Classic Eventing Nation

Monday Video: Buck Davidson Wins $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing

By on May 29, 2023 4:30 pm -

It was the eventers’ turn in the famed Dixon Oval and Wheeler Ring at the Devon Horse Show last night for the $50,000 Devon Arena Eventing class! Coming out on top by just 0.3 seconds after a nail-biting jump-off round were Buck Davidson and 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding Erroll Gobey, owned by Cassandra Segal, Natalie Sandler, and Lisa Darden. Watch their winning round above!

Buck and “Gobey” narrowly edged out eventual second-placed finishers Caroline Pamukcu and 2023 Connaught Grant recipient HSH Blake. Arielle Aharoni and her show jumping powerhouse Dutch Times took third place. Enjoy some additional clips from their big night under the lights below and click here for the full class results.

The VHC Eventing Presented by Capital Square Wrap Up

By on May 29, 2023 3:30 pm -

Virginia Horse Center Eventing presented by Capital Square wrapped up yesterday after a fun-filled weekend of top competition. The Virginia Horse Center welcomed riders of all levels from Olympic to beginner eventers.

The course updates and world class officials made the inaugural VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square memorable.

The entire VHC Eventing management team and the Virginia Horse Center appreciate all who competed at this weekend’s event, and look forward to welcoming you back in November!

Sydney Hagaman and her own Charmeur Victorious in the CCI3* S

Sydney Hagaman and Charmeur won the CCI3* S with a final score of 31.3. Photo by Brant Gamma.

Congratulations to Sydney Hagaman and her own Charmeur. The pair won the CCI3* S with a final score of 31.3.

Hagaman lives in Middleburg and is coached by Mike Pendleton. Charmeur is a ten-year-old German Sport Horse and Hagaman has owned him since he was four. “I had always had thoroughbreds and he is the first warmblood I’ve owned,” said Hagaman.

She continued, “He [Charmeur] was really good. He was super relaxed, really rideable and jumped well in show jumping. The cross country course rode really nicely and the way it was set was great. I really liked it. The new jumps were nice and despite the fact that we haven’t had any rain, you could definitely tell where the course had been aerated.

“That was the fastest I’ve ever gone in cross country. The whole course rode well and Charmeur felt really good,” she said.

“I was very happy to be here this weekend and a lot of the riders I spoke to felt the same way,” she said. “It’s a great facility and we’re happy to see the VHC continuing eventing here.”

Click here for full results.

Sydney Hagaman Proudly Shows off her awards provided by World Equestrian Brands

World Equestrian Brands provided a newly redesigned Vespucci figure 8 bridle and Vespucci rubber reins as prizes won by Sydney Hagaman.

World Equestrian Brands has been equipping equine athletes for over twenty years. World Equestrian Brands proudly represents Amerigo Saddles, E.A. Mattes Sheepskin products, Equilibrium Products leg protection and therapy items, Vespucci bridles and strap goods, and Sergio Grasso riding boots. Visit their website for more information.

Halliday-Sharp Takes Top Two Placings in CCI 2*L

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and The Newmarket Syndicate’s Newmarket Cooley earned an overall score of 27.3, earning them the win in the 2* L. Halliday-Sharp also took home second place honors with Deborah Palmer’s Maybach for their overall score of 28.1.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and The Newmarket Syndicate’s Newmarket Cooley won the CCI2*L. Photo from the Virginia Horse Center.

Halliday-Sharp commented, “I really enjoy this event and I’ve come every year since 2020. It’s a great event for the young horses. These are both young horses doing their first 2* long. I honestly really love the big hill and it really teaches you a lot about them as horses and how they come out the next day. This was a great experience for them, and I think it will make them bigger and better horses in the future.”

Halliday-Sharp placed second overall in the CCI2*L with Deborah Palmer’s Maybach. Photo from the Virginia Horse Center.

In addition to the top two placings, Halliday-Sharp received a newly redesigned Vespucci figure 8 bridle and Vespucci rubber reins, generously donated by World Equestrian Brands as well as a Brant Gamma Photography gift certificate.

Ariel Grald Wins CCI 2* S with Claire Williams’ In Vogue

Ariel Grald and Claire Williams’ In Vogue won the CCI 2* S with an overall score of 28.8, narrowly beating second place Kim Severson and Anita Antenucci’s Arden JuJu’s score of 29.1.

Ariel Grald Wins CCI 2* S with Claire Williams’ In Vogue. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

“The pressure is on when Kim Severson is right behind you,” she laughed.

“Stella [In Vogue] belongs to a good friend, Claire Williams, who has been laid up recovering from a skiing accident. We sourced her from Ireland as a four-year-old. This was her final prep run before Bromont where I will be riding her in the 2* Long. We strategically picked Virginia to work on our gallops up the hills. My intention was not necessarily to make the time on cross country, but to focus on giving my horse a good prep run. But she really loves to gallop and despite my trying to slow her down a bit on the hills, her rideability and efficiency on the cross country course has her going faster than you actually think you are. And it turned out my watch wasn’t working correctly either,” she said.

Grald also earned a fourth placing with Annie Eldridge’s Adagio’s Nobility for their combined score of 33.8.

Grald commented, “Bringing Michel [Vaillancourt] in to design the show jumping course made a huge difference. The courses were well set and while we have some good designers in the US, we need to ride various tracks and it’s important to have the opportunity to ride different styles,“ she said.

“We all recognized the positive changes to the event and the future and the direction its headed in. The feel and vibe is very different and with this reinvigoration, it will be cool to see how the event develops,” she added.

For full results on the CCI2*S click here.

Grald also won the Advanced/Intermediate with Eldridge’s Forrest Gump 124 [Shrimp] and sixth with Edridge’s Caballe.

Grald also won the Advanced/Intermediate with Eldridge’s Forrest Gump 124 [Shrimp] and sixth with Edridge’s Caballe. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Grald said, “I came into the weekend wanting a little redemption because I fell off of him in the skinny ditch in the 4* Short in Tryon a few weeks ago. He [Shrimp] is heading to Bromont in the 4*Long and my aim was to have a good confidence weekend with him. I’ve only had him for about two years and this is a relatively new partnership for us. He can be a bit quirky so it’s important to keep him confident and trusting our partnership. He is very capable in all three phases, and this was a really good run for him and for us to get on the same page before Bromont.”

For full Advanced/Intermediate results, click here

Grald also won the Open Preliminary with Eldridge’s Cullintra End Game [aka Jasper] with an overall score of 38.5.

