Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Aug 22, 2023 2:39 am -

Welp, somehow we’re here again: kind of, inexplicably, nearing the tail end of the season, and with it, looking ahead to the events that fill its final month. I’m basically having a full-blown existential crisis today because Maryland, the penultimate 5* of the year, opens its entries today — and while I can’t wait to see who’ll line up at this amazing competition, I’m also crying inside that it’s nearly time to pack up for the winter. (Also, between those 67 amazing Burghley entries, a Blenheim that’s swiftly stacking up with names, Maryland to come, Pau to follow in the week after, the Pan-Ams looming, and a European Championships just behind us…do we have enough horses?! Watch this space, I guess!)

Events Opening Today: MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, Ocala Fall Horse Trials, WindRidge Farm Fall H.T., Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T., Miami Valley H.T. at Twin Towers, The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm

Events Closing Today: Applewood Farm YEH & Mini Event, Larkin Hill Fall H.T., CDCTA Fall H.T., Flora Lea Fall H.T., Five Points H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

It’s not often we see journalists interviewed, but this one’s an interesting one. I’ve bumped into Jan Tönjes plenty of times while reporting around the world, and on his journey from young professional rider to respected magazine editor and media multi hyphenate, he’s picked up a few (million) observations about equestrian sport at large, including eventing, on the way. Find out more about them here.

For a lot of reasons, keeping horses out 24/7 just isn’t always doable. I did it for several years with my mare — while feeling guilty every time the weather took a rough turn — but now, due to lack of grazing, she has to spend half her time in the stable. If you’re faced with similar boxing requirements, never fear: there are ways you can improve the experience for your horse and reduce stress. All it takes is a little bit of knowledge about the science of stabling and horse psychology.

One thing that IS made easier by stabling? Keeping bright whites sparkling. (Well, most of the time, anyway, unless you have a horse who likes to rest his delicate paws on fresh piles of poo.) In any case, if you have a chrome-y type, getting them looking their best is probably one of your most constant headaches. Steal a few tips from the pros and make your next outing (relatively) stress-free.

I’ve really been enjoying Rosie Napravnik’s blog en route to the Thoroughbred Makeover. I’m not enjoying it any less now that she’s announced her intention to defect from this year’s competition. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is sit a plan out, even if that plan was our big annual goal. Sometimes, it really helps to get in another rider’s head and find out why they made that call in order to bolster our faith in our own decision the next time we need to pull the plug. Get inside Rosie’s here.

Sponsor Corner: The fall season is in full swing and boy is it busy. The Defender Burghley 5* Event is right around the corner! Check out the newly released order of go. Coverage of Burghley is sponsored by our friends at Kentucky Performance Products.

Watch This:

Eventing folks have been trying to get into the mainstream for, well, ever — and this documentary designed to do just that from the 1980s is an interesting insight into how far we’ve come, and how far we have left to go.

Monday Video: Tackle a First Advanced for Ellie Frederick’s Talented Mare

By on Aug 21, 2023 4:00 pm -

Ellie Fredericks (yes, Lucinda’s daughter!) has a new Advanced horse in her barn after Aston le Walls in July.

While Ellie has had the honor of competing her mother’s Advanced stallion, Britannia’s Mail (Jaguar Mail — Headley Britannia) since the 2020 season, she was also able to acquire her own project late that same year. Pure Trendsetter, an Irish Sport Horse mare (Future Trend — Touch Base) now also part-owned by Liz Hills and Chris Emmett, came to Ellie as a green five-year-old without any prior eventing experience. Since their first rides together, Ellie and “Trendy” have rapidly climbed the levels and were selected to compete in the 7-year-old division at the FEI Eventing World Breeding Championship for Young Horses at Le Lion D’Angers last fall, where they finished 27th our of a very large field and Ellie was the youngest jockey competing.

In the video above, you can join Ellie and Trendy for the mare’s first time tackling an Advanced cross country course. Ellie’s commentary throughout the course is a fascinating peek at her insightful approach to their round.

Weekend Winners: Caber Farm, The Event at Archer, Waredaca, Genesee Valley, Ocala, & Full Gallop

By on Aug 21, 2023 1:30 pm -

Another solid weekend in the books for Eventers across the country, as we saw competitors out and about in Washington, Wyoming, Maryland, New York, Florida, and South Carolina.

