Classic Eventing Nation

5* Eventer Matt Brown Helped UGA Eventing Team Let the Dawgs Out at Championships

By on Jun 6, 2023 11:30 am -

The UGA Dawgs made quite the splash at the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships at the end of May. They were easily recognizable thanks to their spiked football pads, bulldog onesies, and overall amazing display of team spirit. Well before the Intercollegiate Championships, I caught up with the University of Georgia Eventing Team to see how a clinic with five-star eventer Matt Brown of East West Training helped them prepare for their biggest event of the year. 

Julia Baumohl and Playground at the Matt Brown clinic at Stable View. Photo credit to Alaina Carroll

I spoke with Julia Baumohl, Charlotte Merrill, and Anna Stooksbury. Julia rode Playground, a 6-year-old off-the-track thoroughbred that she’s had the ride on for the last two and a half years. Together, Julia and Playground came in second place in their Novice division at the Intercollegiate Eventing Championships. According to Julia, Playground is “just a really fantastic athlete and loves to work and loves his job.”

Charlotte manages to juggle life as a working student at Full Circle Farm, being social media manager for the eventing team, and being a full-time student. She’s currently leasing a mare named Zara, who is adjusting to life with just one eye after she had an enucleation last September. Despite the challenges of losing an eye, Charlotte and Zara still competed at the Intercollegiate Eventing Championships and came in 12th place in their Beginner Novice division. 

Last but not least, Anna Stooksbury joined us for our conversation about the Matt Brown Clinic at Stable View. Anna rode Foxbury’s Finale, a very special Connemara pony that had never done a recognized event before she got the ride on him in 2023. Together, the pair came in fourth in the open Beginner Novice division at Championships, which is especially impressive when you learn that Anna’s previous ride was 17.1 hands– a whole three hands higher than her current one. But that’s not the only award Foxbury’s Finale is competing for. “He’s actually sitting in first for USEA Pony of the Year right now. So hopefully he keeps that because he’s really really cute. He deserves it.”

As the clinic chair, Julia was in charge of organizing the clinic. She and the team chose Matt Brown as their clinician. Having competed up to the CCI5* level, Matt has studied under well-respected trainers including Derek DiGrazia, Volker Brommann, and horseman and rancher George Kahrl. In 2017, Matt finished sixth at the Rolex Kentucky CCI5* with Super Socks BCF and was the USEA Gold Cup Advanced Champion at the American Eventing Championships with BCF Belicoso.

Charlotte Merrill and Zara at the Matt Brown clinic at Stable View. Photo credit to Alaina Carroll

Matt pulled from his extensive career and training experience to discuss everything from practical exercises to horse and rider confidence to mental resilience with the UGA Eventing Team. Each rider came away with different takeaways from their group lessons.

Matt developed unique exercises for each group of two or three riders, based on what the riders and horses were working on and where they were at in their preparation for championships. Julia’s favorite exercise involved placing both reins on the outside of the neck and then riding a 20 meter circle made of four poles at both the walk and the trot. “So that was a really cool exercise, especially for the young horses, to really understand without having any influence from that inside rein, what the outside rein was requesting them to do and then how that ties into jumping and/or flatwork,” said Julia. 

Charlotte’s biggest takeaway was more metaphysical. Because of Zara’s recent loss of her eye, they’ve both struggled with confidence issues, particularly over fences. Matt was able to help Charlotte not only feel more confident, but better understand where her horse was coming from. “Personally, one of the things he helped me realize was how much my horse is looking for me to trust her and for her to be able to trust me. So I realized the more that I gave her confidence in me, the better she went,” Charlotte said. 

Like so many equestrians, Anna struggles with being too much of a perfectionist when it comes to riding. Her lightbulb moment came after she missed a distance into a line of three fences, which caused her to overthink and “screw up” the entire line. According to Anna, “Matt said, ‘You need to get rid of that mentality. No, everything’s not going to be perfect because are horses perfect? No.’ I liked how he discussed it. Riding is mostly a mental game, even though it’s a physical sport. We need to think more about the mental side of things.”

Anna Stooksbury and Foxbury’s Finale at the Matt Brown Clinic at Stable View. Photo credit to Alaina Carroll

Matt’s instruction wasn’t the only beneficial part of the clinic. Julia had strategically chosen Stable View to host the clinic to help the team prepare for the Intercollegiate Championships, as the atmospheric arena and venue offers a competition environment. “I think it was really great that we had the opportunity to go to such a large venue like Stable View for our clinic. It helped all of our horses get more experience with those larger atmospheres as we got closer to champs,” Julia said. 

But it wasn’t easy getting the clinic hosted at their dream venue. The entire team had to work together to make the clinic a reality. “We’ve done a ton of fundraising all year long, our fundraising chair has worked really hard,” said Julia. “That’s how we were able to make a clinic happen at Stable View with such a big clinician. What we put in for dues and what we get from the school is not enough to make any of that happen. So the fundraising and the sponsorships and how everybody does their part– that’s what makes it all happen.”

The team’s hard work paid off. Stable View got rave reviews from the team members I spoke to. From the footing to the stabling, Stable View was an essential part of their preparation for Championships. Thanks to the venue’s stellar footing, the riders were still able to participate in the clinic despite the pouring rain. “It poured for two hours before my ride and we were worried about what the footing would look like, but it was just absolutely perfect,” said Anna. 

