Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Jun 23, 2023 12:01 am -

Michael Jung and Kilcandra Ocean Power lead the CCI4*-L at Strzegom. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

We’re looking forward to following along with this weekend’s action at the LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials taking place in Poland. Featuring a CCI4*-L division as well as a CCI4*-S FEI Nations Cup competition, a developing U.S. team is also competing this weekend.

Under the direction of USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law, the USEF Development Tour is designed to give riders additional team experience in an overseas environment. US Equestrian targeted this event as well as the CCIO4*-S at Boekelo in October as two stops for the U.S. to target in 2023 — look for a more seasoned team to take the reins at Boekelo, but for now it’s to the sport’s next top stars for this weekend.

Dressage got underway in the 4*-S on Thursday, and we’ll have the conclusion of the division’s tests ridden today. All four of the U.S. horses and riders will compete beginning today, and if you’re an early bird I’ll list the times below as there is a free live stream provided by FEI TV on YouTube all week. Friday’s dressage will begin at 4:30 a.m. EST here. You can view the full list of Friday’s start times here and the full timing & scoring list here.

Belgium’s Maarten Boon is the current CCI4*-S leader with Gravin van Cantos, a 12-year-old KWPN mare. In the CCI4*-L division, Michael Jung leads the way following dressage with the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Kilcandra Ocean Power (BGS Ocean View – Bonnie Dolly, by Bonnie Prince) after earning a mark of 31.5. This weekend mark’s Kilcandra Ocean Power’s first CCI4*-L start. The USA’s Matt Flynn has also rerouted to Strzegom with Wizzerd following a fall early on cross country at Luhmühlen last week and will sit in sixth place on a score of 35.8 ahead of cross country.

Major International Events

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

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Summer H.T. (Aiken, South Carolina): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (Lexington, Kentucky): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (Barrington Hills, Illinois): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Woodloch Stable Young Event Horse Qualifier (Hugo, Minnesota): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Loudon Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (Leesburg, Virginia): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Round Top H.T. (Castle Rock, Colorado): [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Valinor Farm H.T. (Plymouth, Massachusetts): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (Revere, Pennsylvania): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Friday News & Reading

Attending this weekend’s Stable View Summer H.T.? Here are a few “Early Insights” for you:

  • Ice and water will be on hand all weekend to help stay cool — look for brown ice containers as well a well-stocked Rider Lounge for water. There will be also misting station for horses (or humans — no judgement here).
  • Don’t forget to join the Stable View team for the always-lovely Graze and Gaze social hour with food and drinks, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings in the pub behind the Pavilion.
  • Find more information about the weekend in the Show Program here, or in the links list further up in this article

Arielle Aharoni and her CCI4* horse, Dutch Times, have been together since very nearly day one. Having purchased “Dutch” as a weanling, Arielle has been working on her partnership with the supremely athletic gelding, culminating most recently in a second place finish in the 4*-L at Bromont earlier this month. You can read all about her journey with Dutch in the latest Nancy Jaffer column here.

We love a clinic report, and this one brings a double bonus: a clinic with both Tik Maynard and Sinead Maynard! The Green Horseman blogs about the experience here.

Got a graduating senior in your household? Be sure to have them apply for a USEF Higher Education Scholarship. Applications are due on July 31. This scholarship program awards five $1,000 scholarships each year to US Equestrian members from any breed or discipline who are committed to continuing their equestrian involvement in college. College classes in equine subjects, participation in an intercollegiate equestrian team, or a horse-related job, internship, or volunteer position are among the ways that scholarship recipients can continue their participation in the equestrian community. [Apply for a USEF Higher Education Scholarship]

In his latest column with the USEA, sports psychologist Daniel Stewart dives into the concept of transforming from “worrier to warrior”. One form of “doubtful thinking” Coach Stewart refers to is the “pre-excuse”. What, exactly is that, besides my early justification for not making it to the gym today? Find out here.

Friday Video Break

Get a preview of what the riders at Strzegom will be tackling this week with a replay of the 2022 Nations Cup cross country:

Thursday Video: Eventers Do the Derby

By on Jun 22, 2023 5:00 pm -

Shane Breen and Can Ya Makan win the Hickstead Derby in 2022. Photo courtesy of the All-England Jumping Course at Hickstead.

This week plays host to one of the most iconic classes in equestrian sport: the Hickstead Derby, which has been running over an unchanged course since the 1960s, and features legendary obstacles that are steeped in history, including the Derby Bank, the Devil’s Dyke, and more. Every few years or so, we see an intrepid eventer or two taking on the challenge, and this year, we’ve got an extraordinary three of them riding throughout the week to gain qualification for the main event through the trial classes. Those are Gemma Stevens (neé Tattersall), who has a brilliant catch ride in Shirley Light’s Dime Bar, and German superstars Kai Rüder and Sandra Auffarth, the latter of which has picked up some serious mileage over the Hamburg Derby track, which was the inspiration for this class some sixty years ago. We’re buzzing to see how they all go — and bring you all the news of their rides, too — but in the meantime, get in the spirit of the thing with this collection of videos, showcasing the specific set of skills required for Derby success.

First up, here’s a video of Sandra’s round at the Hamburg Derby five years ago:

And another, showing how she schools her horses to prepare them for the challenge of that Derby Bank and vertical fence combo:

Here’s a clip of Gemma Stevens schooling over some frankly colossal fences in preparation for this weekend – that wall!

Here’s a cool throwback video of showjumper Nick Skelton and Apollo logging a clear round at Hickstead back in 1990:

And finally, some insights into riding the Bank and the Devil’s Dyke from reigning champ Shane Breen and his brother, former winner Trevor.

Go Eventing – or Showjumping – or whatever this mad class counts as!

Two Easy-to-Use Exercises to Improve Canter Rhythm: An Excerpt from ‘Arena Tracks’

By on Jun 22, 2023 1:00 pm -

In this excerpt from his book Arena Tracks, Christian Baier of Southern Blues Equestrian Center gives us two foundational exercises that help teach horse and rider to adjust stride length and balance and find the ideal approach to an obstacle or combination.

Photo courtesy of Christian Baier.

Exercise 1: Canter Poles to Support Rhythm in the Approach

This setup of poles and obstacles builds on the basic exercise with canter poles on the long sides and diagonals. Utilizing the canter poles helps the horse and rider not only determine suitable rhythm for the situation, but also maintain a suitable and steady rhythm in the approach to the obstacle. The canter poles provide the rider with valuable feedback to determine if the strides are too long and fast, just right, too short and slow, or if the rhythm is changing within the canter poles themselves.

The circles on the short ends can, if needed, be very helpful for horse and rider to make necessary adjustments to the canter stride length and balance to achieve a more ideal approach and rhythm to the next obstacle.

The tracks by themselves are very basic so when the understanding for these are established in dressage work as well as over ground poles, they should not cause any difficulties. When difficulties are present, the solution is generally to go back and review the dressage tracks again and practice them over poles to determine where the source of the problem is. Ideally, the horse should not have to change length of canter stride or speed over the canter poles, assuming the rider established an ideal rhythm for the measured distance between the poles.

When the canter strides are a bit short, the horse will have to lengthen them to reach across the poles, and if the canter strides are a bit long, the horse will have to shorten them to fit the strides in before the obstacle.

• Purpose: Training rhythm in the approach to the obstacle while using canter poles for feedback regarding stride length and speed.

This course can be set in most arena sizes. Setting the poles and obstacles in a way that allows for circles to be ridden on the short ends (as illustrated) can be very helpful for horse and rider in establishing or reestablishing suitable rhythm. The distances used here and in Exercise 2 are generally suitable for the typical Warmblood horse. Distances between the canter poles and the poles and obstacles are 3 meters (9.8 feet). Note: Different types of footing, different arena sizes, and different heights of obstacles require adjustments to the measured distances.

Diagram:

Graphic courtesy of Christian Baier.

Exercise 2: Awareness of Rhythm and Track

This setup of obstacles is a good checkup regarding how rhythm is maintained throughout the course without the help of canter poles as in the previous exercise. Here, instead, the related distance will be a gauge and source of feedback for how the rhythm and length of stride is managed by the rider. Good tracks are important for the course to ride in a harmonious way, while the placement of the obstacles in this course will help the rider in making appropriate choices in regards to the track without the use of cones.

Thinking of this course in three sections, with each section teaching a different set of skills, will help with both warm-up jumping and the later work with the complete course. The first of the three sections of the course is basic level with two single obstacles on the long side, Obstacles 1 and 5, both of which should be built in a way that they are able to be jumped from either direction. The next section is the obstacle in the center that can be ridden on the circle and as change of direction out of the circle. The last described section is the related distance on the opposite long side from the two single obstacles, these are Obstacles 3 and 4, which also should be built in a way that they safely can be jumped from either direction. The three sections can be used in any order, depending what is most suitable for horse and rider. The course itself can also be divided into two sections: Obstacles 1 through 5, and Obstacles 6 through 10. Dividing the course into sections as described can be very helpful for both the trainer teaching the course and the rider learning the course.

• Purpose: To demonstrate awareness of rhythm and basic tracks.

This course can be set in most arena sizes with only minor modifications. For a longer arena, lengthening the related distance and spreading obstacles 1 and 5 farther apart is recommended. The related distance as illustrated here measures 20 meters (65.6 feet) and is suitable for five strides if ridden with normal-sized Warmbloods over low obstacle height.

Diagram:

Graphic courtesy of Christian Baier.

This excerpt from Arena Tracks by Christian Baier is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books (www.HorseandRiderBooks.com).

US Equestrian Announces Opportunity Fund Grants Awarded to USEF Community Outreach Organizations

By on Jun 22, 2023 11:00 am -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce that it has awarded more than $128,000 in USEF Opportunity Fund grants to 13 USEF Community Outreach Organizations in the fund’s second year.

The 2023 USEF Opportunity Fund grants will support a range of projects, from expanding programming and purchasing safety equipment to infrastructure improvements and business operations support. Grantees are listed below in alphabetical order:

Beachwood Center for Wellbeing (Charlestown, R.I.)

Beachwood will use this grant for programming costs associated with the services and therapies offered to their clients. Also, the grant will be used for updates to their new facility in Wellington, Fla.

Ebony Horsewomen (Hartford, Conn.)

Ebony Horsewoman will use the grant for operating costs to fund horse care,feed, and staffing needs.

GallopNYC (New York, N.Y.)

GallopNYC plans to use the grant for programming support services for their clients directly.

Horse SenseAbility (Sherborn, Mass.)

This grant will be used for programming costs to support at-risk youth and young adults. These participants develop life skills by learning about, caring for, and being with horses in a peaceful, rural setting.

Horses N Heroes (Ocala, Fla.)

Horses N Heroes plans to use the grant to help with programming costs to support economically disadvantaged girls in the Ocala community.

Horses of Hope (Isabela, Puerto Rico)

Horses of Hope is in the process of moving locations to expand the services offered. The grant will be used to assist with this transition as well as facility improvements.

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Mustang Troop (Lexington, Ky.)

The Mustang Troop, based at the Kentucky Horse Park, plans to use the grant to enhance programming. By increasing the staff and herd, the Mustang Troop hopes to serve more youth in the area.

Kindle Hill Foundation Charity (Blue Bell, Pa.)

Kindle Hill will use the grant for program fee assistance resources as well as advancement of internal operations with purchase of HIPAA-compliant technology.

Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center (Redmond, Wash.)

Little Bit will use the funds to purchase new horses for programming. The goal of seven new horses would allow Little Bit to expand on the current services offered. Additionally, this would allow for a few of their horses to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue (Dover Plains, N.Y.)

Lucky Orphans will use the grant to supplement participant costs in the youth development program and the equine assisted therapy program.

Manes for Movement (Torrance, Calif.)

Manes for Movement has added a new horse to the herd. This grant would be used for operating costs of feed, shelter, and farrier/veterinary care.

Maryland Therapeutic Riding Inc. (Crownsville, Md.)

Maryland Therapeutic Riding will use the grant to purchase two BEMER horse sets to enhance the health and wellness of their 16 horses.

Taking The Reins (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Taking The Reins plans to use the grant to support the operating costs of horse care, feed, and staffing needs.

Learn more about all of the USEF Community Outreach organizations here.

“I can’t say enough about these Community Outreach Organizations. I have learned so much about their missions, values, and operations over the past two years, and it’s just amazing to see and hear their stories and how they work with horses to help so many people, said Tom O’Mara, President of US Equestrian.

“This started with US Equestrian members, from all around the country, identifying the need to connect with these organizations, and then it was easy to pitch the Community Outreach Program to the USEF Board and get an enthusiastic buy-in to make this work,” said O’Mara. “USEF staff and volunteer members have worked diligently to make this all happen, so thank you to all who’ve kick-started such a worthwhile undertaking. We have members, sponsors, friends, families, and event organizers all pitching in. This really shows the power of our US Equestrian community. I encourage you to take some time and scroll through the links and learn more about the organizations.”

These grants were awarded through a competitive grants request process. One hundred-percent of funds raised for the Opportunity Fund are dedicated to supporting the USEF Community Outreach Program and its recognized USEF Community Outreach Organizations. These organizations can be found across the country and are committed to bringing horses to traditionally under-represented and/or under-served communities, including active military and veterans; low-income individuals; people with disabilities; Black, Indigenous, and people of color; and more. The USEF Opportunity Fund aims to extend the reach and impact of these outstanding organizations to improve access to horses and bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. These grants were made possible by the generous contributions of the USEF Board of Directors, members, partners, and competition organizers. Please consider supporting the Opportunity Fund and make a donation today.

About USEF Community Outreach Organizations

Recognized USEF Community Outreach Organizations are united by their standards in their mission to provide equine-based learning opportunities and to support the positive impact horses can have within their local communities. These organizations must meet certain standards of horse and human welfare, including USEF Safe Sport requirements and abiding by the USEF Non-Discrimination Policy, as well as offering their services for free or on a sliding scale of fees based on financial need, and more, before being recognized through this program.

How You Can Help

  • Opportunity Fund – Donate today to help fund grants for the USEF Community Outreach Organizations.
  • Shop USEF – Show your support with the purchase of a USEF Community Outreach Program pin. 100% of the proceeds from pin sales will be contributed to the USEF Opportunity Fund.

“Our Hopes and Dreams For Her Were So High”: Tamie Smith’s Solaguayre California Euthanised After Freak Luhmühlen Injury

By on Jun 22, 2023 8:54 am -

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re devastated to report that Tamie Smith‘s Luhmühlen mount, Solaguayre California, has been euthanised following a freak injury to her knee while jumping through the first water complex at the German five-star, which was her debut at the level.

The pair jumped cleanly through the complex, which was one of the most influential questions of the day, though the twelve-year-old mare did hit her knee on the C element of the final fence while clearing it. After jumping the next fence, a table that came up very shortly after the water, Tamie felt that California was slightly off, and opted to pull the mare up. California was then transported off the course and to a local equine hospital as a precautionary measure to avoid any risk of infection to the cut over the joint. There, a fracture to the knee was discovered, though the prognosis was an optimistic one, and the mare, who is owned by David and Julianne Guariglia, was booked in for surgery to start the repair process. It was then that the injury was discovered to be a much more complex one, and the tough decision was made to euthanise California.

Tamie has shared a statement on her social media channels, which reads as follows:

“My heart is broken as I write this and say that Solaguayre California was humanely euthanized after a planned surgery to repair a slab fracture to her knee. As California jumped out of the C element of the water at the Luhmühlen CCI5*-L, I felt her hit the jump and what seemed to be just a sting and disappointing moment of having to pull her up to save for another day. Initially the assessment of her recovery was favorable as we stopped when we did and it seemed to be a simple fix. However it has turned out much more extensive and the damage was irreparable.

“This is devastating to our team, her owners and I cannot quite imagine life without our girl, however her tenacity and grit was the complete example of how we get through times like these.

“I find comfort knowing we were able to get her to the best surgeon with the best medical team. There were so many amazing people who helped facilitate this and no stone was unturned on trying to find a perfect plan to having her make a full recovery.

“California was a star in the making and showed the world, especially this season, how incredibly gifted she was. Our hopes and dreams for her were so high. Our hearts are broken. 💔

“As I sit here hugging the black stallion in a puddle of tears I have to reflect at the incredible honor it is to have these partnerships with our horses. How lucky are we to experience such a bond with these athletes.

“I know that living… means you take the good with the bad. Life’s uncertainty can’t disable your life because you are afraid of the risk of living, it isn’t easy, but it is better to have experienced the moments and memories and to live for every moment than to just sit and be safe.

“California was the epitome of ‘Carpe Diem’… so I take this meaning of living life to the fullest in her memory.  My brain is spinning, my heart is broken, but I know I have you all to keep me pushing on.”

The EN team sends its most heartfelt condolences to Tamie, the Guariglia family, and all the connections of Solaguayre California. We’ve loved enjoying the privilege of watching her climb through the levels – join us in looking back at some of our favourite moments of her career.

 

Thursday News & Notes

By on Jun 22, 2023 5:31 am -

If the 2010s were the decade of Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW’s total domination, the 2020s are swiftly becoming the domain of Laura Collett and London 52. This is an incredible accomplishment, rightly being celebrated by EquiRatings: the duo has delivered three of the top five finishing scores at five-star, ever. Incredible stuff, and made even more exciting because of that high-profile tricky year they had back in 2019, in which the hotly-tipped young horse had to learn his job at the upper levels with the whole world watching. Laura had to deal with some serious disappointments that year, but remained steadfast in her dedication to the horse — and look how it’s paid off. It’s a great comfort to all the rest of us mere mortals, who might be battling through our own 2019 right now but truly believe our horse has what it takes. Keep the faith alive, folks.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Summer H.T. (Aiken, South Carolina): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (Lexington, Kentucky): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (Barrington Hills, Illinois): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Woodloch Stable Young Event Horse Qualifier (Hugo, Minnesota): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Loudon Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (Leesburg, Virginia): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Round Top H.T. (Castle Rock, Colorado): [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Valinor Farm H.T. (Plymouth, Massachusetts): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (Revere, Pennsylvania): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

News From Around the Globe:

One of our favourite classes on the ‘dark side’ is the Hickstead Derby, which takes place this weekend. This iconic class, which has been running since the 1960s with an unchanged course and some of showjumping’s greatest feature fences — such as that bank — and it always draws a great field of entries and a huge crowd. This year, the eventers are well-represented with an entry from Gemma Stevens (neé Tattersall) and catch-ride Dime Bar, who she’s piloting for the Light family. But before we look forward to that ride on Sunday, let’s take a look back at some of the greatest moments that William Funnell, husband of Pippa, has experienced in his long tenure contesting the class. 

Speaking of historical, traditional shows, I found this throwback piece from COTH fascinating. It’s the sage recollections of the hunter-jumper world from the 1920s through the 1960s, as shared by 1936 Maclay champion, Ellie Wood Baxter. I’m particularly interested in her memories of Madison Square Garden, and the very different courses competitors had to tackle there. Check out her musings and memories here.

This is turning into a curiously jumper-themed edition of N&N, and I’m not sorry. In this piece, you’ll meet OTTB El Tormenta — or Eddie — who won the Woodbine Mile in 2019 and is now thriving in his second career, thanks in part to a great new Thoroughbred Jumper series. We love anything that helps promote these incredible athletes, and we love multitalented Eddie.

Last week, Tim Price opted to withdraw Happy Boy after the horse’s bloods were up upon arrival. This isn’t necessarily unusual: long-distance travel can bring on all sorts of little (and sometimes big) bugs and coughs, and it’s wise to monitor horses closely while they travel and upon arrival to ensure any travel sickness can be combatted. Now, researchers in Italy have revealed the findings on a study on the physical responses of travel, including the inflammatory response it brings on — and the stress response, too. It’s well worth reading if you ship your horse long-haul at any time.

 

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Check Out the Bramham BE80 Championships Course

By on Jun 21, 2023 5:36 pm -

We always shout from the rooftops about how great the courses, the atmosphere, and the educational opportunities are for BE90 (US Novice) and BE100 (US Training) riders are at the prestigious Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships at Badminton — but what about BE80 (Beginner Novice) competitors? For them, there’s something equally cool: they have the NAF Five Star BE80 Championships at beautiful Bramham International, and what a competition it is. Taking in some of Bramham’s famous terrain, it’s a true championship track for the level, and one that rewards horses and riders who ride positively and with gumption across its breadth. This year’s winner, lorry driver Emily Tamblyn, drove most of the length of the country from Cornwall to compete with her oversized Irish horse, Knockenpower Rory, and her efforts paid off with sweet, sweet victory. Now, thanks to our friends at An Eventful Life, you can check out their winning cross-country round in full — and get a glimpse of this very cool grassroots track.

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Announcing The Dutta Corp./USEF Eventing High Performance Flight Grants for Paris 2024

By on Jun 21, 2023 3:03 pm -

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg in Tokyo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the establishment of The Dutta Corp./USEF Eventing High Performance Flight Grants. These grants will be awarded to eventing athletes who are targeting the 2024 Olympic Games.

US Equestrian will award two air transportation grants with a value up to $20,000 each to be used toward horse flight expenses for a CCI4* or CCI5*-L competition during the 2023 calendar year. The application period will run from June 20th to August 7th, and FEI-registered eventing athletes will receive have been sent an email notification with further information, and it is also available here. After consultation with the Eventing Pathway Working Group, the Eventing Technical Advisor will recommend a list of grant recipients to the USEF CEO for approval.

“The Dutta Corp. has been a generous partner of US Equestrian’s eventing programs, and we’re so pleased to have their support as we look toward the 2024 Olympics in Paris,” said US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney. “These travel grants will be a valuable asset to Olympic hopefuls as they compete in FEI events this year and prepare to go for the gold in 2024.”

“We are honored to partner again with US Equestrian to support the excellent U.S. horsemen and horsewomen as they travel the world to be the best they can be and give it all to be on the podium in Paris 2024 and beyond,” said Tim Dutta, founder and CEO of The Dutta Corp. “We are humbled to give their horses wings.”

EN’s pre-coverage of the Paris Olympics in 2024 is brought to you with support from Zoetis — Long Live the Horse.

Welcome to Eventing: What to Wear to Your First Horse Trial

By on Jun 21, 2023 12:30 pm -
Photo by Christine Quinn Photography. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Eventing is unique from any other discipline in that it has three different phases requiring a few outfit changes. If you’re getting ready to head to your first ever horse trial, it can be confusing to know what to wear for what phase. Whether you’re an adult amateur who’s new to eventing or a parent of a riding school student who’s about to take the plunge into the world of horse trials, the need-to-know info is largely the same.

Most riders wear one or two pairs of breeches per horse trial. The main requirement is that you have a pair of white breeches for the dressage phase, like these TuffRider Full Seat Breeches. Unlike riding tights, the breeches should have belt loops, a button and zipper, and be made of a slightly thicker fabric. While most competitors ride in white breeches, beige or light tan breeches are also acceptable. You can technically wear the same pair of white breeches for all three phases, but some riders prefer to change their breeches before cross country to protect them from stains. Nothing ruins a pair of white breeches faster than falling into the water complex!

If you’re going to change your breeches before cross country, keep in mind that there are very few regulations around the breeches you wear on course. They can be any color and made of any fabric. Many riders prefer to wear cross country breeches that are made of a technical fabric that has sweat-wicking and cooling properties, like the Equine Couture Coolmax Breeches. Whatever breeches you choose to wear, make sure they have good grippy knee patches or a full seat to help you stay in the saddle if you get into a sticky situation. 

For the dressage and show jumping phase, you’ll need a formal show shirt, like the Equine Couture Cara Show Shirt. It has to have a stand-up or wrap-around ratcatcher collar and be a conservative color, usually white. While it is most likely to remain hidden under your jacket, it’s important to wear a show shirt that follows all of the rules, so that if jackets are waived, you can ride without your show coat. Keep in mind that if you’re riding below preliminary level, you don’t have to wear a show coat. 

While your show shirt in dressage and show jumping can be either long or short-sleeved, it must have long sleeves to be appropriate for cross country. Most eventers choose a shirt that showcases their cross country colors. A bright shirt means you’ll be easy to spot from across the field. Look for something that uses moisture-wicking technical fabric that will still be breathable, despite the long sleeves. The TuffRider Technical Sport Shirt checks all the boxes for a great cross country shirt, plus it’s available in a variety of colors. 

Photo via JPC Equestrian, taken by Cassidy Brooke.

For the dressage and show jumping phase, it’s encouraged to wear a show coat over your shirt. While it’s not required until you’re riding at the preliminary level or above, most riders want to look their best and choose to wear a show coat. Recent rule changes have started to allow riders to wear a wider variety of colors. However, for your first attempt at a horse trial, it might be a good idea to wear a more conservative coat, like the Equine Couture Raleigh Show Coat. That way if you decide eventing isn’t for you, you can still wear the coat in the hunter/jumper ring or if you go out fox hunting.

If you’re wearing a show coat, then you have to wear a stock tie! It also works the other way around– if you’re not wearing a show coat, then it’s considered a faux pas to wear a stock tie. For your first horse trial, choose a pre-tied stock tie, like the Equinavia Cavalleria Venice Stock Tie. It’ll save you time fiddling with a tricky knot when you’re already nervous prior to entering the ring. 

Gloves are a must in all three phases. And they aren’t just for looks– gloves provide crucial added grip when you’re galloping around the cross country course or flying around turns in the show jumping ring. Your gloves should be black, white, or beige. Most riders, particularly at the lower levels, choose to wear black gloves as they’re easier to care for. Leather is technically fine for all phases, but consider wearing them exclusively in the dressage ring and choose gloves with more grip for cross country. If you only want to invest in one pair of gloves for all three phases, consider the TuffRider Grippy Riding Gloves. These gloves have the grippy palm you’ll need for jumping, but they look like leather. 

What you wear on your feet is just as important as the rest of your outfit. When you’re first starting out and riding in schooling horse trials, half chaps and paddock boots are technically allowed, but they’re not really the norm. If you’re not sure if you’ll continue your competitive eventing career, or have a child who’s still growing, half chaps and paddock boots are a fine choice, particularly if they’re leather. Make sure the half chaps match the paddock boots in terms of color and type of leather; black is a safe color choice. Look for a combination that’s designed to be worn together, like the TuffRider Belmont Half Chaps and Paddock Boots.

If you’re ready to invest in a pair of tall boots, look for something that’s economical, but still looks stylish. You can both compete and practice in the TuffRider Regal Field Boots, which gets you the most bang for your buck. Just take a little extra time to shine them up before your first show. 

There’s a big emphasis on safety gear at horse trials. Unlike any other equestrian discipline, eventers must wear a protective safety vest on the cross country course. The vest you choose should meet or surpass the existing ASTM standards, just like your helmet. While there’s many different types of cross country vests, the best vest is the one that fits you correctly. It should cover your last rib and end just below the tailbone, without interfering with your position in the saddle. 

Overall, the eventing community is a welcoming one, particularly to riders who are just starting out. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before the event. Your trainer should be an excellent resource who can help guide you in terms of what to wear to an event. If you ever have any questions about the rules and regulations regarding show apparel, particularly at schooling shows, reach out to the show administrator. 

This article is sponsored by Breeches.com, your online source for global brands that design, manufacture, market and distribute fine riding products. 

The Big German June Continues: Your First Look at CHIO Aachen Eventing Entries

By on Jun 21, 2023 10:16 am -

Yasmin Ingham with Sue Davies and Janette Chinn’s Banzai du Loir. Photo by Shelby Allen.

We’ve finally gotten a look at the 43 horse and rider combinations representing 10 nations in next week’s CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S – plus, the six horses and riders who’ll be taking part in the Jump & Drive relay class under lights, one of our favourite fast-paced novelty classes in the game, which pits six teams made up of a showjumper, an event rider, and a combined driver apiece, against one another in a bid for glory in front of a packed stadium.

But first, let’s have a look at the entries in the eventing proper, which takes the form of a team competition, but isn’t part of the FEI Nations Cup calendar — so success this week won’t count towards points tallied in that series, and as such, won’t help any nations gain Olympic qualification. (Not that any of these guys will need it: the full teams here are all already qualified for Paris.) We’ll see teams fielded by the USA, Switzerland, New Zealand, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Australia and France, while Sweden and Belgium will also appear with individual competitors in Frida Andersen and Box Leo, and Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Ducati d’Arville and Jarno Verwimp and Mahalia, respectively.

We always see seriously top-end line-ups for Aachen, which is an invitational competition and, as such, is always ridden competitively — you won’t see riders coming here with the aim of doing a schooling round or a slow prep run. Rüdiger Schwarz always builds a tough, technical, twisty track in which time is a big factor — similar, then, to the CCI4*-S we saw at Luhmühlen last week.

Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz win Aachen 2022. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The home side has a serious team hunting for national glory: Michael Jung heads up proceedings with fischerChipmunk FRH, and is joined by reigning champion Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz, plus Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S, who was also part of the gold medal-winning Pratoni team last year and was second at Luhmühlen CCI5* in 2021. The team of four is completed by last year’s Blenheim CCI4*-L winners, Malin Hansen-Hotopp and Carlitos Quidditch K. As the host nation, Germany also gets extra individual slots — and so we’ll see young up-and-comers Calvin Böckmann, Rebecca-Juana Gerken, and Libussa Lübekke competing too, as well as seasoned competitor Anna Siemer.

Think that sounds like a good team? Wait ’til you meet the British front: World Champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir lead the charge, ably assisted by Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI, who were second at Luhmühlen CCI5* last year, Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, runners-up at Boekelo last season and Kentucky this year, and Gemma Stevens (nee Tattersall) on the impressive young Flash Cooley. They’ll be joined by Hector Payne and Dynasty, who will compete as individuals.

Will Coleman and the ‘weird’ Off The Record get the job done to take Aachen’s coveted CCIO4*-S in 2021. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A bit of commotion for the US team, please: newly-minted Kentucky champions Tamie Smith and Mai Baum are joined by 2021 Aachen champions Will Coleman and Off The Record, who made history by becoming the first American winners of the competition when they took the trophy two years ago. They’re joined by Kentucky podium finishers Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C, plus the ultra-experienced Phillip Dutton and Z. Dan Krietl and Carmango will come forward as individual competitors, continuing their first summer competing abroad.

The Kiwis are bringing forward big guns, too; three of their four team members — Tim and Jonelle Price on Falco and McClaren, respectively, and Clarke Johnstone on Menlo Park — competed at the Pratoni World Championships last year, while Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier finished in the top ten at Pau on the mare’s CCI5* debut last year. Samantha Lissington and Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ hold the individual spot.

Switzerland brings forward very nearly the same team with which they won the Pratoni test event and Nations Cup leg last year: Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH, Mélody Johner and Toubleu de Rueire, Patrick Rüegg and Fifty Fiftyand Nadja Minder and Toblerone also took part in the World Championships, earning themselves a spot at Paris in the process.

Ireland’s team is helmed by Cathal Daniels and the super-fast, super-experienced Rioghan Rua. He’s joined by a team of slightly less experienced horses but hugely experienced riders in Susie Berry and Kilcandra Capitol, and Sarah Ennis and Action Lady M, as well as the five-star combo of Joseph Murphy and Calmaro.

France’s team can never be underestimated at Aachen, either. This year, they bring forward experienced five-star competitors Gireg le Coz and Aisprit de la Loge, Benjamin Massie and Edition Fonroy, Kentucky competitors Maxime Livio and Carouzo Bois Marotin, and Luc Chateau and Cocorico de l’Ebat, with Badminton competitors Arthur Marx and Church’Ile as individuals.

Finally, Australia delivers us a team of up-and-coming horses gaining international experience. Kevin McNab will ride the former Caroline Harris mount, Miss Pepperpot, and Bill Levett will ride the ten-year-old Sligo Candy Cane, who led after the first two phases in Bramham’s CCI4*-S this summer. California-based Rebecca Braitling has also made the journey with her longtime partner Caravaggio — and we’ll be catching up with her on site to find out how her European excursion has been treating her this summer.

Julia Krajewski and Nickel 21 compete in the Jump & Drive class at Aachen in 2022. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Now let’s take a look at the Jump & Drive: while we don’t yet know who they’ll all be teamed up with for this brilliant late-night class, we do know that we’ll have six fantastic eventers taking part: for Australia, it’ll be Andrew Hoy, riding Cadet de Beliard; for Belgium, it’ll be Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Pumpkin de la Liniere; for the Brits, we’ll see the hotly-anticipated return to the world stage of Gemma Stevens‘s Santiago Bay; for Germany, it’ll be a double-header in Calvin Böckmann and Crunchip P and Anna Siemer and Pirate Smile; and for Ireland, it’s Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit.

Take a look at the entries in full here, and keep it locked on EN for all the coverage you could possibly desire from this showcase event, starting from next Thursday, June 29. Go Eventing!

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