Classic Eventing Nation

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott Deliver at Pau

By on Oct 25, 2013 7:41 am -

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

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott ended the morning session of dressage here at Les Etoiles de Pau on a very positive note, scoring 44.2 in their test to moving into fifth place at the lunch break. With just 14 horses left to go in the dressage, it’s getting very competitive, and Phillip and Cave stayed cool under pressure to deliver the very good score Team USA has been looking for this morning. I swear I saw Phillip sneak in a fist pump when the score was announced, so I think he was quite pleased too. I’m hoping to catch him for an interview during the lunch break and will bring you that video just as soon as I can. We now have two riders in the top 10 here at Pau thanks to scores in the lower 40s, as Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot scored 45.7 for Team USA yesterday.

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s been a bit of a quiet morning here at Pau, and Phillip and Cave’s test is the second best we’ve seen so far, bested only by Lucy Wiegersma and Simon Porloe, who delivered a very accurate test to move into fourth place on a score of 43.8. No one has caught our overnight leaders from yesterday, and William Fox-Pitt remains at the top of the leaderboard with Seacookie TSF on a score of 41.5. He’s also tied for second with Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo on Neuf Des Coeurs on a score of 43.2. If you watched my interview with Andrew during the press conference yesterday, you probably gathered that he’s not at all happy that he didn’t take the lead with Quimbo, so I imagine he’ll be out for blood later this afternoon with Mr. Cruise Control.

Kristi Nunnink and R Star. Photo by Jenni Autry.

In addition to Phillip, we had three other Americans ride in the morning session, with Lynn Symansky and Donner kicking things off as the third pair out, scoring 53.3. After a wonky halt to begin the test, Lynn and Donner struggled to recover, and the judges certainly weren’t feeling generous after seeing that initial bobble. If you missed my interview with Lynn after her test, be sure to check that out here. Kate and I agree that we’re seeing harsher scoring today, and there’s absolutely no room for error, which Michael Pollard discovered first hand when Mensa broke during the second extended trot. Prior to that, we were seeing a lot of 8s on the score board, and Michael and Mensa were poised to sail into the top 10. But after that mistake, the scores plummeted, leading to a score of 55.2.

Michael Pollard and Mensa. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kristi Nunnink and R-Star also faced the judges’ wrath early in their test when Rosie broke during the medium trot, and they got a bit discombobulated at the canter when she swapped behind, which affected the flying change that came shortly thereafter. Rosie is a fabulous mover, but with the judges carefully scrutinizing every moment and flying changes counting as a double coefficient movement, the overall score definitely suffered; they scored 54.5. We still have one more American left to go today, with Marilyn Little and RF Demeter set to ride their test at 2:16 p.m. (8:16 p.m. local time). And we’ll also be bringing you coverage of Canada’s final rider, Hawley Bennett-Award and Gin & Juice, who go just after Marilyn and Demi.

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview]

VIDEO: Christopher Burton and Tempranillo

Lynn Symansky Talks Dressage at Pau with Donner

By on Oct 25, 2013 5:59 am -

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s been a busy morning in the Team USA camp, as we’ve already had three Americans ride their dressage tests here at Les Etoiles de Pau. Lynn Symansky and Donner were third out this morning, scoring 53.3 to sit in 21st currently. The judges are out for blood this morning, and it’s been very difficult for the riders to claw their way back after a bobble or mistake. Donner scrambled into the halt at the beginning of the test and anticipated trotting away, and the marks never really recovered after that. The judges are also really rewarding outstanding movers, and Donner — try though he may — just can’t compete with the fancier horses. So that gives you an idea of how the judges came to that score of 53.3. I caught up with Lynn after her test, and she was overall pleased with Donner, though disappointed in that first halt and how the rest of the test was scored.

But, like Lynn said, this certainly isn’t a dressage show. We don’t call Donner the Flying Deer for nothing, and I think he’s going to play with Pierre Michelet’s cross-country course tomorrow. The general consensus among the riders is that the course starts out softer and then builds, with more difficult questions surfacing the further you get into the course. The sheer length of the course — 33 jumping efforts in all — makes it both mentally and physically grueling for both horses and riders, so it’s going to be a big test for Team USA. We’ve also had Kristi Nunnink and R-Star and Michael Pollard and Mensa go for Team USA, scoring 54.5 and 55.2, respectively. I’m trying to track them down for interviews and will bring you more on their tests during the lunch break.

