Classic Eventing Nation

Julia Rau’s Photos from Schenefeld CIC3*

By on Sep 20, 2013 8:59 am -

Marilyn Little and RF Tabasco scored 50.1. Photo copyright Julia Rau.

 

Photographer Julia Rau generously shared some beautiful photos with us from the CIC3* at Schenefeld in Germany.  American Marilyn Little is competing two horses there, RF Demeter and her new ride RF Tabasco (formerly with Ingrid Klimke).  Demeter put in a stunning test to lie third on 37.2, just behind Andreas Ostholt and So Is Et (36.0) and Andreas Dibowski and Butts Leon (34.5).  Many thanks to Julia for the lovely pics, please check out her site for lots more: RauPhoto Gallery.

[Live Scores]

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on Sep 20, 2013 12:38 am -

Nyls du Terroir surveys the sandbox at Plantation Field HT. Photo from Kate Samuels' Facebook.

Good morning and welcome to Plantation Field weekend! There is plenty of action to be had this weekend at Plantation Field, and we would like to send some special EN Chinchilla Good Luck Wishes to our resident super girl Kate Samuels and Nyls du Terroir as they duke it out with the big boys this weekend. Jenni is on site this weekend and will be bringing you all of the gossip coverage you could possibly want.

Plantation Links:

[Website] [Entry Status] [2013 Schedule]

[Ride Times] [Live Scores] [CIC3* Preview]

Events This Weekend:

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times] [Live Scores]

Northwest Equestrian Fall Gala H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Marlborough H.T [Website] [Entry Status]

Stone Gate Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

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

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Coconino H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Grandview Fall H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Your Friday News:

Have you entered the awesome FLAIR contest yet? You can win $250 by winning back to back horse trials between now and October 31. Be sure to use FLAIR strips for both your cross country and stadium rounds (take photos so we can see you rocking them!), and FLAIR will give you $250 in bragging rights! [Eventers Win Big With FLAIR]

Horse & Hound did a wonderful piece on Tamarillo, William Fox-Pitt’s legendary ride. The Anglo-Arab took WFP all over the world, collecting trophies as they went. I am so fascinated by this breed that I might have to run out and get one for myself after seeing this article! [The Horse, The Myth, The Legend]

Are you headed to the AECs? Nutrena and USEA have teamed up to bring some pretty fantastic options to enjoy everything Texas Rose Horse Park has to offer. Your choices include VIP admission, a welcoming party, and a competitor’s party. [AEC Tickets]

Speaking of AECs, here is yet another reason to go and kick some you know what. The USEA announced that four AEC champions will receive will receive an original portrait of their choosing from artist Julie Lawther. I think custom portraits like this are priceless, and this is definitely a sentimental prize to receive. [Julie Lawther Portraits Among the AEC Prizes]

The Alltech National Horse Show is expanding this year. Held at the storied Kentucky Horse Park, the show will feature a “Kentucky Gathering,” which will include family friendly activities and plenty of food to sample. Say food enough times and I might just mosey on down there to check it out! [Celebrating Horses, Heritage, and Hops]

I don’t know about you, but I am notoriously terrible at applying standing wraps. So, needless to say, I found this video from Becky Rodrigues helpful. She has plenty of helpful hints on applying those pesky yet oh so helpful wraps. [How to Apply Standing Wraps]

Best of the Blogs:

Horse Racing Nation breaks down the ins and outs of steeplechasing.

Rebecca Effron writes about the Thoroughbred Revival.

Jennie Brannigan talks about getting out of your comfort zone for the Chronicle.