The fact that they could all board their horses together at Stable View was also a big benefit. Like most collegiate eventing teams, the Dawgs board their horses at several different barns in the area. Most teams won’t have the opportunity to have all their horses and riders in one place, including overnight, until the championship event. The Matt Brown clinic at Stable View gathered most of the riders and horses together for some peak team spirit building. As Julia puts it, “The ability for us to have all of our horses at the place where we were riding over the weekend was great. It allowed us to spend more time together as a team. Stable View had it all for us.”

The UGA Eventing Team at the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships.

Matt Brown and Stable View gave the UGA Eventing Team the confidence they needed to get the results they were hoping for at the Intercollegiate Eventing Championships. The top-placed UGA team, “UGA Top Dawgs,” was made up of Julia Baumohl, Lauren Meyers, Anna Stooksbury, and Ansley Carroll. The Top Dawgs came in fourth place out of 23 teams. 

According to Charlotte, the team walked away from their clinic at Stable View with a renewed sense of confidence and positivity. “Matt was just really good at inspiring the team to be successful at champs. The clinic gave us more technical exercises to work on at home and just overall positivity that benefitted the whole team.”

This article was sponsored by Stable View, the Aiken gathering place for all things eventing. Check out their upcoming events here. 

New Reporting Mechanism to Amplify the Voice of Grooms

By on Jun 6, 2023 9:00 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The FEI has created an online Reporting Mechanism to centralise the feedback from grooms attending international equestrian Events and to provide deeper insights into the needs and priorities of the community.

The Grooms Reporting Mechanism was created to raise the well-being of equestrian grooms, and to enhance their working conditions, welfare, and overall status in order to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for these dedicated professionals.

“The Grooms Reporting Mechanism is a game-changer for the equestrian industry, empowering grooms to have their voices heard and their experiences acknowledged,” Director of the International Grooms Association (IGA) Lucy Katan said.

“This mechanism not only fosters transparency and accountability but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement within the FEI and with Organising Committees, ensuring that the welfare and working conditions of grooms are taken into consideration at every stage of the decision-making and planning process.

“But a tool like this is only as good as the people using it, and the IGA hopes that individual member of the Grooms’ community will make a conscious effort to provide their feedback, both negative and positive, so that collectively we can elevate the professional standing of grooms worldwide.”

Key elements of the Grooms Reporting Mechanism include:

Integration with the FEI HorseApp: The Grooms Reporting Mechanism has been seamlessly integrated into the FEI HorseApp, allowing all Grooms with an FEI account to submit reports conveniently for all levels of Events, and in all disciplines. This integration ensures that reports are directly associated with specific events, enabling targeted improvements and tailored responses.

Multiple Reports per Event: Grooms have the flexibility to submit multiple reports, enabling them to provide ongoing feedback throughout the duration of the Event and two days after its conclusion.

Comprehensive Feedback on Event Amenities: Grooms can share detailed observations and evaluations of amenities provided at events, including facilities, accommodation, and other essential services.

Direct Reporting to the FEI: Reports submitted by grooms through the Grooms Reporting Mechanism will be shared directly with the FEI. The relevant FEI departments will carefully review and follow up on each report to address any concerns, initiate improvements, and ensure that the feedback is effectively incorporated into the organisation of future events.

“What came through strongly during the setup of the International Grooms Association in 2022, was that grooms needed to be provided with a way of communicating directly with the FEI to relay their concerns about Event facilities,” Chair of the FEI Grooms Consultative Group Frank Kemperman said.

“By allowing grooms to express their opinions and concerns, they can have a direct influence on the decision-making processes that affect them and the FEI in turn can more quickly identify the key areas for improvement that will make the Event experience more comfortable and enjoyable for grooms.

“International grooms have a unique lifestyle and the care and services they provide are key to any equestrian athlete’s success. And as any athlete will tell you, a happy groom makes for a happy horse! It is our moral and social duty to ensure that we support these important members of our community with the best conditions in which to do their jobs.”

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jun 6, 2023 8:08 am -

One of the many events to run over the weekend was Little Downham Horse Trials in Cambridgeshire, England – and we love this tribute they put together to their army of volunteers. Truly, no event could run without a seriously strong volunteer crew, and if you’ve not yet joined in and become part of the cogs that bring an event to life, we absolutely recommend it. It’s bonkers, tiring fun — generally with cake involved, especially if you head to Little Downham!

Events Opening Today: Applewood Farm YEH & Mini Event, Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trial, Course Brook Farm Summer H.T., Silverwood Farm Summer H.T., The Event at Rebecca Farm

Events Closing Today: Woodloch Stable Young Event Horse Qualifier, Valinor Farm H.T., Bucks County Horse Park H.T., Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T., Round Top H.T., Stable View Summer H.T., Midsouth Pony Club H.T., Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T.

News & Notes from Around the World:

One of the trickiest training conundrums is knowing when to persevere and when to step back. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your horse is positive repetition until they ‘get’ it; other times, you’ll be much more successful in the long run if you shelve that exercise for another day so as not to frustrate them. Cathy Wieschhoff explains how she makes that call in this interesting Q&A.

