Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday Video Break: Go Eventing with Elisa Wallace and Lissavorra Quality

By on Aug 29, 2023 2:00 pm -

I love a great helmet cam, but I think I might love a vlog from a pro rider even more. There’s just something about getting to go behind the scenes and find out exactly how a top rider tackles a competition. Luckily, Elisa Wallace is one such pro who’s always willing to bring us along for the ride. In her latest vlog, she shares her weekend competing with Donna Biggs & Rosemarie Spillane’s Lissavorra Quality, a 7-year-old Irish mare by OBOS Quality.

Listen and watch while Elisa shares bits and bobs from each phase of competition at the Ocala Summer H.T., where they finished fourth in their Open Preliminary division.

You can find much more from Elisa on her YouTube channel here.

US Equestrian Announces The Dutta Corp./USEF Eventing High Performance Flight Grant Recipients

By on Aug 29, 2023 11:15 am -

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce The Dutta Corp./USEF Eventing High Performance Flight Grant recipients. Established for eventing athletes who are targeting the 2024 Olympic Games, the grants were awarded to Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS and Boyd Martin and Fedarman B.

US Equestrian awarded the two air transportation grants with a value up to $20,000 each to be used toward horse flight expenses for the combinations as they aim for Les 5 Étoiles de Pau CCI5*-L in Pau, France, from October 26-29, 2023.

The grant recipients have scored top results in 2023. Coleman (Ocala, Fla.) and Chin Tonic HS, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Hyperion Stud, LLC, won the Carolina International CCI4*-S and were 11th in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ CCI5*-L in the horse’s five-star debut. Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Fedarman B, a 2010 KWPN gelding owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate, won the Tryon International Three-Day Event CCI4*-S and were eighth in the Luhmuhlen CCI5*-L in the horse’s debut at the level.

“The Dutta Corp.’s support for US Equestrian’s eventing programs and Olympic hopefuls is influential in achieving the goal of earning medals on the international stage,” said US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney. “We are thrilled to present the travel grants to these talented U.S. combinations aiming for strong results abroad and a chance to represent their country in 2024.”

“We are delighted and honored to support our amazing human and horse athletes to compete at the world stage as we prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games podium,” said Tim Dutta, founder and CEO of The Dutta Corp. “We are humbled to give these fine horses wings.” 

About The Dutta Corp.

The Dutta Corporation is an international and domestic horse air shipping company founded by J. Tim Dutta that has been expanding rapidly since its inception in 1988. For more than three decades, J. Tim Dutta and The Dutta Corp. team has put the horse first and foremost. With state-of-the-art jet stalls and an expert team of grooms, The Dutta Corp. provides expert horse air transport tailored to serve the horse. The Dutta Corp. has delivered horses from around the world to and from top international competitions including the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, FEI World Equestrian Games™, FEI World Cup™ Finals, and is the Official Equine Air Transport of US Equestrian. We Give Horses Wings™

Galway Downs Gears Up for Unprecedented Eventing Championships This November

By on Aug 29, 2023 11:00 am -

Galway Downs’ main arena boasts unique spectator seating and a backdrop of flags representing an international array of competitors. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

As four eventing championships come to Galway Downs Nov. 1-5, the Robert Kellerhouse-led organizing team is preparing to blow up already high expectations about what’s possible in the West.

The day after California-based Tamie Smith and Mai Baum won the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day in April, the United States Equestrian Federation announced Galway Downs’ selection as host of two major Championships on the U.S. calendar: the 2023 USEF CCI2*-L and USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championships and the 2023 USEF Eventing Young Rider National Championships, presented by USEA.

In addition, Galway Downs earned hosting duties for the USEA Area VI Championships, which, for the first time, are open to contenders from other Areas – making it, in effect, a regional championship.

All four championships will be staged concurrently with the Galway Downs International Horse Trials. Thanks to early enthusiasm from sponsors and donors, $50,000 in prize money is already assured and $100,000 is a realistic goal as excitement builds.

The unprecedented simultaneous hosting of these four championships is a key milestone in Galway Downs’ remarkable ascent. Kellerhouse explains that he and his team waited for the right level of readiness before submitting their bids to host.

Galway Downs hosted the 2020 USEF CCI3-L* Eventing National Championship to rave reviews from top riders, including the winner, Boyd Martin. Martin had not visited the facility in many years and was impressed with the cross-country challenges. He described the standard of competition as “just as high” as it is in Europe.

Kick for home! Photo by Sally Spickard.

