Classic Eventing Nation

Sasha Moran with her "Forrest Gump" in the racehorse leadline class (photo by Krista Hodgkin)

Two weekends ago, I had the pleasure of attending my first Thoroughbred Celebration Horse Show, which is a Virginia program created in the same vein as many competition series around the country that showcase the versatility and athleticism of the off the track thoroughbred. This year was the fourth anniversary of TCHS at the amazing Virginia Horse Center, in Lexington VA.

Thoroughbreds registered with The Jockey Club traveled from Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, West Virginia, New Jersey, Florida, and all points in Virginia to compete in more than eighty classes over three days of competition, vying for more than $4,500 in prize money, $8,000 in prizes, and nearly 600 ribbons. Thoroughbreds flooded the Daily Racing Form Winner’s Circle all weekend, many making an appearance there for the first time.

The kind lady who donated these photos, Sasha Moran, says, “I’ve been going to the TCHS for three years now and it has become my favorite show series of all time. Not only is it amazing to see various OTTBs from different situations come into the show ring and prove their versatility, but the camaraderie and friendship that is made is never ending. Being an active volunteer and participant in these shows, I have seen a come back in the breed and it has been rewarding to not only work with my own OTTB but see others grow and succeed in their new careers.”

Sunday Jumper Classes (photo by Sasha Moran)

TCHS, which is traditionally only hunter and jumper classes, expanded their repertoire the include dressage, combined test, and hunter trial divisions this year, with a big upswing in entries. I was riding a horse who had never competed or jumped off the farm before, and was freshly off his career as a racehorse. The competition was perfect, as it was held over three days, and he could participate in small jumper classes throughout the weekend to give him experience and confidence in all areas.

The horse show is also notorious for their prizes and goodies. Never have I attended a show where I was made to feel so darn special for every class I completed! Winners for even very low level divisions were awarded big ribbons, apparel, horse treats, personalized picture frames and more. Um, hello! I can go win an Advanced division at a recognized show and I’m lucky if I get a cooler!

What a better way to showcase one of the most athletic and versatile breeds in the equine world? I simply couldn’t think of one. Check out their Facebook page for more information on how to participate in the next one! [TCHS FB Page]

Many thanks to Sasha Moran for donating these amazing photographs from the weekend.

Progress Report Photo: Still Handsome

No parent in their right mind would presume to think that the way to create a well adjusted, well behaved, successful and confident child would be to give no firm rules and to feed them candy and cookies every time you saw them. Then why in the world do we do this frequently with our horses? Is it because we still believe in the mystical qualities of “the Black Stallion effect”? Building that kind of relationship with a horse is not impossible, but it isn’t magical or intangible. Quite the opposite: it is largely common sense.

The initial challenges with Leo have all been related to the fact that in his past, he has been both a little spoiled, and slightly feared. Because of his size and because of his knack for throwing wicked bucks, he has been allowed to throw equine tantrums over small, insignificant tasks and learn that threatening your physical safety is an effective tool for being lazy and not doing work. Therefore, you’re left with a horse that has learned he doesn’t really have to or even want to “play the game”. I want each of my horses not only to learn the game, but I want them to be excited for new challenges because  experience has taught them that it’s fun and rewarding. Leo has learned that he doesn’t really have to do what you say, and it doesn’t really matter what you’re asking.

So, I spent the first two weeks being very careful about the ways that I asked him to do new things for me. After all, I understand that he doesn’t know me from Adam, and I haven’t earned the right to boss him around. After much work towards opening and closing a gate, he decided it was the day to “throw down” (so to speak) and show me just how scary he could be when I wanted to do something he didn’t. He shook his head. He stomped his feet. He bucked a little. He reared a little, and each time paused after a move to see if I was scared yet. Had he won? Was it over?

We spent a whole hour trying to open and close that gate. I did not lose my temper, change my tone of voice, or even do more than smack him on the shoulder when he bucked or reared. I used the same reaction immediately upon a negative response to an inquiry, and instantaneous praise when he responded with his brain intact and his body moving correctly. I gave him the next day off to ponder his standing in the pack.

As an Eventer, courage can be one of the most important factors to have in a horse. But I believe courage can be created out of a willingness to learn, explore, and participate. Leo needs to know that I have boundaries when it comes to learning and exploring, and that he is to start playing the game a little more instead of instantly saying “No”. A young horse benefits from having fair rules, direction, and safe learning curves with affection and encouragement thrown in the middle. Fear is acceptable, it is natural. The next step is a willingness to conquer that fear, and trusting the leader enough to go there.

