Classic Eventing Nation

How a Little Paint Brought Equine Anatomy to Life at Morven Park

By on Jul 26, 2023 12:00 pm -

Jethro and Michael Alway at the Horses Inside Out Clinic. Photo by Wise Images Photography

It was a hot July day when roughly 200 attendees piled into the arena at the Morven Park International Equestrian Center for the Painted Horse Demonstration from Horses Inside Out, sponsored by HCS, USA Saddlery. Starting at 9am, world-renowned clinician Gillian Higgins and a team of volunteers had been painting the musculoskeletal system onto 11-year-old show jumper-turned-eventer, “Jethro,” and “Whisper,” an 18-year-old Grand Prix dressage horse. The job took several layers of water-based paint and at least four fans to get the horses dry and painted in time for the 4pm clinic. Both horses are owned by four-star eventer and horsemanship trainer Michael Alway and USDF Silver and Gold medalist Marion Alway.

The clinic was hosted by HCS, USA Saddlery, in conjunction with the North American Saddlery School. According to HCS, USA Saddlery co-owner Amber Markley, the company hosted the clinic to offer education for horse owners that’s sorely lacking in the USA. “Being saddle fitters, it’s really important for us to educate our clients. We find that if we educate our clients, they become better horse people,” Amber said. “We just absolutely fell in love with Gillian during our travels to the United Kingdom and we thought her way of teaching anatomy really brings it to life. We felt that this was a hole in our American education system that we could help fill.”

Equine anatomy is a subject that can easily become tedious and dry, but Gillian made it fun. “For me, it’s not just here’s a bone, it’s called this, but it’s about trying to give people the opportunity and the tools to assess movement in order to improve performance and comfort,” she said.

The audience of riders, farriers, saddle fitters, and even a few men from the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon, sat on the edges of their seats as Gillian covered everything from how the horse’s back works to exercises you can do at home to improve your horse’s performance.

Going into the clinic, Gillian’s goal was to “try and give people ways to improve the horse’s way of going without having to kick or pull or tie down or put an excessive amount of pressure on the horse,” Gillian said. “I hope that the audience could see that actually the things that we did to improve their way of going was so simple, like using the canter to improve the trot and those walk/trot/walk transitions to improve the trot.”

Gillian Higgins holding a bone up to Whisper at the Horses Inside Out Clinic. Photo by Wise Images Photography

Gillian had the audience out of their seats and doing some interactive exercises to better understand equine biomechanics at least twice throughout the night, including raising their arms and poking their neighbors to demonstrate the effect of the leg on the external abdominal oblique muscle. Her husband, Doug, was quickly appointed “bone-holder” for the evening as he displayed equine vertebrae in the beginning of the night, while Gillian explained not only the anatomy, but how better understanding anatomy can impact your everyday training and riding. The two horses, Jethro and Whisper, had a grand entrance complete with music and applause, which Jethro didn’t really appreciate, but he warmed up to the crowd by the end of the night.

The clinic was a unique mix of educational seminar, gorgeous riding, and lesson auditing. The first half of the night began with an interesting speech by Kay Hastilow from HCS, USA Saddlery on saddle fitting, followed by a presentation on anatomy basics, complete with real bones, by Gillian. The second half of the night focused on exercises on the lunge and under saddle. Michael Alway and Jethro demonstrated equine biomechanics and anatomy under saddle, while Marion Alway demonstrated the same principles in-hand with Whisper.

I’m going to be honest, I left with roughly six pages of notes. If my hand hadn’t cramped, I would have had more. Everything Gillian said had practical applications to the sport horse. Whether you ride Western or English, event or drive, Gillian provided attendees with real world exercises they could use to maintain their horse’s long-term soundness. Every exercise was discussed in relation to the equine musculoskeletal system and was demonstrated by Jethro and Whisper. It was amazing to see exactly what happens to the horse’s skeleton in the piaffe, as performed by Whisper, or over a fence, as performed by Jethro. The painted horses were almost like holding an extra large x-ray machine to a horse in motion.

While some of the clinic covered the basics– i.e. what happens to the horse’s spine in collection, the lessons were brought into sharp relief thanks to the ability to see the spine move and change as Whisper demonstrated a long and low stretchy trot versus a lifted and engaged trot over poles. I left with a new appreciation for what is happening to my horse’s body when I ask for collection and new ideas on how I can work with her biomechanics for better performance.

One of my favorite takeaways was Gillian’s Four Ways Horses Support Back Posture:

  1. Gillian’s first bullet point was a simple equation: When the horse’s head lifts, the back hollows, creating reduced back support. When the horse’s head goes down, the back goes up, creating more back support. Yes, this equation is simplistic and it’s much more nuanced than I can capture in one bullet point. I will note that Gillian went on to discuss how you have to balance providing back support with long and low under saddle exercises, while also reducing weight on the forehand.
  2. Second, back support increases when the hind limb reaches underneath the horse. This causes the pelvis to tuck, therefore rounding the back and providing better back support.
  3. Here’s where things really get interesting: Horses can also support their back by using their thoracic sling muscles. A properly developed thoracic sling supports good back posture by lifting up the horse’s withers, thereby better supporting the saddle and rider.
  4. “Without abs, there is no back,” Gillian said when she came to her fourth bullet point. Contrary to popular belief, she explained, the back muscle (longissimus dorsi) does not lift the back. Instead, the flexor chain muscles in the abdomen lift the back. Next time your trainer gets after you to better engage your horse’s abs, know that without ab engagement, your horse physically cannot lift their back, and you are riding in a false collection.

