Classic Eventing Nation

Sharon White and Don Sheffield Take the Bromont CCI2* Lead

By on Jun 6, 2013 2:00 pm -

Sharon White and Don Sheffield took the lead in the CCI2* on a 49.8.

Sharon White and Don Sheffield were the first pair to crack the 40s in the CCI2* dressage at Bromont, taking the lead on a 49.8. This horse, a warmblood gelding, has a striking presence about him and really seemed to step up in the ring for Sharon. Their first simple transition looked a bit rocky, but the second one was much better, as you’ll see in the video below. This was a super test for this pair, and Sharon has to be pumped about the horse’s performance. Booli Selmayr and Castle Diamond, an Irish Sport Horse gelding, also had a very nice test to move into third place on 54.3. They had a flawless canter transition in the second simple change — probably the nicest we’ve seen all day in the CCI2*. Booli and Castle Diamond received a lot of love from the crowd after their final salute. Go team spirit!

Booli Selmayr and Castle Diamond are in third place on a 54.3.

Shanon Baker and Cordonelli, an Argentinian Thoroughbred gelding, were the last to go before the break and unfortunately picked up three errors in their test. But the quality of the work they put in helped redeem the test; they scored a 58.6 to move into seventh place. Jennifer Simmons and GV Tuscany were the first to go after the lunch break, scoring a 59.3 to move into eighth place. The horse, a New Zealand Thoroughbred gelding, was a little sticky in the simple transitions, but had a consistent test overall. Benita Strini and Sammy Jo, a Hanoverian mare, scored a 60.3 to sit in 12th place. The mare broke to the canter twice in the trot at the beginning of the test, but she had some really lovely moments once she moved into the canter work. This mare is super graceful and catlike in the flatwork, and I imagine she tackles the cross country with the same athleticism.

Shanon Baker and Cordonelli are in seventh place on a 58.6.

Anita Nemtin-Gilmour and Topper, a Canadian Sport Horse gelding, scored a 63.4 to sit in 14th place. The test seemed a touch quiet throughout and lacked impulsion in certain movements, but Anita seemed very happy with the horse when she exited the ring. We have six riders left to go today in the CCI2*, with Abigail Wilson and Fernhill Flag leading off at 1:59 p.m. after the break. Sharon White and Don Sheffield set the bar high with their test, and it will be exciting to see if anyone will catch them in this final group of riders. The rain continues to fall steadily here at Bromont, which I’m told is affecting the quality of the wifi connection we’re picking up in the press tent. Fingers crossed for no technical difficulties this afternoon as I try to upload videos of dressage for you lovely readers. Go Bromont.

[Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Bromont Lunchtime Update – Good & Bad

By on Jun 6, 2013 1:03 pm -

Welcome to Bromont! Of course it has started to rain lightly, and unfortunately the forecast is for it to get worse Friday and Saturday. The cross country courses are classic Derek Di Grazia – big, bold and tough and will be even more so if the forecast rain comes our way. Now I remember why everyone calls Bromont a mini- Rolex, you’re going to need a fit, brave horse on Saturday and can absolutely consider yourself ready for a tough four star if you have a good go here.

Meanwhile, though dressage continues, and the good news for Canada is that Peter Barry did a lovely test ride in the CCI** on his new horse, Katie Ruppel’s former four star horse Sir Donovan, and Jordan MacDonald leads that division on Prince Mayo at the lunch break.

In some bad news for America Buck Davidson, who has three rides here at Bromont, told EN that unfortunately Carl and Cassie Segal’s Ballynoe Castle (above at Rolex this year) will not be making the trip to Aachen to represent the US after Reggie got up in his stall with a bruised bone on his right stifle. He will be absolutely fine, Buck assured me, but both he and Carl and Cassie all think too much of the horse to take any sort of a risk with him.  Marilyn Little is the alternate on RF Smoke on the Water. EN wishes all the Team Davidson connections the best, and Reggie a speedy recovery, and we look forward to seeing them back out competing, and representing the US again soon.

Many Happy Returns, Lauren Kieffer! When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday today, Lauren replied, “To win!”, to which Caitlin Silliman, who was standing next to me, responded immediately, “Veronica says, ‘Hang on!'” Who knows if that will come true on Sunday afternoon but it would certainly make a nice birthday present not only for Lauren, but also for owner Sarah Kelly who celebrates on Saturday. Best Birthday wishes to you both from Eventing Nation!  Dressage has started up again, and the rain is getting a little more persistent. Be sure to keep checking  EN for great updates from Jenni, and we’ll bring you more from Bromont later. Go Canadian Three Day Eventing!

