Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday News & Notes from Devoucoux

By on Jan 9, 2014 12:03 am -
Hat tip to Dom Schramm for finding this gem on the internet.

Hat tip to Dom Schramm for finding this gem on the internet.

Day two of the official new website launch!! I hope you are all adjusting to the new format, because we’re really excited about it. Don’t forget that if you want to hang on to the old scrolling version for a little longer, you can always click the button on the top bar that says “Classic EN” and return to what you know. As always, we value your feedback and want you to let us know if you find any glitches, bugs or weird things while we sort through our first few days, so don’t be afraid to email us with comments!

Events This Weekend:

Ocala Horse Properties Winter HT: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around The Globe:

The FEI calendar starts early this year, with Pine Top Spring Advanced HT running a CIC* and CIC** on February 21-23. John Williams’ infamous cross country courses have been upgraded and have several new jumps on course, and show jumping design has been taken over by Chris Barnard. Competitors will be glad to know that some work has been done on the show jumping arena, and topsoil has been added to make a better footing. If you can volunteer please email organizer Janet Wilson. [Pine Top Advanced]

Ian Stark is opening a new equestrian center on the Scottish Borders. Ian hopes that creating the center will help local equestrians, as the area has the highest number of horse owners per capita yet has never had access to a proper equestrian facility. So far, the farm has an indoor arena and stables, and they are building an outdoor arena and a cross country course too. The facility will be used for education, therapy, and to harbor Ian’s project of working with a small group of wild ponies that came from an elderly farmer who had over 100 in a field. [Ian Stark’s New Digs]

Area you in Area II and looking for a way to knock off some dust in the dressage ring this weekend? You’re in luck for two reasons. 1) It is forecasted to be in the 60’s this weekend, finally defrosting the ground. 2) Difficult Run Pony Club is hosting a schooling dressage show, with all the new 2014 tests! They are accepting late entries, and you can enter in a snap online. [DRPC Dressage Show]

Eventing 18 riders started the new year off on the right foot, thanks to Team USA coach David O’Connor. When he wasn’t whipping them into shape by forcing them to do push ups in puddles, David was very helpful with their riding and hopes to shape their budding careers into useful team material in a few years time. Twelve riders participated in the camp, learning a lot about David’s detail oriented approach to riding and training the event horse and rider. “It was an amazing opportunity. He stressed establishing a core foundation for riders to advance in equestrian sport, because when you have good basics things more advanced questions become easier. It was great to meet other riders and make connections that will hopefully last a really long time” says Nicole Doolittle. [Eventing 18 Riders Rock]

If you used to be a jockey, but due to an accident you are now paraplegic, what do you do? Ride across Dartmoor on a pony to raise money for the Injured Jockey Fund, of course. Sarah Gaisford is taking part in the Liberty Trails Challenge on March 29 to raise money for the fund, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Before her accident in 2007, Sarah won 50 point-to-point races and 15 other races, and only returned to the saddle in 2012. [Paraplegic Jockey Treks Across Dartmoor]

This amazing little horse rocks out at reining and cow horse competitions, AND competes at Prix St Georges. Haidaseeker Playboy and Andrea Caudill play both sides of the coin, as this cool quarter horse masters both worlds at once. Originally from the western world, Andrea and Matt tried dressage one weekend at a schooling show, and decided to take it on in earnest. They have moved through the dressage levels, and earned their USDF silver medal at Prix St Georges, while still competing in reining competitions on the side. [Haidaseeker Playboy Wears Different Shoes]

devoucoux11

Wanting a Blog Format? Classic EN is the Answer

By on Jan 8, 2014 3:00 pm -

Hey, EN! We’ve enjoyed hearing from so many of you today, and I’m thrilled to report feedback on the new EN has been overwhelmingly positive. The main request we’re hearing is a way to read posts in the traditional blog format like on the old EN. The good news is that functionality is already built right into the new EN! All you have to do is click the Classic EN button in the top menu bar, and you’ll be able to scroll down through the most recent posts.

