Classic Eventing Nation

Boy With Dreams Part 3

By on May 3, 2013 4:37 pm -

It’s always a conundrum to know what to squeeze in between the Rolex Kentucky and Badminton CCI****s,  and this year at EN we have the perfect answer – GJM Eventing!  Gavin is back with another of his unique and amazing videos to update on his Spring season, and also give us some important fashion tips on how to get that Eventing in March in England look!  Gavin, we salute your dedication to the cause, and thank God for so many reasons that the weather has now improved in the UK!

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Gavin is on location at Badminton this weekend so we can look forward to his fashion review and much more to complement Jenni’s slightly more mainstream reporting. Thank you as always Gavin for sharing your wonderful East London perspective with Eventing Nation – Dream on! xxx

Tipperary’s “Snap That!” Contest Poll

By on May 3, 2013 2:27 pm -

We need your help yet again dear readers!

During the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Tipperary asked our readers to play Chinchilla photographer for a day and snap some photos of some riders!

We now need your help to decide who will walk home with a brand new Eventer Pro vest courtesy of Tipperary!

Choose your favorite photo below and go eventing! Voting ends Sunday at midnight.

 1. Brittany Hazzard

Peter Atkins

#2 Bruce Kendall

Shandiss McDonald

#3 Danielle Searson

Kristi Nunnink

#4 Farrar Hope

Lindsey Oaks

#5 Jordan Lambert

Daniel Clasing

#6 Katie Stephenson

Kendal Lehari

 #7 Laura Demaio

Buck Davidson

#8 Maddi Operacz

Buck Davidson

 #9 Renate Price

Kristi Nunnink

#10 Terri Adamson

Buck Davidson

#11 Teva Halfon

Buck Davidson

#12 Tori Myers 

Kendal Lehari

Day One Concludes With Australia On Top at Badminton

By on May 3, 2013 1:27 pm -

Australia’s Christopher Burton, who is sitting in first place on Holstein Park Leilani after Day 1 of dressage at Badminton, said in the post-dressage press conference that he didn’t expect to be in such a position today, as the mare is really more of a cross-country horse. She’s 17 now, and he said he’s always thought of her as a Badminton horse, so he’s thrilled to be here with her this weekend. Watch the video for all of Burto’s comments from the press conference. Sam Griffiths, who is sitting in second place on Happy Times, said the horse is quite an experienced competitor now and is in very good form for a top performance this weekend at Badminton. But this weekend isn’t just a dressage show, and, as Sam said, Badminton is a course where you can’t take anything for granted. Sam said the footing is very good on course and may help riders come closer to making time than in past years, as time can be notoriously tough to make here at Badminton.

Andrew Nicholson, who is sitting in third place with Avebury, said the horse is a very cool competitor under pressure and in a big atmosphere like Badminton, so he was pleased with how composed the horse stayed throughout the test. Unfortunately, the test had a few bobbles — which Andrew mostly blamed on himself — and when asked whether he thought his test on Nereo would score better, he answered a quick and firm “yes.” Of course, the major story line this weekend is the Grand Slam showdown between Andrew and William Fox-Pitt, but Andrew said he’s pushed the quest for $350,000 out of his mind. The way he put it, he’s just here this weekend to win Badminton; the win just happens to come with a hell of a prize attached.

We have a very exciting lineup tomorrow, and there’s a good chance these leaders won’t be anywhere near the top by the time dressage concludes here at Badminton. We’ll also see all of the North American riders tomorrow, with Clark Montgomery and Universe leading off for the U.S. at 9:32 a.m. local time. While we certainly saw some lovely performances today, all eyes will be on Day 2 of dressage to truly give us an idea of who will be victorious come Monday afternoon. Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW, William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk, and Andrew Nicholson and Nereo all go in the last group tomorrow, so it’s going to be a very long day of holding our breath and waiting to see if one of these pairs will take the lead going into cross country on Sunday. Tune in tomorrow for much more from Badminton. Go eventing.