Better Than Ever

Since then, things have gotten even better. In addition to hosting international eventing competitions since 1999, Galway Downs now stages international dressage shows and three multi-week circuits of innovative hunter/jumper competition organized by Ali and Francie Nilforushan’s Equisport Events. The Nilforushans’ improvements have built on those of Galway Downs facility owner Ken Smith and equestian venue operator Robert Kellerhouse to set the stage for the highest level of equestrian sport, plus elegant spectator and social opportunities for that aspect of the equestrian lifestyle.

Galway Downs’ sponsors are key to its growth. CWD/Devoucoux, Land Rover Mission Viejo, Defender, Equine Insurance, Animal Health Solutions, Auburn Labs and Shires Equestrian are longtime Galway Downs partners. Adequan I.M. is newly returned as a gold-level sponsor and ProSeries Equine is a new addition to the sponsor roster for the Eventing Championships.

Excellent footing on the cross-country tracks is now matched in the eight arenas where jumping and dressage unfurl. The Grand Prix Ring has a world-class vibe with the VIP Pavilion on one side, grandstands on the other and low-key, yet luxurious gathering spots in between.

Riders appreciate the upgrades around footing and horse and rider safety, but Kellerhouse admits the fuss over dazzling new individual restrooms is off the charts. It might seem frivolous, but Galway Downs has risen in national prominence thanks to meticulous attention to detail and that includes the restrooms.

2021 Galway Downs International CCI4*-L winner Alexandra MacLeod & Newmarket Jack (PC: Tina Fitch Photography)

Federations Support

“One thing I can easily say is that Galway can and will put on a world-class competition that should be on everybody’s bucket list,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. Speaking specifically about young riders, he notes that aspirations to represent the U.S. in international competition should include a willingness to “get out of your element and compete in an unfamiliar Area and against the best. Many of our top athletes come from the West. If those in the East aren’t willing to travel there, they’re not going to be able to show how competitive they are.”

As a regular visitor to Galway Downs, Burk expects first-timers will be in for a pleasant surprise. “The footing on cross-country is so well prepared by the designers and builders. It is really some of the best footing to run on in the country. I almost feel like those riders are a little spoiled in that regard.

“I’m so impressed with the hospitality, the food, the VIP area and all the parties,” Burk continued. “They do a spectacular job with ‘normal’ events, so I can only imagine how great this is going to be.”

The USEF’s Managing Director of Eventing Amber Braun relayed the Federation’s enthusiasm. “US Equestrian is looking forward to Galway Downs hosting the 2023 USEF Eventing National Young Rider Championship presented by USEA, and the CCI2*-L and CCI4*-L USEF Eventing National Championships. The allocation of these Championships to the West Coast is an exciting opportunity for our athletes and sport. Spotlighting a quality West Coast venue such as this is important to support and continue to build the eventing presence in this region of the country.”

Angela and Cornwill Cormint at Galway Downs. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Social Scene

Social events start early and continue through the week.

On Halloween Tuesday, Oct. 31 – Champions dinner honoring all who have earned that distinction over Galway’s 24 years of hosting eventing competition.

Wednesday, Nov. 1 – Young Riders reception sponsored by MARS Equestrian.

Thursday, Nov. 2 – Eventing Owners Task Force dinner and a cocktails and course walk with Leslie Law, USEF Emerging and Development Coach; and Clayton Fredericks, Galway Downs course designer.

Friday, Nov. 3 – Welcome Reception for all competitors, sponsored by Pro Series Equine.

Saturday, Nov. 4 – Competitors Party in the VIP Pavilion.

James Alliston and Monkey. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Young Riders Showcase

Those who completed an Area Declaration and have met the qualifications and their Area’s Selection Process will compete in their own CCI1*/2/3* USEF Eventing Young Rider National Championship divisions for team and individual honors. They also receive free stabling, compliments of the USEA. To boot, if their scores are better than Open contenders in their division, they get the prize money!

They’ll jog separately and enjoy their own spotlight in prize giving ceremonies, all features of the Championship’s origins as an international FEI event.

Angela and Cornwill Cormint at Galway Downs. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Area VI Says “Bring It On!”

With the Area VI Championships happening, too, Area VI chairman Andrea Pfeiffer is excited about the opportunity for local riders and those from surrounding regions. With the unusual decision to allow out-of-Area contenders, the Area VI Championships are hoped to build into a strong regional championship.

“Anyone can try to beat our kids,” Pfeiffer says. “Bring it on!”