Your Friday Video Break:

Not getting enough Plantation Field fix? Lucky for you, one of our favorite YouTube personas, The Horse Pesterer, is on site. I’m sure there will be plenty more to come this weekend, but in the meantime, check out Hannah Sue Burnett’s rocking test on Harbour Pilot from yesterday.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot Lead Plantation Advanced

By on Sep 19, 2013 5:36 pm -

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot are leading the Advanced after dressage at Plantation Field on a 27.5. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot snuck into the lead in the Advanced division at Plantation Field with just one horse left to go, scoring 27.5 to best Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe’s score by nearly two penalty points. William looked very relaxed on an afternoon when we saw quiet a lot of tension from horses, especially in the walk work. He swapped leads right at the very end of the test before the final halt, but that little bobble didn’t deter from the test in the least. Allison and Chloe also had a fluid test, with Chloe looking so relaxed during the test that her ears were flopping, which is a real testament to just how far this pair has come since beginning their partnership together earlier this year. They looked brilliant at Richland and even better today, scoring a 29.7 for second place.

Allison Springer and Copycat Chloe. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hannah Sue and William and Allison and Chloe were the only pairs to crack the 20s, although Lauren Kieffer and Veronica nearly got there with a very respectable 30. Veronica perhaps looked a little tense during certain movements, which we usually don’t see from her, but overall this test was a very solid performance. Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless were the first to go this afternoon, setting an early benchmark with a lovely test to score 33.1. This horse can get a bit tight through his neck, but he looked more relaxed today than when I last saw him at Richland. Buck Davidson and D.A. Adirmo are sitting on the same score of 33.1 to lie in equal fourth place with Kim and Fernhill Fearless. D.A. Adirmo broke during the medium trot and was a bit vocal during the test, but I thought this was a very nice performance for them.

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Holly Payne and Madeline picked up an error early in the test when she missed the half pass to the right after the rein back, but she didn’t let that affect her rhythm and recovered well. Madeline seemed a bit spooky and up throughout the test — and she took great offense when the ring steward opened the gate in the neighboring CIC2* ring — but Holly handled the mare’s tense moments well to score 33.4. That score puts Holly and Madeline in equal sixth place with Booli Selmayr and Castle Diamond. I didn’t quite appreciate how big this horse is when I saw him at Bromont, but I had a closer view of him today; he’s gigantic! The horse is a big, impressive mover, and Booli rode him very well today.

Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Absolute Liberty were the last pair to go today and put in a solid performance for a 35.6, which ties them for eighth place with Whitney Weston and Rock On Rose. This is the first time I’ve seen this pair in person, and they rode an accurate test in a field of big names. Erin Freedman and Viola round out the top 10 with a score of 36.3. Viola is lovely to watch and was definitely excited to be showing off today, and she leapt into both flying changes. I met Erin at Bromont while walking the cross-country course, and she had a heartbreaking moment there with Viola when the mare tweaked a shoe in the show jumping, forcing her to retire on course. I’m sending them all the best this weekend!

Buck Davidson and D.A. Adirmo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

I also have to send a shoutout to Allie Blyskal and Sparrow’s Nio, who are contesting their first Advanced this weekend. I fell head over heels in love with this little pocket rocket at Jersey Fresh, and he put in a really lovely test today. Over in the CIC2*, Boyd Martin and Pancho Villa have a whopping 10-point margin over second-placed Sharon White and Don Sheffield. The majority of the CIC2* division will ride dressage tomorrow, but Boyd will enjoy his comfortable lead overnight. I’ll be bringing you all the action tomorrow from the CIC3* dressage, which starts at 8 a.m. with Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy. It’s an absolutely beautiful weekend here so far; we couldn’t have asked for nicer weather. Go Plantation!

[Plantation Website] [Entries] [2013 Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JikEev501S4
Click for Hannah Sue’s test in HD courtesy of The Horse Pesterer 

 

Ask the Expert: Your #1 Source for Terrible Eventing Advice

By on Sep 19, 2013 4:30 pm -
Eventing can be a confusing sport. If I had a penny for every time I’ve been confounded by a question like “Will anyone notice if I sub in a different horse for dressage?” or “Why is the TD screaming at me again?,” I could afford to just buy myself a stupid Rolex and call it a day.