Kate Chadderton and Civil Liberty Rise to the Occasion at Bromont

By on Jun 6, 2013 12:33 pm -

Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty moved into second place on a 57.4.

Kate Chadderton and VS McCuan Civil Liberty were the best of the second group to go before the lunch break in the CCI2* at Bromont, scoring a 57.4 to move into second place. I featured Liberty, an OTTB, last year on EN’s Got Talent, so I’m really excited to see him do so well here today. Aside from anticipating the canter transition out of the walk — which has been happening very consistently across all the tests in the CCI2* today — this was a super test for Liberty, and I’m sure Kate is thrilled with him. Caroline Martin and Petite Flower, also a Thoroughbred, moved into third place on a 57.8 as the last pair to ride before the lunch break. The mare peeked around a bit during the test, and Caroline did a great of keeping her cool and calm. The test was going great under the very end when the mare unfortunately picked up the wrong lead twice out of the second simple canter transition, but overall it was really lovely.

Caroline Martin and Petite Flower are in third place on a 57.8.

Viola and Erin Brooke Freedman are sitting in fourth place on a 57.9. This test was so close to being really spectacular, as this Dutch Warmblood mare is stunning and has three really incredible gaits. Unfortunately, she was tense throughout the test, and she and Erin seemed to be having some communication issues, which kept Erin from being able to push for more in certain spots. But Erin held her together well overall and was able to get some really nice moments from the mare. Erin Sylvester and Mettraise, a Thoroughbred mare, scored a 60 to sit in sixth place. I thought Erin had some of the best simple canter transitions we’ve seen all morning and had really lovely canter work overall. The mare unfortunately broke to the canter during the beginning of the trot work, but overall this was a very consistent and relaxed test.

Erin Brooke Freedman and Viola are in fourth place on a 57.9.

Alexandra MacLeod and Railroad Man Jim, a Thoroughbred gelding, are in seventh place on a 61.7. The horse was jigging a bit in the walk while anticipating the canter transition, which we’ve seen a lot today. When he finally was able to canter, he threw in a very exuberant transition; he seems like a really cool horse and a fun one to watch go cross country. Jordan McDonald and Prince Mayo hold the lead going into the lunch break, with a 7.2-point gap back to second place. We have 12 horses still to go in the CCI2* dressage after the lunch break. Jennifer Simmons and GV Tuscany are the first to go after the lunch break at 12:51 p.m. The rain is falling heavier now, but we’re still avoiding any major downpours. Stay tuned for much more from Bromont.

[Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Jordan McDonald Leads CCI2* Dressage at Bromont

By on Jun 6, 2013 11:07 am -

Jordan McDonald and Prince Mayo scored 50.2 to lead the CCI2* dressage.

Canadian Jordan McDonald and the lovely Irish Sport Horse gelding scored a 50.2 to take the provisional lead in the CCI2* at Bromont at the morning break. Aside from a sticky reinback, this test was very relaxed and obedient. Jordan was all smiles coming out of the arena and set a great benchmark for the rest of the riders still to go today in the CCI2*. Canadian Lindsey Beer and El Paso scored a 59.5 to sit in second place. This horse is a super cute red roan Trakehner gelding, and he really seemed to enjoy the atmosphere and rise to the occasion during the test, which was super solid with no major bobbles. Canada has to be thrilled with holding first and second in the CCI2* on their home turf.

Lindsey Beer and El Paso are in second place on a 59.5.

Darren Chiacchia is the highest-placed American rider thus far in the CCI2*, sitting in third place on a 65.7 with Dibelius, a Trakehner gelding. This horse is really nice and super fancy and also seemed to benefit from the atmosphere, turning on the pizzazz during the test, which was very consistent and rhythmic.  Buck Davidson is sitting in fourth place in the CCI2* on a 66.4 with Knight Lion, a bay Irish Sport Horse gelding, and was the first rider to go in the dressage this morning. This is the first time I’ve seen this horse go, and I really enjoyed watching him. The horse wasn’t keen to halt before the reinback and picked up the wrong canter lead coming out of the walk, but I thought this test had some really nice moments.

Darren Chiacchia and Dibelius are in third place on a 65.7.

Jessica Phoenix and Abbey GS are sitting just behind Buck in fifth place on a 66.7. The mare seemed a bit tense throughout the test and broke to the trot during the walk. She also struggled to hold the counter canter, but had some nice moments throughout and shows a lot of potential for the future. Robin Walker and Freedoms Light are in sixth place on a 66.9. This horse, an Irish Thoroughbred gelding, looked really impressive in the jog yesterday and is a big mover. I’m excited to see him go cross country. The weather is holding so far this morning at Bromont, with just light rain falling. We’re expecting heavier rain this afternoon, and Samantha and I are armed with our rain gear. Kate Chadderton and VS McCaun Civil Liberty lead off in the CCI2* after the break at 11:11 a.m. Go Bromont!

[Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Laine Ashker: The Reign of the Thoroughbred Continues

By on Jun 6, 2013 9:00 am -

Laine Ashker has had a quiet spring season while her top four-star partner Anthony Patch has enjoyed a break from competition. She’ll be back competing Al at Surefire Horse Trials this summer with the hopes of making the team that represents the U.S. at Pau this fall. In the meantime, Laine sent us this wonderful blog talking about her love for Thoroughbreds. Take it away, Laine!

 _______

Laine and her TB youngster Raptor Force. Photo by S.L. Wolff Photography.

 

From Laine:

It’s been over a month since I have competed at a horse trials, and I am itching to get back into the normal, rather hectic, swing of things. Since my last update, I have moved back to picturesque Virginia at Hillbrook Farm near Richmond, where my horses are happily chomping down on the abundant green grass and clover-covered rolling hills that scatteringly decorate the Old Dominion countryside. Our busy summer schedule of events will start off with Waredaca Horse Trials and will continue through August with venues close in proximity in addition to longer pilgrimages to New York and Michigan state. It will be my first time at Richland Park Horse Trials, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate. Lots of excitement, smiles, beeping watches, pats on the neck and (hopefully) celebrations are in store for the summer of 2013.

I was a bit disappointed that I made the decision to stay at home instead of attend Rolex this year as a spectator. With so many people near and dear to me riding the show of their lifetime, in addition to seeing such talented first-timers make child’s play out of the four-star track, I only wish I could have been in attendance to support and cheer everyone along. The excitement in the air was palpable even watching it on the USEF Network, so I whole heartedly believe that being there in person would have been an indescribable feeling of pride and sportsmanship.

Although this year’s Rolex leader board was filled with the usual suspects, there were many first-time horse/rider combinations that really showed the selectors they’ve got what it takes to help the U.S. reach the podium next year and beyond. One of my favorite OTTBs (aside from my own, of course) Donner, who is ridden by my dear friend and fellow competitor Lynn Symansky, really demonstrated his freakish talent being the only U.S. pair to finish on their dressage score. And as to Lynn’s talent in the irons? Well, that goes without saying, and if you happen to be in question, well you just try riding around a four-star track … in a cast … AND go clear and inside the time. Talk about a clutch performance!

Laine and her TB youngster Road Star. Photo by S.L. Wolff Photography.

Meghan O’ Donoghue and her famously elegant OTTB gelding Pirate really impressed me over the weekend with three solid performances in their four-star debut. I have been a fan of that horse for years, and seeing him easily handle such difficult questions at Rolex only made my adoration of the little dark bay gelding exponentially amplify! One of my dearest eventing friends Hawley Bennett put in a stellar ride on Saturday and Sunday with Ginny exuberantly running clear across the country and leaving all the sticks up on Sunday. I was so disappointed for Hawley when the little fiery mare showed some tension during the dressage phase, as she is one Thoroughbred that has the movement to trump even the floatiest of warmblood trots!

If you’re noticing a theme of the Rolex horses I happened to highlight above, then chances are you too are an advocate of the Thoroughbred. Although I can and do appreciate all breeds of horses, it warms my heart to see that even throughout all the changes the sport of eventing has endured, the Thoroughbred still prevails. Programs such as ReRun and The Jockey Club TIP (Thoroughbred Incentive Program) have done a fabulous job of offering classes and prizes at shows nationwide and are constantly bringing awareness and appreciation to a breed that will continue to evolve with an ever-changing sport.