On behalf of all members in the Area, Pfeiffer is excited about the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs’ ability to showcase the West and one of its venue jewels. “There are so many exciting things happening at Galway, they have spent a lot of money putting the infrastructure in place, and it will be fun to show this venue off.”

Whatever level riders are contesting, “They are going to understand why we West Coasters do so well when we travel east to compete,” notes Pfeiffer. “We have amazing facilities where you can produce a horse to the highest level. Tamie (Smith) has been very clear about that. She did not travel east to prepare Mai Baum for their Land Rover Kentucky win.”

Tamie tops a long list of West Coast-based riders who rely on Galway Downs and other West Coast facilities as perfect prep for their international accomplishments. James and Helen Alliston, Bec Braitling, Lauren Billys Shady and Hawley Bennett-Awad are among many to launch national and international achievements primarily in the West.

They welcome contemporaries throughout the country to come and compete on their home turf and enjoy the region’s renowned camaraderie, beautiful backdrops and lovely weather. Thanks to wonderful on-site lodging options, all of that can be enjoyed without leaving the 242-acre Galway Downs property.

Keep up with Galway Downs as a Galway Gazette e-news subscriber. Sign up at www.galwaydowns.net, where you’ll also find event, venue and location information, plus competition results.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Aug 29, 2023 8:13 am -

The last time I went to Burghley was just earlier this month, when I got to see the course for the first time – but even then, the place was an extraordinary hive of activity and a lot of building work. Putting on an event of this scale takes a tonne of manpower and countless hours, days, weeks, and months — and so this very cool Timelapse posted by the event this morning feels important to acknowledge as we head into competition week. Kudos to the Defender Burghley team — here’s hoping it’s a great one!

Events Opening Today: Poplar Place Farm October H.T., Pine Hill Fall H.T., Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, Radnor Hunt H.T.

Events Closing Today: The Vista Fall YEH/NEH Qualifier, USEA MDHT YEH Qualifier, Marlborough H.T, Otter Creek Fall H.T., Flying Cross Farm H.T., The Event at Skyline, Aspen Farm H.T., The Fork at Tryon, GMHA September H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

What’s on today at the American Eventing Championships? There’s no need to go deep-diving for that info in the omnibus — US Eventing has rounded it all up for you! Check it out here.

So many of us learned to ride in a riding school. For a huge number of us — myself included — it was only because riding schools offered the option to work off lessons that I was even able to get an education in the saddle. For this reason, and many others besides, it’s sad and frightening that riding school proprietors are facing their hardest times yet, with many facing closure — or already shut. Find out why.

Speaking of riding schools and riding school adjacent things: horse camps. Oh, man, horse camps. I have so many fond memories of my early teens, being trusted to help run the camps at the Appaloosa show stable I was helping out and riding at. It was great fun, and also completely and utterly exhausting. We were somehow all drawn on — the ponies, the counsellors, the campers themselves — and the only place to find refuge was at the very top level of the hay barn, where you could slide into a gap with a friend and have lunch while whispering, giggling, about stable gossip. Reminisce on camp – or share in the misery – with this piece.

I loved Marguerite Henry’s books as a kid. So did writer Susan Friedland — and she even grew up riding some of the same trails as the author. That inspired her, much later on, to dive down the rabbit hole of Henry’s riding life and personal life, and the journey she went on in doing so is a fascinating one. Happy riding, and happy reading!

Sponsor Corner: Did you follow the action at Great Meadow International? After many withdrawals, 7 out of 22 pairs were left to tackle the cross country course. Recap all the action at the link. Coverage sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products.

Watch This:

Check out the seriously tough challenge at the Trout Hatchery at this week’s Defender Burghley Horse Trials!

How to Follow the USEA American Eventing Championships All Week Long

By on Aug 29, 2023 8:00 am -

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Today marks the beginning of an epic week of eventing at the iconic Kentucky Horse Park, which plays host to the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds both this year and in 2024.

The schedule for AEC is staggered, with horses arriving and starting competition throughout the week. Today we’ll see the first divisions — Intermediate, Preliminary, and Modified — get us formally underway with their dressage competition. Advanced and Training begin tomorrow, Novice begins Thursday, and Beginner Novice begins Friday.

If you can’t be here with us in person, never fear! The USEA has teamed up with Horse & Country to provide a live stream — some portions of which will be shown at no cost — throughout the week. Here’s a look at the full live stream schedule (click here to access the main live stream page):

You will need to have an H&C+ subscription (use code EVENTINGNATION15 to get 15% off your annual membership!) to view some of the live stream.

