Classic Eventing Nation

Training Tip Tuesday Video Break: Cross Discipline Learning with McLain Ward

By on Jan 10, 2023 3:30 pm -

We can all learn a thing or three from just about any successful rider, regardless of the discipline they primarily compete in. Olympic show jumper McLain Ward is a regular siting in Wellington this time of year, and most recently he donned his teaching cap for the USEF Horsemastership Training Series. This clinic and seminar series is aimed at developing young riders into future jumping stars.

In this clip from the Horsemastership Training Series, McLain works with a horse on rideability and balance, narrating as he goes. Watch and learn, then check out the rest of the content from this week over on USEF Network (soon to be housed on ClipMyHorse.TV!).

New in 2023: USEF Network Moves to ClipMyHorse.TV

By on Jan 10, 2023 12:00 pm -

The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event finds a sort-of-new home in 2023 with the announcement of US Equestrian’s partnership with ClipMyHorse.TV. Photo by Shelby Allen.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with ClipMyHorse.TV (CMH.TV) to host the USEF Network on the CMH.TV platform.

As the Official USEF Network Partner, CMH.TV will expand the reach of the USEF Network and provide an improved viewer experience for USEF Network events, including the extensive USEF Learning Center library, with easily searchable content and accessibility to view clipped rides. The new USEF Network powered by CMH.TV experience is scheduled to launch January 17, 2023 with featured events from Desert Circuit, Wellington Equestrian Festival, and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

“By joining forces with CMH.TV, US Equestrian will reach more viewers worldwide, introducing a broader audience to USEF-licensed competitions featured on the USEF Network and to our incredible range of breeds and disciplines,” said Bill Moroney, US Equestrian’s CEO.

USEF competing members, subscribers, and fans will continue to have free access to all USEF Network live events annually. USEF competing members and subscribers enjoy the added benefit of access to USEF Network on-demand content.

CMH.TV will offer an exclusive 10% discount to all USEF competing members, subscribers, and USEF fans on annual CMH.TV premium subscriptions. Existing CMH.TV premium subscribers worldwide will now have full access to USEF Network content, which will also be available on the CMH.TV mobile app and smart TVs. The USEF Network will continue to offer a robust schedule of competitions such as the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event, the Devon Horse Show, and numerous USEF Championships.

Established in 2007, CMH.TV joined forces with FEI.TV in 2020 and is the world’s premier equestrian streaming and on-demand content platform with more than 2,500 events and millions of users around the globe. ClipMyHorse.TV hosts many of the top equestrian events in the world, including the FEI World Championships, FEI World Cup Finals, the Longines FEI Nations Cup Finals, and CHIO Aachen, to name just a few. The company combines its streaming service with a unique equestrian database, consisting of information on horses, pedigrees, results, and more.

This strategic partnership is part of US Equestrian’s multi-faceted strategy to increase the visibility and reach of U.S. equestrian sport, to diversify and grow revenue, and to keep costs down for members.

While US Equestrian has successfully grown the USEF Network to 50+ events with an audience of over 440,000 competing members, subscribers, and USEF fans, our goal is to showcase our events to a global equestrian audience through ClipMyHorse.TV and to engage mainstream sport fans through channels such as ESPN and NBC. Social media and original video content will continue to fuel US Equestrian audience growth as well. With more than 1.2 million followers across US Equestrian’s Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts and more than 250,000 followers on TikTok, U.S. equestrian sport is fast proving its broad audience appeal across multiple digital platforms.

6 Online Learning Platforms Every Eventer Can Learn from in 2023

By on Jan 10, 2023 9:00 am -

Virtual training can be like having a coach right there with you — even if you’re riding at home on your own. Photo by JJ Sillman.

One of the most interesting advancements within the equestrian world in recent years is that of online education. Perhaps fueled by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, or perhaps also aided by the evolution of technology and the growth of other online learning platforms, riding education has come a long way in digital form.

Now, this isn’t to say that every online platform is created equal, or even that virtual learning is an all-out replacement for in-person lessons. But let’s face it: we don’t all live in a riding or eventing hub. Many riders live in rural areas, or in states without strong eventing calendars or a robust roster of certified instructors. So what’s a rider to do?

