Classic Eventing Nation

Twin Rivers FEI Short Format and Advanced: Alliston Takes First and Second in CCI4*-S, Duda Wins First Career FEI in CCI3*-S

By on Apr 16, 2023 11:30 am -

James Alliston and Nemesis. Photo by Ride On Photo.

A James Alliston one-two in the CCI4*-S and Molly Duda’s first career FEI victory in the CCI3*-S highlighted the conclusion of the FEI short-format competition at the Twin Rivers Spring International in Paso Robles, California, on Saturday. Also, Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II produced a classy cross-country round to win the Advanced level, and Camille Brewer and Cooley Rock Star won the CCI2*-S by just two-tenths of a point.

Alliston was using Twin Rivers as the final runs for Nemesis and Karma before heading to the prestigious Land Rover Kentucky-Three Day Event at the end of the month. Twin Rivers has been his final prep before his last six trips to Kentucky as well. Nemesis (Novalis 46 x Maesy) won the CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers in 2023 by adding just 0.8 time penalties on cross-country for a finishing score of 30.0. The chestnut Canadian Warmblood gelding was third in the CCI4*-S in Kentucky in 2022 and will be aiming for his first CCI5*-L in Lexington in 2023.

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II. Photo by Ride On Photo.

Karma (Escudo II x Travita) finished five seconds under optimum time—and were the only pair in the field of six to do so—on Morgan Rowsell’s four-star cross-country course to take second in the CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers with a score of 39.2.

“I feel good about the preparation obviously,” Alliston said. “I don’t want to put too many expectations on how competitive I think I’ll be with a young horse, and it’s been a while for me personally. It’s whole ’nother world out there with the world’s best obviously. So, I’m happy with how it went this weekend, and hopefully that can be a springboard to a good performance there.”

Both Nemesis and Karma will be the youngest for their respective levels in Kentucky, and it will be reminiscent of Alliston’s first time there in 2011 when he and the 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Parker (Marquetry x Hello Mom) finished 14th out of 45 in 2011.

“It seems a bit aggressive, but I feel like you have a small window with these horses where they’re going well and healthy and everything,” Alliston said.

Also headed to Kentucky out of Twin Rivers’ CCI4*-S will be Tamie Smith and Elliot V (Zavall VDL x Vera-R), a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by the Elliot V Partnership. They were third with a score of 40.5.

Molly Duda and Disco Traveler. Photo by Ride On Photo.

Karma (Escudo II x Travita) finished five seconds under optimum time—and were the only pair in the field of six to do so—on Morgan Rowsell’s four-star cross-country course to take second in the CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers with a score of 39.2.

In the CCI3*-S, Duda’s victory on Disco Traveler (Donatelli x Cadence), a 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding, was the first in international competition for the 18-year-old rider from Menlo Park, California. Duda and Disco Traveler were coming off a victory in their move-up to Intermediate at the Galway Downs International H.T. in March. At Twin, they were the only pair in the field of 17 to finish on their dressage score—33.7. They were just one of two to go double-clear on cross-country on Saturday.

“This weekend was absolutely incredible,” Duda said. “Disco gave me his all and took care of me in all three phases. I think what makes our partnership special is that we have so much mutual trust, and we just love working together. I’ve been riding him for about two years now, and he took me all the way from Training level to my first Intermediate, and now my first FEI win. I’m so excited to continue building our partnership this season and see how far we can go together.”

Camille Brewer and Cooley Rock Star. Photo by Ride On Photo.

At Advanced, Braitling and Caravaggio II, a 12-year-old British Sport Horse gelding owned by Arnell Sporthorses, continued their streak of never having a cross-country jump fault in the 29 events they’ve completed since they started competing together in 2019.

In the CCI2*-S, Camille Brewer and Cooley Rock Star (O.B.O.S. Quality x Farna), a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, won with a score of 29.2. They were first after dressage with a score of 28.0, dropped to second after show jumping when they added 1.2 time penalties, and regained the top-spot after a double-clear cross-country round.

FEI competition at the 2023 Twin Rivers Spring International will conclude on Sunday with show jumping for the CCI3*-L, which is the first Selection Trial of 2023 for the U.S. team that will compete at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, at the end of October. Other FEI levels that will crown their winners on Sunday will be the CCI2*-L and the first CCI1*-L in the history of Twin Rivers Ranch.

