Classic Eventing Nation

Weekend Winners: Hunt Club, Otter Creek, Fair Hill, Chattahoochee, Spring Gulch

By on May 22, 2023 12:00 pm -

Another good weekend for Eventers in the books! From Virginia to Wisconsin, Maryland, Georgia, and Colorado, we saw rides from Intro to Intermediate, with plenty of success in between!

It was a tight competition for our Unofficial Low Score Award this week, as we saw many impressive sub-20 scores. However, the title goes to Open Beginner Novice rider Sue Goepfert with Isabeau VT, who scored an incredible 18.4 at Otter Creek. Congrats!

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA): [Website] [Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Lauren Nicholson and Ziggy Stardust (39.6)
Preliminary Rider: Mary Cooke Catlett and Cooley Romance (32.4)
Modified Rider: Julia Korey and Street Cruise (42.3)
Open Modified: Rebecca Lee and The Dutch Master (29.0)
Open Training A: Savannah Kilpatrick and Fernhill Melody (29.4)
Open Training B: Allison Springer and HSH Golden Boy (26.7)
Training Rider A: Catherine Kelly and Cooley Meridian (28.3)
Training Rider B: Erin Wheatley and Banc D’or (33.9)
Novice Rider A: Kendal Fansler and Elderglen’s Charlotte (33.6)
Novice Rider B: Jessica Sappenfield and Island Dancer (27.2)
Open Novice A: Kurt Martin and Galway Breeze (27.5)
Open Novice B: Lynn Symansky and Caramba (25.0)
Beginner Novice JR: Hannah Sooy and MEF Prince (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Katie Kelly and Valiant Voyager (32.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Shari Young and PURE COTTON (32.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Addison Marie Orengo and Dobby is a Free Elf (29.4)
Starter A: Kelley Hagen and Noir Blanco (26.3)
Starter B: Judith Lafleur-Lovegrove and DGE Swipe Right (19.7)
Young Event Horse – 4 Year Old: Keara Schmidt and Quality Catch (79.950)
Young Event Horse – 5 Year Old: Sharon White and Namara CFF (88.150)

Otter Creek Spring H.T. (Wheeler, WI): [Website] [Scoring]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Todd Wulf and Kilcannon Max (33.4)
Open Preliminary: Rebecca Gall and Winning Attribute (41.0)
Preliminary/Training: Janessa Shillingstad and Diablo (34.3)
Junior Training Rider: Evan Fleck and Ardeo Platinum (36.7)
Open Training: Kirsten Hiles and Proxima (32.6)
Senior Training Rider: Nicolette Adams and Total Access (28.1)
Junior Novice Rider: Liliana Davick and Briarhill Excel Star Cornetta (19.7)
Open Novice: Elizabeth Sauter McLain and The Flying Iris (23.3)
Senior Novice Rider A: Katie Clapp and Banana Rumble (28.1)
Senior Novice Rider B: Lianne Burgess and Marisol (25.0)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Sofie Goodlund and Juniper (29.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Sue Goepfert and Isabeau VT (18.4)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Allie Larson and Pendleton (29.7)
Starter A: Lana Erickson and Legendary Lunatic (32.2)
Starter B: Kaitlyn Calhoun and Put the Lime in the Coconut (26.7)

Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (Elkton, MD): [Website] [Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Lea Adams-Blackmore and Frostbite (34.0)
Open Preliminary: Olivia Dutton and Milatour Parisol (37.7)
Preliminary Rider: Lisa Apted and Yeats Royale (34.5)
Modified Rider: Christa Schmidt and Monbeg Odyssey (36.4)
Open Modified: Darrah Alexander and HSH Mosstown Mexico (32.4)
Open Training A: Lillian Heard Wood and Bellines Quality Lady (26.9)
Open Training B: Kristina Branco and Versailles (29.4)
Training Rider A: Christa Schmidt and Chakiris Star (26.9)
Training Rider B: Jessica Gehman and Ray Price (31.2)
Novice – Junior: Libby Nelson and Bo Jango (38.1)
Novice Rider: Donna White and Esprit De Barbereau (36.1)
Open Novice A: Lee Maher and Evros HSH Gambler (26.7)
Open Novice B: Lee Maher and Redfield Lennon (27.2)
Beginner Novice – Junior: Miriam Gale and Kinsale (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider: Laury Marshall and Finley (27.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Robyn Weaver and Gold to Blue Harris Potter (33.2)