When it comes to colic, how prepared are you? A recent survey of British horse owners showed that most only have experience of mild colics, and as such, a startlingly small percentage didn’t think they had any need for a robust emergency plan of action. Read more about the findings and what vets think here.

Start your day in the driver’s seat: Horse Sport has collated some of their favourite between-the-ears hatcam videos, through which you’ll be able to ride around Kentucky, breeze a racehorse, and much, much more. Just try not to get seasick.

Sponsor Corner: Do you have a horse with metabolic issues? New research has shown that just 10 minutes of exercise 5 times a week for 6 weeks increased insulin sensitivity. Get the full details on these early studies from Kentucky Performance Products!

Watch This:

#relatable.

US Equestrian Announces Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S

By on Jun 5, 2023 5:10 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S at the Strzegom (POL) Horse Trials from June 21-25, 2023. The team will be under the direction of USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law.

The team is a part of the U.S. Eventing Development Tour for the summer of 2023. Tour participants receive funding through USEF and the USET Foundation, thanks to the Karen E. Stives Endowment.

The following combinations have been selected to represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Jenny Caras (Buckhead, Ga.) and Trendy Fernhill, a 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elyse Eisenberg
• Andrew McConnon (Vass, N.C.) and Ferrie’s Cello, a 2012 Warmblood gelding owned by Jeanne Shigo
• Caroline Pamukcu (Miami Beach, Fla.) and HSH Blake, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin, and Mollie Hoff
• Cassie Sanger (Lakeville, Conn.) and Fernhill Zoro, her own 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Competition Information:

Competition will begin on Friday, June 30, with the dressage and jumping phases, followed by the cross-country phase on Saturday, July 1.

Event website | Schedule | Live stream

Monday Video: Vassily de Lassos Makes Easy Work of Millstreet CCIO3*-L Cross Country

By on Jun 5, 2023 5:00 pm -

Click here if the embedded video above does not display in your browser.

Take a rider aboard the ‘Ginger Unicorn’ over the picturesque Irish country side as Australia’s Andrew Hoy pilots the Dreams Come True V LLC’s Vassily de Lassos over Mike Etherington-Smith’s CCIO3*-L cross country course at Millstreet. Andrew and Vassily turned in their usual fast and clear round to remain on their dressage score after the second phase.

Unfortunately, Vassily picked up a minor cut somewhere along the course so Andrew opted to exercise caution and withdraw ahead of the second horse inspection. However, Team Australia proved resilient and were able to still clinch their Olympic berth with a first place team finish.

Millstreet Ireland: [Results]

Rising Eventing Stars Receive USET Foundation’s Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant

By on Jun 5, 2023 2:47 pm -

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation has announced the newest recipients of the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant. The Grant, in partnership with additional funding from US Equestrian (USEF), will enable the following four up-and-coming U.S. eventing combinations to participate in the U.S. Eventing European Development Tour for the summer of 2023.

– Jenny Caras, Buckhead, Georgia, with Trendy Fernhill, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elyse Eisenberg
– Andrew McConnon, Vass, North Carolina, with Ferrie’s Cello, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jeanne Shigo
– Caroline Martin Pamukcu, Miami Beach, Florida, with HSH Blake, an eight-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin, and Mollie Hoff
– Cassie Sanger, Lakeville, Connecticut, with Fernhill Zoro, her own 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

As part of the tour, the athletes and horses will compete in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S as part of the Strzegom Horse Trials in Poland from June 21-25 under the direction of USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Coach, Leslie Law. They will also attend CHIO Aachen in Germany from June 30-July 1 to observe the competition.

As the philanthropic partner to USEF, the USET Foundation supports the training and competition needs of America’s developing and elite athletes. A key component to supporting developing athletes is through the funding of several USEF High Performance Pathway Programs such as the U.S. Eventing European Development Tour. The Karen E. Stives Endowment Grant was established by the late Olympic team gold and individual silver medalist Karen E. Stives and provides financial assistance to horse-and-rider combinations that are already competing at the four-star and five-star levels and have the perceived potential to achieve elite level through further competition and preparatory training opportunities.

While the combinations participating in the upcoming FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S have varied international experiences, the opportunities offered along the USEF High Performance Pathway are critical for their development as they aim to one day represent the U.S. at the highest international levels.

Jenny Caras

Caras began riding at the age of four and soon after knew that representing her country in equestrian sport was something she wanted to pursue. Taking advantage of the USEF High Performance Pathway, Caras participated in the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in 2010 and again in 2013 when she earned team gold and individual bronze medals in the CCI2* division. The experience further solidified her dream of riding on U.S. teams internationally, and she was named to the USEF Eventing Emerging Athlete Program that same year.

Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

Now, with several years of competition success under her belt, she is looking forward to building on her experiences. Though she received support from the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant in 2016 to compete as an Under 25 (U25) individual rider at the Bramham International CCI3*-U25 in Great Britain, this will be her first outing riding for the U.S. in a Nations Cup format.

“Grants make things possible that wouldn’t be otherwise,” explained Caras. “The sport is hard, and you need financial support and horses behind you to be successful. I want to extend a big thank you to the USET Foundation, USEF, and all of the owners. This opportunity is amazing, and it will have a huge impact on my career.”

