Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Apr 19, 2023 12:01 am -

To quote #supergroom Jackie Potts…

“It's hard to believe this was Santini a year ago. He has unbelievably adjusted so…

Posted by Fox-Pitt Eventing on Saturday, April 15, 2023

Last weekend saw the 175th running of the UK’s Randox Grand National, widely thought of as the most famous steeplechase in the world and watched by around 500 million people. There was a series of celebration – of the horses, Aintree racecourse, and the people of Liverpool where the race is held – chaos – as protesters breached the racecourse boundary just before the race, some making it onto the course and attempting to handcuff and glue themselves to the fences, leading to the start being postponed and the horses stuck in the parade ring for way longer than necessary – and unfortunate events – a number of jockeys were unseated leading to loose horses mixed in with the runners, two of which broke through a boundary, injuring themselves and, allegedly, a spectator; at least one horse suffered a career-ending injury and another was fatally injured at the first fence.

Throughout the TV coverage, the welfare message was up front and center in a way I don’t remember having seen before. The head of World Horse Welfare (the independent welfare advisor to the British Horseracing Authority) gave an interview, the broadcast team talked repeatedly about the high standards of welfare in racing stables and the love for the horses, and information was given about the safety measures the sport has introduced. Unfortunately, what played out on our screens once the starter’s flag waved the field off didn’t quite portray the message as horse sport fans would have hoped.

No matter what your view of racing is, as #teamequestrian it’s important that we celebrate the success stories within horse sports, and a happy second career for a previous Grand National runner is something to smile about.

Placed 4th in the Grand National just last year, Santini has swapped his racing silks for cross country colors and is now going eventing with Great Britain’s William Fox-Pitt, most recently competing in the 100 at the BE Larkhill Event, where he finished 2nd. He would have won it had he been a bit slower, as the final placings were decided on closest to the optimum time and Santini was just a bit too quick. That’ll be the racehorse in him!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Fair Hill International April H.T. & CCI-S (Elkton, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Meadowcreek Park – The Spring Social Event (Kosse, Texas) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (Ocala, Florida) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

River Glen Spring H.T. (New Market, TN) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring]

Sporting Days Farm April H.T. III (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Wednesday News and Reading

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day beginning Tuesday, April 25 through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Talking of Kentucky, did you know there are 11 USEA Young Event Horse graduates in this year’s 5* line up? Established as an eventing talent search, the YEH program identifies 4 and 5-year-olds with the potential to go to the top of the sport. The LRK3DE entry list this year sees YEH graduates such as Will Coleman’s Chin Tonic HS, Kentucky rookie Sydney Soloman’s Early Review CBF, Tamie Smith’s Mai Baum, Liz Halliday-Sharp’s Miks Master C and Boyd Martin’s ‘Thomas’ Tsetserleg TSF. [YEH Alumni Heading to the Bluegrass]

And it’s not just Kentucky we’re looking forward to, Badminton’s just two weeks away! In her April blog, Badminton director, Jane Tuckwell, gives an update on the ‘Badminton family’ coming together, course designer Eric Winter’s annual course walk, new innovations in the name of safety, keeping the course drained despite all the rain we’ve been having in the UK, moving sheep from the campsite, the coronation of King Charles III, celebrations and champagne. [Read All About It] And there’s more exciting Badminton news, the interactive cross country course will be available on CrossCountry App this Sunday! [Here Comes Badminton!]

10 lucky riders got to spend some time training with 5* eventer Buck Davidson thanks to Practical Horseman’s Win-A-Day competition. With analogies to carrying food and drinks, driving a boat and riding on a carousel, Buck explained everything from how to stay balanced and still in the saddle, naturally moving with your horse, and staying even when turning, to giving clear aids, and preparing for a jump. [Here’s 12 Takeaways from the Day]

Over to show jumping and a horse who doesn’t let a missing eye stop her from competing at the highest level. This story caught my eye because the first pony I ever jumped on, Frosty, was also single-eyed after running into a low-hanging branch in the paddock – it didn’t stop us from flying over the cavaletti though. Wilma Hellström’s “very special” mare, Cicci BJN, hasn’t let an accident in her stall, leading to the removal of her right eye, diminish her love for her job either. After a long road to recovery, she’s back at the top of her game, recently competing in the FEI Jumping World Cup Final. [Horses Are Awesome]