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (Fairburn, GA): [Website] [Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Alexander O’Neal and Redtail Penumbra (29.0)
Open Preliminary: Hugh Wrigley and FE Santos (25.0)
Preliminary Rider: Crockett Miller and Mr Panda (35.6)
Modified Rider: Crockett Miller and Swell Continental (27.8)
Open Modified: Lucienne Bellissimo and Caitane Z (28.8)
Open Training: Alexander O’Neal and Fernhill Optimist (24.2)
Training Rider: Tessa Geven and Caheradoo Jack (25.0)
Novice Rider: Molly Adams and Cougar Crest (34.2)
Open Novice: Leila Saxe and FE Ducatti (28.5)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Carolyn May and Vaya Con Dios (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Ryan Ballou and Astaire (22.9)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Nicole Miller and Classic Sky (29.9)

Spring Gulch H.T. (Littleton, CO): [Website] [Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Ashley Demander and Ardeo Finnegan (68.1)
Open Training: Victoria Poulton and Starlingh (27.5)
Novice Rider: Kara Miller and Chesterland’s Knockout (25.9)
Open Novice: Emmy Williams and Fortunate Rebel (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Lacy Cotton and Clintos (27.2)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Mollie Ritsch and Schatzi (26.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Carter Saunders and Pretty Penny (27.1)
Introductory A: Ashleigh Mckown and Teddy Roosevelt (25.0)
Introductory B: Elizabeth Grandos and Solaguayre La Mint (23.0)

Poland Secure Their Place at Paris 2024

By on May 22, 2023 10:00 am -

Team Poland under the direction of Germany’s Andreas Dibowski took first place at the Group C FEI Designated Olympic Qualifier for Eventing at Baborówko (POL) this weekend, in a battle between three Central European nations seeking team qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Team Poland secures a slot for the 2024 Olympic Games after winning the FEI Eventing Olympic Qualifier – Group C Baborowko (POL). Photo by FEI.

With only one Team quota place on offer at this qualifying event, it was a disappointment for the teams from the Czech Republic and Hungary, who finished in second and third place respectively, after three days of exhilarating competition in the bucolic countryside near Poznań.

Poland were the favourites heading into the weekend’s competition, having been victorious at the same venue in 2019 to secure a place on the start list at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where they finished in 13th place. After Friday’s Dressage phase, Poland were indeed in the driver’s seat, leading Hungary by nearly 10 total points. Polish athlete Pawel Warszawski led the field on a score of 29.7 points with Lucinda Ex Ani 4. He was helped out by teammates Jan Kiminski (Jard), Wiktoria Knap (Quintus 134), and Malgorzata Korycka (Canvalencia), who finished second, fourth, and eighth, respectively.

Poland’s dominance was cemented in the cross country on Saturday, where they again finished first, this time on Marcin Konarski’s 5,700-metre course, which had an optimum time of 10 minutes. Riding last for the Polish team, Warszawksi had the confidence of knowing that all three athletes before him had gone clear and finished with 16.4 time penalties and no obstacle penalties. Kaminski snagged just 1.2 time penalties, and Korycka added 6.4. Knap happily ended the day on her Dressage score, crossing the beam with one second to spare on the clock.

Malgorzata Korycka (POL) & Quintus 134 – Baborowko Eventing – CCIO4* – Olympic qualifier for Group C. Photo by FEI.

Whilst Hungary still hoped to overtake Poland in the cross country phase, with a reasonable difference between the two teams after Dressage, they soon found their team unravelling. Only Imre Tóth finished the course, riding clear aboard Zypresse 8 but picking up 8 time penalties. Noémi Viola Doerfer and Crystal Barney were eliminated after a fall – the result of misjudging strides between two elements of a combination – and Balázs Kaizinger elected to retire on the course with Clover 15.

Of Saturday’s performance, Jan Kaminski, who took over the leaderboard individually in the qualifying class, said: “I knew I had to make it to the end for the country.”

In the Jumping round on Sunday, the track created by course designer Szymon Tarant helped Team Poland put a bow on their win. All four Polish riders completed the course, adding only 9.2 total points to their overall team score. With a fence in hand and room for a few seconds on the clock, Jan Kaminski held onto his first-place position, joined on the podium by teammate Malgorzata Korycka in third, with their compatriot Mateusz Kiempa taking home the individual silver medal. The Czech Republic finished second overall on 1,158.8 points to Poland’s 129.9, Matej Sukdolak (Quaid) and Miroslav Trunda (Trnka Ruf) taking eighth and ninth. Hungary ended in third place on 2,117.9 points.

Talking of Poland’s win, Chef d’Equipe Andreas Dibowski said:

“It was a result from very good team spirit and teamwork. The first thing I told the riders was we needed safe rounds, and it would be okay to take some time penalties” – Andreas Dibowski (POL)

POL – Kaminski – Korycka – Knap – Warszawski – Baborowko Eventing – CCIO4* – Olympic qualifier for Group C. Photo by FEI.

There are 16 Team slots on offer for Eventing at Paris 2024, including one for host nation France. That makes competition fierce for remaining places, with Poland now taking the ninth team slot, since Germany (2022 world champions at Herning), the USA, New Zealand, Great Britain (2020 Tokyo champions), Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland claimed seven of those 16 as the highest ranked teams at the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championship at Pratoni del Vivaro (ITA).

The FEI Designated Olympic Qualification Event at Millstreet, Ireland in June for Groups F & G (Africa, Middle East, South East Asia and Oceania) will select two more teams from the highest placed finishers who have not yet qualified, as will the FEI Eventing European Championship at Pin du Haras, France this August and the 2023 Pan American Games at Santiago, Chile in October. The last chance to earn a single Team slot to Paris 2024 will be the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series, which wraps up at Boekelo in the Netherlands in autumn.

Along with the British defending champions and France, who were awarded the Team bronze medal in Eventing at Tokyo, the Australians — who won silver — will surely be eager to make the roster. Of the teams who finished in the top 10 in Japan, Italy (seventh) and the People’s Republic of China (ninth) have also yet to qualify.

All is not lost for athletes whose teams don’t ultimately qualify to compete at the Château de Versailles next year. In addition to the 16 Team spots (48 athletes), there are 17 Individual quota places to be allocated across multiple Olympic groups. Final places will be determined in 2024 and will be announced by the FEI once they have been confirmed.

Full results here

For more information on qualification systems, qualfiying and MER events & qualified nations, visit the FEI Paris 2024 Olympic hub.

For any questions, please contact [email protected]

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on May 22, 2023 8:06 am -

Colleen Loach and FE Goldeneye clear the last in the jump-off. Photo by Tom von Kapherr.

I love seeing eventers kicking ass and taking names in other disciplines, and Canada’s Colleen Loach is among the latest to do so. She took the win in the 1.35-1.40m National Grand Prix at Bromont on Sunday with FE Goldeneye, proving that both are talents to be reckoned with. Props must also go to Germany’s Sandra Auffarth, who jumped clear at the Hamburg Derby, and Lainey Ashker, who took her first C.D.I. win over the weekend. Keep on smashing it, ladies!