So how do I get this horse to trust me? Number One Secret: scratch  their bodies when they itch. Bonus points for if it’s hard to reach. Seriously. As a selfless herd-minded gesture, this is the number one activity that I start with to build a relationship of trust with my horses. Laugh all you want, it’s pure gold.

However, that’s not the only way. I also conduct myself in a very conscientious way when I am spending time with him, either on the ground or mounted. I never ask him to do something unreasonable, dangerous, or wacky. I want to build a long line of credit in his mind as a trustworthy and intelligent leader. I always over-praise for thoughtful and respectful reactions on his part. I want him to think he’s a super genius! I am firm and consistent in the way that I reinforce rules, and never emotional or overreactive. I always end our time together on a good note.

So for now, our progress is mostly focused on the mental game, but the physical will come along as he gets fitter, stronger, and more skilled in different ways. I did enter his very first show (!!) this Saturday, and he will be performing a Training dressage test at a local barn. I’m definitely bringing my grab strap….just in case.

My horse, that is.

Sharon White is hoping to compete at Blenheim or Boekelo this fall with Wundermaske, and she’s hosting the fifth annual Derby Cross-style schooling competition at her Last Frontier Farm in Summit Point, W.V., this Saturday. Rachael Livermore sent in all the information about what will be happening at JUMP! Across the Pond. Best of all, it’s not too late to enter and support Sharon.

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Lots of orange spirit at JUMP 2012!

From Rachael:

Sharon White and Last Frontier Farm are hosting their 5th annual Derby Cross-style schooling competition fundraiser this Saturday, June 29th! What started as a fundraiser to replace a totaled truck and trailer has turned into an annual event to support Sharon’s overseas competition pursuits. This year, it is called JUMP! Across the Pond, and is being held to raise money for Sharon to compete Wundermaske (“Patch”) at either Blenheim or Boekelo. JUMP! is known for its great schooling courses, wonderful atmosphere, and extremely enthusiastic competitors and fans!

Sharon and Patch have been together since he was a naughty 6 year old, bred to be his amateur owner’s dressage horse. Once he figured out how much fun eventing is, he cleaned up his act and hasn’t looked back! Patch is now 10 years old and successfully moved up to Advanced earlier this year, loving every minute of competing at that level. He placed 3rd at the Fair Hill CIC*** and 7th at the Jersey Fresh CCI*** this spring. His favorite things are being the center of attention and hanging his head out the window on trailer rides.

This year’s JUMP! features a silent auction and raffle — with prizes donated by EN sponsors Point Two, Devoucoux, and Tredstep Ireland — with everything from a dive trip in the islands to a breeding to a fabulous warmblood stallion! Vendors will be available with product representatives to answer all of your questions. Every level will have a lead horse (in case your horse wants to follow a buddy), and Sharon will be providing course walks all day. We have levels from elementary to preliminary and will start the day low and build up to encourage moving up a level if you feel confident. Repeat rounds encouraged!

We are very excited to once again have the notorious Brian O’Connor joining us as announcer. We’ve heard he may even bring some boots and britches in addition to his microphone! You really won’t want to miss it … Questions? Email Rachael at [email protected]. We are taking last minute entries! Click here for the entry form: JUMP! Across the Pond Entry Form. Thanks from everyone at Team Orange!

Helen Guidotti sent us a wonderful report from a clinic Eric Horgan taught last year in Durango, Colo., and she’s back today with an encore report from Eric’s clinic last week. It sounds like everyone who rode with Eric in the clinic had major breakthroughs in their dressage work. Take it away, Helen!

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Eric works with Melissa Kelly and Ticos.

From Helen:

We just completed a wonderful four-day clinic with Eric Horgan in Durango, Colo., last week. We are all now suffering the Departure of Eric Blues! Why is it that once left on your own after a fantastic span of learning — in this case four days — one is left frustrated trying to replicate the feelings one was able to achieve under the watchful eye of an amazing instructor? The sayings run through my head: “equal weight in both stirrups; let your arms move with him; the canter, the canter, the canter” and so many, many more, but still that gliding feeling at the super walk or the punchy canter or the fluid trot become elusive. I guess that’s why we’ll be having him back in October!

Last October, we were lucky enough to receive a sponsorship from SmartPak. They donated a bridle, and we held a raffle and Janet Jones was the lucky winner of the bridle! Thanks to SmartPak for making the clinic that much more exciting and fun!

Amy Leonard is new to Eric’s clinics. She is 12 years old and had a great time riding Patrick — who is 20 years young — and learning how to get him moving into the bit in a forward but not fast trot. She did a fantastic job over the weekend.

Melissa Kelly has done a great job bringing OTTB Ticos back from a long time off. She has found him to be far more supple and agile in regards to lateral work since being off. When you first learn your horse is injured or you are too busy or whatever the reason may be that your horse needs a break, your world seems to be falling apart. BUT, all too quickly the time has passed, other things filled your day and when you get to work the horse again, by golly, he ends up going better than ever. It can be a devastating blow at the time, and yet things work out for the best, as witnessed by the progress Melissa made this weekend in shoulder-in/haunches in working toward the half-pass. It was very fun to see the light bulbs popping all weekend as riders would suddenly GET IT!

Sara Barnes and Cane were able to get some amazing results in their flat work.  Eric ends each ride asking every rider what three things are you taking away from this ride? He says if you go beyond three things or get too wordy about the three things, you’re not as likely to remember all the lessons learned. SO, every time I ride, as I am cooling out or preparing to dismount, I pick three things about the ride that I am walking away with. Of course, they have to be positive things!

Elisabeth Marsh did a great job with her absolutely wonderful Raf. They are really beginning to master walk to canters, walking turn on the forehand and leg yielding. It is so fun to see the learning process happen and people walking away with smiles on their faces and pats (or carrots) for their horses

Laura Wright and her young OTTB mare, Cleo, made amazing progress. Laura had cantered her a couple of times and Cleo had been off property five times in over a year. They really accomplished a lot, from cantering on day one to trot poles and, most importantly, acceptance of the bit. Watching them was an inspiration to see what can be accomplished so seamlessly and with relaxation.

The jumping exercise Eric had up his (short) sleeves was quite a challenge. Picture four jumps on a twenty meter circle; the goal was to ride through the middle of each set of standards and see how many strides it takes your horse to complete the circle. Then see if you can add and subtract strides on the circle. Not so easy! Then add poles on the ground and, ultimately, height to the jumps. When the balanced canter was maintained, it was easy. That didn’t happen all the time! He also did some work on how to land with the canter lead you want.

Jessie Beukima and Pache had a great weekend and overcame some little bitty jumping demons. How you ask? With the canter the canter the canter. When they had the forward, balanced, punchy canter, life was good, and the jumping went really well. Their dressage is getting very classy, and it’s time to get them to a show!

All in all, it was another great learning experience, and Eric has given us all our homework for when he comes to visit in October. One of the major breakthroughs my little brain finally made was that the horse needs to feel safe in order to be soft. If you are off balance or pulling on the reins or doing anything that upsets the horse, it’s not going to soften for you. You have to create, with your mind and body, an environment that enables and encourages the horse to soften. It’s a huge responsibility and, although it sounds simple, it’s not so easy. So, come visit the great southwest and ride in or audit Eric’s next clinic out here!

Valonia and I practicing at THF a week ago

As much as I love David Bowie’s song Under Pressure, this is not exactly what I had in mind here. Rather, I am interested in how people handle the challenges of being put under pressure. Human beings are constantly put under stressful situations where anxiety is mounting and the pressure is really on. Some people step up to the plate, and others simply crumble to pieces. Lawyers experience pressure in the court room, surgeons must feel some amount of pressure in the operating room, and, of course, serious athletes are placed under a tremendous amount of pressure as well. Of course, there are millions of other individuals that undergo stressful situations too, though I am particularly interested in how athletes handle pressure.

How do you think Tom Brady would feel at the Super Bowl when the score is tied, there’s less than a minute on the clock, and Wes Welker is wide open, but Brady overthrows the pass? In contrast, how do you think Tom Brady would feel if he instead threw a touchdown pass and won the Super Bowl? In both instances, whether Brady throws a touchdown or throws an incomplete, he is under a tremendous amount of pressure in that particular instance.

How about event riders? How do event riders handle pressure? Can you ride at home beautifully, but once you get to an event, do your nerves get the better of you? Or do you stay cool, keep calm, and rise to the occasion when  competing? I would bet money that there are a quite a few riders out there that are either: a) nervous, b) anxious, c) stressed, or d) all of the above when competing.