I’ve gathered some of the most prominent online education platforms that have gained momentum within the eventing space recently. This isn’t a sponsored article — nor is this a comprehensive list — and I encourage our readers to do their own research on what type of learning makes sense for their current skill set. I wouldn’t, for example, recommend starting your riding career with online education, nor would I recommend many of these lessons for full beginners. Riding comes with responsibility, so be sure to make your training decisions wisely!

Equestrian Masterclass

Equestrian Masterclass was launched by NöelleFloyd.com, originally focusing on the hunter/jumper space but expanding into over disciplines. Users have the opportunity to participate in full-scale educational curriculum featuring well-produced videos and exercise breakdowns from top riders such as Karl Cook, Ian Millar, Anne Kursinski, Tik Maynard, and many more to come.

Cost: $19.99/month or $199/year with a 7-day free trial

Horse & Country TV

H&C+ subscribers not only gain access to a full slate of live streams each season (and not only in eventing — H&C+ carries dressage, show jumping, driving, Western, and many other disciplines!), but also a library chock full of both educational and entertainment content. While the educational content on the H&C+ platform is not customized or module-based, there are still plenty of learning opportunities with content from Hannah Sue Hollberg, Will Coleman, Carl Hester, Alex Hua Tian, and more.

Cost: $12.99/month or $99.99/year (H&C+ Gold is also available with more perks for $249.99/year) with a 7-day free trial

Lucinda Green XC Academy

Learn from British eventing legend Lucinda Green herself thanks to her XC Academy program, which features educational webinars and lectures as well as practical exercises distributed to members on a regular basis. Focusing on Lucinda’s “Greenprint” for producing confident horses and riders, this platform focuses primarily on improving cross country riding — but features plenty of content that builds better, more aware riders all around.

Cost: £25 / $30 per month, membership spots open again on February 1, but you can join the wait list here.

Piggy TV

After producing a successful vlog for several seasons, British 5* winner Piggy March launched her own subscription product, Piggy TV, in 2022. More of a fan club-meets-training community feel, Piggy TV brings you behind the scenes of Piggy’s bustling program while also sprinkling in training advice for both horse and rider on a regular basis.

Cost: £9.99 or $12.15/month+

Practical Horseman OnDemand

Fans of Practical Horseman’s magazine learning will appreciate their venture into video training with OnDemand, a full library of filmed training sessions and lessons. Find exercises broken down by top riders, full lesson videos, interviews, and much more from your favorite riders with this platform. The videos are not created in module format like some, but the vast amount of videos available will be helpful for any rider looking to learn.

Cost: $24.99/month

Ride iQ

With a brand new look in 2023, audio app Ride iQ is growing rapidly and always looking for what’s next in the rapidly-expanding equestrian tech space. Ride iQ features unique, guided lessons taught by a strong staff of top riders, including Leslie Law, Doug Payne, Kyle Carter, Lauren Sprieser, and many more. What’s really cool about these lessons is that they can be done “in ear”, while you ride your own horse. Think of it as a Peloton class, but done in partnership with your horse! Riders who don’t have the benefit of regular lessons say Ride iQ has changed the way they ride on their own. In addition to an ever-growing library of lessons, Ride iQ also features an engaged private Facebook community (as do many of the other platforms on this list) as well as podcasts and regular Q&As with coaches and industry experts.

Cost: $29.99/month or $299/year with a 14-day free trial

Do you have an app or platform you like that I didn’t include on this list? Add it to the list in the comments!

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jan 10, 2023 8:22 am -

 

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Remember back in the good old days when one of your well-meaning aunties would ‘adopt’ a tiger for you for Christmas? Now, in my 30s, there’s a part of me that wants nothing more than to sign up for loads of those ‘adoption’ schemes and cover my fridge with photos and updates from all my far-flung four-legged children, and so if you need me today, I’ll be down the rabbit hole of rescued horses like gorgeous Zak, whose sweet face I CANNOT stop thinking about.

Events Opening Today: Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch, Pine Top Advanced H.T.

