Classic Eventing Nation

Come As You Are: ‘The Thing I Have To Fight For’ – Molly Jensen’s Life with Cystic Fibrosis

By on Mar 29, 2023 2:00 pm -

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Molly Jensen’s parents joke that she came out of the womb loving horses. However, Molly also came out of the womb already diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Despite not growing up in a horse family, Molly has gravitated to horses since before she can remember. Even during her turbulent childhood plagued with medical setbacks, she would choose the horse toys over dolls every time. This meant that when Molly and her family learned that her health insurance for cystic fibrosis covered therapeutic riding as part of her treatment plan, she couldn’t have been more enthusiastic for the opportunity.

According to the CDC, “cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, progressive, and frequently fatal genetic disease of the body’s mucus glands.” It severely damages many areas of the body, primarily the respiratory and digestive systems, but can also affect the sweat glands and reproductive system. While the disease itself is very rare, most people with CF are diagnosed by age two, so being diagnosed before or at birth was even more rare – a 0.07% chance.

Even as a tiny infant, Molly had to be fed applesauce with enzymes mixed in for her to be able to digest anything; yet despite it all, she says she is grateful. “I don’t know anything else,” Molly states when asked how she managed her life with her health struggles growing up. “It’s my Normal, even if it’s everyone else’s Different.”

Molly Jensen and EE High Expectations. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Molly credits her optimistic outlook and positive attitude to her amazing parents, who have always pushed her towards independence in every aspect of life. Being straightforward and honest with her and teaching her how to stand on her own, they always encouraged her doctors to direct their discussions to Molly herself. She cites them as having always been her biggest cheerleaders as they continued to support her choices and dreams –- especially through her equestrian endeavors.

During a childhood of riding at “all-around” barns, Molly discovered her love of jumping through a spunky lease pony. Unfortunately, after moving to Utah and taking up eventing with a local trainer, a terrible cross-country schooling accident resulted in her hospitalization for two weeks with a brain injury and a cystic fibrosis condition called pulmonary exacerbation. Rather than pulling her away from the sport, Molly’s parents remained supportive and became determined to find her a perfect coach who could help keep her safe. This led to Molly meeting upper-level event rider Katie Cobia, and in turn, her heart horse.

Molly Jensen and EE High Expectations. Photo by Kara Jensen Photography.

The week of Molly’s first lesson with her new trainer was also the week that Katie purchased “Kitty” (EE High Expectations) as a sale project. “I fell in love with her the second I saw her,” Molly fondly recalls of the spicy and opinionated mare. “I wasn’t a very good rider yet… I didn’t know much, I just knew that I loved this horse.” Molly was able to watch Katie work with the endearing 14.2hh Connemara from the ground up, and was even the first lesson student to ride her.

After her previous jumping accident, Molly’s parents were very serious about finding her a safe horse, and unbeknownst to her, they purchased Kitty in June of 2019. While Katie continued Kitty’s training, Molly continued to ride and compete on her for six months –- secretly telling Kitty to be super naughty for the “potential buyers” Katie pretended to have looking at her –- with the whole barn keeping it a secret that she was actually creating this special bond with her very first horse. That Christmas, her parents texted her a picture of what Molly thought would be a gift that had arrived late in the mail, but was actually a photo of Kitty with the caption, “She’s yours.”

“[Kitty] knows she’s mine, but she knows I’m hers, honestly,” Molly states. “Sometimes I’ve had thoughts like, ‘Why am I fighting so hard for my health?’ But she’s one thing I have to fight for. It just sparks a whole new motivation in you, when you love something as much as I love Kitty.”

Molly and EE High Expectations at the 2022 American Eventing Championships. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Molly’s life with CF is a masterclass in dedication, commitment, and perseverance. Daily treatments for cystic fibrosis include a litany of medications and physical therapies, including a vibrating vest and a nebulizer mask, but this hasn’t stopped Molly from moving up the levels in eventing competition. Her electrolyte levels also have to be very closely monitored, as CF causes all the salt in her body to evaporate through her sweat, often to the point of being able to see physical salt crystals on her face after a ride on a hot day.

“When I pack up my trailer [for an event], I’m packing for me too,” Molly says in regard to the many treatments she must have on hand at all times. Her preparation for a weekend event starts three days in advance, with specific medications, electrolytes, therapies, closely-monitored food intake with enzyme pills, and most of all, rest. Sleep is incredibly important to her health management, with Molly needing a minimum of 12 hours to maintain optimal condition. “When I feel tired, I can feel my lungs slow first,” she admits. “I get sick super easy and don’t bounce back super fast.” If Molly doesn’t follow this careful treatment schedule, it can take her upwards of a week to recover from a single show weekend.