Of course, there are degrees of pressure at an event. Arguably, when you finish your dressage test and go check the scores only to discover you are 29th out of 30 competitors, there’s probably less pressure to do as well. On the opposite end, whoever is in first after dressage must feel at least some amount of pressure, whether it’s personal pressure or pressure you feel from your trainer. When you are in first place after dressage, you presumably want to go clean and make time in both show jumping and cross country. How many of you have been in first place after dressage and made a mistake on cross country, like jumped the wrong fence, or didn’t pay close enough attention to your watch, or had a run out? How many of you have been in first after dressage but went bowling for rails in show jumping? How many times have you been first after dressage and ended on your dressage score? Eventing is not an easy sport — nobody ever said it was, and this is why we love it!

Let’s assume that a large majority of event riders feel a tremendous amount of pressure while competing, whether it’s cross country specifically or just competing in general. Let’s be perfectly honest. A lot of event riders, no matter how much we love this sport, can become incredibly anxious, worried, and actually lose sleep over a competition. What are some tips or advice we can offer to those who are stressed out, freaked out, or feel like vomiting before cross country?

1. Practice, practice, and practice at home so you feel comfortable with the questions you are being asked at a competition.

2. Get in the ring … meaning go to a jumper show as often as you can. You’ll start to feel less nervous in show jumping if you get in the ring and jump several rounds as often as you can. This also can be the dressage ring. Go to a schooling dressage show. Your horse doesn’t know the difference between a recognized show and a schooling show.

3. Jump bigger than the level you are going. For example: If you are going prelim, you should feel comfortable or be able to jump an intermediate show jumping round at home. After jumping larger fences at home, you’ll start noticing your prelim courses aren’t looking too bad!

4. Get used to competing … meaning if you are the type of rider who becomes nervous or stressed out-and you only enter three events in one summer, then that’s clearly a problem. Go to schooling shows, go to jumper shows and go to more events in general if you can afford it and you have the time.

Pressure comes in all shapes and forms. Some individuals can handle pressure and possibly even feed off of pressure. Then there are those who simply can’t handle pressure as well and actually crumble under such circumstances. Let’s face it, we are not all going to ride like Mary King, Michael Jung, or William Fox-Pitt. These riders are some of the best event riders in the world; and they are where they are today because they kept pushing, kept putting themselves under stressful situations, and never gave up. Have they all experienced pain, suffering, and doubt? I’m guessing they absolutely have because that comes with the territory.

This whole pressure concept can be broken down like the following: We learn to swim by swimming. We learn to read books by reading. We have to learn how to compete by competing. Riding at home or taking lessons is wonderful but doesn’t really constitute as pressure. Pressure and eventing simply go hand in hand. If you want to feel less pressure competing, you have to practice what you need to practice at home so you are prepared, and then you need to go put yourself out there by competing. Some events will be amazing for you and some will be horrible, but the only way you’ll ever get used to competing is to compete. Sounds too simple, doesn’t it?

Don’t be like Sad Dog.

Eventing Nation has teamed up with sponsor Point Two to outfit one lucky reader with a brand new Point Two air vest! The question is: How bad do you really want it?

It’s time to pull out the duck tape, baling twine and… bubble wrap? Because Point Two would like you to make your own vest!

We welcome (and suggest) creativity, savviness, and overall skills in this competition. Make your vest and send a photo to [email protected] by midnight Wednesday, June 26 to be entered in the contest. The best vests will then be up for a reader poll where a winner will be ultimately chosen.

Click here for complete contest details.

Event Opening Today:

Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. (Washington, A-7),  Hunters Run H.T. (Michigan, A-8), Otter Creek Summer H.T. (Wisconsin, A-4), Fair Hill International H.T. (Maryland, A-2),  The Summer Event at Woodside (California, A-6),  GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T. (Vermont, A-1),  Colorado Horse Park One Day H.T.

Events Closing Today:

Cosequin Stuart H.T. (New York, A-1), University of New Hampshire H.T. (New Hampshire, A-1), Riga Meadow H.T. (Connecticut, A-1), The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm II (Maryland, A-2), Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3), Roebke’s Run H.T. (Minnesota, A-4), 37th Annual Whidbey Island H.T. (Washington, A-7), Champagne Run at the Park H.T. (Kentucky, A-8), Coconino Summer I H.T. & USDF dressage Show (Arizona, A-10)

News:

The USEF is stoked about the United States’ prospects for the Aachen CICO3*, which is fast approaching June 27-29. We’ll be represented by Tiana Coudray/Ringwood Magister; Will Faudree/Pawlow; Marilyn Little/RF Smoke on the Water and Clark Montgomery/Universe. Go team! [USEF]