Twin Rivers Spring International (Paso Robles, CA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on Apr 16, 2023 12:01 am -

Listen, if all seven of the Barbie horses I had growing up looked like Thomas, I would have been euphoric. I’m unreasonably excited for the live-action Barbie movie release soon (the only thing better than Simu Liu playing Ken would be if it starred the noted “work-in-progress” himself), but the resulting memes may be even better. If you don’t follow Thomas or his “life of the party” stable sister, On Cue, on Instagram, I highly recommend it! While he is indeed “an icon, a legend, the moment” itself, I would love to see how you readers would label your own horses as Barbies — with the riders as Ken, of course.

U.S. Weekend Action

Twin Rivers Spring International (Paso Robles, CA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

FENCE H.T. (Tryon, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Longleaf Pine H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Plantation Field Horse Trials (Coatesville, PA) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Poplar Place April H.T. (Hamilton, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Spring Bay H.T. (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Win a new trailer? Sign me up: The Official 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Scavenger Hunt

Zephyr Books welcome Pippa’s Pony Tales, launching in May

New Qualification Requirements and Dressage Tests for the Beginner Novice and Novice Classic Series Levels Effective May 1, 2023

Another milepost for Michael Barisone

The Story Of A Colt Named Kurt, 3-year-old Przewalski Clone

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.

Weekly Pick from SmartPak: April showers mean May flowers… and thrushy hooves. SmartPak posed this quiz on their Facebook page. Find the right answer here.

Morning Viewing: James Alliston hit a one-two punch at Twin Rivers’ CCI4*-S this weekend with both his nine-year-old mounts. 1st place victor Nemesis will be the youngest horse on the 5* field at Land Rover in just two short weeks!

Saturday Video: Perfect Your Position with David Doel

By on Apr 15, 2023 5:37 pm -

One of the most fundamental things you need to succeed in eventing is a full arsenal of cross-country positions and the understanding of which situations to use each of them in. In this taster for new H&C series Back to Basics Eventing with Voltaire Design, five-star eventer David Doel explains the mechanics of each and gives some great tips for solidifying them all, helped along by Cameron Beer and Tina Wallace. It’s a great primer ahead of the busy bit of the season — and a great introduction to the delightful David, who heads to Kentucky for the first time in a couple of days!

H&C Unveils Strongest Ever Eventing Line-Up for 2023

By on Apr 15, 2023 2:27 pm -

Anna-Katharina Vogel and DSP Quintana P at Pau, which returns for H&C’s 2023 season. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Leading international equestrian sports network Horse & Country (H&C) today announced its strongest ever eventing line-up. In 2023, members of H&C’s streaming service, H&C+, will enjoy exclusive coverage from 14 events, including four of the world’s seven 5* competitions, with further announcements expected soon.

There’s a strong line-up from the UK, starting with Burnham Market later this month and continuing with Chatsworth, Bramham, Gatcombe, Hartpury and Osberton. On the international front members can see coverage from Australia, Germany, the US and France, including the 5* events from Adelaide, Luhmühlen, Maryland and Pau.

H&C+ members will be able to see all this year’s eventing coverage as well as getting access to H&C’s extensive library of masterclasses, rider profiles and documentaries. Annual membership is only £5.99 per month or £59.99 as a one-off payment, a saving of 16%. And non-members can choose H&C+ Freestyle, H&C’s Pay Per View option, and buy a pass for any event, available at £14.99.

The full list for 2023 is as follows:

  • Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International – April 15 and 16
  • Adelaide International (5*) – April 21 to 23
  • Marbach International – May 11 to 14
  • Chatsworth International – May 13 and 14
  • Melbourne International – June 11 and 12
  • Bramham International – June 10 
  • Longines Lumühlen (5*) – June 14 to 18
  • Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe – August 5 and 6
  • NAF Five Star Hartpury International – August 9 to 13
  • MARS Great Meadow International – August 24 to 27
  • Osberton International – 30 September and 1 October
  • MARS Maryland (5*) – Oct 19 to 22 (outside of North America)
  • Les 5 Étoiles de Pau (5*) – Oct 26 to 29
  • Ariat Sydney International – Nov 11 and 12

Coverage for the UK events will mainly focus on the Cross Country phase, except at
Hartpury where all three phases will be covered. Coverage of the 5*s will feature all
three phases across every day of the event.

Director of Content for H&C, Jonathan Rippon said “As the Home of Eventing, we are delighted at H&C to bring our passionate audience such a strong line-up this year.”