I knew some of this list prior to the clinic, but I never really knew why encouraging the hind legs to track under the horse was optimal for back support. Seeing the painted muscles contract and change shape right in front of my eyes offered another level of understanding. Gillian approached the topic of back support from the perspective that the horse’s back wasn’t designed to support the weight of the rider, so it’s up to us, as our horse’s personal trainer, to change our horse’s posture and way of going to create that support.

Jethro ridden by Michael Alway at the Horses Inside Out Clinic. Photo by Wise Images Photography

Gillian’s mantra throughout the clinic was, “if you don’t move it, you lose it.” She encourages horse owners to put their horse’s joints and muscles through their full range of motion on a regular basis. Otherwise, that range of motion will quickly become restricted

I left the clinic with several exercises to incorporate into my Thoroughbred’s daily routine. Gillian is all about easy ways to improve your horse’s posture without adding significant time or effort into your day. She gave us ideas on ways to improve our horse’s posture just walking to and from the pasture. Exercises included backing up to increase range of motion in the horse’s lumbosacral junction, two or three small circles in each direction to create more bend in the ribs, and walking over poles or logs to build fitness in the horse’s core.

If you want to incorporate one exercise from Gillian’s clinic, then I would say add more poles into your everyday rides. Not only do poles require the horse to lift their legs higher, which builds core fitness, poles also encourage the base of the neck to lift and increase back rotation. When you’re riding over poles, remember Gillian’s advice, “Let the poles do the work.” As she counseled Michael, don’t rush the poles. Instead, sit back and let the horse think as he moves through them. If the horse begins to rush or suck back, the spacing of the poles themselves will correct the issue.

When Michael rode in on Jethro, Gillian began critiquing his ride, explaining what happens to the horse’s skeleton over poles and fences, as well as at the walk, trot, and canter. At the beginning of the ride, Jethro was demonstrating a moderately lackluster trot, which Michael told me beforehand he’s been working on. Gillian immediately picked up on his goal and introduced several exercises to improve it. By the end of the clinic, Jethro was strutting around the ring in a nearly ground-shaking powerful trot.

I caught up with Michael Alway after the clinic to get his perspective on the clinic. “I thought it was great. It was a good learning experience as a rider. It was also a good learning experience for my horse,” Michael said. “When he gets tense, he wants to get jiggy and quick. He gets a little forward and then if I use too much rein, he goes behind the vertical, so it all snowballs. She gave me some really good exercises on how to interrupt that. At the end, I was trying to kind of control him through the poles because he’s so powerful. And as soon as I let the reins go and let the poles do the work, it was amazing. It’s a totally different feeling.”

Jethro and Michael Alway at the Horses Inside Out Clinic. Photo by Wise Images Photography.

HCS, USA Saddlery and the North American Saddlery School did a great job hosting the clinic. According to co-owner Amber Markley, “We hope that at least the attendees will leave thinking about how we’re putting the tack on in correlation with how their horse is built, how their horse stands on his own four feet, and how their horses move,” Amber said. “Because if they can start to think about and understand the principles [of equine biomechanics], they’ll understand how the tack is meant to function as well.”

The inaugural clinic was a definite success with good feedback from volunteers, riders, and attendees. If you missed out this year, rumor has it there just might be another Painted Horse Demonstration from Horses Inside Out, HCS, USA Saddlery, and the North American Saddlery School in 2024.

Coverage of this event was sponsored by HCS, USA Saddlery and the North American Saddlery School. Thinking of becoming a saddle fitter? Check out the North American Saddlery School here. If you want to drool over some gorgeous saddles or get your tack fitted, check out HCS, USA Saddlery here.

US Equestrian Board of Directors Approves Amendment to Protective Headgear Rule

By on Jul 26, 2023 10:00 am -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

During a special meeting of the US Equestrian Board of Directors on July 24, the Board approved an amendment to the protective headgear certification rule change, which was originally approved during the Mid-Year Board meeting in June (click here). With this amendment, the rule change will have an effective date of August 1, 2023.

This rule change expands the list of acceptable international testing standards for equestrian protective headgear, allowing more helmet and headgear options for competitors at USEF licensed competitions. By moving the effective date up to August 1, 2023 (from its original effective date of December 1, 2023), competitors can take advantage of the expanded options almost immediately rather than waiting until the start of the 2024 competition year.

“The expanded options that will be available to competitors at USEF national competitions is consistent with the FEI standards and clarifies other international testing standards that meet or exceed the ASTM standards,” stated Dr. Stephanie Bonin, Principal and Senior Biomechanical Engineer at MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists and Chair of ASTM Equestrian Helmet Task Group.

The rule change intent was “To include SNELL Foundation as an acceptable helmet certification along with ASTM for use in USEF Competition. The FEI recognizes the Snell Foundation helmet certification as acceptable protective headgear.” The approval of this change now adds SNELL ratings to the list of currently approved rating systems for equestrian helmet. The Snell Foundation was established in 1957 to memorialize amateur racer Pete Snell after he died of head injury during an auto racing event. The Foundation created its own rating system for equestrian helmets which can be found here. The updated list of acceptable ratings systems can be found here.

Additionally, the list of accepted international testing standards and corresponding certified quality control labels for equestrian protective headgear have been posted on the USEF website rather than within the USEF Rule Book to allow for making future updates to the list without having to undergo the timeline associated with the rule change process. Click here to reference the International Test Standards list.

If you have any questions about this rule change or the types of protective headgear approved for use at USEF licensed competitions, please contact Katlynn Wilbers at [email protected].

Wednesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Jul 26, 2023 12:01 am -

It’s National Ice Cream Month so here’s David Doel, a 5* eventer with a side hustle selling ice cream – just one of the titbits I fed my husband in his comprehensive guide to all things eventing/horses. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

My non-horsey husband’s summer break from work started on Saturday, which obviously called for a glass (or four) or something suitably celebratory, which inevitably led to me talking about horses for an hour (or four).

It’s no secret that I am unwillingly without horse and that I want one (or more) badly. (Definitely more.)

About halfway into my horsey musings, my husband asked, “When we actually do have horses, will this increase or decrease?”. I had to laugh at his naivety.

I’m yet to test out my husband on an actual horse.

He failed the cat test early on by claiming to be allergic, but then a stray moved in with us and seven cats later he’s a legitimate TikTok #catdad.

He can name more 5* eventers than I can name soccer players, reads almost everything I write for EN and does appear to listen when I get down and dirty with form and stats in my excitement during the lead-up to a big event – so there’s every hope that when I finally pull a horse out of the bag he’ll do OK.

After 20 years together it’ll be a real shame if I have to cut him loose – let’s hope he’s as allergic to horses as he is cats, otherwise it may be a case of ‘til horse do we part.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Millbrook H.T. (Millbrook, NY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Major International Events

FEI Eventing European Championships for Ponies (Le Mans, France): [Definite Entries]

Burgham International (United Kingdom): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Wednesday News and Reading

Dive into the world of eventing breeding, specifically the Heraldik line – a horse who’s widely heralded as eventing’s greatest sire. With progeny including Michael Jung’s Olympic champion La Biosthetique – Sam and superstar Fischerchipmunk Frh, Ingrid Klimke’s team gold medalist Frh Butts Abraxxas and Tim Price’s Burghley third-placer Vitali, among many, many more, Heraldik is thought to be eventing’s most successful sire. Read up on his humble beginnings, his mixed bag of a career, and how he ended up as super-sire to the eventing world. [Who’s The Daddy?]

And talking of making babies, Kentucky 4* winner Hot Bobo is going to become a mom via embryo transfer. Karl Slezak and the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare were the only combination to finish on their dressage when they came home Kentucky 4*-S champions in the spring with the lowest finishing score in the history of the event. With international show jumper Combina as a sire, this Bobo baby is sure to be a hot prospect for its lucky owners. [Hot Bobo Baby]

When William Key, a former slave and self-trained vet, bred his rescued Arab mare with a Standardbred stallion, he was hoping for a racehorse – instead he got the smartest horse in the world. An unimpressive, sickly colt who was named after the town drunk, Jim began with opening the gate and stealing apples. But then he started learning tricks from the dog and his owner decided to see what else Jim could do. Seriously, this horse could spell, do math, tell time, use a phone, faint on command… the list goes on. And the most impressive thing – he was trained using only patience and kindness, no whip needed. [Get That Horse a Cookie]

And on the subject of training horses to do cool things – wouldn’t it be handy to know for sure whether your horse is feeling too hot or too cold? Well, the guessing game may be over as researchers have successfully trained horses to tell their owner whether they’re feeling a bit chilly and would appreciate a cozy blanket, or whether they’re good without right now. Being researchers, they didn’t stop at the training phase. They tested their theory in different conditions and found that when it was warm and sunny, all the horses asked for their blanket to be removed. Likewise, when it was damp and rainy, the horses chose to keep their blankets on. It was concluded that owners tend to over-blanket and that horses would prefer to go without more often than we let them. The team are now working on a study of turnout preferences. [Talking Horses]

Here’s a solution to the no more space in the barn dilemma. The Sims 4 now has a Horse Ranch add-on. As well as enjoying graphics inspired by the American West, you can fill your ranch with horses, mini goats and sheep. You get to muck stalls, harvest hay, and ride on down to the bar in town for a spot of line dancing. There’s even an equestrian park for training purposes. Oh, and there are foals! The project is a collaboration between The Sims team and sensitivity reader Stacey Parshall Jensen, who has ensured that all the details included in the game reflect elements of Native American culture authentically. [Pony Up and Play]

And finally, Harry Styles takes to horseback for his latest music video. After just 20 minutes in the saddle (in his entire life), Harry manages to look effortlessly stylish as he stares down the camera mid-rear. Of course he does. [Harry’s Stylish on Horseback] [Watch the Video]

Sponsor Corner

Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my face after watching this reel from Ocala Horse Properties 🤤 Only 20 minutes away from WEC, this property features a 20 stall barn, 19 paddocks, and a jumping AND dressage arena. It’s an eventer’s dream!

Video Break

So this is something…

Training Tip Tuesday Video: A Canter-Walk-Canter Exercise to Add to Your Toolbox

By on Jul 25, 2023 3:30 pm -

I’ve recently stumbled upon the content gold mine that is FEI dressage rider JJ Tate’s Team Tate Academy YouTube channel. You know we are all about online education here at EN (and full disclosure, you can find more of my work in the education sector over on Noelle Floyd’s Equestrian Masterclass – shameless plug!), and I thought this interesting tidbit from JJ’s channel would be useful to share with you.

It’s a short clip of a longer lesson, but in it you can hear JJ talk a little about the rider’s pelvis and hips and how they relate to the horse’s hind end movement. She then goes into a demonstration of a canter-walk-canter exercise that’s good for honing your seat and leg aids, as well as building strength and responsiveness in your horse. Try it out!

All Systems Go for a Brilliant Burgham

By on Jul 25, 2023 12:00 pm -

Reigning World Champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir compete at Burgham in 2022. Photo by Rupert Gibson Photography.