National Holiday: It’s Harvey Milk Day. Milk was California’s first openly gay politician and a huge part of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, whose life was tragically cut short, but whose legacy continues to matter enormously.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA): [Website] [Results]

Otter Creek Spring H.T. (Wheeler, WI): [Website] [Results]

Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (Elkton, MD): [Website] [Results]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (Fairburn, GA): [Website] [Results]

Spring Gulch H.T. (Littleton, CO): [Website] [Results]

U.K. Weekend Round-Up:

Frenchfield (Penrith, Cumbria): [Results]

Tweseldown (Fleet, Hants.): [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

The only college sport I’m interested in? Intercollegiate eventing, of course. We’re now just days away from the Intercollegiate Eventing Championships at Tryon, where 25 teams across 13 schools will be battling for top honours. My favourite bit of the week? Seeing which schools bring a mascot. [Meet the teams here]

A British rider based in Sweden is sharing her experiences with the country’s welfare laws — with the ultimate aim of seeing similarly positive changes made in other countries. The Scandinavian nation mandates daily turnout by law, insisting that horses are given enough space and freedom to move in their chosen gait for as long as they so choose. [Yes, that does mean letting them canter in the field.]

What does it actually take to get a young OTTB Makeover ready? Follow along with blogger Rosie Napravnik, who’s busy getting two horses prepared for the competition in the eventing division. Not going to lie, I’m in love with both these horses now. [The road to the Makeover]

As a chronic sufferer of wonky stirrups, this one hits home. We all know the effect of uneven stirrups on our own balance and efficiency, and we’re probably all pretty aware of the knock-on effect that can have on our horses, but now there’s an actual study to show us all how badly we might be messing their precious backs up. Yikes. I’m going back to asking for someone to hold me outside stirrup for me as I mount. [The effects of wonk]

The FutureTrack Follow:

You may well already be following German superstar Christoph Wahler — but you should definitely also follow Klosterhof Medingen, his family farm and breeding stud. They largely focus on top-notch dressage horses and smart Trakehner lines, but even if that’s not your thing, you’ll want to tune in for endless foal content and the most beautiful farm in the universe (trust me, I’ve been a few times, and nothing compares to this absolute fairytale of a spot!). Delightful.

Morning Viewing:

Sorry, not sorry — it’s another Badminton Grassroots vlog to make us all green with envy again if we weren’t competing there ourselves. I’m just hoping that if I keep sharing content about this brilliant competition, the US might build something similarly beefy and technical for lower level riders to aim for. Having evented (in truly mediocre fashion) in both countries, I reckon it would be a serious victory and make a hugely positive impact.

Helmet Cam Alert: Andrew Hoy and Cadet de Beliard’s Cruise Around Marbach

By on May 21, 2023 12:00 pm -

We’re always up for a ride around with Australian multi-Olympian Andrew Hoy, and this latest helmet cam comes to us from a CCI2*-S win aboard Cadet de Beliard. This 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Jaguar Mail – Vieusinge, by Julienne), owned by the Finemore family, picked up a second consecutive FEI win here at Marbach (Germany).

Enjoy the ride!

Nicola Wilson Named to UK Sport’s New Coaching in High Performance Sport Development Program

By on May 21, 2023 9:30 am -

Another super day of Young Eventer Pathway training last week, this time focusing on the cross-country phase with European Champion Nicola Wilson Equestrian 🙌

Posted by Wesko Equestrian Foundation on Tuesday, April 25, 2023

UK Sport has recently confirmed the first cohort of a new coach development programme, Coaching in High-Performance Sport (CiHPS), supporting 27 coaches across 21 sports and British Equestrian is delighted to announce Nicola Wilson is among the talented and inspirational coaches named.

The CiHPS programme features already world title holding coaches, with British Curling coach Michael Goodfellow supporting Team Mouat’s Gold medal at the Curling World Championships. Likewise, Joshua Richardson supported Jessica Gadirova to win three gold medals at the European Gymnastics Championships in Turkey earlier this month.

Hannah Brown from para-canoeing, Nicola Benavente from Para Rowing and Michelle Forrest (Greenall) from climbing were part of UK Sport’s female coaches leadership programme. Including Michelle Flemings who has had great success of recently, supporting Georgia-Mea Fenton, who was part of the British Artistic gymnastics gold medal-winning team at the European Gymnastics Championships.

