Classic Eventing Nation

Area V’s Feather Creek Farm Devastated by Tornado

By on Feb 28, 2023 9:00 am -

Feather Creek Farm’s flattened indoor arena. Photo via Riley Lackey on Facebook.

Beloved Area V eventing facility Feather Creek Farm in Norman, Oklahoma suffered debilitating damage from an EF2 tornado on Sunday evening. Thankfully no horses or humans at the farm were injured, but owner Dynah Korhummel and the local eventing community now face a long and expensive rebuild process as structures throughout the facility have been decimated and the property littered with debris.

A drone video posted by a local meteorologist shows the extensive destruction across the farm:


The footage shows the damage to the home on the property, the indoor arena leveled and its debris scattered throughout the fields, and the roof of the upper barn ripped cleanly off (scroll to the bottom of this post for a closer look at this barn), among numerous other damaged structures, fences, and components of the facility. Two horses were released on Sunday night just before their barn collapsed and all other equine residents of the property have been in the process of being relocated as quickly as possible yesterday.

One of the most immediate needs is assistance with cleanup of the property. Anyone in the area who is able to donate time and energy to help can text Fran Olsen Sharp at (405) 301-6275. For anyone within the greater evening community able to contribute financially, this GoFundMe, created by Miranda Hassler, was set up to collect funds that will go directly to Dynah for the specific purposes of rebuilding Feather Creek Farm, repairing her home, and making up for the farm’s lost income.

Situated just 35 miles south of Oklahoma City, Feather Creek Farm has been an invaluable resource to the Area V community. The farm hosted 23 USEA recognized horse trials between the years of 2009-2020 – the only recognized events in the state – and continues to provide the local community with first-rate schooling and clinic opportunities.

Dynah, a lifelong rider who was long-listed by Team Canada for the 1984 Los Angeles and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games before settling in Oklahoma, has poured her heart and soul into the development of the facility since closing on its purchase in early 2008. About twenty years prior the property had been known as Tipasa under ownership of US Team rider Mike Huber, before it fell into disrepair in the hands of its post-Mike and pre-Dynah owner.

Most recently, Dynah partnered with the Carolina Horse Park to bring the War Horse Event Series, an acclaimed schooling show series which focuses on education and safety, out west. Feather Creek Farm is scheduled to offer shows in April and September/October this year. Cross country course designer Cathy Wieschhoff had been hard at work over the winter adding new jumps and refreshing the courses, which would include a newly added Modified track.

Amidst the immediate aftermath, there is currently no word on whether the April show will go forward. EN will keep you posted as we receive updates on both the War Horse Event Series and ways you can support the Feather Creek Farm eventing family.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Feb 28, 2023 8:34 am -

Michael Jung and fisherChipmunk FRH. Photo by Shelby Allen.

And just like that, Kentucky entries have officially opened! We can’t wait to see who’s going to come forward for this showcase of top-end equestrian sport: will Magic Michi return to defend his 2022 crown? Will we see a Brit attempt to regain control? Or will we have another US victor for the first time since 2008? Hold onto your hats, folks, because it’s all getting exciting now!

Events Opening Today: Poplar Place April H.T., Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Spring Bay H.T., Unionville H.T. (pending USEF approval), Longleaf Pine H.T., FENCE H.T., Twin Rivers Spring International

Events Closing Today: Ram Tap National H.T., Pine Top Spring H.T., Ocala Winter II, Carolina International CCI & H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

When you think of the riders of USEA’s Stallion of the Year awards, you probably think about factory-line pros. But for Bethany Hutchins-Kristen, whose Geluk HVF won the title in 2022, life is much more of a balancing act. [Meet the winners]

Lauren Spritzer’s weighing in on the social license debate, and as ever, her take is measured, sensible, and opens up the floor for discussion. In it, she presents the point that most people outside our industry don’t actually have a knowledge of the specifics of horse sport — but they do have the capacity to have an emotional response to what they see. That, she argues, isn’t helped by our tendency to ‘eat our young’ on social media, vilifying one another for tiny moments in time that we interpret as we see fit. [Read her thoughts here]

Speaking of social media, it can make us feel like everyone is progressing faster than us. And actually, there are few educational benchmarks for riders, other than, say, moving up a level, which should never be the be-all and end-all anyway. So how can you make sure your education is progressing at the right clip? [Here are some good ideas]