With the largest number of entries in the event’s history and perfect conditions underfoot, Burgham International Horse Trials 2023 (July 26-30) looks set to be the best yet.

Riders from every continent with the exception of Antarctica will be competing at Burgham, and they encompass 20 different countries as far-flung as Norway, Namibia, Morocco, China, India and Argentina alongside the most customary USA, Australia, New Zealand and mainland Europe.

Once again, Burgham – Northern England’s premier equestrian event – has a star-studded cast. British Tokyo Olympics gold medallists Laura Collett and Oliver Townend will face serious opposition from the 2023 Badminton CCI5* winner Ros Canter, 2022 Burghley CCI5* heroine Piggy March and reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham, among many others. There is also a large contingent of Irish competitors targeting Burgham this year, headed by World Championship team silver medallists Padraig McCarthy and Sarah Ennis.

Burgham commences on Wednesday, July 26 with international dressage and the popular Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers for four- and five-year-old horses. There is cross-country to watch every day from Thursday to Sunday; the feature CCI4*-S sections, sponsored by Holme Dodsworth Metals, take centre stage on Saturday, July 29.

Grassroots competitors have plenty of opportunities to compete alongside the most famous riders in the sport of eventing with British Riding Clubs senior and junior team jumping on Saturday, and showing and dressage classes for thoroughbreds and ex-racehorses on Sunday, July 30.

Visitors can enjoy a great variety of tradestands and locally produced food and drink while they are watching the sporting action – and there’s even a fun dog show on Saturday and Sunday to raise money for Burgham’s supported charity, the British Eventing Support Trust (BEST).

Burgham is thrilled to welcome Project Pony as its supporting partner for 2023. This new initiative aims to identify and support up-and-coming young riders by giving them the opportunity to compete on elite event ponies.

Burgham is the final leg of the Northumberland Challenge. Sponsored by AW Jenkinson Forest Products, Encon Technical Solutions and NIS Group Ltd, the 2023 Northumberland Challenge offers horse and rider combinations entering the CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S classes at Belsay, Alnwick Ford and Burgham the opportunity to win cash bonuses of up to £20,000 for the CCI2*-S and £25,000 for the CCI3*-S, totalling £45,000. Who will take home the cheques at the end of this weekend…? Oliver Townend has high hopes of CCI2*-S bonus money, while Oliver, Mark Davidson and Yasmin Ingham also have chances of collecting CCI3*-S cash.

Event Director Craig Anderson said: “Burgham is an incredibly special event, and our huge number of very high-quality entries prove how much riders and owners love to come to it. This is top-class eventing in an intimate, relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the heart of Northumberland – who wouldn’t love it?! We look forward to welcoming lots of spectators – there’s so much for them to see and enjoy.”

You’ll be able to follow Burgham International live using your Horse & Country viewing pass or subscription. Click here to bookmark the live stream page for this event.

Burgham International: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream]

GMHA Seeking Assistance to Recover from Double Storm Damage

By on Jul 25, 2023 10:00 am -

Photo via GMHA on Facebook.

Not just one, but two raging storms unleashed their fury on the northeastern part of the country in the past week, flooding large areas of Vermont with over eight inches of rain recorded. Among the horse facilities affected were both Huntington Farm and the Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) facilities.

Huntington Farm posted a positive update on their Facebook page over the weekend that they were in good shape for help with repairs, but that further opportunities to help the facility would become available soon — you can follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.

GMHA fared slightly worse, with significant flooding damaging large parts of the 65-acre facility. “The resulting flash flood was more disastrous than the flooding ten days before,” GMHA Executive Director Bruce Perry wrote in a statement. “The flood waters came up faster, ran swifter and deeper than before. All the work that had been completed the previous week was washed away, and more.”

Hello GMHA members, friends and family – I left work on Friday with thoughts of an update to all of you with the…

Posted by Green Mountain Horse Association on Monday, July 24, 2023

“The scope and breadth of the repairs all over the property will require our undistracted attention so we can get them completed in the next two weeks,” the statement continued. “Over the next couple of days GMHA staff and Board will work on how we can reschedule, or modify the cancelled events, following the two week time frame allowing them to run safely.”

Interested supporters can donate financially at this link. GMHA’s upcoming Festival of Eventing is scheduled for August 11-13, and while several competitions scheduled in the next few weeks have been cancelled, the Board will make a decision on future events as repairs proceed with the goal of keeping the remainder of the calendar in tact.

Did we miss a news tip? Let us know by emailing [email protected]!

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jul 25, 2023 8:14 am -

I haven’t even entered a horse show in over a year and I still relate so hard to this that it’s actually painful – I’m just currently subbing in Queen B’s physio appointments, shiny new fly rugs, expensive hoof conditioners, and, of courses, endless camera equipment for myself for the essential business of Taking Nice Photos of Horses, in place of entry fees. Adult responsibilities? I don’t know her. Hand me my credit card and I’ll happily make some more problems for Tomorrow Tilly to deal with.

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

Events Closing Today: Woodside Summer H.T, Fair Hill International Recognized H.T., Full Gallop Farm August HT-Pending USEF Approval, WindRidge Farm Summer H.T., Otter Creek Summer H.T., GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T.

News & Notes from Around the World:

Researchers behind three of the most significant safety studies in the sport have released a review of their findings. Now, they hope that the work they’ve done – and the recommendations they’ve pulled from what they’ve discovered — could be taken on board by British Eventing and, in time, the FEI to improve safety across eventing. Read more here.