Through all this, Kitty remains Molly’s biggest motivation, and has brought out a new strength that she hadn’t expected. A few years ago, Molly says she would have never had the courage to use her treatments out in the open, or even talk with people about her condition, but one day, when she was running a bit behind at an event, Molly decided to multitask for her horse’s sake. “I’ve gotta do this for Kitty so that we can ride better later,” she told herself, donning her portable vest and nebulizer mask in the show stall.

When she first started multitasking by using her portable treatments while grooming Kitty, the normally opinionated and sassy buckskin would gently rest her chin on Molly’s vibrating vest – surprisingly not afraid of the devices at all, despite them looking “weird and crazy”. Today, Kitty continues to give her courage, and Molly now appreciates and welcomes the opportunity to explain CF to people and teach them about what she’s doing.

Photo courtesy of Molly Jensen.

From the outside, Molly looks like any other die-hard, horse-crazy eventer. “It’s hard,” Molly admits, “because I don’t look like anything is wrong until it’s really, really wrong.” She is grateful for her decision to be more open and transparent about her health management with those around her, citing her amazing support group as the vital source of her success. “When I’m surrounded by an awesome support group, I don’t think there’s anything that makes me below [able-bodied riders].”

Thanks to her team of supporters, Molly doesn’t feel that she’s had any disadvantages when working to achieve her goal of becoming an upper-level eventer. “If people don’t have that [support],” she says, “that’s where the playing field gets more uneven – not necessarily the disabilities or trials or hardships that we each have, it’s when you don’t have anybody to help you through them.” At her most recent show, while she was struggling with two very close ride times during a hot day, she turned around after dismounting to find that her second horse had already been tacked up by her team and was ready to go. Her friends often remind her about her medications when going out to eat, and her family remains supportive of all her personal and riding goals. “Having good people is unmatched… I know for a fact I couldn’t do it without the people that help me.”

Looking to her future, Molly admits that she did not always have such grand plans. Growing up, her only goal was to survive through high school, so when she finally hit that milestone, she wasn’t quite sure what was next. This winter, Molly packed up her horses and moved to Florida for the winter season, a dream she’s had for years but was always told was unrealistic – impossible even. Thanks to her support team and the help of her trainer, she was finally able to make that dream a reality, and has been competing there since January with plans to return before the deadly summer heat hits the southern state.

Molly has a string of four horses when at home in Utah, and I’ve seen her myself at our local events, crushing it with Kitty at Training Level with plans to move up to Preliminary soon. In addition to her heart horse, Molly has also been competing her easygoing five-year-old Thoroughbred/Hungarian Warmblood gelding “Noble” (EE Noble’s Honor) at Novice. When at home, the young laidback bay gelding stays with Kitty at Katie’s barn, while she keeps her other two horses, Quarter Horse “Phoenix” and her 3-year-old Friesian cross colt “Viking”, on her property.

Molly Jensen with EE Noble’s Honor and EE High Expectations. Photo by Kara Jensen Photography.

“Let’s be honest, equestrians are crazy,” Molly laughs, explaining how her horses help lift her through the challenges she faces daily. “Even without the CF… you have to be in love with it to do it.” She hopes that others can remember to not be too hard on themselves, and that everyone is just doing the best with what they’ve got. “I wish I would’ve learned a lot sooner that there is a lot of unnecessary stress and worry and self-doubt,” she admits.

Health conditions aside, Molly and I also bonded through another industry struggle that we share –- living in Utah. While we both have deep ties to the state, Molly admits that it has often seemed impossible to reach a professional level due to our geographic isolation on the great map of USEA. She shares that one of her dreams is to get into one of the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 camps, and hopes that we as a community will only continue to see more opportunities provided for isolated riders to be accepted into these programs.

She notes that while currently being alone in Florida with two horses is hard, it’s not the end of the world if something doesn’t go right at one show – there will just be another one next weekend. “In Utah, you get three shots,” Molly says, referring to our three recognized events held annually. While the few events we have are extremely well-run and arguably top-tier, nothing can compare to the “monumental” experience and education to be gained from the number of competitions available to an up-and-coming rider on the East Coast. “There’s got to be a middle ground.”

Molly Jensen and EE High Expectations at Skyline Eventing Park. Photo by Impulsion Images.

