Classic Eventing Nation

Results and Photos from the Advanced at Twin Rivers

By on Sep 23, 2013 3:30 pm -

Emily Libby and Nonsensical, winners of the Advanced at Twin Rivers

Emily Libby and Nonsensical won the Advanced division at Twin Rivers Fall HT this past weekend.  John Michael Durr finished second with Espirit de la Danse, with Helen Bouscaren and Ben in third.  **Special Happy Birthday shout-out to Emily, it’s her birthday today!**

[Results]

Thanks to our frequent West Coast correspondent Bill Olson for the photos!

 

Bec Bratling and Sam I Am, 9th. Photo by Bill Olson.

Andrea Baxter and Indy 500, 10th. Photo by Bill Olson.

 

Maddy Mazzola and Mojito, 6th. Photo by Bill Olson.

Gina Miles and Chanel, 5th. Photo by Bill Olson.

 

Monday Videos from Tredstep Ireland: Plantation Field

By on Sep 23, 2013 12:25 pm -

Thanks to Jenni and Thehorsepesterer, we have some excellent video footage from Plantation Field. [Results] Check out Team Tredstep rider Lauren Kieffer, who won the Advanced division with Veronica, finishing on their dressage score of 30.0.

 

Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa won the CIC2*:

 

Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville won the CIC3*:

 

Whitney Weston and Rock On Rose made easy work of the troublesome water at 15abc in the Advanced division:

 

See more videos from Plantation Field

 

 

Lühmuhlen CIC3* Course Will Be Easier Next Year, per H&H

By on Sep 23, 2013 10:30 am -

Fence 4, the first water, where many came to grief.

 via Luhmuhlen’s official course preview

 

There was “a lot of flak” this year at Luhmühlen, where the cross-country proved quite difficult for many competitors.  Luhmühlen stands behind their course designer, though– Captain Mark Phillips is signed on for another three years, though organizers have requested some changes for next year.  [Read more: Captain Mark Phillips Responds to Criticism]

From Horse & Hound:

Organizer Julia Otto said the standard of riders this year had been “completely different and the technical questions were too difficult for some.”

Next year’s course would be “a little easier and friendlier”, she added, stressing that Capt Phillips was “one of the best course-designers in the world” and would stay on for another three years.

Mark Phillips told H&H he had met the organisers of Luhmühlen last month.

“It was decided they wanted to keep the CCI as a four-star, but make the CIC3* more for the younger horses, so that people will know what to expect,” he said.

 

That’s great that the CIC3* course will be adjusted; but most of the complaints this year were regarding the CCI4* course.  The first water jump, fence 4, caused several horse falls, including American Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda, Nicola Wilson with Opposition Buzz, and Andrew Nicholson with Qwanza.  There was also public outrage at the tragic death of Emeric George’s mount P’tite Bombe, who fell at fence 12 (a table).

Pony Shaming: ‘Fess up

By on Sep 23, 2013 9:00 am -

 

 

 

We love them.

Even when they shred their brand new blanket, remove a shoe in the trailer on the way to the show or bite the farrier in the butt while getting their pedicure.

With a (very big) nod to Pascale Lemire and Dog Shaming (the blog! the book!) …

 

… we present Pony Shaming. Send us a snap of your pony coming clean. It’s easy. It’s cathartic. And we are certain in the knowledge: No equine is innocent.

Get out the Sharpie and email your best/worst to [email protected]

A couple examples to get you started:

 

SIGN SAYS:  I destroyed 7 flymasks  this summer. (They’re just not flattering) – Puppy

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By on Sep 23, 2013 12:01 am -

Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville win Plantation. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Happy Monday, EN!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Saturday was very rainy in Northern California, so I spent it inside with a bowl of Count Chocula looking at all of the “Off To The AEC’s!” posts filling my Facebook News Feed.  Sunday was fantastic as I got to haul out my mud-boots and engage in a little puddle-splashing.  Plus there was also that episode of Breaking Bad that I can’t stop thinking about!  I’m having a hard time accepting that there is only one episode left.

Plantation Links:

[Scores] [CIC3* Cross Country Photos]

Weekend Results:

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Results]

Northwest Equestrian Fall Gala H.T. [Results]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. [Results]

Marlborough H.T [Results]

Stone Gate Farm H.T. [Results]

Stoneleigh-Burnham School Fall H.T. [Website]

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Results]

Coconino H.T. [Results]

Grandview Fall H.T. [Results]

Ballindenisk International (Ireland) [Scores]

Events Opening this Week:

Poplar Place Farm November H.T. (Georgia, A-3) CDCTA Fall H.T. (Virginia, A-2) Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Texas, A-5)

Monday News:

Sinead and Manoir de Carneville were were unstoppable all weekend long at Plantation, going clear in Stadium and Cross Country after a well ridden Dressage test.  Cross country day was a bit intense to say the least!  The rain overnight made the water complex at 15AB problematic.  There were several falls, but all horses and riders walked away.  Officials ultimately pulled the jump and adjusted the time allowed. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda finished second, Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries third.  [More from EN][XC Reporting]

