Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Nov 30, 2022 12:01 am -

Your daily dose of cuteness is brought to you by Lio Jung, who was born in May of last year and is already catching the horse bug. No word yet on whether he’s been named to the German squad, but we imagine the word is coming any day yet.

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

U.S. Weekend Preview

Rocking Horse December H.T. (Altoona, FL): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Sporting Days Farm H.T. IV (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Wednesday News & Reading

Peeked inside our Holiday Gift Guide yet? It’s packed full of gift ideas for all types of riders, plus more than a few shopping deals to take advantage of! Click here to view the Guide — and don’t forget to support Give Back Week through December 4.

If you’re heading to the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention in Savannah, GA next week (see you there!), there’s an exciting line-up of speakers on the docket as well as the usual meetings, seminars, and celebrations happening all week. [Exciting Line-up of Speakers Announced for Annual Meeting]

It’s a fundraising time of year, and you can support the USEA Area II Young Rider program — always dependable for churning out a few future superstar riders — by shopping their annual sale. Sales must be made by December 2, so pick up your gear soon! [USEA Area II Young Rider Fundraiser]

Sara Kozumplik is gauging interest for a clinic with Pippa Funnell toward the end of January. See this Instagram post to share your interest!

Surgery under anesthesia is an intense process that poses many risks to equine patients — and much of this risk comes when the horse begins to wake up from being under. Is standing surgery a viable option to reduce risk? Horse Sport dove into the concept to find out. [Advantages of Standing Surgery]

Tack Facts with Sterling Essentials: We may be just a tad biased, but a bundle of natural care products from Sterling Essentials makes a great gift or stocking stuffer this holiday season. Shop all the options here.

Sponsor Corner: One frequently asked question about Haygain’s hay steamers is “how much does a steam cycle cost?” Here’s the breakdown (click here if you can’t see the embedded Instagram post below):

Wednesday Video Break: Some fun work to do with your horse this off-season, courtesy of Cathy Wieschhoff!

#TrainingTipTuesday Video: Warming Up for XC with a Green Horse

By on Nov 29, 2022 4:00 pm -

Last week we were treated to an educational feast at the Peterson Smith Barnstaple Educational Event and Three-Day, which hosted a full slate of demos and lectures on top of a traditional long format event for lower levels in Ocala, FL.

Thanks to RNS Video and Taylor Harris Insurance, a free live stream of competition as well as educational seminars was provided, and if you missed any of them they’re well worth catching up on here.

This clip shared by Team USA rider Lauren Nicholson features tips from her as well as Buck Davidson on warming up for cross country with a green horse.

“It is important for the rider to maintain a quiet and soft position while keeping a supportive leg to allow the horse to move freely underneath them without interference,” Lauren shared on Instagram. “The rider should maintain a position that is slightly behind the motion in anticipation of any silliness that may occur when schooling the less experienced horse.”

Can’t see the embedded Instagram post at the top of this post? Click here to watch this video on the app.

You can view the full demo put on by Lauren and Buck below:

Support the Cause! Here are Some Nonprofits to Support During Giving Tuesday

By on Nov 29, 2022 2:00 pm -

It’s the season of giving, and we kicked off a party of our own yesterday with Give Back Week, which will focus on four reader and team-nominated nonprofits who will each receive a period of complimentary advertising in 2023 as well as a portion of proceeds from our Holiday Gift Guide. These nonprofits include the Ukraine Equestrian Charity Foundation, We Ride Together, Strides for Equality Equestrians, and Detroit Horse Power.

But there are a lot of other charities and organizations working hard to improve the horse world each day who could also use our support. I’ve rounded up a few below, but please feel free to leave recommendations in the comments of this post or on social media!

Detroit Horse Power

Strides for Equality Equestrians

Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation

We Ride Together

Retired Racehorse Project

Will you celebrate Giving Tuesday with us? Our Year-End Campaign is off to a GREAT start, but we still have a ways to go…

Posted by Retired Racehorse Project on Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Make a difference this #GivingTuesday, be a part of our 2022 Holiday Campaign!

With 81 accredited organizations with…

Posted by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Work to Ride

Ebony Horse Club Brixton

British Eventing Support Trust

https://fb.watch/h5y5JEkvAP/

https://givingtuesday.justgiving.com/donate/?charityId=3162484
British Eventing Support Trust

Posted by Nicola Wilson Eventing on Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Saddle Up and Read

Equine Partnership Program

Carolina Horse Park

Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship

The CREW Urban Youth Equestrians

Chattahoochee Hills at Bouckaert Farm Receives USEF Bid Allocation for Week 10 on the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar

By on Nov 29, 2022 11:30 am -

Jennifer Mulholland and Casanova. Photo by Shelby Allen.