Looking to the future, Molly simply takes it all day by day and continues to press forward. She compares this mindset to the equestrian adage, “ride the horse you’re on today.” Rather than trying to push past her capabilities, remembering that all she has to work with is who she is today helps keep her focused on her goals. While Molly does host grand dreams of making her way to the highest levels of the sport, her simple response to inquiries regarding her future is impactful and humbling: “I want to be a good enough rider that I can bring out the potential in good horses.”

Outside of training and competing, Molly hopes to someday give back to where she got her start as a child by teaching therapeutic riding. With two adopted siblings and an unlikely chance of being able to have her own children, she also has a great interest in providing a home for children in foster care, offering help to as many as possible through equine-assisted therapies.

Molly’s love for horses truly shines in everything she does, and it is inspiring to see how much she radiates her positivity to those around her. She feels she has gained courage and motivation through her many trials, and made the decision this year to change her cross-country colors to purple – the awareness color for cystic fibrosis. After my incredibly enlightening conversation with Molly, I already know that she is going to accomplish everything she seeks to do and more. Her courage, strength, and determination is infectious and motivating, and I feel blessed for the opportunity to watch her continue to achieve her goals from the other side of the ring.

Molly Jensen and EE Noble’s Honor. Photo by Xpress Foto.

Eventing is one of the toughest horse sports out there, and I believe anyone facing additional challenges deserves to be recognized. If you are also a person facing challenging or unique circumstances, combating differences and diversity, or living with a “special” body, I would love to hear from you, share your story, and advocate for your differences. Send me an email at [email protected] for the chance to be featured in a future article!

MARS Equestrian to Return as Title and Presenting Sponsor of Bromont CCI Three-Day Event

By on Mar 29, 2023 10:00 am -

Three-time American Olympian Boyd Martin won the 2019 MARS Bromont CCI4*-L with Ray Price. Photo © Cealy Tetley

Bromont Horse Trials is proud and excited to once again welcome MARS EQUESTRIAN™ as title sponsor of the MARS Bromont CCI4* taking place June 8-11, 2023 in Bromont, Quebec.

“We are honored MARS EQUESTRIAN has chosen to continue its support of Bromont and international eventing for another season,” said event organizer Sue Ockendon. “Being a Pan American Games year and heading into an Olympic year, our competitions will be vital to the plans of North American competitors and team selectors. Having the ongoing support of MARS EQUESTRIAN allows us to continue improving the event and offer increased prize money to our competitors.”

Widely considered one of the most prestigious three-day events in North America, and the only Canadian event offering the penultimate CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S divisions of eventing competition, athletes will compete for $25,000 in prize money and awards offered by the generous sponsors of the MARS Bromont Three Day Event.

Five-time Pan-Am Games medalist and Canadian Olympian, Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON, rode Wabbit as part of the silver-medal Canadian team in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ at Bromont in August, 2022. Photo © Cealy Tetley

“We are thrilled to continue our support of the Bromont Horse Trials and eventing in North America” said Bridgett McIntosh, PhD, Director of MARS EQUESTRIAN “Through this partnership we can continue to share Mars, Incorporated’s diverse portfolio of Confectionary, Petcare, Horsecare and Veterinary products and services to an international audience.”

The MARS EQUESTRIAN sponsorship of Bromont Horse Trials is one of many touchpoints illustrating Mars’ multi-generational impact on equestrian sports and the equine industry as a whole. Going back to the 1930s, the founders of Mars, Incorporated, Frank and Ethel V. Mars, established a renowned Thoroughbred breeding and racing stable in Pulaski, Tennessee. They named the property Milky Way Farm, in honor of their best-selling candy bar, and followed up by naming their new SNICKERS® Bar after one of the family’s beloved horses. A decade later, their long-shot Gallahadion carried the Mars silks into the winner’s circle at the 1940 Kentucky Derby. Today, the Mars family and business alike share a passion for horses and equestrian sports.

Often described as an equestrian triathlon, eventing features three separate phases of competition with the same horse and rider pair completing each phase together. The opening phase, dressage, will be held over Thursday/Friday, the exciting and spectator-friendly cross-country will take place Saturday and the event will conclude Sunday with the show jumping phase, to determine the overall winners.

The 2022 US Eventing Association’s Young Rider of the Year, Cassie Sanger of Lakeville, CT, rode Fernhill Zoro to the win in the CCI2*-L U25 section at the MARS Bromont CCI in June, 2022. Photo © Cealy Tetley

CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L and CCI2*-L divisions will be offered at this year’s June event as well as U25 sections in both two and three star levels. Renowned course designer Derek DiGrazia (CA, USA), course designer for the Tokyo Olympics and some of the biggest three-day events in the world will be back at Bromont for 2023, to design the courses set amid the challenging terrain, with the help of Canada’s Jay Hambly.