Stuart Pittman’s Retired Racehorse Training Project is yet another ingenious method of bringing top professionals and track projects together to demonstrate the trainability of the Thoroughbred and the breed’s ability to change and adapt from one extreme sport to another. Having always competed Thoroughbreds since the beginnings of my career as a rider, specifically ones off the track, these programs that promote and endorse the breed are near and dear to my heart, and I hope that any one who reads this is inspired to learn more about each of these amazing programs and many other ones that I have accidentally left out!

Calling All Comets as a baby and all grown up.

With the excitement of Rolex finally beginning to dissipate, we now look forward to the summer and fall eventing seasons. With that being said, I am pleased to announce that Al will be back in action starting mid June at Surefire Horse Trials. After having competed greenies all year leading up until now, it will sure be a nice change to ride my longtime partner of nearly 11 years. Riding Al is similar to wearing my favorite pair of jeans: no matter how many new pairs I buy, nothing can replace my coveted blue jeans that seamlessly flaunt my assets yet quickly hide my flaws (yes, I just compared my horse to a pair of True Religion jeans).

My plan for Albert is to run him a couple times slowly at prelim or intermediate before running him Advanced at Millbrook, then onto the three star at Richland! My long term goal for this year is to have a spot on the U.S. team that travels to Pau in the fall, so until then my main priority will be building up his fitness, honing his dressage and jumping skills, and maintaining a happy and, most importantly, sound horse at the end of the day.

The next best thing to having Albert back in action is taking my mom’s and my Thoroughbred homebred 4-year-old gelding Calling All Comets (yes, he is a half brother to Becky Holder’s Courageous Comet) to his first event this month at Seneca Valley PC Horse Trials. Mom backed and started Comet a couple years ago and after he scaled every mountain, crossed every river and hopped across every ravine she could find in Northern California, she decided that it was time that he make his eventing debut on the East Coast with yours truly! The only thing that could possibly match the sense of pride that I get from taking a project from the track to the top level of our sport of eventing is doing the same thing with ones that my mother and myself have bred and raised (quite literally) from day one.

Lots of excitement is now underway with the summer season now in full swing. In between shows, I will be traversing the country teaching various clinics in Kentucky, Minnesota and California to name a few, in addition to making a few trips up to Pennsylvania to visit my coach for some jump lessons. Until next time, eyes up, shoulders back and enjoy the regal beast that stands between you and your saddle. It is that indistinguishable feeling that helps us all to understand why they say eventing is the “sport of kings!” Ride on!

Road to Bromont II: Arriving at Bromont

By on Jun 6, 2013 8:53 am -

Rick Wallace, Jonathan Holling, and Kyle Carter finally arrive in Bromont and begin settling in to their stalls. Rick gives us a tour of the permanent stables where he and Jon are located while at the event, and of the Bromont Olympic site in general.  Best of luck to them all this weekend!

 

Thursday News & Notes from Devoucoux

By on Jun 6, 2013 12:33 am -

Lizzie Snow and Coal Creek at jogs yesterday (photo by Jenni Autry)

Good morning, Eventing Nation! Today begins the first day of the last 3-day of the spring season, Bromont! Two divisions will begin Dressage tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. promptly, and we have both Samantha and Jenni on the scene covering every possible angle, and wearing out their fingers with picture taking and typing frantically in between riders. If you happen to be up there and see them wandering around, buy them a coffee or a beer and thank them for their hard work!

Bromont Links:

[Website] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [CCI3* Preview]

Events This Weekend:

Genesee Valley Riding Club Spring Horse Trials: [Website] [Ride Times]

Aspen Farms HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Derbyshire Farms HT: [Website/Ride Times]

Plantation Field HT: [Website] [Entry Status]
Copper Meadows HT: [Website] [Ride Times]
Arrowhead HT: [Website] [Ride Times]
Queeny Park HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

Difficult Run Pony Club Spring HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Texas Rose Horse Park Summer HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

 

Don’t forget to vote for Will Faudree as USOC Male Athlete of the Month! Voting ends today at 2 pm EST, so hurry up! [Vote For Will]

The Humane Society of the US is calling for the Bureau of Land Management to reassess their mustang management program. “The current wild horse program has been a fiscal and animal-welfare disaster, and the BLM needs to get off this treadmill,” the society’s senior vice-president of programs and innovations, Holly Hazard, said. The report on the program says that removing wild horses from their western rangelands and maintaining them in long-term holding facilities was both economically unsustainable and incongruent with public expectations.  Use of contraception is expected in the near future. [BLM Changes Plans] [Video of Assessment]