Sponsor Corner:

Eventing season is looming, and if your horse is looking a bit like a broodmare, your stress levels are no doubt rising — how on earth are you going to get this thing eventing fit in time?! Fortunately for you, Kentucky Performance Products has the feeding tips you need for the chubby horse coming into spring, so you and your four-legged best friend will be flying ’round those beefy courses again in no time. [Here’s how to slim down — safely]

Watch This:

There’s nothing I enjoy more than the gentle chaos of the first cross-country school of the year. Join in with Lucy Robinson and ex-racehorse Ember’s first go here:

Monday Video: Peek Around Pine Top

By on Feb 27, 2023 3:30 pm -

As one of the first big horse trials offering a full complement of the upper levels early on in the season, it’s so fun to poke around and peek at the scores and social media out of this past weekend’s Pine Top Advanced H.T. to see who’s out and about. This afternoon, we’ve tracked down a few videos of some well-known riders rocking around the competition. Let’s check them out.

Lillian Heard had a busy weekend with five total horses to pilot, four of which were in the Advanced division. Coming out on top in her stable was Advanced level debutante Chilly who lead the division after two phases then collected some cross country time to finish in 5th. (Watch the pair’s show jumping round above!) Also among Lillian’s mounts was her veteran partner LCC Barnaby, getting his first Advanced run of the season in. The pair took it slow across the country since they’re headed to the Eventing Grand-Prix at Bruce’s Field this coming weekend.

Another horse making the Advanced level move up was stunning grey Rio De Janeiro, ridden by Emily Beshear. They finished in sixth place overall and looked to be having a lovely time over this portion of the course:

Here’s Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye, winners of the Open Intermediate B section, through one of the water complexes on their course. We’ll be seeing this pair later this week too at Bruce’s Field.

Our gal Ema Klugman took her mighty mare Bronte Beach for a romp around the Intermediate cross country as they continue their preparations for a second trip to Kentucky for Ema and a first five-star for Bronte. They finished third overall in the Open Intermediate A this weekend.

And last but certainly not least, we’re so happy to see Tim Bourke back out on course after two surgeries over the course of the last year. Tim eased back into the swing of competition with a cool four rides this weekends. Here he is aboard the lovely Quality Time, with whom he finished ninth in the Open Intermediate B:

Go Eventing at Pine Top!

Weekend Winners: Full Gallop, Pine Top, & Three Lakes

By on Feb 27, 2023 12:30 pm -

We wrapped up the last weekend in February with Full Gallop, Pine Top, and Three Lakes running events, and saw successful runs from many partnerships, from those kick starting their USEA career like Danny Moguel’s ride Holly Grove to those gearing up for 5* competitions, such as Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z.

Among all of the diversity in partnerships, we want to give a special shout out to our “Unofficial Low Score Award” winner Tracey Bienemann with Venezuelan River, who finished on their score of 21.4 in the Training at Full Gallop. Congratulations!

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website][Scoring]

Starter: Elizabeth Bales and Pippin (32.7)
Beginner Novice A: Mallory Ely and FGF Henny Strike (21.6)
Beginner Novice B: Melissa Nice and Be My Macho Man (27.1)
Novice: Tracey Bienemann and Fabulous Trick (27.2)
Preliminary/Training: Ema Klugman and FVF Wildflower (27.4)
Training: Tracey Bienemann and Venezuelan River (21.4)

Pine Top Advance H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website][Scoring]

Advanced – 2022 USEF Advanced Test A: Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way (36.3)
Intermediate Horse: Allison Springer and No May Moon (38.0)
Intermediate Rider: Leila Cluff-Ryan and Grand Finale (38.0)
Open Intermediate A: Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel (35.8)
Open Intermediate B: Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye (29.8)
Preliminary – JR/YR: Eliza Quigley and Carlsburg (30.0)
Open Preliminary A: Boyd Martin and Chiraz (24.1)
Open Preliminary B: Boyd Martin and Asti’s Charming (23.2)
Open Preliminary C: Caitlin Silliman and Luska Candy Clover (30.3)
Preliminary Rider: Katie Sisk and Long Legs Lenore (27.6)
Modified – Open A: Katie Lichten and Romans Code Red (26.5)
Modified – Open B: Allison Springer and Monbeg Zebedee (28.2)
Modified – Rider: Crockett Miller and Swell Continental (26.3)
Junior Training Rider: Kylee Casey and Danielle Deer (32.5)
Open Training A: Tim Bourke and Electric Quality (22.8)
Open Training B: Mary Bess Davis and Fernhill Ranga Tanga (28.1)
Open Training C: Will Faudree and Fastidious (30.0)
Senior Training Rider: Mindy Cady and Fit for Fun RAA (30.6)