MARS Bromont CCI: [Website]

World Champ Joins Smoking Hot 53-Strong Kentucky 5* Entry List

By on Mar 29, 2023 5:28 am -

Boyd Martin enjoys the victory lap at Kentucky. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The entry deadline for the 2023 renewal of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event came around yesterday, and when I first glanced at the final line-up early this morning, you could have knocked me down with a feather, frankly: it’s arguably one of the most exciting fields I’ve ever seen at this event, and with 53 entries (spanning five countries!), it’s also one of the plumpest lists, too.

Yasmin Ingham with Sue Davies and Janette Chinn’s Banzai du Loir. Photo by Shelby Allen.

So what’s changed since we last took a peek at the line-up? Well, most notably, we’ll see the return of Great Britain’s Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir, who made their first trip over in 2022, finishing second on what was the horse’s five-star debut — and then, of course, they went on to Pratoni, where they became the World Champions. Can the 25-year-old ride the wave from Italy all the way to her first career five-star win? It’d be hard to bet against them — but they’ll face stiff competition even just from within their home camp. Tom McEwen will be bringing JL Dublin, reigning European Champion with Nicola Wilson, for a crack at the title — and considering they finished their first CCI4*-L together at Boekelo in second place, on the same finishing score as the winners, we’ll be expecting a huge performance from them in all three phases and a very likely podium finish.

Oliver Townend and Tregilder. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Speaking of the British camp, we’ve now got an entry in situ from Oliver Townend, who’s won here three times (2018, 2019, 2021). He’ll bring just one horse this year: 13-year-old British-bred Tregilder, who was seventh in the pop-up five-star at Bicton in 2021 on his debut at the level, but had a rather more abortive Burghley last year, taking a disappointing late tumble at a single fence. ‘Til then, though, he’d looked a picture, and for Oliver to pop him on a plane suggests he’s feeling on very good form indeed — though Oliver has also entered him at Badminton. Likewise, Zara Tindall‘s Class Affair had a tough Burghley last year, but redeemed himself with a 12th-place finish at Boekelo the following month — a return to form that could bode well for his first Kentucky.

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Elsewhere on the eight-strong British line-up are three very good combinations who’ve cross-entered for both Kentucky and Badminton: David Doel is on the list with Galileo Nieuwmoed, who was sixth at Badminton last year and led after cross-country at Pau, ultimately finishing fourth, and a winner last week in Kronenberg’s CCI4*-S; Kirsty Chabert has entered her Luhmühlen runner-up Classic VI; and William Fox-Pitt brings forward debutante Grafennacht, who makes a welcome return to international competition after sitting out the 2022 season.

Alina Dibowski and Barbados 26. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Germany now boasts a small but perfectly-formed line-up of two powerhouse riders on first-time five-star horses: former World Champion Sandra Auffarth will bring her 2022 Aachen winner and Olympic partner Viamant du Matz for a crack at the title, and she’ll be joined for the trip over by 22-year-old Alina Dibowski and Barbados 26, with whom she competed as an individual at last year’s World Championships and has contested several Junior and Young Rider European Championships. They finished third in one of the most competitive four-star line-ups we’ve ever seen at Haras du Pin last year, and a top ten finish here certainly isn’t a far-fetched idea — nor would it hurt their chances of a spot on the German team at this year’s European Championships, also to be held at Haras du Pin.

Maxime Livio and Carouzo Bois Marotin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sadly, we’ve lost out on an Australian contingent following the withdrawal of ultra-competitive Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam, but we gain a French entry from Maxime Livio and Carouzo Bois Marotin, who were seventh at Pau last year in the gelding’s debut at the level.

Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Canada will field two entries in the five-star; one from stalwart partnership Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo, who’s coming into the competition as something of a galloping granny at a very fit and fresh nineteen years old, and another from Jessica Phoenix and her charismatic OTTB Wabbit, who was a top twenty finisher at Maryland last fall.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master Cl. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The USA will be giving it a serious crack at the title, which hasn’t gone to the home side since 2008 — but with 40 entries, and some serious strength in depth, they’ve got as good a chance as ever to wrestle it back. We’ve got several riders filling their day with three horses: Will Coleman has entered Aachen winner and Pratoni silver medalist Off the Record, DonDante, who was top ten at both Kentucky and Maryland last season, and the enigmatic and ludicrously talented Chin Tonic HS, who’ll make his five-star debut and probably lead the dressage, too. Liz Halliday-Sharp also comes in on flying form with three very, very good entries in Deniro Z, tenth here in 2021, and debutants Miks Master C, who is on a serious hot streak of form, and Cooley Be Cool, who took the CCI3*-S title at Carolina easily earlier this month. Buck Davidson is always a busy man here, and he continues to be one this year, with three entries in Carlevo, Erroll Golbey, and Sorocaima, while Jennie Saville (nee Brannigan) will ride FE Lifestyle, Stella Artois, and Twilightslastgleam. Tamie Smith will bring forward the excellent Mai Baum, who came achingly close to a win here in 2021; Danito, who makes his Kentucky debut after taking second at Maryland last year; and Elliot V, who makes his five-star debut.

Boyd Martin and Contessa. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There’s two double entries, too: Boyd Martin will ride his World Championships partner Tsetserleg TSF and debutant Contessa, while Lauren Nicholson has Landmark’s Monte Carlo and Vermiculus on the list — though the latter is also entered for Badminton.

Allie Knowles and Morswood. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In the single-horse entrants, there’s lots to like, too: Allie Knowles and Morswood will add another five-star to their tally of enormously consistent runs; Doug Payne and Quantum Leap will show us all what speed really looks like; crowd favourites Emily Hamel and Corvett will give spectators the Instagram shots they really came for; and Woods Baughman and C’est la Vie 135 will return to their hometown after a swift uptick in form this spring with their eyes on redemption, and, perhaps, another dressage lead at this level.

To check out the entries in full, click here:

CCI5* entries

CCI4*-S entries

 

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Mar 29, 2023 12:01 am -

Iconic equestrian and lothario Rupert Campbell-Black is back!

It can’t have been easy casting for Jilly Cooper’s notorious protagonist, but the hunt is over, filming is happening and, having been a big Jilly fan since my older brother unwittingly bought me ‘Riders’ for my sweet sixteen, I, for one, can’t wait for ‘Rivals’ to land on Disney+.

If you’re reading, Jilly, ‘Eventers’ has quite the ring to it, don’t you think?

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Galway Downs International H.T (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Jumping Branch Farm H.T (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (Leesburg, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Wednesday News and Reading

Ireland’s Susie Berry is blogging about her Badminton prep. You’ve probably seen her charging round 5* cross country courses on the wonderfully named John The Bull, or representing her country with Monbeg by Design at World Championships, and now you can read about her run up to this year’s Badminton with Ringwood LB. [Follow Susie’s Ride to Badminton]

The most aptly named athlete in eventing, Britain’s Ros Canter, shares her story. Ros talks to British Eventing Life about getting started in eventing, being obsessed with Badminton, cross country confidence, becoming a mom, and losing World Champion horse Allstar B. [A Canter Through Ros’ Journey]

Daniel Stewart talks ‘brain babble’ in a new three-part series – ‘Create, Concentrate, Annunciate’. We’ve all heard the saying, “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right”. Daniel Stewart gives practical tips on how to make sure you’re thinking you can. [I Can Do It!]

Does worrying about forgetting your dressage test take up more of your bandwidth than actually working on the movements? As a long-time teacher of exam subjects, I’ve found that helping students find revision strategies that work for them is key. We all learn in our own ways, so if you’re struggling to memorize your dressage test, perhaps you just need to try a new method. Heelsdown magazine has come up with 8 things you can try – I particularly like the idea of using color to map out the test, actually physically doing the test yourself and using music as a memory aid. [Memory Joggers For Dressage Tests]

FEI has launched a new Readers’ Questions series. First up, they’re talking head tossing; not in the ‘look at my fabulous mane’ kind of way, but the frustrating ‘I’m saying something and you don’t get it’ kind of way. As well as a handy list of questions to ask yourself, there’s some clear advice on eliminating possible causes, schooling and more. [Tackle the Head Toss and Find Out How to Pose Your Own Readers’ Question]

Putting out a call for horse nuts to share their fun facts. Equine Guelph and Equine Connection are looking for interesting horsey facts to be included in their online educational initiative ‘Who Knew? Fun Facts & Why it Matters’. The e-book is aimed at inquiring equestrians and instructors and looks set to be a treasure trove of facts you didn’t know you needed to know. [Did You Know…?]

Horse charity video wins the People’s Choice Film of the Year at the Smiley Charity Film Awards. The short film – ‘Unbreakable Bonds’ – created by Brooke, who campaign for working horses and donkeys, highlights the charity’s mission to build relationships between people and their working equines, and in so doing, advocating for compassion. [Watch the Winning Film]

Songbird Jones aims to inspire with his anthemic mix of women’s empowerment, horse girls and country music. As someone who (still) dreams of being a cowgirl when I grow up, I’m a sucker for a country tune, especially one with a video that’s straight up Heartland in style and lyrics that celebrate all the awesomeness that being a horse girl is. [Cowgirl Up]

Video Break

When Wednesday calls for a sweet pick-me-up – this little lot is sweeter than a box of cupcakes.

#TrainingTipTuesday Video Break: Warming Up for Cross Country with Liz Halliday-Sharp

By on Mar 28, 2023 4:00 pm -

You know we love a good educational video here at EN, and here’s another that’s popped back up on our feeds this week. Liz Halliday-Sharp shares some advice for using your warm-up fences when preparing for cross country in this video from Practical Horseman On Demand.

The driving force of your horse’s power over fences? The hind end. If you can cultivate a feeling that your horse’s hind legs are taking you somewhere, you’ll leave the start box with more confidence and options.

Save, watch, and learn!

Meet Equestly: The Clothing Company That Makes Dreams Come True

By on Mar 28, 2023 2:30 pm -

At first glance, Equestly seems like just another top-of-the-line equestrian apparel company fighting for space in a competitive market. The products are high-quality, the prices fit most budgets, and the fashion is cutting-edge and stylish. According to COO Carlos Hernández, the silicone on their full seats is the best in the market. All of their products are tested and designed with help from their sponsored riders, which includes eventing riders such as Diego Farje and Woods Baughman.

But it’s not the high-quality clothing or the support from top riders that sets this company apart. What’s really different about this up-and-coming clothing company is their dedication to giving back, to supporting the eventing community and their sponsored riders. That’s the real heart of the company: making their sponsored riders’ and customers’ dreams come true.

The clothing is simply a means of making that mission a reality.

Carlos emphasized this point of view when I sat down and talked with him and CEO Sam Potter over the phone on one rainy afternoon. “One thing we really wanted to focus on, is delivering and giving back. Delivering a really good experience, while also not being strictly focused on being the most profitable company in the world. At the end of the day, we feel like if we’re giving back, we’re basically perpetuating the circle of giving, really.”

One way the company gives back is through their carbon neutral initiative. The amount of carbon that each shipment releases is calculated and then carbon offsets are purchased to make the shipment carbon neutral. According to Carlos, “We contribute financially to the green initiatives by offsetting every single shipment with some sort of carbon neutral purchase. In addition to that, we went to recyclable packaging to ensure that we are trying to stay as true to carbon neutrality as possible.”

Carlos and Sam aren’t just focused on giving back to the earth through Equestly — they’re also focused on going above and beyond for their sponsored riders. And when I say above and beyond, I mean it.

Equestly CEO Sam Potter.

Equestly COO Carlos Hernandez.

For example, sponsored rider Cindy Anderson Blank recently had to move farms. Carlos and Sam saw it as their chance to help out. “We saw it as a perfect opportunity to give Cindy the opportunity and the space that she needed. So, we leased a barn in Berryville which she operates out of. As part of the sponsorship, we really want to help these athletes achieve their goals.”

We all know that there isn’t a ton of money in eventing for most riders. So, to be sponsored by a company as generous as Equestly can be life-changing for an eventer. This cycle of giving back came up many times throughout our call and it was clear that it was truly something that both Sam and Carlos believe in wholeheartedly.

For their part, the sponsored riders have a lot of say in the creation of the products themselves. According to Carlos, “We were just in Aiken last weekend with Diego [Farje] to give us the final ‘okay’ on a project that he had a direct hand in, which is the development of the men’s ELITE breeches. He might say, ‘Hey the inseam needs to move one inch up, or I really don’t love where this button sits, or I wish the cloth was just a hair thicker.’ You know, these are all things that we take into account because at the end of the day, the professional athletes ride twelve horses a day. Amateurs might ride once or twice a week. If they hold up and the professionals like them, then we almost guarantee the amateurs will love them. So, we work directly with our sponsored riders in the development of our products before they even hit the market.”

All this is to say that when you buy a pair of Equestly breeches, you can rest assured that they’re professional-approved.