Grald commented, “This was Jasper’s Prelim debut. Annie and I bought him as a three year old from Ireland and I’ve been quietly producing him at home. He is the young one who gets put on the back burner sometimes when we’re busy with the upper level horses. He enjoys the job and finds it easy; eventing comes naturally to him. We’ve had a nice progressive run of events this spring with him. Jasper moved up to Prelim this weekend and we’re really happy with him. He is six and young and needs a lot of strength and overall development, but Annie and I are excited about him as an upper level prospect. His success this weekend just checks another box on this journey.”

For full results for the Open Preliminary, click here.

Marley Stone Bourke earned a first place finish with Benita Strini’s Superstorm Sandy with their overall score of 45.6. For all Open Intermediate results click here.

Claire Robinson and her own Fernhill Swatch Out won the Open Prelim One Day with an overall score of 33.1. For all Open Prelim One Day results click here.

Madeleine Richards aboard her own Global BGK was the overall winner in the CCI 1* L after earning an overall score of 33.8. The win marked Richards’ first FEI win and her first win on Global BGK.

Madison Richards and Global BGK in the CCI 1* L. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Richards also placed third with her own The Turning Point.

Richards commented, “It was amazing to have been at the Virginia Horse Center this weekend. I haven’t been here for a while and hadn’t been here with these two horses before. I wasn’t sure how they were going to like it, but they were absolutely amazing. I’m not used to the hills here on the cross country course and I was initially a little nervous. But my horses just cruised, and we had no problems.”

Richards got Global BGK about a year ago. According to Richards, “Our relationship has been slowly growing and he’s a super horse and jumped so hard for me today. He’s been so great over the weekend and I’m really proud of him. He was so good and absolutely loved it.”

For complete CCI 1* L results click here.

Mary Cooke Catlett [Molly] drove directly from her graduation from Foxcroft to the Virginia Horse Center to compete her own Cooley Romance in the Prelim Rider Division and went on to win it with an overall score of 40.2.

Mary Cooke Catlett [Molly] drove directly from her graduation from Foxcroft to the Virginia Horse Center to compete her own Cooley Romance in the Prelim Rider Division and went on to win it with an overall score of 40.2. Photo from the Virginia Horse Center.

Molly, who will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall, commented “She’s a 17.3 big bay mare and she’s a total trooper. Even though she is very chunky, she is quick and takes really good care of me. I think she was born to be a ‘kids’ horse’ and while she does take care of me, she will also hold me accountable.”

Molly has been coming to the Virginia Horse Center for the last six years and said she did her first Novice and Modified here.

“It was great to compete here this weekend. The cross country course finally had a different loop, and the course used the terrain differently. I really liked it!” she said. “The ground was definitely better, and you could tell the grass had been aerated. The Horse Center has done a lot of work with the cross country course. We always used to know what to expect for cross country, but this time was different. The questions in the course were not so much about the jumps, but more about the terrain. It was consistent and I wasn’t worried. Overall, it was very refreshing,” she said.

Amber Mabus rode her own Mighty Grace to a blue-ribbon finish in the Novice Rider A Division earning an overall score of 30.6.

Amber Mabus rode her own Mighty Grace to a blue-ribbon finish in the Novice Rider A Division earning an overall score of 30.6. Photo from the Virginia Horse Center.

Mabus, a US veteran, did not start riding until she was older. Her horse Mighty Grace is an OTTB, and this is the first time the pair has competed away from their home in Southern Pines.

Mabus commented, “This is maybe our third or fourth recognized event and it was really cool to be able to come here. The Virginia Horse Center has such a nice atmosphere, and everyone is so nice. Even though we were away, we really felt at home here,” she said.

For complete results click here.

Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West

By on May 29, 2023 2:30 pm -

The 2023 Woodside Spring H.T. served as a celebration of the successes of the West Coast eventers that competed in the Kentucky Three-Day Event, as well as what’s in store for the future of the sport in California.

On the eve of competition on Thursday, organizers at the Woodside Horse Trials held a party in honor of both Tamie Smith’s historic win in the Kentucky five-star and the team of cross country builders led by Bert Wood that unveiled new courses at The Horse Park. Derek di Grazia designed the new Advanced and Intermediate tracks, with Wood designing the new tracks for Preliminary through Starter.

“Of course it is always a wonderful feeling being back home in California, and to have been recognized the way Woodside did is humbling and a tremendous honor,” Smith said. “There are many of us who dream of being able to accomplish big things in this sport. So I hope to continue to be an advocate and example of the ability to achieve these goals and dreams from the West Coast.”

In addition to Smith’s becoming the first American since Phillip Dutton and Connaught in 2008 and the first West Coast eventer since di Grazia and Sasquatch in 1985 to win the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, California-based James Alliston completed his first five-star since 2016.

James Alliston and Call Me Rudi. Tina Fitch Photography photo.

Alliston, who rode Nemesis to 20th place in the five-star debut for the 9-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding (Novalis 46 x Sara’s Muse), is back competing California. Focusing on his up-and-coming prospects, he rode Call Me Rudi and Cora to a one-two finish in the Open Preliminary division at Woodside. Alliston has developed a reputation for bringing young horses up the levels, and Nemesis was the youngest in this year’s Kentucky five-star field.

“Good to be back home helping my students and riding my up-and-coming horses who will hopefully be able to go east in a few years,” Alliston said. “Very exciting that Tamie won in Kentucky having honed her skills and produced her horses in California. Courses were amazing and excited to have such challenging and educational tracks here. Many thanks to Derek and Bert and also the Woodside organizers who have worked hard on this show.”

Call Me Rudi, an 8-year-old bay Bavarian Warmblood gelding, finished on his dressage score of 25.3. Cora, an 8-year-old bay Hanoverian mare, was second on her dressage score of 26.8. James’ wife, Helen, was seventh in the division riding HSH Redfield Hillside Star.

“They are both exciting German horses who look like they have promising futures,” Alliston said. “Call Me Rudi is owned by a partnership with John Matheny and will be for Helen to ride. I think she will take over after this show.”

While Smith and Alliston have proven themselves at the highest levels of the sport, the Woodside Spring H.T. also spotlighted the continuing rise of 18-year-old Molly Duda. Duda was coming off her first career FEI win in the CCI3*-S with Disco Traveler at the Twin Rivers Spring International. The dark bay 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Donatelli x Cadence) won the Open Intermediate division at Woodside as the only horse at the level to finish on his dressage score, 33.4. Duda and “Disco” were the only pair to go double clear on either di Grazia’s cross-country or Marc Donovan’s show jumping courses at Intermediate. This was their third win in a row at either the Intermediate or three-star levels.

