Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Dec 13, 2022 2:39 am -

Oh, you thought we didn’t do winter over here in the UK? Our current snowfall would beg to differ. Okay, okay, so it’s nothing on the enormous piles we’d get when I lived in Maine or Virginia, but our little island is ill-prepared for this sort of thing and so we’re all hunkering down and waiting for it to go away, mostly. I’m about to put my tenth layer on to go and muck out and honestly, I’m dreaming of Florida today.

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

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

How do you choose your horse’s supplements? Do you go by anecdotal evidence from your trusted friends, opt for what your barn owner recommends, or pick supplements that are promoted by riders you respect? For one writer and equestrian, getting a nutritionist involved ended up being a game changer in so many ways. Here’s what she learned.

Most barn-related items cost, well, everything. All of it. Even your soul. But there are plenty of ways you can creatively incorporate the items you see at the dollar store into your system with huge rewards — from pool noodles to petroleum jelly. Steal some ideas and go shopping.

There’s nothing like winter, is there, particularly if you’re a busy amateur rider. You probably won’t see the sun while you’re riding for the next few months, but on the flip side, you’ll earn plenty of brownie points for your dedication – even if those after-work lessons feel a bit like this.

Plenty of amendments to rules and new initiatives have come out of the USEA Meeting & Convention. Get the broad overview here.

And finally, horses have been helping people with memory loss and dementia. I’m beginning to think there’s nothing that they can’t do. Check out the story here.

OHP Dream Farm of the Week:

Today’s property pick of the week doesn’t actually come with any equestrian facilities — but its close proximity to WEC means you won’t struggle to find a please to keep your horses, and it’s a rare gem of a thing in that it’s a seasonal rental that you can move into for the winter season! It’s got three bedrooms and three bathrooms, so you can bring along your favorite barn pals and make this a winter to remember.

Watch This:

Thoroughbreds — they’re the best! But after some time off, they can also be the spiciest. We can all relate to British vlogger Lucy Robinson‘s gentle trepidation at getting the ball rolling again.

Monday Video: You’re Going to Hate This Video

By on Dec 12, 2022 5:00 pm -

In a bit of a sick coincidence after Tilly presented you with a bunch of satisfying horsey TikToks just days ago, I’ve now found what might be the most unsatisfying horsey Instagram ever. I’m kind of sorry to share it here with you, but I do feel the need to share my suffering now.

Warning: This video may raise your blood pressure. I’m sorry to your doctor in advance, but also I claim no medical liability and all that, okay?

Click here if you can’t see the embedded video above.

Weekend Winners: Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells Horse Trials

By on Dec 12, 2022 2:38 pm -

The holidays might be swiftly approaching, but resourceful eventers will always find time to go eventing – and plenty of you did so at Full Gallop Farm in Aiken over the weekend! Here’s who topped the leaderboards across the divisions, plus some snaps from across social media to recap the weekend that was.

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Results]

Preliminary: Nilson Moreira da Silva and Elmo (34.5)

Preliminary/Training: Randy Lander and Deputy Flash (44.3)

Training: Jessica Schulz and Unfolding Blame (29.7)

Training/Novice: Margaret Schneck and Sky Road (33.6)

Novice: Kaitlin Clark and SLE Happy Hour (25.3)

Beginner Novice A: Jessica Schulz and Firefly (22.4)

Beginner Novice B: Jessica Schulz and FGF Margie Darest (31.8)

Starter: Laurie Michelle Wettstone and Redemption Song (24)

 

 

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Five Eventing Legends Inducted into USEA Hall of Fame

By on Dec 12, 2022 9:00 am -

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Attendees of the 2022 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention gathered together on Saturday, December 10 for a celebration of some of the sport’s most influential key players that takes place only once every four years: the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame Gala. This year the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame welcomed five new inductees into its class of esteemed riders, horses, and influencers of the sport. While only one of the inductees could be present themselves this year, the other four were well-represented with acceptance speeches on their behalf from family and close friends.

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

The first inductee to be honored was Janie Atkinson. Atkinson is most well known for her contributions to the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, now Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event, serving as the Executive Vice President of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) and Event Director from 1984 to 2010. The success and scale of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event today are thanks in large part to Atkinson’s work. Throughout her career, Atkinson also served as Industry Liaison for the American Horse Council, the Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Council, and Eventing Discipline Director for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games. Atkinson accepted her trophy while sharing many personal stories from the history of the Horse Park and the development of the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Second to be recognized was three-time Olympian and prolific author, the late Brigadier General Harry Chamberlin. Warren Matha accepted the award on the behalf of Chamberlin’s family while taking a look back at Chamberlin’s astounding influence on equestrian sport in the U.S. Chamberlin was a graduate of the American, French and Italian calvary schools for advanced equitation and rode in the 1920, 1928 and 1932 Olympic Games. His top accolades include a Team Gold for the Military, the predecessor to the modern form of eventing, and an individual Silver Medal for the Prix de Nations in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Col. Chamberlin also wrote two classic and still influential books: Riding and Schooling Horses (1934) and Training Hunters, Jumpers and Hacks (1937), the former a guide for developing “a good rider,” the latter for educating that rider in “breaking and training the horse.”

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Turning the attention to the horses that have made an impact on the history of eventing over the years, Dougie Hannum accepted the trophy on behalf of all of the connections of the esteemed Eagle Lion. Hannum shared many personal accounts of working alongside “Eagle,” including the origin of his nickname of “the flying pig.” Piloted by Bruce Davidson, Sr. throughout his astonishing career, Eagle Lion was the first of only two American horses to ever win the Badminton Horse Trials, and one of few, if not the only, to complete the four-star cross-country course at Badminton double clear four times. Davidson and Eagle Lion collected top five placings at Fair Hill, Burghley, and other attempts at Badminton throughout their partnership and are now memorialized as a bronze statue at the Kentucky Horse Park, where the artist depicted the pair jumping the “Head of the Lake” obstacle of at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day.

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Rumsey Keefe took to the stage to honor the fourth inductee of the evening, her mother Trish Gilbert. Gilbert has worn many hats in the sport of the eventing throughout her lifetime, but perhaps the most influential was her role in bringing the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, only the second five-star event in the U.S. and seventh worldwide, to fruition. Gilbert has been involved with Fair Hill International, Inc., the organizers of eventing competitions at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, since the beginning as their event director. After successfully hosting the 2003 Pan American Games Eventing Championships and over 30 years of upper-level eventing competitions at the venue, Fair Hill was awarded the five-star designation, in many ways thanks to Gilbert’s work. Gilbert also served as the director of the Blue Ridge Horse Trials, organized the spring three-day U.S. Equestrian Team Championships, was a team selector, the young rider chairman, and served on many USEA boards throughout her career. Keefe shared a letter from Gilbert expressing her gratitude for being honored through this induction and took a trip down memory lane, sharing the influence her mother had on her own life growing up and still has today.

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Perhaps the most comedic acceptance of the evening was that of Brian and David O’Connor’s on behalf of their mother Sally O’Connor. The brothers shared tales of their cross-country trek on horseback organized by Sally and what life was like growing up under her influence. O’Connor has enjoyed a lifetime of involvement in both eventing and dressage, serving in several official roles, including as an FEI Judge (USEF “I” dressage judge and an eventing “R” judge), an eventing steward, the voice of the dressage tests at the then Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event for over 15 years, and press liaison during the 2004 Olympics. Also, an accomplished writer, O’Connor has influenced riders all over the country with her works Practical Eventing and Common Sense Dressage, as well as numerous articles on both disciplines. She has served on the boards of many equestrian institutions including the United States Dressage Association, the United States Pony Club, and as Vice President of Education for the United States Eventing Association.

The USEA thanks these five inductees for their tremendous impact on the sport and congratulates them on their induction into the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame.

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 12: Win a Private Lesson with Liz Halliday-Sharp

By on Dec 12, 2022 9:00 am -

We’re celebrating the final month of 2022 with some free stuff — everyone’s favorite! This year, we’ve partnered with a whole slew of brands for these 12 (or more!) giveaways. There will be plenty you won’t want to miss out on, so remember to check back on Eventing Nation (and also, there are giveaways happening daily over on Horse Nation!) each day through December 12.