Amy Barrington Update: Amy continues to show improvement after being moved to the Sheperd Center.  Over the weekend Greg reported that Friday was a very good day for Amy.  She was attentive for 3-4 hours, answering yes and no to various questions.  According to the Facebook page chronicling her progress, she remembers that she is married, has a son and that she rides horses, not cats.  She is also smiling at family that has come to visit.  [Amy Barrington Recovery on Facebook]

Los Altos Hounds Hunter Pace: September 28th Northern California Riders, are you looking for a fun day out?  Have you ever thought about joining a Hunt?  Do you have a green horse or a young rider that needs some additional mileage on the cross country course? Los Altos Hounds is hosting a Hunter Pace on September 28th at The Piers Ranch/Glenoaks Equestrian Center.  This event is primarily targeted towards young riders, new hunter pace participants and smaller cross-country jumps.  There will even be a Hilltopper class for non-jumping riders – a perfect opportunity to take your friend or spouse who only likes to trail ride! If you can’t make this event, don’t despair.  Los Altos Hounds has an additional Hunter Pace coming up October 20th at Woodside Horse Park. What a great way to get out and enjoy your horse and maybe meet some new friends! [Los Altos Hounds]

Thoroughbred Prices Are Up Final numbers from the Keenland September Yearling Sale look more like they did prior to the economic downturn.  There were 18 yearlings that sold for $1 million or more, the highest total since 2008.  [NBC News]

Proposed rule changes may have you scooping poop when trail riding on New Hampshire public lands The State Department of Resources and Economic Development will hold several public hearings next month.  The impact this kind of rule would have is huge.  I’m generally not a doom-speaker, but this sort of thing always makes me nervous, even when it’s on the other side of the country.  [Valley News]

Expect to see enhanced security measures at this weekend’s Jockey Club Gold Cup Horses will be subject to pre-competition blood testing for banned substances and must be on site at Belmont Park by September 25th.  Vet records for the three days prior to the race will be published on the New York State Gaming Commission’s website.  [Bloodhorse.com]

Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville Win Plantation Field CIC3*

By on Sep 22, 2013 5:51 pm -

Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville win Plantation. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville came home clear and 13 seconds inside the time in what had to be the fastest trip of the day to clinch the Plantation Field CIC3* win on their dressage score of 37.8. The footing held beautifully throughout the day, making for easy going for the riders who chose to go for time. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda also had one of the eight double clear rounds across Tremaine Cooper’s course to hold second place, finishing on a score of 46.2. Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries’ fast double clear round moved them up one spot to finish in third place on 52.2, while Doug Payne and Crown Talisman went clear with just 0.8 time penalties to move up to fourth place on 53.9. Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott round out your top five after a double clear trip to finish on 54.2.

Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Here’s where things get interesting. Since the top pairs ran in reverse order, none of them had to contest the water complex at 15ABC, which recorded three horse falls, four additional rider falls and numerous other rocky rides before event officials pulled 15AB from the course about three-fourths of the way through the division. The trouble came during the jump into the water complex at 15A. Horses that ran into trouble here were either stumbling badly or going down, which is a real mystery when you consider this same water complex was used yesterday for the Advanced division without any problems. While I’m sure there will be much speculation over what exactly happened today on course, I’ve done some sleuthing to bring you an educated guess.

Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Photographer extraordinaire Amy Dragoo had a remote timer at the water complex yesterday and today, and after looking at her pictures, I’m thinking that riders were jumping in much more boldly today than yesterday, and horses were left scrambling upon landing in the water. While it did rain overnight, the water rose by an inch max and was still only up to my ankles when I walked it this morning. Riders who successfully rode through the water complex today took the same conservative approach with a bouncy canter into the water we saw yesterday from the Advanced riders. Many thanks to Amy for providing this comparison photo. The photo on the left is of Erin Freedman and Viola in the Advanced yesterday; the photo on the right is of Amanda Wilson and Cool Decision in the CIC3* today. The vast majority of Amy’s photos from the CIC3* today show the same bold jump into the water.

Click to view full size

As to why so many riders came in boldly to the water complex, I can only speculate. We’re nearing the end of the season and many of the CIC3* riders are prepping their horses for a fall CCI3*, meaning horses are fighting fit right now and riders are pushing for the sake of fitness. With the water complex coming at fence 15, horses were cruising along at a very fast speed and making a huge leap into the water. For those of you who followed along with my live cross-country updates, I apologize for only reporting on the problems. We did see some really lovely rides through the water before officials yanked 15AB. But issues were cropping up so fast at the water that I could barely keep up. I’ve never had my phone die while posting live updates, and it keeled over on me while Sinead and Tate were on course.

Doug Payne and Crown Talisman. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott were originally announced as the first pair to make the time, but the ground jury ultimately decreased the time allowed after removing the water complex, so more riders ended up with double clear rounds who were originally scored with time. We ultimately ended up with eight double clear rounds, and just 29 of the 48 pairs who set out on course made it home. Thankfully, all horses and riders who fell at the water complex walked away, and it’s unfortunate that there were so many problems on course to mar an otherwise picture-perfect weekend at Unionville. I still have much more to bring you from Plantation Field, including a report on the PRO Bareback Puissance and lots of photos from the CIC3* cross country. Stay tuned.