Sidelines Magazine talks mental health, horses and eventing whilst pregnant. In their latest podcast, Sidelines speaks to show jumper Casey Lorusso-Smith, who’s a licensed mental health counselor, about recognizing the importance of mental health and how horses can help. They’re joined by Frankie Thieriot Stutes, who combines top-level eventing with motherhood and heading up an equestrian marketing agency – she’s also written for EN! [Hear What They Have to Say]

It’s the London Marathon this weekend and this rider is running for her rescue pony. Mickey Blue Eyes nearly didn’t make it. Rescued at 6-months-old by Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society (EHPPS), he was in a desperate state. But with time, patience and good care, he healed and he’s now living happily ever after in his forever home. As a thank you to the charity who saved him, adoptive owner Annabel Marriott is pulling on her sneakers and running the 26.2 mile London Marathon, raising money for EHPPS along the way. [Supporting Horse Saviors]

Video Break

Who doesn’t love a banana fact and what better day to share one than National Banana Day? Did you know that Liz Halliday-Sharp’s Deniro Z loves bananas? In the absence of a video of him eating one, here he is having some quality time with his buddy Cooley Quicksilver.

#TrainingTipTuesday Video: Improve Your Dressage Position

By on Apr 18, 2023 3:00 pm -

I think as event riders we focus so, so much on jump position and gallop position — and for good reason! These positions are obviously key to success and safety in this sport — but at times we can be found guilty of overlooking the importance of the first phase as we pursue our quests to become better jump jockeys and more efficient gallopers. That include de-prioritizing improving our positions when we’re in a dressage saddle.

We’ve shared many of dressage rider Amelia Newcomb‘s YouTube videos here on Eventing Nation. While she’s not an eventer, I’ve found the simple exercises and explanations that she shares in her videos to be a hugely helpful tool in my own riding as a one-horse adult amateur who doesn’t doesn’t get a lot of saddle time.

Amelia got the chance to give a lecture at the FEI Dressage World Cup in Omaha last week to explain the importance of rider position and ways to improve it. Take this video as a sign to take back your position when you’re riding on the flat and become just as confident and connected in your flatwork as you are in your jump and gallop positions.

Plus, how can scrambling eggs help your riding? Find out at 31:07.

Defending Champion Withdrawn from 2023 Badminton Horse Trials

By on Apr 18, 2023 1:00 pm -

A childhood dream come true: Laura Collett wins Badminton 2022. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

The 2023 Badminton Horse Trials field thinned by one today with Laura Collett’s announcement that she has withdrawn 2022 winner London 52 from this year’s competition. An ill-timed heel grab with lingering soreness was cited as the reason for the withdrawal; Laura will instead aim the 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding at the German CCI5* at Luhmühlen in June.

“Absolutely gutted to say I’ve withdrawn LONDON 52 from this years Badminton 5*,” Laura wrote on her Instagram. “He struck into himself last week and was very sore … Thankfully with some special shoes from @greigelliott [sic] he is now sound and back in work but he has missed all his prep runs … after many sleepless nights I’ve decided that it’s just not meant to be this year.
LONDON 52 owes me absolutely nothing and I owe it to him to make the right decision and I know deep down that this is the right decision even though it’s heartbreaking.

The main thing is he’s ok and we will now reroute to Luhmuhlen 5*.”

We wish London 52 a speedy recovery and will look forward to seeing these Tokyo medalists and Pratoni partners back in action in June. In the meantime, Laura still has one ride to focus on at Badminton in the 14-year-old Dacapo.

[Click here to view the current 2023 Badminton entry list]

[Click here to catch up on EN’s coverage of Badminton]

5* First-Timers: Andrew McConnon and the Road Less Traveled

By on Apr 18, 2023 11:30 am -

Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Every CCI5* first timer has had a different road to travel before sending in that inaugural entry. For some, it’s a quick trip to the top, making a climb up the levels with their first event horse. For others, it’s riding out a dream they never knew existed until the right horse came along.