Andrew McConnon

The U.S. Eventing European Development Tour marks the first time McConnon takes a horse to Europe to compete. He attributes his successes — including being named to the U.S. team for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S — to the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs, the organizations that support them, and the owners and teams around him.

Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

“The programs and pathway that USEF offer are incredible,” shared McConnon. “The USET Foundation and USEF North American Futures Team Challenge were important for me, and it gave me an opportunity to compete on a practice team and to be introduced to people at USEF. That really bridged the gap in my development and helped me earn a spot in the USEF Eventing Developing Program.”

McConnon also noted that European experience is extremely important for U.S.-based competitors.

“In the U.S., we’re surrounded by the same competitors each season,” he explained. “Immersing ourselves in a competition with international riders exposes us to a higher level of competition. While America has great horses, great competitors, and incredible venues, we lack exposure to larger, international classes.

“We all know that horses enable us to have long careers in this sport,” he continued. “However, it’s the support of the USET Foundation, USEF, owners, and grooms that really makes the difference. A lot of people like me aren’t in a position financially to do this alone, so I really appreciate the support and really look forward to the opportunity.”

Caroline Martin Pamukcu

Pamukcu is no stranger to USEF High Performance Pathway Programs or international team competitions. Her impressive list of accolades has helped her earn several grants including the USET Foundation’s Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grant in 2017 and the USET Foundation’s Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Most recently, she was named the recipient of the USET Foundation’s 2023 Connaught Grant with her eight-year-old mount, HSH Blake.

Caroline Martin Pamukcu and HSH Blake.
Photo by Libby Law Photography

With support from the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant, Pamukcu views the upcoming Nations Cup as an opportunity for HSH Blake to gain essential overseas competition experience, while also helping her prepare for the pressure of future team experiences, and hopefully a senior team championship appearance.

“The more programs and opportunities we get, the more we grow and learn, and the better we’ll do,” said Pamukcu of the ongoing support from the USET Foundation and USEF. “For me, I thrive off of team trainings and outings. At Nations Cup events, we push one another, we focus on one horse, and it gives us a similar type of pressure that we’ll have at the Olympic Games or World Championships.”

Pamukcu, who is part of the 2023 USEF Eventing Developing Program with HSH Blake, contends that it is pathway opportunities like the upcoming U.S. Eventing European Development Tour that have strengthened the pipeline of eventing horses and riders in the U.S.

“The U.S. eventing team has made a massive comeback in recent years, and we’re a force to be reckoned with,” she shared. “Hopefully, in the future, the athletes on the team for the U.S. Eventing European Development Tour will be my teammates on senior teams.

“It’s so special to receive this grant,” concluded Pamukcu. “Karen Stives did so much for the sport and represented the U.S. on many teams. I hope I can embody what she wanted for eventing and keep her memory alive.”

Cassie Sanger

While competing at the 2021 American Eventing Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, Sanger met her current trainer and USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Coach, Leslie Law. With his encouragement, Sanger applied to USEF’s Emerging Athlete Program and was accepted for 2022 and 2023.

Cassie Sanger and Fernhill Zoro.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

According to Sanger, the opportunity to train with Law and work alongside the other athletes in the Emerging Athlete Program have opened up a plethora of opportunities and have set both her and her mount Fernhill Zoro up for success.

“Going overseas as part of a team will be a completely new experience,” said Sanger. “I’m incredibly grateful and honored to have the opportunity to participate in this European Tour through the generosity of USEF and the USET Foundation. Without the support, this would not be possible. I can’t wait to compete and soak up every learning moment from my teammates and mentors.

“This opportunity is also really exciting for Fernhill Zoro because he’ll be on a bigger stage,” she continued. “He has taken me to my first Intermediate and Advanced events and, as time goes on, he keeps getting better and proves he can be really competitive at the highest levels.”

Sanger is hopeful she and her mount will produce a strong result in Poland, which will pave the way toward competing on more U.S. teams in the future.

Thanks to the USET Foundation’s Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund, these four horse-and-rider combinations can continue their training with the goal of representing the United States on the greatest international stages.

Weekend Winners: Carriage House, Essex, Genesee Valley, GMHA, IEA, MCTA, Ocala, Poplar Place & Archer

By on Jun 5, 2023 12:30 pm -

Ok, Eventers, we see you. Throughout all nine events running this past weekend, the scores were quite impressive. Congrats to all on many successful rides!

The Unofficial Low Score Award had some tough competition this weekend, but ended up going to Alison Osborne and Fernhill Rodger That who ended on an incredible 15.0 in the Beginner Novice A at The Spring Event at Archer.