Molly Duda and Disco Traveler. Tina Fitch Photography photo.

“My trainer [Mickayla Howard] and I got emotional last Thursday when we arrived at The Horse Park— exactly one year ago at this event, Disco and I completed our first show together and took home our first blue ribbon in the Junior Training Rider division” Duda said. “Now, winning the Intermediate just a year later feels like a dream. I am absolutely filled with gratitude for this horse, and for my trainer, Mickayla, who has always supported our partnership and pushed us to be the best we can. Disco and I are still at the beginning of our journey together, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.”

At Advanced, Amber Birtcil and the Cellar Farm Corp’s Cinzano won in the return of the 12-year-old dark bay Holsteiner gelding (Classe x Walta) to the level for the first time since 2021.

“Cinzano and I have been together for about seven years now; even though the scoreboard doesn’t reflect it, I was thrilled with our weekend,” said Birtcil, who won with a score of 108.2. “This was our return to the level, and although I felt a bit rusty, he was excellent and it felt great to cross that finish line. I’m excited to build on this and tackle the rest of the season together. The event was wonderful with new course by Derek, brand new show jumps and everything was decorated and looking stunning. They’ve truly done a wonderful job! I’m excited to come back later this year.”

Amber Biracial and Cinzano. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

In addition to the new cross-country tracks, The Woodside Horse Trials unveiled new show jumps built by Jonathan Berger of JB Horse Standards in Sacramento. The new jumps reflected how the West Coast eventing community came together to support horse trials at Woodside with 15 training barns donating to the building of new jumps and acquisition of other eventing equipment.

“To me, the incredible thing about this weekend was that it was a celebration of West Coast eventing where everybody came together,” said Steve Roon, Executive Director of The Horse Park at Woodside. “We had enormous support from the community to enable the work to be done, and we had marvelous artisans to create the cross-country courses. We had marvelous JB jumps to execute all the stadium jumps. It truly ended up being a celebration of West Coast eventing.”

The Woodside Horse Trials recognized: Anke Herbert Dressage, Bay Haven Equestrian, Cellar Farm, Cheval Training, Chocolate Horse Farm, Equinox Equestrian, Fox Equestrian, Kismet Farms, Lauren LoPiccolo Equestrian, Portola Valley Pony Club, Rising Tides Equestrian, Sauvignon Eventing, Tayside Sport Horses, The Fencing Pony, and Webb Ranch. Many had their logos emblazoned on custom-built jump standards.

Tamie Smith speaks at the party in her honor on the eve of competition at the Woodside Spring H.T.
Tina Fitch Photography photo.

“The changes that the team at Woodside made were absolutely vital to our success and future of West Coast eventing, and to see the community from all demographics contribute was even more touching,” Smith said.

Horse trials at Woodside will continue in 2023 with the Woodside Summer H.T. with plans to add a Modified level. Then, the Woodside Fall International on October 6-8 will mark the return of eventing at the FEI levels to Woodside with a CCI1*-S planned to be run for the first time alongside the CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S, and CCI4*-S.

“In order to continue to keep our horses and riders at the top of their game, these changes and efforts are imperative,” Smith said. “Overall, Woodside and their team hit it out of the park, and I only can hope other venues and our eventing community use this as an example to strive for in years to come.”

Victoria Klein and Steve Roon from The Horse Park at Woodside present a plaque to Tamie Smith recognizing her
five-star win in Kentucky that she could choose to place on any cross-country fence at Woodside.

Links Results | Website

The full list of winners from the 2023 Woodside Spring H.T.:

Advanced: Amber Birtcil and Cinzano (108.2)
Open Intermediate: Molly Duda and Disco Traveler (33.4)
Open Preliminary: James Alliston and Call Me Rudi (25.3)
Preliminary Rider: Coco Meerkamp and Dalanteretto (29.2)
Open Training: Sophie Tice and Viva La Vida (23.6)
Jr. Training Rider: Isabelle Eppink and Enfinity (28.6)
Sr. Training Rider: Mickayla Howard and Miss Tique (23.6)
Training Amateur: Leah Yacoub Halperin and Rodrigue Du Granit (30.5)
Open Novice: Kristen Joly and Kleary’s Rosie the Riveting (29.7)
Jr. Novice Rider: Holly Fosmark and When Starz Align (24.7)
Sr. Novice Rider: Eri Takada and Toronto Z (27.2)
Novice Amateur: Angela Bryson and Petite Pavarotti (28.3)
Novice Horse: Lauren Billys Shady and Mister Cooley (22.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Alexis Helffrich and Casanova (23.2)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Zoe Barker and Kontessa M (21.2)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Eileen Morgenthaler and Levitate (23.6)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Annie Desmond and Little Elf (25.6)
Jr. Starter: Michaela Smith and Cashmaker (22.3)
Sr. Starter: Megan LeFave and Lord Rocco (28.7)

Connect with Woodside

Location: 3674 Sand Hill Road, Woodside, CA 94062
Email: Send message at http://www.horsepark.org/emailmessage.php
Website: http://www.horsepark.org/
Volunteer: http://www.horsepark.org/volunteer.php
Instagram: horseparkatwoodside

Weekend Winners: Equestrians’ Institute, Flora Lea, May-Daze, Mill Creek, Coconino, Tryon, Virginia, Willow Draw & Woodside

By on May 29, 2023 12:00 pm -

Ok, Eventing Nation, buckle up as we celebrate a massive weekend of competition. From Washington to Maryland to Texas to New Jersey, Eventers were found all throughout the country, competing from starter events to FEI.

Congrats to all for getting out and about, and working towards your season goals! A special shout out is reserved for our Unofficial Low Score Award winner, Ariah Transmeier with Bold Remark, who won the Beginner Novice Senior Rider at Willow Draw on an impressive 19.4!

