Classic Eventing Nation

Kristi Nunnink and R-Star Hold CIC3* Lead After Wild Show Jumping at Galway Downs

By on Mar 28, 2014 8:53 pm -
Kristi Nunnink and R-Star, leaders of the CIC3*. Photo by Sherry Stewart. Kristi Nunnink and R-Star, leaders of the CIC3*. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Sarah DuBost’s show jumping course caused major shakeups on the FEI leaderboards at Galway Downs International. Kristi Nunnink and R-Star will hold their lead overnight on a score of 51.9 after dropping one rail across a course that saw just one clear from Emilee Libby and Nonsensical. And even then they still had four time penalties — talk about tough to make the time. Many thanks to Emilee for sending in Nancy Dein’s photo of her and Nonsensical! Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight moved from second to third with one rail and four time penalties for a score of 57.0, and John Michael Durr and Esprit De La Danse moved from sixth to third with one rail for 57.6; they were one of four pairs to make the time, though no one did it without pulling a rail.

Emilee Libby and Nonsensical in the CIC3* show jumping. Photo by Nancy Dein.

Emilee Libby and Nonsensical in the CIC3* show jumping. Photo by Nancy Dein.

Hawley Bennett, who moved from tenth to fifth after one rail down and no time penalties, said that she thought the course was definitely challenging. “Susie Hutchinson came out to walk the course with me, and she advised taking some inside turns. (Gin & Juice) was on fire, and our rail was my fault, I just didn’t finish my turn. I have a harder time jumping her before cross country because she is so full of run,” Hawley said of her round. The cross country course will likely be full of some fresh horses tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see how the leaderboard looks at the end of the day.

James Atkinson and Man on a Mission II, CIC2* leaders. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

James Atkinson and Man on a Mission II, CIC2* leaders. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The two-star riders had more luck across Sarah’s course, with James Atkinson and Man on a Mission III holding their dressage lead thanks to jumping one of two double double clears. They’ll take their dressage score of 47.3 to Ian Stark’s cross-country course tomorrow. Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and Airlington jumped clear with just one time penalty to move from third to second on 53.0, swapping places with Matthew Brown and Happenstance, who pulled two rails to drop to third on a score of 59.5. Leah Breakey and Master Plan jumped the only other double clear in the two-star, which moved them all the way from 13th to fourth on 60.5. Tamie Smith and Twizted Syster also jumped clear with seven time penalties.

Alexandra Ahearn and Mai Baum, CIC* leaders. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Alexandra Ahearn and Mai Baum, CIC* leaders. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The course rode much easier for the CIC*, with Alexandra Ahearn and Mai Baum giving themselves a bit of breathing room over Tamie Smith and Sunsprite Syrius, with whom they were tied after dressage. Thanks to jumping double clear, Alexandra and Mai Baum will lead overnight on their dressage score of 43.0. Tamie and Sunsprite Syrius pulled one rail to move into second place on 47.0, and Lauren Billys and Jitter Bug also pulled one rail to move up one spot to third on 49.3. Nine riders in all jumped double clear trips in the CIC*, with two others jumping clear with time penalties.

I’ll update this post with any photos and videos we receive from the Galway Downs show jumping. If you have any photos from today — whether competition or candid photos — please send them to us at [email protected], share them on our Facebook wall or tweet them to @eventingnation. Do it for the chinchillas. Cross-country action in the FEI divisions begins at 12:30 p.m. PST tomorrow with the CIC2*, followed by the CIC3* at 1:50 p.m. PST and the CIC3* at 3:30 p.m. PST. Go Galway Downs!

[Website] [Times] [Scores] [Course Preview]

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Kristi Nunnink and R-Star Lead After Dressage at Galway Downs CIC3*

By on Mar 28, 2014 5:30 pm -
Kristi Nunnink and R-Star. Photo by Liz Hall. Kristi Nunnink and R-Star. Photo by Liz Hall.

Kristi Nunnink and R-Star are your CIC3* leaders after dressage at Galway Downs, and they’ll carry their score of 47.9 into the show jumping later this afternoon. Kristi is riding with a broken thumb after an unfortunate run in with a tractor earlier this month — life on the farm is dangerous, folks! — but it didn’t prevent what I’m sure was a lovely test with Rosie. Lauren Billys and her lovely mare Ballingowan Ginger are close behind on 48.5, with Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight in third on 49.0. Just one rail separates the entire top five, so it’s going to be a very exciting afternoon at Galway Downs. 

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice. Photo by Liz Hall.

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice. Photo by Liz Hall.

In the CIC2*, James Atkinson and Man on a Mission III threw down for a score of 47.3, which will give them a rail in hand going into the show jumping this afternoon over Matthew Brown and Happenstance in second place on 51.5. Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and Airlington are hot on their heels on 52.0 in third place. In the CIC*, Tamie Smith and Sunsprite Syrius are tied for first place with Alexandra Ahearn and Mai Baum on scores of 43.0. Pam Fisher is very close behind on 44.7 in third place.

Jen McFall and High Times. Photo by Liz Hall.

Jen McFall and High Times. Photo by Liz Hall.

The show jumping is going to be a crazy nail biter across all three divisions, and I know you’ll all join the chinchillas in stalking scores this afternoon. CIC* show jumping is underway now, CIC2* show jumping starts at 3:50 PST and CIC3* show jumping starts at 5 p.m. PST. Update: Thank you to Liz Hall for sending in photos from the three-star dressage! If you have any photos from today, please send them to us at [email protected], share them on our Facebook wall or tweet them to @eventingnation. Do it for the chinchillas.

[Website] [Times] [Scores] [Course Preview]

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The View from California Presented By World Equestrian Brands

By on Mar 28, 2014 4:30 pm -

EN loves photos shot between the ears! If you happen to be out for a hack, are riding in some obscure place or just take some cool photos aboard your mount, send them to [email protected] with a quick blurb about the photo’s story. This week’s View comes to us from Rachael Walker in California.

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From Rachael Walker: “I’m vacationing with my family in California (from Wisconsin) and took two of my cousins with me on a beach trail ride in Pismo Beach. It was a gorgeous sunny day, and my mount Val was kind enough to show off her wind-whipped mane with the ocean in the background!”

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Boyd and Silva Update: Back Home, Both Recovering Well

By on Mar 28, 2014 3:00 pm -
Silva at home at Windurra farm teaching lessons. Photo from Boyd and Silva's blog.

Silva at home at Windurra farm teaching lessons. Photo from Boyd and Silva’s blog.

A blog post has been published today with some updates on the respective recoveries of injured pair Boyd and Silva Martin. Silva sustained a head injury from a fall from a horse in Wellington earlier this month, and Boyd broke his leg in a fall from Steady Eddie on cross country at Carolina International last weekend. In his blog post, Boyd confirms that yes, his house does resemble a hospital ward, but also has some encouraging news.

From Boyd and Silva’s blog:

“I’m taking it day by day and not ruling anything out, so it remains to be seen whether I’ll be fit to ride at Rolex.  Luckily at the moment I feel like I’m very fit and light in my body weight, due to the hard work I’ve put in so far this year, so it’s mainly a question of whether my leg will be strong enough. I’ll be starting physical rehab for the leg sometime soon…Silva is slowly getting to a point where she can start teaching a couple of lessons each day, and thanks to her girls, all of her horses are in work and looking in good form …

We’ve got all the four-star horses in full fitness mode; they went swimming at Mountain Meadows on Wednesday afternoon and my guys galloped them up the mountain this morning.  Obviously I’m keeping an eye on how they’re doing, and teaching the odd lesson here and there. With Silva’s therapy each day, and my keeping an eye on my horses and teaching the odd lesson, we’re busy every day, but I’m enjoying being on cruise control for now, and spending what time I can hanging out on the couch with Silva.”

We are thrilled to hear that both husband and wife seem to be doing well. Boyd has horses entered in both Rolex and Badminton, and while his tone in his blog is positive, we still won’t know anything about his status for competition for a couple of weeks, it sounds like. At the end of the day, I’m sure Boyd will make the right call based on his fitness and the welfare of his horses.

Go Boyd and Silva.

CNN: Blind Dressage Rider Aims to Qualify for Rio

By on Mar 28, 2014 1:30 pm -

How’s this for Inspiration Friday? CNN published this incredible story on blind dressage rider Verity Smith as part of the network’s Human to Hero series, which celebrates inspiration and achievement in sport. Verity started losing her eyesight at age 8 due to a rare genetic disorder, and she became legally blind by 16. Though she’d ridden as a child, she’d only competed in eventing and show jumping.

“When my eyesight got to the point that show jumping and eventing were becoming a dangerous sport, I decided to look for a really good dressage trainer that could take me on and start me from scratch. I’ve never actually seen dressage being performed. When I could see, I was obviously very interested in all the things that involved speed and obstacles.”

Even though she’d never watched pure dressage before losing her eyesight, she took up the discipline and began competing. “I could be riding a movement in slightly the wrong way, and I would never know,” Verity says in the video. “A lot of riders use mirrors so they can see if the horse is straight, if he’s crossing the legs properly. But I don’t have that. I go purely on feel. That has been a bit of a challenge.” YOU THINK? The chinchillas are in awe.

Verity set a goal to compete in the Paralympics on home soil in London in 2012, but tragedy struck her life again in 2011, preventing her from making it to the Games. You’ll have to watch the video to see all she’s overcome in the past few years. Now Verity is aiming to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, complete with a freestyle set to swing music. What an incredible story.

 [Full story on CNN]

Helen Bouscaren Awarded H.E. ‘Tex’ Sutton Travel Grant for Bromont

By on Mar 28, 2014 12:00 pm -
Helen Bouscaren and Ben. Photo by Sherry Stewart. Helen Bouscaren and Ben. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

A big congrats to West Coast eventer Helen Bouscaren, who has received the PRO 2014 H.E. “Tex” Sutton Forwarding Company Travel Grant to compete at Bromont. Her three-star partner Ben will receive transportation across the country aboard “Air Horse One” to compete in the CCI3*, which she targeted as the best spring three-star to prepare her and Ben for tackling their first Rolex in 2015.

Ben, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, raced one time at Hastings as a 2-year-old under his Jockey Club name Go Pete Go [Petersburg X Tough Duchess, by Tough Knight]. Helen started competing him in Beginner Novice as a 4-year-old and has taken him all the way through the levels. They were third in their first CIC3* at Woodside last fall and finished their season with a seventh-place finish in their first CCI3* at Galway Downs. Thanks to those performances, Helen and Ben were named to the USEF Developing Riders/Eventing 25 Program for 2014.

“I am so excited for the show and so grateful for the help and support of everyone involved in making my trip possible,” Helen told PRO. “Thank you very much to Tex Sutton Forwarding Company and PRO for this grant, which gives me the amazing opportunity to compete at Bromont this spring.”

The grant, which PRO started last fall, this year required applicants to have a horse aimed at either Jersey Fresh CCI3* or Bromont CCI3*, both of which are part of the 2014 PRO Tour Series. Allison Springer was awarded the grant last year to travel to Galway Downs CCI3* with Copycat Chloe.

Many thanks to PRO for spearheading this wonderful grant and to Tex Sutton Forwarding Company for providing the air transportation. Congrats to Helen and Ben, and best of luck at Bromont. Go OTTBs. Go West Coast Eventing.

[Full press release from PRO]

Galway Downs CIC3* Cross-Country Preview + Ian Stark Commentary

By on Mar 28, 2014 10:30 am -
Ian Stark and Frankie Thieriot walk through the angled houses at 20AB on the CIC3* course. Ian Stark and Frankie Thieriot walk through the angled houses at 20AB on the CIC3* course.

Competition kicks off today in the Galway Downs CIC3* with dressage and show jumping in the FEI divisions. Six pairs will use this event as one of their final prep runs for Rolex: Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice, Jen McFall and High Times, Kristi Nunnink and R-Star, Deborah Rosen and The Alchemyst, and Jolie Wentworth and Goodknight in the CIC3*, with James Alliston and Parker in the Advanced. Bunnie Sexton and Rise Against, who are also heading to Kentucky for their first appearance at Rolex, were originally scheduled to run the Advanced but scratched.

We’re lucky to have this wonderful course preview video produced by Ride On Video and hosted by Frankie Thieriot as she walks the CIC3* course with designer Ian Stark to break down where horses and riders will see the biggest challenges on course. Of course, Rolex prep is on everyone’s minds, and Ian kept that a priority with his design for this spring CIC3*, not making any major changes or adding new elements to the course. Instead, he changed the lines at familiar fences in what he hopes will be a good preparation for Kentucky.

Ian, affectionately known as “King of the Rider Frighteners,” said the courses are tough, but they’re bold and straightforward: “If riders set out from the start box in a positive frame of mind, they should shave a good ride. If they think they’re going to have a schooling round, then they’ll have trouble. As long as there’s nothing that tricks the horses, I’m happy. I think all the levels are set at the level they should be for this stage of the season.”

The first four fences on the CIC3* course are forward galloping fences, with the first key question coming at 5ABC, with a big table at 5A, then up a ramp to a trakehner at 5B, then back down the ramp to a skinny corner brush at 5C, which Ian called “a nasty little corner.” The trakehner at 5B is a familiar one on this course, and it’s caused trouble in the past. “The main thing is to attack (the table at 5A) so they’ve got all the impulsion to come up to the trakehner, and then they need controlled impulsion. If they’re on a wing and a prayer, they deserve to get the 20 at the C element.”

Fence 8, a big brush table, is built right under one of the new control towers, which could be spooky to some horses and cause shadows depending on the weather tomorrow, and it leads to the first water complex at 9AB, which are two skinny brushes set on a bending line in the water. In the past this has been a pretty set two strides, but Ian has it adjusted a bit differently so riders can take a pull and add an extra stride if needed, though he said they’ll have to be careful not to botch the line to the second brush at B.

The next interesting question comes at 14ABC, where riders have to jump a big hanging log into the next water complex, where horses always tend to jump a bit flat here, Ian said. He’s set a large stump to the right of 14B, which prevents riders from angling the drop at 14A to get a better approach to the next two elements. “It’s not the most difficult test I’ve ever had, but if they’re relaxed, they can an easy 20 at C,” Ian said. “It all depends on the way they jump in. If they jump in, land and their horse is traveling forward, this will ride well. If they land in a bit of a heap or the rider isn’t balanced, there’s very little time to recover, and then the horse is a bit left to its own devices.”

One of Ian’s signature “rider frighteners” comes at the third and final water complex at fence 17, where riders will jump down into the water at 17A before jumping up the bank and bouncing 17BC like in years past. Then they’ll jump off the bank and jump the Shamu at 17D, which has surprised horses quite a bit in previous competitions. The bank at this water complex always causes a variety of issues, with falls and refusals happening here numerous times, so it’s definitely going to act as a big questions again this year.

The video skips fences 18 and 19, which I imagine are fairly straightforward as they follow the tricky final water, and then the tour picks back up at two angled houses at fences 20ab. Riders who are pushing for time late in the course could be surprised by this challenge, Ian said, so horses really have to stay focused until the end. Fence 21 is also quite technical for late in the course, with the skinny bull head at A leading to a big skinny log at B. Then from there, riders can gallop for home at fence 22. Many thanks to Ian, Frankie and Ride On Video for this great preview.

We’ll be back later in the day with scores, photos and updates from the Galway Downs CIC3*. Go West Coast Eventing!

[Website] [Times] [Scores]

Kristin Schmolze: Let the Bubble Wrapping Begin

By on Mar 28, 2014 9:00 am -

Athletux blogger Kristin Schmolze will be returning to Rolex for a second consecutive year with her lovely top mount Ballylaffin Bracken, and now that we’re officially at the one-month mark until the event, it’s time to begin the bubble wrapping! Many thanks to Kristin for writing, and good luck in Kentucky!

Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken at Rolex last year. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken at Rolex last year. Photo by Jenni Autry.

From Kristin:

With Rolex quickly approaching and the countdown on, myself and several of my upper-level peers are starting what I like to call the bubble wrapping process. It is a bit funny to admit, but the truth is all of a sudden your horse’s leg — that any other time of the season may look completely normal — now looks like it could be puffy in one spot in what becomes your obsessive mind, and things like small scrapes from fun in the pasture that would typically receive a quick dab of cream now receive a full icing session and paranoid standing wrap. Welcome to the final weeks leading up to a CCI4*!

To make things more exciting, this is a World Equestrian Games, year so riders, myself included, are hoping to perform their very best perhaps even a bit more than usual to catch the attention of the selection committee members at just the right time. As the entry list for Rolex is posted, I think it is safe to say that many of us listed check back frequently to see whom our competitors will be, and then as the final weeks approach, wait anxiously for the number we will draw.

Most riders are a little superstitious, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to draw a number you consider to be a bit lucky, but one of the biggest things your competitor number (or numbers, depending on who you are) dictates is what day you will go for dressage and who you will follow into the ring. These things — although they should not in theory — in reality can make an impact on your final result.

The thing about many of us that is also interesting with about a month to go is that we all run businesses which involve teaching lessons and riding numerous horses a day, not to mention competing several horses of all skill and age levels. I myself compete on average about five other horses regularly during the season in addition to my Advanced partner Ballylaffin Bracken aka “Rox,” and that always presents the opportunity for something to go wrong. However, this part of my business pays the bills and makes it possible for me to compete my top level horse, and I also enjoy it quite a bit, so aside from being sure I am always secured in my Point Two air vest, especially during these final weeks, business continues as usual, and as they say, the show must go on.

Having competed last year at Rolex with Rox at his first CCI4*, there are things I of course hope to improve upon this year, and there are also benefits to knowing crucial things such as how he will react to the big crowds along the ropes and exactly what it will take for him to be successful fitness wise. When considering a horse’s fitness needs, we as riders must also think about how we will have a horse left to show jump well on Sunday without being too fatigued from what is always a demanding cross country course the day prior.

Just like any other rider you’re hoping to see in Kentucky in April, the next few weeks will determine a great deal. And, even when we pull into the horse park, anything can still happen, which we have seen in the past many, many times! Until then, we will bubble wrap and have those familiar butterflies that come along with this incredible sport. 

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on Mar 28, 2014 12:01 am -
Gin & Juice is all ready for Galway! Photo by Hawley Bennett. Gin & Juice is all ready for Galway! Photo by Hawley Bennett.

Good morning! Today kicks off a busy weekend around the country. The season is definitely under full swing, and multiple events are preparing many horses and riders for a successful season. Galway Downs is one of the events running this year, and I have a special request for any of you who are attending or competing. Please send any updates, photos, or video from the event to me at [email protected]. I am trying to do as much coverage of this premier West Coast event as possible, and I need your help! Thanks in advance, and good luck to everyone competing around the country this weekend.

Events This Weekend:

Galway Downs International H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website]

Full Gallop Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Morven Park Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Friday News:

Area VI has a brand new website, thanks to Athletux. The site is new and improved, and you should hop on over and check it out! [Area VI]

Stuart Pittman has penned an open letter to PETA in response to their recent allegations of abuse in the racing world. Horse Nation reprinted the letter, and I think it is well a written and diplomatic response. The fallout from the recent PETA video is still rippling throughout the racing industry. [HN: Stuart Pittman Responds]

The USEF will award three dressage riders with pre-games training and competitive grants. The grants are designed to help riders who wish to train in Europe leading up to the World Equestrian Games in Normandy later this year. [USEF Grants]

Are you attending Badminton this year? If so, check out these fabulous course walks, and nab some tickets to an exclusive look at the cross country course. The walks will be lead by Zara Phillips and Laura Collett, which means they will surely be educational and entertaining. Who has an extra bed for me to crash in so I can attend too? [Badminton Course Walks]
Friday Video:

Here’s a Flashback Friday video for you, courtesy of Evention. Also, please note Dom’s ‘stache. #winning

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Throwback Thursday: And the Famous Face Is …

By on Mar 27, 2014 6:30 pm -
The man behind the camera — David Frechette! The man behind the camera — David Frechette!

You all did great this week with the guesses, and many of you were spot on! This famous face is well-known for the videos that he so tirelessly films, edits and posts to YouTube for our enjoyment and education. His service is an invaluable one, and we must give a big thanks to …

Guess who!

Guess who!

… The Horse Pesterer! Also known as David Frechette, one of our favorite videographers can frequently be seen with his camera filming ride after ride at big events. If you’d like to catch up on David’s video playlist, you can always visit his YouTube site here. Thanks for guessing!