Classic Eventing Nation

Buck Davidson Pulls Off Wedding Present Surprise for Andrea

By on Dec 1, 2014 10:30 am -
Andrea Davidson and Prim. Photo courtesy of David Frechette. Andrea Davidson and Prim. Photo courtesy of David Frechette.

Buck Davidson pulled off a big wedding present surprise for his new wife, Andrea, with the purchase of Escariz du Rona, a 5-year-old Dutch mare they found at JP Sheffield’s barn in England. But that’s just the beginning of the story.

How exactly did Buck buy the horse without Andrea figuring it out? It all started in the spring when Buck began talking about selling Knight Lion, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding he personally owned that had successfully campaigned at the Intermediate level.

“He really loved Knight Lion, and the horse was extremely talented. He had all the jump in the world. Buck would always say, ’This is going to be a top horse; I love him and love riding him,’” Andrea said.

So she was understandably confused when Buck decided to sell the horse. “When I asked him why he wanted to sell him, he said, ‘It’s just business. I have to sell him,’ but I was really kind of against him selling the horse because I knew how much he loved him.”

Buck ultimately sold Knight Lion to Sally Cousins in May, and that was that. A few weeks later, Buck and Andrea flew over to England, where they stopped at JP Sheffield’s barn in Leicestershire to look at horses.

“JP said he had a mare on the smaller said, and Buck said, ‘Perfect, pull her out,’” Andrea said. “So we looked at her, and Buck was saying he thought she would be perfect for me. But in my head, I was thinking, ‘I’m not in a situation to buy a horse.’”

Andrea rode her, and the mare was fantastic — “a beautiful mover and jumper with the attitude you want: super sweet and quiet.” They went back a second time to see her again, and Andrea said she kept thinking, “I’m not sure what we’re doing here. I love her, but I don’t know how this is going to happen.”

Buck kept saying the whole time that she had to have the horse, but never in Andrea’s wildest dreams did she think that actually might happen. They returned home to the States, and she forgot all about it.

“Then, suddenly, Buck was mentioning, ‘I decided to get her vet checked … She passed the vet check … We’re getting her … She’s your wedding present!’ And even then I thought it was one of his jokes,” Andrea said.

But when the mare arrived in the States a few weeks later and Buck told Andrea to come say hello to her new horse, she knew it was real. “It didn’t really hit me until I saw her in the barn, and he said, ‘This is your wedding present.’ That’s why he sold Knight Lion — because he wanted to buy me a nice young horse.”

Andrea said she’s incredibly thankful for such a wonderful gift. She and Buck decided to call the mare “Prim,” short for primrose, the yellow color they both wear on cross country. “We try to get horses in the barn that have really good brains and are athletic,” Andrea said. “So far she seems to be both.”

Prim is by the Belgian Warmblood stallion Quasimodo van de Molendreef, the well-known sire of Hello Sanctos, who won a show jumping team gold medal for Great Britain with Scott Brash at the 2012 London Olympics. She is out of Cadiz du Rona Z, who is by Carthago Z and out of a Voltaire mare.

Prim competed at a few BE90 and BE100 events with JP this season to start her eventing career, winning her BE100 class at Keysoe in August on a score of 29.5; click here to view her British Eventing record. Graham Gannon took some lovely photos of her competing at Homme House, which you can view here.

“She’s so easy going,” Andrea said. “You can put anyone in the barn on her. It will be fun to get to know her this season. I’m not in a hurry to rush her since she’s just coming 6. I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.”

You can watch Andrea and Prim’s first cross country school at the Florida Horse Park below courtesy of EN’s good friend Thehorsepesterer. We wish Andrea and Prim all the best as they start their partnership in Ocala this winter.

Kristen Bond Welcomes Son Beckham Ahead of Schedule

By on Dec 1, 2014 9:00 am -
Andrew and Kristen Bond welcome Beckham! Photo courtesy of Kristen Bond. Andrew and Kristen Bond welcome Beckham! Photo courtesy of Kristen Bond.

Babies, like foals, arrive precisely when they mean to, and Kristen Bond and husband Andrew welcomed their son Beckham Meyer Csik Bond on Friday ahead of her Dec. 21 due date, giving them much to be thankful for over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

“I went in for a routine doctor’s appointment, and through ultrasound they found that my fluid levels were dangerously low, so off to the hospital we went for a C-section,” Kristen said. Beckham arrived that day happy and healthy, weighing in at 5 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 19 inches long.

“He’s a strong athlete already and didn’t even need to go to the NICU,” Kristen reports. “I must say, now having experienced both riding around a four-star and childbirth, the latter is far far more terrifying! The reward, however, is worth every bit.”

Phillip Dutton has been campaigning Kristen’s horses during the pregnancy, and she is looking forward to getting back in the saddle again with an anticipated return to competing scheduled for the late winter or early spring.

Please join us in congratulating Kristen and Andrew on the new arrival!

 

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By on Dec 1, 2014 12:01 am -
Art therapy for Fizzy after a tumble a few weekends ago. Photo from Clair Thunes' Facebook Page. Art therapy for Fizzy after a tumble a few weekends ago. Photo from Clair Thunes' Facebook Page.

As much as we need the rain, I wish there was a way to schedule it for “during my work hours” rather than “on my weekend.” The biggest bummer about rainy weather is that it means more time between seeing barn friends and their kids. I’ll be very honest — I’ve never particularly liked kids, and I absolutely do not want any of my own, but sometimes they make me laugh. Clair’s daughter, Felicity, is one of them. She popped off a couple of weekends ago, and I kept meaning to share this doodle. We’ve all been there, Fizzy, more times than we care to admit!

North American Weekend Results:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. [Scores]

Monday 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 tomorrow. [Build A Turkey, Win a Helmet]

EN fan favorite Ballynoe Castle RM has leapt into the eventing record books as the highest scoring horse of all time. Reggie takes the crown from Winsome Adante, the retired 21-year-old three-time Rolex Kentucky winner, who held the title for eight years with 1,355 points. [More from nj.com]

How does one become a course designer anyway? Four-star rider Beanie Sturgis, two-star rider Helen West and course builder Lloyd Hunt are the three winners of a course-designing scholarship from British Eventing. The Course Designer Scholarship is now in its second year and is supported by the Bill Thomson Bursary, a charity that helps both new course designers and funds specific safety developments. [More from horsetalk.co.nz]

The University of Oregon’s equestrian team is booming. As a former Duck, it makes me smile to know that the school still fields a team. As recently as 2012 the team was in dire straits, having only eight members for both the western and hunt seat teams. This year the team has ballooned to 34 members and has been highly competitive. With the team consisting primarily of younger members, Oregon may be poised to become one of the top equestrian colleges in the country. Go Ducks! [More from dailyemerald.com]

Have you ever gone to look at a horse that was advertised as a certain height only to arrive and find that it was a total misrepresentation? Whether it’s a horse that was advertised as a solid 17.2 hands that might be 16 hands on his tippie-toes, or the “large pony” that is a solid 15.1 hands, it’s frustrating. If you are thinking about selling a horse, Don’t Be That Seller. Make sure you know how to take an accurate measurement. [More from thehorse.com]

Monday Video: Reggie makes easy work of the Head of the Lake at Rolex:

Five Must-See Things at the USEA Convention

By on Nov 30, 2014 4:00 pm -

Eventers from all over the country will be converging upon Fort Worth, Texas this week for the 2014 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention. The convention always welcomes riders of all levels, and it’s a great opportunity for learning, discussion, and rubbing elbows with some of the in the business.

EN will be in Fort Worth reporting on all of the action (and after-parties?), and here are five things we definitely don’t want to miss out on:

1. Show Jumping Workshop with Richard Jeffrey

Richard Jeffrey will be offering a full days’ worth of educational opportunity on Wednesday, December 3. Beginning with a classroom session in the morning and ending with a hands-on workshop in the afternoon, there will be plenty of knowledge to absorb for both riders, coaches, and course designers alike.

2. USEF Active Athletes Open Forum

Always a forum for engaged discussion and informative updates, the USEF Active Athletes Open Forum is an open meeting available to all who wish to attend. This year’s forum will be held on Thursday, December 4 and discussion topics often include updates on the High Performance Program and upcoming new initiatives geared towards furthering the sport on the international stage.

3. Rider Fitness Bootcamp with Daniel Stewart

If you missed our report on Coach Stewart’s sport psychology seminar from last year’s convention, you’ll want to catch up before you go. Daniel is well known for both his sense of humor and his valuable tips on fitness and psychology. His bootcamp will be held on Friday, December 5.

4. Rule Change Open Forum

With the new proposed rule changes coming down the pipe, the USEA is welcoming all feedback in the form of an Open Forum at this year’s convention. Many opinions, either for or against the rule change proposal, have been voiced since the announcement, and those in attendance at the convention will have the opportunity to discuss the change constructively in an open forum format. The forum will be held on Saturday, December 6.

5. USEA Year-End Awards

Who doesn’t love an awards ceremony? Horses and riders will be recognized at the ceremony for their achievements throughout the year. We think any excuse to dress up, participate in cocktail hour, and dance the night away is fair game. Throw in some wonderful people and their four-legged partners who are being recognized? Sounds like the perfect way to wrap up a great weekend to us. You can catch the awards on the evening of Saturday, December 6.

[USEA Convention]

How to Ride the Canter, Not the Distance

By on Nov 30, 2014 3:00 pm -
Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Sally Spickard. Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The dreaded jumping distance. Some people seem to have a natural eye for it, others seem to close their eyes and hope for the best. What is it about finding the elusive perfect distance that trips so many of us up on a daily basis?

Practical Horseman recently published a great article that focuses on finding a quality canter rather than obsessing over finding the perfect distance. Author Scott Stewart uses hunter rounds as an example – hunters always seem to establish a floating rhythm that seems to just carry them around the course, the distances coming up naturally with little to no effort from the rider to “fix” the stride.

So how do you achieve the rhythm that creates a quality canter and, therefore, a quality distance? Eliminating erratic riding to the fences – pulling until you lose all impulsion or gunning it for the long spot – is a big step.

By taking away the fear or apprehension associated with finding distances, the rider can then focus instead on the rhythm which will help those distances come up more naturally.

Scott goes on to recommend three simple exercises to work on developing a feel for the canter rhythm and recommends working on them consistently and even using just ground poles to eliminate stress as well as wear and tear on your horse.

“With repetition, you’ll start to do the very thing I told you not to worry about – see a distance out of different strides. When that happens, it’ll raise your overall comfort level with rhythmically taking back to add, loosening up and coming forward to leave one out, and making it all look the same.”

There are numerous great suggestions and exercises contained within Scott’s article, which you can read in its entirety here. Working on establishing and feeling a canter rhythm is a common struggle among riders, but with practice and dedication perhaps we can all ride hunter-worthy rounds in the near future.

[Never Miss Another Distance!]

With repetition, you’ll start to do the very thing I told you not to worry about-see a distance out of different strides. When that happens, it’ll raise your overall comfort level with rhythmically taking back to add, loosening up and coming forward to leave one out, and making it all look the same. – See more at: http://practicalhorsemanmag.com/article/never-miss-another-jumping-distance-11617#sthash.9fdqG92Z.dpuf
  • Lengthening and shortening on the flat will get you focused on a consistent, rhythmic pace.
  • An alternating five-and six-stride line will get you thinking about what you need to do to adjust within the rhythm for your horse’s natural stride.
  • A simple little hunter course will give you the feel of sitting still and keeping a steady pace all the way around.

– See more at: http://practicalhorsemanmag.com/article/never-miss-another-jumping-distance-11617#sthash.9fdqG92Z.dpuf

  • Lengthening and shortening on the flat will get you focused on a consistent, rhythmic pace.
  • An alternating five-and six-stride line will get you thinking about what you need to do to adjust within the rhythm for your horse’s natural stride.
  • A simple little hunter course will give you the feel of sitting still and keeping a steady pace all the way around.

– See more at: http://practicalhorsemanmag.com/article/never-miss-another-jumping-distance-11617#sthash.9fdqG92Z.dpuf

Sunday Video: The Foundations of Training with George Morris

By on Nov 30, 2014 1:00 pm -

Natural horsemanship trainer Jonathan Field and hunt-seat master George Morris have collaborated on a new instructional DVD series focusing on building solid, confident, and willing horses from the ground up.

In the trailer featured above, we get an inside look into Jonathan and George’s training philosophies, and how they utilize techniques from their respective backgrounds in training young horses. The DVD series looks interesting, and we think it may land on some Christmas lists before too long!

[The Foundation for Excellence]

 

Beat the Winter Blues With These 8 Goals

By on Nov 30, 2014 11:00 am -
The (in?)famous tennis ball exercise. Photo via Connor Husain. The (in?)famous tennis ball exercise. Photo via Connor Husain.

It’s a bit early to be making New Year’s Resolutions, but it’s never too early to get started on your list of things to work on over the winter. When there isn’t much going on in the way of competitions, it’s a good time of year to really buckle down and work on your relationship with your horse. We came up with a starter list of winter goals, but we’d love to hear your input. What will you be working on this winter? Comment below with your plan of attack!

1. Improve transitions

Are your downward transitions leaving something to be desired? What about your walk to canter transition? Or how about the transition between a working trot and a lengthened trot? There are many different aspects of your riding that will be improved by nailing your transitions.

As George Morris would say, jumping is simply dressage over fences, so maintaining a good transition is a big part of jumping success. Here’s a few links for your reference if you’re in need of some tips:

How To Improve Your Horse’s Transitions

Improve Downward Transitions

2. Jump something new! Chevrons, skinny fences, corners – find something new and exciting to add to your toolbox.

Even if you’re grounded to the indoor this winter, there are still ways to come up with new things to jump. Put two rails in a v-formation to make a corner, stand a barrel on its side or on end to create a skinny fence, or create related distances using small verticals or even ground poles.

Whatever your competition goals are, introducing yourself and your horse to new exercises will stave off the boredom and establish a stronger connection.

3. Perfect that 20 meter circle

The thought of endless 20 meter circles calls to mind the oh-so-popular David O’Connor exercise of using tennis balls to demand accuracy on the circle. David used this technique in his training sessions this year, and his goal of dressage excellence was clear.

Remember, a large part of every dressage test is accuracy. Are your circles round, or do they more representative of a vague attempt at making some sort of round shape? Do you hit the rail and letters at exactly the right time? All of these small parts can make or break a score when put together, so it’s important to focus on the tiny details now.

4. Work on that pesky shoulder-in or leg yield

Lateral work is often intimidating to many riders, as they immediately call to mind images of Valegro or Totilas executing perfectly extravagant half passes. We can’t all be like Valegro or Totilas, though, and that’s just fine.

Simple lateral work can help a stiff horse warm up and will assist with improving connection and communication. A responsive horse who moves willingly off the leg will respond better when asked to execute demanding rollback turns or cross country questions.

5. Do some bareback and/or bridleless work

On the subject of forming trust with your horse, a great way to do so is through bareback and/or bridleless work. Bareback is a natural first step in shedding tack, and many more will take it to the next level of channeling their inner Elisa Wallace and riding with just a neck strap.

These exercises are, of course, to be attempted at the rider and trainer’s discretion, but if you can work on this new take on naked riding, you’ll find that your partnership with your horse levels up and you’ll find a new way to pass the cold months at the same time.

6. Stretch it out! Teach your horse carrot stretches

Just like any other athlete, horses’ muscles need some warm up and cool down time. Stretching is vital to any fitness regimen, as it allows muscles to release acids and get a head start on rebuilding themselves. Many riders will warm up and cool down in a stretchy, long and low frame, and adding stretches on the ground is also helpful.

7. Take a few lunge line lessons

Lunge line lessons are a fantastic way to work on your position and effectiveness without worrying about whether or not your horse is going to run into a wall. If your horse prefers not to be on a lunge, perhaps there is a horse in the barn that does.

Personally, we feel we all need at least one vaulting horse in our barns for occasions such as these, but alas this seems to be a bit out of the realm of possibility.

Rider On the Lunge

8. Who says No Stirrup is limited to November? Not us!

November is almost over, but that doesn’t mean your no stirrup work must come to an end! On the contrary, implementing some no stirrup work consistently will do nothing but good for your overall fitness and position.

Who’s in for No Stirrup 2015? Don’t all raise your hands at once, now. Seriously, though, you never know when you’ll need those skills…

 

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By on Nov 30, 2014 12:01 am -
I can almost smell it through my monitor. Photo from Emerald Acres on Facebook I can almost smell it through my monitor. Photo from Emerald Acres on Facebook

As much as I enjoy holiday smells like Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas trees and hot cocoa, there are a few that I like way more. A fresh truckload of alfalfa is definitely in my top 10, as is rain. Rainy weather tends to bring along a few of my favorites as well. When it’s a rainy day, some of those other barn chores that were put off in the summer tend to get taken care of, and tack gets cleaned. Clean leather is one of those smells that I will always associate with the holidays simply because if I go out to the barn and clean tack, I come home to those other lovely smells. Magic!

North American Weekend Action:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Scores]

Saturday Links:

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 Tuesday. [Build A Turkey, Win a Helmet]

Salt Lake City bans horse-drawn carriages

A horse is a horse, of course, of course: Iconic 1960’s sitcom ‘Mister Ed’ on DVD

Horse-in-Hotel tradition continues in Canada, as Stamps’ fans invade Holiday Inn

Sable Island horses may face extinction 

$1000 reward for Wyoming horse hair theft tips

Sunday Video: A BBC commentator who’s been asked to cover the equestrian events at the 2016 Olympics has started taking riding lessons.

Selecting and Starting an OTTB with Evention TV

By on Nov 29, 2014 5:00 pm -

Horse shopping can be fun and stress inducing all at once, especially when it comes to selecting a green and unproven horse. Such is the case with purchasing an OTTB, who may have had dismal success on the track but has potential for a second career.

Browsing ads online is a great way to pass the time, but what exactly should you be looking for? We recently published a series on OTTB selection from CANTER PA’s Sue Smith (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), and now we’ve called in Evention TV for some additional tips.

First and foremost, what type of horse are you looking to bring home? What criteria will you use to select the horse that you want to go and have a look at? The video above goes into more detail about selecting your OTTB prospect. Remember, all of these tips can also be taken to heart when selecting any green horse or prospect – not just OTTBs!

When you get your new horse home, what are the first steps in starting him or her? What basics are important to start with? What happens when you get frustrated? This two-part video series on starting your OTTB is also beneficial when working with a new horse:

If you’re finding yourself a new horse owner this Christmas, these tips can help you really work on that bond so that you can come out ahead in the spring. That’s what winter is for, right?

Go OTTBs and Go Eventing!

Lucinda Green, Charlotte Dujardin To Be Celebrated at BT Sport Awards

By on Nov 29, 2014 3:00 pm -
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro. Photo courtesy of FEI / Arnd Bronkhorst / Pool Pic. Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro. Photo courtesy of FEI / Arnd Bronkhorst / Pool Pic.

The BT Sport Action Woman of the Year nominations are out, and dressage darling Charlotte Dujardin is one of 10 finalists for the year end award. Eventing great Lucinda Green will also be honored at the awards ceremony, and she’s jumped aboard the Valegro wagon as the public vote draws near.

The national television show in the UK is hosted by Claire Balding and will broadcast the results of a public vote for the Action Woman of the Year, among others. The nomination for this award carries significance for Charlotte, who said that “it is also great for the sport we love to be recognised in the mainstream … This would open up channels for investment which would be great for the next generation and this is so important to me.”

Lucinda Green has voiced her support of Charlotte and all of her and Valegro’s achievements, saying “Charlotte has that feel through her bones and being of how to bring out in a horse when she’s riding him what he can naturally do when free in a field. She can give a horse the balance, confidence, trust and understanding, gradually over the years, to be able to perform these different movements exactly on request.”

Host Claire Balding is also thrilled to have equestrian sport represented in this year’s awards. “Just three years ago, when I was asked what the ‘dark horse’ of London 2012 would be, I said ‘dressage’. The men on the panel all laughed,” she said in a British Eventing release.

The BT Sport Awards will air on December 10 for all of the UK readers. Voting is live now, and you can vote for Charlotte by clicking here.

[Lucinda Green Supports Charlotte Dujardin’s Quest for Title]