It’s the grand finale of our 12 Days of Giveaways, and we’ve saved a very special prize for last! We’ve teamed up with Ocala Horse Properties and Liz Halliday-Sharp to give away a private lesson with Liz at either her Lexington or Ocala home base!

One lucky winner will win the opportunity to take their horse to HS Eventing’s beautiful Ocala, FL or Lexington, KY facility at a mutually agreed upon date for a private lesson with Liz. With the most international wins in the world for three years running, Liz is one of the best riders to learn from. For those unable to transport their horse to Liz in person, a video lesson may also be coordinated.

Congratulations to Leslie M. — you’re our winner!

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Dec 12, 2022 7:42 am -

 

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My favourite thing about December is the abundance of balls and galas on the calendar — and although I had to miss the British Eventing Support Trust ball at the Savoy in London the other day, I’ve gotten nearly as much joy from looking at everyone’s photos and outfits as I would have done if I was actually there dancing on the tables. Look at Piggy and Nic! Aren’t they a delight! A pair of angels atop the Christmas tree! Nothing gives me the warm and fuzzies more than a good eventing friendship, tbh.

National Holiday: It’s Gingerbread House Decorating Day. I’ll personally send a prize to anyone who can make a gingerbread replica of Badminton or Burghley.

US Weekend Action:

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Every horse has a different capacity for pain, and that can make it really hard to gauge whether a problem is behavioural or pain-related. Learning how to read even the most stoic of horses, though, will only level you up as a horseman — and allow you to spot those little issues before they become really big ones. [How horses perceive pain]

New research has shown that riding can benefit people with cerebral palsy. 343 patients in total spent time using a mechanical riding simulator across ten different studies, with marked improvements in overall gross motor function as a result. Though getting kids into riding for the disabled programs can be tricky if there isn’t one locally, or there are funding issues, riding simulators could provide a seriously helpful workaround in a physical therapist’s arsenal. [One more tangible use for our favorite animal]

Incoming USEA President, Louise Leslie, brings lots to the table: she’s a proud West Coaster, for one, and she understands the amateur perspective, too. Get to know her with this Q&A from COTH. [Meet the new Pres]

Want stables of your own, but don’t have the budget? Follow this resourceful owner’s lead — she built a beautiful set of internal boxes using pallets and screws. It might take a little while, but what a result! [DIY barns for the win]

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

I’m loving the look back at great horses past that Lucinda Green’s XC Academy is currently in the midst of. If you fancy learning about Regal Realm, Beagle Bay, Wide Awake, and the rest of Lucinda’s horsey heroes — plus learning lots of useful cross country tips in the process — you should definitely give the account a follow!

Morning Viewing:

Check out Boyd’s hatcam footage from his catch ride at the Sweden International Horse Show indoor eventing this month!

Ocala Horse Properties Dream Farm of the Week: A French Twist

By on Dec 11, 2022 12:57 pm -

Are you looking for a unique piece of property in the heart of Ocala, Florida that you can make your own? I may have found you the perfect one.

Come home to beautiful black board and rail fencing and drive up a Live Oak lined driveway. If you’re someone like me who owns a “dogs welcome, people tolerated” door mat, you’ll appreciate the curved iron gate and light gray columns that will greet your guests.

As you drive up to the house, you’ll be able to check on all your horses, who are hopefully grazing happily in their manicured pastures, instead of trying to find new ways to injure themselves and cost you as much money as possible (a girl can dream, right?).

Once you’ve arrived, step onto the beautiful flagstone front porch. Any barn dog would be thrilled to watch the farm from the comfort of this wide and spacious porch. Starting at the front of the house, it wraps around and extends halfway down the side. I would spend hours on this porch, sipping lemonade and watching my horses in the pasture.

The real drama of this house begins when you walk through the front door and are greeted by French-inspired architecture.

This home may be only 2000 square feet, but it has a presence akin to any mansion. If I lived in this house, I would wear those slim French cigar pants and a blouse every day. All guests would have to have their hair in a chignon and use phrases like “je ne sais quoi” and “sacre bleu!”