Members and PPV purchasers can watch online or with H&C’s mobile apps, as well as on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire. Both H&C+ members and H&C+ Freestyle pass holders can watch all the action on-demand from the following day. Full details on how to join or purchase your H&C+ Freestyle pass can be found at horseandcountry.tv

Two Scholarships Currently Open via Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE)

By on Apr 15, 2023 10:42 am -

Sierra Lesny, recipient of the second Ever So Sweet scholarship, and her OTTB Pea. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Strides for Equality Equestrians is currently accepting applications for Leg Up Scholarships from the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation. These scholarships are geared towards diverse, young equestrians competing at a grassroots level. Scholarship recipients will receive a credit of $500 towards Maryland Horse Trials entries and schooling opportunities at Loch Moy Farm over the next year.

The Ever So Sweet Scholarship, which is the first of its kind, provides a fully-funded internship opportunity for riders from diverse backgrounds to train with an upper-level professional rider. Qualified recipients will train with Sara Kozumplik at her farms in Virginia and Florida. Special thanks to Edy Rameika for funding the scholarship.

Edy Rameika and Sara Kozumplik Murphy will provide bi-annual sponsored internships for riders to train with Sara. Scholarship recipients will receive funding to immerse themselves in a high-performance training program with Sara at Overlook Farm Equestrian Center in Berryville, VA for three months. During the winter, the scholarship will provide two months of training with Sara in Florida. Sara will determine the exact dates of each scholarship period in coordination with the awardee. The scholarship will cover expenses for full board and training costs for the horse, several lessons per week, housing for the rider, a stipend to cover living expenses, competition fees, and coaching at competitions. Participants will learn to manage, care for, and compete horses in an immersive program and will have the opportunity to work as part of the team in all aspects of running a large, competitive barn.

Riders will also make professional connections that would otherwise be unattainable and play an active role in fostering a more inclusive environment within the sport. “I’ve had to overcome many challenges in my life as an upper-level event rider, but I never had the challenge of feeling like the sport wasn’t easily available to me. This scholarship allows access for those that currently don’t have a clear pathway to fight for their dreams,” Sara said when explaining why they decided to offer the opportunity. The Ever So Sweet scholarship is an important first step toward increasing diversity and inclusion in equestrian sports.

Edy shares the passion for providing opportunities for deserving riders, “Our family loves horses and the sport of eventing. My daughters, Roxanne and Nadine, began riding when they were quite young. They rode and competed through high school, and Roxanne continued into her college career. We are very fortunate. But there are students in underserved communities who have the passion and talent for the sport but perhaps not the means. Roxanne passed away in 2017 but her passion lives on through her family. Nadine, Sara, and I want to honor Roxanne and Nadine’s Native American heritage and their love of eventing through this scholarship in the hopes of helping to keep others’ dreams alive. Ever So Sweet is a song that was beloved to Roxanne and Nadine, especially during those memorable years of riding.”

Applicants must…

  • Be a minimum of 16 years old and able to drive.
  • Be based in the United States.
  • Have access to their own horse, either owned or leased.
  • Be dedicated to developing a career path in equine sports.
  • Be willing to track expenses for reimbursement.
  • Be willing to share their experience as part of the ESS Scholarship in blogs, vlogs, social & print media.
  • Be committed to using knowledge gained during the Scholarship period to increase access to equestrian sports for underrepresented groups.

Apply for the Summer 2023 Ever So Sweet Scholarship by May 7 by clicking here.

Applications for this initial round of the Leg Up Scholarship are due April 24, 2023. TWO scholarships will be awarded during this round.

The scholarship can be used to cover the cost of entries, schooling fees, or stabling for events at Loch Moy Farm. Scholarship funds may be used at any of the events in the Maryland Horse Trials calendar. The scholarship period is one year after the date the recipient enters their first event. After this period unused scholarship funds will expire.

This scholarship is geared towards young riders who are just starting their competitive careers. Loch Moy offers a variety of fun and accessible opportunities throughout the year for grassroots riders to learn and compete. Staff at SEE and the Maryland Horse Trials are happy to assist scholarship recipients with planning how they will use their scholarship funds to take advantage of the many exciting events on their calendar.