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (Kenmore, WA) [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate: Patience O’Neal and Clooney 14 (41.6)
Open Preliminary: Sarah Sullivan and FR’s Let It Go (30.0)
Preliminary Rider: Hanni Sreenan and Zena (28.8)
Junior Training: Beatrice Wurfel and Kellican (31.1)
Open Training: Mindy Sands and Roman Express (30.7)
Training Amateur: Bobbie Smith-Ede and HS Cool River Jane (33.5)
Junior Novice: Ella Miller and McFly (29.4)
Novice Amateur A: Madison Flanders and Nobu (26.4)
Novice Amatuer B: Tracey Trewin and Coby R (29.2)
Open Novice: Kathryn Nichwander and Blind Date (27.5)
Senior Novice Rider: Anne Ward and Full Moon Fever (28.1)
Beginner Novice Amateur A: Cat Steele and G Salsa (25.0)
Beginner Novice Amateur B: Bryce Meeker and Centerfield Varsity (28.4)
Junior Beginner Novice: Talia Knox and Twisted Oliver (32.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Whitney Spicher and Excel Star High Jinx (30.6)
Starter A: Juliet Perrotta and Centerfield Futura (29.0)
Starter B: Whitney Spicher and Castleside Maguire (26.7)

Flora Lea Spring H.T. (Medford, NJ) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Olivia Dutton and Sea of Clouds (37.9)
Preliminary Rider: Matt Crutchfield and Independer J W B (45.3)
Open Training: Caroline Pamukcu and Billy Be Jolly (25.0)
Training Rider: Nancy Lee and PHF Wine Me Up (30.0)
Novice Rider: Avery Cascarino and Excel Star Quidam’s Cavalier (24.7)
Open Novice: Lee Maher and Curiosity (25.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Adalena Campisi and Belmont (38.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Jamie Leuenberger and N’Chantress (24.4)
YEH 4 Year Old: Lee Maher and Redfield Teun (80.600)
YEH 5 Year Old: Caroline Pamukcu and D.A. Nixon (84.050)

May-Daze at the Park H.T. (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Results]

Preliminary/Training: Alexandra Knowles and Leamore Venture (27.9)
Modified/Training: Cora Severs and Cuervo (29.5)
Open Training: Diana Rich and Midway Train (34.2)
Training Horse: Jamie Allison and Jedi (34.5)
Training Rider A: Kaylianna McMorris and Fernhill Future Star (35.1)
Training Rider B: Marin Swyers and Fernhill Mac an Bata (31.7)
Training/Novice: Mary Clare Owdziej and City of Ember (26.7)
Jr Novice Rider: Sami Turner and Rainstown Covergirl (23.9)
Novice Horse – A: Simone Cardosa and I’d Toast to That! (29.7)
Novice Horse – B: Ivie Cullen-Dean and Fernhill Cardevega (26.7)
Open Novice – A: Hannah Reeser and Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (23.6)
Open Novice – B: Sarah Grice and Close Up Aly (32.8)
Sr Novice Rider – A: Caroline Adams and Simon Says (24.8)
Sr Rider Novice – B: Ashley Anderson and Global Jedi (25.6)
Sr Novice Rider – C: Deirdre Vaillancourt and Invictus (29.4)
Beginner Novice Horse – A: Slater Boos and Will You Be Mine (32.5)
Beginner Novice Horse – B: Emma Petrick and Hawthornstud Futures Bright (25.3)
Jr Beginner Novice Rider – A: Kendall Doran and My Misty Morning (27.7)
Jr Beginner Novice Rider – B: Caraline Cathcart and Relentless (32.9)
Open Beginner Novice – A: Melanie Helms and Edelweiss du theil (19.7)
Open Beginner Novice – B: Claire Seals and Fancy Don’t Let Me Down (28.1)
Sr Beginner Novice Rider- A: Susan Hamblen and James Baxter (24.4)
Sr Beginner Novice Rider – B: Leslie van der Wal and Doonhill Dancer (32.2)
Sr Beginner Novice Rider – C: Nicola Tucker and Pandora (28.9)
Junior Starter: Mia Volpentesta and Legally Totilart (32.7)
Senior Starter – A: Elissa Gibbs and Freddie Mercury (25.0)
Senior Starter – B: Molly Schaffner and Rudy Ruxpin (19.7)

Mill Creek Pony Club Horse Trial (Kansas City, MO) [Website] [Results]

Preliminary: Ellie Furtado and Secret Tapit (52.3)
Training Sponsor Paradox Farms: Katie Sisk and Long Legs Lenore (30.0)
Novice Junior Sponsor Jack’s Favorites: Rayna Williams and Storm Surge (33.9)
Novice Open A Sponsor Gold to Blue Sport Horses: Lauren Schiller and Chairman of the Board (28.1)
Novice Open B Spn Wilhite and Frees Equine Hospital: Jillian Wisneski and Rubato (32.2)
Beginner Novice Junior Sponsor One Stop Trailer Center: Isabell Pezold and Uncharted (35.0)
Beginner Novice Open A: Nicholas Staples and WF saturdays are for the boys (35.3)
CT-Beginner Novice: Judi Dietz and Rearcross Clover Q (32.2)
CT-Green As Grass: Rachel Scriven and Macaroni Pony (35.0)
CT-Starter: Kaylin Conner and Granna (42.0)
Starter Junior Sponsor Ava and Jordan Chase: Holly Goen and Four Point Oh (36.0)
Starter Open A: Haydan Vosburgh and Kiss Me If You Can (35.0)

Spring Coconino H.T. (Flagstaff, AZ) [Website] [Results]

Intermediate/Prelim Open: Heather Drager and Winnsome (51.6)
Preliminary Open: Ashley Fischer and Cimbria RC (52.9)
Training Open: Jennifer Achilles and Excel Star Lance (36.8)
Novice Open A: Katie Willis and Royal Street (25.4)
Novice Open B: Jennifer Achilles and Excel Star Solstice (28.3)
Beginner Novice Open – A: Anastasia Keyser and Wesley (36.1)
Beginner Novice Open – B: Elizabeth Dugan and Johnny’s Lover (42.2)
Intro A: Mckenzie Doyle and Rosie (37.5)
Intro B: Lyn Fagan and On A Whim and a Prayer (Gabriel) (35.3)
Starter 1-Day: Amanda Crangle and Little Lady Liberty (23.7)

Tryon International Spring H.T. (including the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship) (Mill Spring, NC) [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate: Emilie Mudd and Quite Nice 11 (35.2)
Open Preliminary: Sydney Shinn and HSH Crypto (27.4)
Modified: Lucienne Bellissimo and Caitane Z (26.9)
Open Training: Lara Roberts and Fernhill Show Biz (25.0)
Training Rider: Katelyn Smith and Lisbane Spartacus (31.4)
Novice Rider A: Ellie Teasley and Quintessential (31.1)
Novice Rider B: Elliana Sanchez and Chronicles of Jabez (33.6)
Open Novice: Kaley Crosby and Valentino (31.5)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Samantha Torcise and Classic (35.9)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Ajay Ryan and Master Machiavelli (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Brie Seltser and Paris in Color (25.3)