Events Closing Today: Full Gallop Farm January H.T, Rocking Horse Winter I H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

Coaches, listen up! We’re just one week away from the start of the 2023 ECP Symposium, which will take place at Ocala’s Barnstaple Farm from January 17-19. The symposium is jam-packed full of great speakers and educators, and you can get to know them here!

If your fields are starting to resemble that scene from The Never-ending Story, you’re not alone. And you also don’t have to continue to suffer through the worst of the muddy season! Instead, employ some handy mud-management tips and get a handle on nature’s most annoying substance.

New research is yielding an interesting way to monitor horses’ stress-levels. UConn researchers are using monitors to track an array of responses across a number of controlled stress environments, with the long-term aim of improved welfare for domesticated horses. So far, they’ve learned that umbrellas are scary.

Sponsor Corner: Got a hard keeper?

Kentucky Performance Products has a whole stable full of science-backed nutritional support products, and one of the real gems in their arsenal is EndurExtra® — a high-fat energy source that’s rich in antioxidants and direct-fed microbials. That makes it a great source of support for hard keepers, OAPs, and, of course, hard-working competition horses.

[Three Tips to Help Your Hard Keeper]

Watch This:

If you’ve got a gelding with Labrador energy, this’ll resonate.

On the flip side, if you’re a mare person (like me), you might recognise your horse in this.

 

Monday Video: Get a Glimpse of a Dream Horseback Holiday

By on Jan 9, 2023 4:00 pm -

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Take a deep breath everyone, you’ve made it through another Monday. Maybe you’ve just finished sweeping up the barn after a long day on your feet or in the saddle. Or perhaps you’ve just sent a couple last emails before closing your laptop for the day. Either way, it’s time to treat yourself to a good 20 seconds of absolute zen (or, maybe just 20 seconds of absolute envy if you’re feeling a touch bitter today).

Lissa Green recently took the holiday of a lifetime, a riding safari in Kenya, and her fiancé Giorgio captured this absolutely epic video. Enjoy!

2023 Thoroughbred Makeover Applications Now Open for Submission

By on Jan 9, 2023 12:00 pm -

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced last week that applications for the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, are now open for submission. The application period closes at 5 PM EST on January 20, 2023.

Accepted trainers will be announced no later than February 15, 2023. The 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover Rulebook outlines all rules and information relevant to the competition, with changes for 2022 marked in red and clarifying information marked in blue. Interested applicants can start the application process now by logging in TheRRP.org.

Entering its ninth year at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, the Thoroughbred Makeover features competition in ten disciplines for recently-retired Thoroughbreds in their first year of retraining for a career after racing. Horses and their trainers may compete in one or two disciplines of their choice, including Barrel Racing, Competitive Trail, Dressage, Eventing, Field Hunter, Polo, Ranch Work, Show Hunter, Show Jumper, and Freestyle (a freeform discipline showcasing skills of the trainer’s choosing). New for 2023, the Thoroughbred Makeover will also include a Former Broodmare division, presented by Claiborne Farm, serving as a pilot program for recently-retired broodmares exiting the bloodstock industry.

Horses and trainers will compete for more than $110,000 in total prize money, plus the coveted title of Thoroughbred Makeover Champion, at the Kentucky Horse Park on October 11-14, 2023. The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium includes not only the competition, but educational seminars, a vendor fair, the Makeover Marketplace horse sale, and more. The Thoroughbred Makeover Finale will feature the top five horses in each discipline in the Retiring Racehorses division based on preliminary competition and will be live-streamed for viewers at home.

The Thoroughbred Makeover is open to professionals, amateurs, juniors (ages 12 and over), and teams. Applicants are required to provide information about this riding and competition background as well as references, including one from a veterinarians, and video that showcases their riding ability. Competitors do not need to have acquired their horse at the time of application, though they must register their horse no later than July 28, 2023.