Walking into the living room, the first thing you’ll notice is the massive column that holds the fireplace and television. Adorned with intricate woodwork at the top, you’ll be required to watch artful black and white documentaries in order to match the overall vibe. This living room feels quite tall, thanks to the 10-foot ceilings and multi-layered crown moulding. A chair rail and wainscotting add even more texture to the room.

Feel like you’re walking through the walls of a French manor as you exit the living room through an arched doorway supported by two graceful pillars, each of which are crowned with intricate moulding. Doorways supported by pillars or columns and topped with moulding are a definite theme throughout the home.


If you’re like me and you practice self-care by taking a way-too-long bubble bath with a glass of wine and a good book, then the master bathroom may just sell this house for you. An extra large corner bathtub complete with back-massaging jets will make you never want to get out of the tub. A tub like this is especially perfect for when you inevitably fall off your horse. (It happens to all of us, am I right?)


The cabinets in this kitchen are to die for. These beautiful glass-fronted cabinets will show off your perfectly matched and elegant dining ware. I can absolutely see this kitchen being the life of the party, with friends and family gathering around the granite island to discuss their last riding lesson. Or, picture yourself cooking over the sink with what looks to be a great view of your horse lounging in their well-ventilated and bright run-in shed.


This house is set up for drama. Throw open these glass double doors to make a sparkling entrance to your own dining room, where your guests will be waiting for you. The elegant details embedded into the glass are perfectly complemented by the gorgeous and intricate decorative moulding above the door. The dining room itself may be on the small side, but the beautifully curved arched doorway and intricate chandelier give it the presence of a room twice its size.

The magic of this property extends far beyond the house itself. Encompassing 21 acres, this property also includes six stalls, paddocks, feeders, and run-in sheds. If you’re not a fan of lugging around hoses or filling water buckets, this property is for you, as all paddocks have automatic waterers.


Bring your working student or live-in barn manager! This property features a one bedroom mobile home, complete with its own mini front porch and concrete patio with rudimentary grill. I can just see the barn parties now– boarders and management alike cooking hot dogs and drinking beer on a dusky summer evening.

It’s important to note that while this property does not have a formal barn, the owner is a career builder and would consider creating a custom barn for the buyer, which only adds to the property’s limitless potential. The beautifully maintained pastures are bordered by a galloping track that extends all the way around the property. Just imagine how convenient it would be to condition your horse for your next event on your very own track. Plus, this property has a round pen and hot walker to conveniently cool out your horse when you can’t do it yourself.


If you’re looking for a pocket-sized property (by Ocala standards) with a lot of personality, this is absolutely the home for you. Learn more about this horse farm on the Ocala Horse Properties website.

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 11: Win a Set of Horseware Ice-Vibe Boots

By on Dec 11, 2022 9:00 am -

It’s time to kick off the final month of 2022 with some free stuff — everyone’s favorite! This year, we’ve partnered with a whole slew of brands for these 12 (or more!) giveaways. There will be plenty you won’t want to miss out on, so remember to check back on Eventing Nation (and also, there are giveaways happening daily over on Horse Nation!) each day through December 12.

Today (December 11), we’re teaming up with Horseware to give away a pair of always-popular Ice Vibe® Boots! Ice-Vibe® therapeutic horse boots combine the effects of cooling and massage therapy to reduce soreness and swelling, help boost circulation and stimulate healing.

Congratulations to Emma H. from MD — you’re our winner!

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on Dec 11, 2022 12:01 am -

Yesterday, Poplar Hall of historic Chesapeake City, Maryland held their second annual Christmas Parade of Horses in conjunction with their popular Holiday Market. Pony Clubs, hunt clubs, mounted police units, equine rescues, and local stables full of all sorts of horses and riding disciplines came together to deliver some holiday cheer to spectators packing the sidewalks.

And yes, that is Phillip Dutton riding alongside Santa Claus! Phillip was named this year’s honorary parade marshal and the parade was dedicated in honor of the late Rob Bowersox of Major League Eventing.

U.S. Weekend Action

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Ride Times]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Free webinar: Pippa Funnell on horse care and competition pressure

Eventing Community Shares Input and Opinions During Event Riders and Officials Town Hall

8 Shoulder-In Problems and Solutions

What Diagnostic Imaging Reveals About a Horse

Rating Helmet Safety

Hot on Horse Nation: Christmas Movie Roundup

SmartPak Pick of the Week: Do you know a horse that’s been very good this year? Maybe it’s your horse, a lesson horse you love, or a hard-working therapy horse? Enter them here to win 3 free months of SmartPaks!

Sunday Video Break: Who else loves to incorporate some bounces (or 8!) into their winter homework? EN writer, 5* rider, and law student Ema Klugman does!


Click here if you can’t see the embedded video above.

FEI Makes Changes to Maternity Leave Provisions – But Leaves Eventing Off the Roster

By on Dec 10, 2022 2:30 pm -

Jonelle and son Otis share a cuddle before the prize giving at Pau in 2021. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The FEI has made changes to the existing rules regarding maternity leave in order to introduce further flexibility and give athletes the option of adapting the duration of their maternity leave to their individual situation. The decision was taken by the FEI Board at its last teleconference for 2022 held on 6 December.

The previous minimum period for a medical and maternity leave, which had been included in the Ranking Rules for Jumping, Dressage, and Driving, was six months and the maximum period 12 months.

Following various opinions expressed by athletes, who wished to have the flexibility to return to competition from maternity leave earlier than six months, the Board took the decision to shorten the minimum period to three months, without changing the maximum period, which remains 12 months. In addition, athletes will now have the possibility to come back earlier than originally indicated when they initially requested the leave. To do so, they will need to give a four-week notice for Dressage and Driving. For Jumping, a 10-week notice is required if riders want to be eligible to receive an invitation under the FEI Online Invitation System, but only four weeks if the athlete intends to participate in the event further to another kind of invitation, such as an OC invitation or a wildcard.

The relevant changes to the wording of the respective Ranking Rules will be published in the Jumping, Dressage, and Driving rules sections on the FEI website.

The provisions for medical leave remain unchanged, the minimum period being six months and the maximum period 12 months.

The Board also approved the incorporation of medical/maternity leave provisions (as updated) into the FEI Endurance and FEI Para Dressage Ranking Rules for the first time. The respective Ranking Rules will be published under the Endurance and Para Dressage rules sections on the FEI website.

The FEI Eventing Committee has considered including medical and maternity leave provisions in the Eventing Ranking Rules but is currently not in favour for risk management reasons.

Maternity and medical leave provisions for Vaulting are currently being examined by the Technical Committee and updates will be provided in due course.

“It is good news that the Board has allowed for greater flexibility regarding maternity leave,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “The FEI was one of the first international sports organisations to introduce provisions for maternity leave in April 2010 and we remain committed to protecting the welfare of our athletes. These rules had been first put in place for Jumping and were gradually extended to Dressage and Driving. This had been done in order to allow athletes, who have had a baby, not to lose all their Rankings points while off the circuit.

“The FEI has listened to the riders who have expressed the desire to have the option of returning to competition earlier than six months and the FEI Board is very much in favour of supporting athletes wishing to achieve the best possible balance between family life and a high level sports career. The Ranking Rules in all the FEI disciplines are living documents and we will keep on reviewing the maternity and medical leave provisions to make sure they remain relevant and fair.”

Over to you: Eventing’s lack of maternity provisions has previously come under fire, most notably when Jonelle Price penned a salient missive after dropping from 7th in the world to 217th when she took a leave of absence to have her first child, Otto. 

“Come on FEI, why on earth is eventing not in line with other disciplines?? Maternity leave saw me plummet from #7 to #217 and that was with returning to competition sooner than most,” she wrote on social media. 

“During the period which an Athlete has officially ceased to compete due to pregnancy or a medical condition, he/she will retain 50% of the Dressage World Rankings points earned from the corresponding month of the preceding year until he/she recommences competing internationally,” stated the FEI when introducing maternity provisions for dressage in late 2018, eight years after introducing them for showjumping.

We’d love your thoughts, particularly if you’ve been directly affected by the FEI’s lack of maternity provisions. Sound off in the comments, or email us at [email protected], and you could be included in a future feature.