US Equestrian opened a bid process for one event to host the Advanced level in Area 3 on Week 10 for 2023-2027 due to an event cancellation. The bid process was conducted in accordance with the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, & Advanced Policies and Procedures. The USEF Eventing Strategic Calendar Review Task Force made recommendations to the USEF Eventing Sport Committee who made recommendations for final approval by the USEF Board of Directors.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the bid was allocated to Chattahoochee Hills Eventing at Bouckaert Farm. The additional levels awarded include the BN, N, T, M, P, I, CCI2*-S, and CCI3*-S. The competition will run March 11-12, 2023, and replace Chattahoochee Hills’ current competition on Week 9.

View the full 2023-2027 Eventing Calendar here.

From the Ground Up: When You ARE the Man in Charge

By on Nov 29, 2022 9:00 am -

Gillian Warner is bringing us along for the ride as she strikes out on her own to launch her business as a professional. You can catch up on the preceding columns from this series here.

Looking down from the tall stack of hay loaded in the trailer, our hay guy looks between me and my employee as I explain how I would like the hay stacked.

I’m the farm’s assistant manager, and a 23 year old female. The staff member is a 40-something year old man. “I don’t know who to listen to,” the farmer states. “The man in charge, or the woman who knows what she’s doing.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard a comment along these lines, but it always takes me by surprise. Why is it assumed that the man is in charge? Why, if I so clearly seem to know what I’m doing, is it impossible for me to oversee the process?

Staying focused on what I know, value, and believe has helped me to be confident in my experience, despite comments regarding my age or gender.

When these comments were made at the very start of my career, my response was pathetic — I was so taken aback, that my jaw just hit the floor, and I stood there, speechless. Now, not so much.

“I’m the man in charge and the woman who knows what she’s doing,” I clarify.

Interactions such as these always make me reflect, and consider how I show up in the spaces and communities in which I interact. I want to be seen as someone who is knowledgeable and is respected as a manager, a trainer, and a coach.

My clients are all dedicated and kind, and genuinely seek out my advice on matters. My coworkers and manager recognize and appreciate the experience I bring to the table. Despite all of this, because of the interactions such as the one with the farmer, I’m constantly aware of how my age, gender, and personality impact how I’m perceived as a professional.

I don’t want how others perceive me to impact the quality and value of my work and approach. I want to be friendly, yet not too eager. I want to be kind, but not a push-over. I want to be strong, but I don’t want to be perceived as “bossy”. Where, if any, is the perfect balance?

Growing a business that reflects and maintains my values and personality is challenging, but creates an environment in which I am comfortable and proud.

Of course, sexism and ageism are not specific to the horse industry. But growing up as a junior and young rider, I was constantly surrounded by a predominantly female crowd, a group which was packed full with women who know how to drive tractors, fix fences, stack hay, and care for horses. I’ve seen countless women over my career show their strength, kindness, and success each day, all while holding leadership positions.

I’m lucky to have grown up with such fantastic role models. I plan to reference and turn to their approach, strength, and values to give myself a boost of confidence in standing up for myself.

I wish I had an easy cure, and I wish I didn’t feel so discouraged when comments such as these were made. But in order to work towards that magic cure, I will continue to clarify and shut down assumptions, I will continue to show up with a strong work ethic, a compassion for everyone (human and animal) with which I work, and I will continue to earn trust and respect, no matter my age or my gender.

Tuesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Nov 29, 2022 7:57 am -

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

After the hustle and bustle of the first round of holidays, I’m delighted that we’ve made it to Giving Tuesday and, even better, Give Back Week. We’re working with our brand partners to deliver you some brilliant deals that also do great things in the horse world this week, with proceeds going to Ukrainian horse charities, access programmes, and more. From November 28, through Sunday, December 4, we encourage you to shop with the brands listed in this article, each of which has committed to donating a portion of proceeds during this week to a nonprofit or charity. We also encourage you to check out your social media feeds and emails for other brands giving back this week. Do good, feel good!

