Classic Eventing Nation

Ballynoe Castle RM’s Story Still Being Written

By on Dec 3, 2014 9:00 am -
Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry. Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Congratulations are in order for Carl and Cassie Segal’s Ballynoe Castle RM, who will be honored Saturday night at the USEA’s Annual Meeting and Convention awards banquet as the new U.S. Highest Scoring Horse of All Time.

“Reggie” takes the title with 1,377 points, just edging Kim Severson’s Winsome Adante’s 1,355 points; “Dan” held the title for eight years, a well-deserved honor for the three-time Rolex Kentucky winner and World and Olympic medalist.

And Reggie will almost certainly continue to widen that leading margin, as the 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Ramiro B isn’t ready to hang up his shoes just yet. So what does the future hold for Reggie, and how does his story end?

“The only thing that matters to me at the end of the story is that he is as healthy, happy and sound as he is today so that he can keep giving people joy — not by competing, but just being him,” his longtime partner Buck Davidson said.

Reggie has been competing at the Advanced level for six years now, and Buck said his 2015 season will start in the exact same way it has since 2008: “We’ll take him to Rocking Horse and see how he goes.”

As Buck put it, “there’s way more in the rearview mirror than the front windshield. There are absolutely no competitive goals for him at this point. He’ll tell us what he wants to do. Of course, you’d like to win Kentucky, but anything he does for us on the competitive field at this point is just a bonus.”

Indeed, Reggie has little to prove at this point. His FEI record is peppered with notable placings: 11th at Burghley in 2009, finishing just outside the top 20 at Badminton in 2011, 2nd at Rebecca Farm CIC3* that same year, twice 3rd at Plantation Field CIC3* and two top-four finishes at Rolex Kentucky.

“The thing that Carl and I are most proud of is not how many total points he has, but the consistency of his career,” Buck said. “If you look at that, it’s nearly 200 points for seven years in a row — that doesn’t happen. That’s the most impressive thing for me.”

Though Buck isn’t making any definitive goals for Reggie’s 2015 season just yet, he does have one very important competition on his schedule: serving as a leadline mount for super groom Kathleen Blauth-Murray’s daughters Riley, 4,  and Cara, 3.

“That’s one thing we haven’t won yet — a leadline class. Riley comes over with Kathleen just about every day, and she comes running into the barn,” Buck said. “She’s shy with me for a few minutes, and then she grabs my hand and we go out to see Reggie. Sometimes we brush him, and sometimes we give him a bath.”

Indeed, Reggie doesn’t exactly fit the mold of a typical four-star horse. Kathleen rode him down the aisle at her wedding earlier this year — flowers intricately braided into his mane — and now he’s preparing to make his debut as a leadline mount, with Buck leading him in the class, of course.

“The horse is part of the family. One of the things that he’s done more than anything else in my career is brought people together,” Buck said. “When it’s all said and done, it’s not about the wins and losses. It’s about the joy he’s given us and the way he’s brought people together. He’s going to be hard to beat in that leadline class.”

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By on Dec 3, 2014 12:01 am -
Everyone should send jingles to Tamie Smith's lovely ride Dempsey, who is recovering from a colic scare. Photo via Tamie Smith's FB page. Everyone should send jingles to Tamie Smith's lovely ride Dempsey, who is recovering from a colic scare. Photo via Tamie Smith's FB page.

All events for the year are officially over, and no more to be had until January. With that, my boredom has fully set in. Thank goodness that the folks over at Equiventures have already posted entry status for Ocala I, or I’d truly be going stir crazy. I’m also hoping for some interesting tidbits out of the USEA Convention in Dallas this week, which thankfully begins today.

FEI Global Preview:

Camperdown (AUS) CCI1/2/3*, CIC2/3* [Website]

Puhinui (NZL) CCI1/2/3* [Website]

Sinead Halpin is looking for the good instead of the bad. In Sinead’s latest blog for the Chronicle, she talks about the looking beyond the year’s hiccups to the better things that have happened. In particular, she talks about expanding her string and what she looks for in a prospect. [As A Matter Of Fact]

Katy Groesbeck is settling into her new home in Ohio. Lots of snow, and lots of independence is the theme of Katy’s latest blog. No longer part of a program, but now running her own, Katy is having to get used to creating the own rhythm of her day. [The Times They are A-Changin’]

