Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday Reader from Devoucoux

By on May 2, 2013 12:33 am -

Jennie & Cambalda have re-scheduled their spring 4*....and redesigned their hat!

Happy Thursday, Eventing Nation! There’s a lot of reasons why the next few days could be full of excitement and historic moments. Jogs for Badminton are today, at 4:30 British time, 11:30 EST. Many things are happening over the pond, all of which are thrilling. Possible Grand Slam? Possible world domination by Michael Jung (again)? What about Colleen Rutledge and her quest to finish all five CCI4*’s on the same horse? Seriously folks, hold onto your socks. Did you read Jenni’s excellent break-down of what’s happening at Badminton in the coming days? You didn’t? Shame on you, and here it is. [Badminton: Let The Madness Begin]

General Badminton Links:

[Website]

[Schedule]

[List of Entrants]

Events This Weekend:

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

Weatherford and Greenwood Farm CIC2*, CIC1*, HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Penny Oaks HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Riga Meadow CT: [Website]

MCTA HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Poplar Place May HT: [Website]

News:

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]

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]

Also, Horse & Hound will be running a live blog during Badminton, which is good to know if you’re unable to watch on the live feed. [Badminton Live Blog from H&H]

Colleen reports that Shiraz has arrived at Badminton and is all settled in. The two are one of a few pairs trying to make history this weekend. If Colleen completes Badders this weekend, she will be the first Eventer in history to complete five of the six CCI4*’s in the world on one horse…..and hopefully she’ll keep her clean XC record! [Colleen Rutledge Eventing]

While we were all enraptured by Rolex, the 2013 Reem Acra World Cup Dressage happened. Guess what? The Germans won. German rider Helen Langehanenberg rode her stallion Damon Hill to victory, with Dutch stalwarts Adelinde Cornellissen (Parzival) and Edward Gal (Glock’s Undercover) in second and third. [World Cup Dressage in Photos]

SmartPak Product of the day is in honor of my 30 year old pony, Hershey, who keeps on kicking in her old age. However, just like every pony on the face of the earth, with the spring grass comes the dreaded muzzle. As of the past five years, she has finally accepted it as her fate, after fighting with me for ages and trying to escape from it every night, I found one that stuck. Additionally useful if you have an extraordinarily easy keeping horse, so they don’t stuff their faces with grass all night! [SmartPak Grazing Muzzle]

 

 

Jacky Green: Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master Head to Badminton

By on May 1, 2013 5:14 pm -

Jacky Green works for her own Jacky Green Equestrian Media company and operates out of Maizey Manor Farm in the UK, and she is a regular Eventing Nation contributor. Today Jacky has kindly sent us a report about Canada’s Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master arriving at Badminton.
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From Jacky:

It was always the plan after London 2012 that Rebecca and Riddle Master (Rupert) were going to stay in the UK for a couple of years. It was a “right place, right time” situation that there was a riding job that came up as second jockey to New Zealand team riders Tim Price and Jonelle Richard’s Mere Farm set up just on the outskirts of Marlborough and that has turned out as a very happy alliance! Rebecca gets to ride 10 or 12 horses a day, picks up a few competition rides and generally works her butt off doing what she loves best, riding event horses.

After finishing in the top 12 at Blenheim CCI *** in 2012 Badminton was the aim. A few weeks holiday out in the paddock at Catherine Burrell’s Maizey Manor Farm base and then Rupert moved to Mere Farm and spent the long, cold winter trying to grow as much coat as possible and learning not to be so spooky in case he fell over on the ice! Despite the Spring cancellations pretty much everything has gone to plan….the early OI start at Iselham proved to be a massive bonus as then there was no where to run again before Fontainbleu CIC***. Rupert stepped up to the challenge with a fabulous display of dressage and jumping and a top 6th spot amidst the cream of Europe.

Then followed a 6th place at Weston Park Advanced and Belton Advanced was used as a combined training as a final prep. Isobel Wessels has helped to fine tune the dressage and a final cross country school at Russ Hardy’s Boomerang base this weekend means that both Rupert and Rebecca are ready and waiting to start with the jog on Thursday. They are there, parked and ready to rock! To underestimate this combination would be a mistake, they have a great partnership and if luck is on their side a top 10 finish is by no means just a dream.

The View from Colorado Presented by World Equestrian Brands

By on May 1, 2013 5:00 pm -

If you happen to be out for a hack, are riding in some obscure place, or just take some cool photos aboard your mount, send them to [email protected] including a quick blurb about this photo’s story and write “The View” as the title. Today’s mountainous view comes to us from Colorado.

From Jill Stranges:

This picture was taken after riding up a fairly steep and rocky butte that is only about a mile up the road from the farm where I board my horse in Larkspur, CO.
It is a view of Pikes Peak still covered with snow from all the spring storms we have been having lately here in colorful Colorado.
The ears in the picture belong to my horse Maverick who is more interested in trying to stop and eat the scrub oak bushes on the way to and from the top of the butte than the beautiful scenery.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Ride Badminton with Paul Tapner

By on May 1, 2013 3:00 pm -

I have to admit an instance of personal idiocy before this video, because I actually searched “Badminton Cross Country 2012”, and was momentarily confused when absolutely no videos showed up. WHY did nobody take a video of last year’s competition?? OH. Right. Last year, Badminton got rained out and cancelled, which is why this year is super exciting. It’s been too long, Badminton, and we’ve missed you. Therefore, today, we get to ride the course with Paul Tapner, who I freely admit is my favorite helmet-cam rider (sorry Peter!) mostly because he also talks you through the process the whole way. Enjoy!

 

Badminton: Let the Madness Begin

By on May 1, 2013 1:30 pm -

Andrew Nicholson will look to clinch the Rolex Grand Slam this weekend with a win at Badminton after his victory at Rolex, but he'll have to get by William Fox-Pitt first.

I really couldn’t make up a better story line for Badminton if I tried. For starters, Andrew Nicholson won Rolex on four-star rookie Quimbo this past weekend, setting himself up for a crack at the Rolex Grand Slam. William Fox-Pitt is also going for the Grand Slam after being granted a one-year grace period when England saw record rainfall last year, leading to Badminton’s cancellation. But wait, there’s more! As if it weren’t already exciting enough to have two of the world’s best riders facing off in a battle to the death bitter end, current Olympic, World, and European champion Michael Jung will be making his first appearance at Badminton with his unicorn top mount La Biosthetique Sam FBW. This is the stuff Disney movies are made of, people, and I’ll be there to bring you every gritty moment. I thought a full preview on all 123 horses and riders currently entered and on the wait list would be too soul crushing for me to write and you to read, so I decided to give you a brief look at why this year’s Badminton will be one hell of a show.

Grand Slam thank you ma’am Showdown

I know it’s a bit confusing as to how Andrew Nicholson and William Fox-Pitt are both eligible to win the Rolex Grand Slam this weekend. Here’s the deal: William Fox-Pitt won both Burghley in 2011 and Rolex in 2012 with Parklane Hawk, which set him up to go for the Grand Slam at Badminton in 2012. But due to heavy rains turning England into a swamp for much of the spring, Badminton was canceled, and Rolex graciously allowed William’s Grand Slam bid to stretch to this year’s Badminton. Remember that the Rolex Grand Slam is a $350,000 cash prize awarded to a rider who wins Rolex, Badminton, and Burghley in any consecutive order. Pippa Funnell was the first rider in history to win the Grand Slam in 2003, and she’ll remain the only rider in history to win it under the long format. And speaking of history in the making, this is likely the first and only time we will ever see two riders going head to head for eventing’s richest prize.

Andrew’s Grand Slam bid is progressing along a more traditional timeline, as he won Burghley last year with Avebury and Rolex this past weekend with Quimbo. Riders are only allowed to compete at Badminton with two horses, and Andrew hasn’t yet chosen which two of his three entered mounts he’ll ride. He’ll be choosing two from Nereo, his 2012 London Olympics team bronze medal partner who also placed fourth individually; 2012 Burghley winner Avebury; and Mr. Cruise Control, who finished seventh at Pau last year. Slim pickings, eh? Likewise, William has four incredible mounts from which to pick two: Cool Mountain, winner of Rolex in 2010; Parklane Hawk, winner of Rolex in 2012 and Burghley in 2011; Oslo, winner of Pau in 2011; and Lionheart, his team silver medal partner from the London Olympics. Good luck choosing two from those nags, Willy.

Michael Jung: The Terminator

William Fox-Pitt joked in the press conference at Rolex that all this Grand Slam hoopla is pointless, as Michael Jung will likely swoop in with Sam and win Badminton anyway. While William’s comments were in jest, we have to consider the very likely possibility that Michael will play spoiler. He comes in to Badminton as the reigning Olympic, World, and European champion with Sam, a horse that only seems to get better with age like a fine wine. Look for Michael to lay down a killer dressage test and head into cross country on Sunday way ahead of the field. To make the Michael story line even more interesting, this is his first appearance at Badminton. If Michael wins, he’ll be just the second rider in history to do so in a Badminton debut, the only other rider being Mark Todd, who won with Southern Comfort in 1980 as a relative unknown at the time. Trivia tidbit: Andrew Nicholson groomed for Toddy at that event.

London Olympics Reunion Tour

This is the first major event since London in which we’ll be seeing the top-placing Olympic horses back in action, not to mention the reunion tour of the London Olympic teams. The entire gold-medal winning German team, silver-medal winning British team, and bronze-medal winning New Zealand team sans one rider — Peter Thomsen of Germany — will be out competing at Badminton. As for the most memorable horses from the Olympics, here’s who you’ll be watching on FEI TV this weekend: Michael Jung and Sam, individual gold; Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo, individual bronze; Andrew Nicholson and Nereo, fourth place; Mary King and Imperial Cavalier, fifth place; Kristina Cook and Miners Frolic, sixth place; Aoife Clark and Master Crusoe, seventh place; Zara Phillips and High Kingdom, eighth place; Jock Paget and Clifton Promise, 10th place … need I say more?

Colleen Rutledge’s CCI4* Quest

Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz are one of three American pairs competing at Badminton this weekend. If she finishes this weekend, Colleen will be the first rider in history to complete five of the world’s six CCI4* events on the same horse. Colleen and Luke have impressively already tackled Rolex and Burghley in 2011 and Luhmuhlen and Pau in 2012 — completing each event without a cross-country jump penalty. While dressage is not Luke’s idea of a good time, he is a freak across the country, which shows in their placings at the CCI4*s they’ve contested. Colleen and Luke finished 12th at Rolex in 2011 — their first CCI4* — and moved all the way up for 73rd to 37th at Burghley that same year thanks to a fabulous cross-country trip. Best of luck to Colleen as she looks to make history.

North American Pride

In addition to Colleen Rutledge, we’ll be seeing Americans Clark Montgomery and Universe and Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister compete at Badminton, as well as Canadian Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master. This is Clark’s first CCI4* since setting up his UK base with Jess in Wiltshire, England, and Buzz has had an excellent spring prep for his first four-star, most recently finishing seventh in the CIC3* at Belton Park. This will be Tiana and Finn’s first major outing since the Olympics last year; they most recently finished 30th in the Belton Park CIC3*. Rebecca and Rupert will also be making their first big appearance since the Olympics. They most recently finished sixth at the Fontainebleau CIC3*. I’ll be checking in with our North American contingent as soon as I arrive on the Badminton grounds Thursday morning.

Buckle Up, Eventing Nation

So, all of that is to say that this is going to be one hell of a weekend, and you are not going to want to miss one minute of the action. Visionaire will be bringing you a post shortly about how to watch all the action live on FEI TV. In the meantime, be sure to check out the Badminton website, full schedule, and entry list. And be sure to check in to EN all weekend for live coverage, photos, and interviews from Badminton. Go eventing.

Omega Alpha’s “Pick ‘Em” Winner

By on May 1, 2013 12:00 pm -

It’s hard to believe that the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event has come and gone. Although I’m sure everyone is as bummed as I am that it’s over so quickly, we’ll keep the excitement going here on EN because that means it’s time to announce our contest winners!

I must say, it was heartwarming to see our dear readers have such faith that an American would walk home with a shiny new watch this year, alas some of you did predict the win would be awarded to another country.

And the winner of the Omega Alpha prize package is…………………………………………………………..

Gabby Dickerson!!!!!!!!
Gabby guessed that Andrew Nicholson would win on Quimbo with an overall score of 41.8 which was pretty darn close as his overall score was a 41.
So congrats Gabby! You will be taking away a prize package courtesy of Omega Alpha valued at over $150.
Thanks to everyone who guessed and until next year…. Go eventing.

Rolex 2013: Jog and Show Jumping Photos from Kasey Mueller

By on May 1, 2013 10:00 am -

EN reader Kasey Mueller was one of the first to start sending in her photos from Rolex this year.  Kasey has been incredibly generous with her beautiful photos, and we decided to share a bunch of them here in their own post.  We have received a vast amount of images from other readers as well– fear not, they will be published in another gallery, soon!

From Kasey:

My name is Kasey Mueller and I am a photography addict (more commonly called a  freelance photographer). I have a passion- to capture/create memories for Eventers and their fans at every level of the sport.  I get excited before every horse show, Pony Club outing, or Horse Trials, wondering who and what I will see and capture that day. I hope that the memories of the competitions, including the adrenaline rushes and the smiles, live on for my subjects, every time they see themselves in one of my pictures.  If you would like a copy of these images, send me an email at [email protected].

Charlotte Agnew: Heading to Badminton

By on May 1, 2013 8:00 am -

Charlotte is one of Great Britain’s most promising Event Riders, having represented her country on both Junior and Young Rider teams – most notably winning team gold and finishing 4th individually on Little Beau at Blair Castle in 2007.

Charlotte graduated from Edinburgh University in 2011 with a 2:1 in English Literature.

She has been placed consistently, including finishing 9th at Blenheim in 2011 and 5th at Luhmuhlen CCI**** with the homebred Out of Africa (“Zulu”) in 2012.  Despite being a true British rider Charlotte is keen to remember her Scottish roots, and indeed she has been ranked the No. 1 Scottish Event rider in the FEI World Rankings for the last two years.

Supported by the lottery funded World Class Development program she now has her eyes firmly set on the 2016 Olympics.  Charlotte is excited to write for Eventing Nation as she prepares for Badminton just a few weeks away.  Thanks for writing, Charlotte, and thank you for reading.  For more, visit her website.  All photos used with permission.  Click here to read her first blog.

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From Charlotte:

 

As I write this Zul has just had his last jump with Yogi before we head off to the big B.  He is feeling extremely well, and I am starting to feel a tinsy bit nervous…. I’ve been trying not to think about it too much, and have actually managed to stay relatively chilled I think, but there’s no escaping it now!!  Tomorrow morning he’s going for a final swim, and then we’ll be off –  woohoo – for what will undoubtedly be a seriously exciting week, regardless of how I go.

Finally the sun has decided to make an appearance, and it has been SUCH a treat eventing in the dry!  It started with Belton, which sadly Woody (Longwood) was unable to attend, so I ended up only having Zulu there.  He warmed up beautifully but very quickly, and as a result was slightly over-done by the time we came to do the test, which combined with a couple of ‘frisky’ mistakes kept us away from a really great mark.  Still, I was really pleased with him as he produced some very exciting work, and it’s been a while since he was at a big party.  Similarly, he had a couple of fences down show-jumping as a result of being quite enthusiastic, but the big plus was that we didn’t get any time faults, which proves (thankfully!) that my homework – under Yogi’s magic eye – has paid off.

Since Mark Phillips has taken over the cross-country design at Belton I have had some great rides there.  It’s always a bold track that encourages forward riding, with some tricky questions thrown in, which I think makes it ideal preparation for Bramham or Badminton.  Zul is feeling so much stronger this year, and it’s amazing looking back and remembering how fierce I had to be those two years ago to get our first Advanced clear!  He felt really switched on and well within himself, so I’m really hoping I get the same feeling at Badminton.  However I am going to have to put my foot down there – I can’t help protecting him a little now at the one day events, and I haven’t actually pushed him for the time since Luhmuhlen (as he missed Burghley), so am hoping I haven’t lost my inner speed demon!

Dumbleton had his first outing at Hambleden the following week, which was glorious on several levels.  Firstly it was so sunny I actually put on sunglasses whilst driving there, secondly my lovely friend Becca came to keep me company and cheer us on, and thirdly Dumble was a star.  He is a completely different horse to last year – so much more confident in himself and I think much more comfortable too – which has made the work a lot easier for him.  As a result he delicately sashayed his way around the arena for 28 in the very competitive Open Novice, and followed it up with a super double clear.  I really do love riding him, he’s such a sweet person and thrives on trust.  This weekend though was a true indication of why I am so glad that we have three phases in our sport, rather than just one – again Dumble did a lovely test, this time at Withington, but we got 40.  Okay there were a couple of minor things that meant it wasn’t absolutely perfect, but 12 marks was a bit ridiculous.  Perhaps it was just a reminder that I shouldn’t be complacent!  Eventing is certainly a great leveller.  Once again he jumped a fantastic double clear, and it reminded me of my JRN and Junior days with Little Beau, where we were always the highest climbers, but I would never have changed that – it’s so much nicer going home with a smile.

So we’re off to Badminton tomorrow, and most of all – providing we do actually get there – I will feel so proud that Zul, our little homebred star, who my whole family and team has nurtured so carefully for the last 13 years, is going to be competing at the biggest and most prestigious event in the world.  Who knows what will happen but I do hope that luck will be on our side as I’m sure we’ll both be giving it our best shot.  Feel free to follow the action on twitter – @Charlotte_Agnew!

Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

By on Apr 30, 2013 11:59 pm -

The winning entry, drawn by Abbie Galie

Congrats to Abbie Galie, the winner of Dubarry’s Rolex competition to win a pair of new Longford boots! Entrants were asked to take (or draw) a funny, creative picture to illustrate how much they wanted to own a pair of Dubarry boots, and Abbie drew the piece above, titled “Art Girl Loves her Boots!” Congrats again to Abbie, we are all very jealous of your cool prize. [Dubarry Announcement]

Weekend Preview:

Heart of the Carolinas 3-Day [Website] [Entry Status]

Greenwood CIC [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Riga Meadows CT [Website]

Poplar Place [Website] [Entry Status]

MCTA [Website] [Entry Status]

Penny Oaks [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Badminton is upon us! The first horse inspection takes place tomorrow at 4:30PM (local time). From the looks of things it’s going to be quite a weekend with fierce competition. Andrew Nicholson and William Fox-Pitt are both going for the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, though Michael Jung is going to do his best to prevent either of them from taking home the title either this weekend or in the future. US riders Clark Montgomery, Colleen Rutledge, and Tiana Coudray are all competing as well. The Badminton organizers are doing a wonderful job keeping everyone updated on the happenings via the event’s official Facebook page, and make sure to keep checking EN for more updates and coverage. [Official Site]

Jock Paget has his eye on a win at Badminton. Currently sitting fourth in the world rankings, he has slipped below the radar while the world focuses on Nicholson, Fox-Pitt, and Jung. He will ride both his top mounts, Clifton Promise and Clifton Lush, this weekend which will be his first time to contest the course. Last year he was sixth at Kentucky, 10th at the Olympics (also taking home a team bronze) and fifth at Burghley for the second year in a row. [Stuff.nz]

Daniel Stewart answers a question about staying focused while riding.  His “Question of the Month” this month deals with how to handle distractions and keep your mind on whats productive instead of what’s destructive, like  previous bad rounds. This is apt timing, as yesterday our own Kate Samuels wrote about her take on mental toughness in eventing. [US Eventing]

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority banned racing trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni for eight years over the use of anabolic steroids on horses.  Al Zarooni was responsible for nearly 200 horses at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Moulton Paddocks Stables in Newmarket. The barn was part of the sheikh’s prestigious Godolphin racing enterprise. [Horsetalk]

Ever heard of a Grand Prix Dressage Pony? Now you have. North Forks Cardi, a Welsh Cob stallion that stands at 14.3 hands,  made Grand Prix debut and won the freestyle at the Golden State CDI*** in early April. “Cardi’s” rider Jessica Wisdom met him as a two year old and began riding him at age three. Now, at age 12, the pair has climbed up the competitive ladder together. According to Jessica, Cardi’s compact body actually makes some movements easier. Click to read the full interview and see photos of the newest wonder pony of elite equestrian competition.  [COTH]

Best of Blogs: Buck is this year’s Rolex Kentucky National Champion

Leaving you with a video about miniature horses who have found a career visiting patients at Shands Rehab Hospital in Gainsville, Florida. Thanks for reading EN!