Mary King is recovering from a heavy fall at Salperton Horse Trials on Saturday. Her horse, 2011 Rolex Kentucky winner Kings Temptress, rotated over a roll top near the end of the intermediate cross-country course. She was released from the hospital the same day with mild concussion and bruising. Kings Temptress was reported to be uninjured. Mary won’t be competing Imperial Cavalier at Aachen due to the concussion. [Horse & Hound]

Sharon White and Last Frontier Farm are hosting their 5th annual Derbycross-style schooling competition fundraiser this Saturday, June 29. “JUMP! Across the Pond” is being held to raise money for Sharon to compete Wundermaske (“Patch”) overseas. The event will feature a silent auction and raffle, vendors, course walks with Sharon, and levels from elementary to preliminary–repeat rounds are encouraged! Questions? Email Rachel at [email protected]. [Entry Form]

Equine Canada is pleased to announce that Desi Dillingham, MBE, has accepted the role of Special Advisor (Dressage). “We are thrilled to have Desi working with us at this crucial time for Dressage in Canada, said Jean-Christophe Gandubert, CEO of Equine Canada. “Her energy, drive and knowledge will help us set new standards and get back on track in this challenging international setting.” [Equine Canada]

Surefire Farm in Purcellville, Va., is hosting a cross-country schooling day today, Tuesday, June 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The schooling fee is $50 per horse/rider combination. Please sign a release (in the mailbox by the scoreboard down at the trailer parking area) and wear helmet and safety vest. Email questions to [email protected]. [Surefire Eventing]

SmartPak Product of the Day: Like my eventers, I tend to gravitate toward horses that are one fry short of a Happy Meal–if you know what I mean. But while a little extra enthusiasm can be delightful when you’re galloping cross-country, during a dressage lesson… not so much. SmartCalm Ultra is an herb-free formula designed to support proper nervous system function, helping to minimize skittishness. [SmartPak]

Want to win a 6 week supply of Cavalor Premium Feed & Supplements?

You are only a few clicks away! Fill in your horse’s details, click on “Design Feeding Program” and click the “Share” on Facebook button on the top right of your final personalized feeding program screen – That’s it!

CONTEST DETAILS

Cavalor will announce one lucky winner per week (every Tuesday) on the Cavalor North America Facebook page and the Cavalor corporate website: www.cavalor.com

One lucky winner per week for four weeks from June 11-July 9, 2013

Prizes: A six week supply of Cavalor Premium Feed & Supplements suggested in your personalized feeding program

We received three great stories over the weekend about the “r” Judge Training Program, Shepherd Ranch Horse Trials and PVDA Ride for Life Show. Many thanks to Eileen Kenney, Jen McFall and Beth Collier for sending in these photos. Have a photo you’d like to submit to EN? Send it to [email protected].

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Photo L to R: Eileen Kenney, Andrew Temkin, Panelists Sally Ike & Cindy De Porter, Julie Congleton, Janice Holmes, Lynn Coates-Holmes, and Joni Abney.

From Eileen Kenney:

Participants in the “r” Judge Training Program for Eventing Officials – B & C Jumping Training Program, taken today at the Fox River Valley Pony Club HT, CIC* and CCI* in Barrington, Ill. OUTSTANDING teaching and wealth of information through experience given by Panelists Sally Ike & Cindy DePorter. New officials coming through the program will be taking their final testing for their Judges Certification in September 2013, setting up the USEF/USEA with upcoming Judges and TD’s for our future sport.

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Taylor McFall at Shepherd Ranch.

From Jen McFall:

What a gem Shepherd Ranch is! Tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley, surrounded by wineries, estates, and great shopping, there is something for everyone at this show. Our daughter, Taylor, was showered in fabulous prizes offered at this show. She finished sixth in her Open Intro class, she won the Legis Optimum Time Award, and also a championship ribbon for the highest placed Pony Club member, representing the Deer Creek Pony Club. I’m pretty sure she will walk back to this show if she has to! Thank you, Shepherd Ranch, for making her year!

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Dobbin and Corinne Ashton. Photo by Beth Collier.

From Beth Collier:

Former Advanced level eventer Dobbin and Corinne Ashton completed a Grand Prix Test scoring 56.48% in the FEI Test Of Choice Class and finished in 2nd place at the Potomac Valley Dressage Association Ride for Life Show yesterday in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. I award Corrine the “diamond dressage tiara” for doing an FEI test in a SNAFFLE bit!