USEA has teamed up with USRider for some tips for driving trailers in the winters. Whether migrating hundreds of miles to a winter base or just trailering around the corner for a lesson, USRider has some helpful tips to keep you  and your horses safe. [Winter Driving Tips]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Mentor Series and Meg Kep. This week Triple Crown Scholarship winners Kari Bellamy and Jamie Meiss talk about the mentor series. Then, the one and only Meg Kep! [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: I may not quite have resorted to putting up a stocking for my horse, many of you do! Paddock Cake Treats are a bit too costly for an everyday treat, but they are perfect for a special occasion like the holidays! As a bonus, they fit conveniently inside a stocking. [SmartPak]

With the southern hemisphere running two CCI3* events this weekend, I thought I’d bring you a taste of what it’s like to compete in New Zealand this time of year.

Product Review: Professional’s Choice 1200D 3/4 Neck Winter Blanket

By on Dec 2, 2014 4:30 pm -

Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.

One of the features that first drew my attention to the 3/4 Neck Winter Blanket was hands down the higher cut of the neckline. Which I personally like, because it gives a little extra coverage and protection from the elements. Photo by Lorraine Peachey. One of the features that first drew my attention to the 3/4 Neck Winter Blanket was hands down the higher cut of the neckline. Which I personally like, because it gives a little extra coverage and protection from the elements. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

As the temperatures continue to drop, my mind tends to be filled with many thoughts of outerwear. For me, that means coats and vests in various weights. And styles. And colors. So that I can pick and choose outerwear pieces that are appropriate for various activities — because I want to be able to stay warm and look great whether I’m mucking it up in the barn or heading out to a holiday party.

It should come as no surprise then for me to tell you that I expect my outerwear collection to be warm, functional and stylish. While those are the standards that I keep for my own outerwear, I also like to keep similar standards for my horse’s outerwear as well. OK … so blankets don’t really have to be stylish, but awesome colors or patterns are certainly a plus!

I have no problem admitting that I’m a bit of a “blanket freak”. So much so that I could probably clothe a small army of horses. Do I wish that I was kidding right now … yes. But I’m not. That’s life, and I suppose that there are worse things in the world than having a slight blanket obsession.

Even with his bodied up and "chunky" shape, the 3/4 Neck Blanket fits Roo in his normal size 84 very well - Photo by: Lorraine Peachey

Even with his bodied up and “chunky” shape, the 3/4 Neck Blanket fits Roo in his normal size 84 very well. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Living in Pennsylvania is quite lovely, though it definitely brings some cold temperatures during the winter months. Not nearly as cold as some parts of the country, but cold nonetheless. I make sure to have turnouts in multiple weights for each of my horses so that when I keep tabs on the temperatures, I can switch blankets to ensure that I can outfit them all in a weight that is proper for the weather that each day brings.

When the weather dips down into the 20s and 30s, I prefer to just leave heavyweight rugs on my boys. A well-fitting, heavy turnout blanket really does the trick on days that are chilly. Or windy. Or just plain snowy. Especially when the blanket’s outer shell also has a denier rating that is tough enough to stand up to the hijinks and playful antics of silly young horses.

This season, my young gelding Rufus has been weathering the cold temperatures wearing the 1200D 3/4 Neck Winter Blanket from Professional’s Choice. One of the features that first drew my attention to the 3/4 Neck Winter Blanket was hands down the higher cut of the neckline. Which I personally like, because it gives a little extra coverage and protection from the elements.

I've watched Rufus play in the snow. He runs. Drops it like it's hot. And rolls around a bit... Photo by: Lorraine Peachey

I’ve watched Rufus play in the snow. He runs. Drops it like it’s hot. And rolls around a bit … Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

The 3/4 Neck Blanket features a 1200 denier rip stop outer shell to tough out playful (and sometimes naughty) horse antics. The interior of the blanket contains a smooth-feeling nylon lining. And, it also features reinforced tapered seams, along with 300 grams of Holofil insulation to ensure warmth for your horse.

The front of the blanket has a traditional, adjustable double buckle closure, along with Velcro to keep the front blanket flaps in place. I also really like that the two adjustable belly straps of the blanket are able to be fastened on either side of your horse’s belly, which makes them quite convenient to use. The two elastic hind leg straps are also adjustable, and the blanket also features a protective tail flap as well.