Carriage House Farm Combined Test (Hugo, MN) [Website] [Results]

Intermediate CT: Emily Hedberg and Quasar (40.0)
Preliminary CT: Hadley Bruce and Won’t Say I’m In Love (42.9)
Training CT: Sofia Samuelsson and FourFields Bella Flight (33.6)
Novice CT-A: Sofie Goodlund and Juniper AND Christine Crooks and Free at Lass (32.8)
Novice CT-B: Jennifer Selvig and Blueshift (31.7)
Beginner Novice CT-A: Madelyn Reicher and CMF Cougar Roo (35.0)
Beginner Novice CT-B: Marcia Miller and Undaunted (17.7)
Starter CT: Kate Lindborg and PS Gandhi (24.1)

Essex H.T. (Medford, NJ) [Website] [Results]

Advanced CT: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (34.7)
Open Intermediate: Hannah Sue Hollberg and Hachi (101.6)
Open Preliminary: Hannah Sue Hollberg and Rockster (27.3)
Open Training: Caroline Pamukcu and Billy Be Jolly (24.3)
Training Rider: Sierra Lesny and Sebastian (28.1)
Novice Rider: Peyton Brienza and The Brave Little Toaster (27.2)
Open Novice: Lee Maher and Redfield Lennon (18.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Savannah Gibbins and Kenzo de la Roque (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Kylie Stangle and Redfield Mikke (25.5)

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (Geneseo, NY) [Website] [Results]

Open Training/Novice: Michelle Summers and Think (35.3)
Open Novice A: Michele Sult and Country Risk (27.5)
Open Novice B: Aliyah Luccitti and Run the World (37.7)
Open Beginner Novice A: Emilija Zygelyte and Carriage House Dirk (27.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Arabelle Armstrong and Requiem In Color (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice C: Erica Hutten and Felony (31.2)
Open Intro: Jill Paris and Spice Girl (43.3)
Open Intro JR/YR: Leah Schumacher and Spicy (41.3)

GMHA June H.T. (South Woodstock, VT) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Caroline Teich and C Born Fresh Z (36.7)
Preliminary Rider: Sarah Newman and Hang Time (41.4)
Modified Rider: Dick Bayly and Graf Bobby (46.1)
Open Modified: Melanie Loschiavo and Spartacus Q (40.5)
Junior Training: Eleanor Winter and Figlio (36.4)
Open Training: Chelsea Canedy and Galicia (33.3)
Training Rider: Devon Lane Champlain and Champagne Event (31.7)
Junior Novice: Annabelle Sprague and Falco (30.0)
Novice Rider A: Nancy Read and Classic Chrome PCH (28.4)
Novice Rider B: Jennifer Clapp and Sidamo de Brio (29.0)
Open Novice: Booli Selmayr and Uptown Girl (27.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Miriam Evans and Santino (28.5)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Saija Laurla and Sunday Sinner (27.7)
Junior Beginner Novice A: Ada Sansone and Arch Dancer (38.1)
Junior Beginner Novice B: Farley Ordway and SRF Imperious Dream (36.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Booli Selmayr and Phantom Mist (31.2)

IEA Horse Trials (Edinburgh, IA) [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate Preliminary: Rebecca Gall and Winning Attribute (56.0)
Open Preliminary: Tate Northrop and Harrison (32.0)
Open Modified: Lauren Nunn and HSH First Impression (29.7)
Open Training A: Gina Pletch and Charlotte La Bouff (27.1)
Open Training B: Gibsen Kaye and Chances Are (34.4)
Training 3 Day: Anna Banks and Primrose BMD (31.8)
Novice Junior: Claire Rigney and Falconwood’s Glacier (27.8)
Open Novice A: Bonnie Coulter and Network News (25.3)
Open Novice B: Robin Thomas and She’s A Hollister Girl (29.2)
Open Novice C: Jane Musselman and Engapore (21.4)
Novice 3 Day: April Hays and Anteros Hsh (26.7)
Beginner Novice JR A: Marissa Kirchhoff and Crimson Luck (30.0)
Beginner Novice JR B: Ava Linder and Midnight Flight (22.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Nicole Taylor and Indigo (27.9)
Open Beginner Novice B: James Daniel Conner III and Jackmond (27.1)
Open Beginner Novice C: Samantha Scigouski and Ace’s High (33.4)
Beginner Novice 3 Day: Halley Widlak and Starscream (25.7)
Open Starter: Molly Schaffner and Rudy Ruxpin (27.7)
Starter Junior: Josie Jacobs and Junior Mint (28.3)

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (Cockeysville, MD) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Sara Schulman and Cooley Chromatic (40.4)
Open Modified: Ryan Wood and Bellines Quality Lady (27.8)
Open Training: Isabelle Bosley and Cooley Maestro (26.0)
Training CT: Kelley Williams and Valfreyja (54.3)
Training Rider: Rylie Nelson and Galloway Sunrise (28.6)
Novice Rider: Katherine Holzrichter and Idlehour Center Stage (29.7)
Open Novice: Daniel Clasing and Beryl (28.6)
Beginner Novice CT: Shane Julia Prada and Narrow Back (36.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Laury Marshall and Finley (29.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Savannah Fulton and Blue Parrot (21.5)

Ocala Summer H.T. I (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate: Ava Wehde and Bonaire (41.8)
Open Preliminary: Alexander O’Neal and Milky Bar OS (31.3)
Preliminary Rider: Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb (30.3)
Modified – Open: Jonathan Holling and Fernhill Esmerelda (33.0)
Modified – Rider: Juliana Cassar and Cheranimo (43.8)
Junior Training Rider: Hudsyn Bagwell and Ardeo Mermus Hill (31.4)
Open Training: Katie Malensek and MRF Qwlkstep (23.6)
Senior Training Rider: Lisa Hickey and Blackjack (31.7)
Junior Novice Rider: Nicole Nair and Jack Run (31.4)
Open Novice A: Sinead Maynard and Desiderata (22.7)
Open Novice B: Conor Rollins and Quality Gem (25.0)
Senior Novice Rider: Molly Adams and Zenith Almost Got Away (21.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Louisa Richards and Ardeo Rebel Alliance (27.5)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Raegan Samson and McLaren (32.4)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Jenny Vallner and T Other Guy (27.7)