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview]

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on Oct 25, 2013 12:01 am -

 

Sunset at Pau. Photo via the Pau Facebook page.

If you’re anything like me this week, you are lucky to have made it to Friday. I’ve been suffering from the ups and downs of post-season baseball, so I must find a way to juggle my attention between baseball and Pau this weekend. I almost feel compelled to use a hashtag here, but I’ll refrain.

Dressage continues today at Pau, with the remainder of the North Americans riding today. So far the Americans have been quite competitive in the dressage, and Hannah Sue Burnett currently leads the North Americans in 5th place on a 45.7.

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview]

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]

Friday News:

Are you competing at Waredaca this weekend? If so, make sure to dig into those Welcome bags, as our sponsor FLAIR has generously donated a free FLAIR strip in each bag. Slap those on, and while you’re at it, go for the win since this is the last weekend to qualify for the $250 FLAIR contest!  [Eventers Win Big With FLAIR]

Sally Cousins appears to be recuperating well from her fall at Fair Hill. She posted an update on her Facebook page letting everyone know that she had been released from the hospital with a concussion. Ideal Contini also appears to be uninjured from the scary tumble they took on cross country last weekend. We wish Sally a very speedy recovery! [Sally Cousins Eventing Facebook page]

Colleen Rutledge continues to get good news from the doctors. Her Facebook page was updated today to let us know that she has been cleared to drive and has had some of the staples from her surgery removed. We wish Colleen the best of luck with her continued recovery! [More info on Colleen’s Facebook page.]

Courtney King Dye is expecting! Courtney wrote a blog earlier this week and announced her pregnancy, also including the ultrasound results to let everyone know it is a girl. Many congratulations to Courtney and Jason on their new addition! [Read Courtney’s blog here]

The USEA Annual Meeting and Convention is rapidly approaching. The meeting is being held in Cincinnati, Ohio this year from December 4-8. I’ve heard wonderful things about previous conventions, and I would expect that this year’s edition would be no different in terms of the educational opportunities. [USEA Annual Meeting and Convention]

West Nile Virus and EEE have both been reported in Kentucky. These dangerous diseases have claimed the lives of 4 horses to date. Make sure your horses are properly vaccinated! [WNV and EEE in Kentucky]

Are you in the know about next weekend’s Breeders’ Cup? I know I’m not. I used to be an avid racing fan, but I’ve fallen off the wagon a bit ever since Zenyatta retired. In case you are wanting to up your knowledge on the upcoming fall classic, check out Bleacher Report’s full scoop. [Bleacher Report’s Breeders’ Cup Predictions]

Wild horse advocacy groups are offering rewards for information on Oregon horse shootings. Three horses were shot in Oregon earlier this month, and the advocacy groups are working closely with authorities to find those responsible. [Reward Offered in Wild Horse Shooting]

Best of the Blogs:

Jan Byyny recaps her winning trip to Fair Hill.

How do you think you would fair in a no-tack jumping competition?

Sinead Halpin reflects on her Fair Hill weekend.

Friday Video Break:

Here is a little Andrew Nicholson action from last year’s Pau.

 

Pau Social Media Roundup – Dressage Day 1

By on Oct 24, 2013 6:59 pm -

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot will surely be celebrating their dressage score today! Photo from Hannah's Facebook.

The first day of dressage has concluded with, surprise surprise, William Fox-Pitt leading the field on Seacookie. The weather looks to be gorgeous in France for the event, here’s hoping it holds up for the rest of the weekend!

The dressage arena all ready to see some action this morning. Photo via Kate Samuels' Facebook.

It looks as if there may be a live stream happening for Pau – I am unable to view the link but it is all over Twitter.

You can go to the live stream here to check for compatibility.

Mensa takes a quick break from the hard work of being awesome. Photo from the Pollard Eventing Facebook page.

France is about 6 hours ahead of Eastern time, so everyone is likely settled in for the night in preparation for the long day ahead tomorrow.

You won't get lost coming down this aisle! Photo via Katie Thornton's Facebook page.

Beautiful sunrise this morning captured by Katie Thornton.

We resume first thing in the morning with day 2 of dressage. Until then, Go Pau!

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [FEI TV]

Dirty Laundry

By on Oct 24, 2013 5:00 pm -

I should have taken a picture with the chocolate-milk colored suds.