Plantation Links: [Website] [2013 Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [CIC3* Course Preview]

Plantation Field CIC3* Live Cross Country Updates

By on Sep 22, 2013 2:12 pm -

Fence 21AB on the CIC3* cross-country course

A steady rain fell overnight here in Unionville, which softened up the footing nicely for cross-country day at Plantation Field. The real question is how the footing will hold up for the CIC3* division, which doesn’t start until 2:10 p.m. this afternoon. In addition to live updates on all the action, which you can view in this post, be sure to tune in to PRO’s Ustream channel, as Max Corcoran and Nate Chambers are running live radio commentary all afternoon. After the dressage and show jumping, Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville hold a comfortable lead over Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda, with Boyd Martin and Trading Aces waiting in the wings in third place. All three riders told me they intend to go for it to some degree, so it will be an exciting conclusion to the CIC3*. Be sure to check out my preview of Tremaine Cooper’s CIC3* cross-country course to see photos of each fence on course. Go Plantation Field!

Plantation Links: [Website] [2013 Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [CIC3* Course Preview]

2:20: Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Fugitive parted ways when the horse hung a leg over 15C in the water complex. Both are ok.

2:23: Caitlin Silliman and Catch A Star fell at the A element of the water complex at 15abc. Both are up and ok.

2:28: Hallie Coon fell from Namaste toward the end of the course. No word yet on her condition.

2:42: Courtney Cooper fell from Who’s A Star at the drop into the water at 15A. She’s OK.

2:37: Maggie Deatrick and Divine Comedy fell at the drop into the water at 15A. I’ve seen each fall so far and it looks like the big drop in is catching horses off guard.

2:49: Aqua Tom stumbled after the drop into the water at 15A and Helen Hayn smartly took the option. A huge crowd has gathered at the first water to cheer riders through what has quickly become the trickiest element on course.

2:54: No More Rocks stumbled after the drop into the water at 15A and Buck rerouted to the alternate B option. He picked up a stop there and then successfully cleared it.

3:00: Susan Beebee and Wolf nearly mowed down a hoard of spectators as there was a miscommunication at the galloping lane crossing.

3:06: Susan Beebee and Wolf galloped right by 16ab and kept going. That will be a technical elimination.

3:10: Caitlin Calder and Jolliyat have retired on course before the water complex.

3:11: Share Option stumbled after the drop into the water at 15A, and Lillian tried to take the direct route to the keyhole. The horse glanced off the side of the keyhole and Lillian fell. She’s OK.

3:17: Spirit of the Outback stumbled after the drop into the water at 15A and Caitlin Romeo couldn’t quite hang on. She’s up and ok.

3:20: Selena O’Hanlon and Bellaney Rock fell after the drop into the water at 15A. Both are up and ok.

3:24: We have a hold on course while event officials examine the water complex.

3:30: Fences 15ab have now been removed from the course. Riders are now just jumping the skinny brush at the C element. We’re back underway.

3:49: Ian Roberts and Faolan have had two runouts at fences 9 and 16. And a third stop at the big corner at the second to last jump from home.

3:53: Lisa Marie Ferguson fell from Feral Errol at the table after fence 10. She’s ok.

3:58: Buck Davidson and Petite Flower had a runout at the big corner just before the finish.

4:07: Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott are the first double clear of the day.

4:16: Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville came home 13 seconds inside the time to win. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda are second and Erin Sylvester and No Boundaries are third. Stay tuned for the full report!

Sunday Schenefeld CIC3* Photos from Julia Rau

By on Sep 22, 2013 12:45 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Tabasco, photo by Julia Rau.

We cannot thank Julia Rau enough for sharing her wonderful photos from Schenefeld CIC3* in Germany this weekend.  It’s difficult for the EN team to cover as many competitions as we would like, but with the help of others’ assistance we are thrilled to bring you events outside our reach.  Julia has been so kind to offer these brilliant images to us and allow us to support to our American compatriot Marilyn Little with RF Demeter, who finished second, and RF Tabasco, who finished 12th.  Please visit Julia’s full photo gallery for more.

 

[Schenefeld CIC3* Results]

 

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter Finish 2nd at Schenefeld CIC3*

By on Sep 22, 2013 12:30 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Demeter finish 2nd at Schenefeld CIC3*. Photo by Julia Rau.

Congratulations to Marilyn Little and RF Demeter who finished second at Schenefeld CIC3*, behind Andreas Dibowski and Butts Leon.  Marilyn and Demeter had one rail on the tough show jumping course, which had only five clear rounds out of 27 finishers.  Her new ride, RF Tabasco, also had one rail down to finish 12th.  [Results]

 

Marilyn has done very well with her horses in Europe this summer, and it’s great to have her representing the USA at these international events.  Marilyn sent us a shout-out yesterday after cross-country, and she wishes to thank everyone for their support while she has been abroad, with a special note of thanks to Emily Dufort and Katlyn McMorris who have gone above and beyond in their care of Demi and “The Sauce.”