Rescue horse Perfect Storm had already experienced the bad side of the horse world by the time he was four. But that’s when his story really began: at an auction house in 2014, where the underweight, dejected Saddlebred-Trakehner cross was given a second chance at life. Now, he’s out and about with SEE grant recipient Mia Valdez, who’s produced him to Preliminary level so far. Meet the dynamic duo.

Horse ownership is on the up in Australia — but there’s no way to meet the rising demand for farriers. Training opportunities are few and far between in the country, and often geographically impossible for many aspiring farriers to attend — which can either drive them away from the job or encourage folks to take a DIY approach to learning how to do it. Read some farriers’ thoughts here.

Do you believe in the lore of whorls? Mark Deesing certainly does – so much so, that he enlisted Temple Grandin to help him research how the position or direction of a horse’s whorls might dictate their basic nature. It might sound a bit mad, but this is a really interesting read on how they delved into a topic that was otherwise being roundly dismissed. Check it out.

Are you an Area I young rider? Then you should definitely check out these brilliant team competition opportunities coming up over the next few weeks — including the chance to ride alongside a pro as your team chases glory at the GMHA Festival and Millbrook! Find out more here.

Sponsor Corner: Did you miss the Rebecca Farm livestream? Catch up on all the action last weekend with Allie’s Reporter’s Notebook. Coverage sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products.

Watch This:

Get to know Brazilian rising star Rafa Losano and his wife, Sweden’s Amanda Brieditis, in the latest episode of the Eventing Weekly podcast!

Monday Video from Horses Inside Out: A Wimpy Eventer and a Burghley Champion Go for a Hack

By on Jul 24, 2023 4:30 pm -

Let’s be honest, riding the Burghley course is a little beyond the abilities or even desires of most of us. But hacking around the course and admiring the impossibly big questions and the famed terrain from up close? With a Burghley champion hacking alongside as a guide? Where do we sign up?!

Victoria Briant, creator of the Diary of a Wimpy Eventer blog got the opportunity to do just that for this special preview video ahead of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials which are just around the corner now, taking place August 31 through September 3. She was joined by none other than reigning champions Piggy March aboard her super mare Vanir Kamira who guided them through the hallowed grounds.

Throughout their hack Piggy covers all the emotions that a rider might be feeling on cross country day from the walk to the start box, to how the crowds can boost a rider, and they even get a first look at Piggy’s brand new plaque on Winner’s Avenue. How special is that?

Did you miss out on the Horses Inside Out Painted Horse Demonstration hosted by the North American Saddlery School? Check out the highlights from the lecture here:

Weekend Winners: Rebecca Farm, Applewood, Course Brook, Full Moon, New Jersey, & Silverwood

By on Jul 24, 2023 1:30 pm -

We saw some impressive numbers of Eventers at all levels competing across the country this weekend, from YEH to Starter levels to the CCI 4*L at Rebecca.

Congrats to all on successful weekends, with a special shout out to our Weekend Winners and the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Mike Robbins at Redmond who took home the win in the Novice B division at Course Brook Farm on a 17.8!

The Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, MT) [Website] [Scoring]

CCI4*-Long: James Alliston and Karma (32.6)
CCI3*-Long: Jennifer Saville and Pascal (32.0)
CCI2*-Long: Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo (27.1)
CCI4*-Short: Andrew Mcconnon and Wakita 54 (38.9)
CCI3*-Short: Alyssa Phillips and Oskar (27.1)
Open Intermediate: Megan McIver and Kapitan Sparrow XII (41.3)
Open Preliminary A: Todd Trewin and Cooley High Society (30.4)
Open Preliminary B: Molly Duda and Carlingfords Hes a Clover (26.7)
Open Preliminary C: Kyla Mason and Wild Child (28.4)
Open Modified A: Tommy Greengard and Quick Quinn (24.3)
Open Modified B: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and AEV Zara (25.7)
Jr. Open Training A: Maddie Kelly and Favoloso (30.0)
Jr. Open Training B: Isabelle Eppink and Enfinity (29.8)
Sr. Open Training A: Travis Atkinson and Calzini (21.9)
Sr. Open Training B: Jacqueline Cameron and Penny Lane (33.2)
Sr. Open Training C: Jolie Jantz and Noah Constrictor (30.5)
Sr. Open Training D: Shruti Bona and Saint Ignatius (28.1)
Training Three-Day: Marc Grandia and Levino (25.4)
Jr. Open Novice A: Chanelle Dahl and Balian (30.6)
Jr. Open Novice B: Avery Calder and Zip Wyatt (30.0)
Sr. Open Novice A: Leah Breakey and Port Rouge (24.7)
Sr. Open Novice B: Jane Musselman and Engapore (22.2)
Sr. Open Novice C: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Remember Me (26.0)
Sr. Open Novice D: Kristin Joly and Nevada (18.1)
Novice Three-Day: Patience O’Neal and High Khaliber Angel (23.6)
Jr. Open Beg. Novice: Jules Thompson and The African Queen (23.4)
Sr. Open Beg. Novice A: Erin Grandia and Fernhill Royale Flush (24.1)
Sr. Open Beg. Novice B: Lesley McGill and NSC Bellamy’s Diamond (27.1)
Sr. Open Beg. Novice C: Victoria Klein and Monets Wish (26.9)
Sr. Open Beg. Novice D: Amber Ryan and Starlightpistol (27.8)

Applewood Farm YEH & Mini Event (Califon, NJ) [Website] [Scoring]