Accepted trainers may acquire eligible Thoroughbreds through whatever source they choose, or can ride under contract from an owner. Eligible horses in the Retired Racehorse division must have raced or had a published work on or after July 1, 2021 and must not have started retraining for a second career prior to December 1, 2022 other than a maximum of 15 allowable rides, intended to allow for trial rides. Eligible horses in the Former Broodmare division must have raced or had a published work in their lifetime, and must have produced a foal or have been bred in the 2021 breeding season or after as reported by The Jockey Club; they may not have shown or competed prior. Full eligibility requirements can be found in the rulebook at TheRRP.org.

2022 Thoroughbred Makeover Fast Facts:

• 516 horses were registered for the competition

• High-profile contenders in 2022 included 2020 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner and Eclipse Award Male Sprinter champion Whitmore and past Breeders’ Cup participants Almanaar (GB) and Fast Boat. A total of 35 registered horses were graded stakes or stakes placed or winners

• Over $34 million has been invested into the future of horses participating in the Makeover since its inception in 2013, including health care, training and more

• A total of 2,990 unique trainers have been accepted since 2013, representing 46 states and four Canadian provinces. Many trainers attend annually with multiple horses

• A total of 4,159 have been directly impacted by the Makeover since 2013

About the Retired Racehorse Project: The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization working to increase demand for off-track Thoroughbreds in the equestrian world. In addition to producing the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, the world’s largest and most lucrative retraining competition for recently-retired racehorses, the organization also publishes Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine, produces the Master Class retraining clinic series, and presents programming at major horse expos and events around the country. The RRP maintains an educational library of content to empower more equestrians to ride a Thoroughbred.

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Jan 9, 2023 8:25 am -

 

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No doubt, by now you’ve already seen this truly ridiculous video of Ireland’s Fred Scala bringing his top horse Donald (Everon Vivendi) back into work after a prolonged period of time off due to injury. I think I’ve probably watched it ten times now, both because I’m really impressed with how well Fred sits some serious acrobatics, and because I’m quietly delighted that I never have to sit on anything like that ever again. The perks of amateur life!

National Holiday: It’s National Clean Your Desk Day and I. Simply. Won’t.

Your Monday Reading List:

The most-viewed TikTok in the UK for 2022 is…a farrier. Sam Draycott probably wasn’t expecting the general public to be quite so interested when he posted a video of a shoe removal and hoof tidy-up, but interested they were — and now the chap is becoming something of an influencer off the back of his success. It’s a bit of an odd one, but it’s nice to have horses in the mainstream media for positive and harmless reasons, frankly. [Pony pedicures hit the big time]

If you’ve ever rehabbed a rescue horse, you know how fraught the process can be. One of the toughest parts? Resisting the urge to allow free access to food to a horse that’s been starved. Instead, it’s important to carefully — and slowly — increase food intake, keeping a close eye, too, on what, exactly, you’re feeding them, otherwise those sensitive horse insides can suffer catastrophic consequences. [Here’s how to do it]

I feel a little shiver of envy every time I read about the Inter-Scholastic Eventing League. Imagine! Eventing as a high school sport! I would have relished the opportunity — but I’m delighted that other kids get the chance to be part of this very cool program. The 2023 team challenge calendar has just been released, so if your school doesn’t have an IEL team yet, take a look and see if it might be worth setting one up with your friends. [I encourage varsity jacket wearing]

We often see articles and studies about the benefits of horses to folks with various disabilities. But what about the positive impact they have on equestrians who are dealing with a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety? For those of us who share similar diagnoses, there’s a definite correlation between time spent at the barn and time spent feeling, well, normal. [Horses are an antidepressant (but also it’s fine to take antidepressants)]

Based in the UK, and fancy getting out and about to some events in a volunteer role? There’s loads of great jobs you can do — from fence judging to ring stewarding, you’ll get to see some great sport and drink many hundreds of cups of tea, probably. To get you started, consider signing up for a BE Volunteer Workshop, the dates of which have just been released. [Join the volunteer squad]

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

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British up-and-comer Steve Heal looks set to have a very exciting season indeed — and there’s even an opportunity to get involved, with a raffle currently on the go that could nab you a syndicate membership in the lovely Hagonda (Holly) for 2023. The impressive mare is stepping up to 4* this year, and syndicate members will get to experience the excitement and joy of horse-ownership first hand.