From the first time that I outfitted Roo in the 3/4 Neck Blanket, I was pleased with the fit. I found that fitting and adjusting the blanket was simple. Roo’s normal size 84 fit his compact and “slightly chunky” body shape really nicely. While Roo is Dutch/Thoroughbred, his body type certain trended towards the warmblood side of his family tree. That being said, even with his bodied up and “chunky” shape, the 3/4 Neck Blanket fits him very well.

Roo hops up from a roll and flails. And then runs some more. The best part? Through all of those crazy antics, I'm happy to report that the blanket stays right in place! Photo by: Lorraine Peachey

Roo hops up from a roll and flails. And then runs some more. The best part? Through all of those crazy antics, I’m happy to report that the blanket stays right in place! Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

I like the way that the blanket does contour to Roo’s back, and the Gambler pattern of the blanket also looks extremely snazzy on my boy. The black and red colored hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds that are part of the styling look just terrific. They are lots of fun, and I feel like they give off a “tough guy” impression that is just perfect for Roo’s personality.

The buckles and straps of the 3/4 Neck blanket have also been very easy for me to adjust. Once adjusted and fastened, they hold the blanket in place nicely. So nicely, in fact, that I’ve watched Rufus play in the snow. He runs. Drops it like it’s hot. Rolls around. Hops up and flails. And then runs some more. The best part? Through all of those crazy antics, I’m happy to report that the blanket stays right in place!

And Roo’s playful personality also goes a bit further still. As in, he is totally one of those horses that likes to grab on — and pull on — his own blanket. Yeah. I still haven’t figured that one out yet. But even through the grabbing and yanking, Roo’s 3/4 Neck Blanket still looks great, and it hasn’t shown any sign of wear yet.

I also really like that the two adjustable belly straps of the blanket are able to be fastened on either side of your horse's belly - which makes them quite convenient to use. And, the blanket also features a protective tail flap as well - Photo by: Lorraine Peachey

I also really like that the two adjustable belly straps of the blanket are able to be fastened on either side of your horse’s belly, which makes them quite convenient to use. And the blanket also features a protective tail flap as well. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

The 1200D 3/4 Neck Blanket from Professional’s Choice is available in three color patterns — solid Black, Pebbles and Gambler (the pattern worn by Roo) — and is available in sizes ranging from 68-84″. Which is great, because I’m happy that it is available in a size that is large enough for my slighty chunky Roo.

And, as with many Professional’s Choice products, the 3/4 Neck Blanket comes with a 30-day Money Back Guarantee! Click here to buy.

Go Warm, Toasty & Stylish Blankets (that stay in place!). Go Professional’s Choice. Go Eventing.

Tuesday Video from SpectraVET: A (Naughty) Pony for Christmas

By on Dec 2, 2014 3:00 pm -

Every one of us wanted a pony for Christmas, are we right? We just hope the ponies who land under the tree this year are a bit more well-behaved than the one in this eBay commercial. We’ll be bringing you some more heartwarming videos of ponies delivered on Christmas as the holiday draws closer. In the meantime, consider this commercial a fair warning against bringing horses into your house.

Why SpectraVET?

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SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.

Sally Cousins’ Weekly Training Tip: Dealing With Disappointment

By on Dec 2, 2014 1:30 pm -

We are delighted to host Sally Cousins as our guest blogger, as she shares her wealth of knowledge with us in the form of weekly training tips. We hope these nuggets of information can be integrated directly into your program at home and can influence the way you ride and train your horses. Be sure to check out both the Sally Cousins Eventing website and keep up with her on Facebook.

Photo by Kasey Mueller

Photo by Kasey Mueller

All of us at some point during the year have an event where we get eliminated, do poorly or find a hole in our training we didn’t know was there. This can be hugely depressing and discouraging, but over the years I’ve developed some ways to mentally handle these disappointments.

The first thing I ask myself is, how big of a deal is this, really? If you or your horse are injured, clearly that’s a much bigger problem than if the horse was tense in the dressage, had two rails down in the show jumping or stopped at the water.  A technical elimination is hugely frustrating but obviously not a big training issue.

One of the things I do to keep myself from getting too depressed over a bad performance is to have the poor person driving home with me in the rig type into my phone all of the things that I learned at the event (even if it’s what didn’t work!). The next thing I do is write down all of the things I can think of to do to improve the performance or prevent the problem from happening again. This might include additional dressage lessons, planning a cross country school or setting up an appointment with the vet.