For Andrew McConnon, getting to Kentucky took throwing out the timeline, changing his program, and focusing on the process.

Andrew considers himself slightly tardy to the eventing party. “I feel like a lot of upper level riders were getting ready to run their first Advanced or at least their first FEI about the time I was moving up from Novice,” he said. “I’d been around horses and ridden my whole life, just didn’t get the chance to event until later. It was after high school when I was even thinking about Training level.”

In 2014, tragedy turned into opportunity when, after unexpectedly losing his upper level horse, fellow Southern Pines eventer, Rachel Jurgens, invited Andrew to come along to Kentucky and be in the barns. “I’d been to Kentucky a lot as a spectator, but this was my first chance to really see the behind the scenes. It’s a whole different experience and it really just inspired me to want to be there as a competitor,” he reflected.

That weekend also turned into a chance of a lifetime, one that seemed too good to be true. Rachel offered her Kentucky mount to Andrew. And he thought she was joking.

Andrew McConnon and Ziggy. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“Who would ever give up the ride on their five-star horse?” had thought Andrew. “So I didn’t really think anymore about it until she called me and was like ‘so do you want him or not?’”

Ziggy gave Andrew much needed experience at the Advanced level, but the time for him to step down into a less strenuous role was looming. Even with a booming teaching business, Andrew wanted to use the pause between horses to advance his own riding education. The opportunity to work for William Fox-Pitt arose, and Andrew jumped on a plane.

“I originally thought I’d stay for a year, but I ended up having the opportunity to ride and compete over there a lot more than I thought I would,” he explained. “I flew home, sorted out renewing my visa, and spent another year taking advantage of that opportunity.”

Andrew used the time in England to improve his riding, but also sharpen his mental edge and business mindedness. “While the pressure of Kentucky is obviously a lot, nothing can compare to the pressure it felt riding in front of William,” he reflected. “He had been my lifelong idol and to ride in that program felt more intense than any event… but I also learned that at the end of the day, it’s a business no matter what you’ve achieved.”

Coming back to the U.S. with a new perspective on the industry, Andrew allowed himself to sell his nice young horse as a smart business decision instead of holding onto it in the hopes it would reach the pinnacle level. He changed his approach to focus less on end goals more on the journey, and finding the ride fit for each horse.

Ferrie’s Cello, Andrew’s Kentucky entry owned by Jeanne Shigo, found his way to Andrew by way of a mutual friend. The 11-year-old, Dutch Warmblood, has all the classic physical traits of a top event horse, but (also like many top horses) can also be mentally tricky.

“Jeanne is wonderful. She loves the horse and loves the sport. Her support has been amazing, and she is so patient and flexible as to how we develop him,” he said. “He spent a long time at Intermediate, having these things we call ‘Eddie moments’ where I’d just wonder why he did what he did.”

Obviously no one knows if a horse has what it takes to be a 5* horse until they cross Sunday’s finish line, but Andrew had a good feeling as Eddie made the move up to the Advanced level. “He ran his first Advanced track at Millbrook, and it just felt great – like he had something to focus on and he felt really mature,” he reflected.

Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Chello. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“[Eddie] can go quite nice on the flat and be very careful in show jumping, but I’m really looking forward to galloping him across that wonderful ground,” Andrew continued. “I keep lying to myself that it’s just another horse trials, but it’s always been a dream to be inside, rather than outside, those ropes.”

We (along with the thousands of other spectators at the little horse trials) can’t wait to watch the big bay go blazing by at the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event and wish Andrew the best of luck.

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day beginning Tuesday, April 25 through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Badminton Draw Order: Wills Oakden to Lead, Americans Mid-Pack

By on Apr 18, 2023 9:00 am -

The order was drawn for the 2023 Badminton Horse Trials, set to run Thursday May 4th-Monday May 8th, the dates adjusted for the Coronation of King Charles on May 6th.

Trailblazer Wills Oakden will be kicking off this year’s Badminton Horse Trials. Wills, riding for Great Britain, has two entries, Arklow Puissance and Oughterard Cooley.

Wills Oakden and Arklow Puissance. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Three American riders are scheduled for a run at Badminton, and are set to run middle of the pack.

Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Lauren Nicholson has drawn 28th with her 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games and 2022 FEI Eventing World Championship partner, Anglo Arabian gelding Vermiculus. This duo has been seen at Kentucky, Burghley, Luhmühlen, Fair Hill, and World Championships, but this will be their first run at Badminton together.

Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna finished 5th in the CCI3*-L. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

For their 5* debut, Katherine Coleman and 13 year old Irish Sport Horse gelding Monbeg Senna will be 42nd. While a first 5* for the duo, this partnership enters Badminton having completed a handful of 4* events, with a 5th place finish in the CCI4*L at Strzegom in 2022.

Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

And last for our American riders, Lillian Heard and long time partner LCC Barnaby will head in to their twelfth 5* start as 46th to go. With five top-twenty finishes at the 5* level in their career so far, we saw them most recently at Stable View in the CCI4*S where they finished in 18th.

All involved in the Horse Trials have been working hard, especially to combat the rainy weather that England has seen. Catch up with the 2023 Course Designer Eric Winter to hear what final preparations are looking like…

You can find the event schedule on the Badminton website, as well as keep an eye here for more news and updates as we get closer to the event, just a few weeks away!

[Click here to view the current 2023 Badminton entry list]

[Click here to catch up on EN’s coverage of Badminton]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Apr 18, 2023 6:48 am -

CAN we just talk about the corgi butt that broke the internet yesterday? I was at Badminton all afternoon walking the course there with Eric — and with no signal whatsoever — and when I emerged back into the real world, that Kentucky course preview video had come out and done the rounds like wildfire. Now, all I see when I open social media is screenshots of the corgi jump, which, let’s be real, is the best thing any of us has ever seen on a course. I can’t wait to not move from it all day long next Saturday. Someone bring me a mimosa if you happen to be walking past.

Events Opening Today: Essex H.T., Carriage House Farm Combined Test, Poplar Place June H.T., Ocala Summer H.T. I, GMHA June H.T., MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs, The Spring Event at Archer, IEA Horse Trials

Events Closing Today: Riga Meadow at Coole Park Combined Test, WindRidge Farm Spring H.T., Waredaca H.T., Texas Rose Horse Park H.T.- Modified Pending USEF Approval, Stable View Local Charities H.T., Catalpa Corner May Madness Horse Trials, The Event at Skyline

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

Are you part of the the USEA Adult Riders program? Don’t miss your chance to see the Kentucky course up-close-and-personal with insights from course designer Derek di Grazia in this very cool, members-only opportunity. It’ll take place at 9am on Thursday, April 27th, and you can get more info and sign up here.

This op-ed is hunter-jumper specific, but it raises salient points for our sport, too. Is there a disconnect between trainers and young students? Are we unable to tell kids that they’re not ready for that move-up yet, because we’re worried their parents will jump ship and take them to another trainer that’ll let them hit their goals sooner? Could this be contributing to safety issues? 

Speaking of trainers, how do you find the right one for you? It’s a bit like finding a therapist, or dating, isn’t it? But by being very clear on the answers to some of these questions ahead of time, you’ll narrow down the selection by easily culling those who simply won’t be a good fit for your lifestyle or goals right off the bat. Get the process nailed here.

And finally: barn moms. They’re great, aren’t they? My own was never that keen on getting involved but at every barn I rode at, there were a couple who were willing to take us all in (and they always provided the best horse show picnics!). Get in your feelings here.

Sponsor Corner: Are you getting ready to hit the road with your horse? Follow these travel tips from Kentucky Performance Products to...

😓 Ward off stress-related digestive issues

💧 Protect your horse from dehydration

🦠 Support a strong immune system while traveling

Watch This:

Got a nappy horse? So does amateur eventer Lucy Robinson, who’s been working hard to nix the habit in ex-racehorse Ember. Here’s what she learned when she decided to try a hunter trial to help him get past it:

Video: First Peek at the 2023 LRK3DE 5* Course

By on Apr 17, 2023 5:00 pm -

We are just over a week away from the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian and it’s time for one one of our favorite lead-up moments: we finally get a course preview!