Congratulations to all on successful rides this weekend, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Rachel Brickman and Whiskey Cavalier, who scored an impressive 19.7 in the Sr. Open Novice C division at Caber Farm H.T. Well done!

Caber Farm H.T.: Website | Results

Open Intermediate: Anna Collier and Blue Time (69.1)
Open Preliminary: Devin Robel and Gillou (27.4)
Jr. Open Training: McLaine Mangum and Grantstown Mr. Big (34.6)
Sr. Open Training A: Karen Lounsbery and Ikon HTF (29.5)
Sr. Open Training B: Reese Blinks and Lowmax (24.8)
Jr. Open Novice: Brianna Philipp and Rubiella DSF (27.5)
Sr. Open Novice A: Bailie Corless and Just Mister (28.4)
Sr. Open Novice B: Katy Hood and Padric (26.7)
Sr. Open Novice C: Rachel Brickman and Whiskey Cavalier (19.7)
Jr. Open Beginner Novice A: Karlynn Copley and Amiee (34.7)
Jr. Open Beginner Novice B: Amélie Luyties and CC Gipsy King (33.8)
Sr. Open Beginner Novice A: Elizabeth Hansen and Yellow Wolf (29.2)
Sr. Open Beginner Novice B: Sherry Swanson and Keegan (24.4)
Sr. Open Beginner Novice C: Devin Robel and Crown And Coke (28.1)
Open Starter A: Maiti O’Brien and Hillside Kannonball (22.3)
Open Starter B: Linda Lamprecht and IC Full Monty (28.3)
Open Starter C: Samantha Higginbotham and Astoria (27.7)

The Event at Archer: Website | Results

Intermediate CT: Amy Bowers and Del Mar Belle (35.5)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Madeline Backus and Baratheon (33.0)
Open Preliminary: Kimberley Castro and Athenian Conqueror (40.8)
Modified: Victoria Poulton and Starlingh (41.8)
Modified – Championships: Finley Powell and Fernhill G.I. Joe (50.2)
Open Training: Ryleigh Leavitt and Gemini Ferrari Red (33.1)
Novice Amateur: Lara Hunter and Penance (32.5)
Novice Junior: Kara Miller and Chesterland’s Knockout (31.1)
Open Novice: Sara Windley and Georgia Peaches (26.1)
Beginner Novice Amateur A: Lacy Cotton and Clintos (23.4)
Beginner Novice Amateur B: Elizabeth Gillmor and Expecto Patronum (31.3)
Beginner Novice Junior: Xanthe Hailey and Glinda Good Witch (40.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Madeline Backus and P.S. Levi Wilson (23.4)
Starter: Ryleigh Leavitt and One Rugged Dollar (31.7)
Starter Amateur: Iris Davidson and Jack (37.1)
Starter Junior: Addy Dunlap and Peachy Keen (34.3)
Tadpole Junior – Championships: Dagny Brault and Leda Atomica (43.0)
Tadpole Senior – Championships: Ingrid Hofmeister and Berklee (27.0)

Waredaca Farm H.T.: Website | Results

Intermediate: Kelly Ransom and Heart of Hollywood (39.4)
Open Preliminary: Caroline Pamukcu and Billy Be Jolly (26.9)
Preliminary Rider: Carlin Keefe and Point Nemo (37.3)
Modified A: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Hooligan (32.6)
Modified B: Molly Sherman and Winsome (32.3)
Open Training A: Alex Reed and Kayan (30.5)
Open Training B: Martin Douzant and BSF Frame Charleston (25.7)
Training Horse: Daniel Clasing and Excel Star Aurora (33.3)
Training Rider A: Sophia Stolley and BWE Stopping Waves (33.3)
Training Rider B: Laura Hilliard and Ballarin Shanado (31.2)
Novice Horse: Payton Myers and Pop of Class (27.2)
Novice Rider A: Gillian Smith and Red Cloud (23.9)
Novice Rider B: Silvio Pappalardo and Pure Biz (23.9)
Open Novice: Logan Dickson and Rejected (25.3)
Beginner Novice Horse: Rebecca Barber Tyler and Gold to Blue Marcelo (25.6)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Lindsey Morris and Lucky Charm (25.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Lauren Record and Fairlight Mickey Finn (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Mia Farley and High Noon (23.1)
Young Event Horse – 4 Year Old: Diego Farje and EQ Scorpio (76.100)
Young Event Horse – 5 Year Old: Jennie Brannigan Saville and Grand Finale (83.700)