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary A: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Maybach (33.1)
Open Preliminary B: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Newmarket Cooley (24.1)
Open Modified – Saturday A: Guillermo De Campo Marambio and Castigado (32.7)
Open Modified – Saturday B: Guillermo De Campo Marambio and Anahuac SDN (32.2)
Open Training A: Michael Nolan and Cooley Black Hawk (28.1)
Open Training B: Avery Brennan and No Stranger To The Rain (31.0)
Training Rider: Kyla Tovar and Kilcoltrim Jacko (30.6)
Novice Rider A: Valli Corbin and Napoleon Z (24.4)
Novice Rider B: Chelsea Luedke and Larimar (33.3)
Open Novice A: Laura Wilhem and Redfield Soranella (26.1)
Open Novice B: Macy Hale and Ardeo Audacity (25.3)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Annette Kenny and Tilly (29.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Jean McNamara and Pavoratti’s Soul (30.6)
Open Beginner Novice A: Lauren Nicholson and Allegra (24.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Lee Maher and Cascadella 8 (27.5)

Get Ready for the 2023 Grand-Prix Eventing Charity Challenge + Support Your Favorite Team

By on Feb 27, 2023 10:30 am -

We’re just THREE days out from the $50,000 Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, and the official charity teams and organizations have been announced!

The Ride for Charity has been part of the GPE since the inaugural event in 2019, and the tradition will be kept alive at the 2023 rendition with six teams competing to benefit a wide array of local organizations.

GPE riders are divided into teams, with each team representing a participating charitable organization. The top three finishing teams will earn a prize check for their respective charity.

This year, we have:

Team Red – Horse Creek Academy with Captain Colleen Loach riding Vermont and FE Golden Eye. Teammates include Kendal Lehari and Audacious, and Colleen Rutledge with Covert Rights.

Horse Creek Academy was founded in 2002 under the name Midland Valley Preparatory School in Graniteville, S.C. A small institution, it started with a low number of students in grades 4K-6 set up in small portable units. MVP soon expanded to include education in 7th and 8th grade, offering a complete middle level education based in its philosophy of choice in education and individual attention. In fall 2013, under new direction, the MVP administration and executive board saw that it was difficult for the nurturing faculty to carry out its important mission in such a small space. The school was created to give parents and students a worthy choice in free public education, so they decided that an expansion would provide the means to do so. Plans to buy a new facility started taking shape at the beginning of 2014, and the purchase of a property in Aiken, housing an unfinished school, was made in April of that year. Once plans were in motion to purchase the new facility, the decision to change the name of the school was made. Midland Valley Preparatory School became Horse Creek Academy to signify both the school’s journey into the horse country of Aiken, S.C., and its roots in the Horse Creek area.

Team Orange – Aiken County Pony Club with Captain Liz Halliday-Sharp and teammates Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX, Sydney Elliot and QC Diamantaire, and Woods Baughman with C’est La Vie 135.

Aiken County Pony Club (ACPC) was founded in 1998 by Sporting Days owner Joannah Glass, and has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 20+ years. ACPC is incredibly lucky to be based in one of the most exceptional equestrian locations in the world – Aiken, SC, with access to Olympic coaches, notable equestrians and horse trainers, and exceptional facilities. Each member plays an important role in our club, and we have riders of all abilities – from those learning to ride to those with Olympic dreams (and every one in between). Our club is part of a greater network of equestrians and sportspeople through the Regional and National Pony Club Organizations. Through Pony Club our members compete in Pony Club competitions (known as rallies), which require the kids to work together as a team, in the spirit of great horsemanship.