Starter: Kristin Douglas and Mainely Brews (21.34)
Beginner Novice: Jennifer Nebel and Tally Ho My Kadin (23.12)
Novice: Kori Edwards and Leila (29.72)
YEH 4 Year Old: Elizabeth Bortuzzo and Best Friend (78.35)
YEH 5 Year Old: Lee Maher and Redfield Need For Speed (84.25)

Course Brook Farm Summer H.T. (Sherborn, MA) [Website] [Scoring]

Preliminary: Madison Haney and Chesterland’s Sweet Charlotte (31.1)
Modified/Training: Heather Maytham and JR Superstar (33.1)
Training A: Carly Stiller and PLS Beroko (31.1)
Training B: Chelsea Canedy and Galicia (17.9)
Novice A: Alyssa Lapierre and Witten Valley (31.1)
Novice B: Mike Robbins and Redmond (17.8)
Novice C: Megan Correia-Bittner and Millionn (31.4)
Beginner Novice A: Maddi Mumm and Coventry (31.4)
Beginner Novice B: Julia Barton and Maytham Pride (27.6)
Beginner Novice C: Abigial Barnet Rolston and Feighbel (30.9)
Beginner Novice D: Abby Cook and Wicked Star (22.1)
Beginner Novice E: Nancy Roche and Saphyra (20.9)
Starter A: Gwendolyn Healy and FH Caberneigh (31.0)
Starter B: Megan Correia-Bittner and Shooting Stars (27.7)

Full Moon Farms H.T. (Finksburg, MD) [Website] [Scoring]

Modified/Training – Open: Savannah Fulton and Miss Carrera (31.5)
Open Training: Joanie Morris and Pioneer Archibald (29.1)
Novice Rider A: Gillian Smith and Red Cloud (36.1)
Novice Rider B: Drea Milkamp and Phantomssandstorm (40.9)
Open Novice: Krysta Paradis and The Flying Fox (33.6)
Training/Novice Open: Danielle Poulsen and Julien de Flamenco (33.3)
Beginner Novice Horse: Savannah Fulton and Blue Parrot (29.7)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Eliza Ryan and Made You Look Twice (35.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Emily Paniccia and Corona With Lime (38.2)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Beth Shotwell and Merry Melody (28.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Elena Carmichael and Take Flight (36.8)
Introductory Open: Elizabeth Burns and Red October (34.7)
Introductory Rider A: Taylor Collison and Beamer (36.0)
Introductory Rider B: Makenzie Guidry and Mirabelle (31.0)
Introductory Rider C: Emily Jacobs and Combat Diver (35.0)
Poles/Tadpole – Rider: Montana Ryden and Albert (34.1)
Starter CT: Polly Tillman and FMF Zack-A-Rooni (46.7)
Starter – Rider: Jillian Snyder and FMF Smooch (33.1)

Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials II (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Scoring]

Open Intermediate A: Michael Nolan and Carrabeg Hulla Balou (30.4)
Open Intermediate B: Lillian Heard Wood and Chilly (27.5)
Open Preliminary A: Boyd Martin and Asti’s Charming (26.4)
Open Preliminary B: Caroline Pamukcu and Billy Be Jolly (24.8)
Open Modified A: Lee Maher and Cape Silverstar Z (29.5)
Open Modified B: Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Tick Tock (29.8)
Open Training A: Emily Beshear and Card Shark (28.8)
Open Training B: Shannon Lilley and Miss Holland EB (27.4)
Training Rider: Nancy Lee and PHF Wine Me Up (22.9)
Novice Rider: Marina Cassou and Cooley Monsoon (22.8)
Open Novice A: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Clever Z (18.9)
Open Novice B: Boyd Martin and Nocciola KW (24.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Ashley Thorp and The Optimist (24.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Tracey Bienemann and Remembrance (19.1)

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. (Trevor, WI) [Website] [Scoring]

Open Beginner Novice A: Laura Bernadino and Enoch (38.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Rebecca Gall and Cosmo (20.6)
Open Novice A: Jennifer Rodgers and AC Sir Elton (28.3)
Open Novice B: Katarzyna Jachymczyk and Sock Monkey (26.0)
Open Training: Korina Smith and Dories Last (30.0)
Preliminary/Training: Nicolette Adams and Total Access (38.0)
Starter: Sarah Anderson and Iron Drill (29.4)

Reporter’s Notebook: Final Reflections from a First Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 24, 2023 11:39 am -

The Event at Rebecca Farm 2023 CCI4*-L podium finishers. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

While I could probably keep writing about Rebecca Farm until my fingers fall off (not too unlikely honestly, given my arthritis in this heat), I did have a great time just sitting in the shade for a few hours watching some pretty horses jump some pretty jumps. The conclusion of the event was definitely well-attended and beautifully coordinated, with cheers flooding the stadium at the completion of each rider.

Excepting the stunning custom jumps and unparalleled views, the finale really did give an atmosphere that one typically finds at your hometown events — hugging, cheering, and fist pumps were seen around the arena, riders congratulating each other — just a very wholesome camaraderie felt between everyone present.

Alyssa Phillips entered the CCI3*-S showjumping ring aboard her gelding Oskar with nearly 6 points between her and second-placed Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve, only 4 seconds of time on cross country over her dressage score. A perfectly double-clear round easily secured their victory.

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Thanks to receiving a Broussard Travel Grant, Alyssa was able to make it out with several horses this year. She and Oskar took a second-place victory in last year’s 4*-L here at Rebecca, but after an unfortunate fall that fractured her ankle at Terranova earlier this spring, Alyssa had to take some time off and is only recently starting up again.