Applicants should be…

  • Young people riding at a grassroots level who would like to compete at the elementary, beginner novice, or novice levels.
  • Local to Loch Moy farm and able to arrange a suitable horse and travel to the venue. Scholarship funds can also be applied towards stabling. Recipients do not need to own their own horse, or use the same horse throughout the year. Participants in riding school programs are encouraged to apply!
  • Ready to tell us how this scholarship would help them advance their riding goals.
  • Enthusiastic about increasing access to equestrian sports for underrepresented groups.
  • Willing to share their experience as part of SEE blogs, vlogs, social & print media.

Scholarship recipients will be subject to the rules and requirements of the events they enter.

Nestled in the hills of Adamstown, Maryland, the Highlands at Loch Moy Farm provides the perfect setting and facility for Horse Trials, Cross-Country Schooling, and other exciting community and sporting events. Just 15 minutes from Frederick, Maryland, and 30 minutes from Leesburg, Virginia.

The Maryland Horse Trials hosts back-to-back weekends of USEA Recognized Horse Trials as well as many other schooling events and clinics.

The Maryland International Equestrian Foundation (MIEF) is dedicated to supporting equestrian sport from grass roots to FEI level at Loch Moy Farm, and committed to providing funding for the development of dedicated riders from diverse backgrounds to compete at the top levels of our sport.

In addition to sponsoring SEE Leg Up Scholarships for grassroots riders, MIEF also offers scholarships equivalent to riders competing at the 1*, 2*, 3* and 4* levels at the July Maryland International.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Apr 15, 2023 12:01 am -

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sara Kozumplik (@sarakm_overlookf)

Through his legendary course walks, his always-anticipated Chronicle of the Horse preview column, and of course his own great achievements, Jimmy Wofford became very much synonymous with the Kentucky Three-Day Event. It’s therefore only fitting that his memory be honored there this year, the first Kentucky without his earthly presence. A celebration of his life and legacy will be held on Thursday, April 27th from 6-8 PM at Spindletop Hall, just across the road from the Horse Park — and while this is an invitation only private event, we’ll all certainly be feeling the impact of Jimmy’s legacy all week, especially when we’re walking that big, tough cross country course. Take a moment to think of this sporting great as you stand at the Head of the Lake, too.

U.S. Weekend Action

FENCE H.T. (Tryon, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Longleaf Pine H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Plantation Field Horse Trials (Coatesville, PA) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Poplar Place April H.T. (Hamilton, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Spring Bay H.T. (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Twin Rivers Spring International (Paso Robles, CA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

A Bid for Bitless in FEI Competition

Graceful Transitions in Life and Riding

Bulking Up: Does Your Horse Need to Gain Weight, Muscle, or Both?

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation Combats EHV-1

Daily giveaways, sponsor promotions and discounts, the latest and greatest info: Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email.

Sponsor Corner: Did you know that each Amerigo saddle has its own identity code? This serial number can tell you everything from the seat size to when it was manufactured. Learn how to read yours here.

Morning Viewing: This is the most eventer-y barn hack I think I’ve ever seen.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Allie Conrad (@clevercovertfarm)

Friday Video from SmartPak: The TerraNova Debrief with Elisa Wallace

By on Apr 14, 2023 6:31 pm -

I, for one, wish every rider was able to release videos like these full-length event debriefs that Elisa Wallace treats us to: with all three phases, and insightful commentary on the decisions she made at each step and how her horse reacted to them, they’re a great educational tool and just plain fun to watch. I was away at the UK’s very soggy Thoresby CCI4*-S while TerraNova was on, and so this has been a great way for me to see what the competition was like on the ground — supplemented, of course, by EN’s coverage from the marvellous Amanda Chance! I think I’ve added a new must-visit event to my list, in any case (especially if it takes me out of England in March…!)

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

First-Ever US Equestrian European Development Tour Athletes Revealed

By on Apr 14, 2023 12:58 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations that have been selected for the U.S. Eventing European Development Tour for the summer of 2023.

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

The following combinations have been selected as alternates and are listed in ranked order:

• Mia Farley (Ocala, Fla.) and BGS Firecracker, her own 2010 Irish Sport Horse mare
• Mia Farley and Phelps, a 2013 Thoroughbred gelding owned by David O’Connor
• James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) and Nemesis, a 2014 Canadian Warmblood gelding owned by Alliston Equestrian
• Allie Knowles (Lexington, Ky.) and Morswood, a 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Katherine O’Brien

The selected athletes will compete in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S at the Strzegom (POL) Horse Trials, June 21-25, 2023, under the direction of USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law. The athletes will also attend CHIO Aachen(GER), June 30-July 1, 2023, to observe the competition. The Tour participants will receive funding through USEF, and the USET Foundation thanks to the Karen E. Stives Endowment.