Join course designer Derek di Grazia and technical delegate Philip Surl for a ‘lil walkabout and get a peek at some of the biggest parts of the five-star course and key complexes including:

  • The MARS Sustainability Bay (4ABC)
  • The Park Question (6ABC), which comes early in the course and is jumped the opposite direction from last year.
  • The Equestrian Events Trifecta (8ABC), a new combination this year consisting of a massive triple bar, table, and corner.
  • Pete’s Hollow (12ABC), which this year features three massive fallen logs.
  • The Defender Head of the Lake (16, 17, 18), where riders will drop in over a log on the left side of the lake this year, and on the way out they jump up over the bank in the middle and over a corner tucked beside a tree.

One big question remains, however: where on the course is that corgi jump?!

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day beginning Tuesday, April 25 through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to Win a Website with EQuerry

By on Apr 17, 2023 3:00 pm -

As a young professional, I’ve experienced the wide array of requirements for kick starting your own business. From riding to teaching to barn management, the skills I need to work well with different clients and goals are vast. However, not only are there horse-specific skills you must possess, but business-savvy, technical skills as well. Managing business logistics, from invoicing to social media to creating a website can be overwhelming.

No one can do it all, and this giveaway recognizes just that.

EQuerry / Co is an equine marketing agency, specializing in strategy, web design, content creation, and brand development, and they’re offering the chance to win a custom website.

Serving clients worldwide with a goal of driving inquires and boosting conversions, EQuerry’s giveaway is designed to offer professional riders the opportunity for greater exposure through the creation of a custom website for their equestrian business.

It takes a village to keep the numerous components of a business running. Expand your village with the help of EQuerry and head on over to EQuerry’s Instagram to enter the giveaway!

Weekend Winners: Twin Rivers, FENCE, Longleaf, Unionville, Poplar Place, Spring Bay

By on Apr 17, 2023 1:00 pm -

Eventers had a busy spring weekend, covering events from California to Pennsylvania, and numerous other locations along the way!

Thank you to the events, and event organizers for providing these opportunities to get out and about, and congratulations to all on successful rides! While we saw numerous impressive scores, we do have our first TIE for the 2023 season for the Unofficial Low Score Award, where we saw both Jr. Beg. Novice Rider Isabella Rega with Blurred Lines and Tommy Greengard with Kremer VD Falieberg in the Open Preliminary score a 18.2, both at Twin Rivers.

Twin Rivers Spring International (Paso Robles, CA) [Website] [Results]

CCI3*-Long: Helen Alliston and Flinterro Z (32.8)
CCI2*-Long: Tamra Smith and Crafty Don (26.8)
CCI4*-Short: James Alliston and Nemesis (30.0)
CCI3*-Short: Molly Duda and Disco Traveler (33.7)
CCI2*-Short: Camille Brewer and Cooley Rock Star (29.2)
CCI1*: Jillian Newman and Curraghgraigue freeman (28.6)
Advanced: Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II (52.5)
Open Intermediate: Josey Thompson and Pistol Annie (38.4)
Open Preliminary: Tommy Greengard and Kremer VD Falieberg (18.2)
Preliminary Rider: Maddie Smith and Castle Larchfield Purdy (29.6)
Modified Rider: Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo (22.0)
Open Modified: James Alliston and Cora (28.5)
Jr. Training Rider: Fiona Holland and Joshua Tree (26.1)
Open Training: Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z (26.1)
Sr. Training Rider: Teresa Harcourt and Csongor (30.3)
Training Amateur: Lorilee Hanson and Contigo (27.9)
Jr. Novice Rider: Carly Chandler and Soul To Squeeze (22.2)
Novice Amateur: Megan Beachler and Cooley Sligo (28.6)
Novice Horse: Lauren Billys Shady and Mister Cooley (29.3)
Open Novice: Jolie Wentworth and Rocket van Maarle (33.7)
Sr. Novice Rider: Eri Takada and Jackpot VG (22.8)
Jr. Beg. Novice Rider: Isabella Rega and Blurred Lines (18.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Erin Kellerhouse and FE CUPCAKE (18.8)
Sr. Beg. Novice Rider: Tristen Hooks Dvm and Flying First Class (29.7)