Everyone loves the clean feeling of new socks. Thick and fluffy, straight out of the bag and on to your feet. Quite possibly the only thing more joyful than new socks is a brand new saddle pad. Or maybe new polo wraps. Or new coolers, new winter blankets, new quarter sheets… Whatever your equine-clothing vice is, you will eventually need to wash it. I struggle to stay on top of my own laundry, so admittedly my pony’s laundry doesn’t get done as frequently as I know it should. Ideally, we would all be able to wash horse-laundry everyday but there are some significant logistical concerns when it comes to laundry.

Access – Not every barn has a laundry room. If you are lucky enough to have one at your barn you may find yourself lulled in to the “I can do it later,” mind trap due to the theoretical ease of doing your pony laundry. Of course “later” either never comes or comes at the exact same time that it does for everyone at the barn.

Quantity – Horse laundry is often awkwardly shaped and a challenge to fit in to a the washer. Especially if you are a dedicated “single load” kind of person like I am. Anyone who has watched me cram five saddle pads, two 70″ stable sheets and a 3′ tall pile of polo wraps in to a front loading washer will tell you that determination and shoving can only go so far. Swearing helps, but even the use of the most potent and arcane magic words can’t reduce the size of a tangled polo wrap monster.

Detritus – horse laundry leaves behind its own strange bits of ephemera. Small wilted chunks of carrot, folded dressage tests, farrier receipts and horse hair are all things I have found in my washer or dryer after my barn clothes have been sent through. With pony laundry you’re going to end up with a LOT of horse hair in your washer and dryer. If you share your washing machine with other people, especially non-horsey people, this can become a prickly point very quickly.

There are no optimal solutions to the pony-laundry situation but there is an acceptable one, if you can pull it off: The Laundromat.  The Laundromat typically has multiple over-sized washers to handle the sizable loads I often bring from the barn.  Many are open 24 hours and can often provide some great people-watching entertainment.

The big catch when it comes to the laundromat is that it is incredibly easy to get yourself banned for life.  I have been banned from a few different laundromats and shown the door upon arrival at others.  Over the last few years I’ve fine tuned a system to prevent the embarrassment of being banned.  I’m not going to say it’s flawless, but it’s been working for me for a while.

First, stake out the proposed location.  See what times it tends to be busy, find out how many of the oversized washers they have and how many quarters they take.  Determine if the laundromat has someone on-site at all times to oversee the facility, or if it’s a more laissez-faire sort of place.  If you just show up with a big ol’ basket of stinky saddle pads you may run in to a stern-faced owner who casts you back out with the power of his dubious glare.  Staking it out ahead of time will reduce the likelihood of this sort of occurrence.

Second, don’t show up in your barn-clothes.  It may seem silly to stop at home to change between the barn and the laundromat, but in some areas your clothes can be a dead-give away as to what you’re about to wash.  If you’re covered in barn grime, it’s going to be really obvious that washer spinning the chocolate-milk colored suds belongs to you.  However, if you are dressed for the outside word it’s less likely that anyone will make a big deal out of it.

Third, go with friends.  Sometimes the people watching isn’t so good and the laundromat gets boring.  Meet some friends there who also need to do pony-laundry (power in numbers) and have a silly evening.  Have someone pick up burritos from Chipotle and spend some time gossiping or filling out entry forms for your next event.

Finally and most importantly, be a good laundromat-user. Don’t bring in mud- or poo-caked winter blankets.  Send winter blankets out to professional horse-laundry folks.  When you wash saddle pads and polo-wraps rake out as much hair as you can before putting them in the wash.  Even if you rake for hours know that you will leave behind horse hair and other bits of yuck in the washer and dryer.  While we may be cool with it, the general population is not.  Be sure to bring enough money to run an empty load in the washers you use and wipe out the dryers.  By taking the extra time to do these things, you’ll prevent the dreaded appearance of “NO HORSE LAUNDRY” signs.

Go Team DF. Go Unscented Detergent. Go Eventing.

Thoroughbred Legends Presented by Cosequin: Arrow

By on Oct 24, 2013 3:30 pm -

Thoroughbred racehorses that go on to second careers are unique in that they have two retirements in their lifetimes: the first from the track and the second from the show ring. Thoroughbred Legends, a new EN series presented by Cosequin, seeks to honor off-track Thoroughbreds that went on to accomplish great things as upper-level eventers and now enjoy a second retirement in their golden years. If you know of a great Thoroughbred for this series, email [email protected].

Alex MacLeod & Arrow, OI at Full Gallop (photo courtesy of HoofClix)

In 1990, a bay thoroughbred colt was born, and registered as General Rollick. His racing career was short, bursting out of the gate only three times, and finishing at the back of the pack with every effort. However, this was good news for the Eventing world, because it gained an incredible thoroughbred legend who was positively made for the sport.

Renamed as Arrow, the gelding quickly took to Eventing, competing successfully at Preliminary in his five year old year with Margaret McIntosh. In 1996 he completed his first FEI event, with a CCI*, and proceeded right up the levels. In 1997 Margaret and Arrow moved up to Intermediate, and completed a long format CCI2*. In 1998, they moved up to Advanced, and completed a CCI3*.

In 1999, Arrow changed his rider to Graeme Thom, who was the future Canadian Chef d’Equipe, but at that time a competitor himself. Arrow was kept in training with Bruce Davidson in Pennsylvania, while Graeme commuted from his job in Canada to his horse every weekend for competitions. Together, they completed three long format CCI2* events, two long format CCI3* events including Blenheim 2003, and countless Advanced horse trials.

In 2004, Arrow and the master himself, Bruce Davidson Sr, ran the Rolex CCI4* long format, for their one and only competition together. Arrow finished 13th, with only some time to add to his dressage score. In 2005, Graeme and Arrow were reunited for the Jersey Fresh CCI3*, but ran into trouble while jumping into a water combination that caused a lot of falls throughout the day. Arrow busted up his knee pretty badly, and while treating the injury, it became infected and resulted in some very extended time off for the gelding.

Arrow & Alex (photo courtesy of HoofClix)

After two years off, and at the age of 17, most horses would have been considered a good retirement candidate. But not Arrow. Alex MacLeod was out at Bruce’s farm one day, searching for a horse with at least Preliminary experience, but certainly not one this old. “I tried a few other horses, but I couldn’t afford the really nice ones,” explains Alex. “Bruce liked the way I rode so he showed me Arrow. He put the jumps up really big and Arrow just jumped all of them no problem.” Both Alex and her mom fell completely in love with Arrow, and with the vet’s blessing, they bought him and took him home.

However, as it is sometimes with horses, Arrow managed to strain a hind suspensory just five weeks after Alex bought him in 2007, and he spent the rest of the year recovering from that. In 2008, after a positive vet check, Arrow returned to work, sounder than ever. The pair competed at Training in the spring, and moved up to Preliminary in the fall. Arrow taught Alex the ropes, and gave her incredible confidence on cross country as he easily navigated all of the questions.

In 2009, Alex qualified for the NAJYRC by placing 2nd at her first CCI* at the Virginia Horse Trials. Elated, she took Arrow home to prepare for Kentucky. “I was turning him out in the field three days after Virginia,” says Alex, “and he whipped around as I took his halter off, scooted out the open gate and took off!” Arrow slipped on the driveway and fractured his pelvis. The prognosis was  not good, as their vet gave them a 50/50 chance that Arrow would ever be able to be ridden again.

Alex and her mom were diligent in his rehab, as Arrow was relegated to stall rest for three months. He was not allowed to leave the stall at any point, not for grass nor a bath. Slowly they brought him back to walking short distances, and in the spring of 2010, the x-rays of his pelvis were miraculously clean. Arrow had beaten the odds once again and recovered fully.

Alex & Arrow (photo courtesy of HoofClix)

Alex’s coach Kate Chadderton helped the pair move up to her first Intermediate was on Arrow in March of 2010 at Full Gallop HT. They won the division, and proceeded to compete a few more times at that level before finally fulfilling the dream of competing at NAJYRC in Kentucky. Despite his 20 years of age, Arrow completed the event with only some time penalties on cross country to add to his dressage score.

After that, Alex decided to have one last hurrah with Arrow, and compete in her first 2* at the Plantation CIC2*. After an amazing cross country round, Arrow just wasn’t quite right in the morning, and they were sadly unable to complete. Figuring that at his age it wasn’t worth it to force him into stall rest for yet another time, Alex turned him out in a field, where he comfortably rested until February of 2011.

“We jogged him in February and he was dead sound,” says Alex, “He wasn’t really enjoying complete retirement, so now my mom has the ride and she competes him at Beginner Novice and Novice. She even manages to get time penalties on cross country because he canters so slowly for her!” Arrow has retired to the good life of the lower levels where he still has a job, but it is kind to his body at age 23.

“He’s such a quirky horse, he’s good 98% of the time and then he has a 2% naughty streak. He was so perfect for me to do my first Preliminary, my first CCI*, my first Intermediate. I never had a single worry on cross country, I would just point his head between the flags, and like a little arrow he just goes.”

 

 

 

Pau Day One Wrap Up + William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson Interviews

By on Oct 24, 2013 2:00 pm -

Current Leaders William Fox Pitt & Seacookie TSF (photo by Kate Samuels)

Day one of dressage here at Pau has concluded, and the leaderboard is mostly filled with familiar names, but also interspersed with some new combinations. Unsurprisingly, William Fox-Pitt is dominating the event so far, with both of his rides placing above all other horses. Andrew Nicholson is close behind, tied with Neuf Des Coeurs on his Rolex 2013 winner Quimbo on a 43.2. Our American contingent is led by Hannah Sue Burnett on the wonderful Harbour Pilot, who had a smooth and accurate test for 45.7 and fifth place overnight.

After watching all of the rides today, I found that the best scores were rewarded to those who moved with energy, but maintained their accuracy. A large percentage of the tests today were lacking impulsion, and missed the pizazz that really pulls out the big points. Perhaps we can blame it on the seasonably warm weather, but I thought a lot of horses looked like they could use an energy drink, so I hope they wake up by Saturday! Lower frames were also not tolerated, as I saw several lovely, mistake-free tests that were scored much lower than expected due to the horse carrying itself in a less advanced frame.

Maxime Livio & Cathar De Gamal (photo by Kate Samuels)

My favorite test of the day came from French rider Maxime Livio, riding his small, unassuming Anglo-Arabian gelding, Cathar De Gamal. This pair is competing in their first CCI4* together this weekend, and they came in the ring and blew them all out of the water. The horse was completely quiet the entire test, yet had the perfect amount of energy, and the transitions within the gaits happened in the flash of an eye. Their changes were flawless, and as double coefficients, there were many riders who lost points during those movements. The horse is the perfect size to just bounce around this weekend, and I hope to see them stay on the leaderboard.

Team USA has had a good start to the competition, standing our ground in the rankings. The French are incredibly welcoming to all of us, and even tolerate my attempts to recall high school French language skills (when I can’t order my food, they just let me have tastings to decide). We obviously have a lot to learn from them in the fashion department, as I saw two horses covered in equine body glitter for their dressage tests — quite stunning!

French first timer Orlane Hillereau & Naome de Glain sporting a golden helmet and equine body glitter (photo by Kate Samuels)

We had private interviews with both William and Andrew following the end of dressage, and they both agreed that they had good days (although William was kind enough to Jenni to elaborate a little more than Andrew) and thought that their horses performed to the right standard. When asked about the cross country course, they also had similar answers. While the course has plenty to accomplish, the beginning is much softer than it has been in years past, letting the horses and riders get into a groove a little easier. William and Andrew both mentioned the final water complex, which comes late in the course and features five jumps on an S bend with very forward related distances, a favorite tactic of designer Pierre Michelet. I’ve included the interviews below for your viewing pleasure.

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [FEI TV]

 

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot Set the Bar for Team USA

By on Oct 24, 2013 1:10 pm -

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue Burnett was kind enough to swing by the press tent after her dressage test to talk about her ride with Harbour Pilot; they scored 45.7 to tie for fifth place overnight with Andreas Dibowski and FRH Fantasia. After spending a summer working to help William feel more relaxed in the dressage arena, Hannah Sue is seeing the fruits of her labor, as she enjoyed an obedient test at Plantation Field last month and an even better test today here at Pau. Hannah Sue said William was very good in warm-up, which actually made her even more nervous, as she worried he had a few tricks up his sleeve. Thankfully, all went well in the little white box. Hannah Sue is going to be guest blogging for EN this weekend, so stay tuned for her first blog. Go Hannah Sue!

