 12:03 am -

Just a derp enjoying twirlers. Photo by Grace Evelyn.

It’s literally the first two days of the third month of 2023, and I’ve already lost track of how many times I have reported mischief on my farm. Specifically, the varied escape hijinks planned and executed by my very-much-not-retired-but-still-obviously-bored 22-year-old ex-4* horse, Nyls. Last night, I received a knock on my cabin door, and a report of horses running down the driveway. Honestly, I don’t even rush anymore because I know exactly WHO it is, and he will be caught when he feels like being caught, so running after him doesn’t make a difference. Jumping out, picking locks on stall doors and field gates, luring friends into bad behavior if he can…sounds like a great night to Nyls!

U.S. Weekend Preview

$50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Tickets] [Live Stream] [Scores] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Full Gallop Farm March Wednesday H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T (Altoona, FL): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Sporting Days Farm March H.T. II (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. (Paso Robles, CA): [Website] [Volunteer] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring]

News From Around the Globe:

Will Faudree has had his fair share of setbacks in his career, but he keeps on truckin’. In 1999, he suffered a traumatic brain injury, in 2004 his barn caught fire, in 2015 he broke his neck, and last year he shattered his foot in a cross-country fall. The foot was slow to recover, mostly because all of us equestrians push the boundaries a bit, but Will is back in action with both Pfun and Mama’s Magic Way, his two experienced 5* horses. Keep an eye out for him this weekend at Bruce’s Field! [Will Faudree’s 2023 Comeback]

How much can special shoeing decisions affect your horse’s movement? In this article, a veterinarian offers insight into how good farriery and strategic shoeing can affect movement. Shoeing can improve how a horse moves in the show ring in a few ways. When we can consider horseshoes’ impact on movement, we must consider three factors: conformation, hoof trim, and type of horseshoe. Read more and examine them separately so you can understand how each factor contributes to the whole. [Shoeing Improve Movement?]

Best of Blogs: Does Size Matter?

Last week, Florida jockey Manny Jimenez jumped an alligator in a race at Tampa Bay Downs. Riding Papa Jimmy, Jimenez took evasive action when he saw the alligator crossing the track towards an infield pond. He decided to swing wide, and jump the tail end instead of the biting end, and lived to tell the tale. [Florida Man: Horse Version]