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results] [Audio Interviews]

Aoife Clark Best of Final Dressage Group at Badminton on Friday

By on May 3, 2013 12:54 pm -

Aoife Clark and and Master Crusoe are tied for fourth place on a 45.8.

Aoife Clark and Master Crusoe gave a lovely finale to Day 1 at the Badminton Horse Trials, performing a rhythmic, consistent test for a 45.8 to tie William Fox-Pitt and Oslo for fourth place. This pair placed seventh individually at London — performing one of just a handful of double-clear show jumping rounds — and are a real threat to finish right up there with the leaders at the conclusion of the competition. I thought their trot work was especially good, and Aiofe received wonderful support from the crowd upon finishing her test. We also saw crowd favorites Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz in the final group of the day, who scored 48.2 to tie for 11th place with Jock Paget and Clifton Lush. The judges have been very stingy with flying changes today — we’ve seen a lot of 4s — but Nicola nailed them and was rewarded for her efforts. This horse commonly leads off for Great Britain in major team championships, so you can expect to see a thrilling performance from Nicola and Opposition Buzz on Sunday.

Andreas Dibowski and Butts Leon are sitting in 13th place on a 48.3.

Kai Ruder and Leprince Des Bois led off the fourth and final group of riders for the day, putting in a very solid, correct test to move into 10th place on a 47.8. Kai was one of the riders to suffer a 4 from the judges on one of his flying changes, but overall the test was very good. Andreas Dibowski and Butts Leon — Thailand’s Nina Ligon’s mount for the London Olympics — also had a lovely performance to sit in 13th place on a 48.3. Andreas has placed second twice at Badminton, includingonce with this horse, and should be very competitive on the cross country. Butts Leon gave the crowd a bit of a scare when he pulled a Black Stallion-esque rear leaving the stadium as Joseph Murphy was entering to perform his test, but Andreas stayed on, thankfully. Louisa Milne Home bought King Eider as a 4-year-old and has produced him all the way through the levels. While they’ve completed Burghley twice, this is their first attempt at Badminton, and they looked in fine form today. Louisa and King Eider are sitting tied for 17th place on a 53.8.

Louisa Milne Home and King Eider are tied for 17th place on a 53.8.

At the end of Day 1, 37% of the dressage tests cracked the 40s, with no riders yet venturing into the 30s. But with some of the world’s best still to come tomorrow — La Biosthetique Sam FBW, Nereo and Pawklane Hawk to name a few — it’s safe to say we’re going to see some very good scores. The top 10 so far is comprised of three Brits: William Fox-Pitt and Oslo tied for fourth, with Mary King and Imperial Cavalier and Lucy Wiegersma and Simon Porloe both tied for seventh; two Australians: Christopher Burton and Holstein Park Leilani and Sam Griffiths and Happy Times sitting in first and second, respectively; two for Germany: Michael Jung and Leopin FST in sixth and Kai Ruder and Leprince Des Bois in 10th; one for New Zealand: Andrew Nicholson and Avebury; one for Ireland: Aoife Clark; and one for Italy: Vittoria Panizzon. Stay tuned for a report from the press conference.

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results]

Dressage Videos:

Video: Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz

Video: Andreas Dibowski and Butts Leon

Jennifer Shattuck: Walking in the Hoof Prints of Greatness

By on May 3, 2013 11:45 am -

Jennifer Shattuck wrote a beautiful piece as a tribute to attending Rolex.  Many thanks to Jen for sharing with us…she truly brings the magic and mystique of Rolex to life.