Live in Canada and like contributing to scientific discoveries? A Canadian university is seeking horses for a respiratory research study. The University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine is recruiting horses for the study. A spokesman said that to diagnose and treat airway disease, tests such as tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage, which help identify type and severity of the problem, were relied on. [Canadian Horse Respiratory Study]

For the cutest story of the day, be prepared to meet an orphaned foal who snuggles with a giant teddy bear. Breeze, a small two week old foal was found abandoned in Dartmoor Hill in England, and was rescued by farmers. While Breeze is being nursed back to health at a mare and foal sanctuary, he is comforted by a gigantic teddy bear named Button. [Meet Breeze & Button]

Lynn Symansky is still riding the wave of her phenomenal performance at Rolex with Donner, most recently she was named “Equestrianista of the Week”! Lynn was noted as not only placing 5th but winning the best turned out for both horse inspections as well as the best conditioned horse and highest placed OTTB. She took home a lot of coolers! [Lynn Symansky Equestrianista]

 

Bromont Jog Report: 90 Horses Move to Dressage

By on Jun 5, 2013 6:00 pm -

Kyle Carter and Madison Park continue their comeback at the Bromont CCI3* this weekend.

It was a beautiful afternoon at Bromont for the first horse inspection, with 95 total horses presenting before the ground jury in the CCI1*, CCI2* and CCI3* divisions. The 48 horses in the CCI1* division presented first, and Kate Chadderton and Checkout the Charmer and Genevieve Boutin and Curioso were both held. Genevieve and Curioso passed upon representation. Kate received special permission from the ground jury to bring Charmer forward for representation after all other divisions had jogged; he unfortunately did not pass upon reinspection. Asa Cooper and Revelry II withdrew before the jog. William Ward and Watermill Time were asked to jog a second time and passed, with the horse looking very keen. Forty-six total horses move on to the dressage in the CCI1*.

Will Coleman sported a smashing coral tie in the trop up with Obos O'Reilly.

The 24 CCI2* horses jogged next, and Robin Walker and Freedoms Light and Erin Renfroe and DeCordova were both held. Robin and Freedoms Light passed upon reinspection, but Erin and DeCordova were unfortunately spun. While Abigail Wilson’s horse Fernhill Flag looked perfectly sound, she on the other hand looked very lame and jogged up and down the jog lane with an obvious grimace on her face. Hopefully her injury isn’t too serious and she’s able to ride without too much pain this weekend. Twenty-three horses in total will move on to the dressage in the CCI2*. The 23 CCI3* horses were the last to present, and Liz Riley and It’s The Truth were held and ultimately spun upon reinspection. The ground jury paused for what felt like a very long time before announcing that Kyle Carter and Madison Park had passed, during which I almost passed out from holding my breath. It’s no secret I’m rooting for Kyle and Parker in their comeback! The other 22 CCI3* horses passed and will move on the dressage, which will be held Friday.

Sharon White looked lovely in coral in the trot up with Don Sheffield.

We saw a number of smart jog outfits today, with the guys looking particularly well turned out. I heard Will Coleman say he needed a tie because he forgot one as he was walking down to the jog lane to trot Obos O’Reilly. Whoever lent him the tie he ended up wearing deserves major kudos, as I thought the coral color really looked sharp with his linen jacket and navy slacks. For the ladies, Samantha and I thought Sharon White looked very stylish in her cream blazer with a coral sunhat and matching scarf. Coral was clearly the big winner today at the first horse inspection. Two rings will be running simultaneously for the dressage tomorrow. CCI1* dressage starts with the test ride at 9:30 a.m., and Waylon Roberts and Orion 49 will lead off at 10:03 a.m. CCI2* dressage also starts at 9:30 a.m. with the test ride, and Buck Davidson and Knight Lion will be the first to go at 9:55 a.m. I’ll be adding more jog photos to this post, so check back soon!

[Website] [Results]

Vote for Will Faudree: USOC Male Athlete of the Month!

By on Jun 5, 2013 5:00 pm -

Will Faudree and Pawlow at Rolex this spring

Will Faudree has had an excellent spring, starting his season by quietly winning both the Pine Top Advanced and Southern Pines Advanced with Andromaque, finishing in the top three almost every time out with Pawlow to culminate in a nice 6th place finish with Ernie at Rolex, placing second at the Jersey Fresh CCI2* with Riesling de Bussy, and then topping it all off by leading the U.S. at Saumur CCI3* with a 5th place finish on Andromaque. Not too shabby, eh?