FENCE H.T. (Tryon, NC) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights (29.9)
Open Training: Kylie Cahoon and Drumcrave Frank (30.8)
Training Rider: Evelyn Juckett and Etoile (36.9)
Novice Rider: Abby Laney and Vast Ambition (31.1)
Open Novice: Jennifer Fox and Galloway (31.9)
Training/Novice: Cameron Stacy and Kief Amazing Marco (29.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jillian Woolridge and Highland of Hope (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Helen Kaiser and JJH Gallatin (29.6)
Introductory: Camille Arnall and Scarlet Rose (44.3)
Starter: Grace Renee Speed and Show Talent (33.7)

Longleaf Pine H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Results]

FEI CCI 4* Test A: Ariel Grald and Forrest Gump 124 (30.0)
Advanced Combined Test: Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan (31.5)
Preliminary: Jessica Schultz and Rocky Top City (31.5)
Modified Rider: Mary Nofzinger Clare and Golden King (26.2)
Open Modified: Ariel Grald and Cullintra End Game (28.8)
Open Training: Andrew McConnon and Connery Cooper Z (22.1)
Training Rider: Stephanie Bristol and Ballenger (32.1)
Novice Rider A: Jaclyn McElhaney and Strongest (31.4)
Novice Rider B: Rachel Marks and Ringfort Swan Song (33.2)
Novice Rider C: Shannon Bower and PL Quintessential (30.6)
Open Novice A: Brodie Seabrook and Trout Master (19.7)
Open Novice B: Penny Goddard and Locomotion T (25.8)
Beginner Novice Combined Test: Dianne May and Gilligan (29.4)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Cindy McNeely and Jonah (30.9)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Taylor Loy and Van Gogh (34.0)
Beginner Novice Rider Junior: Ava Davis and Silmarillion (30.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Phyllis Hardgrove and Cooley Castle (27.8)
Starter: Jennifer Harris and Earth Wind Afire (27.7)
Starter Combined Test: Emily van Gemeren and Holy Cow! (35.3)
Starter Junior: Ava Brooke Bailey and On A Mission (29.0)

Unionville Horse Trials (Coatesville, PA) [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate: Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey (50.2)
Open Preliminary: Diego Farje and Laurel ICF (34.0)
Modified: Carlin Keefe and Point Nemo (32.3)
Open Training: Kaitlin Clasing and Maberlinus M (25.2)
Training Rider: Sabrina McClure and Pirates Bid (31.2)
Novice Rider: Kendal Fansler and Delilah’s Boy (23.4)
Open Novice: Boyd Martin and Kolbeinn (24.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Natasha Quirk and First Class (26.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Emily Bradford and Excel Star Kenzo (24.1)

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

Open Preliminary: Ella Kay Lane and Double Dare (30.9)
Modified: Jake Tessler and Fernhill Focus Maxi (38.1)
Junior Training Rider: Tessa Geven and Caheradoo Jack (30.6)
Open Training: Melanie Smith and TBS Declan Pondi (25.3)
Senior Training Rider: Cece McElwee and Coinjock (30.6)
Junior Novice Rider: Samuel Moreland and Sir Pollux Z (29.7)
Open Novice: Libby Head and Lady Elvira (25.8)
Senior Novice Rider: Isabella Rodwig and Dempsey (24.2)
Training/Novice: Kimberly Moore and Master Miller (32.2)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Sarah Smith and Cairo Holiday (27.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Werner Geven and Ameristan (26.2)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Katharina Huenermann and Q-Star (26.1)
Introductory: Bristal Beckom and Quick Cash (56.9)
Starter: Gabriella Britton and Side Note (34.7)

Spring Bay H.T. (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Results]

