Classic Eventing Nation

Your Live Stream Guide to CHIO Aachen

By on Jun 27, 2023 11:00 am -

Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It’s officially CHIO Aachen week, and we’ll be coming to you live from Germany later this week when the eventers take center stage. Aachen is not *solely* about eventing, though, as it’s an all-encompassing equestrian festival that occurs on an annual basis. Look at it as a mini-World Equestrian Games, with each major discipline featuring on the event schedule along with a few “just for fun” type of classes.

You won’t want to miss the action, which also features a bid at the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping by none other than U.S. show jumper McLain Ward, who’s brought three horses for a shot at some titles this week, including the champion mare HH Azur as well as Olympic partner Contagious. On the dressage side, we’re looking forward to watching Great Britain’s current leading lady, Lottie Fry, and the nearly-full-brother to the legend Glamourdale, Everdale, competing. Reigning FEI World Cup champions Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB are also entered to compete this week.

Dressage, driving, and vaulting are also represented on the schedule this weekend, and you can view the full roster of international entries here.

Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In most countries, you’ll want to grab a subscription to ClipMyHorse.TV to be able to view the action both live and on-demand this week. FYI, your USEF account connection to ClipMyHorse.TV will not grant you access to Aachen live streaming — you must subscribe to a separate subscription to CMH (monthly or annual). [Click here to see ClipMyHorse.TV subscription options]

For those of our readers outside of the U.S., Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Spain, the live stream will be carried on Horse & Country. Accessing the Horse & Country website from a browser in your country of residence should bring up the options to watch CHIO Aachen live.

Once you’ve signed up, the world of Aachen streaming will open up to you. The full Aachen homepage can be found here — bookmark this page! The live stream page will have a schedule of events, and you can also view the full event daily program here. Since I know we’re all eventers here, I’ll drop the specific eventing schedule below:

Eventing (SAP Cup)
These times are subject to change. Please keep an eye on the live stream hub + the timing & scoring page for the latest schedule.

Friday, June 30 – Dressage
8:30 a.m. local / 2:30 a.m. EST / 11:30 p.m. (6/29) PST

Friday, June 30 – Show Jumping
5:45 p.m. local / 11:45 a.m. EST / 8:45 a.m. PST

Saturday, July 1 – Cross Country
10:00 a.m. local / 4:00 a.m. EST / 1:00 a.m. PST

We’ll have our traditional Form Guide to each nation contesting the SAP Cup for eventing coming later this week, and Tilly Berendt is our roving reporter on the ground all weekend. I’ll be running live updates for cross country on Saturday, and you can always follow us at @goeventing or also the event at @chio_aachen for the latest from Germany. Go Eventing!

EN’s Coverage of CHIO Aachen is brought to you with support from Kentucky Performance Products and Ocala Horse Properties.

CHIO Aachen: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Canadian Eventing Team Announced for FEI Eventing Nations Cup Arville

By on Jun 27, 2023 9:30 am -

Ottawa, ON, June 26, 2023 – The Equestrian Canada (EC) High Performance Advisory Group, Eventing (HPAG) is pleased to announce the team that will represent Canada at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ in Arville, Belgium from August 17 – 20, 2023.

Thanks to a generous donation from Kelly McCarthy-Maine and Shane Maine, the athletes will have access to travel grants to assist in the costs of travelling to and competing in the southern Belgian town close to the border of Luxembourg.

The following members of the Canadian Eventing team will represent the maple leaf in Arville (in alphabetical order):

Hanna Bundy and Lovely Assistant. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Hanna Bundy
Horse: Lovely Assistant (Colonel John x Silver Ghost)
Owner: Juliana Hansen

Kendal Lehari and Audacious. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

Kendal Lehari
Horse: Audacious (Iron Man x Rumlum Star)
Owners: Gwen, Kendal, and Rein Lehari

Katie Malensek and Landjaeger. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Katie Malensek
Horse: Landjaeger (Landkönig 3 x Unbridled’s Image XX)
Owner: Katie Malensek

Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Jessica Phoenix
Horse: Wabbit (Line of Departure x Great Gladiator)
Owners: Jim Phillips, Colleen Mitchell, and Jessica Phoenix

“The Eventing High Performance Advisory Group is excited to be sending four horse & rider combinations to Arville, thanks to Kelly and Shane’s generosity,” shared HPAG chair Emily Gilbert. “This competition will provide crucial team experience and exposure to the Nations Cup format for the athlete combinations and international experience in a globally competitive field.”

Last year’s Nations Cup at Arville saw five European nations compete including Belgium, Sweden, Italy, Great Britain, and FEI World Championship winners – Germany. With a key strategic goal of building a positive performance trajectory for the Canadian Eventing Team adding them into a mix with some of the world’s best will deliver in spades.

The team heading to Arville has three newcomers to this level of international competition with one veteran rider. As a three-time Olympian, five-time Pan American Games medalist and appearances in three FEI World Equestrian Games, Phoenix has a wealth of intercontinental experience. Bundy, Lehari and Malensek will be making their first appearance on European soil. Each are excited for what the experience will bring to them, their horses, and the Canadian Eventing Team as a whole.

“We are incredibly honoured to have been named to the Nations Cup team for Arville this August,” said Phoenix of Cannington, ON. “Canadian Eventing is building a world-class program with exceptional opportunities, and we are so thankful to be a part of this upward momentum. Thank you to Kelly and Shane for making this travel grant possible! And thank you to Jim Phillips and Colleen Mitchell for being wonderful owners of Wabbit!”

Bundy of Toronto, ON shared her pride for representing the maple leaf. “I am so proud to be named to the Canadian Nations Cup team in Arville, Belgium,” she said. “Receiving one of the generous travel grants has made the trip possible for us and I am so grateful. Go Canada!”

Malensek, who resides in Ormond Beach, FL, is a small animal veterinarian who competed in her first CCI 4* in Myakka, FL, earlier this year. She and ‘Brewster,’ now nine, have been partnered since he was a yearling. “It is an honour to be selected for the Nations Cup team for Canada this summer. I am so grateful for the opportunity provided by the Eventing HPAG, and of course, Kelly and Shane,” she said. “The exposure for my horse and I to the competition, training and courses overseas will be unparalleled.”

Lehari of Uxbridge, ON, said “I am very excited and honoured to be named to the Nation’s Cup Team for Arville on Audacious,” she said. “This is such a fantastic opportunity to get experience overseas that the HPAG, Kelly McCarthy Maine and Shane Maine have made possible. I will travel overseas with two horses (Audacious and Mitchell) and extend my stay to train and compete in the UK to get more experience competing overseas.”

For more information on the CCI4* Arville, please click here.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jun 27, 2023 8:32 am -

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Phillip Dutton (@duttoneventing)

I love it when people who knew a horse as a foal – or heck, bred it! – get the chance of a reunion once that horse is a global mega-star. We saw it happen at Luhmühlen earlier this month, where London 52’s breeder made a surprise appearance, and now we’re seeing it in action again, as Phillip Dutton’s Z got the chance to have a good snuggle with his breeder’s sister, who was present and helping at his birth, while en route to Aachen. How surreal it must be to see what a cool horse he’s become!

Speaking of Aachen, I’m so excited to once again be lead reporter and photographer for EN for all the festivities this week at, arguably, the world’s greatest horse show. We’ll have some great preview content coming your way over the next couple of days, plus jam-packed reports and galleries, and even some peaks at what else is going on at this celebration of top-end horse sport, so keep it locked on EN this week and let’s keep this big German June rolling!

Events Opening 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.

Events Closing Today: The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm, Champagne Run at the Park H.T., Larkin Hill H.T.

News & Notes from Around the World:

The British Equestrian Federation and the FEI are working to improve concussion guidelines. This comes off the back of new research on the effect of a knock to the head, and is promising news for riders who may have otherwise continued on as normal after a fall, leaving themselves with nasty after effects down the line. Read more here.

Miks Master C heads to Aachen this week, after a super spring season that saw him finish third in his five-star debut at Kentucky. He’s arguably one of the most exciting horses in the US at the moment — but how much do you know about this cool character? Go behind the stall door and find out more.

Are you about to make your eventing debut, or returning to the sport after a break? You might benefit from a refresher on the rules of cross-country — and heck, even if you’re out competing most weekends, it never hurts to remind yourself of the nuances of our sport! USEA gives you the cliff notes here.

Sponsor Corner: Summer is in full swing! That leaves us with the question that comes around every summer: how hot is too hot to ride? This handy graphic from Kentucky Performance Products has a simple formula.

Watch This:

Get in the mood for Aachen with this hat cam video from last year’s cross country, courtesy of Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos.

Monday Video: Watch the Hickstead Al Shira’aa Derby Winning Round

By on Jun 26, 2023 4:30 pm -

With its outrageous terrain and massive fences (and not to mention our own Tilly Berendt in the press office), Hickstead’s Al Shira’aa Derby is basically an honorary event, am I right? In fact, we’ve seen many an eventer contest this iconic class over the years.

This year, the eventing contingent was well-represented by Gemma Stevens (neé Tattersall), Kai Rüder, and Sandra Auffarth (Tilly collected some clips of their preparations, past rounds, an throwback rounds last week which you can watch here, plus you catch watch Gemma’s round right here) but it was Ireland’s David Simpson who collected the win this year aboard the youngest horse in the field, Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve, an 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion (Bamako de Muze — Telmaz Koekoekshof Z, by Taran De La Pomme). Watch their impressive round above and find the full class results here.

British Equestrian Announces Nominated Entries for FEI Eventing European Championship

By on Jun 26, 2023 1:54 pm -
Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt. Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Equestrian and the British Eventing selectors can today confirm the 18 horse and rider combinations that will form their list of nominated entries ahead of the FEI Eventing European Championship, set to take place at Haras du Pin, France from 9–13 August this year.

Nominated entries, listed in alphabetical order by athlete surname:

Ros Canter (37) from Hallington, Lincolnshire, with Michele Saul’s Lordships Graffalo (bay, gelding, 11yrs, 17hh, Grafenstolz x Rock King, Breeder: Lordships Stud, Writtle College GBR) and Kate James and Annie Makin’s Pencos Crown Jewel (bay, mare, 14yrs, 16.1hh, Jumbo x Rock King, Breeder: Mrs Pennie Wallace GBR)

Laura Collett (33) from Salperton, Gloucestershire, with Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett and her own London 52 (bay, gelding, 14yrs, 16.3hh, Landos x Quinar, Breeder: Ocke Riewerts GER)

David Doel (30) from Chippenham, Wiltshire, with Gillian Jonas’ Galileo Nieuwmoed (dark bay, gelding, 12yrs, 17hh, Carambole x Harcos, Breeder: J. W. and A. P. Jurrius NED)

Pippa Funnell (54) from Dorking, Surrey, with Sarah Ross’ MCS Maverick (bay, gelding, 10yrs, 16.1hh, s. Mill Law, Breeder: Mrs M Watson GBR)

Yasmin Ingham (26) from Nantwich, Cheshire (originally from Isle of Man), with The Sue Davies Fund and Janette Chinn’s Banzai du Loir (chestnut, gelding, 12yrs, 16.2hh, Nouma D’Auzay x Livarot, Breeder: Pierre Gouye FRA) and The Sue Davies Fund and Janette Chinn’s Rehy DJ (bay, gelding, 13yrs, 16.1hh, Tinarana’s Inspector x Big Shot Hope, Breeder: Noel Russell IRL)

Tom Jackson (30) from Godalming, Surrey, with Patricia Davenport, Millie Simmie and Sarah Webb’s Capels Hollow Drift (grey, gelding, 12yrs, 16.2hh, Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan x Lucky Gift, Breeder: Jeanette Glynn GBR)

Kitty King (40) from Chippenham, Wiltshire, with Diana Bown, the late Sally Eyre, Samantha Wilson and Sally Lloyd-Baker’s Vendredi Biats (grey, gelding, 14yrs, Winningmood x Camelia de Ruelles, Breeder: Phillipe Briviois FRA)

Piggy March (42) from Maidwell, Northamptonshire, with John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s Brookfield Cavalier Cruise (brown, gelding, 10yrs, 16.3hh, Cavalier Carnival x Atlantic Cruise, Breeder: Martin Ryan IRL) and James and Jo Lambert’s Coolparks Sarco (bay, gelding, 11yrs, 16.2hh, Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan x Clarion Hotel Coolcorran Cool Diamond, Breeder: Michael Burke IRL)

Tom McEwen (32) from Stroud, Gloucestershire, with James and Jo Lambert and Deirdre Johnston’s JL Dublin (dark brown, gelding, 16.2hh, Diarado x Cantano, Breeder: Volker Göttsche-Götze GER), Martin Belsham’s Luna Mist (bay, mare, 10yrs, 16hh, Alvescot Paper Moon x Wickstead Didger I Doo) and Fred and Penny Barker, Jane Coppell and Alison McEwen’s Toledo de Kerser (bay, gelding, 16yrs, 16.1hh, Diamant de Semilly x Papillon Rouge, Breeder: Kerstin Drevet FRA)

Gemma Stevens (38) from Horsham, West Sussex, with Pru Dawes’ Flash Cooley (grey, gelding, 11yrs, 16.1hh, CSF Mr Kroon x OBOS Quality, Breeder: Jim O’Neill IRL)

Oliver Townend (40) from Ellesmere, Shropshire, with Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan’s Ballaghmor Class (grey, gelding, 16yrs, 16.2hh, s. Courage II, Breeder: Noel Hicky IRL) and Paul and Diana Ridgeon’s Swallow Springs (grey, gelding, 15yrs, 16.2hh, Chillout x Cult Hero, Breeder: Maria Keating IRL)

Bubby Upton (24) from Newmarket, Suffolk, with Rachel Upton and The Zebedee Syndicate’s Magic Roundabout (chestnut, gelding, 13yrs, 16.1hh, s. Samraan, Breeder: Sharon Shone GBR)

At the time of release, the names of the grooms for each horse have not been confirmed but will be included in the final squad announcement.

Selection decisions are subject to the athlete and horse maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to 10 July 2023. The selected squad of six combinations to travel to Haras du Pin, plus reserves, will be announced later in July.

The funding that the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground.

Updates from the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games

By on Jun 26, 2023 1:30 pm -

The 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador kicked off this past weekend, and will the running through the first week of July. While there are 37 sports competing throughout these few weeks, we see our Equestrians kicking off the Games earlier in the competition.

Eventing wraps up today, with the show jumping phase later in the afternoon. While we’re recapping Eventing action here, Equestrian events will still be representing with Dressage competitions running June 27-30th, and Show Jumping running July 2nd-5th. You can see the whole schedule of events here.

As we head into the final day of Eventing competition today, we see Rolando Gonzalez with Coin Toss leading for the Dominican Republic, after adding nothing to their dressage score of 28.20. U.S.-based Lauren Billys Shady and Can Be Sweet, riding for Puerto Rico, move down from first after adding 8.40 cross country penalties, and sit in second going into show jumping. Honduras’ Lara Gabrie and Harrison round out the top three, moving up from 8th place after dressage. Current results can be found here.

Following along with the action on social media, we also saw a familiar face coaching Team Barbados – U.S.’s very own Sara Kozumplik! Take a scroll through the action here, and keep an eye out for final results!


🌟 Wow! Last night's CAC Games #SanSalvador2023 Opening Ceremony was amazing! ✨
Did you catch the exhilarating moment when #TeamBarbados crossed the stage? It was a proud and unforgettable for us!🇧🇧🎉

The stage is now set for the competition days ahead, and we couldn't be more excited! 🏅🔥

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates, highlights, and stories from our amazing athletes.

#TeamBarbados #SanSalvador2023 #Time4More #CACGames2023 #OpeningCeremony

Posted by The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. on Saturday, June 24, 2023

Excited to be at the Central American Games in the Dominican Republic! Best of luck to Harry and Lara Gabrie 🇭🇳

Posted by Ashley Taylor-Zion on Thursday, June 22, 2023

When you walk into the barn in the morning and without discussing have the same outfit on as Emily Sandler-Burtness… official vet wear of the Central America Games 👯‍♀️🩺🏇

Posted by Ashley Taylor-Zion on Friday, June 23, 2023

Weekend Winners: Stable View, Midsouth, Fox River, Woodloch, Loudon, Round Top, Valinor & Bucks

By on Jun 26, 2023 11:30 am -

To wrap off the last weekend in June, we saw Eventers from Massachusetts to Minnesota to Colorado and more. Congratulations to all on successful weekends as we continue through the summer season!

Extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award winner, Eliza Klaitman with Tekkinistic! The partnership finished on a 19.4 in the Beginner Novice Rider B division at Stable View.

Stable View Summer H.T. (Aiken, South Carolina): [Website] [Results]

Advanced: Bruce Davidson Jr. and Business Class (53.8)
Open Intermediate: Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri (23.2)
Open Preliminary: Bobby Meyerhoff and Cabin Crimson LH (26.3)
Preliminary Rider: Brooke Kahl and Nata Montada SCF (30.2)
Modified Rider: Crockett Miller and Swell Continental (28.5)
Open Modified: Kelly Prather and Ballyneety Soldier (31.2)
Open Training: Diana Craven and Fernhill St.Nick (29.2)
Training Rider: Savannah Welch and Langcaster (28.1)
Novice Rider A: April Hays and Anteros HSH (21.9)
Novice Rider B: Patricia Thompson and The dark knight (30.3)
Open Novice: Katie Cummings and Qredible Dream (28.9)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Katharina Huenermann and Q-Star (28.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Eliza Klaitman and Tekkinistic (19.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Jasmine Hobart and Texas Avalanche (25.9)

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (Lexington, Kentucky): [Website] [Results]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Alexandra Knowles and Morswood (28.1)
Open Preliminary, Div. 1: Alexandra Knowles and P.S. I Love You (32.6)
Open Preliminary, Div. 2: Tate Northrop and Harrison (23.5)
Open Training: Madison Temkin and Fernhill Bertus (29.1)
Training Horse: Rachel Miles and Cooley Keystone (30.5)
Training Rider, Div. 1: Margaret Kimmel and Garfunkel (29.7)
Training Rider, Div. 2: Riley Leibeck and 5o1 Tin Man (31.9)
Novice Horse: Ciaran Thompson and Petrossian Lass SCF (31.1)
Novice Rider, Div. 1: Eva Herbert and Bodestar (23.1)
Novice Rider, Div. 2: Emerson Padgett and MSH Giant Jac’ka (25.8)
Novice Rider, Div. 3: Zoe Schaeffer and A Twist of Twyla (29.3)
Open Novice: Pam Kimmel and Special Performance (23.3)
Beginner Novice Horse, Div. 1: Courtney Calnan and Little Red Dragon (28.4)
Beginner Novice Horse, Div. 2: Adalee Ladwig and Victoria Secret MSF (21.9)
Beginner Novice Rider, Div. 1: Claire Maloney and Read All Over (24.1)
Beginner Novice Rider, Div. 2: Jordan Heller and Royal Flush (31.3)
Beginner Novice Rider, Div. 3: Elizabeth Loh and Andenken (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider, Div. 4: Bonnie Watkins and Qarismah (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Melanie Helms and Edelweiss du theil (26.3)
Open Introductory: Lynn Chater and Quigley O’Higgins (31.3)
Open Starter, Div. 1: Olivia Palmer and Sweet Serenity (22.7)
Open Starter, Div. 2: Ashley Hudson and Watson (28.0)

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (Barrington Hills, Illinois): [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Caitlyn Ruud and Up to You de Lorage (33.2)
Preliminary/Training: Olivia Caspers and Carisma (73.2)
Junior Training Rider: Ava Davis and Timothy (71.7)
Open Training: Kristine Burgess and JP Warrior (35.9)
Senior Training Rider: Nicolette Adams and Total Access (26.7)
Junior Novice Rider: Jordan Scroggins and C25’s Bugatti (33.9)
Open Novice: Kristine Burgess and Pinegrove Melody (33.3)
Senior Novice Rider: Brynna Gang and Wise Guy (26.4)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Adilyn Cortez and American Dynamic (22.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Kristen Rozycki and Harvest Gold (29.3)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Rehgan Weber and Noah (28.5)
Starter: Naomi West and Piedmont Sundance (28.7)

Woodloch Stable Young Event Horse Qualifier (Hugo, Minnesota): [Website] [Results]

NEH-New Event Horse-Open: Lucille O’Brien and Lotus R (81.3)
YEH-4 Year-old-Open: Julie Penshorn and Valyrian (71.0)
YEH-5 Year-old-Open: Tatum Gray and FourFields Fire Storm (75.8)

Loudon Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (Leesburg, Virginia): [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Erin Murphy and Cooley Cadence (41.7)
Preliminary/Training: Kaitlin Clasing anbd Maberlinus M (32.5)
Open Training – B A: Emerson Kasley and Global Venture (38.1)
Open Training – B B: Emily Beshear and Card Shark (28.3)
Junior Open Novice: Lillian Weidner and Just Keep Swimming (34.4)
Novice Rider: Rachel Narrow and Nui (30.8)
Open Novice A: Katie Lichten and Star Glitter (30.6)
Open Novice B: Joe DeSantis and Sophia Tharseo (Sophie) (33.6)
Beginner Novice Horse: Catherine Ramsey and Cakewalk (31.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Cathrin Weiss and Karpe Diem (34.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Bekah Bartley and Plain Brown Wrap (27.4)
Junior Open Beginner Novice: Nora Muckerman and So it goes (35.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Alissa Genovese and Island Fever (30.3)
Introductory A: Gina Franz and FMF Sullivan (36.5)
Introductory B: Catie Meehan and Bayberry Sparrow (29.1)

Round Top H.T. (Castle Rock, Colorado): [Website] [Results]

Training: Madeline Backus and Slew the Blues (21.1)
Novice: Catherine Zirker and Scenic Edge (27.9)
Beginner Novice A: Lacy Cotton and Clintos (23.1)
Beginner Novice B: Madeline Backus and P.S. Levi Wilson (30.6)
Introductory: Abigail Francesca Williams and The Sunshine Band (27.9)

Valinor Farm H.T. (Plymouth, Massachusetts): [Website] [Results]

Modified: Megan Tardiff and Vindakova (32.4)
Open Training A: Heidi Adam and Hussaar Sunset (30.2)
Open Training B: Devon Champlain and Champagne Event (30.8)
Novice Rider A: Bryn Lauer and Dare To Dream (30.3)
Novice Rider B: Jennifer Clapp and Sidamo de Brio (26.9)
Novice Rider C: Jenna Bunce and Remember When DDD (30.8)
Open Novice A: Jennifer Fitch and Caraway Daireing Romance (27.8)
Open Novice B: Natalie Labouchere and Hughdoneit (21.7)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Joelle Fontana and Cobble Creek (32.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Nancy Roche and Saphyra (27.4)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Cassidy Anthony and Ransom (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Kiara Ham and Steven’s Getting Even (23.8)
Starter A: Laiken Lindsey and Apollo (34.0)
Starter B: Hayley Jean Farr and Northern Quest Blue Sea (30.0)

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (Revere, Pennsylvania): [Website] [Results]

Open Training: Ryan Wood and 24 Carat Quality (23.1)
Novice Rider: Maeve Kenny and Astaire To The Future (25.6)
Open Novice: Marilyn Payne and Rock Me Mama (23.9)
Beg Novice Rider: Anna Hendey and Bazinga (28.8)
Open BNovice: Stephanie Kleinbauer and BDF Quest (26.9)
Starter: Clara Fukano and Madaket Sunset (36.7)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Jun 26, 2023 7:52 am -

I’ve just spent a week working on the press team at Hickstead, where I’m always particularly excited to see eventers infiltrating the dark side. This year’s iconic Hickstead Derby saw a huge number of them lining up, in a class where we ordinarily see one or two, perhaps, every few years. From Germany, we had entries from 2014 eventing World Champ Sandra Auffarth and veteran five-star competitor Kai Rüder; from Britain, we had ex-five-star rider Paul Sims and, of course, the debut of Gemma Steven’s (neé Tattersall) on her brilliant catch ride, Dime Bar. Imagine being this talented in multiple disciplines. Nuts. 