Morning Viewing:

I’ll never really understand the intricacies of our cousin sport, combined driving, but I sure do enjoy watching the mayhem unfold.

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on Jan 8, 2023 12:01 am -

Dr. Kevin Keane and Sportsfield Candy in the 2022 Lexington CCI4*-S. Photo by Abby Powell.

Some big news out of one of Area II’s finest veterinary establishments: Sports Medicine Associates of Chester County (SMACC) is now under the ownership of Dr. Ashley Taylor and Dr. Taryn Gassert. Both doctors joined the establishment in 2015, which was originally founded by Dr. Kevin Keane in 2005. Dr. Keane has been a steadfast figure in eventing for many years, not only serving as veterinarian to the stars but actively riding at the upper levels – including completing the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2014 — himself.

Never fear though, Dr. Keane hasn’t hung up his stethoscope — he’ll continue to practice veterinary medicine at SMACC, just no longer as the practice owner. Congratulations to Drs. Taylor and Gassert on purchasing the business, and we hope this means we’ll be seeing you out on course even more, Dr. Keane!

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Reminder: 2024 Rule Change Proposal Comment Period Closes January 9, 2023

Yasmin Ingham: Living the dream

Getting the Right Line Every Time

Far From Foolproof: Cloned Male Equine Born A Filly

Tips for Managing Horse Barns During Winter

Weekly Pick from SmartPak: Here’s wishing all Thoroughbreds a Happy Belated Birthday! Get to know some the of OTTBs loved by their SmartPak family members!

Morning Viewing: Got a horse that yanks you out of the saddle? Here’s a quick tip from dressage Olympic medalist Ali Brock.

Saturday Video: The Three Daily Groundwork Exercises That’ll Change Your Horse Forever

By on Jan 7, 2023 4:30 pm -

I’ll admit it: I’ve always been a little bit lazy when it comes to groundwork. Not in a my-horses-are-total-nightmares kind of way — I never let the manners and basic training degenerate. But I also don’t really ever swap riding sessions for, say, in-hand pole work sessions or anything like that, because I always feel like I can use my time in more productive ways. More fool me, of course, and this is something I’m really realising while my mare has some forced time off from ridden work, but still wants something she can put her mind towards — and I, too, want something we can do together so we still get that one-on-one bonding time in. Cue groundwork, which doesn’t just improve manners; it also improves strength, suppleness, and balance, which are all things we need in abundance when we finally get back between the boards and out on course. Dressage rider Amelia Newcomb has really nailed the brief with this video primer to three of her favourite basic exercises, which are so quick, simple, and effective that you can do them every. single. day. Even the days when you’re in a rush! I reckon if you make a belated New Year’s resolution to work these into every barn session this month, you’ll feel a noticeable difference by February — especially if your horse tends to be prone to inattention or tension.

 

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jan 7, 2023 12:01 am -

As an adult ammy who usually hits the barn in the late afternoon after shutting down my laptop, I already feel like we’re over one of biggest hurdles of the winter. We’ve passed the Winter Solstice as well as the chaotic holiday season and I can now actually notice, just a little bit, that the days are getting a smidgen longer again. I don’t know about you, but that extra sliver of daylight sometimes makes a world of difference to me when I’m trying to pry myself out of my warm office chair and throw myself into a cold saddle. Once I’m in the saddle I’m always glad I’m there regardless, but goodness, that extra Vitamin D sure makes the whole process a lot easier.

Links to Start Your Weekend:

An Adult Amateur’s (Unrealistic) New Years Resolutions

The Four Positions for Cross-Country Success: Day Four of the EA21 National Camp

Alan Davies stepping back from role as ‘super-groom’ to Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin

Work of early “veterinarian” paved the way for improved horse care

Horses Are Susceptible to COVID Virus, but Not Disease

Hot on Horse Nation: Weekend Wellness: How To Check Your Horse’s Vital Signs

Weekly Pick from World Equestrian Brands: Honestly who isn’t a little cold-backed in the winter? You might be on your own, but World Equestrian Brands has your horse covered with their Equilibrium Therapy line of products.

Morning Viewing: Just a quick tip to make clipping a saddle patch a little neater!

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