Fortunately, however, I have learned from my many, many mistakes. You might even say I’ve grown wise over the years, especially if you don’t know me that well. A while back, I started distributing that wisdom free of charge via an advice column called “Ask the Expert”–kind of like “Dear Abby” if Abby was an event rider with questionable judgment and way too much time on her hands. And now, back by unpopular demand…

—————

Dear EN,

I need your advice. Eventing has gotten SOOOOO expensive (breaking news, right?). I love the sport but it’s hard to afford when you’re already living on a budget. I’ve always believed in “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” but I feel like I’m at a loss here. Help?

Sincerely,

Broke-as-a-joke in Baltimore

—————

Dear Broke-as-a-joke in Baltimore,

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way”–You took the words right out of my mouth! If you really put your mind to it and get resourceful, you too can make even your most outrageously expensive eventing dreams come true. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Sell a kidney. It might seem like a big deal, but you only really need one, anyway. Kidneys go for… wait for it… approximately $262,000 on the black market. Think of the three-star schoolmaster that will buy you! If you’ve got some lesser debt floating around, say, a long overdue vet bill, consider selling your gallbladder–they go for around $1,219 and you won’t even miss it. Probably.

Potential Income: $$$$

2. Have someone’s baby for them. Downside: Nine months out of the saddle, plus the pain of childbirth. Upside: Surrogates can expect to earn $20,000-$30,000 a pop. If this isn’t up your alley, consider egg donation ($3,000-$5,000 per cycle). Sperm donation is less lucrative ($50-$100 per deposit), but weekly trips to the clinic will go a long way toward, say, paying the farrier.

Potential Income: $$

3. Lose the house. Do you really need a house, anyway? You’re at the barn most of the time. Downsize to a cheap, scuzzy apartment or, when expenses start piling up during event season, the backseat of your car. Invest the money you make off your house in a trailer with living quarters–problem solved!

Potential Income: $$$-$$$$

4. Rob a bank. This one can be tricky but it’s a classic for good reason. Tips for a successful bank robbery: (1) Wear a stocking over your head, (2) Threaten to shoot everyone (but don’t really, of course), (3) Enlist an understanding barn buddy to drive the getaway car.

Potential Income: $$-$$$$$

5. Marry into money. There are lots of lonely, single millionaires out there just waiting for a hot girl in tight britches to come galloping into their life. The important thing to remember here is that you can’t be picky: looks, personality, etc. are all irrelevant. All that matters is the bottom line–their bank account. Besides, if on down the road you decide it’s just not going to work, you can always divorce them, take the house, and refer back to Strategy #3.

Potential Income: $$$$$

Hope that helps. Clear eyes, full wallets, can’t lose! Good luck and GO EVENTING.

Have a question for the “expert”? We’ve got a not necessarily legal, credible or factually correct answer! Email it to [email protected].

Manoir De Carneville Goes to Devon

By on Sep 19, 2013 2:30 pm -

Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville sharpened their show jumping skills this past weekend at the Devon Fall Classic in Pennsylvania. Tate tackled the 1.20 jumpers and looks to be jumping in excellent form, as you’ll see in the video. Sinead and Tate are gearing up for the Fair Hill CCI3* next month after their plans to head to Europe this fall were curtailed when Sinead took a rough spill in July. Of course, I’m selfishly thrilled to have them at Fair Hill, which is always one of my favorite events of the fall. It will be a very exciting weekend with the French Princess on hand to do his thang. Go Tate!

From H&H: Opposition to FEI President Princess Haya’s Attempt at 3rd Term

By on Sep 19, 2013 1:30 pm -

Photo by Eric Swinebroad

 

The Horse & Hound is reporting that there is growing opposition to Princess Haya seeking a third term as president of the FEI.  As the most prominent wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, certain countries sense a conflict of interest regarding the Sheikh’s history of drug violations in the sport of Endurance [including unauthorized drugs seized last week].  Charles Trolliet, head of the Swiss Equestrian Federation spoke with H&H about the situation.

