Classic Eventing Nation

Sharon White and Under Suspection Deliver at Fair Hill CCI2*

By on Oct 19, 2013 1:12 pm -

Sharon White and Under Suspection. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Despite riding with a broken hand, Sharon White delivered a cracking double clear cross-country trip today with Under Suspection, which makes them the new leaders in the CCI2* at Fair Hill on 43.9. Sharon started her partnership with this mare back in April when she came over from Dirk Schrade’s barn in Germany, and I think it’s safe to say at this point that this is an exciting horse for the future. I watched Allie Blyskal-Seckson and Sparrow’s Nio come through the Dutta Farm Yard in the main arena with photographer extraordinaire Amy Dragoo — who is also the founding member of Allie’s unofficial fan club — and we cheered her all the way through. This 15.3-hand Connemara-cross gelding delivered the fastest cross-country trip of the day — coming home a whopping 20 seconds inside the time — and Allie said in a quick interview after her trip that if anything the horse was almost too bold in places. That double clear trip moves them up from eighth to second place on 47.8.

Allie Blyskal and Sparrow's Nio. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We have a tie for third place, as Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic and Colleen Loach and Freespirit both delivered double clear trips to move forward on their dressage scores on 49.7. I watched Ryan and Fernhill Classic through the Dutta Farm Yard with Caitlin Silliman, and she said the horse is very green, so their double clear trip over such a tough course is a real accomplishment. Danielle Dichting and The Graduate round out the top five with a clear trip and just 2.8 time penalties. We saw 10 double clear trips out of the 64 pairs who contested the course, and I have to give a huge shout out to EN’s Got Talent superstars Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime, who delivered one of those double clear trips. Fifteen additional pairs delivered clear rounds with time penalties, and Kurt Martin and Anna Bella — another pair I’ve featured in EN’s Got Talent — picked up just 0.8 time penalties to sit in sixth place overnight.

Colleen Loach and Freespirit. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The course certainly took its toll on the riders, with 16 picking up one stop; nine picking up two stops; and eight picking up three stops, ultimately leading to elimination. Overnight leaders Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa ran into trouble at the Dutta Farm Yard, picking up a stop at the big corner there and another stop at the Haunted In and Out later in the course. Seven of the riders who had stops on course ultimately retired, and four riders parted ways with their horses. The Springhouse Water Complex late in the course claimed three pairs to falls: Alexandra MacLeod and Railroad Man Jim; Ariel Grald and LBF Oleagh’s Image; and Boyd Martin and New Cadet, who reportedly flew through the air in very dramatic fashion. Alexa Kim Perkiel fell from Mandiba at fence 18 in the Haunted Osage Grove; they were sitting in sixth place after the dressage. All horses and riders are OK after the falls. The CCI3* is about to start now. Stay tuned for much more!

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [XC Times] [Interactive Course Map] [PRO Radio Stream] [Live Updates]

Fair Hill CCI2* Live Cross Country Updates

By on Oct 19, 2013 9:00 am -

Photo courtesy of Fair Hill

Good morning from Fair Hill! It’s another beautiful day at Fair Hill, and CCI2* cross country kicks off at 9 a.m. I’ll be bringing you live updates on all the action as I’m out on the course all day. Fair Hill uploaded an excellent interactive course map, so be sure to check that out here. Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa are the overnight leaders on a score of 41.4, followed by Sharon White and Under Suspection on 43.9, and Leslie Law and Billy Wiz on 44.2. Tune in to the PRO Tour Radio coverage hosted by Brian O’Conner and Michael Tucker by clicking here. Go Fair Hill!

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [XC Times] [Interactive Course Map] [PRO Radio Stream]

9:10 a.m.: Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa had a runout at the C element in the Dutta Farm Yard in the main arena. It’s a big corner after the  keyhole and skinny.

9:14 a.m.: Ryan Wood and Fernhill Classic come home with no jumping penalties and 11 seconds inside the time.

9:16 a.m. Boyd and Pancho Villa had another stop at the Haunted In And Out and were clear on the second attempt.

9:20: Kristen Bond and Seams Ready had a stop at the angled brushes at fence 18 and the picked up another stop at the corner out of the Chesapeake Water.

9:25: Ian Roberts and Faolan came home as the second double clear well inside the time.

9:30: Alexandra MacLeod and Railroad Man Jim picked up a first stop at the water and a second stop at the corner in the Dutta Farm Yard.

9:37: Alexandra MacLeod and Railroad Man Jim parted ways at the Springhouse Water Complex.

9:41: Lillian Heard and FYI had a runout at the Springhouse Water Complex.