Just for a little background on the new layout, one of the main reasons we had to look at other options is because it started to become difficult for readers to find certain posts. Especially during big events where we have live coverage, posts would be pushed off the main page in a matter of hours. And all those photos on a single page made load time difficult for a lot of readers as well.

So we decided to compromise with using the links on the homepage while still offering the Classic EN button for those who prefer the traditional blog format. It’s tough to cater to everyone’s preferences when launching a web redesign, but our goal is to make as many readers happy as we possibly can. Please continue to leave feedback in the comments below, on our Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].

Go eventing.

2013 Eclipse Award Nominees Announced: Wise Dan, Mucho Macho Man, or Will Take Charge for HOTY

By on Jan 8, 2014 1:30 pm -
Wise Dan, photo via Santa Anita's Twitter

Wise Dan, photo via Santa Anita’s Twitter

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers And Broadcasters announced the finalists for the 2013 Eclipse Awards today, recognizing excellence in Thoroughbred racing. Winners will be announced at the Eclipse Awards dinner on January 18 at Gulfstream Park.

From America’s Best Racing, the nominees are…

Horse of the Year:   Mucho Macho Man, Will Take Charge, Wise Dan    Wise Dan won HOTY last year, and will probably repeat again.  He was beaten once this year (off-the-turf at Keeneland), but his victories were dominating, including defending his title in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.  This year, that should be enough to win again.  Mucho Macho Man won the BC Classic, but otherwise has been a bit inconsistent.  Will Take Charge has had an excellent end to the 2013 racing year, but doesn’t have quite enough record to beat out Wise Dan for Horse of the Year.

Two-Year-Old Male:   Havana, New Year’s Day, Shared Belief

Two-Year-Old Filly:   Chriselliam (IRE), Ria Antonia, She’s a Tiger

Three-Year-Old Male:   Orb, Palace Malice, Will Take Charge.  Will Take Charge’s strong finish this fall, including second in the BC Classic, and a win against older horses in the Grade I Clark Handicap, should make him the favorite for 3-year-old Male.

Three-Year-Old Filly:   Beholder, Close Hatches, Princess of Sylmar

Older Male:   Game On Dude, Mucho Macho Man, Wise Dan

Older Female:   Joyful Victory, Royal Delta, Tiz Miz Sue  This award is probably Royal Delta’s to lose.  Despite not living up to her 2012 form, she was still far and away the most-feared mare this year.

Male Sprinter:   Points Offthebench, Sahara Sky, Secret Circle

Female Sprinter:   Dance to Bristol, Groupie Doll, Mizdirection       Mizdirection won the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, while Groupie Doll won the Filly & Mare Sprint on dirt.  Both repeat BC victories, but I’ll give the edge to Groupie Doll, despite her fourth place finish in the Cigar Mile.

Male Turf Horse:   Magician (IRE), Point of Entry, Wise Dan

Female Turf Horse:   Dank (GB), Laughing (IRE), Mizdirection

Steeplechase Horse:   Divine Fortune, Gustavian, Italian Wedding

Owner:   Juddmonte Farms, Midwest Thoroughbreds, Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey   I think this one’s a no-brainer.  The Ramseys have won just about everywhere this year with their herd of Kittens, an Eclipse Award would just be icing on the cake.

Breeder:   Adena Springs, Morton Fink, Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey

Trainer:   Bob Baffert, Bill Mott, Todd Pletcher

Jockey:   Javier Castellano, Joel Rosario, Gary Stevens  Joel Rosario had an outstanding spring season, when seemingly every horse he touched turned to gold.  But Gary Stevens made a miraculous story-book comeback…will that sway the hearts of voters?  All three jockeys are deserving of the win, you could make a case for any of them.

Apprentice Jockey:   Victor Carrasco, Manuel Franco, Edgard Zayas

In addition to honoring the 17 winners in the horse and human categories, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas will receive the Eclipse Award of Merit and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with an Eclipse Special Award.

What Does Riding at -20º Look Like?

By on Jan 8, 2014 12:00 pm -

EN reader Rachael Walker braved the cold in Wisconsin to go for a brief ride in the snow.  Rachael writes, “I hopped up on my mare today – the temp was about -20º and the windchill reading was at -43º when I took this. She’s still wearing her two blankets and the neck rug, and I’m full-on in bibs, parka, hat, facemask and scarf, and the enormous chopper mitts. We’re up in Beldenville, WI. Thought you’d like to see that we’re still riding, despite the cold!”  

From H&H: Gypsy Cobs End Up at UK Equine Rescues

By on Jan 8, 2014 10:30 am -

gypsy vanner

 

It’s interesting how certain breeds of horses are viewed differently around the world.  Here in the US, the  Gypsy Vanner breed comes with a designer price tag to go along with the pinto color, lots of hair, big feet and feathers.  However, in the UK “coloured cobs” are a dime a dozen…and could be filling up equine rescues throughout Britain.

The Horse & Hound reports that thousands of gypsy cobs could end up at equine charities, and that World Horse Welfare is urging riders to consider the “underrated” animals.  Having worked with one myself, I  think they make great kids horses with their shorter size, friendly temperament, and Barbie-doll hair.  Like many draft-crosses, they’re a bit heavy for serious jumping but could be good all-around mounts.  The one I rode showed great aptitude for dressage, and was quite fun!

Jennifer Joyce: Buck Davidson Clinic Photo Gallery

By on Jan 8, 2014 9:00 am -

Buck Davidson headed out to California last weekend to teach a clinic in Temacula, and EN reader Jennifer Joyce attended to take photos. Thanks for sharing these with us, Jennifer! And if anyone who rode with Buck or audited the clinic would like to write a clinic report, we’d love to publish it. Send it to [email protected].

 

Welcome to EN 2.0! Click to See What’s New

By on Jan 7, 2014 8:18 pm -

Welcome to the new and improved EN! The chinchillas have slaved away worked tirelessly on this new design for the last year, and we’re super excited to finally roll it out to the masses. It’s been a labor of love — we’ve poured thousands of hours into it, not to mention blood, sweat and beers — and we hope you love the new look as much as we do. We have even more new features we’ll be unveiling in the coming weeks, so expect even more changes. Here’s a look at what’s new right now on EN:

What’s New?

1. A New Look: I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we all grew to love the homespun cutting-edge design our fearless leader John pieced together when EN launched back in 2009. But we all agreed it was time for a facelift. We hope you’ll find the new design more aesthetically pleasing and easier to navigate. Our friends at SmartPak spent a lot of time giving us feedback and advice on the new design, and we’re really grateful for their support and partnership over the years.

2. Classic EN: For those of you who still prefer the old EN format — have no fear! You can still click back to the traditional blog format using the Classic EN button in the top menu bar. This format lets you read the full body of posts without clicking a single link — just like the old EN.

3. Mobile Responsive: You all have begged for a mobile-friendly EN for years, and the chinchillas heard your cries. You’ll find it’s now much easier to navigate your way around EN and read posts on your phone and tablet. Gone are the days of trying to read long lines of tiny text on your phone!

4. Official EN Store: We’ve rolled out various EN hats and T-shirts over the years, and they’ve always flown off the shelves so quickly that we’ve never been able to keep them regularly stocked. Now we’ve partnered with Dapplebay Clothing Company to bring you a brand new line of merchandise so you can show your EN pride. And every item will benefit different charities you all vote for every month. We’re proud to announce our first beneficiary is CANTER Mid-Atlantic, who will receive 100 percent of the proceeds (after expenses) from every item you buy in the EN store. Click here to go shopping!

5. Facebook Comments: We’ve also given the commenting system an overhaul by integrating Facebook Comments. This allows you to sync your Facebook profile right to EN, making commenting faster and easier and eliminating trolling. You’ll also be able to “like” comments, just like you can on Facebook.

6. New Sport Horse Nation: Sport Horse Nation also received a much-needed facelift, and you’ll find it’s now much easier to sort ads by category. There’s also a map interface that allows you to browse ads by geographical location. And you can also register directly in Sport Horse Nation to post classifieds on your own — so much easier!

What do you think of the new EN? Let us know in the new comments below. And keep checking back for even more changes, including the most exciting new feature yet. Hint: If you made a New Year’s Resolution to start a blog about this insane sport we all know and love, wait just a few more days before choosing a platform …

Notice anything on the new EN that doesn’t look quite right? Let the chinchillas know so they can start fixing it right away by posting on our Facebook page or sending an email in ALL CAPS to [email protected]. We’ll be working day and night to make sure the new EN works perfectly for each and every reader!

Go eventing.

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: Teaching Beginners

By on Jan 7, 2014 4:30 pm -

Katie Cook, a USDF Silver Medalist and former Young Rider in dressage, is just getting her feet wet in eventing. She teaches riding lessons locally at her home base in Winooski, Vt., and she sent in this fun video to show how she teaches beginners — by riding bareback double with them. Did anyone learn to ride this way? Many thanks to Katie for sending in the video!

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

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

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

10 Things You Just Don’t Say …

By on Jan 7, 2014 1:30 pm -
Valonia at Hitching Post 2012 Valonia at Hitching Post 2012

Have you ever been in a grocery store, Best Buy, Kmart, or a local cafe and seen an infant that you thought was absolutely hideous looking? I mean, you actually thought how could someone reasonably good looking produce that? C’mon, we’ve all been there. Out of respect and common decency most people see children and/or babies as cute, sweet, adorable, and precious, the list goes on and on. But there are some children who are just not very attractive. Perhaps they grow up to be on the cover of Vogue…who knows? Regardless, these children and infants do exist. I have relatives who are undeniably attractive, and yet some of their offspring are not the cuddliest looking creatures. General rule of thumb: You never EVER tell parents, particularly the mother, that their baby, their pride and joy, and their entire universe is ugly. You just don’t!

Same rules apply in the horse world. Some people are just more blunt than others and voice their opinions, while most equestrians acknowledge this unspoken rule. Let’s be honest, there are certain things you just do not sayabout someone else’s horse and here are a few don’ts…

That horse is ugly. You just don’t say that someone else’s horse is ugly. It may be true, it may not be true. Are all horses created equal? Well, that’s open for debate. For instance, I think I have two very attractive horses, Valonia and Skybreaker. Valonia’s conformation is not perfect, which I vivdly see every single day, though I do think she is lovely. Does everyone else think my mare is the most gorgeous creature in the world? I guarentee you not, but I don’t want to actually hear about it! Skybreaker is one of the most beautiful horses I have ever seen. Some people think he is too much of a hunk, with plates for feet, that his front legs are too short for his body, and he looks like he should be plowing a field….but I don’t want to hear it, because I am infatuated with my horses.

Bad Jumper. For all those trainers, teachers, and coaches, I am sure there are more tactful ways of telling someone their horse SUCKS at jumping. Clearly, not all horses can jump, and not all have impeccable form, and not all are extremely scopey. Haven’t you ever been fence judging, or been watching some cross country at an event, and thought to yourself, “Yikes…that is one horrible jumper.” Yet, this is not something you can openly tell someone, because it’s just not!

Bad Mover. Again, there are more diplomatic ways of telling someone that your dog is a better mover than their horse. Not all horses float like Totilas across the ground, and get perfect scores for movement. It’s really hard to go up to someone and tell them one of the reasons they are nineteenth out of nineteenth in dressage is because their horse is a bad mover. This is not something you can tell someone.

And here are a few more things you just DON’T say about someone else’s horse…

            Bad Manners.

            Evil Eye.

            Unbroke.

            Too Skinny.

            Obese.

            Witchy.

            Dumb.

For many, if not most, our horses ARE our infants, our babies, our life, our pride and joy, and we’ll be damned if others don’t like our “children.” Did I forget any other insults, or is the list complete?