Poplar Place June H.T. (Hamilton, GA) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Lauren New and Flying Again (40.6)
Modified: Lauren New and Zenith Petite Etoile (30.7)
Junior Training Rider: Molly McLaughlin and Top L’Amour WV (33.6)
Open Training: Werner Geven and Caheradoo Jack (28.6)
Senior Training Rider: Sydney Bolton and Broomer (37.4)
Junior Novice Rider: Carolyn May and Vaya Con Dios (34.4)
Open Novice: Melanie Smith and Ballynoecastle TD (27.2)
Senior Novice Rider: Kimberly Moore and The Luckdragon (33.1)
Training/Novice: Ashley Allison and Sophie’s Story (36.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Kalli Holderfield and Winston (25.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Solomon Edwards and WHF Wangari (33.1)
Introductory: Lydia Eilinger and Smarty Pants WB (30.9)
Starter: Josie Mcvicar and Tyler Road (36.0)

The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, WY) [Website] [Results]

HT-Intermediate/Preliminary-Open: Amy Bowers and Del Mar Belle (42.8)
HT-Preliminary-Open: Travis Atkinson and Don Darco (25.6)
HT-Modified-Open: Dani Sussman and Baral Triumph (33.8)
HT-Training-A: Chelsea Luedke and Larimar (31.4)
HT-Training-Junior: Lillianna Killpack and One New Moon (40.4)
HT-Training-Open: Madison Manley and NDR’s Fez (30.1)
HT-Novice-A: Kevin Dwyer and El Cachorro (31.8)
HT-Novice-Junior: Kara Miller and Chesterland’s Knockout (25.6)
HT-Novice-Open: Ryleigh Leavitt and Gemini Ferrari Red (34.4)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open: Margot Daly and Foreman (30.3)
HT-BegNovice-A: Alison Osborne and Fernhill Rodger That (15.0)
HT-BegNovice-B: Terri Cooper and A Fat Rabbit (24.7)
HT-BegNovice-Junior: Aspen van der Zee and Ricochet (23.5)
HT-Starter-A: Janet Gordon and Lucky Gamble (27.0)
HT-Starter-B: Eryn Blakely and Finn (35.0)
HT-Starter-Junior: Addy Dunlap and Peachy Keen (29.3)
HT-Starter-Open: Ryleigh Leavitt and One Rugged Dollar (33.5)
Tadpole-Junior: Olivia Reinsvold and Maggie Belle (31.2)
Tadpole-Open: Madeline Backus and Zion (25.0)

Hannah Sue Hollberg Takes Top Honors in Open Intermediate and Preliminary Divisions at 2023 Essex Horse Trials

By on Jun 5, 2023 10:30 am -

Hannah Sue Hollberg of Kennett Square, PA, was on a winning streak at the Essex Horse Trials on Sunday, claiming victory in both the $10,000 Open Intermediate and Open Preliminary divisions with two horses that are fairly new to her. Some difficulty on cross-country did not stop her mount Hachi from claiming victory in the Open Intermediate with a score of 101.6, while Open Preliminary partner Rockster finished on his dressage score of 27.3.

The Essex Horse Trials has become a tradition for families looking to spend an exciting and fun-filled weekend in their own backyard. Featuring some of the nation’s top riders with their Intermediate and Preliminary horses competing in the thrilling sport of eventing, the two-day sportfest took place June 3-4 with dressage and show jumping at the iconic Hamilton Farm, home of the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ, and exhilarating cross-country at the historic Moorland Farm in Far Hills.

“The weather couldn’t have been better this weekend,” Hollberg said. “It’s unfortunate we’ve had so little rain lately, but they did a great job with the footing and put on such a great show. It’s so much fun coming here because of all the tailgaters. With everybody cheering for you, it feels like such a big-time event, and I wish more people would come to enjoy such a beautiful show.”

Hannah Sue Hollberg (USA) and Hachi won the $10,000 Open Intermediate division at the 2023 Essex Horse Trials © AK Dragoo Photography

In the $10,000 Open Intermediate division, Hollberg and Hachi sat in second place overnight following Saturday’s dressage and show jumping tests. The 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Christa Schmidt and Jacqueline Mars did not have the best cross-country run with a few glance-offs and a circle in the water, but Hollberg used this as a positive learning experience with the goal of moving him up to Advanced.

“I just got him in late December from Phillip Dutton, who took him up to the 3* level in about two years,” Hollberg said. “He was a show jumper before that, competing at events like Spruce Meadows (Canada). He’s such a character and a really cool horse, but we’re still getting to know each other. I did one 3*-Short at TerraNova (Florida) this spring, and I’m still sorting out his bit and working on our turns.