9:46: Will Faudree and DHI Colour Candy deliver the third double clear of the morning.

9:50: Colleen Loach and Freespirit are the fourth double clear.

9:54: Chelsea Martin and Bleak House had a stop at the big corner at the Dutta Farm Yard.

9:56: Babette Lena and Little Oliver had a stop in the first water. They then picked up a second stop at the tricky corner in the main arena and retired.

10:03: Caitlin Romeo and Spirit of the Outback picked up a stop at the final brush in the Haunted In and Out.

10:06: Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect also picked up a stop at the big corner in the main arena.

10:08: Nilson Moreira da Silva and Muggle picked up a stop in the Springhouse Water Complex.

10:14: Jodi Hemry and In Style had a runout at fence 11.

10:15: Eliza Farren and Fuscia Diamond retired after two stops at fence 7.

10:16: Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude came home clear with 2.8 time penalties.

10:18: Mary Macklin and Mahogany Beauteo had a runout at the Chesapeake Water and a stop at the big corner in the Dutta Farm Yard.

10:27: Leslie Law and Billy Wiz came home clear with 10 time penalties, which will still keep them inside the top 10.

10:29: Lucy Disston and Captain Jack had a runout at the Chesapeake Water and another at the big corner in the Dutta Farm Yard.

10:32: Ashley MacVaugh and Fernhill Can Do had a stop at the Springhouse Water Complex and then retired.

10:34: Lucy Disston had another stop at the Chesapeake Water and is eliminated.

10:36: Lizzie Snow has withdrawn Ringfort Tinkaturk after she fell in warm up.

10:38: Sharon White and Under Suspection came home double clear to a swarm of supporters wearing orange at the finish line.

10:43: Sarah Dunkerton and Metapeake had a stop in the Chesapeake Water.

10:50: Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty had a runout at the Chesapeake Water.

11:00: Reports from the medical teams confirm that Lizzie Snow is just fine after her fall this morning.

11:06: EN’s Got Talent superstars Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime come home as the seventh double clear trip of the day so far.

11:08: Heather Gillette and Boris O’Hara had a runout in the Chesapeake Water and retired there.

11:15: Laura VanderVliet and Running Wolfe had a runout at the big corner in the Dutta Farm Yard in the main arena. They picked up another stop later in the course and retired.

11:18: Victoria Long and All That Jazz had a runout in the Chesapeake Water. They were eliminated after more stops later in the course.

11:20: Brynn Hamel and Cavalier Clover Boy picked up a stop early in the course and then two stops in the Splash, leading to elimination.

11:28: Mara DePuy and Alimit had a stop in the Chesapeake Water.

11:30: Alexa and Mandiba parted ways at fence 18. The horse is heading back to the start.

11:31: Allie Blyskal and Sparrow’s Nio came home with the fastest time of the day at 8 minutes flat to move into second place.

11:33: Leslie Chelstrom and Cecelia have withdrawn.

11:48: Dasha Ivandaeva and Autorytet had a stop in the Springhouse Water Complex.

11:50: Dom Schramm and Cold Harbor had a runout at the Cedar Cabin at fence 11.

11:55: Edith Lee had two stops at the big corner in the main arena and retired.

11:56: Ariel Grald fell late in the course at the Springhouse Water Complex.

11:59: Diana Burnett had a stop at the first water and another stop at the big corner in the main arena. She retired right after.

12:02: Holly Payne and Never Outfoxed had a stop at a skinny brush late in the course. She still made it under the time even with that runout. Crazy!

12:03: Kimberly Kojima and High Time had a stop at fence 7 in the Chesapeake Water.

12:09: Holly Jacks and More Inspiration had a stop at the Chesapeake Water. And two more stops late in the course for mandatory retirement.

12:14: Abigail Wilson and Fernhill Flag had two stops at fence 11 and retired.

12:18: Kurt Martin and DeLux Z had a runout at the Chesapeake Water.

12:22: Boyd Martin parted ways from New Cadet in dramatic fashion at the Splash. Both are OK.

12:28: Buck Davidson and Wiley Post are the ninth pair to come home clear and inside the time.

12:33: Sean McIntosh and Wild T’Mater are the 10th double clear and will move way up the leader board with that trip.

12:35: Lucia Strini and Petit Filou II had a runout at fence 18. This is the last pair on course.