Virginia Horse Center Eventing (Lexington, VA) [Website] [Results]

CCI 3* S: Sydney Hagaman and Charmeur (31.3)
CCI 2* L: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Newmarket Cooley (27.3)
CCI 2* S: Ariel Grald and In Vogue (28.8)
CCI 1* L: Madeleine Richards and Global BGK (33.8)
Advanced/Intermediate: Ariel Grald and Forrest Gump 124 (35.8)
Open Intermediate: Marley Stone Bourke and Superstorm Sandy (45.6)
Open Preliminary: Ariel Grald and Cullintra End Game (38.5)
Open Preliminary – One Day: Claire Robinson and Fernhill Swatch Out (33.1)
Preliminary Rider: Mary Cooke Catlett and Cooley Romance (40.2)
Modified A: Lindsay Kelley and Cooley Carrera (34.8)
Modified B: Lindsay Kelley and Sydney (33.5)
Open Modified – One Day: Berkley Gardner and Aristocrat (30.8)
Open Training A: Andrew McConnon and Connery Cooper Z (28.3)
Open Training B: Ashley Adams and Global Halcyon (23.7)
Training Rider A: Riley Zgrebnak and Cooley Criminal Mind (26.9)
Training Rider B: Heidi Siegmund and Ashwood HJ Leandro (28.9)
Novice Horse: Laine Ashker and Konnons Diamant VT Willebeke Z (29.1)
Novice Rider A: Amber Mabus and Mighty Grace (30.6)
Novice Rider B: Kendal Fansler and Curioso (26.9)
Open Novice: Mandolin Whitten and Bossanova (26.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Eliza Klaitman and Tekkinistic (28.5)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Ella Quesenberry and Rockefeller’s Fortune (31.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Karen Mahaffey and C C the Boss (24.4)
Starter: Adriana Nannini and Hoboken Jack (30.9)
YEH 4 Year Old: Caitlin O’Roark and Maple’s Spicey Chilli (79.500)

Willow Draw Charity Show (Weatherford, TX) [Website] [Results]

Open Training: Diane Hanrahan and Lakota VI (30.3)
Training Rider: Scarlett Peinado and Shadow Inspector (27.2)
Novice Rider: Caroline Burkhardt and Stonehavens dream (27.3)
Open Novice: Hannah Corlett and Ernest Fuerst Dance (28.9)
BNovice Jr Rider: Jaeli Uselding and Benmore Westonhouse Boy (25.6)
BNovice Sr Rider: Ariah Transmeier and Bold Remark (19.4)
Open BNovice: Megan Sykes and Magnificent Red (26.2)
Starter Test: Stephanie Martin and Sea Quest Ripples (29.0)

Woodside Spring H.T. (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Results]

Advanced: Amber Birtcil and Cinzano (108.2)
Open Intermediate: Molly Duda and Disco Traveler (33.4)
Open Preliminary: James Alliston and Call Me Rudi (25.3)
Preliminary Rider: Coco Meerkamp and Dalanteretto (29.2)
Jr. Training Rider: Isabelle Eppink and Enfinity (28.6)
Open Training: Sophie Tice and Viva La Vida (23.6)
Sr. Training Rider: Mickayla Howard and Miss Tique (23.6)
Training Amateur: Leah Yacoub Halperin and Rodrigue Du Granit (30.5)
Jr. Novice Rider: Holly Fosmark and When Starz Align (24.7)
Novice Amateur: Angela Bryson and Petite Pavarotti (28.3)
Novice Horse: Lauren Billys Shady and Mister Cooley (22.5)
Open Novice: Kristin Joly and Kleary’s Rosie the Riveting (29.7)
Sr. Novice Rider: Eri Takada and Toronto Z (27.2)
Jr. Beg. Novice Rider: Zoe Barker and Kontessa M (21.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Alexis Helffrich and Casanova (23.2)
Sr. Beg. Novice Rider A: Eileen Morgenthaler and Levitate (23.6)
Sr. Beg. Novice Rider B: Annie Desmond and Little Elf (25.6)
Jr. Starter: Michaela Smith and Cashmaker (22.3)
Sr. Starter: Megan LeFave and Lord Rocco (28.7)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on May 29, 2023 7:20 am -

One thing about Chinch is you just never know which party he’s going to invite himself to — and over the weekend, it was the Virginia Horse Center prizegivings that he picked as his perch of choice. We all know that a cuddle with a dirty rodent is really the greatest honour when you find yourself atop a podium, right?

U.S. Weekend Action:

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (Kenmore, WA) [Website] [Results]

Flora Lea Spring H.T. (Medford, NJ) [Website] [Results]

May-Daze at the Park H.T. (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Results]

Mill Creek Pony Club Horse Trial (Kansas City, MO) [Website] [Results]

Spring Coconino H.T. (Flagstaff, AZ) [Website] [Results]

Tryon International Spring H.T. (including the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship) (Mill Spring, NC) [Website] [Results]

USEA MDHT YEH Qualifier (Adamstown, MD) [Website]

Virginia Horse Center Eventing (Lexington, VA) [Website] [Results]

Willow Draw Charity Show (Weatherford, TX) [Website] [Results]

Woodside Spring H.T. (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Results]

UK Weekend Results:

Bicton Arena International (East Budleigh, Devon): Results

Bishop Burton (Beverley, East Yorks.): Results

Mendip Plains Ston Easton (Bath, Somerset): Results

Blindley Heath (Blindley Heath, Surrey): Results

Shelford Manor (Shelford, Notts.): Results

Your Monday Reading List:

This is a bittersweet one, but so inspiring: when Joanna Hare was told in early 2019 that she had just weeks to live, because her breast cancer had spread to her brain, she refused to lie back and wait for the inevitable. Instead, she and her friend began working through a seriously cool horsey bucket list, which included meeting Pippa Funnell, competing side-saddle in the Caledonian Showing Championships, riding on the beach, and much, much more. Sadly, she passed away last Monday, but her memory is inspiring numerous riders to chase down the experiences they’ve always quietly dreamed of – and we reckon you should do the same. [Be more Joanna]

USC Aiken might have had one of the smallest squads in attendance at the Intercollegiate Eventing Champs, but they smashed it. The small but mighty school took the win after a tight and tense showjumping finale, plus one of their own was responsible for the lowest finishing score in the entire competition. [Go Pacers!]