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [FEI TV]

VIDEO: Hannah Sue Burnett & Harbour Pilot’s Dressage Test

William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie TSF Lead at Pau

By on Oct 24, 2013 12:26 pm -

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

William Fox-Pitt held the lead for almost the entire first day of dressage here at Les Etoiles de Pau, and he bested his score from this morning as the second to last test of the day with Seacookie TSF, taking the lead on 41.5. Seacookie finished second at Rolex this year behind Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo, who were the final pair to go today and are tied for second place with William and Neuf des Coeurs on a score of 43.2. Pau is already shaping up to be a showdown between William and Andrew, who each have another horse still to go tomorrow. Andrew rides this year’s Luhmuhlen winner as the second-to-last horse on the second day of dressage, and William rides Cool Mountain, who won Rolex in 2010 and placed second individually at the 2010 WEG, as the final horse of the day.

Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Pau is the Super Bowl for French riders, and many are here this weekend contesting their first CCI4* event or with horses that are new to this level. Maxime Livio stole the show today for France with Cathar De Gamel, a 12-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding that tried his little heart out in his CCI4* debut, scoring 44.8 to sit in fourth place overnight. And the next notable ride of the afternoon came from — drumroll — Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot, who scored 45.7 to tie for fifth place overnight with Andreas Dibowski and FRH Fantasia. Hannah Sue has been working through a naughty streak with William, and I thought he looked much more relaxed than when I last saw him at Plantation Field. Bravo, Hannah Sue!

Maxime Livio and Cathar De Gamel

I interviewed Hannah after her ride, so I’ll be bringing that to you shortly, along with lots of pictures from her test. Clark Montgomery and Universe also went this afternoon for Team USA, scoring 52.0 to sit in 13th place overnight. This year has been all about helping Buzz work through his tendency to tense up in the dressage arena, and he’s had mixed results. The horse was very tense at Badminton — granted, a rearing horse scared him in warm-up — and then more relaxed at Aachen, where the horses did dressage in a more insulated stadium-type of atmosphere. The stadium here at Pau isn’t huge, but it’s certainly still a lot to take in for the horses. The horse is a super mover, and he’s going to be incredibly competitive once he learns to work through the tension. Chin up, Clark.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Shandiss McDonald and Rockfield Grant Juan was the third pair out for Canada today, and they scored 52.5 to sit just inside the top 15 overnight. I thought the test was perhaps a touch quiet but certainly accurate, and Shandiss is sitting in an excellent spot heading into the cross country. Canada still has one more pair to go tomorrow when Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice take the stage at 2:24 p.m. local time (8:24 a.m. EST). Lynn Symansky and Donner will be the third pair out for Team USA in the first group tomorrow at 9:46 a.m. (3:46 a.m. EST). Michael Pollard and Mensa go at 10:26 a.m. (4:26 a.m. EST), Kristi Nunnink and R-Star at 11:14 a.m. (5:14 a.m. EST), Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott at 12:38 p.m. EST (6:38 a.m. EST), and Marilyn Little and RF Demeter at 2:16 p.m. (8:16 p.m. EST).

Clark Montgomery and Universe. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s been another beautiful day at Pau, with temperatures almost too warm at points. People are milling around in shorts and tank tops and tanning themselves next to the dressage arena. Kate and I still have much more to bring you from Pau, including our very own personal press conference with William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson. Kate is uploading all of her fabulous photos to Facebook throughout the day, so be sure to like Eventing Nation on Facebook and keep checking back there. Also, I’ll be tweeting scores for all the of Team USA and Canada, so follow me on twitter @jenniautry. Stay tuned for much more from Pau.

Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Course Preview] [FEI TV]

VIDEO: Andrew Nicholson and Quimbo

VIDEO: Ludvig Svennerstal and Shamwari 4

VIDEO: Shandiss McDonald and Rockfield Grant Juan

Battle of the Helmet Cams: Henny vs. Mountain Bike

By on Oct 24, 2013 10:49 am -

Helmet cams are one of the most nifty items I’ve ever gotten my hands on. Popularized by Peter Atkins and his beloved Henny, helmet cams have taken off in the eventing world as both educational tools and entertainment. We’ve all seen Peter and Henny’s helmet cam from the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, but in case you’re wanting to see it again (you know you are!), here it is:

Now, our question to you, EN, is how does the intensity of the video I am about to show you compare? Next up, we have helmet cam footage from the Red Bull Rampage, which is a mountain biking event. I have to say that this video made me feel slightly faint of heart, but maybe I am just terrified of heights.

What do you think? Which helmet cam wins in the battle of intensity?