Stay tuned here and on our Instagram (@goeventing) for much more from on the ground at #AEC2023!

#AEC2023 (Lexington, KY): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

EN’s coverage of #AEC2023 is brought to you by hometown hero Kentucky Performance Products and Ocala Horse Properties.

US Equestrian Announces Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Netherlands CCIO4*-NC-L

By on Aug 28, 2023 4:06 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the four combinations selected to represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Netherlands CCIO4*-NC-L hosted in Enschede, Netherlands at the Military Boekelo-Enschede from October 5-8, 2023. The U.S. combinations will be led by Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law.

– James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) and Karma, a 2014 Oldenburg mare owned by Alliston Equestrian and Ric Plummer
– Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Denim, a 2015 Holsteiner gelding owned by Caroline Moran, Ann Lapides, Neil Sites, and Ann Jones
– Cassie Sanger (Wilmington, Del.) and Fernhill Zoro, her own 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding
– Jennie Saville (West Grove, Pa.) and Connory, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Nina Gardner, Timothy Gardner, and Jennie Saville

The following combinations have been named as team alternates and are listed in alphabetical order.

– Jenny Caras (Buckhead, Ga.) and Trendy Fernhill, a 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elyse Eisenberg
– Cosby Green (Lexington, Ky.) and Jos UFO de Quidam, a 2008 Argentine Silla gelding owned by Heather Morris
– Andrew McConnon (Vass, N.C.) and Wakita 54, his own 2013 KWPN mare
– Madison Temkin (Lexington, Ky.) and MVP Madbum, a 2013 Thoroughbred mare owned by Madison Temkin, Beth Brown, and Brian Brown

The competition will begin with the dressage phase on Thursday, October 5, and Friday, October 6. The cross-country phase will take place on Saturday, October 7, over the course designed by Adrian Ditcham (GBR). The final jumping phase will conclude competition on Sunday, October 8, over the course built by Kris van Gelder (NED).

Event website | Schedule | Entries and results

Tune in live on ClipMyHorse.TV/FEI.TV with a ClipMyHorse.TV Premium Membership. USEF Subscribers, Competing Members, and Fans receive a 10% discount on ClipMyHorse.TV Premium Memberships. Find out more information.

Monday Video: Kitty King Walks Key Combinations of the Burghley Course

By on Aug 28, 2023 3:30 pm -

Welcome to another five-star week and the first of the fall season! Just two more sleeps until the Defender Burghley Horse Trials kicks things off with the first horse inspection on Wednesday, so naturally we’re obsessed with getting every possible little peak at this year’s Derek di Grazia course ahead of Saturday’s always-exciting cross country action.

Tilly already brought us the inside scoop on Derek’s use of the famed Burghley terrain, courtesy of a drive around the course in an actual Land Rover Defender, and now, courtesy of Horse & Hound, we’re getting a rider’s assessment of some of the key combinations on course. Fresh off collecting individual silver and team gold at the 2023 European Eventing Championships with Vendredi Biats, Kitty King walks the lines and shows us what those tackling the course this weekend will need to keep in mind.

Keep your eye on Horse & Hound‘s YouTube channel as they may be posting more sneak peaks early this week and if you’re able to pick up a copy of the August 24th issue of Horse & Hound magazine you can read Kitty’s thoughts on every fence. And of course, stick with us here on EN for much more to come from England’s big fall five-star!

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Program] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Kentucky Warm-Up? Competition Nerves? Listen to Ride iQ’s Equestrian Mastermind for Insights!

By on Aug 28, 2023 1:00 pm -

I have often wondered what is going through a top rider’s head when they head out of the start box in pole position, or how they maintain complete focus in the dressage arena as they reach the end of their test at a championship to maximize points. While eventing is undoubtedly a physical sport, it is even more a mental game. You can have all of the physical and athletic qualities as a horse and rider pair, but if your mind is not in it, you cannot succeed. So what do top riders think as they are walking courses, warming up, and on course at a competition? How do they handle mental blocks, pressure, and fear?

Ride iQ’s newest podcast series, “Equestrian Mastermind,” gives us some answers to these questions. Tamie Smith, Will Faudree, Jon Holling, and Sinead Halpin Maynard joined sports psychology coach Natalie Hummel for four sessions to speak about the mental side of the sport.