How are your collecting ring manners? There’s nothing more frustrating than a rider who doesn’t seem to get the left shoulder to left shoulder thing, or doesn’t know where the appropriate track is for walking. Brush up on the essentials with this handy primer and please, I beg you, for the love of god, send it to all your friends who compete, too. Together we can make the warm-up less of a death trap! Maybe! [Collecting ring etiquette for all disciplines]

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

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If you’re not already following 2021 Luhmühlen 5* winner Mollie Summerland, where have you been?! She’s well worth a follow for the same reasons any high-flying rider is — but even more so because of her candid conversations about mental health, her regular Q&As about how to deal with the tough days, and her commitment to normalising these kinds of conversations. Life at the top isn’t always easy, and we commend Molls for her bravery in sharing her truth.

Morning Viewing:

Ever wondered what goes down at a Wesko Foundation training day? Join in on one helmed by Sir Mark Todd and find out:

 

Laura Collett Takes TopSpec CCI4*-S Title at Bicton International

By on May 28, 2023 4:00 pm -

Laura Collett wins the TopSpec CCI4*-S with London 52.

Cross country rounded off with the time being extremely influential in the TopSpec CCI4*-S at Bicton International Horse Trials. Laura Collett held onto her lead throughout on London 52, as well as bagging third place on Dacapo.

“I’ve been really chuffed with London’s performance all week, he really is a dream horse to ride and the feel he gave me cross country is the best he ever has, he is totally on song and it’s just so nice to have him out at a big party. He’s been in really good form, so it was good to come and put it all together at an event. The cross country course was fantastic, it was the perfect preparation for Luhmühlen using the hills for a really good fitness run with lots of combinations. You had to get really stuck in and ride the distances and the lines, but he did it really easily. I really appreciate the team here putting on such a good show, they deserve to have all the entries and I will definitely be coming back next year.”

On his character, Laura comments about London 52, “he’s quite a shy horse in the stable, it’s his personal space, but the second he comes out of the stable he loves all of the attention, he’s a proper show off in front of a big crowd!”

Finn Healy and Treamble win the Chatham CCI3*YR-L.

This morning saw the final phase of competition for the Chatham CCI3*YR-L where overnight leader Finn Healy kept his cool for a clear round inside the time on Amy Hawley’s Treamble, affectionately known as Amble. Leading since his dressage test on Friday, 18-year-old Finn has shown his class throughout to be crowned Young Rider National Champion. The 10-year-old mare is sibling to Michael Owen’s second-placed Treworder in the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L here at Bicton.

“Amble’s been amazing all week. She did a really good dressage test for 24.3. Cross country was a tough track yesterday, Helen used the hills brilliantly and made it a good stamina test. Luckily, she’s full of blood and so ate the course up just a couple of seconds over the time. Today I didn’t have a fence in hand, it was very close up at the top, and she jumped incredibly well. When she came in the arena she lit up with the crowds, knew what she needed to do and I’m just over the moon with her.”

The mare was bought by Amy as a three-year-old from Preci Spark Event Horses and was produced by Amy until she was an eight-year-old, competing up to 2* level before being sent to James Avery to ride. Finn started working for Amy, riding three times a week and from there got the ride. “I’m incredibly grateful to Amy for the support, she’s done an amazing job producing Amble and she’s a very special horse.”

Winners of the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L are Gaspard Maksud with Chantilly Amatullah.

The second section to show jump this morning was the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L. Again, retaining their lead since the dressage, Gaspard Maksud and Chantilly Amatullah went on to jump clear to win on 25.3. The grey mare was, according to owners Jane Lom and Linda Charlton, actually bred to be an Intermediate Show horse, and was produced by Paul O’Shaughnessy in Ireland. Rumour has it, the semen from Tilly’s sire Abdullah was actually bought in a raffle! Nine-year-old Tilly has quite the support group – Jane and Linda are both very involved with Riding for the Disabled and are always being asked for event updates from the members about the much-loved mare since they bought her over six years ago.

Regarding his win Gaspard commented, “This is my first three-day win, you’ve got all of the top-class riders and horses here as well, so it really means a lot to win. I have only had the mare since March, but she really wants to please, she really tries. She’s such a nice mare, she just really does a good job, I am very happy with her.”

Phoebe Locke riding Renkumb Jitterbug are the winners of the Empire Coach Builders CCI2*-L.

The final section to finish for the day was the Empire Coach Builders CCI2*-L where Phoebe Locke took a late lead when overnight leader Kitty King, who was last to go, had the final fence down. Riding her own Renkumb Jitterbug, the Somerset born eventer has represented GB at five European championships, recently gaining the title of British and European under 21 champion.

The 16.2hh, seven-year-old gelding out of Trijntje by Baloubet Junior Z is part of Phoebe’s string of horses based on her yard in Wiltshire which she recently set up professionally, having previously had her horses on their family yard.

Phoebe actually started her equestrian career as a show jumper, but was quickly spotted to have plenty of talent as an eventer and has now made a great name for herself within the eventing world, having competed up to 4*.

On her win, Phoebe commented, “It was a little bit unexpected, he’s only seven years old and it’s the first time doing a long format, so I didn’t know how he would be today show jumping after cross country, but he dealt with it really well.” Phoebe remarks fondly about Renkumb Jitterbug “He’s very cuddly and likes lots of attention and treats.”

Wrapping up the week here at Bicton International Horse Trials, Event Director Andrew Fell said, “It was a fantastic week, some of the best top-quality sport in the UK – I think the biggest thing was how much the team worked together. Everyone was here to make it happen, we were blessed with the weather and I’m so proud of what we managed to pull off.”

Bicton International Links: Website, Scores, Live Stream Replays, EN’s Coverage

Get Ready for the 2023 Arena Eventing at the Devon Horse Show

By on May 28, 2023 9:30 am -

Sara Kozumplik and Rubens d’Ysieux claim victory in the Dixon Oval! US Equestrian photo.

Memorial Day weekend brings a festive eventing spectacle at the famous Devon Horse Show in Pennsylvania: this evening’s Arena Eventing class has become an annual fixture that showcases the thrills of cross country riding combined with show jumping technicality.

A total of 23 horses and riders are entered in this evening’s contest, which will feature a combination cross country and show jumping track designed by Capt. Mark Phillips and set to approximately Intermediate dimensions.

