Classic Eventing Nation

Training Tip Tuesday Video Break: 5 Tips to Boost Your Dressage Score

By on Aug 8, 2023 3:30 pm -

FEI dressage rider and judge Ally O’Neill teamed up with the FEI recently to provide her top five tips for all of us hoping to squeeze just a few more points of favor when we tackle the first phase of competition. Vlogger Han from Han Equestrian takes us along for the learning experience, and it’s worth saving this one for your next ride to practice.

Among Aly’s tips:

Know your arena – know how big your circles should be, and practice in an exact-measured space so that you know your working space
Know your test – pretty self-explanatory!
Prepare in advance – know when to apply your aids to execute at the right time during your test

Be sure to watch the video to see more of Aly’s tips and an explanation for each one. It’s a great video full of visual explainers and tips to take home — enjoy!

New (Amateur-Friendly) Grant Alert! Applications Open for Kim Meier ‘Kick On’ Memorial Grant

By on Aug 8, 2023 12:00 pm -

Kim Meier and Test Run at Rolex. Photo courtesy of Kim Meier.

The USEA Foundation and the USEA have announced a newly-formed “Kick On” Memorial Grant in honor of the late Kim Meier. Well-known and widely respected within the sport for many accolades, Kim found much reward in the production of her own homebred horses, six of whom would go on to become Advanced horses and one of whom, Test Run, would eventually become her Kentucky partner.

After a freak riding accident paralyzed Kim from the C5 vertebrae down in 2007, her love of horse and sport never wavered. “Needless to say we weren’t at Rolex, but a year later I did ride him again, with someone behind me holding my limp body up,” Kim wrote in 2016. “He didn’t care if we were galloping down to the Head of the Lake or if we just walked around the indoor for 15 minutes. He was always there for me, and this time he came back to help me feel alive again.”

Kim Meier and Test Run at Rolex in 2004. Photo used with permission from Dean Graham.

Now, the Kick On Memorial Grant will assist riders who are struggling financially to compete their own horses at the upper levels. These riders will have passed beyond the cutoff point for most funding currently available, and the grant is only open to those who own their horses in full, without partnerships or syndicates. The fund was established and is funded through the kindness and generosity of those who knew and loved Kim.

Here’s some more information on how to apply — applications will close on October 15.

The USEA Foundation is now accepting applications for the Kim Meier “Kick On” Memorial Grant through October 15th. This grant, established in honor of Meier who made it to the highest level of the sport through her own grit and determination, is intended to assist those riders who are struggling to financially compete their own horses at the upper levels and who have passed beyond the funding available for juniors and young adults. This fund was established and funded through the generosity of Kim’s friends.

Grant applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be 26 years of age or older
  • Be current members of the USEA
  • Wholly own their own horse(s) without partnerships or syndicates
  • Be currently at the Preliminary level, FEI equivalent level, or above (preference given to Intermediate or Advanced level riders)
  • Submit their application by or before the due date of October 15th
  • One applicant who meets the above criteria will be selected to receive a $5,000 grant to help support their competitive or training goals

Ready to apply? Click here to get started.

Finishing Touches for France: Social Media Round-up Ahead of European Championships

By on Aug 8, 2023 9:30 am -

In the wee hours of the mornings this weekend, the great migration of European’s most elite event horse and rider combinations began. For some, the travel to French venue Haras du Pin is longer than others, necessitating a weekend departure. We’ll see more movement and arrivals on site today as a 57-strong roster eagerly anticipating this week’s FEI Eventing European Championships for Seniors. The competition will feature riders representing 13 countries in team or individual form. There’s much on the line this week, as Tilly has covered in her preview material, and we’ll be keen to follow along and see what Olympic and Championship dominoes fall in the days to come.

For now, let’s catch up with the travels of some of the France-bound horses and riders. Follow along with us all week for the latest and greatest from a toasty Haras du Pin!

EN’s coverage of the FEI European Championships for Eventing is brought to you with support from Kentucky Performance Products.

#Euros2023 </strong: Website | Live Stream | Entries | Live Scores | EN’s Ultimate Guide | EN’s Coverage

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Aug 8, 2023 7:52 am -

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kitty King (@kittykingeventing)

I’m a real sucker for social media posts from event stables – give me reels of horses rolling in their horse hotels any day of the week, and I’ll be happy. It’s even better, of course, when it’s a championship week, and those stables are decorated to the hilt with flags and banners – and even better than that is when the horse in question is as adorable as Kitty King’s Vendredi Biats, all tucked up in his bed at the European Championships, which are set to start tomorrow with the first horse inspection. I can’t wait to bring you all the news from the ground — and in the meantime, I’m going to go see how some of these sweet horses are settling in, in person!

Events Opening Today: Heritage Park H.T., University of New Hampshire H.T., Meadowcreek Park H.T – Fall Social Event, Unionville International H.T.

Events Closing Today: Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH Qualifier, Town Hill Farm H.T., Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. II, Great Meadow International

News & Notes from Around the World: 

Grant deadline alert! The Kim Meier ‘Kick On’ Memorial Grant is open until October 15, and is designed to give US riders who are struggling to fund their upper-level goals a boost. It’s for riders 26 and over, competing at Prelim and above, who own their own horse – and is worth a cool $5,000. Get more info, and start work on your application, here.

Is your horse a bit of a hot-head? British-based Kiwi Hollie Swain feels your pain. She’s learned how to get the best out of her fiery chestnut Solo, who’s now stormed ’round several five-stars, but working with horses like this isn’t always easy — so she’s shared some of her best tips for making it happen when your horse has too many opinions.

Sorry, not sorry, but you’re about to have that guitar riff stuck in your head. Jessica Phoenix’s Fluorescent Adolescent doesn’t just have one of the best names in eventing, the coloured mare is also one of the most vibrant characters on the scene. Get to know here here.

And finally, fancy supporting gorgeous equine photography? There’s a farriery photo up for Photo of the Year, and it needs your vote. Click here to show your support.

Sponsor Corner: The FEI European Championships at Haras du Pin are right around the corner! Who are you rooting for? Get the lowdown on all 58 combinations and 14 nations that will be competing for the gold (and for Paris qualifications) with our Team Form Guide. EN’s coverage of the FEI European Championships for Eventing is brought to you with support from Kentucky Performance Products.

Watch This: 

Struggling with inside leg to outside rein? Don’t fret – let Bernie Traurig help.

Monday Video: Area 1 from the Backs of Two OTTBS

By on Aug 7, 2023 4:00 pm -

The competition season in Area 1 is short but sweet and right now it’s in full swing! Today we’ve got two helmet cams for you from different Area 1 events, both from the backs of some very excited and happy off-the-track Thoroughbreds.

Above, go for a gallop with Emily Scott as she pilots Ali Fischer’s Z Camelot (Smart Strike – Madame Thor, by Deputy Minister) around the Novice track at Millbrook Horse Trials, which took place the last weekend of July in Amenia, New York.

Below, check out the scenery at Huntington Farm in South Strafford Vermont as Jane Kreppein and Sport (Not For Love – Complete Spring, by Spring Double), owned by Heather DiGregorio, as they rock around the Training Level course this past weekend.

Catching Up with the Mongol Derby: Race Updates

By on Aug 7, 2023 1:00 pm -

There are constant updates flooding in from what seems to be an absolutely epic Derby this year. Action packed, with some impressive spills, but also some incredible navigation and horsemanship, I can’t seem to take my eye off of the Mongol Derby socials. As riders are reaching the half-way point in the race, let’s take a peek at what they’ve been up to.

Matthew Perella had lost his horse and gear, riding off of borrowed equipment, before being reunited with his belongings. Big storms have hit hard and made navigation increasingly challenging. Elizabeth Bailey had a close encounter of the horse-hoof, and Hilaire Blythe had a “human lawn dart” moment the other day, resulting in a fractured finger. Both Elizabeth and Hilaire have been cleared to continue in the adventure category.

I’m watching this all unfold from the comfort of my own home, as riders cope with intense storms, swarms of bugs, lost horses, missing gear, and a few kicks and tumbles along the way.

While that might be enough to deter many “normal” people from diving into an adventure such as this, it seems to fuel the excitement of horse people as we cheer on the participants facing these hurdles. Uniting under a shared enthusiasm, love of the horse, and sense of adventure, riders face a network and community of support, despite them racing individually.

Madliene Haim gave jacket-less Ashlin O’Connell one of hers. Derby vets have been providing assistance to herding families in their down time. The medics have assisted along their way following the race. And 2022 Mongol Derby August edition winner Erdene-Ochir has provided amazing hospitality for the 2023 riders at Horse Station 14, offering a feast fit for royalty and ice-cold Coca Cola.

Team work has seemed to serve the riders well in the first half of the race, and we saw “the fantastic four”, consisting of Linda Herman, Xavier Ferrer, Trinity Nelzen, and Judith Jaeckle riding out front. As the race continues, Linda Herman has pulled out front to be leading the race going into the second half of the Derby.

Similarly, a four-member team from Pakistan had been pooling their resources to take advantage of good, solid team work. “Team Pak” had been strategizing to maximize efficiency and minimize time: one team member heads to get food while the others sort gear and get ready to choose and saddle horses. Their work served them well, and with their consistency in their riding, they moved up the field quickly. However, the team has recently needed to split, as two members will race on while two sit and wait for Fahad Jamil’s penalty to end.

As teams split, we see individual competitors using their skills and resources to make this a competitive race.

Hear from the race crew and riders in the Derby’s video updates to hear about conditions firsthand, and continue to track the race live here as you never know what’s coming up next. Ride on, adventure equestrians! We’re all rooting for you!

Weekend Winners: Caber Farm, Catalpa Corner, Cobblestone Farms, Early Bird Summer Event, Hoosier, Huntington Farm, Olney Farm, River Glen & Spring Gulch

By on Aug 7, 2023 11:30 am -

A busy weekend for Eventers, with nine recognized events running from Vermont to Iowa to Tennessee to Washington.

We saw many successful rides this weekend, and would like to extend a big congratulations to all of our Weekend Winners, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Erin Kellerhouse and FE Cupcake, who scored an impressive 17.5 in the Open Novice at the Early Bird Summer Event at Galway Downs.

Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. at Caber Farm (Onalaska, WA) [Website] [Results]

Open Modified: Patience O’Neal and Zena (26.2)
Open Training: Lizzie Hoff and Redfield Mettaphor (35.9)
Jr. Novice: Alexis Johnson and Encore (27.5)
Novice Amateur: Tracey Trewin and Coby R (22.5)
Open Novice: Michelle Grimmer and In Private (26.4)
Beginner Novice Amateur A: Renee Lukins and Merlin (30.3)
Beginner Novice Amateur B: Lisa Metcalf and Gilead’s Scout (40.2)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Kylie Hoxeng and D’Eva’s Fleurie (27.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Todd Trewin and Finnegans Silver Diamond (23.8)
Starter A: Tegan Barte and Freya (31.7)
Starter B: Linda Lamprecht and IC Full Monty (29.7)

Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trials (Iowa City, IA) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Camryn Holcomb and Quite Breit (43.4)
Junior Training: Kaylianna McMorris and Fernhill Future Star (30.5)
Senior Training A: Cigi Sutrick and Charming Day (35.7)
Senior Training B: Allison Icenogle and Fernhill Revelation (27.4)
Junior Novice: Riley York and Soulshine (44.0)
Senior Novice A: Erin Icenogle and Boss of the House (47.8)
Senior Novice B: Laura Holen and Bravissimo Brego (26.1)
Junior Beginner Novice A: Jane Gallagher and Scarragh Silver (41.0)
Junior Beginner Novice B: Ava Kaiser and Slim (35.3)
Senior Beginner Novice A: Tessa Bethea and Irish Pub (26.3)
Senior Beginner Novice B: Anna Payne and Erowynne (37.9)
Junior Starter: Sophia Petrin and Notorious Biggie (64.0)
Senior Starter: Rachel Marsh and Haynesville (39.9)

Cobblestone Farms H.T. II (Dexter, MI) [Website] [Results]

Preliminary Open: Kathleen Bertuna and Excel Star Harry (29.6)
Modified Open: Irene Lampton and Rock on Cooley (29.3)
Training Open: Holly Russell and Cooley Black Hawk (31.9)
Training Rider: Catelyn Harms and LCC King Julian (27.4)
Novice Open: Lily Syah and Top Secret (23.9)
Novice Rider 1: Mary Clare Owdziej and City of Ember (28.4)
Novice Rider 2: Emerson Padgett and MSH Giant Jac’ka (21.9)
Novice Rider 3: Erica Mitchell and Shaniko Star (34.0)
Beginner Novice Open: Alyssa Cairo and EWSZ Jalando (22.8)
Beginner Novice Rider 1: Louise Gillam and Wicked Worry (29.7)
Beginner Novice Rider 2: Madison Wehrman and EPA Mo Chuisle (25.3)
Beginner Novice Rider 3: Ellie Johnson and Melody of Excellence HOF (30.9)
Starter Open: Chelsea Garrison and Freddie Mercury (25.3)
Starter Rider 1: Elliot Bizjak and N’Pressive (25.7)
Starter Rider 2: Olivia Palmer and Sweet Serenity (27.7)

Early Bird Summer Event at Galway Downs (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate: Chloe Smyth and NC Sky High (38.9)
Open Preliminary: Auburn Excell Brady and Galliard’s Lancer (25.2)
Open Modified: Kelsey Holmes and Karel H (27.4)
Open Training: Auburn Excell Brady and Jackpot VG (27.0)
Training Rider: Jessica Jones and Jameson (27.1)
Novice Rider: Shawn Ortiz and Patriot’s Justice (27.1)
Open Novice: Erin Kellerhouse and FE Cupcake (17.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Krishna Van Buren and Lunar Glow (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Bari Boersma and Chattachoochoo (27.2)
Starter: Tiffany Jorgensen and Mr. Blue Sky (29.4)

Hoosier Horse Trials (Edinburgh, IN) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Tate Northrop and Harrison (30.1)
Open Modified: Amanda Richard and Count Julian (33.6)
Open Training: Rachel Miles and Cooley Keystone (26.2)
Open Novice A: Dan Kreitl and My Kindness T (29.7)
Open Novice B: Mia Volpentesta and Flipside (28.9)
Open Novice C: Madeline Bletzacker and Drummer Boy (20.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Jessica Boesch and Top Secret (22.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Lauren Reynolds and Casino (28.4)
Open Beginner Novice C: Lyndsey Humpal and Standupandfight (25.6)
Open Starter A: Julia Harris and Macho Pronto (33.7)
Open Starter B: Holly McPherson and Normandy B (31.3)
Open Starter C: Katie Clouse and Daxterity (28.7)
Open Tadpole: Shannon Risner and Kunik (28.0)

Huntington Farm H.T. (South Strafford, VT) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Stephanie Jackson and Fernhill Quality Vision (36.1)
Junior Training: Max van der Schoot and Playing With Quarters (Andy) (36.8)
Open Training: kristina Branco and Versailles (31.9)
Junior Novice: Adeline Tullar and Ruffian Du Balfour (28.9)
Open Novice A: Katie Murphy and Alaric (35.1)
Open Novice B: Donna Hecht and Cocobolo (35.6)
Junior Beginner Novice: Sydney Gallien and Don’t stop believin’ (30.6)
Open Beginner Novice A: Alexander Conrad and King Kong Vanoveris (31.8)
Open Beginner Novice B: Alexander Conrad and Queens Dude (34.3)

Olney Farm Horse Trials (Joppa, MD) [Website] [Results]

Open Modified: Mason Reidy and LIFE STORY (30.5)
Open Training: Jaclyn Burke and Adara (22.8)
Open Novice 1: Tyler Burke and Carmella (29.2)
Open Novice 2: Joe Bowersox and Jayda (18.3)
Amateur BNovice: Carissa Gavin and The Flying Fox (29.5)
Open BN: Laura Wilson and Joseph (27.5)
Open Intro 1: Karen Rubin and Pax (28.2)
Open Intro 2: Lillian Harrod and Aces Zoomin’ Dude (33.8)

River Glen Summer H.T. (New Market, TN) [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate: Joe Meyer and Harbin (50.6)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Donna Miller and Coud’Poker (38.3)
Open Preliminary: Chris Newton and Shannondale Magnum (28.9)
Open Modified: Joe Meyer and El Platanito (27.9)
Open Training: Diane Hanrahan and Lakota VI (36.6)
Training Rider: Kate Bell and FE Velvet Black (32.6)
Training/Novice: Maxine Preston and Fernhill Fortune (34.8)
Novice Jr Rider: Madison Zgutowicz and My Valentine (26.9)
Novice Sr Rider: Shannon Jenkins and The Diesel Boy (27.5)
Open Novice: Lauren Lambert and HSH Red Hot (30.6)
BNovice Jr Rider: Millie Bronstad-Hay and Makuba’s Mouse (28.1)
BNovice Sr Rider: Anna Wallace and Kalaska (31.5)
Open BNovice: Diane Hanrahan and Frosty Dancer (33.2)
Starter Test Section A: Clare Pinney and Daddy Says No (34.0)
Starter Test Section B: Alysha Hendren and Noneofyourbuzzness (32.3)

Spring Gulch H.T. (Highland, CO) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Dani Sussman and RR Simple (28.1)
Preliminary/Training: Victoria Poulton and Starlingh (38.6)
Open Training: Chris Kawcak and Amelie (26.0)
Novice Rider: Lara Hunter and Penance (30.6)
Open Novice: Melinda Hofmeister and My Brigadier (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider: Lacy Cotton and Clintos (30.5)
Open Beginner Novice A: Maegen Bingham and Djamilia (22.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: Vicki Baker and Vasilii (31.6)
Introductory A: Michelle Carver and New Songs Raining Miracle (25.0)
Introductory B: Tiare Santistevan and Chrissy PCH (27.0)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Aug 7, 2023 5:21 am -

I always get a jolt of second-hand thrill from watching another rider live their big dream — whether that’s making a team, winning a competition they’ve long coveted, or, in the case of Kentucky eventer Alexa Thompson, packing up her beloved horses and heading to Europe for a few months of intensive training and competition. She’s currently at the base of French national dish Maxime Livio, and by all accounts, she really is living the dream, as you can see from this travel diary reel that thrums with the excitement of everything to come. Allez, allez, Alexa!

National Holiday: It’s National Sea Serpent Day. A holiday we neither needed nor wanted, but here we are.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. at Caber Farm (Onalaska, WA) [Website] [Results]

Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trials (Iowa City, IA) [Website]

Cobblestone Farms H.T. II (Dexter, MI) [Website] [Results]

Early Bird Summer Event at Galway Downs (Temecula, CA) [Website]

Hoosier Horse Trials (Edinburgh, IN) [Website] [Results]

Huntington Farm H.T. (South Strafford, VT) [Website]

Olney Farm Horse Trials (Joppa, MD) [Website] [Results]

River Glen Summer H.T. (New Market, TN) [Website] [Results]

Spring Gulch H.T. (Highland, CO) [Website]

Your Monday Reading List:

We, like so many others, were so disappointed that the awful weather over the last few days forced The Festival of British Eventing to cancel. But even if we couldn’t all celebrate the event’s fortieth anniversary in the famous Gatcombe bowl, there were still plenty of memories being shared and celebrated over the weekend – and some of them even made it into the mainstream media. Check out this great clip to see Zara Tindall, Captain Mark Phillips, and Peter Phillips share their fondest memories of this special event. [Watch it here]

There are some very lucky Area VI riders out there! A whole bunch of them have just won an AEC entry and stabling award, worth up to $1000, in a random draw  – and you can see whose names are on that list here.

I don’t know anyone in the horse world who doesn’t take Strangles very seriously. But just in case it didn’t give you The Fear already, here’s a story for you: a 70-year-old woman managed to contract an infection from the bacterium present in her affected horse, leading to a very rare — but nearly fatal — illness. It’s hugely unlikely that this could happen to you, but it does still make for interesting reading. [Here’s the full story]

And now for something completely different: the weirdest horse stories you’ll read all day, namely. From the jockey who won a race after he died to the oldest horse who ever lived, there’s some bonkers stuff in here. And that’s my favourite kind of stuff. [Dive on in, you crazy kids]

The FutureTrack Follow:

This week, it’ll have to be British Equestrian, for all their behind-the-scenes content with the hot favourites at the European Championships — starting with this weirdly soothing video of Yas Ingham piloting a huge lorry into the teeny-tiny Euro Shuttle. Fits like a glove.

Morning Viewing:

Behold: my favourite victory ‘gallop’ of all time. Someone get the gal a hobby horse.

Mid-Season Roundup: 10 Horse Showing Reels to Start Your Week with a Laugh

By on Aug 6, 2023 4:02 pm -

Summer and the show season have peaked, and we could all use a laugh right about now! I know our East Coasters still have a while left, but who else isn’t ready for the impending winter? (Just going to go ahead and make everyone sad for a second — only four months left in the year… sorry.)

To cheer you up again, here are 10 lovingly-curated meme reels describing the duality of wonder and horror that is equestrian competition.

Sunday Video Break: A Slice of Cooley Farms

By on Aug 6, 2023 1:19 pm -

With no less than six horses competing at Badminton this year, a scrollable list of current 4* and 5* horses, and a great partnership with many of our sport’s top riders, Cooley Farm always has some amazing stuff up their sleeves. Based in Ireland and run by Richard Sheane and Georgina Philips, the Cooley name produces and sells top quality sport horses for the world stage, including many of the top athletes we know and love.

Back in The Year That Must Not Be Named, Cooley Farm gave the world a look into their operations and setup with this lovely tour. They also detail some of the challenges brought to their farm and others during the Covid pandemic. Take a look at their gorgeous estate and all the amazing things they have in store for the future athletes of our sport! Which names do you catch that you didn’t know were Cooley horses?