The first two episodes focus on “Visualizing Greatness” and “Relationship with Fear.” In the first episode, Natalie prompts the group to talk about the visions they have for their career and what might stand in the way of their success. They discuss various topics related to inner and outer goals and the steps they must take to achieve those goals, including:

• What would they want out of the sport if fear wasn’t a factor?
• What challenges do professionals face in their personal and professional lives?
• What are the next steps to get past any roadblocks and closer to a goal?

The first episode also includes a visualization exercise that gives clarity to what type of support each athlete needs. In an amazing twist, that visualization exercise actually comes to life about a month later in competition for one of the riders—but you’ll have to listen to figure out which one, and what big event they are referencing. In the second episode, the riders discuss various topics related to their relationship with fear and learning to embrace it. One of my favorite moments from this episode was when the riders were talking about what they fear when they are competing. Will Faudree stated eloquently that he does not fear failure; rather, he actually thinks that he fears success. This insight was perplexing. Isn’t success the point? Why would someone fear success? But the idea made sense: with success comes expectation, and thus more pressure. I understood exactly what he meant.

The final two episodes are titled “Window of Capacity” and “Mastermind Finale.” There is a section in the third episode when Tamie frankly and transparently explains what it was like to have two rails down at Aachen in 2021, and what she did to change her plan and strategy so that when she warmed up at the Kentucky Three-Day Event this spring, holding the lead, she could jump a clear round. Her analysis of the mistakes she made was incredibly humble. In the finale episode, the riders reflect on their experience of doing these sessions together. Each rider receives feedback from all of the other riders in the group, as well as Natalie.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum at Kentucky.

A number of times as I listened to these podcasts, I stopped and thought, “wow.” Hearing how top riders struggle with their emotions is grounding. Hearing how open the riders were with each other (and with the public, knowing that these episodes would be available to everyone) was unbelievable. Listening to them process questions, feelings, and challenges made me realize something: they are just like us. These riders are just people. They are business owners, they are parents, they are partners. They are struggling, they are learning, they are winning, and sometimes they are losing. While their goals happen to be things like winning five-stars (a goal Tamie achieved between episodes 2 and 3 of these podcast recordings, which was an incredible touch), in the end they are only human. They talk about how they don’t feel good enough, how they need to adjust their systems to do better, and how financial constraints are impacting their ability to perform. They admit that they can lose their cool in certain situations. The people we look up to also have challenges, doubts, and mishaps. The Equestrian Mastermind podcast humanizes them.

You can listen to the Equestrian Mastermind podcast for free here or on Ride iQ’s subscription-based app, which also provides hundreds of audio lessons from top coaches to its members. Thank you to Tamie, Will, Sinead, and Jon for their candor and thoughtfulness throughout the Mastermind sessions. It is a privilege to learn from the best in every aspect of this sport.

Weekend Winners: Great Meadow, Shepherd Ranch, Town Hill

By on Aug 28, 2023 11:30 am -

With a busy weekend leading into the AECs, we saw plenty of action at Great Meadow International, as well as out west at Shepherd Ranch, and up north at Town Hill.

Congrats to all on a successful weekend, with a special shout out to our Unofficial Low Score Award Winner, Britt Sabbah and Delilah! Britt and Delilah scored a 23.7 in the Open Introductory at Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T.

MARS Great Meadow International (The Plains, VA): [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

CCI4*S: Caroline Pamukcu and King’s Especiale (44.2)
CCI3*S: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Vamonos (28.9)
CCI2*S: Michael Pendleton and Adorrado (29.4)
Preliminary A: Lizzie Hoff and Cooley On Show (38.3)
Preliminary B: Ema Klugman and FVF Wildflower (31.6)
Piedmont Equine – CCI2s Under25: Katie Lichten and HTS Jensen R (31.4)
Piedmont Equine – CCI3S & 4S Under25: Mia Farley and Invictus (48.1)

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. II (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Results]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Barbara Crabo and Electric Daisy (39.7)
Open Preliminary: Sarah Cullum and Rebel’s Lancelot (42.5)
Preliminary/Training: Payton Piearcy and Geronimo (27.3)
Open Training: Michlynn Sterling and Carrigfadda (28.6)
Training Rider: Kylie Scott and LC O’Shawnisee (32.9)
Training/Novice: Tammy Weber and Take The Shot (43.4)
Novice Rider: Keelari Mauzy and West Coast Cooley (28.3)
Open Novice: Lexie Thacker and Kowenna (26.2)
Novice/Beginner Novice: Brooke Avila and Beejah (25.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Lola Pierce and The Red Baron (36.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Meghan Lewis and Ringmaster (23.8)
Grasshopper: Ava Sisk and Sassybutclassy (30.6)
Open Introductory: Britt Sabbah and Delilah (23.7)
YEH-4 Year Old: Allyson Hartenburg and CUPIDO VAN DE HOGE DIJKEN Z (84.6)
YEH-5 Year Old: Andrea Baxter and Nicolai Van de Heering (84.6)
Training TIP: Jennifer Kessler and Battle Cry SLK (47.8)
Training/Novice TIP: Tammy Weber and Take The Shot (43.4)
Novice TIP: Reese Wahlberg and Happy on Empty (48.3)
Beginner Novice TIP: Maxance McManamy and Van Cortlandt (35.3)

Town Hill Farm H.T. (Lakeville, CT) [Website] [Results]

Preliminary: Emma Lomangino and Master Frisky (32.5)
Training: Nataleann Gore and Risky with Whiskey (31.0)
Novice A: Madison Lyn Dorval and Kwatro KW (29.6)
Novice B: Lydia Sarro and Clive Christian (25.0)
Novice C: Booli Selmayr and LKD Leamore (Jackson) (29.7)
Beginner Novice A: Abigail Reiners and Quincy (28.7)
Beginner Novice B: Morgan LaRosa and Vegas Showgirl (30.9)
Beginner Novice C: Emma Lomangino and Ti Amo (24.7)
Beginner Novice D: Tara Astacio and Money to Burn (27.7)
Starter A: Payton Neumyer and Parker (25.0)
Starter B: Spencer Stickles and Skippingandajumpin (28.0)
Starter C: Erin Furler and Shadow of Night (28.3)
Starter D: Nicole Hornblower and Horton (Shorty Town) (27.0)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Aug 28, 2023 5:39 am -

At Scotland’s Blair Castle International, top-level sport wasn’t the only thing on the agenda (actually, very far from it – you should see how many rings and competitions they’ve got on the go up there!). Beyond all the high-flying action was a great initiative to help promote equestrian sport in Scotland, and part of their efforts included a course walk with friend of EN, Jamaican eventer Lydia Heywood. Lydia’s an outspoken advocate for diversity in the sport, which we love, and she’s also a business-minded, savvy woman who’s always looking to bring the sport to larger audiences. We love seeing her being put in the position of ambassador for eventing.

National Holiday: It’s Honey Boo Boo’s birthday. Apparently these days she’s at college, studying nursing. The more you know.

U.S. Weekend Action:

MARS Great Meadow International (The Plains, VA): [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. II (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Results]

Town Hill Farm H.T. (Lakeville, CT) [Website] [Results]

U.K. Weekend Results:

Defender Blair Castle International (Pitlochry, Perthshire): [Results]

Scottish Grassroots Eventing Festival at Blair Castle (Pitlochry, Perthshire): [Results]

Shelford Manor (Shelford, Notts.): [Results]

Wellington International (Hook, Hants.): [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

I can think of few riders more deserving of a broadsheet long read than Nicola Wilson. And that’s not just because of the extraordinary drive she’s shown following her spinal injury last year — though that’s certainly the focal point of this piece in The Times, which sees her tackle the tough topic with tetraplegic journalist Melanie Reid, who also sustained her injuries while riding. The two women in conversation make for a real powerhouse read, and while it’s behind a paywall, it’s well worth signing up for a free trial or a short-term membership just for this one. [Life after a spinal injury]

Here’s a novel one: a donkey with a pacemaker. After a number of fainting incidents, the two-year-old donkey was diagnosed with bradycardia — a too-slow heartbeat. In what is the first instance of this kind of use of a pacemaker in a donkey, vets were delighted to report that seventeen months later, all is well with the donk and there have been no repeat occurrences of his fainting spells. [It’s all quite impressive, actually]

When it comes to feeding, there are a few rules we all know to be true. Feed to a consistent schedule, for one thing; be careful feeding alfalfa, for another. But what if these aren’t actually the truisms we think they are? Get ready for some feed-room myth-busting with EQUUS. [How’s your nutrition knowledge?]

Turns out, we’re all actually vets. Kind of. Okay, maybe not so much — but being a horse owner definitely does necessitate learning how to spot, diagnose, and treat a number of little ailments, most of which are gross and most of which give us all minor heart attacks every time. This funny piece reminds us all how ridiculous the whole thing sometimes is. [An ode to gazing at snot colours]

Morning Viewing:

Sneak a peak at some Burghley fences with Kitty King: