Classic Eventing Nation

Tredstep Ireland Hosts Fashion Show in West Chester

By on Oct 27, 2013 5:00 pm -

Meet Colleen Peachey! She’s one of the new writers we’re bringing onto the EN team this fall in anticipation of some super exciting news we’ll be unveiling in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Colleen was kind enough to attend the Tredstep Ireland Fashion Show held at Rick’s Heritage  Saddlery in West Chester, Pa., last weekend. Tredstep is one of EN’s awesome sponsors, and they’re also offering $100 off their Raphael or Donatello boots this month only. Click here to check out Tredstep Ireland.

What if I told you a bit of water would rinse that coffee right off?

From Colleen:

When talking about the premiere destinations for fashion, certain cities come to mind — Paris, New York, Milan, Los Angeles … and West Chester, Pa? Ok, so maybe West Chester isn’t really a hub of activity in the fashion world. Last time I was hoofing it around town, I certainly did not see the fashion police on patrol. But last weekend, the equestrian residents of the area were able to relax and munch on some cookies (just don’t tell my trainer) while watching the Tredstep Ireland Fashion Show at Rick’s Heritage Saddlery.

Fashion show? Sure, some of you might be rolling your eyes or raising an eyebrow right now. Most riders I know don’t really have the time of day to go to something as frivolous as a typical fashion show. I mean, we spend hours every day mucking, grooming, riding, and sweating. Let’s just say that my outfits usually feature horse snot, half-eaten chunks of carrots and pieces of hay. So, how do you know if YOU would have enjoyed the Tredstep Ireland Fashion Show?

When you see a new pair of boots, do you want to grab them so you can feel and smell the buttery soft leather? Are you more excited to go shopping for a new pair of breeches than a new pair of jeans (because really, who enjoys shopping for new jeans anyway)? Do you try to talk your great Aunt Erma into buying you a new schooling top for Christmas, instead of another ghastly sweater, because you will wear actually wear it? (Even though you already have the same top in three other colors.)

I thankfully was spared from seeing a line of expressionless models marching around in outfits that would frighten small children and animals. Instead, I spent a pleasant afternoon watching models stroll around Rick’s saddle room in drool-worthy Tredstep Ireland competition and schooling gear.  If you weren’t in the audience Rick’s, here’s what you missed:

1. A fun and relaxing equestrian atmosphere: After walking through the doorway to view the fashion show, attendees were greeted with a scrumptious table of cookies, fruit and apple cider (a fall favorite in the West Chester area!). Instead of an uptight crowd, there was an assorted collection of equestrians (in various states of readiness to go mount up and ride!). The atmosphere was relaxed, and during the time before the event began, everyone’s attention was drawn to the adorable pup in audience. Tredstep Ireland’s own Elaine Jenkins served as MC for the event.

2. A heart-attack inducing demo: I love the way white breeches look as a part of my show attire as much as the next person does. But let’s face it. White breeches have to be some sort of cosmic joke when one considers that they are supposed to be worn around horses. I’ve lost count of the number of times my horse has decided to sneeze on me or just use me as a scratching post about five minutes before I’m due in the ring. At least if the offending smudge is on your butt, the saddle will block it from view (unless you’re in two point, and then, hello!). But those days are about to be over.

The demo that Elaine shared with us was done using a pair of white Symphony No. 3 Rosa breeches and a cup of Starbucks coffee. Yes, you read that correctly. Starbucks. White breeches. Pending disaster? You would think so. It seemed like a crime to intentionally pour coffee over brand new white breeches. I mean, who would DO such a thing? But then, the amazing happened. When a bottle of water was taken and poured over the breeches, the coffee all rinsed off. All of it. Seriously. Do I need a pair of these for my next show? YES!

3. Drool-worthy riding attire: Sitting there with the aroma of leather in the air and Ellie Goulding’s “Anything Can Happen” playing in the background, I started mentally picturing an upgrade to my own riding wardrobe. After seeing the absolutely incredible demonstration of the coffee conquering breeches, who wouldn’t want a pair? All of Tredstep’s clothes are designed with the rider in mind, first and foremost. Fashion and function? Yes, please!

While I felt like I was a little overwhelmed by all of the great looking attire, I’ve narrowed my favorites down enough to add them to my Christmas list. And I may have brought home a pair of Symphony No. 3 Rosa breeches for schooling. So now, I challenge you — dirt, grime, coffee. Do your worst. I’ll just laugh at you while I’m wearing my Rosa breeches. Now, excuse me while I go finish off my Christmas wish list while dreaming of field boots (because who even knows what a sugar plum is?).

Go Fashion. Go Coffee-Conquering Breeches. Go Eventing.

Kirsten Cowan: Waredaca Classic 3-Day Part IV

By on Oct 27, 2013 4:00 pm -

Kirsten Cowan, author of The Beast Eventer blog, made it to the Novice 3-Day at Waredaca this weekend with her mare Keeping It Classy (Ariat).  After rocking it around Endurance Day, Ariat was sadly not able to complete the event.  Still, Kirsten is grateful for the experience and encourages everyone to give the long format a try.  Many thanks to Kirsten for writing, and thank you for reading.  [Read Part I]  [Read Part II]  [Read Part III] [Waredaca Live Scores]

From Kirsten:

Why we are eventers — Waredaca Classic 3-Day Part IV

Photo by GRC Photo, used with permission
I am having a hard time starting this blog because I can’t quite figure out how I am feeling exactly.  As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, Keeping It Classy (Ariat) was not accepted through the second jog at the Waredaca Classic Novice 3-Day.  For those who don’t know, this means she trotted up unsound (in Ariat’s case very stiff and sore, extremely doubtful there is anything major wrong, but definitely not able to jump today).  When I was asked to jog Ariat a second time I knew… I was watching her cool out in the D Box yesterday and could tell she wasn’t feeling right behind.  We took extra long cooling her out, keeping her moving, and keeping her warm once she was cooled down enough to start bundling against the cold weather.  I hand walked her throughout the rest of the day and into the night and was right back in the barn bright and early to get her moving again.  Unfortunately, it was not enough.  She was more than just a bit stiff, she was very sore.  So for us the competition was over.
Photo by GRC Photo, used with permission
Between 9 and 10A on Phase D
The very first thing I thought of was, “I am the worst horse owner ever!  I set my horse up for failure, I did this to her!  She is now hurt because of me!”  However, after I thought it, I came to terms that some of that might be true… I did decide to compete a heavier horse in a long format event, an event where lighter sport horses rein supreme.  Without me, she would be living in a field doing nothing but eating and picking on some older morgans.  However, on the flip side of that I have been borderline neurotic for the past 9 months building this horses fitness from the ground up.  She had a decent baseline and I slowly added to it as the months went on and I’m not sure I would have done it differently even now.  I prepared both her and myself the best way I knew how, but sometimes you just can’t fight nature.  Ariat as a lot of brute strength that makes her a supper awesome Horse Trials partner, but out there getting it done through Phases A, B, C, and then D was just too much.
Coming in off of Phase A

So you tell yourself this, and you try to believe it, but there is still a part of my brain that goes, “no, you asked too much”.  And again, maybe I did.  But she was solid throughout the summer, improving on a daily basis, and never ever said no to a single question whether it be the distance ride we did or the big xc school I took her on the week before we shipped down here.  Before I even presented Ariat this morning I was not convinced we would be jumping today.  This horse deserves the world for everything she has taught me and has allowed me to accomplish.  I feel horrible she is so sore and ouchy right now, but time and lots of bare back halter hacks should help that and until she is feeling 110% again I can be damn proud of what she and I DID accomplish this weekend.  Firstly we got here!  We qualified to compete a classic format, second we survived dressage and had a LOVELY warm-up that had multiple people telling my groom extraordinaire Christine what a nice horse I had!!  We immediately lost all of this the second we went into the dressage ring…. But so goes our dressage life.  Third, we completed Phases A-D with zero jump penalties and time faults within the expected amount. And fourth my “little” event mare rocked it by my standards!

Photo by GRC Photo, used with permission
So on one hand I am crushed and crying because I wasn’t good enough to bring my horse in sound through the event.  And on the other hand I am smiling and crying out of pure pride and sheer respect for that mare and everything we have done up until this point and everything we will do in the future.
In the D Box after finishing Phase D

While I do not believe Ariat and I will be back competing a classic format, I somehow need to try to get across how amazing of an experience this really is.  I have never been so terrified and yet so excited in my life.  I was on the phone last night with my mom bragging about my beasty mare’s great day and I told her I think I’m in trouble…. I loved this…. I want/need to do this again!  It will take some time, I need to become a stronger and more secure rider up in the irons and I need to figure out my horse situation eventually.  But for now I have my Ariat and will shift my focus on things she is happy and comfortable at (hopefully 1 or 2 Novice HT next summer) and really drill my position and feel.


For those who are concerned about the cost of a Classic 3-Day:  I have to tell you I complain about paying money for anything, but the cost for this educational experience is well worth it!  I don’t believe I mentioned in previous entries that on Wednesday and Thursday night of this week the riders were provided with (a delicious) dinner and educational speakers!  Wednesday if you recall was our introduction day and right before dinner we had the chance to walk our Phase D for the first time.  Many of us were feeling stressed and confused about the entire process of endurance day and our speakers were Dr. Julie the (VOLUNTEER!!!  THANK YOU!!) vet about the 10 Minute box and what to expect.  And as if the show organizers knew exactly how we were feeling the second speaker was Andrea Waldo on StressLess Riding.  She did a fantastic job pointing out a few things we could do this weekend to try to help us out and I know Christine and I walked out of dinner that night feeling better about Phase D and when we course walked the next day we kept reminding each other to stop telling stories!  (She told us to not tell stories such as, “my horse will spook at that bush” or “he will definitely stop at fence 5”  it hasn’t actually happened yet, therefore it’s a story!).  And Thursday night we heard about the 10 Minute box from Pro Sharon White about what it is like from a riders perspective and then also the grooms.  This was perfect because at 9am the next morning I was up to groom for Christine and I wanted to make sure I had everything she would need in the box!  We also then heard from Jessica Morton from Southern States about different feed components and she did a wonderful job using different candies and examples to make the topic easy to understand and also fun!  All of that learning is part of the event.  These classic 3-days are an educational experience and it is a shame more people are not partaking in it!


For those who are concerned about the dedication it takes to train for the long format: I’m not going to lie, it is a lot of time and a large commitment.  However, most of you will not being doing it on a heavy horse and that in and of itself will make it easier for you than it was for me!  I also want to note that lots of draft crosses have done this and I saw multiples today jump around stadium in fine form.  Unfortunately, it was just too much for my specific horse for her to turn around and feel her best this morning.

Remington XXV Withdrawn from Galway Downs CCI3*

By on Oct 27, 2013 2:30 pm -

Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV (photo by Jenni Autry)

After a bit of cross-country trouble at Fair Hill CCI3*, Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV re-routed to the CCI3* at Galway Downs.  Remington was aboard a plane bound for California, but unfortunately he was unable to complete the trip.

From Caitlin, courtesy of athletux:

“Unfortunately Remi was not shipping well once we had him in flight to the West Coast. Because of this, when the flight stopped to re-fuel in Lexington, we made the decision to let him off the flight and take him back to PA rather than putting him though the stresses of the remaining travel. He is an incredible horse, and I will always put his best interest ahead of my wants. Although we are extremely disappointed, he is completely fine and we will look forward to 2014 together. Thank you to his incredible owners and all of the people who rallied together at the last minute to send us to Galway Downs, it was yet another reminder of how lucky I am to have the support system I do! Also a huge thank you to Alandra and Aubyn who were on board the flight with Remi for their help. Wishing everyone competing at Galway a safe ride and the best of luck. “

Top 10 Memorable Moments from Pau + Final Press Conference Video

By on Oct 27, 2013 1:58 pm -

Maxime Livio survives a mob of tween girls.

It’s been a whirlwind week here at Pau, and for our final sign-off post from France, Kate and I compiled a list of our top 10 most memorable moments. Be sure to watch the final press conference video below, in which William Fox-Pitt and Maxime Livio break down their successful weekend. Many thanks to all of you who read our posts, liked our Facebook photos and watched our videos. You’re the reason we do what we do. And last but not least, congrats to Team USA for a fantastic performance overall. If you missed my final report on the exciting finale in the show jumping today, click here, and click here to watch the show jumping video gallery. Au revoir!

Pau Links: [Website] [Final Results] [EN Coverage]

Lunch in the press tent

Top 10 Most Memorable Moments from Pau

1. When a group of drunk French people started attempting to sing “Time of My Life” underneath our hotel window at 3 a.m.

2. When it took us three days to realize our rental car was making a beeping noise because I had accidentally activated the parking brake.

3. When Andrew Nicholson stonewalled me in the press conference after the first day of dressage. Click here for video evidence.

4. When the press officer offered us celebratory booze at 10:30 a.m. on show jumping day. The French know how to get their party on.

5. When Kate came back from the trade fair with five pounds of candy … and we ate it all in 24 hours.

Don't mind if we do!

6. When it took me four days to figure out how to pronounce Neuf Des Coeurs. And I still really can’t say it properly.

7. When Kate totally abused the ghastly neon yellow photography vests the journalists had to wear and practically stood in the water jump to snap pictures.

8. When the French announcer led the enthusiastic crowd in a round of “hip hip hooray” after William Fox-Pitt brought his third horse home double clear on cross country.

9. When Maxime Livio was swarmed by tween girls requesting autographs following the final press conference. It’s safe to say he’s eventing’s newest heartthrob.

10. When the French Pony Clubbers saluted William Fox-Pitt’s victory by doing the wave as he took his victory gallop in the awards ceremony.

Go Pau, and Go Eventing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF2zfQUNO1A

Pau Show Jumping Video Gallery

By on Oct 27, 2013 1:08 pm -

Meet Maxime Livio, eventing's newest heartthrob. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kate and I had front-row seats for show jumping at Les Etoiles de Pau, as photographers were permitted to stand in the main arena. We dutifully shot lots of photos and videos for those of you who weren’t able to follow along on the live stream or FEI TV, so, without further ado, here’s the Pau show jumping video gallery. If you watch one round, be sure to watch Maxime Livio and Cathar De Gamel, who delivered one of the seven double-clear show jumping rounds in their four-star debut to finish in second place. Maxime is currently getting mobbed by tween girls outside the press tent for his autograph, so I think it’s safe to say we’ve launched a new heartthrob here in France.

Pau Links: [Website] [Final Results] [EN Coverage]

William Seals the Deal, Americans Power Through in Wild Pau Finale

By on Oct 27, 2013 11:45 am -

William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie TSF win Pau. Photo by Jenni Autry.

This afternoon’s show jumping finale at Les Etoiles de Pau can only be described as a wild ride. Just four pairs jumped double clear rounds in the top 30 over Bernard Basque’s course, and only seven managed to do so out of the entire field of 50 — that’s just under 15 percent. William Fox Pitt — who came into the show jumping sitting in first, second and third places — had three chances to deliver a clear round, and he couldn’t pull it off, dropping a combined seven rails between his three horses. But he had a rail in hand as the final rider of the day with Seacookie TSF, and while he ended up needing it, he stills wins Pau on a final score of 45.5. This horse has previously finished second in two four-star events at both Rolex and Badminton, and now he adds a win to his record.

Maxime Livio and Cathar De Gamel. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The real story of the weekend has to be Maxime Livio, a 26-year-old French rider contesting his first CCI4* on home turf this weekend with Cathar De Gamel, a scrappy little Anglo-Arabian gelding Kate and I liked right off the bat due to how hard he tried in the dressage. They came home clear yesterday on Pierre Michelet’s cross-country course with just 1.2 time penalties to move into fifth place, and they delivered one of the handful of double clear show jumping rounds today to finish in second place on a score of 46.0. This was also the horse’s first CCI4*, and he tried his heart out once again for Maxime to jump clear today. If you didn’t get a chance to watch the press conference video from yesterday, check it out here to see more from Maxime; his English is quite good.

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott were the second to last pair to jump today, and they came into the ring right as the boisterous French crowd was going wild over Maxime’s double clear — talk about pressure. Like many of the pairs in the top 30, they pulled two rails to ultimately finish in fourth place on a score of 52.6. And, of course, I have to note that Phillip and Cave would have won had they jumped double clear — damn those rails. We finished another American in the top 10, as Clark Montgomery and Universe also pulled two rails to finish in 10th place on a final score of 60. And continuing the two-rail trend, Lynn Symansky and Donner also dropped two poles to finish in 13th on a final score of 61.3.

Clark Montgomery and Universe. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice had the most success in the show jumping ring out of all our North American pairs, pulling one rail to finish in 16th place on a score of 66.7 for Canada. And Marilyn Little and RF Demeter round out the results for North America, pulling four rails to finish in 18th place on 68.8. It’s definitely a bummer that we didn’t get a single American around the show jumping course with a clear round, but it really was a bowling alley out there. Case in point — William Fox-Pitt and Neuf Des Coeurs — who were sitting in third place overnight — were the first pair to jump in the top 30, and they went in and pulled five rails. It wasn’t easy out there.

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Riders ultimately needed a bit of luck to make it around the course without dropping a rail, as horses seemed to either be a bit tired after tackling Pierre Michelet’s cross-country course yesterday or rattled by the large, noisy crowds. Considering Donner jumped clear at Rolex and Universe jumped clear at Badminton earlier this spring, I’m not super concerned about the rails. We know these horses can jump clear after a grueling cross-country course. And Mr. Medicott and RF Demeter are also excellent jumpers, so I don’t think we should be too hung up on the rails. Disappointed — yes. Ripping our hair out — no. And we certainly shouldn’t let today mar what ultimately proved to be a very successful weekend for Team USA.

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Recapping the weekend for Team USA, we had two pairs deliver very competitive dressage scores in the mid- to lower-40s, with the rest scoring well enough to put them within striking distance for cross country. And after the dust had settled on cross-country day, four clear jumping rounds rocketed our riders up the leaderboard, leaving four within the top 12 heading into the show jumping. And while all the Americans ultimately dropped two or more rails, the challenging show jumping course rode that way for most of the other riders too, which still enabled us to finish the weekend with four Americans in the top 20. I’ll have to see when we last accomplished that at a four-star event here in Europe; I imagine it’s been a very long time.

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice. Photo by Jenni Autry.

A major goal in bringing so many riders to France was to see Pierre Michelet’s cross-country course in anticipation of the World Equestrian Games next year, and we now have a very good idea of what we need to do in order to be competitive in Normandy. Pierre designs thinking courses, and they’re very different from other four-star courses we’re used to riding — as in the super massive courses with pee-your-pants fences and come-to-Jesus combinations. David O’Connor confirmed earlier this weekend that we’ll be bringing a team to Saumur again in the spring to continue gaining as much experience as we can. We still have much to learn about Pierre’s courses, but we made up a lot of ground here at Pau this weekend. Stay tuned for much more from Pau.

Pau Links: [Website] [Final Results] [EN Coverage]

William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie TSF Win Pau CCI4*

By on Oct 27, 2013 11:07 am -

William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie TSF win Pau! Photo by Jenni Autry.

William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie TSF are your 2013 Les Etoiles de Pau CCI4* winners! All four Americans who show jumped this afternoon finished in the top 20, with Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicot finishing as the highest-placed U.S. pair in fourth place. Kate and I have tons of photos and videos to bring you from the exciting finale at Pau. Stay tuned for the full report.

Pau Links: [Website] [Final Results] [EN Coverage] [Live Stream]

Two Down for Michael Pollard, Shandiss McDonald at Pau

By on Oct 27, 2013 8:03 am -

Michael Pollard and Mensa. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Michael Pollard and Mensa and Shandiss McDonald and Rockfield Grant Juan both jumped in the first group to go in the show jumping at Les Etoiles de Pau, and they both pulled two rails. Michael ran into trouble at fences 3 and 12 — both oxers — and finishes the weekend with Mensa on a score of 108.0. Shandiss and Juan sit right behind Michael and Mensa in the standings on a score of 109.5, and they pulled their rails at a vertical at fence 4 and the first element of the triple combination at 6a, also a vertical.

Team USA still has four more pairs — Lynn Symansky and Donner, Marilyn Little and RF Demeter, Clark Montgomery and Universe, and Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott — to go in the top 30, which doesn’t start jumping until 2:40 p.m. local time, or 9:40 a.m. EST. And Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice will also jump for Canada in the final group. The live stream is still running today — click here to access the link — and show jumping is also streaming on FEI TV.

As I anticipated, it’s warmed up to another beautiful day here at Pau, and the crowds are out in full force lining the arena rails, which can be quite spooky for some horses. We saw a lot of tired horses in the first group, and there were just three double clears, so I’m anticipating we’re going to see a lot of poles falling in the top 30. There’s less than a rail separating William Fox-Pitt’s three mounts and Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott, so it’s going to be a very exciting finale here at Pau.

Pau Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [Show Jumping Order of Go] [EN Coverage] [Live Stream]

All Horses Pass Final Inspection at Pau

By on Oct 27, 2013 5:10 am -

Michael Pollard and Mensa. Photo by Jenni Autry.

All 50 horses that presented at the final inspection here at Les Etoiles de Pau passed and will move on to the show jumping, which begins at noon local time (7 a.m. EST). Only Helene Vattier and Jubal were sent to the holding box, and they passed upon representation. Three riders withdrew their mounts before the final inspection: Benjamin Winter and Woolpit Amble, Murray Lamperd and Under the Clocks, and Francis Whittington and Sir Percival III. All five of the Team USA horses looked well-rested and ready to go, and Michael Pollard and Mensa will be the first to jump for Team USA. The remaining four will go in the second group, in which the top 30 will jump in reverse order starting at 2:40 p.m. local time (9:40 a.m. EST). It’s a bit of a chilly morning here at Pau, but the sun is shining, and I expect the temperatures will rise as we move closer to the start time of the CCI3* show jumping.

Pau Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [Show Jumping Order of Go] [EN Coverage] [Live Stream]

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By on Oct 27, 2013 12:01 am -

Whatever he wants since he's sitting 1, 2 and 3 at Pau!

Bonjour, EN! Aujourd’hui est le dernier jour de Pau! I’m pretty amazed that I remembered how to spell “aujourd’hui,” but not nearly as amazed as I am at William Fox-Pitt’s relentless domination of Pau.  WFP goes in to Stadium today sitting in ALL THREE top spots.  Seriously, first, second and third.  How do you even do something like that?  Team USA has put in some spectacular rides, but it’s going to be a challenge to to catch WFP.  Jenni and Kate will continue to bring you coverage from Pau.  Bon Chance!

Pau Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [Show Jumping Order of Go] [EN Coverage] [Live Stream]

Events This Weekend:

Waredaca H.T. and Classic Training 3 Day Event [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Holly Hill Fall H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Heritage Park H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

MCTA Jenny Camp [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Daniel Clasing is currently scheduling clinics for the fall and winter. If you are interested in participating in or hosting a clinic with a skilled 4-star rider, you can email Daniel at [email protected] or call him at 410-456-6635. [Daniel Clasing Eventing]

Rum Pours From The Nostrils Of This Massive Devil Horse Cake

The Wild Horse Crisis Out West Continues

Conan O’Brien Calls Horse Race At Santa Anita

Woman Rides Horse To DMV in Protest Of Poor Service

Calming Horses Comfort Ohio Veterans, Their Families and Relatives Of Those Lost In War

Top Young British Rider Dies After Fall

Sunday Video: I have it on good authority that this was (not) WFP’s secret pre-Pau Training program. (Warning: one or two naughty words, if you have sensitive ears!)

ERS-Eventing.com provides riders with an interactive online portal that showcases product information, demonstrations, tutorials and reviews from fellow competitors and top international riders.