This cycle of giving also benefits their customers. The company’s origin story is one that many riders are familiar with. Sam had decided to get back into riding and went to the tack store to buy some essentials. She wound up spending $500 on only three items.

Carlos tells the story: “With all of our cumulative skill sets that we have, we can deliver a really really great product and experience to people that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. You know, because she spent $500 on just three things and I was majorly confused. So that was really the start of Equestly. It was just the two of us trying to figure out how to deliver a really great product at a great price.”

Carlos and Sam’s journey to creating a great product at a great price resulted in Equestly’s high-quality breeches at a price point lower than the average luxury breech brand. The two of them hope that this will allow those who may be new to eventing to be able to try the sport and look fashionable without overspending their budget.

Next time you’re shopping for a new pair of breeches or a new riding shirt, stop and take a look at Equestly. When you support small businesses like this one, you’re not just getting high-quality products. You’re also supporting the riders, owners, and eventing community as a whole.

The Eventing Nation team is proud to be powered by Equestly on the road this year. Stop by and check out their full line of comfortable and stylish apparel by visiting equestly.com. This article is brought to you with support from Equestly.

Waredaca Launches Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund to Promote Eventing Education

By on Mar 28, 2023 11:30 am -

Jim Wofford and Chinch share a moment.

Waredaca is launching a new program to honor its dear friend and supporter, the late Jimmy Wofford.

The Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation (WEEF), a 501(c)(3) charity, was formed with the mission to support eventing education at Waredaca Farm. The Foundation’s first project is the creation of The Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund to promote eventing education. The award will serve to pay homage to Jimmy, who was an eternal proponent of continuing education, of participating in traditional long-format events, and of giving back to his community by sharing his time and expertise with many through the years.

This fund will reward one adult amateur and one junior whose intention is to train and compete in the Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event in October. The vision is for this to be an ongoing, perpetual scholarship that will honor Wofford and keep the spirit of the three-day long format.

Jim Wofford and Kilkenny on their way to clinching team silver and individual sixth place at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico. Photo copyright Werner Ernst.

Scholarships will be awarded to at least one adult amateur and one junior who:

  • are working towards the 2023 Waredaca Classic Three Day Event
  • wish to continue their eventing education
  • are in need of support due to lack of access, personal hardship, or other similar circumstance
  • have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the sport by volunteering

Scholarships comprise one free entry to the Classic and to four expert days at Waredaca. In addition, a $500 scholarship will be awarded to one adult amateur from the Area 1 Adult Riders program wishing to train and compete in the 2023 Waredaca Classic.

Jimmy was a strong supporter of the long format in general, and the Waredaca Classic Three-Day in particular, and was a regular presence at the Waredaca’s monthly Expert Days until very recently. The team at Waredaca and the Foundation are thrilled that Jimmy’s wife, Gail, has given her enthusiastic blessing to this effort, “especially because I know how Jim always encouraged the long format competitions,” she said.

Photo courtesy of Waredaca.

You can find more information on WEEF, the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund, and the scholarships here.

The application for this scholarship can be accessed on the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund page and will close on May 1, 2023.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Mar 28, 2023 8:12 am -

Tom McEwen pilots Nicola Wilson’s European Champion, JL Dublin, in their first CCI4*-L together at Boekelo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There are few things I like better than the closing day of entries for a 5*, because by this point, we finally start to get an idea of who’s going to be where, which means I can start making outrageous statements in the EN group chat like “[XYZ] is going to lead the dressage by 3 points, actually, because a loose dog is going to run into the arena while [ZYX] is doing their extended trot and they’ll break to canter for a second there as a result” and also “but actually [ABC] is going to win the whole thing because the whole rest of the field will be abducted by aliens after the final trot-up and also his horse has a really nice kissable pink spot on his nose so really I think he just deserves it”. Flawless technique; crystal clear vision. Anyway, we’ve got a Badminton entry list now (spicy; excellent) and most of a Kentucky list — but entries do close today, and I’ve heard a few rumours about horses we may yet see appear on the line-up, which is already SO GOOD (and my money’s on Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, for what it’s worth).

Events Opening Today: Hitching Post Farm H.T., Unionville May H.T. -Modified Pending USEF Approval, Winona Horse Trials, Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T., Tryon Spring CCI4*L

Events Closing Today: Poplar Place April H.T., Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Spring Bay H.T., Unionville Horse Trials -Modified Pending USEF Approval, Longleaf Pine H.T., FENCE H.T., Twin Rivers Spring International

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

If you were watching the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina CCI4*-S, you might have been excited to follow a slightly less familiar name. Mary Bess Davis didn’t just come to make up the numbers, either: she earned herself a tenth-place finish with her striking nine-year-old, Imperio Magic, too. Her story is one that’ll inspire anyone who’s trying to balance riding and real life — and although she’s currently temporarily laid up after a fall in the two-star, she’s already got her sights set on a CCI4*-L this summer. [Meet Mary Bess, your new favourite rider]

Once upon a time, I bought a horse from a sandlot — and that horse turned out to be a headshaker. I was a pretty naive teenager, he was my first horse, and I had limited help and support around me — and frankly, that’s one of the toughest conditions to manage without a support system, because it’s so hard to pinpoint a cause and thus create a plan to mitigate the symptoms. Even now, I’ll read anything that offers some wisdom into why it happens and what to do about it — so this new research on trauma-related causes is particularly fascinating to me, and it will be to you, too, if you’ve ever dealt with it. [Headshaking demystified — kinda]

While we’re on the topic of horsey health, let’s talk equine flu. There’s a striking lack of general knowledge — and an awful lot of fear — that ripples through barns over these things, and that fear isn’t totally unjustified, because viruses can adapt and mutate, making themselves resistant to previously effective preventative measures and medications. (I know we all know this all too well after that whole pandemic thing!) Keeping up to date on warning signs and best practices is key, though, to keeping your horses safe. [Brush up on equine flu in 2023]

And finally: apparently some hunter-jumper barns are running team penning clinics. Working together, learning to sort cattle, and discarding the usual worries about headsets and position and all that jazz is working wonders for slightly sour horses and riders, and it’s creating a super bonding exercise, too — plus, it just looks like so much fun. I once rode a foxhunter who would herd cows away from gateways while we were moving towards a covert, and I reckon he’d have loved to give this a go, despite his plaits and hoof oil and esteemed Irish breeding. [Would you herd a cow with your sport horse?]

Sponsor Corner: Are you the proud owner of an older horse? It’s such a privilege to get to keep our best friends by our side as they grow older, but it does also come with challenges — such as keeping condition on, which can be seriously stressful if they start to really drop off. The solution? Feeding complete meals that are specifically designed to support the older horse’s digestive system and give him the boost he needs. KPP has all the tips and tricks and advice for you here.

Watch This: 

Want to get back into the swing of jumping courses after a bit of time off? TV presenter Jenny Rudall knows your struggle — because she’s doing exactly the same thing. Luckily, she’s got some pretty great help on her side — and in this clip from her new show, Rudall Returns to Eventing, you can check out some of the grids and exercises they’ve been building for her to get her mojo back:

Monday Video: Primmore’s Pride Takes Kentucky 2003

By on Mar 27, 2023 4:30 pm -

Get ready for a walk down memory lane with one of the all-time greats. After the passing of Primmore’s Pride last week, one of our very favorite YouTube channels, vintageeventing, has upload a fantastic video wherein Pippa Funnell narrates her rides in all phases of the competition as she and “Kiri” clinch the first leg of the Rolex Grand Slam by winning the then Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2003.

Kiri was a mount tailor-made for long-format eventing as Pippa explains, and you’ll see exactly why as the pair tackle endurance day on their road to victory. I almost don’t want to spoil the exact ending for you, as if any eventing fanatic reading this doesn’t know the story. But if for some reason you don’t, just know that it’s a tense finish and even the greatest riders of our time have watch malfunctions.

First Prize at Defender Burghley Horse Trials to be the Richest in Eventing

By on Mar 27, 2023 2:00 pm -

The first prize at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials (31 August-3 September 2023) will be the richest in eventing at £110,000.

Defender Burghley is the autumn highlight of the British equestrian calendar. It is one of only seven horse trials around the globe to be classified as CCI5* – the highest level in international equestrian sport.

“I can’t quite believe it”: Piggy March adds Burghley champion to her resume with Vanir Kamira. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Event Director Martyn Johnson said: “We always aspire to raise the bar at Defender Burghley. As a top-class sporting occasion and to reward our athletes and owners for winning the most prestigious and challenging three-day event in the world, we feel it appropriate to offer the most valuable prize in the sport.”

This is internationally acclaimed course-designer Derek di Grazia’s second year at the helm of creating Defender Burghley’s unique and thrilling cross-country track. US-based Derek visited the site twice over the winter and is currently finalising his designs for Defender Burghley 2023, which will give a subtle twist to the course.

Tickets for 2023 will go on sale to members on Thursday, 27 April, and on general release the following day, Friday, 28 April.