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Photo by Kasey Mueller

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Walking in the Hoof Prints of Greatness

by Jen Shattuck

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On a quiet Sunday morning, in the shy hours of a Kentucky day, I traced a path.
Before the hum of sound system checks and the call of vendors, before the rattle of gates and the cheer of the crowds, before the sun had noticed the morning dew, and, most desperately, before the passing of time had allowed the magic to fade into crumbled dirt and workman’s boots.
I stood at The Start and felt the power of a hundred hooves. I looked down and placed my own foot gingerly in the print before me, still soft and perfect in its outline, feeling a pang of guilt as the form collapsed to accommodate my weight. I let my eyes gaze down that historical lane, and then I walked.
And I listened.
In the hush of that morning I listened to story of the prints below. I followed along like an eager child, stopping in my own tracks at the dizzying magnitude of obstacles as they came into view, an obscene combination of beauty and terror, and for a moment I became lost in a memory of imagination.
I hear the disconnected reality of thousands of voices muted into a faint echo. The law of time suspended as motion slows and each stride becomes its own pulse. Nostrils widen, breath quickens, a bead of sweat falls away. And for a fleeting moment gravity patiently waits and there is only air. Perhaps a spectator’s gasp escapes the silence and an ear twitches to follow the sound. But then hoof and earth reunite, the ticking of the clock returns to its proper pace, and the raucous joy of fans is left behind in the wake of effort.  A private conversation is shared with a pat on the neck in a single gesture of gratitude, encouragement, and trust.
I made my way around that famous course. Turn by turn, jump by jump, my own breathing becoming labored at times, until I reached the last. I paused at The Finish and looked back at the prints that had allowed, possibly even welcomed, my company.  I quietly thanked them and a subtle nod of respect passed between us.
And then I stepped beyond the boundary and it was over. A gentle wave of sadness rippled through me as I suddenly became just a girl occupying space on a random clod of dirt.  Around me there were dogs splashing, children climbing, workers coiling miles of cable, and memories of victory and defeat sinking into the earth to escape it all.
I traced a path of greatness that morning, a path built upon hope and struggle, of jubilance and sorrow. A path that many will dream of, but few will achieve.
As I walked away I submitted to a brief delay in my return to reality and took a sentimental glance over my shoulder.  I was surprised to see a man standing alone and quiet at The Start. He gazed downward at the rounded outlines in the grass and tentatively took a step forward.
And I smiled.

Christopher Burton and Holstein Park Leilani Take Badminton Lead

By on May 3, 2013 10:25 am -

Christopher Burton and and Holstein Park Leilani have taken the lead at Badminton on a 43.

We’re getting closer and closer to cracking the 30s here on Day 1 of dressage at Badminton, as Christopher Burton and Holstein Park Leilani have just taken the lead on a 43. It’s turning out to be a bang up day for Australia, as Sam Griffiths and Happy Times are currently sitting in second place on a 43.4. Burto and Leilani’s test looked very accurate, relaxed and correct. It always interests me to see how riders handle the first halt and salute, and Chris really took his time there, perhaps using some mental tenacity to visualize a stellar test. Whatever his strategy, it worked, and he’s sitting in a very good position for the rest of the weekend. Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Pennyz put in a lovely test for Italy, and particularly had some lovely moments in the trot work. They struggled a bit in the changes and lost some marks in the canter work overall, but this is a very talented pair with a bright future ahead. They are sitting tied for sixth place on a 47.3.

Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Pennyz are tied for sixth place on a 47.3.

Lucy Wiegersma and Simon Porloe scored the same marks, 47.3, to also sit tied for sixth place. The horse spooked at the judge’s box while circling the arena, but Lucy settled him well and got some really nice work out of him. I thought they had one of the best canter departs of the day — bested perhaps only by EN’s own Charlotte Agnew and Out of Africa Two — and she really went for it in the extended canter. She lost marks in the flying changes, but should be very pleased with this test. Lucy has completed Badminton six times and is no stranger to this course; look for her to have a good showing on Sunday. Ludwig Svennerstal — who stole the show yesterday in the jog while wearing a full tuxedo and bow tie — is competing in his first Badminton and had some really lovely moments with Alexander in his test. Ludwig and Alexander are sitting tied for 13th on a 54.2.