No doubt due to his recent stellar performances and his ability to represent the U.S. well overseas, Will has been nominated for the United States Olympic Committee’s Male Athlete of the Month Award for May. The USOC supports U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes on and off the field of play through programming such as direct athlete funding, health insurance, tuition grants, media and marketing opportunities, career services and performance-based monetary rewards. In addition, the Olympic Training Center facilities provide athletes with performance services, including sports medicine; strength and conditioning; psychology, physiology and nutrition assistance; and performance technology.

There are lots of deserving candidates, but only one can win, so let’s make it Will! Votes can be cast through Thursday June 6th, 2pm EST. Get voting!

[VOTE HERE]

USEF Addresses Horse Welfare in Town Hall Meeting

By on Jun 5, 2013 3:00 pm -

David O'Connor speaks at the USEF Town Hall Meeting.

The USEF hosted a town hall meeting Monday night at the Kentucky Horse Park to address a myriad of welfare issues facing the horse industry, which are outlined in this document entitled “Welfare of the Horse in the 21st Century.” David O’Connor, former USEF president and current coach of the U.S. eventing team, sat on the panel of experts in the meeting and responded to many of the questions posed throughout the night. Thanks to the live streaming broadcast on the USEF network, you can view the meeting in full by clicking here. The meeting ran for more than three hours, so I’m here to give you a quick breakdown of the three major discussions that took place.

Creating a Catastrophic Incident Protocol, or The Collapse Rule

Under current USEF rules, if a horse collapses on the show grounds, there is no requirement that the incident be reported. As a result, the USEF has put forth a proposed extraordinary rule change that will implement a Catastrophic Event Protocol that requires mandatory reporting of a collapse at a show. As defined by the USEF, a collapse is a fall to the ground with no apparent cause at any time from when entries arrive at the venue until departure from the venue. You can view the full text of the proposed rule change here.

You’ll notice in the text that the rule as presented at the town hall meeting requires that a collapse be reported within one hour of the incident. Audience members in attendance at the meeting objected that one hour is not enough time to file a report with the USEF, as the rider, owner and trainer of the horse would likely be attentively caring for the horse for an extended period of time following the collapse. The USEF made it clear that the proposed rule change language would be amended to allow more time for reporting, with three hours seeming the likely time allotment that will go into effect.

A New Category of Rules, or Prohibited Practices

The second major item on the town hall meeting agenda involved the creation of a new category of USEF rules in regards to prohibited practices. Specifically, a new rule would prohibit any injections from being administered to a horse within 12 hours of competing. There are three classifications of injections that would not fall under this rule: therapeutic fluids for dehydration, antibiotics to treat infections, and Dexamethasone to treat hives or other skin conditions. Those three exceptions would fall under permissible injections up to six hours out from competition when administered under veterinary supervision. You can view the full text of the proposed rule here.

Audience members raised concerns about the amount of Dexamethasone that can be injected under the new proposed rule, as some believed .5 milligrams per 1,000 pounds is not enough to properly treat all skin conditions that can plague horses. One audience members asked if acupuncture would be prohibited under this new rule. Dr. Kent Allen, chair of the USEF Drugs & Medicate Committee, clarified that the use of plain acupuncture needles would be permitted under the rule. While Dr. Allen admitted the three exceptions might not present an exhaustive list of when injections might be deemed medically necessary within 12 hours of competition, he believes the list to be very close to comprehensive.

Responsibility for Performance Horses in the Sport

The meeting concluded with the panelists discussing the need for greater accountability and a stalwart commitment to horse welfare within the sport, namely through increased and more comprehensive drug testing, better educational materials and training, and strict fines and suspensions for those who violate the rules. “If you have that level of abuse, the regulations need to be harder,” Bill Maroney, USEF Vice President of National Affiliates, said. “For serious offenses, the membership wants serious suspensions and serious fines. The hearing committee is ready to answer the call.”

David O’Connor spoke passionately about animal welfare throughout the meeting. “We can outright say that people have abused these drugs,” David said. “The regulatory body will always be behind the game. These procedures are so important to keep pushing ourselves to make the stand about what we think are ethical procedures, ethical treatments and ethical practices.” I have to give major kudos to the USEF for bringing these critical welfare issues to the public in a town hall meeting format. With a commitment to preserving animal welfare from governing bodies like the USEF, we can work toward securing a better future for our equine partners.