Hagyard Midsouth CCI* Jog Report

By on Oct 19, 2013 8:59 am -

Whitney Mahloch and Military Mind, 1st place in the CCI* A division

All horses presented for the final horse inspection in the Hagyard Midsouth CCI* have been accepted. Only one horse, Tahiti Creek, ridden by Tasha Orr, was held but passed upon reinspection. It is quite a chilling day here at Kentucky Horse Park, and no sun is in sight. Many of the horses were feeling quite fresh this morning, but for the most part everyone was very well behaved. Show jumping commences at 11:30 local time, while the Preliminary and Training 3 Day divisions are preparing to begin cross country. The horse trials divisions also run cross country today, and the Beginner Novice and Novice divisons will ride dressage and show jump today as well. I must give major props to Whitney Mahloch, who suffered a slight shoe malfunction midway through her jog but recovered quite well!

Lauren Lambert and Opera Ghost, 2nd in the CCI* A

There are what seems like a million Canadian riders competing in the CCI* division this weekend, and they all seem to be in great spirits and happy to be here – possibly also enjoying the “warm” weather here in the Midwest!

Sydney Hagaman and Diablo Tejano, 1st place in the CCI* B

Thus far the event organizers have been more than welcoming, and from what I have seen so far everyone seems well accommodated and cheery. Stay tuned for more updates. I am writing from my car, as it seems to be the one place warm enough to properly use my hands to type!

Kelly Taylor and Kynymont Indelibly Irish, 2nd in the CCI* B

I will post more photos from the jog later this evening, so keep your eyes open for that! Until then, Go Eventing and Go Midsouth!

Michael Pollard and Lynn Symansky Take Eventing Fitness to a New Level

By on Oct 19, 2013 8:50 am -

 

The Pollard Event Team shows off their Crossfit kicks. Photo from the Pollard Eventing Facebook page.

Pollard Eventing is currently settling in overseas in preparation for the Pau CCI4* event next weekend. Michael and his team have popularized the fitness regime of Crossfit and seem to always be busting through to new levels of insane fitness. Side note, have you looked into exactly what Crossfit entails? I have a few close friends who do it and I tip my hat – I’ll go play in the hot tub while you folks do your thing!

Meanwhile, Michael ensures that he does not miss a workout, even in France!

No weights? Feed bags work just fine! Photo from the Pollard Eventing Facebook page.

We have all heard that improvisation is one of the best ways to improve your problem solving skills – here Michael demonstrates that a lack of weight room is simply no excuse for meeting your fitness goals. Word is that the team did not show this photo to Mensa, as he would have been more than a little upset at the sight of his dinner being used in such frivolous ways.

We think he is ready to move up to Prelim, what do you think? Photo from Alison Wilaby's Facebook page.

No one ever said that eventers did not fully empathize with the tasks we ask our horses to do each day. Michael Pollard and Lynn Symansky undertook a grueling high jump competition this week, and it appears that both Michael and Lynn are fully prepared to move up a level in no time. Unfortunately, photos were not available of any cross country schools that may have been attempted – something tells me it may not have been as pretty.

Lynn Symansky shows off her vertical skills. Photo from Alison Wilaby's Facebook page.

Donner may have snorted with derision at the sight of Lynn attempting this tricky vertical on her own, however I applaud her for getting to the middle of the jump and keeping her body position flawless!

 

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Oct 19, 2013 12:01 am -

Andrea Johnson and Nikki Kowalski, of Team CEO Eventing, hack at Kentucky Horse Park in preparation for the Hagyard Midsouth 3Day. Photo from Megan Moore's Facebook page.

Another busy weekend is well underway across Eventing Nation as well as across the pond. Virtually every horse and rider you could possibly hope to see in one place have descended upon Fair Hill to contest the last CCI3* of the year, while the best of the best young horses compete at Mondial in France and the fans of the long format are duking it out in Lexington at Midsouth. Whew! Not to mention all of the other fantastic events running this weekend – that’s enough to keep anyone out of bed and fully loaded with Red Bull!

Dressage in the CCI2* and CCI3* concluded today and cross country kicks off first thing this morning. In the CCI2* it’s all Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa at the top. These two sit atop the leaderboard on a 41.4 that could not be touched for the duration of the division. In the CCI3*, Jennie Brannigan held onto the lead going into cross country on a very impressive 42.6. These horses will all be chomping at the bit to get out on Derek di Grazia’s cross country course today, so I would not expect this to be a dressage competition by any means!

At the Hagyard Midsouth, the CCI1* concludes today with show jumping, while the 3day divisions prepare to run cross country and the remainder of the team challenge divisions show jump. 

Jenni will be bringing you updates from the exciting cross country day at Fair Hill, and I will be lurking working from Kentucky Horse Park bringing you updates on Midsouth, so stay tuned for plenty of action!