Lucy Wiegersma and Simon Porloe are tied for sixth on a 47.3.

Ben Hobday and Gun A B Good put in a really lovely, obedient test for 53.8, which puts them in 12th place — another great showing for one of the local riders. Sarah Bullimore gets a shoutout for the coolest quarter mark I’ve seen thus far — her initials in a monogram style. Her test with My Last One was very nice, aside from some naughty moments in the changes when the horse bucked a bit. Sarah and My Last One are sitting in 18th on a 58.8. Local favorite Beanie Stergis and Lebowski received the loudest cheer of the day thus far. Beanie’s family is heavily involved in Badminton and the local eventing scene, and it’s lovely to see the hometown crowd here cheering on the Brits. Beanie had a break to the canter during the first extended trot, but she had a lovely extended walk with Lebowski. This pair is sitting tied for 19th on a 59.7.

Local favorites Beanie Sturgis and Lebowski.

It’s fun to see so many up-and-coming British riders contesting Badminton, many for the first-time. Badminton is to these British riders what Rolex is to our U.S. riders — a lifelong goal you work very hard toward. Well done to all the Brits — and riders from other nationalities — who are contesting their first four-star this weekend. And while I’m giving kudos, the volunteers working in the dressage  stadium run a very tight ship, making sure that all spectators are seated during the tests, or holding them back until a break between rides. Kai Ruder and Leprince Des Bois kick off our fourth and final group of rides at 3:30 local time. We still have Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz to go, as well as Aoife Clark and Master Crusoe.

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results]

Dressage Videos:

Video: Christopher Burton and Holstein Park Leilani 

Video: Vittoria Panizzon and Borough Pennyz 

Video: Ludwig Svennerstal and Alexander

Watch Badminton Live Online at FEI TV Sunday & Monday

By on May 3, 2013 9:27 am -

 

Badminton promises to be extra dramatic this year, and with Jenni Autry in place overseas, we’ll bring you top-notch coverage as always.  The dressage will not be broadcast, but cross-country and show-jumping can be viewed around the world online at FEI TV.

 

Watch Online:  Watch Badminton online through FEITV.org.   FEI TV is a fee-based service, but they offer on-demand streaming, meaning that you will be able to watch the cross-country and show jumping online whenever you want to.  Here are your options for subscribing:

I haven’t paid for FEI TV before, but I have heard good things.

[FEI TV]

Broadcast Schedule:

SUNDAY 5th MAY

10:55 – 16:30 hours  (5:55am-1:30pm ET)

(Cross Country  – to include 1 hour Dressage highlights prior to Cross Country)

MONDAY 6th MAY

10:55 – 11:45 hours – Show Jumping (first rounds)  (5:55am-6:45am ET)

13:25 – 14:30 hours – Show Jumping – Top 20 (8:25am-9:30am ET)

 

Viewers in the UK can watch Badminton on the BBC.  For other TV listings, see the Badminton site.


Photos: [Official Badminton Photos, Nico Morgan]

 

LISTEN to Badminton online: Go to the Badminton Homepage, and look for the radio link about halfway down the page on the right-hand side.


Websites: Badminton is probably the most thoroughly covered 4* on the planet so all of the regular equestrian media outlets and some irregular outlets are giving it a lot of attention.  Here’s a list of the websites to check for Badminton updates. [Horse and Hound, Badminton Homepage, H&C Badminton Videos][XC overview with videos and drawings of every jump][Ride Times] 

 

That’s all for now.  It goes without saying that we’ll have all of the top Badminton links right here on EN throughout the weekend and through the show jumping on Monday.

Sam Griffiths and Happy Times Dazzle at Badminton

By on May 3, 2013 7:52 am -

Sam Griffiths and Happy Times took the lead on a 43.3 before the lunch break.

Sam Griffiths and Happy Times slipped into the lead on a 43.3 before the lunch break with a very fluid, relaxed test. Sam has had very good showings here at Badminton in previous years, and he didn’t disappoint today with this horse. Aside from a few bobbles in the middle of the test, I’d say this is definitely one of the most correct tests we’ve seen so far today. Sam and Happy Times sit just ahead of Andrew Nicholson and Avebury, who also put in a lovely test in the second group to move into second place on a 45. There appeared to be a few miscommunications between Andrew and Avebury during the test, particularly when the horse picked up the correct lead out of the reinback but then stopped. Andrew recovered nicely and sits in a good position with his second ride Nereo still to come tomorrow.

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury are sitting in second place on a 45.

Francis Whittington and Sir Percival led off in the second group and are currently sitting tied for 10th place on a 59.7. The test was a bit tense throughout, although I thought the changes redeemed it. Mark Todd went second after the break and unfortunately really struggled in his test with Major Milestone. The horse never really settled and seemed to want to jump out of his skin in the canter work. Mark and Major Milestone are sitting in 16th place on a 67.8. We saw some lovely work from Ruth Edge — who also rides straight dressage — and Nick of Thyme; she gets a shoutout for giving the horse a comforting pat right before M during the free walk. Aside from a stumble in the last change, this was a very nice test, and Ruth and Nick of Thyme are sitting in seventh place on a 48.7.

Harry Meade and Wild Lone are tied for 13th on a 63.3.

Harry Meade struggled a bit with Wild Lone, who definitely seemed affected by the atmosphere. The horse cruised through the first and second halt, although he had a really lovely final halt. All things considered, I’d say Harry held him together quite well; they are sitting on a 63.3. Sarah Stretton and Skip On, our last riders before the lunch break, put in a solid test to tie for 10th place on a 59.7. To give you an idea of just how good the quality of dressage here is thus far, 44 percent of the rides thus far have cracked the 40s, and I imagine we’ll only see that percentage continue to climb considering the riders still to come. Marco Biasia and Tatchou will lead off after the lunch break at 1:40 p.m. local time, and we’ll be seeing EN blogger Charlotte Agnew conclude the third group of the day with Out of Africa Two.

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results]

Dressage Videos:

Video: Andrew Nicholson and Avebury

Video: Mary King and Imperial Cavalier

William Fox-Pitt and Oslo Lead at Badminton

By on May 3, 2013 6:31 am -

William Fox-Pitt and Oslo are leading on a 45.8 at Badminton after the first group.

William Fox-Pitt and Oslo are leading on a 45.8 after a lovely test to start things off on Day 1 of dressage here at Badminton Horse Trials. The horse looked very good and very relaxed, and it was a typical test from William where he squeezes every point he can out of each movement. He just moves into first ahead of Michael Jung and Leopin FST, who put in an equally stunning test for a 46.5. Mary King and her Olympic partner Imperial Cavalier are just behind Michael in third on a 47.3. Things went about the way I expected they would in the first group, with William, Michael and Mary leading the way. The quality of the dressage here at Badminton is very exciting, as we’re already getting scores in the mid-40s with the best horses still yet to come.

Michael Jung and Leopin FST are in second place.

Jock Paget and Clifton Lush are sitting in fourth place on a 48.2 and looked really fantastic in Jock’s debut here at Badminton. The test was very accurate, and I thought the changes in particular were flawless. Oliver Townend and Armada are sitting in fifth place on a 51.7. This pair started things off for us this morning, and aside from picking up the wrong lead out of the rein back, I thought this was a very lovely test. Kristina Cook and De Novo News are in sixth place on a 55.5. I really loved the looks of this horse in the jog yesterday, and I thought he looked quite good today.  The horse trotted out of the rein back and also broke coming to the final halt, but this was a nice test for this pair. Caroline Powell and Boston Two Tip are in seventh place on a 59.7, and Lucy Jackson and Willy Do are in eighth place on a 63.3.