Team Yellow – Brothers & Sisters of Aiken County is led by Captain Doug Payne with teammates Sharon White and Claus 63, Buck Davidson, and Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic.

Brothers & Sisters of Aiken County is a program for Aiken County Public School System children that that helps them to develop educational and leadership skills. The program, which has summer and after-school programs, focuses on assisting children with their math, reading and writing skills. The agency was founded in 1982 and serves children in grades K-12. Additionally, the agency prepares youth to graduate from high school, prepare for post-secondary education like college or assist with entering the workforce. Before moving to its current location on 132 York Street, it was housed at the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center until 2000. The agency is funded by the United Way of Aiken County. There is no charge to attend the program, but those interested have to apply. The agency also offers summer camps, youth and parent conferences, mentorship and etiquette classes.

Team Green – Aiken Equine Rescue brings Captain Emily Hamel with Corvett along with teammates William Fox-Pitt and Vincent Chase, Dan Kreitl with Carmango, and Sara Kozumplik.

Equine Rescue of Aiken, (aka, Aiken Equine Rescue) was established in 2006 with almost 80 acres of land. We have eight pastures, thirteen paddocks, office building and a maintenance barn. Since its founding, Aiken Equine Rescue has become the largest horse rescue farms in the southeastern United States. We have placed over 1,500 horses into adopted homes and rescued many horses, donkeys, and mules. At any given time, between 50 – 60 horses reside at Aiken Equine Rescue. We provide each with food, medical attention, and personal care until we find them an appropriate home. With your help, we can change lives. Aiken Equine Rescue has a 2022 GuideStar’s Platinum rating – the highest distinction of information disclosure to the public regarding a nonprofit’s activities. The Rescue ranks in the top 0.1% of charities nationally.

Team Blue – Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs has Captain Phillip Dutton leading a team of Amanda Beale Clement and Carlson 119, Will Faudree, and Erin Kanara with Campground.

The genesis of Great Oak starts with the story of a boy, Alan Corey IV. Alan enjoyed adaptive riding on Long Island, New York. More than 20 years ago, while visiting his father in Aiken, he asked if there was a similar program available. When the answer was “No,” he questioned, “Why not?” That is when Specialized Therapeutic and Recreational Riding (STAR Riding) was born.

Today under the protective branches of a Great Oak, that dream is carried forward by a dedicated group of passionate individuals and reliable horses under the professional affiliation of PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). The future holds so many possibilities for unbridled success. Our advantage is our knowledge and experience. We leverage our assets in a state-of-the-art facility that is supported by generous contributions from many of our local patrons and students. Over the last 15 months alone we have served over 200 unique individuals through creative programming, dedicated volunteers, certified instructors and our fantastic herd of award-winning GO Ponies. Great Oak now manages a facility that allows for transformative growth through equine assisted activities in all seasons.

And last but not least, Team Purple – Tri-Development Center sees Captain Boyd Martin with Tsetserleg and Federman B, along with Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight, and Sarah Kuhn with Mr. Cash van de Start.

Tri-Development Center of Aiken County, Inc. is recognized across the state as being a leader in the provision of services and support to our fellow citizens with disabilities. Our strong advocacy has resulted in more resources and opportunities being made available to people with disabilities in our area than can be found in many other areas of the state. At the same time, we are equally committed to the prevention of disabilities whenever possible. A concerned community, excellent staff, and a determined clientele have brought us to where we are today. The continued efforts of these groups are certain to open even more doors and result in increased opportunities in the future. Responsibility is taught, shared, and expected. Physical and psychological needs are met. Communities and citizens see themselves as competent and are willing to become involved in the lives of people with disabilities. Our vision is that the citizens and communities will realize that they have the capacity to befriend, care about, work alongside, and learn with and from people with disabilities.

Do you have a favorite team you’d like to support? With the Ride for Charity Online Popular Vote, you can cast your vote for $5/vote, with 100% of the proceeds going directly back to the charitable organizations.

Join the action in person (buy your tickets here) this coming weekend, March 3 & 4 at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC, or enjoy the Horse & Country live stream to be sure not to miss out! EN’s Sally Spickard and Shelby Allen will be on the ground providing all the action you can handle and then some, so keep it locked right here on EN for much more from Aiken all week long.

$50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Tickets] [Entries] [Live Stream] [Ride for Charity] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Feb 27, 2023 8:27 am -

This sweet tribute to Allstar B, Ros Canter’s late World Champion, has really got me this morning. It reminds me how lucky we all our to share our lives with our own special horses, but it also reminds me how truly fortunate I am to get to travel the world watching these legends of the sport in action week after week. Hug your ponies for me today, gang, because through the good days and the bad, they remain pretty great, don’t they?

National Holiday: It’s International Polar Bear Day. These guys are having a pretty crap time at the moment, all things considered, with the speedy melting of the polar ice caps, so for their sake, let’s all try to be a bit sustainably-minded today (and, well, forever, if we can!).

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Results]

Pine Top Advance H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Results]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

When Anne Sagalyn first set eyes on Arabian ex-racehorse Laz, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. But over time, and with plenty of trust and patience, something magical started to happen – and her background in clinical psychology certainly played a major part in helping her to figure out the troubled, unhappy little horse she’d brought him. [From shut down to thriving]

Introducing a young horse to lateral work for the first time can be a process. But there’s actually plenty you can do to help them understand the aids through groundwork first, and it can make the whole shebang go a heck of a lot easier. [Here’s how the dressage pros do it]

We’ve all been there: one day, out of nowhere, your horse is 10/10 three-legged lame, and you don’t know why. Often, these dramatic lamenesses come down to one thing — and that’s a pesky hoof abscess. Here’s the 411 on what they are, where they come from, and how to deal with them. [The bane of horsey folk]

Meet Qatari showjumper Rami Younis, who actually rides for Canada despite living and riding in his Middle Eastern home country. The up-and-comer enjoyed spending last week competing at the spectacular CHI Al Shaqab, which truly took him back to his roots: prior to the Al Shaqab facility being one of the Gulf region’s biggest competition venues, it was structured more like a pony club around the extant Arab breeding facilities. [Showjumping around the world]

The FutureTrack Follow:

Fancy one extra bit of eventing inspiration on your feed each day? Amateur photographer Mace McLean can help, with his random rider of the day posts highlighting the great snaps he’s taken up and down the UK each year.

Morning Viewing:

Take a spin with baby horse Bea as she tackles her first cross-country with Elisa Wallace:

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on Feb 26, 2023 12:01 am -

The Kentucky Horse Park is hosting a lecture next week by Marcus Floyd, inventor of Horse Kicks. If you didn’t see the photos when these went viral on social media a while back, get excited, because this is a whole new level of matchy-matchy that we didn’t know could exist: matching your sneakers with your horse’s. It looks like there’s a larger range of styles in these pony sneaks than I have ever owned myself… but knowing horse girls, they’ve definitely chosen the correct target population! Can you imagine pulling up to cross-country warmup with your horse sporting a pair of Air Jordans? You’d just be flexing on everyone at this point.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Pine Top Advance H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times][Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Fitness for you: How the Pros Stay Fit to Ride

Fitness for pony: Three exercises to improve your horse’s core strength and engagement

The 2023 Young Event Horse calendar is now available

The Major League Eventing Podcast welcomes Julie Wolfert – Adventures from the Mongol Derby to winning the Tryon 4*S

The Conversation No One Wants to Have: Talking to Kids About Horses and Money

Weekly Pick from SmartPak: Finally, winter breeches that are designed for every body! Do you struggle to find breeches that fit? SmartPak’s Piper Winter Softshell Breeches are available in sizes 22R through 48R.

Morning Viewing: In case you thought that all equestrians’ senses of smell experience long-term deterioration due to our overexposure to horsey smells, Mia Farley and Alyssa Phillips say “think again” (or actually, no, that may actually be true).

FEI Solidarity Relief Fund Continues Support to War-Torn Ukraine One Year On

By on Feb 25, 2023 2:00 pm -

Lithuania’s Aistis Vitkauskas incorporates a nod to Ukraine in his trot-up presentation at Luhmühlen in 2022. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The 25th of February 2023 marks one year since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces began with the support of Belarus.

“This has been a tragic year in which the equestrian community, and indeed the entire population of Ukraine, have suffered tremendously,” says FEI President Ingmar De Vos. “Almost immediately after the start of the war, the FEI set aside a CHF 1 Million Solidarity Relief Fund to aid the equestrian community in the country as well as those who have left the embattled nation. In the months that followed, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) also joined forces with the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, establishing the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund to support Ukraine horses and equestrians, with 100% of funds raised going to the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund to be distributed by the FEI for projects approved by the USEF.”

“Our general approach has been about supporting and leading initiatives to provide relief to the Ukrainian equestrian community rather than distributing money. A key area that required immediate action was assistance in the relocation of horses from conflict zones. We initially set up a logistical hub in Granat, located in western Ukraine between the city of Lviv and the Polish border, to prepare horses for transfer into the European Union. However, as time went on, we quickly realised we could provide greater relief to horse owners by helping them keep their horses in safer regions within Ukraine, and for this, we purchased a total of 120 boxes, which have been set up in strategic hubs around the country.”

“We worked closely with various European companies to purchase 7,400 kg of veterinary supplies and equipment and transport them into Ukraine from the neighbouring countries for use by 22 local veterinarians to treat common conditions such as colic, infections, and lameness in 5,700 horses. We purchased and transported large quantities of premix of vitamins, minerals and nutritional additives, which were enough to prepare hundreds of tons of horse feed on the ground in Ukraine.”

Sonia Shulga, 14, during training with the Ukrainian Vaulting team in Bernolákovo (SVK) on 18 May 2022. (c) FEI/Richard Juilliart.

Furthermore, he explains, “The FEI Solidarity Relief Fund supplied scholarships and training support to two Jumping and two Dressage athletes, who took part in the FEI Dressage European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2022 held in Hartpury (GBR). Assistance was also provided to five Vaulting Athletes, aged between 11 and 15, who became the first team to ever represent Ukraine in an international Vaulting Event when they participated in CVI1* in Kaposvár (HUN) from 20 to 22 May 2022. Funds covering the staff salaries were provided to the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation.”

The FEI’s contribution is set to continue on in 2023, as is their restriction on any FEI events taking place in Russia or Belarus in 2023. No competitions will be added to the calendar in these countries for this year; planned officials’ courses in the countries will be relocated elsewhere, and Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials, and horses will remain unable to take part in FEI events and courses indefinitely.

“So far, we have used half of the sum available in the Fund and we are committed to continuing our support in 2023 by providing additional athlete scholarships and training assistance, purchasing veterinary equipment and nutritional supplies, and financially supporting the Ukrainian National Federation staff,” President De Vos concludes.

“We would like to thank FEI Solidarity for the financial support of the young Ukrainian riders,” Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, Secretary General of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation (UEF) and Founder and CEO of the Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation (UECF), says. “Unfortunately, many equestrian centres that were built with great love for our beautiful sport are standing in ruins. Equestrian sport in Ukraine will need a long-term recovery plan. Currently, we are discussing with the FEI Solidarity possibilities of support for equestrian equipment that would help boost the sports development in our country. The UECF is immensely grateful to the FEI for the ongoing support and remains committed to working together to support the equestrian community’s development and future recovery.”

Barbury International No More: Unaffiliated Competition Dispute Sees BE and FEI Event Depart 2023 Calendar

By on Feb 25, 2023 8:00 am -

Felicity Collins and RSH Contend OR jump through Barbury’s iconic Woodhenge fence. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Musketeer Event Management, the event organisation conglomerate responsible for a number of British Eventing’s most popular events, has today announced that it will not go ahead with its midsummer FEI fixture, Barbury International Horse Trials, in 2023. The decision was made as the result of recent restrictions placed upon venues by British Eventing, which limit fixtures hosting international classes from also hosting unaffiliated competition throughout the year in order to safeguard against unregulated competition.

Though Barbury has been a firm fixture within the British calendar since 2005, when it was awarded a CCI4*-S (then CIC3*) class in its first year of running. Since then, that class has remained its feature — and, for a few years, played host to an Event Rider Masters leg, too — and in 2019, Musketeer adopted it into its stable of competitions. In 2021, they added an unaffiliated fixture “to financially support the International fixture, which facilitates viability and continued investment in the wonderful site,” they write in a statement released today.