From H&H:

Mr Trolliet told H&H that the Swiss and Dutch federations will now oppose changes to the FEI Statutes that would allow Princess Haya to stand for another four-years when her second term ends in 2014.

Mr Trolliet’s announcement follows the growing disquiet and controversy over the FEI’s endurance strategic planning group, which was established to tackle high incidences of doping and injuries in Middle Eastern endurance.

He is upset that, at some point, the “clean-up” operation appears to have morphed into something else. “The purpose seems to be more of a strategy to develop the sport, rather than solve the problems we described,” he told H&H.

 

Mr. Trolliet has a point: with over 20 positive doping tests since 2005 involving horses from the Maktoum family, having Princess Haya in charge of the FEI is a bit like the fox guarding the hen house.  In the last eight years, we’ve seen dramatic changes in the sport of eventing as well– namely, the complete loss of the long format.  Perhaps it is time for someone else to take charge of the FEI…though I doubt the overall senselessness of the organization will ever improve dramatically.

Thoroughbred Legends Presented by Cosequin: Scotia Gold Rush

By on Sep 19, 2013 12:00 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].

Caroline & Mitch at the Burgie CCI2* in Scotland (photo by Nick Morris Photography UK)

In 1989, a striking chestnut colt with a blaze and two back socks was born, and he was registered with the Jockey Club as “Highway 9 Express”, after a prominent trucking company in Alberta, Canada. The colt’s destiny was to be a racehorse, but after spending a few years at the racetrack in Calgary, and subsequently moving to Edmonton, he didn’t seem to really have much talent there.

However, this was all very good news for Caroline Petty, who had been keeping her eye on him while on a regular snooping trip to the racetrack. After convincing the trainer to give up on him, Caroline brought the bright chestnut home as a three year old in 1992. She approached the trucking company to see if she could get some sponsorship for keeping his strange name, and they declined. Thus, she changed his name to Scotia Gold Rush, and was able to garner some sponsorship from the Scotia Bank, where she worked.

“Mitch,” as he was known around the barn, eagerly took to his second job as an Event horse. “He had the most incredible trot, and even as a youngster when he wasn’t particularly trained at all, he would just float around the field in this wonderful extended trot,” said owner Caroline. Mitch also easily took to the jumping, although he always remained a little loose in front.

“There were a lot of people who questioned whether his loose front end was really all that safe on cross country, but I believed in him one hundred percent, and he was more than scopey enough for any jump.” Caroline worked on Mitch’s dangly front end, but it never got in the way of his performances in the jumping phases.

Caroline originated from England, and in 1998, she decided that she wanted to travel back there with her horse in tow and experience British Eventing. Little did she know that she was way ahead of the curve in that notion! She and Mitch spent all of that year campaigning at the Intermediate level, ending finally with a successful move up to Advanced at Bishop Burton Horse Trials.

Caroline & Mitch on XC (photo by Nick Morris Photography UK)

However, at the end of 1998, Caroline had to return home to western Canada, and the thought of bringing her beautiful horse home to the freezing cold landscape without any competitions seemed like a waste of talent to her. So, she called up Gary Carter, father of Kyle Carter. “I told Gary that if Kyle could get an owner, he should really buy this horse from me because he was something special.”

Kyle met Mitch as the horse was traveling back through Canada from England in December. “His eyes just about popped out of his head, and he had an owner, Elaine Davies, who bought the horse for him right there and then,” reported Caroline. “I was devastated to see him go, I loved him very much but I knew that this was better for him.”

Kyle and Mitch got along great, and just a few months after their partnership began, they tackled the Rolex CCI3* in 1999. The pair won the dressage phase, and jumped clean on cross country only to lose the lead by a rail, finishing in second place. On that performance, Kyle and Mitch went to the Pan American Games that fall, and placed second after dressage. Unfortunately, Mitch sustained a serious and rare injury on cross country, and Kyle realized that the horse had really only finished the course because of the size of his heart.

Mitch had the same injury that Kyle’s current horse, Parker, got in 2011 at Blenheim. They both slipped a tendon off a hock, which is the same injury that ended Biko’s career at Burghley and Lucinda Green’s horse Be Fair at the Olympics. Everybody thought that it was simply a career ending injury, and that the horse was as good as retired.

Kyle diligently began creating a new rehabilitation program with the help of his father for Mitch. They spent over a year teaching his hind leg to move on the correct path again, and their efforts were rewarded when Mitch made a full recovery, although the tendon never completely went back to it’s original location.

Amy, Mitch & Caroline, happy in retirement

Mitch returned to upper level competition with Kyle, but soon after sustained another minor injury on course, and Elaine Davies decided that he was not cut out to be a top level horse anymore. So, Kyle made sure that Mitch was returned to his first love, Caroline, who was absolutely elated to have him back.

“I gave Mitch to my daughter, Amy, who was 14 at the time and just about finished riding ponies. She had been riding all these terrible little ponies through Training level, and she was quite a good rider, but it was amazing for her to make the step up to Preliminary on Mitch,” said Caroline.

Mitch and Amy campaigned at Preliminary successfully for two years, and then Amy made the decision to retire him sound and happy at the age of 18. Mitch now lives happily in Alberta, Canada with a gang of his old friends in a big field, visited regularly by both Amy and Caroline, who dote on him to this day.

 

EN’s Got Talent: Accepting Cody’s Quirks

By on Sep 19, 2013 10:30 am -

We hear all the time about horses at the top of the sport, but what about the next generation of equine talent? EN’s Got Talent introduces the future superstars of the sport, interviewing riders about how they’re tackling training with these youngsters. Have you spotted a spectacular young horse at an event you think should be highlighted in this column? Tip me at [email protected].

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair at Whidbey Island. Photo by Tim O’Neal.

Last week we met Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair, a quirky 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Jon and Dawn Dofelmier, who have shod Maya’s horses for the better part of a decade in the Whidbey Island area of Washington state. While the Dofelmiers originally purchased “Cody” to be Dawn’s novice horse, they quickly realized he had the talent to pursue the upper levels, and Maya has been seeing just how far Cody can go ever since.

They’ve had a fantastic 2013 season, placing fourth or higher in all of their starts this year, including winning their last two Intermediate outings at Whidbey Island and Aspen Farms on scores of 31.2 and 25.2, respectively.

“I take it one event at a time with him,” Maya said. “My hope is to keep moving on and up. He hasn’t ever given me a reason to doubt him, so the goal is to move up to Advanced and keep going. I’ve had a lot of success in the past just listening to the horse and letting them tell me when they’re ready.”

While Maya has never competed Advanced, she’s brought two horses through the two-star level; unfortunately, injuries kept those horses from going Advanced. “Because of that, I’m definitely paranoid about being sure he’s ready,” Maya said. “I’m definitely conservative of how much I run him and how quickly I run him. He could go out and make time if I wanted to, but I’m trying to save him for the longterm.”

Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair. Photo by Tim O’Neal.

Because Maya knows she’s in this for the long haul with Cody, she’s ultimately embraced many of the spooky quirks she initially hoped to help him conquer in the beginning of their partnership. “He’s never been a horse that is super safe to be around,” Maya said.

“He doesn’t like anything next to him or above his head. He can’t live in a stall because he’ll kick the wall down, so he lives alone outside.” Cody earned his show name because he looks sweet and innocent but “doesn’t play fair” when it comes to how we generally expect horses to behave — like tolerating other horses and living peacefully in a stall.

“With all horses, it’s a little bit of a compromise,” Maya said. “I’ve made a compromise that he has been really good when I take him to shows, and whenever I’ve asked him, he’s always been there for me and put his best effort in. So I can forgive the little quirks. It’s not necessarily worth dwelling on. You have to see the big picture.”

For Maya, the big picture means tackling Cody’s first two-star at Galway Downs in November. If he performs well there, she’ll tentatively consider a move up to Advanced next year, but it’s really up to Cody. “Every time I’ve asked him to do the next level he’s answered every question,” Maya said. “I just take it one day and one level at a time.”

Next Week on EN’s Got Talent: We’ll meet Dom and Jimmie Schramm’s Mellow Johnny, a flashy 7-year-old dun Paint/Thoroughbred gelding I had the pleasure of seeing at the George Morris clinic at Boyd Martin’s Windurra Farm last month.

George liked “Tex” so much that he hopped on the horse during the clinic, and he just happens to be the horse featured in this Beast Mode meme I made of George. Tex is currently competing at Training level and consistently scores in the low 20s for dressage. He’s only competed in eight events in his career and won half of them; as Jimmie said, he’s a pretty special horse.

Laine Ashker: Tally Ho! We’re Off to the AECs!

By on Sep 19, 2013 9:00 am -

Fresh off a fantastic second-place finish in the Advanced at Richland, EN guest blogger Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch are putting on their cowboy hats and heading to Texas to compete for Gold Cup honors at the American Eventing Championships. Many thanks to Laine for giving us an inside look at her preparation for the big event, and best of luck at the AECs! Go Al!

Laine and Al at Richland. Photo by Samantha Clark.

From Laine:

As this week winds down, my check list seems to grow exponentially in anticipation of the upcoming AECs. Horse sound and ready to rock and roll? Check! Tack cleaned and trunks organized? Check! Maps, driving directions and accommodations for horse, rider and groom to Texas Rose compiled? Check! Cowboy hat and rowelled spurs packed and shined? Double check!

Along with my increasing check lists comes an even more abundant feeling of excitement to compete amongst our country’s best at the annual championships in none other than the Lone Star State, home to cowboys and THE cowboys. Yeah ladies, I’m DEFINITELY packing that cowboy hat! Although Al’s season has been a short one this year, it’s been quite successful, therefore reaffirming my mantra of quality and not quantity in prepping my horse for this upcoming weekend in addition to future events.

Rewinding back a few weeks to Richland Park, I couldn’t have been happier with Al’s performance in all three phases that weekend. I always feel that I am a few steps behind my competitors and am continually knocking off rust that seems to reappear due to the infrequency of our Advanced runs since Al is my only upper-level mount (and being that it was only our second Advanced run of the year).

However, I think that Millbrook really put some wind in our sails as I felt Al beam with confidence as we navigated through each phase at Richland. I was also really able to work through some “Rolex nerves” as Buck schooled us in for the nearly impossible show jumping course at Richland. Being that Sinead and Tate were seven points in the lead, my goal was to ride the course in anticipation for what I hope to be placed next year at Rolex.

In other words, I placed all the pressure on myself to ride a clear round so that I could overcome my nerves, simultaneously closing the gap between myself and that world class partnership. After finishing the round fault free, I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief as I was finally able to live up (even if just for a short moment) to the heightened expectations I place on no one else but myself.

The two weeks leading up to the AECs have been spent either trotting around the beautifully groomed track at Hillbrook Farm or half passing across the diagonal in the 20-by-60 sandbox. I find it almost harder to maintain a horse’s mental and physical fitness rather than create it, as there is a very fine line between “just enough” and “too much!” However, I have been honing on movements where Al and I need the most work, such as shoulder-ins and flying changes, under the watchful eye of the great Kim Severson who undoubtedly has helped to shape my career in the dressage ring and continues to improve my scores.

It goes without saying that both Al and I are headed into the American Eventing Championships with a lot of confidence laced with a healthy amount of respect and caution. Two of my dearest friends and California sisters, Hawley Bennett and Kristi Nunnik, along with Jon Holling, Kyle Carter and other top notch pairs ,will keep Al and I constantly on our (very well polished) toes! Stay tuned for more updates from yours truly as Lauren and I navigate our way to the promised land with a little bay horse in tow! Until then folks, chin up, shoulders back, and may the best (North) American win! Go red, white and blue!

Thursday Reader from Devoucoux

By on Sep 19, 2013 12:33 am -

"The calm before the storm" (photo by The Horse Pesterer, who is on site at Plantation already!)

Good morning Eventing Nation! As I’m sure you’ve figured out already, today marks the official start of the Plantation Field Horse Trials 2013. It is being hailed as the “Best. Event. Ever” and while the weekend will tell the truth, it certainly seems to be shaping up to be phenomenal. If you missed my Plantation Preview, including an in depth look at all the horses and riders in the CIC3*, be sure to have a read through before Friday. Today, the CIC2* and the Advanced begin their dressage tests at 2:00 pm and all the other divisions are held on Friday. Jenni will be there stalking keeping track of everybody, and I’ll be competing while also planning my outfit for the Downton Abbey themed competitor’s party (hint: I’ll be wearing lots of tweed).

Plantation Links:

[Website] [Entry Status] [2013 Schedule]

[Ride Times] [Live Scores] [CIC3* Preview]

Events This Weekend:

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Northwest Equestrian Fall Gala H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Marlborough H.T [Website] [Entry Status]

Stone Gate Farm H.T. [Website]

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

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Coconino H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

News from Around the Globe:

Rio 2016 is already taking shape, especially for the equestrian sports. Thanks to the 2007 Pan American Games, much of the facilities used for the equestrian portion of the Olympics has already been built and tested. Brazil’s National Equestrian Center will be refurbished and expanded for the Games, but it already seats 20,000 people in the main arena. Possible cross country course designers are being debated, but the short list is: Derek Di Grazia, Mark Phillips, Pierre Michelet and Rűdiger Schwartz. [Rio 2016 Underway]

Are you going to Morven Park HT this fall? Get your tickets for the Thoroughbred Makeover Party on the EN PARTY BUS!! I’ll be there handing out swag with cool EN designs, and not only that but you’ll get to go to a dinner party with music, food, booze, and stories on fabulous thoroughbreds in sport. Thoroughbred lovers from across America will gather at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland on Oct. 5 and 6 for two full days of educational seminars, meetings, demonstrations and the culmination of the Thoroughbred Makeover. Twenty-six trainers from 15 states in 10 equestrian disciplines will demonstrate what their off-track Thoroughbreds have learned in just three months of second career training. [How To Get Your Tickets]

The next time you lament about the rising prices of good event horses, keep this story in mind.  Hansueli Sprunger just sold his chestnut Show Jumper, Palloubet d’Halong, to Jan Tops for a record 11,000,000 euros ($15,000,000). With his daughter Janika Sprunger, the gelding was the best horse in the Furusiyya Nations Cups this year. He always jumped double clear. In Aachen he was second in the Grand Prix and at the European Championships in Herning the pair was seventh. [Did I Mention It’s A Gelding??]

Not only is Kaitlin Spurlock a groom extraodinaire (as demonstrated at Blenheim recently) but she is literally one of the nicest girls around and she can darn well ride. Her story with her chestnut Thoroughbred mare Expedience, or “Spedy”, is one of the most heart warming you could possibly read. Check out her blog about Spedy bringing back her joy for the sport and tell me that it doesn’t make you feel like a warm hug and hot chocolate combined. [Expedience is Spurlock’s Saving Grace]

The International Equestrian Federation’s World Cup Finals in show jumping and dressage will return to Las Vegas in 2015.  The city hosted the jumping finals of the FEI World Cup in 2000 and 2003 and jumping and dressage in 2005, 2007 and 2009. The event will be sponsored by Longines and Reem Acra, which guarantees worldwide exposure. [Horses in Vegas?]

An Eagle Helmet Cam, you say???