Mary King and Imperial Cavalier are in third place after the first group.

Francis Whittington and Sir Percival are starting things off in the second group before the lunch break. I’m having trouble getting my video of William Fox-Pitt and Oslo’s leading test to upload, but I’ll be sure to post that during the lunch break (Update: Video added below). In the meantime, enjoy Michael Jung and Leopin FST’s test below. I also have video of Mary King and Imperial Cavalier’s lovely test that I’ll bring you later today. Stay tuned for much more in the second group, including Mark Todd and Milestone and Andrew Nicholson and Avebury.

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results]

Dressage Videos:

Video: Michael Jung and Leopin FST

Video: William Fox-Pitt and Oslo

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on May 3, 2013 12:33 am -

Thanks to Caroline Daly for this little gem!

Dressage Day One is upon us….yet again! It feels like only yesterday that we were anticipating Rolex dressage beginning, and yet, so far in the background. Well, onwards and upwards, we’ve got Badminton starting today after all 84 horses were accepted at yesterday’s jog. Today we have everybody’s first horse doing dressage, including Michael Jung’s Leopin FST, Mary King with Imperial Cavalier, WFP with Oslo and Andrew Nicholson with Avebury (Jenni’s pick to win the whole darn thing). I like that there are “coffee” breaks in between groups of the dressage, it makes it so….British!

Check out the links below for all your Badminton needs, as well as a link to watch it online via FEI TV. Unfortunately, FEI TV is a paid subscription, but if you’re in it for the long haul, it’s worth every penny. It does not show Dressage today or tomorrow, but the XC and Stadium are full coverage, and include some dressage highlights before watching XC on Sunday.

Badminton Links:

[Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Results]

[Watch Live @ FEI TV]

Events This Weekend: 

Heart of the Carolinas 3-day Event: [Website] [Entry Status]

Weatherford and Greenwood Farm CIC2*, CIC1*, HT: [Website] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Riga Meadow CT: [Website]

MCTA HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Poplar Place May HT: [Website]

News:

Boyd finally got that ankle fixed and is through his surgery ready to hobble around and teach lessons! Boyd had four torn tendons and ligaments in his right ankle, and decided to push through the pain in order to get around Rolex with Oscar. While his 4* weekend didn’t exactly end the way he wanted, he did get to the surgeons this week, and in true Boyd fashion, managed to convince the surgeons to take photos with his phone during the operation. If you want to see some gory photos, click here. WARNING: Graphic Images of a Gross Ankle [Boyd’s Surgery Blog]

Looking for some more thrills after Rolex? Happen to be near New Jersey next week? Jersey Fresh needs volunteers! Not only will you get to see some of the top riders and horses in the country, but you might even get to meet yours truly. There is a CCI2*, CCI3*, and a CIC of both those levels running that weekend, and it promises to be a good time. Jersey is always a beautiful event, so volunteer! [Volunteers Needed at Jersey Fresh]

Yesterday at Badminton was also full of Eventing thrills, with the amateur grassroots championships. Badminton’s sun-drenched parklands were the backdrop for the culmination of both the 2013 and the postponed 2012 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Grassroots Championships, a competition series aimed at the amateur rider. Good jumping came to the fore this year with testing cross country courses and an electric atmosphere providing the ultimate championship challenge. [Celebration of Grassroots Championships]

Photos of the Badminton Jogs from British Eventing FB: [Photos by Adam Fanthorpe]

If you need a strong Badminton fix this week, head on over to Horse & Hound, our vastly superior English counterpart. I’ve always had a subscription, just because I’m a little obsessed with British Eventing, but did you know that it’s ridiculously easy to get the digital version right now on your computer? In advance, you’re welcome. [H&H Digital Subscriptions]

Best of Blogs: Walking In The Hoofprints of Greatness