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T: Website | Results

Preliminary: Sarah Pyne and Dirhon C (43.5)
Preliminary – Championships: Rachael Gill and Chance for Love (43.9)
Modified: Jackson Dillard and Layla Q (31.8)
Modified – Championships: Carol Kozlowski and Welbourne (50.9)
Training: Jocelyn Hawe and Dunmore (35.0)
Training – Championships: Melissa Alaimo and Fascinating Rhythm (42.7)
Novice A: Sandra Holden and Sir Teddington (32.8)
Novice B: Michele Sult and Country Risk (29.1)
Novice Horse – Championships: Carol Kozlowski and Kieran (24.4)
Novice Rider – Championships: Siri Carr and Foxtrot Treacle (33.9)
Beginner Novice A: Joy Tomlinson and FMF Memphis King (31.1)
Beginner Novice B: Marcia Kulak and Pantheon (25.9)
Beginner Novice Horse – Championships: Laurie Hudson and Falco (26.3)
Beginner Novice Rider – Championships: Clara Bond and Beaverwoods Dandelion (29.4)
Starter A: Siobhan Costello and Holden (32.3)
Starter B: Makena Howe and Baldur (24.7)
Starter C: Sophie Alaimo and Toby (30.0)

Ocala Summer H.T. II: Website | Results

Advanced/Intermediate: Jonathan Holling and Juczt My Style S (30.9)
Open Intermediate A: Cornelia Fletcher and Daytona Beach 8 (33.0)
Open Intermediate B: Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start (36.4)
Open Preliminary A: Elisa Wallace and Renkum Corsair (24.8)
Open Preliminary B: Waylon Roberts and Fernhill Salt Lake (29.6)
Preliminary Rider: Rory Frangos and Victor B Z (35.0)
Modified – Open: Alyssa Phillips and Keep Calm (29.1)
Modified – Rider: Cindy Rawson and Evening Melody (33.1)
Junior Training Rider: Pippa Worden and Glendening Phalon (33.7)
Open Training A: Dana Cooke and FE Monte Carlo (26.9)
Open Training B: Natalia Neneman and Lagans Ricardo Boy (29.3)
Senior Training Rider: Lisa Hickey and Blackjack (30.2)
Junior Novice Rider: Rebecca Holcomb and Honey Roo (56.9)
Open Novice A: Claire Anderson and Natural Wonder (27.9)
Open Novice B: Zachary Brandt and Vandalia (25.6)
Senior Novice Rider: Valli Corbin and Napoleon Z (30.0)
Junior Beginner Novice: Rebecca Holcomb and Laki Lio (35.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Brie Seltser and Paris in Color (30.6)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Tiffany Stewart and Crimson Clover (31.9)

Full Gallop Farm: Website | Results

Preliminary: Kimberly Keeton and Keysoe (33.1)
Training: Claire Roddy and Goodness Gracious (31,8)
Training/Novice: Susan Faulkner and HelloHello (28.1)
Novice: Samantha Reinbold and Donald Drake (27.5)
Beginner Novice: Jane Dorsey and Perfectly Polished (20.9)
Starter: Lara Shelnutt and Mr. Dreamy Eyes (27.3)

First Look at Burghley’s Order of Go

By on Aug 21, 2023 12:01 pm -

With just 10 days until the start of the Defender Burghley 5* event, the order of go has been announced, with the best of the best competing for the prestigious title.

Harry Meade and Away Cruising. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Great Britain’s Harry Meade will be the pathfinder for the 2023 event, with either Away Cruising or Red Kite. Oliver Townend and Wills Oakden will follow as the first three to kick off the event.

For the United States, the first rider out of the box will be Boyd Martin with On Cue, leading the way prior to seeing Jennie Saville, Will Faudree, Tiana Coudray, Grace Taylor, and Boyd Martin again.

Boyd Martin and On Cue. Photo by Abby Powell.

It’s a strong field for this year’s event, with the top three Badminton riders competing. We’ll see newly crowned European Champion and 2023 Badminton winner (with Lordships Graffalo) Ros Canter with Pencos Crown Jewel, a partnership that saw a top ten finish at Badminton earlier this year. Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class are also in the line up, coming off of a strong season so far, placing second at Badminton, and second in the 4*S at Alnwick in July. Badminton third-place partnership Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue will also throw their hat into the ring.

The full order of go can be found here.

Rosalind Canter and PENCOS CROWN JEWEL during the Cross Country phase, Badminton Horse Trials, Gloucestershire UK 7 May 2023

It will be an exciting event, and a close race for the $300,000 in prize funds. You won’t want to miss the action – you can follow along by subscribing to Burghley TV, which is a small purchase of about $25.40/£20, and you can pick up your pass here.

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

EN’s coverage of Burghley is presented by Kentucky Performance Products. Click here to learn all about their full line of science-backed nutritional support products, including Neigh-Lox Advanced for digestive support.

Olympic Champion Helps Germany Claim the Belgian Leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™

By on Aug 21, 2023 11:30 am -
Gold medalists - Team Germany - Calvin Bockmann; Julia Krajewski; Libussa Lubbeke; Emma Brusseau at the prizegiving for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023 - Arville (BEL) Copyright Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography Gold medalists - Team Germany - Calvin Bockmann; Julia Krajewski; Libussa Lubbeke; Emma Brusseau at the prizegiving for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2023 - Arville (BEL) Copyright Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography

In a nail-biting cross-country finish Germany claimed The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ in Arville (BEL) by just 0.3 of a penalty over home side Belgium. Their victory was massively helped by a strong performance from Julia Krajewski, the individual gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics. The 34 year old was also the individual winner of the CCIO4* competition, after jumping a super double clear on her impressive nine year old Holsteiner stallion, Nickel 21. The German performed well as a team, leading throughout to achieve a score of 103.2. Although four very strong and fast cross-country performances left the Belgians breathing down their necks with an overall score of 103.5. New Zealand presented an experienced team of riders all of whom were established at 5*, to finish third on a score of 116.4.

Hans Melzer, chef d’equipe of the winning team was delighted with the German performance, particularly after a year that has been somewhat up and down for German riders.

“This year sometimes we were unlucky in Nations Cups and at Aachen but this one was important because we had three long-listed riders for the Europeans (Championships) which are all to go to Blenheim. It was good to show here because it’s a hilly event and we don’t have so many of those in Germany so it was good preparation for the rest of the season. What they showed today was very good cross-country riding.”

“Julia (Krajewski) was with her younger horse which was his third time at 4* and is a horse maybe for the future. He will go to the long (CCI4*-L) at Boekelo and the other three were all younger riders from our prospective group based in Warendorf, and it was good to see the younger ones competing here and really attacking.

12 national teams from three continents came forward to compete at the Nations Cup in Arville, which is one of Belgium’s most prestigious equestrian events. The event as a whole attracted riders from as far afield as India, Morocco and Australia. Melzer highlighted the significance of the Series and why the event had proved so popular with riders from all over the world.

“The Nations Cups are super events because every rider is proud to ride for their country. It’s a good competition and especially here we have 12 nations so it’s like a little championship. It’s really great with atmosphere and a super course. I think it’s important we keep these Nations Cups going the whole year in every country because when you have enough riders you can test riders in a team and the team order and everything that they learn being part of a team.

“It was a real four star. It’s not too big but it was very technical with many questions and the country is really hilly. The second part of the course is up and down and up and down. We had 114 starters here which was unbelievable but the facilities are super, we had good weather, the ground is perfect so you could go and try to ride the time because there was no risk. It’s very good here in Arville.”

With the electors weighing up options for next year’s Olympics, events like these become more significant and Melzer will continue to assess their performance as these German team riders will now head to Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (GBR) in September. “I think Julia will have a definite Olympic chance and the others are good enough when they have a good result here and then Blenheim ahead and there is a chance to put them on the long-list.”

When asked if the Germans can rise once again as the dominant eventing nation, he responded “The Germans did very well at the FEI World Championships in Pratoni and now the Brits are the strongest team in all ways. Our team must work everything at 100% and maybe we have a chance. It’s important to give the younger rider a good plan, that’s how they have a chance to come to the top and where they ride, how they train, with whom they train. We have our very good system in Germany since 2002- our prospective group and three of our riders today came through this system. And in the past Julia Karajewski, Sandra Auffarth and Frank Ostholt, they all came out of this group and for the future this is a good thing we have as we train a group of riders always together and they get more experienced and more confident.

Our North American neighbors finished in 12th place, with Katherine Malensek leading Team Canada as the highest placed Canadian rider, finishing 53rd on a 52.9 after adding a handful of cross country and jumping time penalties and two rails. Hanna Bundy and Lovely Assistant scored a personal best in dressage, adding a cross country jump penalty, time, and a rail to their score to finish 73rd. Kendal Lehari and Mitchell additionally picked up cross country jump and time penalties, as well as three rails in the show jumping to finish 80th. Kendal Lehari and her second mount, Audacious, were eliminated after a rider fall. Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit incurred an automatic elimination in the show jumping for incurring 20 or more obstacles penalties. The Canadian team will still be looking for an Olympic qualification for Paris 2024.

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ action now moves to the final event of the Nations Cup Series which will play out at Boekelo (NED) (4-8 October). The Belgians continue to lead the Series with 600 points overall.

Final scores from Arville can be found here and team standings here.

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Aug 21, 2023 6:56 am -

 

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A post shared by Jérôme Robiné (@jerome_robine)


One of the most exciting parts of a championship is the newer faces and names that work their way through to the business end of the leaderboard – or simply make a statement about who they are, and why you need to keep an eye on them, with a seriously excellent display of riding and horsemanship. I’d like to think that devoted readers of EN will already be aware of Germany’s Jérôme Robiné — after all, we’ve covered him quite extensively over the last couple of years at events such as Luhmühlen and Aachen — but still, to crack the top ten with the biggest of names, as he did at the FEI European Championships, is no small feat. Rewatch his XC round to find out why we’re so excited about him and his ‘COVID project’, Black Ice, and to feel that buzz of excitement that he did upon hearing the legendary Lucinda Green praise his horse. It’s all very cool stuff, actually.

National Holiday: It’s National Tooth Fairy Day today. Imagine if a similar concept existed for lost shoes. We might all actually be able to afford to get them tacked back on.

Major Global Events:

Arville CCIO4*-S: [Website] [Results] [Watch On Demand]

US Weekend Action:

Caber Farm H.T.: Website | Results

The Event at Archer: Website | Results

Waredaca Farm H.T.: Website | Results

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T: Website | Results |

Ocala Summer H.T. II: Website | Results

Full Gallop Farm: Website

Your Monday Reading List:

Here at EN, we know Allie Heninger as one of our badass team of editorial staff. You, though, might be more familiar with her by her social media presence as The Autoimmune Equestrian (or from the brilliant column she started and runs here on EN, ‘Come As You Are’!). Like many of us, Allie’s entire identity growing up boiled down to her sense of herself as a horse girl, whether training an unruly young Bashkir Curly in rural Alaska or tackling the eventing circuit – but when a bout of low energy, prevalent illness, and body pain sent her and her doctor down the rabbit hole towards an autoimmune disease diagnosis, everything changed. Or did it? One thing we all love about Allie is that she’s all about adapting and overcoming, and it’s not slowed her down. Check out her story here.

It’s been impossible to escape football fever over the weekend in the UK. And rightly so: for the first time ever, the Lionesses — the English national women’s football team — made it to the final of the World Cup, far surpassing their male counterparts’ efforts since the 1960s. While they didn’t ultimately win (that accolade went to Spain), they did just about unite a nation, which was pretty cool. And, thanks to H&H, we also found out that captain Millie Bright actually intended to be a professional rider, rather than a footballer. Meet her here.

We all love a good save photo, but actually breaking them down into the mechanics of WTF happened is pretty fascinating, too. That’s what Molly Koch did after seeing this photo from show ‘tog Charlie Mann, who captured her slithering out the back door after a refusal in the water, before somehow managing to find her way back aboard and go on to a top ten finish in the event. Now, she’s deep-diving into the little details to help improve her performances, and her horse’s comfort. Check it out.

The devastating wildfires in Maui are affecting horses, too. Fortunately, the Foundation for the Horse has stepped in to raise vital funds and provide aid for horses and their people – and you can help with their mission here.

Morning Viewing: 

Treat yourself to a long rewatch of yesterday’s cross-country from the Nations Cup at Arville!

Eventing Europeans Cross-Country Pathfinders: Meet The Superstar Pair Who Rocketed 49 Places

By on Aug 20, 2023 4:04 pm -

If you paid attention to the leaderboards during the 2023 FEI Eventing European Championships, you may have noticed Ireland’s Sarah Ennis make an unprecedented leap from 54th to 5th place during cross country. Ending the competition in 14th position due to an unfortunate two rails dropped in show jumping, she and Grantstown Jackson (Clover Brigade – Winning Lass xx, by Right Win xx) were the second fastest in the field on cross country, adding only 2.4 time faults in a race where only eventual champion Ros Canter pulled off a double-clear.

Listen in to Sarah’s approach and methods to tackling this impressive course here in this video from Horse & Hound.

Quick Guide to Ice Therapy: An Excerpt from ‘Physical Therapy for Horses’

By on Aug 20, 2023 1:17 pm -

In this excerpt from her book Physical Therapy for Horses, equine physical therapist Helle Katrine Kleven explains how the application of ice done early and correctly can minimize the extent of an acute injury.

Photo by Maximilian Schreiner.

Ice therapy is applied for all acute injuries—for example, bone, tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries (bruising, sprains, strains, fractures). In addition, in the case of an acute injury, ice is the most helpful and least expensive application there is.

Effects

The result of an injury is destruction of tissue and blood vessels. With an open wound, blood exits the wound. With an internal injury, blood enters surrounding tissue. Internal injuries result in swelling and hemorrhaging, leading to pain and a slowing of the healing process. This type of injury can be treated with ice effectively.

How Ice Affects Injured Tissue

The immediate application of ice to an acute injury triggers a response in the blood vessels surrounding the wound. The vessels contract, which leads to less bleeding in the area. And, in order to keep bruising (hemorrhaging) at a minimum, your goal is to stop additional bleeding into the injured tissue.

A few days after an injury, you enter the subacute phase of healing. During this phase, you need to increase circulation again. Ice can be useful here, too, but it needs to be applied with great caution.

Application

Important: Don’t use ice directly on the skin. Always position a damp, thin cloth between the ice and the body part to avoid injury to the tissue. (Note: This rule does not apply when using the “ice lollipop,” since it is in constant motion, as I describe in the tips below.)

Acute Injury

In the case of an acute injury, it is your goal to stop the bleeding into the injured tissue. This means that the quicker you start treating an injury with ice, the better.

First, use a bandage or your hands to apply light pressure to the “internal wound” from the outside. Immediately afterward, apply the ice. In this way, you can compress the blood vessels, which suppresses swelling and bleeding. A superficial injury to muscle, tendon, or ligaments requires an application of ice for about 10 minutes, followed by a 20-minute break. Apply light pressure during the break. Repeat the application until bleeding in the tissue has stopped (two to four times).

Important: It is important to adhere to the times during the application. If ice is applied to the acute injury for too long, the body will register the cooling and will reopen the blood vessels in order to help the cold tissue. The result is that even more blood reaches the injured tissue and even more hemorrhaging occurs.

Subacute Phase

After a few days, should swelling and inflammation occur, you can continue treating with ice, but with different treatment times. Otherwise, you should stop treating with ice. During the subacute phase, you should use a “short ice” application, meaning, ice is now applied for short intervals only, since your objective is now to increase blood flow. The ice is applied for 1 to 3 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This pattern is repeated four to six times. The short cooling of the tissue increases cell activity and blood flow, but it also decreases the production of substances responsible for inflammation.

Again, it’s important to adhere to the times described here because applying ice for too long can actually injure the tissue: nerves can be irreparably damaged, lymphatic vessels can be destroyed, and cell activity can be decreased.

Ice Timing:

  • Acute muscle injury: 10-minute icing, 20-minute break.
  • Acute tendon and ligament injury: 10-minute icing, 20-minute break, as often as possible during the 48 hours directly following the injury.
  • Subacute injury: 1- to 3-minute icing, 5-minute break, four to six repetitions.

Photo by Maximilian Schreiner.

A Few Tips

Pure ice cubes made of water are well-suited for injuries. I always use the disposable ice cube bags. These can be directly applied by wrapping them around the leg and holding them in place with polo wraps. But remember: please use a damp towel/cloth between ice and leg.

Be careful with gel ice packs. They quickly lose their cooling ability and then actually start accumulating heat from the body. Heat is the last thing you want on an acute injury since it increases circulation!

You can also put wet towels or bandage liners in the freezer and then wrap them directly around the injury. They don’t hold cold very long and start storing heat after a while.

To create an “ice lollipop,” fill a paper cup with water and put it in the freezer. When the water is frozen, cut away half of the paper cup. Now you can massage the affected area of your horse for some time, without your fingers getting too cold. When you move the ice lollipop in small circles, you massage and cool the affected area at the same time. This is a great alternative to other ice applications. As mentioned, since the ice is in constant movement, you can apply it directly to the skin.

When You Shouldn’t Use Ice

The following injuries and changes in tissue are a contraindication to any treatment with ice:

  • Open wounds
  • Chronic damage to blood vessels and lymph vessels
  • Injury to nerves

This excerpt from Physical Therapy for Horses by Helle Katrine Kleven is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books (www.horseandriderbooks.com).

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on Aug 20, 2023 12:01 am -

I’m currently in the beginning of a month-long endeavor where my horse is going to be getting a lot of one-on-one “quality time” with my trainer, so coming across this deal with RideIQ got me pretty excited. We here in the mountain West get few opportunities for clinics, but we try our best and do manage to get some bigger names out here a few times a year. A lot of the people I ride with have really taken to RideIQ for all that in-between time, especially while our trainers may be busy living the back-and-forth life to events out of state. I’ve been wanting to start a membership for the last year, but this deal has come at a perfect time — I think I will finally take the plunge and start my own month of “quality time” with some of the top riders featured on this awesome app.

Major International Events:

FEI Eventing Nations Cup, Arville: Website | Live Scores | Live Stream

U.S. Weekend Action:

Caber Farm H.T.: Website | Entry Status | Ride Times | Live Scores | Volunteer

The Event at Archer: Website | Entry Status | Ride Times | Live Scores | Volunteer

Waredaca Farm H.T.: Website | Entry Status | Ride Times | Live Scores | Volunteer

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T: Website | Entry Status |Live Scores | Volunteer

Ocala Summer H.T. II: Website | Entry Status | Ride Times | Live Scores | Volunteer

Full Gallop Farm: Website | Volunteer

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Standing Ovation: The Foundation for the Horse dedicates $10,000 to support feed and hay relief for equines impacted by Maui, Hawaii, wildfires

The Future Champions Competition: Young Riders, but FEI

Climate Change and Sport Horse Management

Should You Put Your Horse In Your Online Dating Profile?

Regrouping Between Horse Shows

Weekly Pick from SmartPak: Need a new pair of Piper Breeches? Save up to 75% on breeches (and so much more) with SmartPak’s big summer clearance event.

Morning Viewing: Speaking of clinic season, here’s a clip from the queen of dressage herself, Charlotte Dujardin, on how to ride the perfect corner in dressage.

Dispatches from the Thoroughbred Makeover: 404 Entered; Digital Catalogue Now Live

By on Aug 19, 2023 2:13 pm -

Allison Thompson and Cactus Willie, 2017 Thoroughbred Makeover eventing champions. Photo courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project.

The 2023 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium at the Kentucky Horse Park is still a couple of months away, but now, we can tell you with some certainty that a whopping 404 horses will be aiming to take part in this year’s competition, a figure that’s been confirmed with this week’s close of entries. You can take a look at the entries, which include a huge number of eventing prospects, here.

With the release of the entries has come the reveal of this year’s ASPCA Makeover Marketplace catalogue, with over 100 Makeover graduates available and looking for a new home. You’ll be able to see them in action, take a ride, and potentially find your heart horse, all in one place. Take a browse through what’s on the market here.

Volunteers are still gratefully welcomed for this year’s Makeover, which will take place from October 11–14. Can you donate your time at the Makeover? There’s a variety of jobs and shifts available whether you have horse show experience or not!

There are two great opportunities to donate money or goods to this year’s Makeover and help Thoroughbreds blossom: you can donate to the Fund-a-Need program, currently sitting just shy of $7500, or donate an item or experience — or buy one! — for this year’s silent auction.

Or perhaps your style of participation is cheering on OTTBs and their people — and that’s great, too! Admission is free every day of the competition, and we’ll be bringing you news and updates, too.

Go eventing — and Go Thoroughbreds!