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores] [Cross Country Course Map]

Hagyard Midsouth Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Mondial du Lion Links: [Website] [Live Scores CCI1*] [Live Scores CCI2*]

Events This Weekend:

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

“The Event” at Kelly’s Ford [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Grass Ridge Horse Trials [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Missouri Wine Country Sporthorse Show [Website] [Ride Times]

Saturday Links:

This spring Tipperary Equestrian launched the GOT PINK Breast Cancer campaign in partnership with the Women’s College Hospital Foundation. Until October 31, 2013 Tipperary will donate 5% of each Tipperary Pink Sportage 8500 and Pink Eventer 1015 sold to the Women’s College Breast Cancer Research Program .

YEH East Coast Championship Results.

Fair Hill’s blog keeps us all up to date on the happenings around the ground.

Emily King, daughter of Mary King, is trying to garner sponsorship for her mount, Brookleigh.

New Zealand’s eventing coach, Erik Duvander, weighs in on the Clifton Promise drug test.

Dressage great Carl Hester is writing an autobiography.

More information has surfaced regarding a NY breeder under investigation for abuse.

USEF’s Friday Fair Hill Recap.

Saturday Video:

One of my favorite parts of Fair Hill is the PRO Bareback Challenge. Check out this video from last year’s action!

 

Dressage Videos from Fair Hill International CCI3*

By on Oct 18, 2013 8:55 pm -

Fierce.

As promised, here are the dressage videos from the CCI3* at Fair Hill, including five of the top six rides in the division. I have to send a special shout out to Thehorsepesterer for sending me a video of Doug Payne and Crown Talisman’s test, as I realized halfway through their test that I forgot to push the dang record button. He also passed along HD versions of Jennie Brannigan and Sinead Halpin’s tests, so show him some love and go check out his YouTube channel.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]

Click for HD video from Thehorsepesterer

Video courtesy of Thehorsepesterer

Click for HD video from Thehorsepesterer

The View From World Equestrian Brands: Paria Plateau

By on Oct 18, 2013 6:30 pm -

EN loves photos shot between the ears! If you happen to be out for a hack, are riding in some obscure place or just take some cool photos aboard your mount, send them to [email protected] with a quick blurb about the photo’s story. This week’s View comes to us from Mary Williams.

From Mary:

Members of the Grand Canyon Hounds hunt took a weekend off to camp and ride on the Paria Plateau on the Utah-Arizona border, just a few hours north of home base in Flagstaff, Ariz. This was our turnaround point — at 8 miles out — overlooking Buckskin Gulch (a 13-mile-long slot canyon). The ears belong to 17-year-old Prince Rillian, my BN eventing, trail riding, foxhunting, cattle-pushing and everything-else-you-want-to-do TB.

Buck Davidson and Petite Flower Rise to the Occasion

By on Oct 18, 2013 5:12 pm -

Buck Davidson Petite Flower. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Petite Flower had the strongest test of the final group in the CCI3* at Fair Hill, scoring 46.8 to sit in sixth place overnight. I’m a sucker for catty mares, and Flower is a lot of fun to watch across all three phases. She’s very good in the dressage and relaxes nicely in the little white box, which allows Buck to really show off her lovely movement. She’s also a rocket across the country, and she’s definitely going to be competitive tomorrow. Buck’s sub-50 score means we finished the day with 10 horse-and-rider pairs cracking the 40s, which is 22 percent of the field; four of those were scores of 45 or lower. Looking back to last year’s scores in the CCI3* at Fair Hill, we only had six riders crack the 40s, and just two of those had sub-45 scores. While that’s not a huge jump, we’ve still nearly doubled our number of riders and horses earning scores that could be considered internationally competitive.

Courtney Cooper and Who's A Star. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Speaking of horse-and-rider pairs that earned a score in the 40s, I have to apologize to Courtney Cooper and Who’s A Star, whose score was entered incorrectly in the live scoring earlier today. They scored 46.8 to sit in equal seventh place with Buck and Flower overnight, so I’m including them in my reports a bit belatedly. Tag has been very consistent in the dressage this year, and while he played and fussed a bit today, he still looked very good. Courtney and Tag were one of the pairs to part ways in the water complex at Plantation Field, but they romped around Jersey Fresh in good form earlier this year, so they absolutely have the experience to get around Derek’s course tomorrow. We’re about to start the press conference, and I still have much more to bring you, including photos of the cross-country course and all the dressage videos I couldn’t upload today due to slow-as-molasses wifi. Stay tuned!