You can view the full entry list here. Notable names include:

  • 2022 Devon Arena Eventing winners Sara Kozumplik with Rubens d’Ysieux
  • Former Devon champion Boyd Martin with both Miss LuLu Herself and Penhill Celtic
  • Team EN’s Ema Klugman and RF Redfern and Slieve Callan Alpha
  • Phillip Dutton with Azure and Denim
  • Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake

The competition will be run through both main arenas at Devon for the first of two rounds. Following round one, the top 12 combinations will return for a jump-off against the clock in the Dixon Oval. A total of $50,000 will be on the line for competitors to vie for, with $12,500 of the prize pot going to the first place combination.

I believe you will be able to tune in to watch the action live via USEF Network on ClipMyHorse.TV beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST today (May 28), however as of the time of writing the class does not appear on the Devon broadcast schedule. You can keep an eye on this schedule for updates, and we’ll update this post accordingly if we can suss out confirmation of the live stream. You will need a ClipMyHorse.TV subscription or to link your USEF account in order to watch the stream — you can find information on this here.

 

 

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on May 28, 2023 12:01 am -
The American Horse Council (AHC) is kicking off what could be one of the biggest studies in its more than 50 years with the 2023 National Economic Impact Study. The American Horse Council (AHC) is kicking off what could be one of the biggest studies in its more than 50 years with the 2023 National Economic Impact Study.

We all know that the humorous response of “In this economy?” has started to hit home a bit harder in recent years. While we’ve all likely been affected by the effects inflation, cost of living, business closures, and those gosh-darn home prices, how has this affected our horse industry?

The American Horse Council together with USEF are urging horse owners to participate in the 2023 National Economic Impact Study (EIS) for the equine industry. “The purpose of the census is to demonstrate the value of the equine industry in the national and state economies by analyzing the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of horse ownership, recreation, and equine-related services.” In short, if you want to prove how valuable the horse industry is to our nation’s economy, horse owners and industry suppliers can help by contributing your information to this study.

The survey will run from April 3 to September 29, 2023 — and if all the above still isn’t enough to justify a few minutes of your time, fear not: there are some tasty prizes on the line. Survey participants are entered for the chance to win a John Deere Z545R ZTrak Mower valued at $7500; one year of Nutrena feed for one horse (a $2,000 value); one year of Purina feed for one horse (a $500 value/horse); gift certificates from Trafalgar Square Books (total value $180); enrollment in Texas A&M AgriLife Equine Reproductive Management Online Course valued at $300/enrollment; plus more. So yes of course, I’ve already submitted my responses, because I’m competitive to a fault when it comes to giveaways.

Head here for more information and to complete the survey.

U.S. Weekend Action

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (Kenmore, WA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Spring H.T. (Medford, NJ) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

May-Daze at the Park H.T. (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring] [Volunteer]

Mill Creek Pony Club Horse Trial (Kansas City, MO) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring][Volunteer]

Spring Coconino H.T. (Flagstaff, AZ) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring] [Volunteer]

Tryon International Spring H.T. (including the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship) (Mill Spring, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

USEA MDHT YEH Qualifier (Adamstown, MD) [Website] [Volunteer]

Virginia Horse Center Eventing (Lexington, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Willow Draw Charity Show (Weatherford, TX) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring][Volunteer]

Woodside Spring H.T. (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring] [Volunteer]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Tigers on Top: Auburn University Leads 2023 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship After Dressage

Get ready: Eventing Weekly is dropping a new podcast

Science clearly shows horses need more love and not apologies

Get to Know What’s Happening in Area IV in 2023

Joan Simmons explains the importance of incorporating horsemanship lessons in your training curriculum

Weekly Pick from SmartPak: Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director, details all the ways you can prevent thrush, scratches, and other health issues that often plague our horses in the springtime.

Morning Viewing: Spend a day with Phillip Dutton as we see what an ordinary Thursday looks like for a seven-time Olympian in training.

Leading Laura Ahead of the Rest in Bicton Arena CCI4*-S

By on May 27, 2023 2:30 pm -

Laura Collett rides London 52 during the Topspec CCI-S 4* Showjumping. 2023 GBR-Bicton International Horse Trial. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

Overnight leader of the TopSpec CCI4*-S Laura Collett and London 52 retain their leading position with 19.8 at Bicton International Horse Trials.

“I’m absolutely chuffed with London 52 and Dacapo. They both did really nice tests and jumped beautifully round the show jumping. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, I think it’s a great track and hopefully it will set them up really nicely for Luhmühlen in a few weeks’ time,” said Laura.

In the last three years, out of 25 runs, this horse has only ever picked up cross country penalties on one occasion – at the Worlds in Pratoni. This makes the 14-year-old gelding the one to watch going into the final day of competition tomorrow.

Gaspard Maksud & Chantilly Amatullah retain leadership in the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

Beaming as they came through the finish line, retaining the lead in the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L, Gaspard Maksud was thrilled with just 0.4 time penalties on Chantilly Amatullah. He remarks on his new partnership with this horse, “I haven’t had Tilly very long, so it is always a bit of an unknown, but she was very good, she tried very hard. When I asked her to get up at the last, she was still full of running which is brilliant.”

Originally from Laval, France, Gaspard began his riding career at the tender age of 11 and began his success by winning the French Junior championship at just 16 years old. The pair go into the final day of competition, show jumping tomorrow with one penalty in hand.

Finn Healy & Treamble lead the Chatham CCI3*YR-L. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

Another combination to keep the top spot going into show jumping is Finn Healy on Treamble in the CCI3*YR-L. The pair went clear jumping across country with just 0.8 time penalties. 18-year-old Finn has seen plenty of success so far in his career, winning team gold at the 2022 FEI European Junior Eventing Championships at Hartpury on Fathers Compromise and double gold at the 2019 FEI European Pony Championships at Strzegom on Midnight Dancer. The pair go into tomorrow with a margin of three penalties ahead of second placed Barnie Brotherton on DHI King Nelson.

Finn says, “I’m over the moon with her today, she was absolutely amazing, it was a really tough track. I thought that the undulations and the hills made it a really big stamina test as well as some really tricky questions, but she made it feel really effortless. She really showed her class – she loves the cross country phase, so she makes my life really easy. Tomorrow is a new day – we will focus on the trot up and then when the track is built, we will have a look. We are trying to take it all one step at a time and hopefully we will jump a good round.”