Modified: Alexandra Knowles and Boo Radley (20.8)
Open Training: Madison Temkin and Boss Indy (23.1)
Training Rider: Cora Severs and Cuervo (23.6)
Novice Rider A: Abby Blackburn and Fitz (30.3)
Novice Rider B: Hayley Palmer and Sir Edward (25.8)
Open Novice A: Ivie Cullen-Dean and Fernhill Cardevega (30.8)
Open Novice B: Madison Temkin and Fernhill Fairytale (25.6)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Leslie van der Wal and Doonhill Dancer (30.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Hannah Rutledge and River City Gem (32.4)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Lila Beshear and Zillions of Promises (31.8)
Open Beginner Novice A: Deborah Snyder and Eagle Eyed Lady (27.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Hannah Reeser and Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (23.2)
Open Beginner Novice C: Marty Riney and HipHop (22.9)
Open Starter A: Emma Hartzler and Southern Charm (28.0)
Open Starter B: Rachel Powell and Cotswold’s Way (31.3)
Tadpole: Hannah Reeser and Little Ireland Illusion (28.0)

FEI Long Format Recap: Sibling Horses with Married Riders Win FEI Classes at Twin Rivers Spring International

By on Apr 17, 2023 11:00 am -

The day after Nemesis won the CCI4*-S at the 2023 Twin Rivers Spring International, his younger brother Flinterro Z won his first FEI competition in the CCI3*-L. James Alliston rode Nemesis to the four-star win, and his wife, Helen Alliston, was aboard Flinterro Z in the three-star. Other highlights from Sunday’s final day of the Twin Rivers Spring International in Paso Robles, California, were the second-straight victory at the CCI2*-L level by Crafty Don and Tamie Smith, as well as a win by Jillian Newman and Curraghgraigue Freeman in the first ever CCI1*-L held at Twin Rivers Ranch.

Both Nemesis, who is 9, and Flinterro Z, who is 8, are out of the Thoroughbred dam Sara’s Muse, and both were bred by Danielle Burgess in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. (Note: The dam of Nemesis is registered with the FEI as Maesy, which is the barn name for Sara’s Muse.) However, the two brothers are quite different in terms of their looks and personality, according to Helen Alliston. Nemesis is by Novalis 46 and is a chestnut gelding registered as a Canadian Warmblood. Flinterro Z is by Figaro B and is a bay gelding registered as a Zangersheide.

Helen Alliston and Flinterro Z. Ride On Photo.

“We just really liked Nemesis, and [Burgess] said she had another one, and she claimed it was even better,” Helen said about Flinterro Z, who was a rising 2-year-old when the Allistons purchased him. “She did say on the phone he’s a bit small right now but he’ll grow, don’t worry. We bought him sight unseen, and when he showed up—Marc Grandia actually drove him down from Canada, and we met him at like one in the morning—and I remember he was tiny and pretty weird-looking. I just remember James and I drove home, and James lay in bed with his eyeballs popping out of his head like, ‘What did we buy?’ He was kind of like an ugly-ducking turned-swan because now he’s beautiful. As soon as we saw him moving, we knew he was a nice horse.”

Flinterro Z added 2.0 time penalties on cross-country and 1.2 time penalties in show jumping to their dressage score of 29.6 to finish with a score of 32.8.
“I wasn’t actually going to do this class, but one of our other horses [Addyson] got hurt that was entered here,” Helen said “So, I took that entry and just threw him in here.”

As far as what’s next for Flinterro Z, Helen joked, “I don’t really have a plan because this wasn’t the plan,” although she added that she’s considering the CCI3*-L at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana, in July.

Tamie Smith and Crafty Don. Ride On Photo.

The CCI2*-L represented Crafty Don’s (Tolan R x Diamond Breaker) seventh victory in 20 events since 2021 and second at the CCI2*-L level. Julianne Guariglia’s 7-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding and Smith finished on their dressage score of 26.8.

“He’s just super consistent,” Smith said. “He’s very careful. He’s mostly Thoroughbred. He’s Irish-bred. And, even though he’s 18 hands, 17.3, or whatever, he just goes like a Thoroughbred really light across the ground, and he finds all the phases super easy.”

Having finished fifth in the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) West Coast Championships for 5-year-olds in 2021, Crafty Don is in the running for the Holekamp/Turner Young Event Horse Lion d’Angers Grant, and Smith is considering aiming the bay Irish Sport Horse gelding for this year’s FEI World Young Horse Championships at Mondial du Lion in France.