National Holiday: It’s National Sarah Day! Take a moment to confuse a Sarah in your life with some hearty congratulations. I recommend Sarah Bullimore, Sarah Clark, or — and this still counts — Sara Kozumplik.

US Weekend Action:

Stable View Summer H.T. (Aiken, South Carolina): [Website] [Results]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (Lexington, Kentucky): [Website] [Results]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (Barrington Hills, Illinois): [Website] [Results]

Woodloch Stable Young Event Horse Qualifier (Hugo, Minnesota): [Website] [Results]

Loudon Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (Leesburg, Virginia): [Website] [Results]

Round Top H.T. (Castle Rock, Colorado): [Results]

Valinor Farm H.T. (Plymouth, Massachusetts): [Website] [Results]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (Revere, Pennsylvania): [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Speaking of eventers at Hickstead — one of those who had a major win on Saturday was 21-year-old discipline-hopper Ella Dalton, who took the hugely prestigious Speed Derby in her first-ever attempt, riding a freebie horse. It’s a great story, and she’s every bit as smiley and sweet as you’d imagine.

As an incurable Thoroughbred addict, I’m also well-versed in dodgy hooves. One of those old adages that holds true here is that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (and, y’know, no foot, no horse, and all that) — and so everything I can do to make my horse’s hooves robust and healthy before we start wheeling in the big guns of, say, remedial farriery is always key to the whole equation. The starting point? A diet that promotes growth and strength. Here’s what you need to know.

“You just can’t find the staff these days” — that’s a very common moan in the horse world, but even if you DO find a brilliant employee, are you doing all you can as an employer to keep them? It’s less and less likely these days that a young rider will want to work every day of the week in exchange for the odd lesson and their horse’s board (and that’s a good thing, IMO), and so employers need to take a hard look at what they’re giving back before they bemoan ‘this generation’s’ work ethics. This is an interesting and salient piece.

Morning Viewing:

Join Ellie Fredericks, daughter of the legendary Lucinda, as she tackles her first-ever four-star:

The Mountains Are Calling: 2023 Rebecca Farm Entry Preview

By on Jun 25, 2023 2:45 pm -

Mark your calendars for July 19-23, 2023 — The Best Event in the West is back with a entry list packed with top riders from across the country. Located in the mountains of Kalispell, Montana, Rebecca Farm is often attributed as a bucket list event by both spectators and riders from all levels of the sport — I for one can’t wait to experience all the magic planned for this year’s event.

Ride On Video will again produce a livestream and video archives of all phases at The Event at Rebecca Farm, and you can view the full schedule and more details here.

The Event at Rebecca Farm: [Website] [Schedule of Events] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Watch]

Number of Horses (as of June 25):
CCI4*-L: 9
CCI4*-S: 7
CCI3*-L: 20
CCI3*-S: 21
CCI2*-L: 41

James Alliston and Nemesis nab the 4*-L win at Rebecca Farm. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

A total of 9 combinations so far have come forward to compete for the headlining CCI4*-L in Kalispell, Montana. Highlights of the entry list include:

  • 2022 CCI4*-L Champion James Alliston will be presenting with Karma for the mare’s debut at the level, but one who has been near-flawless thus far on the FEI stage.
  • The trusty team of Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo, who secured a strong 4th place in last year’s 4*-S.
  • Buck Davidson, who we haven’t seen at Rebecca Farm since 2016, will be flying Business Class — winner of Tryon’s 3*-S last month at their first international competition together.
  • 2022 4*-S Champion Liz Halliday-Sharp aboard The Monster Partnership and Deborah Halliday’s Cooley Moonshine, who will be hoping for their first completion together at this level.
  • Jennie Saville, 2019 Rebecca Farm Champion and recipient of the 2016 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant, returns this year with Connory, adding yet another 4*-L debutant to the field. Jennie will also be piloting Pascal in the 3*-L.
  • Skyeler Icke-Voss will be aiming for her first 4*-L completion with long-time partner Argyle.

Also notable are Tamie Smith‘s three entries in the 4*-S with Kynan, Elliot V, and Cheers, with a fourth entry on Crafty Don in the 3*-S.

Hidden in the Intermediate waitlist is another exciting pair to keep your eye on — young rider Lizzie Hoff with Cooley On Show, Sharon White’s former 5* mount whom Lizzie acquired just last month. Crossing my fingers that the waitlist pushes them through so we can have the chance to watch Louie back at it!

Thanks to Rebecca Farm hosting the American Eventing Championships last year, the event will also for the first time be also hosting a Beginner Novice course — allowing this event to feature all divisions from Beginner Novice to Intermediate, and FEI levels from 2*-L through 4*-L. There will also be a Classic Three-Day Event Series division offered at the Novice and Training levels.

View the full entry lists, including CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S, on StartBox.The tentative schedule can be found here, with a full competition schedule set to be released in the upcoming weeks.

In addition to the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants, the Broussard Family is also providing Rebecca Farm Travel Grants this year, awarding free transport out to Montana for a rider at the CCI3*, CIC4*-S and/or CCI4*-L level — this grant will be awarded on July 1st, so stay tuned for the announcement of their recipients!

For anyone in the area who wants to help out, or for those of you visiting just to spectate at this stunning event, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities still to be had — click here to sign up. If you’re in the mood for a premier experience, you can also purchase a Patron Package to take in the event with more perks, and donations for these packages are put to support Halt Cancer at X.

Lots of pink ribbons were on display throughout the weekend to promote breast cancer awareness and Rebecca Farm’s Halt Cancer At X initiative. And yes, that bum belongs to Sandro’s Star. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

You can also follow Rebecca Farm on Instagram for more updates. We’re looking forward to bringing you much more from Montana, so stay tuned here or on our Facebook and Instagram for much more news to come from this thrilling weekend in the mountains. As always, #GoEventing!

You guys, this is an actual real photo from The Event at Rebecca Farm 2016. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Lea Siegl, Dutch Team Take Wins, Team USA Solidly Silver at Strzegom

By on Jun 25, 2023 2:00 pm -

Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

It was a good day to be sat on a good show jumper as the final phase of competition got underway in Poland at the LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials. Strzegom’s ring is not one for the faint of heart — it gives off a sort of “fish bowl” feeling, with its low boundary fences and tightly designed track. There is much atmosphere to take in, and the time on the clock is always hard to beat — especially if your horse is prone to distraction.

To that end, just five of the 32 finishers in the CCIO4*-S FEI Nations Cup division managed clear rounds inside the time allowed. Polish designer Lukasz Szustorowski’s jumping track required finesse and attention as well as a commitment to continuing to come forward through each and every turn and related distance. It was a true test on the final day of competition, and in the end the two top spots would remain unchanged as both Lea Siegl (AUT) and van Helsing P as well as Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Blake delivered emphatic clear rounds to cement their individual podium finishes.

Lea Seigl and van Helsing P. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

Lea moved into the lead following Saturday’s cross country with the 13-year-old DSP gelding van Helsing P (Van Gogh – Carisma P, by Carismo), who was her partner for the 2021 FEI European Eventing Championships in Avenches (SUI), thanks to a quicker trip around than dressage leader Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (Tolan R – Doughiska Lass, by Kannan). With a 4* win in her pocket already this season, earned at Montelibretti with her Olympic mount DSP Fighting Line, Lea now finds herself well-supported for a bid at this summer’s European Championships at Haras du Pin.

The Netherlands’ Olympic bid remains alive with an important win in Nations Cup team competition this weekend, earning 100 points while current Nations Cup standings leader Belgium collects 80 points for their third place finish. This will push the Dutch into second in the points standings with a total of 285, swapping spots with the Italians who will collect 60 points for a fifth place finish today. Belgium will maintain their lead with 350 points in total. Dutch Chef Andrew Heffernan cited the upcoming Nations Cup legs at Haras de Jardy (FRA) and Avenches (SUI) as well as August’s FEI European Eventing Championships (which stand alone as another chance to earn Olympic qualification — the two top teams without existing qualification will earn their ticket) as the immediate focus for his team.

“These guys performed so well,” Andrew said in a post-event press release. “It was a really tough competition and it was really refreshing to see such a strong and forward thinking and demanding cross country course. It also gave us good pictures. There were no nasty falls or moments and that was really good for the sport. These guys performed fantastic and that is why we won. I am very proud.”

Merel Blom, who piloted the 8-year-old Chinuk R to a top-10 individual finish today, summed up the driving force behind the Dutch effort: “There is not a bigger motivator than Paris. We stand up every morning just pushing for Paris and we will keep pushing until we are there, for sure.”

Silver for Team USA

Team USA, helmed by Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law. Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

Caroline Pamukcu might be sitting on the most consistent horse — HSH Blake — in the U.S. at the moment, with accolades ranging back to his debut eventing season as a 5-year-old. Beneficiaries of the Holekamp/Turner Le Lion d’Angers Grant via the USEA in 2022, Caroline tested the then-7-year-old by Tolan R against the best in the world at the FEI WBFSH Breeding World Championships, finishing 10th overall and on the pair’s dressage score that week.

“Tim Holekamp really encouraged me to do Le Lion,” Caroline said earlier this week, noting that HSH Blake is a prime example of a horse that’s followed the pipeline laid out in the States for up-and-coming elite event horses. “It’s really cool for America because we’re really developing a pipeline for horses and riders, and I think we need to push for programs like this to continue. Kudos to Leslie [Law] because he’s the one who’s been fighting for this all along, and it’s really showing how much it boosts our whole sport in the end.”

Caroline is hoping to be selected for the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile this October with HSH Blake, who was purchased with the help of Caroline’s mother, Sherrie, and Mollie Hoff. With the U.S. already earning its qualification for Paris at World Championships last year, the opportunity stands to send a developing team for some additional experience and — especially with the help of a strong development program — a healthy prospect of another Pan Ams medal.

“I just feel like I was made for this sport,” Caroline commented. “This is my career. I’m very grateful for this country and for this support. I want to represent my country so badly — it’s really what I love for, and I really hope I get that chance soon.”

Long lists for the Pan American Games are expected later this summer, with the final team announcement to follow.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

The U.S. was helped to silver medal position by Jenny Caras and Cassie Sanger, who each contributed clear rounds with just a shade of time today to leap up in the standings, finishing just outside of the final top 10. Jenny and Trendy Fernhill, owned by Elyse Eisenberg, moved up to 11th from 18th after cross country on a final score of 52.4, followed closely by Cassie and Fernhill Zoro, who started their week in 27th and finished in 12th on a score of 54.7. Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello would be the dropped score for the team this week but nonetheless will have gained valuable experience and team exposure, finishing their weekend in 26th overall.

“I’m great!” Leslie Law said as we began our post-event debrief this morning. The British Olympian has been associated with Developing Rider programs and their various iterations since 2014, but his passion for continuing education and proper development is something that’s always been a fundamental part of his philosophy. “By nature, I’m a very competitive person and you know, I just want to give these youngsters a chance to taste what I had the opportunity to do,” he said. “It’s really rewarding to try and identify the young talent in the in the USA do your very best to mentor it and bring it through, and hopefully give us more and more depth in the end.”

Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill. Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

The USEF Development Tour is a new addition to the program pipeline in 2023, and its specific target of Strzegom (which was chosen for its location on the calendar when accounting for preparation events and travel, according to Leslie), provides a way to mirror the experience of selection, training, preparation, and competition for a major Championship on a senior squad. Whereas previous Nations Cups teams might have been a blend of Developing riders and riders not a part of the pipeline, the Development Tour — which is also supported by funding from the Karen Stives Endowment — is a specific goal for Developing riders who have participated in the Eventing Pathway Program.

“The team experiences is so important,” Leslie continued. “And you know, it’s not easy to get that back in the U.S. compared to what the European countries are able to do. They’ve got Nations Cups, I feel like almost in they’re in their back gardens. So it allows them to experiment with up and coming riders on Nations Cup teams before they’re brought up to an Olympic Games or World Championship. And I think, if that’s your first team experience that’s a lot to take on. So the more we can get our athletes into that space, they’re only going to be better for it, having experienced it in a different slightly different situation. I think the team experience is probably the most important thing, but then to take them out of their comfort zone and to even experience the whole the whole traveling part — the flying of the horses, the grooms — it just puts you ahead in the future.”

Silver for the USA! Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

To me, the responsibility of a developing team’s Chef is almost more nuanced in some ways than that of a senior squad Chef. As Leslie pointed out, he’s as competitive as anyone — “I wanted us to come here and be competitive” — but he’s also responsible for cultivating the skillsets each rider will need if they want to be successful on senior teams in the future. Here he credits the mentorship he gained from British team manager Yogi Breisner and his philosophy on team strategy.

“I think I had a great mentor Yogi Breisner. I think he used to get the strategy pretty good. I think that experience in being in and around that when I was riding on the team, I learned a lot from that the balance of being competitive, but not being reckless. Sometimes it can be hard — it was hard for Caroline to have to go the long way a fence four [on cross country] when she was in the lead after the dressage — it isn’t always easy. But in a team competition, the team does have to come first, and that’s all part of the strategy and that’s my job to make those decisions and hopefully get it right. And then you stand by it, even if you get it wrong then you take that on. You have to be strong enough to do that, and I see that as that’s what I’m here for.”

The Development Tour squad will now travel on to Germany and next week’s CHIO Aachen, where they’ll have the opportunity to observe the top-flight competition and U.S. senior squad comprised of Kentucky 5* winners Tamie Smith and Mai Baum, Kentucky third-place finishers Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C, 2021 Aachen 4*-S winners Will Coleman and Off the Record, and Tokyo Olympians Phillip Dutton and Z.

If you want to catch up on the Nations Cup action this week, I’ll drop the replays from each phase below. Thanks for following along, and Go Eventing.

Dressage – Thursday:

Dressage – Friday:

Cross Country:

Show Jumping:

LOTTO Strzegom H.T. / FEI Eventing Nations Cup (Poland): [Website] [Live Stream] [Timing & Scoring]