“I thought it was a great course today, but he jumps so big that we didn’t quite lock onto a few of the questions,” she added. “This was a pretty hard track, but now I know where we’re at as a team. That’s really why I wanted to come here with him – it’s always such a good event, and I learned what we still need to work on.”

Hollberg and Rockster won the Open Preliminary division © AK Dragoo Photography

In the Open Preliminary division, Hollberg’s focus on flatwork with Tricia Arnold’s 9-year-old Morgan gelding paid off as she and Rockster claimed an early lead and held it throughout the weekend.

“The jumping’s always been there with Rockster, but when I first got him in January, he was a little off the bridle,” Hollberg said. “I’m so thrilled that he came in and won the dressage this time, and with the best score he’s ever earned. Then he jumped clear in the show jumping, and I knew he’d be amazing on cross-country. Once you get him in and out of the box, he’s on autopilot. He deserved this win completely.

“Tricia’s had him since he was 4, and I’m so grateful she reached out to me when it came time to sell him,” she continued. “I hope to find him a perfect little rider because he’s so ready for someone else to just have a blast riding around.”

Other division champions included Caroline Pamukcu of Riegelsville, PA, and her Billy Be Jolly in Open Training (24.3); Sierra Lesny of Camp Hill, PA, and Edith Rameika’s Sebastian in Training Rider (28.1); Lee Maher of Springtown, PA, and Redfield Farm’s Redfield Lennon in Open Novice (18.6); Peyton Brienza of Califon, NJ, and their The Brave Little Toaster in Novice Rider (27.2); Kylie Stangle and Janina Parmelee’s Redfield Mikke in Open Beginner Novice (25.5); and Savannah Gibbins of Califon, NJ, and her Kenzo De La Roque in Beginner Novice Rider (28.8).

In addition to Sunday’s cross-country, families also enjoyed the popular Peter Chesson Memorial Classic Car Show with nearly a century of eye-popping automobiles on display. Scott Sampson of Hampton, NJ, won the Peter Chesson Memorial Award for his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.

“It’s the kind of car my father would’ve liked,” said Tim Chesson, Peter Chesson’s son. “It’s fast, looks good, makes a lot of noise and has a big engine. Congratulations to Scott, and thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s show.”

Scott Sampson and his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro earned the 2023 Peter Chesson Memorial Award. Shown here with the Chesson family. © Jamie Saults

Additional information on the Essex Horse Trials is available at www.EssexHorseTrials.org. Full results are available at EventEntries.com.

Proceeds from the 2023 Essex Horse Trials benefit the Greater Newark LifeCamp in nearby Pottersville, which provides an enriching day camp experience for approximately 300 Newark-area youths per day for six weeks during July and August.

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Jun 5, 2023 8:25 am -

This week in high-profile eventing nuptials, say congratulations to Jacob Fletcher and Cornelia Dorr Fletcher, who tied the knot in a very glamorous ceremony in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, over the weekend. We’re desperate to know how Cornelia avoided farmer’s tan lines all spring to prepare for a short-sleeved gown. Share your secrets, Mrs Dorr Fletcher!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Carriage House Farm Combined Test (Hugo, MN) [Website] [Entries]

Essex H.T. (Medford, NJ) [Website] [Results]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (Geneseo, NY) [Website] [Results]

GMHA June H.T. (South Woodstock, VT) [Website] [Results]

IEA Horse Trials (Edinburgh, IA) [Website] [Results]

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (Cockeysville, MD) [Website] [Results]

Ocala Summer H.T. I (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Results]

Poplar Place June H.T. (Hamilton, GA) [Website] [Results]

The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, WY) [Website] [Results]

UK Weekend Results:

Little Downham (Ely, Cambs.): [Results]

Ascott Under Wychwood (Ascott Under Wychwood, Oxon.): [Results]

Stafford (Stafford, Staffs.): [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Trigger warning on this one, folks: a rapist has been sent to prison for crimes committed back in the 80s. This is brilliant news, as sexual assault is extraordinarily difficult to seek justice for even within a much shorter time frame, and the imprisonment of James Armour, formerly part of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, who attacked three women at an equestrian centre, must set a new precedent. I’m once again begging Britain to bring in its own Safe Sport, so we can start taking out the trash in our sport. [Have a nice time in jail, loser]

Lesley Grant-Law recently attended a clinic with a well-known showjumper. While she was there, she marvelled at his classic, poetic way of imparting information – and was struck by how bored some of the other attendees looked. In this op-ed, she reflects on the extraordinary rise in the cost of keeping horses, and wonders what that might mean for the future of the sport, if the plucky, lower-income riders who love to learn it all are pushed out of the industry they’ve built. [Read her thoughts here]

How do you actually spot upper-level potential in a youngster? Being able to pick a diamond in the rough is a seriously useful skill to have, especially if you’re working on a budget and need to try to find something decent that might not be the most obvious of champions. This new piece in USEA’s young horse series is essential reading, then — it explains how some leading producers pick their winners, and what’s most valued in the highly competitive young horse classes. [Get savvy on conformation]

Are you a gross horse person? I know I am — I’ve shared more snacks with my horses than I can even count, and I’ve definitely never thought twice about it. Also, who actually has time to wash their hands between mucking out and making coffee? Come on, now. If you can outgross me (and I do believe in you, I really do), fill out this survey to become part of a beautiful, grimy museum of horse-person grossness.

The FutureTrack Follow:

Love a high-flying, low-scoring, seriously cool OTTB? Then follow Australia’s Shenae Lowings, who helped the Aussie team to an Olympic qualification at Millstreet over the weekend, to fangirl over her exceptionally cool Bold Venture, who won the CCIO3*-L class from start to finish on a very cool 24.9. Go on, just try to tell us Thoroughbreds can’t do dressage!

Morning Viewing:

Give work obligations a miss and instead, re-watch yesterday’s CCIO4*-S cross-country from Millstreet in full. You know you want to!

Australia and China Earn Olympic Qualifications at Millstreet International

By on Jun 4, 2023 3:51 pm -

The Australian team that took the win and secured Olympic qualification along with 2nd placed China in the CCIO3*-L class at Millstreet International Horse Trials. Photo by Bit-Media.

Whoops of joy and relief erupted as Australia secured Olympic qualification by winning the CCIO3*-L at Millstreet International Horse Trials, County Cork. “Paris, here we come,” exclaimed team member Shenae Lowings, who also took individual honours with a classy clear show jumping round on the former racehorse Bold Venture.

“This has been the plan for a long time, so to do the job here is great and means that we can now work towards Paris and maybe going one better than in Tokyo,” explained 2021 team silver medallist Shane Rose, who had flown all the way from Australia to help the national effort.

China made history by qualifying for a team spot in second place and just managed to hold off a disappointed Japanese team by a mere 3.6 penalties. British-based Alex Hua Tian (fourth individually on Chicko) first rode at the Olympics in 2008 but, until now, he has been China’s sole representative.

His team mates Huadong Sun (eighth) and Yingfeng Bao (ninth) are both based in the Netherlands with trainer Martin Lips, and Ruiji Liang (17th) divides his time between Belgium and China and is chiefly a show jumper. “It’s worth saying just how much of a sacrifice they have all made, leaving their families behind to represent their country in eventing,” said Alex.

The FEI Nations Cup™, presented by Connolly’s Red Mills, also carries great significance because the leading country at the series conclusion in October will also secure an Olympic team place.

New Zealand has earned the Paris ticket already as world bronze medallists, and they won the Millstreet leg comfortably, rising to fourth on the FEI Nations Cup™ standings. World number one Tim Price headed the individual leaderboard with a superb all-round performance on Sue Benson’s Falco, beating Millstreet regular and British team member Kirsty Chabert on Classic Vl.

“We took this seriously because because the selectors were using Millstreet as a marker event and it’s good that we were able to show some consistency,” said Tim. “Falco is a cracking horse. He does everything because he wants to.”

Belgium moved a step nearer to Paris by finishing second at Millstreet; they are now the clear leaders in the 2023 FEI Nations Cup™with 270 points, 65 ahead of Italy and 85 ahead of the Netherlands.

“We are really going for the Olympic qualification,” explained Belgian team member Tine Magnus. “We’ll now be going to Strzegom [Poland] and we’re going to win it! This is our first time in Millstreet and it has been wonderful. The cross-country was great to ride – we’re not used to having such beautiful galloping tracks to ride.”

Ireland gained their first Nations Cup™ points when bouncing back into third place at Millstreet, thanks to great clear cross-country rounds from Joseph Murphy, who rose to third place individually on Calmaro, Sarah Ennis (Grantstown Jackson, 18th) and Ian Cassells (Millridge Atlantis, 23rd).

Breeder Michael Burke was present at Millstreet to see the Irish Sport Horse Coolparks Sarco, ridden by Britain’s Piggy March and owned by the Lamberts, win the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L with an excellent clear show jumping round. Gemma Stevens, the cross-country leader on Flash Cooley, hit one rail to drop a place to second. Camilla Speirs, fifth on the 10-year-old BT Angelo by Indoctro, was best of the Irish.

Britain’s Emily King scored her first win on Irish soil, in the Donagh Hickey Motors CCI3*-L on Stewart and Vicki Irlam’s Dutch-bred Jackpot, who was produced in Devon by former British international rider Polly Schwerdt.

“He’s a dude,” was how Emily described the nine-year-old. “He’s an athlete, but a bit green. This was his first long format competition and he’s never galloped for this long before. Like all the tracks here at Millstreet, it was properly tough and educational.”

Second was Italy’s Vittoria Panizzon on the similarly named DHI Jackpot and Robbie Kearns flew the Irish flag in third and fourth places on Chance Encounter and Pisco Sour.

Flora Harris led from start to finish in the Carr & Day & Martin CCI1*-Intro, taking the honours with Rochefort van de Vossenhoek.

The Duggan family’s Great Glens Arena has hosted 368 horses from 20 countries this weekend, not to mention two popular Discovery sections, and there has been a high completion rate across all 10 international classes.

“It’s been a great weekend of competition in amazing surroundings and we’d like to thank Millstreet and the Duggan family for putting on an amazing Olympic qualifier and Nations Cup™,” said Catrin Norinder, FEI Director of the Eventing and Olympic departments, who was present in Millstreet. “It was a truly competitive situation for the teams, and a unique opportunity for so many nations to come together.”