Alyssa clearly has been doing quite well despite the setback, as she also easily clinched the victory in the 2*-L as well aboard Cornelius Bo, who also held a comfortable overnight lead with nearly two rails in hand prior to showjumping. Adding just one dropped pole to their score still saw them as the champions on a 27.1, maintaining their lead over Julia Beauchamp Crandon and MGH Capa Vilou‘s dressage score finish.

I was pleasantly surprised with how down-to-earth and humble many of the riders were that I had the opportunity to speak with. I got the feeling that Rebecca is just a comparatively relaxing event to many of the other 4*s out there — whether that’s due to the Farm’s vacation-y vibes or the great connections and care everyone has for the Broussard family and the organizers, the event seems to feels a bit like home to just about everyone.

“For how big of an event it is, and the fact that it is a four-star long — there’s this really fun, chill vibe about it where it feels like a big deal, but it doesn’t at the same time,” says Jennie Saville, winner of the 3*-L aboard Alexa Lapp’s Pascal.

Jennie Saville and Pascal. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The duo has a rather unconventional background, as ‘Pasco’ was actually picked out and purchased by Jennie’s assistant, Alexa Lapp, as a four-year-old in Europe. “She took him to Fair Hill as a seven-year-old last year in the three-star long,” Jennie explains, “which I think is a really huge achievement. I’d flatted him, but I think I’d only jumped him once at the most — and he’s a lovely jumper. He’s just been coming with me getting to know him this season.”

Jennie is a long-time attendee of the Event at Rebecca Farm, especially since many of the owners of her horses are very connected to the event. “Getting the ‘Big Becky’ grant was life changing. I think I’ve brought everything from like a two-star horse here — FE Lifestyle came here and ran the Intermediate once, and Stella Artois came here.”

Jennie Saville and Pascal. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

“I love the people here — [I come here] for the people,” she says, “and obviously the view is great.” She mentions that she’s always just felt so much more comfortable here at Rebecca than most other shows, greatly in part to the organizers she sees as close friends. “When people come to see me at like Land Rover, I’m not a jerk, but I’m not fun to be around,” she laughs. “But here, I have people… I love that I’m actually relaxed enough to actually be myself. That’s what I love the most about it.”

After an eventful cross country day (again, take a look at the detailed scores for the Intermediate leaderboard) full of pulled shoes and water jump confusions, everyone seemed to transition pretty well into showjumping overnight. Andrew McConnon was all smiles today as he and Wakita 54 ended on a 38.9 — just 3 seconds of time added to their cross country run.

“I’m honestly just proud of my horse,” Andrew said of his ten-year-old mare. “Liz [Milliken] imported her, and she was a little unassuming, to be honest, because she’s built slightly downhill and she has a few little lumps and bumps… I bought her and started her off from the beginning, and it’s really nice to have her here at the Advanced and four-star level.”

Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Andrew has been very forgiving of his mare’s challenges in the show jumping ring, given her unconventional build. “This is her second time jumping clear in the show jumping. She definitely has the capability, but in our record, we’ve had quite a few tapped rails — not because of lack of ability — but it’s just nice to go in there after a long journey and at elevation and in heat, even though it’s dry, and have her jump a clear round. I’m just really proud of her.”

“It was funny,” he remarks, “when I checked in, they asked if I was wearing hind boots or had spurs — I didn’t carry a whip, no running martingale, you don’t need a whole lot with her. The way she’s built, I have to help her a little bit more to just stay on her hocks, and so I did do that. I had to kind of sit up and say ‘stay with me’ a little bit — not because she was going quicker, but just to change the balance. I had to work a little bit harder in that way just to help her be in what other horses find a little bit more natural.”

Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

I honestly found Andrew’s simplistic and humble approach very refreshing and admirable, especially the clear love for his horse and the appreciation for his team, the designers, and the staff here at Rebecca Farm. “My other horse went to the Nation’s Cup in Poland,” Andrew explains, “and then I decided to bring [Wakita 54] out [to Rebecca Farm] pretty quick after. It was a quick turnaround, so thank you to the people at home that helped keep her going. My groom, Natalia Knowles, is not here with us this weekend — she’s at home taking care of everything, just because it was such a long journey. I wish she could be here to enjoy the win, but it takes a lot of people to keep everything running.”

Andrew posted a video Saturday night where he brought “Kiki” out to the fields to let her live out the fantasy that I’m sure every horse on site has been dreaming of since they arrived. I really love and appreciate seeing moments like this, when upper-level riders let their horses just be horses, especially in the middle of such a big event.

James Alliston and Karma appeared to just be having another uneventful schooling day around Chris Barnard’s track, with their leisurely jaunt bringing them the win on their dressage score.

“You wouldn’t have known she’d done what she did yesterday, really,” he says of the young mare. “She’s full of energy — really jumping up in the air high and very careful and she felt really good. She’s sort of just really an energetic horse. I don’t know where it all comes from, but she just has so much energy. She never really feels sorry for herself or anything like that.”

James Alliston and Karma secure his third victory in a row at Rebecca Farm. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

James was pleased with Karma’s performance at the Kentucky 4*-S this year. “I’d like to think that sort of sets her up — hopefully, if everything goes well for the rest of the year — maybe for the five-star there,” he says of his upcoming plans for her.

For his third consecutive year as the Rebecca Farm Champion, James has nothing but praise for the event. “I always eye this one up — it’s a four-star, but it’s a big one with a lot of atmosphere. I think now I have a bit of history with it; I kind of want to try and keep going and try and have a nice horse for it.”

James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Based on the West coast along with his wife Helen, who placed second in the 3*-L, James has been a regular recipient of the generosity shared by the Broussard Family. “I was fortunate enough to get not only the travel grants I’ve had the last few years I’ve been American, but I got the National [Broussard Foundation Developing Rider] grant for $10,000,” James says. “So that’s a huge help, especially since,” he says referencing his fellow podium-placing riders, “we all own our own horses. It’s expensive to campaign and produce the horses to this level, and when they’re at this level — at shows like this with amazing prize money, maybe they start to pay their way a little bit — it’s expensive, so getting the $10,000 was huge.

“I was able to have a lot of training at home which I wasn’t really able to have before, and it just sort of eased the travel costs to a few shows. When I went to Kentucky this spring, I think that money to pay for the expensive diesel everywhere was good to have!”

James was sure to thank Leslie Law for his coaching both at home and on the road. “It’s amazing having someone with his experience — he’s achieved Olympic gold medal right? He’s achieved the highest of the highs in the sport, so to have his experience — everything you’re going through, he’s gone through many, many times. Just having that wealth of knowledge and getting to know him through the US Eventing Development Program, he’s just a really nice guy as well and gives up a lot of time. You can bug him, and he’s really cool and patient.”

Madison Temkin and MVP Madbum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Madison Temkin also expressed her gratitude for Leslie’s direction, after maintaining her second place position with her mare MVP Madbum, even despite one rail pulled on course. “I’ve been lucky enough that I’ve been a part of the Under 18 program — now it’s more like the EA21 program — and then I’ve been a part of the Under 25 program. My mom and I run a business together and I’ve always ridden with her, and she’s helped me every step of the way and made me who I am. But alongside of her, I’ve had a lot of help from Leslie Law, and on the Under-18s, David O’Connor. He’s based in Lexington now, and he’s been helping me quite a bit with [Madbum].”

Maddy got the Thoroughbred mare off the track at Golden Gate Field as a two-year-old when she was just 15. “She’s come a long way. She’s been quite a challenge — I think she’s just starting to work with me rather than against me a bit, but I’m very proud of her this week. I think she’s taught me quite a bit.”

Madison Temkin and MVP Madbum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

While their relationship hasn’t always been easy, Maddy is extremely happy with the improvement she’s seen in her mare, which she says was a huge factor in being able to make their incredible double-clear round yesterday on such a long course. “She is very talented and it’s all in there, but she’s a bit of a fiery lady. It’s just kind of learning how to get everything out of her while keeping her happy and keeping her developing up through the sport. I think she’s taught me a lot, and she continues to teach me a lot every day.”

Maddy was also another grateful recipient of the Broussard’s Rebecca Farm travel grant, which was vital now that she is based out of Kentucky. “I think the opportunity they give all of us as US athletes, developing and up-and-coming athletes is absolutely incredible. I think that a lot of our top athletes are where they are today because of the Broussard family and their generosity. I know I’m very grateful and I think everyone could say the same thing.”

Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Jessica Phoenix was full of praise for Fluorescent Adolescent after her own particularly long 41-hour journey from Ontario, Canada. The photogenic mare had pricked ears the whole course, and Jessie was excited to be sharing such a success with her after just nine months together.

She is a really awesome horse,” Jessie gushes. “She wakes up in the morning wanting to go to work, and she’s like, ‘What are we doing today?’ She came out of yesterday really, really well, so I was looking forward to today.”

Jessie and “Lacy” just began running at the 4* level this spring. “I thought this would be a well-suited course for her,” she notes. “I’m so thankful it was, because it’s a long journey to get here from Canada, but it does not disappoint. This is one of my favorite events in the entire world. The scenery, the people — you’re so welcome here.”

The long-time Canadian Team member secured a third place finish aboard Makayla Rydzik’s flashy Canadian Warmblood. “She lacks a little bit of length to her step in the show jumping, so I just have to make sure I really get her in to the combinations,” she explains, “but what a horse for the future. I am so pumped about her — she went in there and did everything she could do today and gave me 110%. It was just such a pleasure to ride her this whole week.”

Fluorescent Adolescent making friends with Gstar Van De Klinkenberg. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The trio also commented on the elevation and terrain difference here in the mountains — something none of our podium finishers really experience in their sea-level home states. “Fitness was key on the cross country course yesterday,” Jessie admitted, “and as James said, the footing was quite fast, so you’re not necessarily expecting them to get as tired as they’re going to, but they feel it every bit of it. Even as a rider you feel it! The air doesn’t get to your lungs as quickly — and I would consider myself a very fit person, I often ride multiple horses a day — but honestly, after yesterday I had a whopping headache, and I was exhausted.”

Comments on the increasingly difficult temperatures were also plentiful — the phrase “dry heat” appeared multiple times in every conversation. “For the horses to perform the way they did yesterday and then come back and do what they did today, I think that’s just a testament to how much they really want to do it for us.”


At the end of this long, hot week, I’ve had an unbelievable experience immersing myself in this amazing world. Stay tuned for a social media dump soon, as I’m sure nothing short of a mile-long album can come close to capturing the essence of this incredible event.

The Halt Cancer at X initiative had excellent success in generosity of sponsors and donors this week as well, reaching $1 million consecutive donations to the fund.

Huge congratulations to all our winners and award recipients, with unending praise to the organizers, staff, vendors, and everyone who makes this event possible. Click here to see a summary of all our weekend winners. Only 12 months until the next Rebecca!

Kyle Carter and Gstar Van De Klinkenberg. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Helen Alliston and Flinterro Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

EN’s coverage of Rebecca Farm is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. You can learn all about Kentucky Performance Products’ full line of trusted, science-backed nutritional supplements by visiting kppusa.com.

The Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, MT) [Website] [Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]