“He’s probably been ready to move up to Intermediate, and I’ve just been trying to take my time because he is careful,” Smith said. “So, I think he’s ready now. He is in contention for the Le Lion young horse grant for the 7-Year-Old World Championships, and I think we’ll just see how the year plays and see if that’s something that we’ll end up doing with him—as long as when he moves up he feels confident because you’ve got to have a very bold, strong cross-country and show jumping horse there.”

Jillian Newman and Curraghgraigue Freeman. Ride On Photo.

Newman’s journey to victory in the CCI1*-L in the 17-year-old rider’s first FEI competition began when she saw a Facebook post about Curraghgraigue Freeman (Freeman VDL x Curraghgraigue Vella Erri).

“I liked his size and he looked like a good boy, but he had a pink nose,” Newman said, with a laugh. “I really liked his face. He looked like he had a kind eye.”
However, five days after the 8-year-old bay Irish Sport Horse gelding arrived in the United States in June 2021, he underwent colic surgery. It would be six months before Freeman could start working with her new horse, although that time did allow her to develop a bond that helped accelerate their journey through the eventing levels. She bestowed the barn name of “Quincy” on Curraghgraigue Freeman, and that barn name continues to take on several other iterations like “Q Man” and “Quinoa.”
“It was rough, but it was nice because we got time where I got to know him and he got to know me,” Newman said. “So, we trusted each other a lot before I started competing him.”

Jillian and Quincy won their first event together in February 2022 at the Galway Downs Kickoff H.T. in their hometown of Temecula, California, in the Junior Novice Rider Division. They did seven USEA-recognized events together in 2022 with six top-five finishes and moved up to Modified for their final competition of the season in the Galway Downs International Event & H.T. in November. Before Quincy, Newman, who began eventing when she was 13 in 2019, had competed as high as Novice.

In 2023, they were part of the first Modified level ever offered at Twin Rivers at the Twin Rivers Winter H.T. in March, finishing 14th of 26 with a score of 39.1. Before attempting their first FEI competition in the inaugural CCI1*-L at the 2023 Twin Rivers Spring International, Jillian and Quincy entered the Preliminary level at the Galway Downs International H.T. with the plan of doing dressage and show jumping at the higher level and then withdrawing before cross-country.

That set them up for the best dressage score they’ve had together—27.0. They added 1.6 time penalties in show jumping to finish with a score of 28.6.

“He’s great because he’s super brave,” Newman said about Quincy. “So, the size of the jump was never an issue for him; it was just getting rideability. Now, he’s finally at a point where he’s so rideable and good.”

Newman will graduate from Great Oak High School this year and plans to attend Virginia Tech in the fall where she will study environmental policy, join the Hokies eventing team, and compete in the USEA’s Intercollegiate Eventing Program.

In 2023, there were a total of 56 entries across the FEI classes, more than three times as many as the 17 for the Twin Rivers Spring International. Twin Rivers Ranch will next host the Twin Rivers Summer H.T. from June 29 to July 2, followed by the Twin Rivers Fall International on Sept. 21-24, and then the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse West Coast Championships on October 27-28.

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Sponsors and Volunteers

Twin Rivers is proud to host the 2023 Twin Rivers Spring International with generous support from sponsors.

Presenting sponsors for the season include: LEGIS Equine, horsemen insuring horsemen, Auburn Labs, manufacturers of the adaptogenic APF Formula for horses, people and dogs; Best Western PLUS Black Oak, which offers exclusive discounts for exhibitors; and Professional’s Choice, manufacturers of sports medicine boots for equine athletes.

Supporting sponsors include: Chubby Cov, makers of beautiful custom stock ties; Riding Warehouse, the horse gear and apparel supplier; RevitaVet, a leader in preventative maintenance and rehabilitative infrared therapy devices; and Devoucoux, saddle makers dedicated to the partnership between horse and rider.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Christina Gray of Gray Area Events at [email protected].

Volunteers play a major part of events at Twin Rivers. Twin Rivers’ generous volunteer incentive program includes vouchers for show stabling and credits for schooling between events at the beautiful 500-acre venue. That is in addition to the genuine appreciation of the Baxter family and the entire Twin Rivers team. To sign up, please visit
www.twinrivershorsepark/volunteer.