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

By now, you probably know that France’s Maxime Livio won the inaugural Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing. But do you know how he managed to clinch the title in Sweden? [Check out the video and see his strategy in action]

The Area X Championships were held a week ago in Tuscon, Arizona. Three riders capped off their season with titles — not a shabby way to head into the holidays! Even better? The winning mounts include a Clydesdale cross and an Appaloosa. [Meet the champs]

A primarily indigenous community in Australia has come up with a novel solution to their wild horse problem. Though the horses are much loved by the people of Mornington Island, they’ve also done plenty of damage to gardens and green spaces in the community — but the folks in the area were adamant that culling wasn’t an option. Instead, they’ve created a programme that’ll allow young people to work with the horses, gaining valuable skills and setting them up for future careers. [Talk about a win-win]

Are you a hay-steaming fan? Me too: it doesn’t just make the yard smell incredible, although honestly, nothing is better than the sweet smell of a freshly-opened HayGain — but it has a marked positive effect on our horses’ airways. But new studies suggest that horses that are fed steamed hay might need to be provided with an extra protein source, as the process can strip some of this important macronutrient out of forage. [A bit of chicken breast with your hay, madam?]

As the year creeps closer to its end, it’s time to start thinking about the next. With that comes resolutions, plans, ideas, things to change and improve, goals — and some serious reflection on the year that’s been. Here’s an interesting treatise on what all of us could stand to work on in 2023. [The ‘less Instagram’ one feels targeted at me, tbh]

Ocala Horse Properties Dream Farm of the Week:

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Racing yards tend to come with some seriously cool amenities, and while they do require additional work (like, for example, putting in an arena), you can’t fault them for what they do have — such as the capacious exercise track, actual spa building (with a water treadmill!), and enormous amounts of space that this one has. With over 100 stalls, plus tonnes of human accommodation, you could keep this one for its intended purpose — or you could set up the eventing training base of dreams and run some incredible shows and clinics out of it, too.

Watch This:

Excuse me while I steal this concept at Badminton next year.

Monday Video: Baby at a Boyd Martin Clinic

By on Nov 28, 2022 5:00 pm -

The winter season often means two things for pro riders: 1) it’s clinic season, and 2) it’s time to focus on the youngsters. In today’s video, we get a little bit of both as we get to audit a Boyd Martin clinic!

Emily Scott, who manages an Area I eventing barn and vlogs on her Ride & Roam YouTube channel, recently brought four-year-old Thoroughbred “Richard” out for just his second off-property experience. Piloted here by five-star rider Booli Selmayer, we get to observe a couple of exercises that Boyd uses to school youngsters and his feedback on young Richard.

Join EN + HN November 28 – December 4 for Give Back Week

By on Nov 28, 2022 3:00 pm -

It may be high shopping season for many reading this, but it’s also a good time of year to think about what type of world we want to create for future generations. The “season of giving” concept shouldn’t really be limited to one season, but this time of year is nonetheless a big fundraising period for nonprofit organizations and charities.

This year, we’re inviting you to participate in “Give Back Week” with us and several of our brand partners who’ve also opted to take up the challenge to raise funds and awarenesses for nonprofits of their choosing.

Here’s how it works:

From today, November 28, through Sunday, December 4, we encourage you to shop with the brands listed below, each of which has committed to donating a portion of proceeds during this week to a nonprofit or charity. We also encourage you to check out your social media feeds and emails for other brands giving back this week (tomorrow in particular, for Giving Tuesday).

We reached out to our email subscribers to solicit nominations for nonprofits we should support and promote during our Give Back Week. We’re pleased to announce that a portion of proceeds from our Holiday Gift Guide as well as editorial features and an advertising campaign, if applicable, will be donated to the following organizations:

Ukraine Equestrian Charity Foundation
The Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation (registered in Belgium) with the assistance from the FEI (International Equestrian Federation), EEF (European Equestrian Federation), USEF, British Equestrians For Ukraine other national federations and welfare organizations is supporting the Ukrainian horse owners, riding schools, athletes, equestrian clubs, stables and professionals. The organization give needs-based assistance on the ground, including assisting with relocation of horses, offering shelter stabling, sourcing food and organizing logistics to deliver humanitarian aid to equestrians and their horses in Ukraine.

Detroit Horse Power
Detroit Horse Power uniquely addresses two persistent problems facing the Motor City: the shortage of opportunities for metro Detroit’s vulnerable populations (especially children) and the abundance of vacant land. Through riding and caring for horses in a safe and enriching space, program participants learn valuable skills that set them up for future success. DHP’s facility, built on repurposed vacant land, will contribute to the city’s renewal and be a center for community events and equestrian services.

We Ride Together
We Ride Together, Inc. is a nonprofit organization created early in 2021 to shine a light on the endemic issue of sexual abuse in youth sports, starting with equestrian sport and then broadening to every sport. We Ride Together’s mission is to make the youth and amateur sport environment safer for all athletes.

Strides for Equality Equestrians
Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) is an allyship program for the equestrian community. Founded in 2020, we seek to address the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in equestrian sports by supporting access programs and professional pathways for BIPOC equestrians and by engaging and educating allies. Recognizing that we must be the change we wish to see in the world, SEE will encourage equestrians to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to fight for equality and justice. Not quietly, not anonymously… but proudly and loudly.

Beginning Tuesday, November 28, we’ll share tidbits about each organization here on EN as well as on our sister site, Horse Nation, and know each organization would be immensely grateful for a share, a donation, or an email sign-up.

Below you will find a list of brands who’ve opted in to participate in Give Back Week (11/28-12/4) alongside us. Some will be donating to the organizations we’ve nominated, while others will be donating to a charity of their choosing. Spread the love, pick up a gift for a friend (or yourself, we won’t tell!), and help these deserving organizations accomplish their missions all at once. This list may be updated with other participating brands, so keep an eye out for more information to be added. 

Ride iQ will donate 20% of proceeds from membership sign-ups during Give Back Week. New members receive 2 weeks free and you can learn more/sign up here.

Horse & Rider Books is donating 15% of sales at HorseandRiderBooks.com made during Give Back Week to Horses Without Humans Rescue PS: If you shop today, Cyber Monday (11/28), you can still take advantage of Black Friday savings of 22% sitewide + free U.S. shipping!

Eques Pante will donate 5% of sales during Give Back Week. You can also still save up to 50% on a pair of Eques Pante through 11/30!

In addition, a major thank you to Kentucky Performance Products, who have committed to donate $1,000 to Strides for Equality Equestrians in honor of Give Back Week! You can shop their full line of horses-first, science-backed supplements here.

Weekend Winners: Pine Top

By on Nov 28, 2022 1:00 pm -

In an Eventers’ version of a Turkey Trot, we saw competitors out and about at Pine Top in Georgia to celebrate the holiday weekend.

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

Open Preliminary: Jade Anderson and Brig’s Swift Arrival (37.7)
Preliminary Rider: Marissa Griffin and Conguistador (29.3)
Modified: Kate Brown and Cooley Greystones (28.1)
Open Training: Luca Bortolamei and Portlaoise Lordano (34.7)
Training Rider: Crockett Miller and Swell Continental (26.2)
Novice Rider: Hadiya Yarbou and Valiant (Valley) (44.2)
Open Novice: Katie Cummings and Qredible Dream (25.0)
Training/Novice: Laura Duhamel and Fate’s Patriot (39.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Mallory Ely and FGF Henny Strike (25.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Mary Curran and FGF Starship Butler (34.6)
Starter: Cathy Rutter and Zane (34.3)

Maxime Livio Wins the Very First Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing Final

By on Nov 28, 2022 11:00 am -

Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing is a new concept at Sweden International Horse Show and it appeared a hit with the crowds at Friends Arena in Stockholm. The final delivered lots of excitement as the last rider to go won by just one hundredth of a second. And it was France’s Maxime Livio who was crowned the very first Top 10 Champion of indoor eventing.

Maxime Livio (FRA) and Boleybawn Prince – winners of the Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing 2022. Photo by Roland Thunholm/SIHS.

This year marked the launch of Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing at Sweden International Horse Show. The brand-new competition for some of the world’s best eventing riders covers two classes with a warm-up and a final. In the 2022 world premiere Maxime Livio and Boleybawn Prince managed to win both. The Sunday final was extraordinarily tight as the French rider beat Sweden’s Frida Andersén and Box Compris by as little as one hundredth of a second. Germany’s Julia Krajewski and Nickel 21 came in third.

Frida Andersen and Box Compris, second in the Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing 2022. Photo by Roland Thunholm/SIHS.

“I think this was a good demonstration of what cross country is, with trouble for some and really nice rounds for others and the finish really close”, Maxime Livio says at the press conference. “You have to ride him well because he is so talented, so if you make a mistake you can really blame yourself. So I was really focused today on doing my best,” he says of the horse Boleybawn Prince.

All three riders on the podium praised the course, which even contained a water jump.

“It is a cool show really, with a great audience and, I think, an interesting course,” says Olympic gold medalist Julia Krajewski. “You couldn’t just go for it, so the riders go tested,” she adds.

Full results: Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing (equipe.com)

And for a behind the scenes look from U.S. rider Boyd Martin…

Photo by Roland Thunholm/SIHS

Photo by Roland Thunholm/SIHS