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]

Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV Jump Into Top 10 at Fair Hill

By on Oct 18, 2013 4:07 pm -

Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Caitlin Silliman and Remington XXV put in their usual solid test to move into the top 10 in the CCI3* at Fair Hill with their score of 48. Remi was a bit fussy in the canter work today, which I imagine affected their submission score, but overall this was a very good performance, and Caitlin and Remi became the ninth pair we’ve seen today to score in the 40s. I had a good chat this afternoon with Denis Glaccum and Will Faudree, who agreed we need to look at our scores here in American through an international lens, especially when talking about how we can raise the bar to one day be on an equal playing field with Europe. It’s encouraging to see nearly 10 scores in the 40s — with four of them 45 or less — and it’s definitely an indicator that we’re on the right track to improving the quality of our dressage here in the States.

Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sally Cousins and Tsunami performed what has to be one of the best tests I’ve ever seen from them to score 50.8, which ties them for 10th with Susan Beebee and Wolf. Sue tends to be very tense in the dressage, but she relaxed nicely today and had some good moments in the test. These two shine on the cross country, so they’ve placed themselves in a very good position to move up the leader board tomorrow, as they sit just outside the top 10. Look for Sally and Sue to have a cracking double clear round tomorrow. We also saw a nice test this afternoon from Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon, another of the West Coast pairs who received a Land Rover Competition Grant to compete here at Fair Hill this weekend. Ellen has worked so hard to produce Obie, and her dedication is really starting to pay off; they scored 53.6, which I believe should put them into 18th place.

Ellen Doughty and Sir Oberon. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries are sitting close behind them on a score of 54.8. Unfortunately, Bucky swapped leads coming down the center line to the salute; that’s the third U.S. horse I’ve seen pull that stunt in a major competition in the last week, so that has to point to a conspiracy. Bucky is another horse who struggles to hold it together in the dressage, but he handled the atmosphere well today. We’re now heading into the fifth and final group of riders in the CCI3*. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda still hold the lead on a score of 42.6, with Doug Payne and Crown Talisman in second on a 43.6, and Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man in third place on 44. I’d like to take this time to thank Mother Nature for sending us such beautiful weather so far for the weekend. After wondering if I would ever be warm again last week in Boekelo, this is a very welcome change. Go Fair Hill.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]

Katy Groesbeck Brings West Coast Flair to Fair Hill

By on Oct 18, 2013 2:25 pm -

Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Katy Groesbeck stole the show in the first group to go after the lunch break in the CCI3* at Fair Hill this afternoon, putting in a really lovely test with Oz the Tin Man to move into third place on a 44. Based on the West Coast, Katy received a Land Rover travel grant to compete at Fair Hill this weekend, and she made the most of it with this super little Anglo-Arabian gelding. I’ve never seen Katy ride in person before, and she’s a relaxed, soft rider who looks to have a really great partnership with Oz. This pair won the dressage at the AECs last month, and the big challenge this weekend is going to be delivering a clear cross-country trip. I’m sending lots of EN karma to Katy and Oz for a clear and fast trip tomorrow.

Jan Byyny and Inmidair. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Jan Byyny and Inmidair also rose to the occasion this afternoon, scoring 45.6 to move into fifth place behind Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville. You never know quite what you’re going to get with JR, as he’s infamous for his dressage meltdowns. But he came to play today, and Jan absolutely made the most of it, showing off his fabulous trot and really pushing him in the canter work. JR had a few naughty moments at the canter, and they really could have challenged Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda for the lead had it not been for that, but I know Jan has to be thrilled with him. Buck Davidson and Park Trader are sitting just behind Jan and JR in sixth place on a score of 45.8, and this was also a very nice test. This is Kobe’s first event back since taking a spill at Burghley, and he looks in fine form to tackle the cross country tomorrow.

Buck Davidson and Park Trader

Lillian Heard and Share Option were another pair to crack the 40s this afternoon — we’ve had eight in all — scoring 47.6 to sit in seventh place provisionally. They had a bit of bad luck at Plantation when they parted ways at the now infamous water complex, but this pair has more than enough experience to get around Derek’s course tomorrow. We’re now heading into the fourth of five groups in the CCI3* dressage at Fair Hill, with Kaitlin Spurlock and Expedience leading off after the break. I have videos of Katy and Buck’s tests, but I’ve totally given up on trying to upload anything here at the grounds, so you’ll sadly have to wait until tonight when I have access to speedy internet. The live scores are running a little behind, so hopefully I’ve brought you all the accurate scores and placings — apologies for any mistakes! Go Fair Hill.

Fair Hill Links: [Website] [Dressage Times] [Live Scores]