The design and structure of CiHPS builds on the learning and feedback gathered from coaches and the sports who participated in the High-Performance Coach Apprenticeship Programme (HiCAP).

Nicola said: “I am delighted to be part of the Coaching in High-Performance Sport programme and am really looking forward to challenging myself to learn more about my coaching craft through the workshops, interaction with other elite coaches from across multiple Olympic and Paralympic sports, and working with our assigned coach developers. I am certainly being taken out of my comfort zone and am so grateful to British Equestrian for putting me forward to be given this opportunity as I transition from Podium athlete to coach. I look forward to implementing into my coaching what I learn and see. It will be invaluable to be part of a coaching network across sporting disciplines.”

Beginning in April, the programme will have a particular focus on supporting coaches’ learning & development, whilst being mindful of a very busy and demanding qualification phase on the journey towards Paris. The 12 month programme will include a combination of online and in-person sessions over the course of the year.

Many of the coaches on the programme have recently progressed to coaching within Podium environments. A central strand of CiHPS is 1 to 1 support from a Coach Developer, many of whom have recently completed (or are currently participating) in the sister Supporting Coaching in High-Performance Sport programme. Other learning design elements include workshops, cross-sport environment visits and a regular community of practice to provide a supportive social network.

Aligned with the Coaching in High-Performance Sport professional standard (CIMSPA), the CiHPS programme sits alongside UK Sport’s wider suite of coaching development programmes, which in total support more than 140 coaches, Coach Developers and other staff working across the high-performance sport community.

The first workshop was held at the Etihad Stadium at the beginning of May and very deliberately explored the theme of coach well-being, care and support – a strand that will run throughout the programme.

Andy Bradshaw, programme lead and Coach Developer to two coaches on CiHPS said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with our first Coaching in High-Performance Sport cohort and to be supporting 27 brilliant coaches to progress further, develop new knowledge and skills and generate a supportive community for each other.

“At UK Sport we are committed to working with National Governing Bodies and coaches to develop an expert high-performance coaching community to power success now and into the future so that we continue to win and win well, grow a thriving sporting system and inspire positive change.”

The full list of coaches:

  • Julia Quinn, Badminton
  • Lauren Kianchehr, Boccia
  • Phil Sellers, Boxing
  • Luke Smyth, Canoeing
  • Hannah Brown, Para Canoeing
  • Michelle Forrest (Greenall), Climbing
  • Liam Briddon, Climbing
  • Greg Drummond, Curling
  • Michael Goodfellow, Curling
  • Kaarle McCulloch, Cycling
  • David Daniell, Para Cycling
  • Andrew Pink, Para Cycling
  • Nicola Wilson, Equestrian
  • Richard Kruse, Fencing
  • Glen Golding, Wheelchair Fencing
  • Joshua Richardson, Gymnastics
  • Michelle Flemings, Gymnastics
  • Jody Paul, Hockey
  • Russell North, Mod Pentathlon
  • Michal Janka, Mod Pentathlon
  • Ben Richens, Para Powerlifting
  • Nicola Benavente, Para Rowing
  • Benji Fulker, Skeleton
  • Paul Bell, Squash
  • Mathew Trodden, Swimming
  • Kevin Brooks, Swimming
  • Gary Short, Trampolining

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on May 21, 2023 12:01 am -

After an unfortunate injury on course in the Land Rover Kentucky CCI5*-L, our favorite girl Stella Artois has made it home! “Toddie” had sustained a severe tendon injury to her right front leg, and has been taking a nice vacation in the care of Liz Halliday-Sharp after being discharged from the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington. Rider Jennie Saville said “she’s doing much better… When the injury first happened she was so lame, she was non-weight bearing. We couldn’t get her studs out until [May 1st] on the other front foot because she couldn’t put weight on her leg. She is in much better form now.”

After a rocky journey back to 5*, we were all heartbroken to see Toddie sustain another injury, but Jennie and her team have always shown the utmost caution, patience, and consideration in the rehab of her horses. We are glad she is finally home, and hope to be seeing this stellar pair on course again soon.

U.S. Weekend Action

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA): [Website] [Ride Times] [Rider Status] [Live Scoring] [Volunteer]

Otter Creek Spring H.T. (Wheeler, WI): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scoring]

Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (Elkton, MD): [Website] [Ride Times] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (Fairburn, GA): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scoring]

Spring Gulch H.T. (Littleton, CO): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scoring] [Volunteer]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Sharon White’s Cooley On Show finds a new home with Lizzie Hoff

Nicola Wilson named in first cohort of UK Sport’s new Coaching in High-Performance Sport development program

Free webinar by the Horses and Humans Research Foundation: Training Horses and the 5 Domains of Horse Welfare

Can Horses Be Trained for Soundness?

Behind the Breeder’s Brand: Welcome Here Farm — the creators behind Jennie Saville’s Twilightslastgleam

Weekly Pick from SmartPak: Did you know that everyday stressors like trailering, stall rest, and even seasonal allergies can weaken your horse’s immune system? SmartPak just released the SmartImmune Mushroom supplement to help your horse’s immune system perform at its best.

Morning Viewing: “Mr. Stickability” is right… Never have I seen recovery from what I was so certain would be a rotational fall. Andrew Nicholson’s recovery on course at Burghley 2000 was iconic, and this, my friends, is a reason why MIM clips happened — not everyone can defy gravity and physics like Andrew!

Saturday Video from SmartPak: Ride Badminton with Ginny Elliott

By on May 20, 2023 5:46 pm -

I really love watching cross-country videos with a narrative overlay, explaining the decisions riders make at each fence, the training that’s influenced that decision, and the way their horse felt under them in that moment. For me, it really brings a level of entertainment and education that makes all these free resources their own PhD in event riding. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to stumble upon this gem from 1985, wherein Ginny Elliott gives us the inside scoop on her winning round with the great Priceless. It’s an excerpt from an educational tape she released many moons ago that was chock-full of gridwork exercises, some of which are referenced in her commentary, and it goes to show the importance of setting up footwork exercises at home – especially if you plan to jump some seriously whopping bits of timber. Watch, learn, and enjoy!

Have you heard of the SmartPak SmartBarns service yet? SmartPak wants to make it easier for you to take great care of the horses and clients in your barn. The SmartBarn Services Team pairs you with your very own Barn Consultant, giving you access to exclusive benefits, including: Supplement advice & planning, Personalized account management, and Inside access to SmartPak Experts. Visit smartpak.com/SmartBarns to learn more.

Bend on One Track: An Excerpt from ‘Collection or Contortion?’

By on May 20, 2023 2:03 pm -

In this excerpt from his book Collection or Contortion? Dr. Gerd Heuschmann explains how correct bend systematically and sensitively leads to a horse that is ‘through’ and ready for collection, and how bend is the critical ingredient to performance, health, and longevity.

Photo by Antje Wolff.

With a young horse or a horse being retrained, “passive” (or “indirect” or “first-degree”) bend on one track precedes “active” (or “direct” or “second-degree”) bend. This means that yielding the outside rein is necessary. This is the decisive element here. The horse goes forward and steps evenly in both reins. The green horse (or a stiff retraining horse) cannot yet be actively bent.

If a working balance (tempo/rhythm) has been established and the horse moves at the trot with a swinging back (initial suppleness) into a secure contact, you can begin working with passive or indirect bend.

Bending work begins with the so-called “bend on one track” in the form of indirect bend. Both halves of the horse’s body are made as similarly supple as possible. After about a year of basic training of a young horse, the first bending work includes, for example, all of the large curved lines like circles, three-loop serpentines the width of the arena, figure eights, and the simple serpentines along the long side. After achieving similar suppleness on both sides of the trunk, you can begin working on direct or second-degree bend on large curves. The transition goes quickly and, in my experience, can be completed in about nine months.

Classical literature offers three synonymous terms for this training process. Steinbrecht (1884) speaks simply of “bend on one track.” Kurt Albrecht (from 1974 to 1985 at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna) speaks of “making him soft to the inside leg.” Max Freiherr von Redwitz speaks of developing “pliés” in his book. In my opinion, all three authors are talking about the same process. They are trotting a well-balanced horse on large curved lines with the rider’s inside leg securely at the girth and the outside leg guarding a little back of the girth.

The moment the guarding effect of the outside leg increases in importance, you have made the transition from first-degree bend (indirect bend) to second-degree bend (direct bend). Sensitivity to and acceptance of the inside leg can be developed by riding correct leg-yields. Fluidly, almost without noticing, the rider’s inside leg becomes more effective. The effectiveness of the inside leg working at the girth forward-sideways increases when opposed by a passively guarding outside leg. Other effects, such as flexion at the poll, bend of the trunk, trunk rotation, and the one-sided flexing of the joints of the haunches, happen almost automatically. The effects of this bending work appear first in front of the rider at the poll and in the neck of the horse. As soon as the back of the horse is lifted in balance, and the neck is allowed to fall in front of the withers, the horse can yield to the inside leg, or as Kurt Albrecht once called it: “get soft.” Getting soft to the inside leg allows an active/direct bend or the so-called “second-degree” bend (Waldemar Seunig).

The rider’s inside leg works in a consistent “breathing” way to create the first little bit of active trunk or rib bend in the horse. This initial bend leads to an improvement in contact with the outside rein and the diagonal aids on a curved line.

Consistent use of the inside leg has a lifting action on the trunk (stabilizing and improving balance) and improves the swing of the back (suppleness). As the use of the inside leg becomes more effective, the horse will soften at the poll in flexion to the inside. The inside eye will be visible and the crest will flip to the inside. The horse will get softer in the poll. The mouth will be more active, and the contact will be more consistent, softer, and finer. The outside rein develops its guiding function. The inside rein evolves gradually into a sensitive fine coordinator. Additionally, the suppleness of the horse’s back improves. The rider can sit the horse better as trunk bend improves.

Among other things, correct contact is a prerequisite for correct bend in the horse. To maintain this throughout training, high value must be placed on regularly riding consistently forward. Dressage work in the arena should be regularly augmented by riding out in the fields, because that is where the horse’s desire to move forward is naturally developed.

Large curved lines are used to work on first-degree bend. Work on 20-meter circles, serpentines across the whole arena with three, and later, four or more loops, the simple and double serpentines on the long side, as well as riding the corners more deeply, encourage bend on one track. All the named figures can be ridden in first-degree bend (indirect bend) initially, and later, in second-degree bend (direct bend). Working out the bend in the corners especially develops direct, active bend.

This excerpt from Collection or Contortion? by Dr. Gerd Heuschmann is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books (www.horseandriderbooks.com).

“We Are Not Prepared to Jeopardise Trust”: Popular International Fixture Bows out of British Calendar

By on May 20, 2023 10:00 am -

Camilla Speirs and BT Border Bandit at Somerford Park back in 2012. Photo by Nico Morgan.

There’s further bad news on the airwaves for British eventers, as Somerford International Horse Trials has opted to cancel its early summer fixture, citing British Eventing’s abandonment insurance process as its primary concern in this tricky year.

Abandonment insurance, which was previously provided through British Eventing and included in entries as standard, was scrapped for cost-saving reasons after meetings in the off-season between 2021 and 2022, and now, organisers can choose to take out their own policy and offer refunds in the event of a cancellation, or run without abandonment insurance and offer minimum terms on refunds — a position that some event organisers have found fiscally untenable.

Somerford International Horse Trials was set to take place from June 30 – July 2, with entries due to open on Monday, May 22. The Cheshire fixture was to host national classes from BE100 to Intermediate, and international classes at CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S.

The statement, posted by Somerford’s organising team on social media, reads as follows.

“It is with great consideration and regret that we are cancelling Somerford International Horse Trials 2023. We have come to this decision for the following reasons, firstly and most concerning is the Insurance situation, Somerford is not prepared to run without abandonment insurance including the adverse weather policy.

“Having built up a trust with our client base over several years we are not prepared to jeopardise this and leave our clients out of pocket in a challenging economic climate.
We self-insured last year and due to the high volume of cancellations this year the cost for us to insure has escalated by over 100% and is proposed to increase by a further 26% next year.
“Events are now expected to absorb more costs passed on from the governing bodies as well as the escalation in costs to stage an event.
We have always worked at generating sponsorship and have long standing mutually beneficial partnerships which were created to take the event forward, however this sponsorship money has now become the lifeline for the event to run.
“Somerford has always produced the event as a showcase to reflect our business and has not had the expectation of running with financial surplus. We are now looking at the risk of a large financial loss at a level we are not prepared to absorb.
“We would like to thank all of those who have supported Somerford Horse Trials, whether that be as a sponsor, rider, volunteer, trade stand or spectator over the years.We hope this is not the end to eventing at Somerford and that some changes within the governing body can be made to protect and improve the sport we all love.”
British Eventing, who have also been working on fine-tuning Championship qualification processes over the last week to ensure that riders affected by cancellations are able to continue to aim for their original season plans, has confirmed that it will be reviewing the existing insurance arrangements to create a more robust and secure system for organisers and riders alike.
“British Eventing is deeply saddened to hear the news about the cancellation of Somerford Park International Horse Trials and understand that this cancellation on top the recent abandonments at Chatsworth and Rockingham International will be a real concern for Members particularly for those wishing to compete in the FEI classes,” writes the organisation on their website.

“We appreciate, that for many of you, these will have been key opportunities to gain MERs or educational runs for your horses and therefore British Eventing is currently looking at alternative opportunities to add additional International and National classes into the calendar. Any International additions would be subject to FEI approval. We will of course keep you updated as and when any plans have been confirmed however, in the meantime, we want to reassure you that we are doing our best to work with Organisers in replacing these valuable lost MER opportunities where possible.

“In addition to this ahead of the 2024 season, and in light of the unprecedented abandonments due to the prolonged adverse weather, British Eventing is also undertaking a full stakeholder review of the existing arrangements in relation to abandonment insurance. An update will be provided to Members once further discussions have concluded.”

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on May 20, 2023 12:01 am -

What a welcome and delightful sight this is! Just over a year ago, Fleeceworks Royal suffered a career-ending injury at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Today, after surgery and a long road of rehab, she’s happy as can be turned out on pasture and merrily munching grass. After last year’s heartbreak and this year’s triumph, Tamie Smith has some great reflections on “Rory”. Click here to read them if your browser does not display the post above.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA): [Website] [Ride Times] [Rider Status] [Live Scoring] [Volunteer]

Otter Creek Spring H.T. (Wheeler, WI): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scoring]

Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (Elkton, MD): [Website] [Ride Times] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (Fairburn, GA): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scoring]

Spring Gulch H.T. (Littleton, CO): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scoring] [Volunteer]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

‘Exceptional circumstances’ force date changes for Badminton and Royal Windsor in 2024

Temple Grandin to Give Keynote Address at the 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

Behind The Stall Door With: Cooley Nutcracker

The Event at Rebecca Farm Travel Grants Return for 2023!

Road To The Makeover: TB Tweenager Training Tips With Rosie Napravnik

Sponsor Corner: When you order online from World Equestrian Brands, you’re supporting a good cause! A portion of all online orders goes directly to FlyPups, an organization who works hard to deliver dogs in need to fosters, no-kill shelters, and fur-ever homes. Shop online here.

Morning Viewing: We’re already excited for a five-star week in Maryland this fall! Tickets are already on sale.