Kitty King & Ogue Verdi retake the lead in the Empire Coach Builders CCI2*-L. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

The CCI2*-L Empire Coach Builders is the only change in leadership for the day, where Kitty King and Ogue Verdi re-took the lead that they held on day one after their dressage, pushing yesterday’s post-dressage leader Dani Evans into second place. Kitty has represented Great Britain at the Olympics and is the first British event rider to have represented GB at Pony, Junior, Young Rider and Senior European Championships. Adding nothing to their dressage score of 27.6, the eight-year-old Irish grey gelding owned by Lindsay Caldwell and Sue Brendish made nothing of the Helen West designed cross country course today.

You can watch the CCI4*-S cross country finale Sunday (May 28) bright and early in the U.S. and live on ClipMyHorse.TV beginning at 6:00 a.m. EST / 11:00 a.m. BST. A subscription is required to watch this live stream. 

Bicton International Links: Website, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Advice for Your First Time Cross Country Schooling

By on May 27, 2023 12:30 pm -

Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

This article contains sponsored links. Be sure to visit our awesome supporters, Breeches.com, to find all the supplies you’ll need for your first time cross country schooling.

“Experience is what you get just after you needed it.” – Jimmy Wofford

There’s no better way to start off an article about cross country than with a quote by Jimmy Wofford. Quite possibly our nation’s best resource for the sport of eventing, Jimmy was an advocate for the importance of the cross country phase and published many, many books on the subject. If you’re preparing for your first time cross country schooling, this quote will ring true for you. 

While going cross country schooling for the first time can feel nerve-wracking, there’s no other way to get the experience you’ll need for the cross country course. But, before you put your horse on the trailer and hit the road, there are a few ways to tell if you’re ready to go cross country schooling. 

First, are you experienced with jumping in a controlled arena? You should be able to comfortably pop over a minimum of 2’ show jumps. Remember, cross country fences are solid and won’t fall down. This means that the risks increase. If you can’t jump a 2’ fence without knocking it down, you may need to practice a bit more before you head to the cross country field. 

You should have experience trail riding at varying speeds over varying terrain. You don’t have to gallop up and down steep hills during your first cross country school, but you should feel comfortable walking, trotting, and cantering over some hills and some rough terrain before you start adding fences into the mix. 

Cross country is widely-regarded as the most exciting phase of eventing for a reason– it combines the endurance needed for galloping with the scope needed to jump fences of considerable height. Before you head to the cross country course, practice some in-hand galloping, or at least a quick canter. You have to be comfortable with a faster pace than what you might experience in the ring. 

To keep yourself safe, make sure you’re wearing a well-fitted helmet and body protector. A safe helmet doesn’t have to be expensive. The TuffRider Carbon Fiber Print Helmet was rated in second place in the Virginia Tech Helmet Study and is a great budget option for your first time cross country schooling. 

Last but not least, are you able to compensate for some odd movements from your horse? Can you stay on if your horse takes a misstep? If you chip into a fence or take a long stride, are you able to avoid hitting your horse in the mouth? All of these are skills you should have at least some experience with before you hit the cross country course. You don’t have to be an expert– but you should at least feel comfortable in all of these situations before you add in the risk of solid fences.

A good pair of sticky full-seat breeches can help you stay in the saddle when something goes awry. Consider wearing a pair of high-quality breeches when you go cross country schooling, like the Equine Couture Heather Full Seat Breeches. These breeches have a silicone full-seat for even more grip, and less bulk, than traditional leather full seat breeches.  

Preparation is key– set yourself up for success for your first time cross country schooling. Bring your trainer with you. Having someone there to guide you, critique you, and share their experience with you is invaluable. Your trainer can also help you school the height you’re planning on jumping at home before you head to the cross country field. If you don’t have fences at home, you can easily create jump standards on a budget. All it takes is a few jumping blocks, like these ones, and a pole. 

If you don’t have a trainer to bring with you, that’s okay, but be sure to take a great support team. You should never go cross country schooling alone, especially not for your first time, as this can be a safety issue. Bring friends, family, or a more experienced rider with you. Make sure to bring a support crew who won’t pressure you to jump higher than you’re comfortable with. Instead, bring someone who will support your mission to have fun and learn for your first time out in the field. 

Bringing someone with you has logistical benefits, as well as emotional ones. Having a support team on hand means there’s someone there to help you load and unload your horse, tack up, and give your horse a friend. Having another horse will also give your horse the confidence they may need if they’re new to cross country. Following your friend from a safe distance over fences can give you and your horse the confidence to try something you may not have done on your own. 

If your horse does get stuck and refuses to jump, it’s important to stay calm. Having a trainer with you that can help you work through this is key, but a trainer can only help so much if you don’t have the right tools to work your horse. Always bring a crop on cross country for extra encouragement if you need it. If you have to get off and work your horse over the obstacle from the ground, you’ll need a lunge line, like this one. 

Your first time cross country schooling is not the time or place to put additional pressure on yourself. There’s going to be a lot of “firsts” when you go cross country schooling– your first time jumping a log, your first time using a water complex, maybe even your first time trailering to a cross country field. There’s no need to add pressure to the situation. After all, that’s why we practice before we perform. School a height you and your horse feel confident doing. This might be lower on the cross country course than it would be at home– and that’s okay! Don’t be afraid to jump just the logs if that’s what you feel comfortable with. 

Choose your fences carefully. Many schooling facilities have a wide variety of fences available for you to choose from, from coffins to ditches to water complexes. You don’t have to do a full course on your first time out, as a matter of fact you probably shouldn’t. Instead, the jumps will be set up so that you have plenty of options. You can either tackle a fence on its own, or you can make a short course of your own. Jumping a few different lines will help you to get a feel for what it would be like to ride a full cross country course, without having to gallop for miles.

Consider the technicality of the elements you’re jumping. Don’t dive right into highly technical elements like skinny fences or corners. If you build up to that by the end of the day, that’s great. But start off with straightforward simple fences, like logs. 

Cross country schooling can be hard on your horse’s legs, even if you’re jumping non-technical fences and keeping the galloping to a minimum. Always use leg protection on your horse’s legs when you go cross country. We recommend using boots like these ones, as they won’t hold water when you go through the water complex.

You want your first cross country schooling session to be a fun confidence-building exercise. Don’t worry if you get a few bad distances or don’t jump all the same fences as your friends. Be wary of overfacing yourself or your horse, particularly if you’re on a green horse who doesn’t have much experience with cross country. Start small and build your confidence over some logs. Don’t dive straight into your max height and don’t worry if you don’t jump what you and your horse consider to be big on your first session out.