If it was a technical elimination, I consider the possibility that I was too tired, not focused enough or that I needed to walk the course an additional time. I refer to the list of solutions in the next week, and that helps me stay positive.

It works well for me to come up with a solution pretty quickly rather then dwell on the problem. This is part of the mental strength that is so important to develop as a rider. Lastly, I always remind myself that I am privileged to have the opportunity to ride at all and that this is still only a sport.

Dressage Half Marks + Other USEF Eventing Rule Changes In Effect Dec. 1

By on Dec 2, 2014 12:00 pm -
Philippa Humphreys and Rich N Famous at Millbrook. Photo by Jenni Autry. Philippa Humphreys and Rich N Famous at Millbrook. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The USEF has implemented several rule changes that went into effect on Dec. 1. You can reference the existing Rule Book here, and we’ve outlined the portions of each rule that have changed below.

EV106: Entries & Withdrawals, Section 2e

  • Entries must now be received by the end of the day on the closing date of the event. Previously, entries were only required to be postmarked by the closing date for acceptance.
  • NQRs earned at a Horse Trial or CIC must be achieved 10 days prior to the cross country phase of competition, or 24 days prior for a NQR earned at a CCI.

EV119: Athlete Representative, Sections 2 & 3

  • Each event organizer must designate an Athlete Representative out of those competing, with that athlete’s permission. The selection must occur prior to the opening of the cross country course for walking.
  • The Athlete Representative will serve as a liaison between the riders and the event officials, but does not remove the right of the riders to speak directly with officials.
  • The Athlete Representative may call a meeting before 6 p.m. the day before cross country competition for riders to discuss the course and any concerns they may have. The meeting minutes will be handled by the Technical Delegate and Athlete Representative.
  • Riders may appoint two other Athlete Representatives to facilitate discussion with the the officials and organizing committee. These additional representatives do not have to be competing at the event.

Note from the USEA: This added layer of participation by the Rider Representative does not in any way lessen the burden each competitor bears to actively voice his or her concerns either to a) the Rider Representative, who will then communicate said concerns to the Technical Delegate or President of the Ground Jury or b) directly to the Technical Delegate or President of the Ground Jury.

Further, competitors bear the responsibility in determining their own and their horse’s fitness, preparation and readiness. Communication of concerns to the Rider Representative, Technical Delegate or President of the Ground Jury does not remove nor shift that responsibility away from the rider. 

EV136: Dressage Scoring, Section 1 

  • Half marks, from 0.5 to 9.5, may now be used for both movement and collective marks, at the judges’ discretion.
  • Scores must be recorded using a decimal.

EV172: Additional Judges, Section 2 

  • At an Advanced Horse Trial, additional judges must carry the designation of either Senior (S) Eventing Judge or Registered (R) or higher eventing judge.
  • For Intermediate Horse Trials, additional judges must carry either Registered (R) or higher eventing judge or recorded (r) dressage judge designation.

EV173 : Technical Delegate, Section 1a

  • Advanced Technical Delegates must have Senior (S) status.
  • Intermediate Technical Delegates must have Registered (R) or higher status.
  • For National Three-Day Events, either the President of the Ground Jury or the Technical Delegate must have current Registered (R) or Senior (S) licensing.

EV175: Course Designer, Section 1

  • Advanced Horse Trials course designers must have Senior (S) status.
  • Intermediate Horse Trials course designers must have Registered (R) or higher status.
  • Preliminary and National Three-Day course designers must have recorded (r) or higher status.

Appendix 3: Participation In Horse Trials

  • A competitor or horse may be entered in a horse trial without the required qualifications provided the qualifications are achieved prior to the cross country phase on the following scale:
    1. 10 days for NQR achieved at a Horse Trial or CIC
    2. 24 days for NQR achieved at a CCI

Rule Strips Guatemalan Rider’s Medal at Central American & Caribbean Games [Updated]

By on Dec 2, 2014 10:30 am -
Pedro Guitterez at the Central American & Caribbean Games. Photo by Phyllis Dawson. Pedro Guitterez at the Central American & Caribbean Games. Photo by Phyllis Dawson.

A rule under the Pan American Games charter forced Sarka Kolackova of Guatemala to forfeit her individual bronze medal in eventing at the Central American and Caribbean Games held last month in Veracruz, Mexico.

Though Sarka finished on a score of 52.6 with Sir Royal, .6 penalty points ahead of Mexico’s Guillermo de Campo and Quelite, the rule does not allow more than two individual medals to be awarded to athletes from the same nation.

Because Sarka’s Guatemalan teammates Stefanie Brand and Carlos Sueiras won the individual gold and silver medals, the rule required the bronze medal to be awarded to Guillermo, the next rider in the standings hailing from a different country.

Gretchen Butts, a member of the ground jury at the Games, said the officials thoroughly searched the Central American and Caribbean Games’ Technical Manual for Equestrian and eventually determined the rule had to be enforced.

“This was explained to the teams, coaches and chef d’équipes, who all accepted the ruling, although I am not sure there was truly any option. … We all were very disappointed for (Sarka’s) ‘loss,’ if you will,” Gretchen said.

The rule, which can be viewed on page 44 of the Central American and Caribbean Games’ Technical Manual for Equestrian on the FEI website, states: “For individual placements, nations are not allowed to be granted all 3 medals. In case a single nations [sic] places first, second and third, the bronze medal will be awarded to the next best placed athlete of a different nation.”

The rule originated with the Pan American Sports Organization, which governs the Pan American Games, and the Central American and Caribbean Games also apply these policies, Catrin Norinder, FEI Director for Eventing & Olympic, said.

“The Pan American Games charter does not allow for more than two individual medals to be awarded to the same nation, and this rule applies to all sports, including equestrian, in these Games,” Catrin said.

Though the rule still impacts the Central American & Caribbean Games, it was abolished for the Pan American Games prior to the 2003 Games in San Domingo, TORONTO 2015, the organizing committee for next year’s Games confirmed.

But it did impact medals in equestrian at past Pan American Games, a scenario Peter Gray, who coached the Guatemalan team at this year’s Central American and Caribbean Games, knows all too well.

At the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, U.S. riders took the top three individual slots in eventing: Mike Huber in first, Emily McGowan in second and Packy McGaughan in third.

But because all the riders were from the same country, Packy had to hand his medal over to the next rider from a different country, which happened to be Peter representing Bermuda.

“Back then I was happy about the rule,” Peter said, as it meant he won the bronze medal even though he actually finished fourth on the scoreboard. But does he agree the rule should still be applied now to competitions like the Central American & Caribbean Games?

“The bronze medal should go to the third best person,” Peter said. “I don’t know why the Pan Ams should have a different rule than, say, the Olympics. You can’t take someone’s score away; it honestly doesn’t make sense to me. If the top three are all from the same country, then that’s still your top three.”

Peter had forgotten about the rule when it came time for show jumping at this year’s Central American and Caribbean Games — until officials informed him that Sarka could not receive her bronze medal.

“She was so disappointed,” Peter said. “Riders work so hard to get that result, and then to have it swept away from them — it seems so unfair. No one ever remembers who finished fourth.”

Sarka did not wish to comment for this story. Officials from the Central American & Caribbean Games and the Pan American Sports Organization could not be reached for comment.

What do you think, EN? Should this rule be abolished immediately? Is there any reason why all three medals should not be awarded to athletes from the same country?

This story has been updated with new information from TORONTO 2015, the organizing committee for the 2015 Pan American Games.

Central American and Caribbean Games: [Final Results] [Individual Medals] [Technical Manual]

Tuesday News and Notes from Cavalor

By on Dec 2, 2014 12:35 am -
Hufflepuff is staying cozy in Minnesota! Photo courtesy of St. Croix Saddlery Hufflepuff is staying cozy in Minnesota! Photo courtesy of St. Croix Saddlery

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and the Christmas lights have already gone up around my neighborhood. While I try my darndest to steer clear of shopping malls and big retail stores during the biggest shopping weekend of the year, I did do some Black Friday shopping at a few local small businesses to find gifts for friends and family. My favorite stop was St. Croix Saddlery in Hugo, MN. They had some awesome deals and fun contests going on, and the store was bustling with activity. The store’s “spokesdog” Hufflepuff was greeting customers left and right with her cheerful doggy grin and charming antics. Who can resist this adorable face?

News and Notes:

Build a turkey, win a Tipperary T2 Helmet! In the latest of our wacky contests, we’re asking you to build a turkey from random stuff (wheelbarrows, jumps, hay, grooming tools, saddle pads) found around the barn and send us a picture to win a Tipperary T2 Helmet. If your creation wins, so do you! Entries are due at midnight EST tonight. [Build A Turkey, Win a Helmet]

Lynn Symansky and Lillian Heard take on Twitter: The first ever #USEFTalk twitter Q&A will be this Thursday, December 4th, at 7pm CST (8pm EST). Lynn Symnasky and Lillian Heard will be taking over the @USEquestrian Twitter account and answering questions submitted using the #USEFTalk hash tag.

Beef, it’s what’s for dinner… or is it? After the infamous horse meat scandal of 2013, it’s no wonder that many people are uncertai about the contents of their meatballs and burgers. Fortunately, scientists have developed a new method for testing the source of raw meat to determine whether it comes from a cow or a horse. Faster and cheaper than DNA testing, this test measures the meat’s fat composition, since beef and horse meat have distinct chemical compounds. [Science Daily]

Town’s iconic horse statue stolen: “Phloxy,” one of about 20 life-sized horse statues in Germantown, TN, was stolen on November 22nd and was damaged in the process. Trip Trezevant, Phloxy’s owner, is searching for info leading to the statue’s return and requests that anyone with leads on the case should call Germantown police at  901-754-7222. [Commercial Appeal]

Endangered Nokota Horse needs your help: The Nokota Horse Conservancy, a nonprofit that seeks to preserve the rare Nokota breed, is facing dispersal due to limited funds. The Conservancy has turned to IndieGoGo, hoping that crowdfunding will help provide care for its horses and ensure the longevity of the breed. [Farm and Ranch Guide] [Donate at IndieGoGo]

Video of the Day: This little girl let her pet cow into the house and her mom wants an explanation. Let the “awwww”s commence.

Clipping Creations: Thanksgiving Hangover Edition

By on Dec 1, 2014 4:30 pm -

There’s nothing that says “horse person” quite as much as the sensation of a buzzing clipper in your hand for two hours straight, wearing a rain coat and rain pants inside the barn, and sneezing horse hair out of your nose for days. Yep, it must be clipping season. I want to see your amazing, entertaining, beautiful and clever clipping creations. Send me a picture that shows off your artistry and a little blurb explaining what it’s all about. Include the name of your horse, your name and where you are from. Email [email protected]!

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Tara, Cape Cod, Mass: “My name is Tara, and this is my horse Bailey. She is 28 years old; I am 31 years old. I’ve had her for 20 years, and every year Bailey gets clipped for the winter. About 5 years ago I gave her a full body clip and left a heart on her bum (one on each side). Then one heart turned into two and then three. The hearts became Bailey’s signature clip design every year. She became my real life “My Little Pony.” This year I wanted to try something a little different — swirls. Here are photos of trying something new and fun. Baileys signature hearts still made it on her … they forever will too!”

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Golly Tabatabaie, Ocala Fla.: I am a working student for Leslie Law and Lesley Grant-Law’s Law Eventing. I wanted to share a Union Jack I clipped into one of their horses “Colby,” also known as Tout de Suite! Colby was featured in an EN’s Got Talent in August.”

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Annika Markovich, Minneapolis, Minn: “This is my horse named Rory. His clipping is a flying rhino. There is a story behind his clipping. Rory is a Percheron/Thoroughbred cross. He is more Percheron than Thoroughbred, and my trainer nicknamed him “the flying rhino” after our first eventing show together. Rory and I will be moving up to Training level next season!”

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Lisie Veloso, Baltimore, Md.: “Wanted to share some of my clipping designs with you! This one is a teddy bear for my horse Tommy Boy.”

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Alexa Johnson, Davis Calif.: “This is Hank, and this year he got a trident because Poseidon is the God of Horses and Hank is a god in my opinion. We are on the UC Davis Three-Day Eventing Team!”

Monday Video from Tredstep Ireland: Gymnastics and Show Jumping with Ian Stark

By on Dec 1, 2014 3:00 pm -

As much as we would all love to clinic with every top rider imaginable, it just isn’t feasible for most. Fortunately, Eventing Training Online offers a insider’s look into the training philosophies of many exemplary trainers.

In their most recent episode, Ian Stark works with several riders over gymnastics and stadium jumping courses. Ian has a positive approach to teaching, which is evident in listening to him coach the riders. You can view more clips and learn more about the subscription service by visiting Eventing Training Online here.