Ms. Stickability: Check Out Jennie Saville’s Amazing Save at Stable View

By on Apr 14, 2023 9:34 am -

Jennie Saville (née Brannigan) has always been a gutsy, determined rider, but her latest feat takes the cake.

While competing in the Stable View CCI3*-S, Jennie found herself relying on her balance, strength and a little bit of luck when things got dicey aboard Nina Gardner’s Kismet while navigating the tricky combination of 16abc. At the preceding obstacle, the 8-year-old KWPN (National Anthem —  Ularinka) seemed to stutter step before leaving the ground at 15b, a narrow cabin with a drop on the landing.

Jennie’s face says it all: this might look like any other jump photo, but things were very much not going to plan. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“I wasn’t sure if he was going to leave the ground,” Jennie said, but leave the ground he did, but with the next combination — a line of two angled brush followed by a corner — only a handful of strides away, Jennie was then off her step and that’s when things got interesting. What followed was several moments of incredible balance on Jennie’s part and heart-warming honesty on the part of her horse, “Herbie.”

This effort would have been inspiring on a good day, but the day’s buckets of rainfall make it all the more herculean.

While Herbie might have shown his greenness at the level over that narrow cabin, he stepped up to exceed expectations where it really mattered, like when his jockey was down a stirrup and face-deep in his mane.

“That’s the moment right there,” Jennie said of the fifth photo in the series. “That’s where I was sure I was falling off.”

Jennie isn’t going to let a little thing like nearly hitting the deck slow her down, though. She kicked on to meet the corner element at C in the prescribed forward four strides. For their efforts, Jennie and Herbie earned the Harmony Chiropractic Best Save Award and will both be treated to a well-deserved adjustment.

Jennie and Herbie making it happen on the final c element. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Go Jennie. Go eventing.

 

Friday News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Apr 14, 2023 12:03 am -

Oh I’m sorry sir, did we disrupt your nap? Photo by Eliza Dandridge LaLuna.

That spring grass has hit hard this week, and all my horses come in from their night turnout exhausted from stuffing their faces. Nobody will be ridden first thing, they all pass out immediately after breakfast, and none of them will get up, despite my various encouragements and bribes. Honestly, the level of custom care these ungrateful turds receive is unparalleled, and yet every day they have new demands. I think I’ve created monsters, send help.

U.S. Weekend Preview

FENCE H.T. (Tryon, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Longleaf Pine H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Plantation Field Horse Trials (Coatesville, PA) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Poplar Place April H.T. (Hamilton, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Spring Bay H.T. (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Twin Rivers Spring International (Paso Robles, CA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

News From Around the Globe:

Kentucky’s coming up quick! Want 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.

If your grass hasn’t popped like mine, you’ll probably already be looking in to adding some weight this spring.  Weight gain can be achieved in horses through accumulation of muscle, fat, or both. The weight gain that covers surface skeletal points, fills out the neck, and gives an overall smooth appearance constitutes an increase in fat tissue. This type of fat cover is considered “body condition,” even though it does not correlate to fitness. Muscle weighs more than fat, so gains in muscle mass may increase body weight and give a stronger, more athletic appearance but will not improve body condition. [Add Some Spring Bulk]

Having a strong position on cross country is game changing. Some eventing riders take the attitude that if their horses can jump and they can stay on, who cares? “I’m not in the hunters. I don’t care how pretty I look.” But it’s not about looking good, it’s about being functionally efficient and correct. The easier you are to carry, the happier your horse is. A happy horse does his job much better. [Develop a Strong Galloping Position]

While you’re at it, don’t forget that all important perfect dressage position for function and soundness. We all want to feel confident in the saddle, have a horse that responds to our aids and to enjoy our relationship with our horse! No matter what discipline or level you ride, correct riding starts with a correct position—it’s the single most important thing you can do to improve your riding. In this article, dressage trainer Amelia Newcomb explains in simple, straightforward language the fundamentals of correct alignment, how common position faults impact your ability to communicate with your horse and, most importantly, how to fix them. [Get that Dressage Position]

 

Laura Collett may have a gold medal at home, but she’s still schooling baby racehorses: