Classic Eventing Nation

Yanmar America Takes On Sponsorship of Carolina CCI4*-S – and Reveals Sneak Peek of Entries!

By on Feb 22, 2023 2:33 pm -

Boyd Martin and Miss Lulu Herself. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

The eventing world would come to a shuddering halt if it weren’t for the phenomenal sponsors who fund competitions around the world – and if there’s one thing you can rely on Yanmar America never to do, it’s grind to a shuddering halt. Their tractors and farm equipment are the thang for the busy countryside type who has a to-do list as long as their arena and needs a versatile bit of kit with which to do it. That’s why it’s particularly exciting that they’ve taken on the mantle as sponsor for the feature CCI4*-S class at next month’s Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial, which is the first CCI4*-S class of the US season — and as part of their sponsorship deal, they’re providing the on-site emergency medical technicians with two of their market-leading UTVs, giving competitors peace of mind that they’ll be attended to quickly and reliably in case of a wobble on course.

Yanmar’s got some of the most useful bits of kit on the market for horsey folks.

Fancy putting your name down for a tractor, UTV, or bit of industrial kit for your farm? You’ll be able to check out the wares in person at the event, which runs from March 16-19.

“We are very much looking forward to working with the Carolina International to support this exciting event for the equine community,” says Jon Richardson, Director, Rural Lifestyle Division, Yanmar America. “Yanmar America has long supported bringing communities people together in the shared excitement of sports and is working to develop future generations through its sports sponsorships.”

“We are excited to welcome Yanmar America as the CCI4*-S sponsor for the Carolina International,” says Shannon Habenicht, Director of Development and Communications at the Carolina Horse Park. “Our EMTs will have reliable Yanmar equipment to provide support for the competitors, and visitors will get to see these distinctive red Yanmar tractors on display during the event.”

If you like your farm kit to come with the assurance of a long history of quality, Yanmar’s got you covered there. With beginnings in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, Yanmar was the first ever to succeed in making a compact diesel engine of a practical size in 1933. A pioneer in diesel engine technology, Yanmar is a global innovator in a wide range of industrial equipment, from small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, to machine tools, and components around the world. Even better? They’re committed to sustainability — something we tend to fall short of as a sport. Keep on rocking, Yanmar!

Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Alison Green for Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The new partnership with Yanmar also offers us our first look at the entry list for the CCI4*-S, which has 22 star-studded entries with a week left until closing day. Among those are 2021 USEF CCI4*-L National Champions, Woods Baughman and C’Est La Vie 135, who led the dressage at October’s Maryland 5* — the event at which fellow entrants Elisa Wallace and Renkum Corsair took the CCI3*-L National title. This will be the eye-catching gelding’s debut CCI4*-S, and it’s set to be a move-up that many will have a close eye on. Olympian Doug Payne has an enviable triple hander in the inexperienced but exciting Camarillo, the flashy-toed Starr Witness, and the great-jumping Quantum Leap, who was a top-ten finisher at both Kentucky and Maryland last season, and Boyd Martin, too, will be keeping busy with three entries in this class. Bromont CCI3*-L victor Miss Lulu Herself will make her CCI4*-S debut, while Contessa, who was never out of the top ten in FEI classes last year, looks a hot tip for the business end of the leaderboard. If you watch winter horse transfers as keenly as some people watch… whatever ‘transfer season’ is in other sports, his third ride — Commando 3 — will be of particular interest. It’ll be their first FEI event together since the horse came over from Sweden’s Louise Romeike, who notched up ten top-ten finishes in internationals out of 18 starts across her tenure with the ten-year-old Holsteiner.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Allie Knowles continues to be a fan favourite with her exceptional Irish Sport Horse Morswood, who was previously piloted by Piggy March and Susie Berry and is universally loved by, well, everybody, and there’ll be plenty of folks rooting for Liz Halliday-Sharp to have a great week with her two rides, the exceptional Cooley Quicksilver, who was in the top ten at Luhmühlen CCI5* last year, and Miks Master C, who was very impressive even as a new ride at Boekelo in October. Carolina will offer us a first opportunity to see how they’ve used their winter, and we reckon they could be onto some magic after a bit of getting-to-know-you time. Speaking of magic, wasn’t that US team silver in Pratoni sprinkled with just a touch of the stuff? You can catch up with individual rider Ariel Grald and her mount Leamore Master Plan — who did so well at the event that had they been on the team, the US would actually have won gold — at Carolina. Plus, see international jet setters Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire (and a second ride for Syd in the delightful Commando d’Osthuy, too), and a much-loved twofer in Pfun and Mama’s Magic Way for Will Faudree.

You can check out the list of entries for all classes — which will continue to be updated through the closing date of February 28 — here, and keep it locked on EN for all your Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International news!

British Eventing to Introduce Six- and Seven-Year-Old Classes in 2023

By on Feb 22, 2023 9:30 am -

Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent add another completely penalty-free cross-country run to the mare’s spotless record at her second Le Lion d’Angers appearance in 2021. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing’s commitment to providing pathways for young and upcoming horses and riders – a commitment we’ve seen magnified in 2023 – has been bolstered by a new series of classes for six- and seven-year-old horses this season.

These Young Horse classes are being supported by The Howden Way, which has provided a significant cash injection for the sport since its introduction last year. In this case, that means that the prize pot will be increased from that offered in the non-age-specific sections: the top three combinations in each class will receive £250, £150, and £100, respectively, on top of the prize money already stated on the schedule.

These new classes will be held across the spring and summer, allowing for horses of each age group to test their mettle against their peers – a huge benefit for owners and riders aiming their charges at the FEI World Breeding Championships at Le Lion d’Angers, which hosts a CCI2*-L World Championship for six-year-olds and a CCI3*-L World Championship for seven-year-olds.

Piggy French and Cooley Lancer, winner of the Six-Year-Old World Championship in 2019. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Six-year-olds will run at the Novice level, beginning with a kick-off event at Gloucestershire’s Cirencester Park from April 29-30. Seven-year-olds will run at the Intermediate level, beginning on the weekend of the 10-14 May at Northamptonshire’s Aston-le-Walls.

The full lists of venues and classes are available here:

6YO

7YO

“Developing the equine talent that we have in this country is vital to the future of our sport,” says Justine Parker, BE head of training and development. “The new provisions that we have been able to implement thanks to the support from The Howden Way – such as the Young Horse Academy – are helping us to take big strides forward in developing our home-grown talent. These new young horse ages classes will provide yet another string to the bow and will be invaluable for helping riders assess the progress of the equine proteges against their peers.”

Wednesday News & Notes from SRF Carolina International

By on Feb 22, 2023 4:33 am -

Ah, self-doubt. That niggly little earworm that takes up too much space in too many people’s brains. We know it’s not helpful, but how do we politely tell it to skedaddle?

Self-doubt chips away at our confidence, undermining our true abilities and preventing us from achieving our potential. At worst, a lack of confidence can even be dangerous when it comes to riding and being around horses.

We all know that our horses are tuned in to our emotions and react accordingly. Any negativity we’re feeling is translated directly to our horse, through our body language, our aids and perhaps even in the energy we’re projecting.

Your Horse Magazine has shared a practical way to rationalize those thoughts of not being good enough by getting hands on with actual evidence, rather than the distorted viewpoint which self-doubt is often initiated from.

For example, that one time we fell off when tackling a trakehner doesn’t mean we’re more likely to fall off every time there’s one on course, no matter how loudly that doubting little earworm tries to tell us it does.

If we believe that self-doubt though, becoming tense on the approach, shortening our reins too much because we’re scared, flapping our hands around because we’re not thinking straight, then it probably is more likely that we’ll make the same mistake again.

Check out how to keep that self-doubt in check here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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]

Wednesday News and Reading

Since devouring the Silver Brumby books as a kid, I’ve been fascinated by wild horses — and this historic herd in the Tehachapi Mountains of Central California really is a sight to behold. The origins of the 100-strong herd of Oak Creek Horses isn’t known, although it’s believed that they are descendants of western working Morgan horses used on cattle ranches in the late 1800s. In this article, herd manager, Diana Palmer, explains how she and her husband are working towards a sustainable future for the wild herd. [Behold the Beauty of the Wild]

As we all know, animals don’t speak human; if they’re in pain, they don’t say, “hey there, that hurts”. And so it’s up to us to learn animal speak, AKA non-verbal signaling that something may be wrong. Here are six signs to look out for that may indicate that your equine friend needs a little TLC. [Horse Speak for Ouch]

Irish dressage rider, Abi Lyle, talks competition nerves and how not to get overawed by the situation. Abi’s debut international indoor competition happened at The London International Horse Show in December, and rather than letting the excitement get to her, she focused on her mindset. [A Good State of Mind]

The critically endangered Suffolk Punch has had a recent welcome addition to the breed with this delightful little foal, Florrie. Dating as far back as the early 16th Century, the Suffolk Punch was originally developed for farm work. With the advent of mechanized farms, the breed’s numbers declined, and is now listed as critical, which is why Florrie is one special little lady. [Just Look at Those Fluffy Ears!]

Is zebra print the way to go to deter those pesky horse flies? Scientists have known for a while that flies don’t like to land on striped surfaces, but new research has furthered this by using various rugs in a range of patterns to see what the flies thought of different fashion statements. [Can I Have That in Zebra Print?]

Dreaming of channeling your horsey passion into a profitable business? When your business is an extension of your passion, it’s all too easy to forget that the point of a business is to make money. Here are eight tips to make sure that your heart business is also good for your bank balance. [Putting the Emphasis on Profit]

Sponsor Corner

Have you sent your Carolina International entry yet? Entries close on February 28, but it makes your event organizer much happier to send yours in earlier. View the omnibus listing here.

Video Break

This is how I’ll be slurping my margarita later in honor of National Margarita Day…

Tuesday Video: The Next Ingrid Klimke?

By on Feb 21, 2023 3:48 pm -

Okay — so that’s a big accolade to award to a young rider. But Germany’s Greta Busacker isn’t just a gold medallist in her own right already — she’s also Ingrid’s daughter, and her deft, sensitive horsemanship definitely comes in part from her dam line (and the incredible education she’s received in the saddle as a result). We know that New York magazine has been pretty rough on the nepo babies recently, but Greta bucks the trend: she’s a true grafter and a lovely person, to boot, and it’s been great fun to watch her progression from the corner of my eye as I gallivant around Europe reporting for EN. Get to know her in this short feature from the FEI, and watch out for that name atop the big-time leaderboards soon!

More Sights and Sounds from Ram Tap: The Colored Poles Edition

By on Feb 21, 2023 2:03 pm -
James Alliston takes the win in the Advanced Intermediate with his Nemesis. Photo by Sherry Stewart. James Alliston takes the win in the Advanced Intermediate with his Nemesis. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

James Alliston takes the win in the Advanced Intermediate with his Nemesis. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Another day, another dispatch from our friends on the West coast, who we love despite their favourable climate and beautiful topography. Over the weekend, we brought you a cross-country gallery from Ram Tap Horse Trials, courtesy of our pal Sherry Stewart — and today, we’ve got the top three in the upper level classes, photographed doing their thang over the poles. Congratulations to all these plucky riders and horses, whose full results from the show can be found here. Go Eventing!

James Alliston and Nemesis. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

James Allison and Tamie Smith – the AI division’s one-two. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Tamie Smith and Elliot V, second in the Advanced Intermediate. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Megan McIver and Elle, third in the Advanced Intermediate. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Lauren Billys Shady and Can Be Sweet win the OI at Ram Tap. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Hawley Bennett-Awad and 19-year-old stalwart Jollybo take second in the OI class. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Julie Wentworth takes third in the OI with KF Klosterbrau. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Tamie Smith and Kynan win the Open Prelim. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

It’s a good week in the office for Tamie Smith, who takes second place in the OP with Crafty Don. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Jolie Wentworth and Girl of California: third in the OP at Ram Tap. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Gabrielle Ringer and Get Wild take a victory in the Prelim Rider. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Elsa Warble and FE Unlimited finish second in the Prelim Rider division. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Molly Duda and the delightfully named Disco Traveller finish third in the PR class. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

William Fox-Pitt Returns to Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

By on Feb 21, 2023 9:47 am -

William Fox-Pitt and Sandro’s Star. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Exciting news, EN! British Olympic eventing legend William Fox-Pitt will make his return to the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, happening in Aiken, SC March 3-4. William will take the reins of 5* rider and Strides for Equality Equestrians co-founder Heather Gillette’s off-track Thoroughbred, Vincent Chase, for the competition. Lanky Will is becoming something of a regular at Bruce’s Field, which should tell you everything it needs to about how great the show is: he borrowed Sara Kozumplik’s Rock Phantom last year, finishing sixteenth, and was third in 2019 on Hannah Salazar’s Sandro’s Star.

Heather Gillette and Vincent Chase. Photo by Abby Powell.

Heather has produced “Vinnie” since his off-track days, moving him up to the Advanced and 4* level in 2022. This will be his first trip to a showcase-format event, which also boasts a growing entry roster that includes former winners Liz Halliday-Sharp and Boyd Martin.

Check out the full entry list here and our update on the packed event schedule here. Tickets can be purchased here, and if you aren’t planning to attend in person, Horse & Country will provide a live stream of all phases.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Feb 21, 2023 2:11 am -

Is it eventing season yet?! I’ve travelled out to the Middle East this week to work on the press team for a major showjumping competition, which is great and all, but all I want is to find myself traipsing across an expansive field with a heavy camera in tow on a bustling cross-country day. I think the riders are feeling the same, too, judging by the sharp uptick in cross-country videos on my feed at the moment (and helped by the news that Badminton entries are officially open!)

Events Opening Today: CDCTA Spring H.T., Pine Hill Spring H.T., Rocking Horse Spring H.T., Stable View Spring 2/3/4* and H.T.

Events Closing Today: Full Gallop Farm March I H.T., SAzEA Spring H.T., Southern Pines H.T., Chattahoochee Hills H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

The Eventers’ Challenge class at Blenheim has long been a goal event for grassroots eventers all over the UK. Now, with a new organising team taking the helm, could this much-loved class make a welcome return? H&H spoke to the brains behind one of Britain’s most prestigious events to find out. [Exciting things in the pipeline]

High-flying ponies are a common sight here in the UK, but in the US, they’re a rarer sight. Donna Miller, though, is working hard to change that — and the exceptional stallion Coud’Poker, who won the USEA’s 2022 Pony of the Year prize, is certainly helping her to that end. [Read about him here]

Personality, it turns out, is partly genetic. Researchers who’ve been looking into these genes in horses have also found that many of them are the same as the ones humans have – so if you’ve ever felt like your horse really just gets you, it turns out you might not actually have been too far off. [What makes a personality?]

‘Horsemanship’ is a word we all toss around a lot, but its meaning is nebulous. What does it actually take to be a true horseman? Can anyone learn to do it? And will it make you a better rider in the long run? [All this and more, here]

Sponsor Corner: Do you envy those folks whose horses always gleam, even when they’ve just come in from the field? It’s not actually really down to endless grooming, silky silicone sprays, or even genetics (although good genes do help!) — instead, a deep bloom and an unvanquishable shine come down to great nutrition. Learning about the macronutrients that encourage this will help you to feed your horse accordingly — and the great news is that it’s an early indicator that you’ve finally nailed the balance in your horse’s diet. [KPP cracks the code]

Watch This:

Follow along as amateur eventer Lucy Robinson takes a jumping lesson with her ex-racehorse, Ember:

Monday Video: A Cross Country Lesson with Lucinda

By on Feb 20, 2023 4:30 pm -

Fancy a cross country school with the legend herself? While you wait for a clinic opportunity near you, you can enjoy this vlog from UK event rider Evie Llewellyn-Smith. Her recent cross country lesson with Lucinda Green left her feeling a bit, well, drained in the immediate aftermath; but upon letting the lesson sink in and reviewing her own video she realized why.

Lucinda was getting Evie to produce a much more technical ride aboard her mare, Maggie, than she was used to and that was, of course, hard! That technical ability is one of the things that separates a good cross country rider from a great cross country rider and after Evie had some time to digest and reflect on the lesson she felt quite pleased her riding and ready to keep growing and improving her skills in the saddle.

The moral of the story? If you have the opportunity to lesson with Lucinda, take it!

Walk the Course with Ariel Grald at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International

By on Feb 20, 2023 2:30 pm -

Fancy gaining some cross country insight from 5* rider Ariel Grald? Here’s your chance!

To kick off the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and HT, a cross country course walk will be hosted with Ariel Grald on Wednesday, March 15th from 1-3pm. Good news: the walk is free to all, AND leashed dogs are welcome.

Bring your walking shoes and join in to hear how an International 5* rider would approach the course!

Queen Klimke Heading to Omaha

By on Feb 20, 2023 12:30 pm -

After a stellar performance at the 2023 FEI Dressage World Cup in Neumünster, Ingrid Klimke and Hanoverian stallion Franziskus FRH have secured an early ticket to the World Cup finals in Omaha, Nebraska (April 4-8th).

In addition to impressive scores in the Grand Prix Freestyle to music (84.710) and the Grand Prix (75.478) in Neumünster which finalized their spot, Klimke and Franziskus FRH won the Harmony & Fairness Prize for their partnership.

Klimke and Franziskus FRH have certainly had a remarkable partnership. As we turn to Omaha in April, we’re already rewatching the stunning performances the pair have already gifted us, and can’t wait to see what’s next!