“MEM and BE sought to find a solution for alternative options, to ensure the viability of the International fixture at Barbury and, although BE offered the venue the opportunity to host a new GOBE fixture, no regular classes were permitted to run alongside,” continues the statement. “On review of entry levels for the events which hosted GOBE classes in 2022, it was determined that taking the risk of forfeiting three days of the Unaffiliated sport was too great. Consequently, in conjunction with Barbury Castle Estates, the decision was taken that the only financially viable option for the venue is to continue with the running of the Cotswold Cup fixture taking place over the weekend of 15th & 16th July.”

The cost of living crisis in Britain, and the rising cost of keeping horses, has seen a sharp uptick in participation in unaffiliated competition, which is often run over BE-approved courses at affiliated venues, but at a fraction of the cost. Series such as the Cotswold Cup aim to provide pathways and championships for those riders who want to continue with unaffiliated competition but still want access high-standard competition opportunities and exciting prize pots. Since its launch in 2021, the Cotswold Cup has offered a £10,000 prize pot at its Championship finale, making it grassroots eventing’s most significant payout.

“Barbury Castle Estate and Musketeer Event Management both remain completely committed to the continuation of International and grassroots Eventing at the venue, are extremely grateful for the support of all the sponsors and volunteers that add so much to the event and sincerely hope the International fixture will have the opportunity to return to this iconic venue in the future.”

“The decision by British Eventing to cancel the Barbury International Horse Trials is lamentable,” says Chris Woodhouse of Barbury Castle Estates. “Musketeer Event Management supported by the Estate have made a considerable investment over recent years to improve the event, support its financial viability during Covid and broaden the appeal to junior competitors. Insisting on affiliation of all events in order to boost the finances of British Eventing in a post Covid environment when competitors and the general public are struggling with the cost of living appears to me to be elitist and non-inclusive.”

British Eventing has also released a statement, which reads:

“The BE Board determined that, in light of the increased spotlight on equestrian sport’s social licence to operate, venues holding International fixtures in 2023 would be required not to hold unregulated competitions. As the National Governing Body for eventing in the UK, BE is committed to delivering a consistently regulated, safe, clean sport. BE has no jurisdiction over unregulated competitions, and cannot vouch for their compliance with FEI and BE requirements for sport; which have horse and rider welfare at their heart.

BE had hoped that Barbury would use the GO BE series to allow a wider group of competitors to access this iconic venue as part of the BE affiliated calendar; but regrettably the Organiser has opted not to.”

BE Chief Executive Helen West says, “As a National Governing Body for Olympic sport we need to set a standard. International events on home soil showcase the sport at its very best; providing a fair and level playing-field where safety, equine welfare, safeguarding and clean sport are mandatory. We feel that these standards should be upheld consistently by all those who are allocated international fixtures, therefore the decision was made by the BE Board that no international fixtures should be awarded to venues that run unregulated sport.”

Following the loss of Barbury, ordinarily held in the first week of July, there will now be a six-week gap between CCI4*-S classes in the UK in the middle of the season — but Barbury’s approximate date will be tendered to existing BE organisers in order to fill this gap.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Feb 25, 2023 12:01 am -

Yesterday, the eventing world paused for a solemn moment to honor the life of Jimmy Wofford at his memorial services. You can read more reflections from riders, colleagues, and friends, collected by the USEA, here and for anyone interested, Sara Kozumplik has kindly collected the list of places that you can make a memorial donation to:

  • The National Sporting Library, 102 The Plains Road, Middleburg, VA, 20117
  • The Piedmont Foxhounds Conservation Fund, P.O. Box 592 Upperville, VA, 20185
  • Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 127 Upperville, VA, 20185

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Pine Top Advance H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times][Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Dan Michaels Is Inventing To Improve Eventing

This Winter Sport Is the Entertainment You Didn’t Know You Needed—A Beginner’s Guide to Skijoring

FEI Solidarity Relief Fund continues support to war-torn Ukraine one year on

Hundreds of horses blocked from FEI events after EHV-1 cases

Learning To Trust

Sponsor Corner: What pony wouldn’t love a nice massage after a hard ride? Thanks to the Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad, your horse can benefit from massages on demand, whenever and wherever. This pad is clinically proven to improve back flexibility and promote relaxation.

Morning Viewing: Preach, Cathy!