Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Dec 21, 2022 12:01 am -

Is there much better of a feeling than returning to the saddle after some time off? Our team here at EN is a mixed bag of current and former riders, and we love to cheer each other on as we wrangle with life, babies, jobs, and words about horses. EN’s Maggie Deatrick returned from a competition hiatus earlier this month with Cthulhu (or as he’s affectionately know, “Squid”), finishing 11th in her first Prelim since 2019. Welcome back, Maggie!

U.S Weekend Preview

Your only assignment this weekend is to enjoy the holiday break!

Wednesday News & Reading

Don’t forget to enter our Ultimate LRK3DE Giveaway! You and three friends could win tickets, premium tailgating for cross country, a travel voucher valued at $750, and Dubarry gear for the trip. Entries are open until 12/31, so don’t delay! [Fly Away to LRK3DE]

Part of competitive success is the ability to “get in the zone” — but this is, of course, much easier said than done. Daniel Stewart is back in his latest column with some thoughts on “mojo-mantras” and how they can encourage us to go into a flow state. Super interesting stuff. [Pressure Proof with Daniel Stewart]

Have provisions intended to protect racehorses from falling through the cracks failed? Is aftercare really at the top of the priority list for most stakeholders? Writing for Thoroughbred Daily News, Nicole Forbes makes the case that the system has, in fact, failed. “To be frank, it might be too late,” she writes. “I’m honestly not sure if we can act fast enough on an industry-wide solution to eliminate this crisis.” [Op/Ed: The System Has Failed]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh has sought to identify whether or not dressage judges’ marks are indicative of “conflict behaviors” and “horse antagonistic responses”, Horse Sport reports. With more attention being paid to horse body language, this study and its results will provide useful information that can be used to improve judging. [Conflict Behaviors and Dressage Scoring]

Not all candy canes are created equal — and your horse doesn’t actually need all the sugary treats this holiday season. As knowledge of equine nutrition continues to expand, sugar content comes under higher scrutiny in terms of its effects on overall health. Should you let your horse indulge this winter? [Sugars and Peppermints: Not Safe Treats for All Horses]

Best of the Blogs: A Good Ride on Good Horses

Tack Facts with Sterling Essentials: Can you use Sterling Essentials on buffalo leather? Find out here.

Sponsor Corner: “Not all steam is created equal.” That comes early in the story of Haygain’s development of high-temperature hay steaming. This Business of Horses podcast host Amanda Watson elicited that knowledge nugget from Royal Agricultural University professor Meriel Moore-Colyer in a recent edition. [Read more + listen]

Wednesday Video Break

I love a good horse-y vlog, and this one’s been a favorite to watch!

Tuesday Video: All the Highlights from Maryland 5 Star

By on Dec 20, 2022 12:30 pm -

This year’s MARS Maryland 5 Star was one for the books, and if you’re anything like me you came home from the event and immediately tuned in to the replay coverage to catch up on any moments you might have missed in person (if you haven’t done this yet, or you’re just looking for something to do over the holiday break, USEF Network has all the on-demand your heart desires!)

I’m getting definite FOMO from this highlight reel, and I was there! If you missed out on this year’s event, you’ll definitely not want to miss it in 2023. Save the date for October 19-23, 2023!

US Equestrian Announces Modifications to the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar for Area VI

By on Dec 20, 2022 10:00 am -

Lauren Billys and Can Be Sweet. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Following a review of Area VI community feedback, modifications to the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar were recommended by the Eventing Strategic Calendar Task Force to the Eventing Sport Committee, who in turn recommended the modifications to an Ad Hoc of the Board of Directors.

Due to hardships demonstrated for qualification under the current structure and criteria, and to limit the travel to achieve those qualifications in the interest of horse welfare, the following modifications were approved to offer the best preparation for high-performance athlete and horses.

Week 16

  • Current criteria: one event to host the CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, and CCI3*-L levels in Area 6
  • Modification: withdraw Week 16 from the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar
  • Modification: add Week 15 to the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar with the criteria: one event to host the CCI4*-S and CCI3*-L levels with the option to add the Advanced level in Area 6

Week 21

  • Current criteria: one event to host the Advanced level in Area 6
  • Modification: one event to host the Advanced level with the option to add the CCI4*-S level in Area 6
  • Note: this will re-open for bidding as the criteria has changed

Week 41

  • Current criteria: one event to host the CCI4*-S level with the option to add the Advanced level if desired in Area 6
  • Modification: withdraw Week 41 from the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar
  • Modification: add Week 40 to the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar with the criteria: one event to host the CCI4*-S level with the option to add the Advanced level in Area 6
  • Modification: add Week 42 to the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar with the criteria: one event to host the Advanced level with the option to add the CCI4*-S level in Area 6

Week 11 was allocated to Ram Tap National Horse Trials as a result of the bid process.

[View the 2023-2027 Eventing Calendar here]

Tuesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Dec 20, 2022 8:41 am -

Hello from the panicky end of the 20th of December, in which I’m suddenly realising how little I’ve actually got ready for Christmas. I’m about to do a raid of the supermarket and start gifting people cutlery sets, I’m telling you. Everything’s fine. Everything’s cool. This can all be fixed by just going to the barn and hanging out with my horse, right?

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

Don’t forget to enter our Ultimate LRK3DE Giveaway! You and three friends could win tickets, premium tailgating for cross country, a travel voucher valued at $750, and Dubarry gear for the trip. Entries are open until 12/31, so don’t delay! [Fly Away to LRK3DE]

The debate on conditions for grooms and working students continues on apace. This time, we’ve got an interesting insight from the employer’s perspective as dressage rider Lauren Sprieser pens an op-ed on what the hiring crisis looks like from her end and what degree of resilience is actually useful to build up as a young person. [It’s not a job for the weak]

Planning some Christmas Day treats for your horse? I’ve always been a fan of a hot mash and a snowy hack — and that hot mash is mixed with apple juice and studded with all sorts of snacks, including apples, carrots, parsnips, and, of course, festive peppermints. But for horses with certain health conditions, the innocuous mint could be a Christmas-ruiner. [Be treat-conscious]

My 96% Thoroughbred mare always drops off around this time of year. It’s a battle I fight every winter, particularly as she lives out: I up the forage, increase her hard feeds, and try a number of different conditioning supplements and balancers, all in the name of keeping some fat pads over her body. (FWIW, Keyflow Pink Mash and Bailey’s Outshine have been the best combo of ‘extras’ I’ve found so far). If you’re dealing with a similar problem, you’ll be glad of some advice. [Keep your pony nice and round this winter]

Researchers in Britain are developing a way to learn from footage of jockeys falling. The framework for analysing footage of falls will help them to ascertain how and why the fall happened in the first place, and the necessary steps to ensure safety in similar situations. This could be good news for eventing, which tends to pick up on many of racing’s safety developments a few years down the line. [How to make sport safer]

The OHP Dream Farm of the Week:

Once, a few years back, I was spending the week in Ocala, taking a busman’s holiday to stay with my great pal Hallie Coon, when she suggested we go fill an afternoon at Golden Ocala. Now, admittedly I’ve not spent a lot of time at country clubs, but I have such fond memories of the hours we spent soaking up the sun by the pool there, drinking Pina coladas and chatting about horses and life in that stunning, peaceful setting. So this absolutely 10/10 EXTRA chateau within the confines of the club is calling to me today as I watch the English rain melt all that English ice, let me tell you. I know there’s absolutely no way I’d be able to keep those white interiors that clean, but I would revel in the act of slowly mucking them up and then flinging myself into the pool. What a delight this spot is.

Watch This:

Check out 22-year-old Nadja Minder’s round from the Geneva indoor eventing class. This remarkable gal has been one of our favorite riders to follow this season, and there’s plenty more to come. Jump on board the fan club bandwagon now!

Monday Video: The Long Format Lives on at Waredaca

By on Dec 19, 2022 4:00 pm -

For better or for worse, the classic long format event is no longer part of eventing at the international levels — but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a valuable aspect of the sport! A number of incredible venues around the country keep the long format alive at the lower levels, providing irreplaceable educational (not to mention fun!) opportunities on the USEA calendar.

Waredaca Farm in Laytonsville, Maryland has hosted their classic format three-day event every October for the past 18 years. This year they even added a Beginner Novice classic division, in addition to their Novice though Preliminary offerings, and saw their highest numbers of entries this year. They’ve recently released this excellent promotional video for the event that explains what makes it so special and why the classic long format can be such a great experience for so many horses and riders.

Wesko Equestrian Foundation – Expansion Confirmed For 2023

By on Dec 19, 2022 11:00 am -

The Wesko Equestrian Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded in memory of Christina Knudsen, has today announced its further expansion via the Young Eventers Pathway which aims to support sixty young riders, between the ages of 21-28 years, with training, education, and support.

The Foundation aims to support young Eventers from every background, to become better
and more viable athletes, with a vision to create an eventing community and peer learning
environment that surrounds these riders, who are participating in the programme, expanding
its support from grassroots all the way to 5* riders.

Applications for the 2023 intake of riders to the Young Eventers Pathway are now open (19th December 2022) and will close on 1st January 2023.

The new Young Eventers Pathway will operate at 3 different levels encompassing the
grassroots of the sport (BE80, BE90 and BE100), a combined CCI2* and CCI3* pathway,
and a combined CCI4* and CCI5* pathway. Each Pathway will welcome up to 20 supported
riders, with a minimum of 2 riders at each level receiving full funding for both the ridden
training and education programme.

Each pathway level will feature a tailored training programme, with all ridden training taking place at Aston-Le-Walls. Riders will benefit from expert training, advice and mentorship from British Olympian and Rolex Grand Slam Winner, Pippa Funnell MBE, European Champion, Nicola Wilson, World Class Performance Manager, Richard Waygood MBE, 5* dressage judge Nikki Herbert and British Equestrian Assistant Performance Manager, Philip Surl. The Pathway riders will have shared access to a 12-month education programme, that will offer
riders support in a variety of areas, from business to media training, fitness and nutrition, and equine welfare.

Photo by Equus Photopgraphy.

European Champion, Nicola Wilson is welcomed as a new addition to the Foundation’s
coaching roster. Of the new appointment Nicola commented: “I am delighted to be supporting the new programme that the Wesko Equestrian Foundation are launching, and I very much look forward to getting started with many exciting up and coming riders and their horses. It is a fabulous foundation allowing riders to draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience in a lovely environment.”

With the Foundation named after his CCI5* winning mount, Wesko, FEI World Number 1,
Tim Price continues as Foundation Ambassador and said of the expansion: “The help the foundation gives to young riders is invaluable, to have that support system in
place to be able to help and guide you is second to none. The change to Pathway training
days will see more riders across all levels have access to this support and programme and
I’m very excited to see the progress the riders will make.”

The goal at the heart of the Foundation continues to be, bringing increased education and
training to talented young event riders to support their futures, with the welfare of the horse and rider at the heart of the programme. The Wesko Equestrian Foundation has played a key role in supporting the careers of several young riders over the past 3-years, including new FEI World Champion Yasmin Ingham (GBR) and Susie Berry (IRE) who made her senior championship debut at the 2022 World Championships in Pratoni.

Said Yasmin Ingham of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation: “It was a privilege to be a part of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation, even though I have graduated from the foundation I still stay in contact and asking Pip for her valuable advice! I believe what I learnt when on the programme I use in my everyday life running an equestrian business. I am very grateful to all at the Wesko Equestrian Foundation.”

The first of the new Young Eventers Pathway training days is scheduled for the 13th – 16th
February, at Aston-Le-Walls.

The Wesko Equestrian Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in memory of
Christina Knudsen and her passion for the sport of Eventing. The aim of the foundation is to bring education and training to talented young event riders to support their futures, with the welfare of the horse and rider at the heart of the programme. 

The Foundation’s riders receive mentoring and in-depth training from one of the world’s most decorated eventing riders, Pippa Funnell, along with former Team GBR World Class
Performance Manager, Yogi Breisner. The programme also includes a 360-degree
education programme in partnership with A Young Riders Academy.

Learn more about the Wesko Equestrian Foundation by reading about the Young Eventers Pathway Program here, training session takeaways here, and take a look at their Instagram account for updates.

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Dec 19, 2022 7:30 am -

One of my favourite moments of the London International Horse Show — so far, anyway — has to be the return of the fancy dress showjumping relay, which took place last night and was just as delightfully chaotic as I remember it being in the ’90s (though devoid of Geoff Billington in drag, which is a shame or a relief, depending on how you look at it). It was particularly ace to see some of our eventing brethren come forward for this class, including Gemma Stevens and Laura Collett, whose spandex superhero garb made me feel fairly confident that our great city would be will protected from baddies, should those baddies happen to land in the week before Christmas.

National Holiday: It’s my high holy day today, folks: it’s National Emo Day. I feel well-qualified to preside over this special day, bearing, as I do, the lingering scar of the lip ring I had when I was fifteen; the La Dispute lyrics tattooed across the backs of my thighs; and the financial scars I earned while travelling all the way to Las freakin’ Vegas to attend When We Were Young festival this year. Stick on some 2004 bangers and ride like you’re sad about it today. Here’s a throwback to get you started.

Your Monday Reading List:

So much emphasis is put on purpose-bred, high-ticket horses in the competitive English disciplines. But what about the horses who come from less illustrious backgrounds? There’s plenty of room for them, too — and the story of Larisa Quirk and her rescue-turned-dressage-horse is a heartening one for all of us with unconventional horses in our stables. [You’re more than where you come from]

Speaking of rescues, here’s another one who’s found a second life in the dressage arena. Fair warning: the story of overo paint Charlie might make you feel a bit teary early on, but it’s worth seeing it through to the happy ending. [The kisses took me out, tbh]

More than 200 veterinarians have put their names behind a push to stop horse slaughter in the US. It feels like this conversation and this fight have been going on for my entire life, and that’s because it’s such a thorny and complex issue — but there’s an admittedly strong argument behind the push to ban it altogether. [Here’s what’s being discussed]

Are you one of the millions of people who found themselves becoming accidental football fans thanks to Ted Lasso? Then you might have taken some of the show’s more poignant messages to heart as an athlete, too. In this op-ed, Jessica Shannon argues that we all need to learn to be our own Ted in this funny old game. [No balls needed]

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

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A post shared by Jacky Green (@greenjacks)

Team NZ’s own Jacky Green is well worth a follow for her exploits with Tim and Jonelle Price, her sharp wit, and, of course, her boxer Kihikihi, who I would like to actually smother with kisses, please and thanks.

Morning Viewing:

Every time the new BE and FEI calendars come out, I always take a moment to think about some of the now-defunct events that I’ve loved in years prior. Among them? Belton, which came to an end in 2019 – but had a long history of excellence before that. Here’s a look back at 1999, with some familiar faces on the line-up:

Sunday Video: All the Highlights from the London International Horse Show

By on Dec 18, 2022 5:12 pm -

There’s been a big red wall, a sighting of Tom McEwen in a mad hatter costume, many sing-throughs of Sweet Caroline and, of course, a visit from Santa – and the London International Horse Show still isn’t done yet! Here’s a round-up of some of the action so far, from top-class jumping to daredevil performances in the heart of the city.

Britain’s Young Horse Eventing Champs Move to Cornbury International in 2023

By on Dec 18, 2022 12:30 pm -

Laura Collett competes at Cornbury in 2022. Photo by Peter Nixon.

Cornbury House Horse Trials in Oxfordshire will host the British Eventing Young Horse Championships for five-, six- and seven-year-old horses in 2023.

These prestigious classes will run alongside The Howden Way Youth Championships for juniors and under-21 riders, and the popular CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S sections from 7-10 September. There will also be national intermediate classes.

Event founder David Howden said: “I am absolutely delighted that Cornbury House will be the new home of the hugely important Young Horse Championships. Since CHHT’s inception in 2020, I have made no secret of the fact that I am passionate about supporting the best British-based talent and that we are utterly committed to helping the stars of our sport – present and future – to reach their goals.

“We have made considerable investments in the site once again this year. We will be able to unveil a second level to our amazing main arena in September – another 70m by 45m grass arena connected to the current one.

“The cross-country start and finish has been re-sited, allowing the track to have a fresh feel, and, of course, we will have a brand-new 1.05m course for the five-year-old championships.

“In the three years that CHHT has been running, we have been overwhelmed by the strength of the positive reactions and feedback from riders, owners and supporters. We think we will be able to offer everyone something even more special for 2023, and being given these important young horse championships is a great honour for us.”

Course-designer David Evans will be assisted by Dutch international event rider Andrew Heffernan in 2023. Further work has been done to level and improve the going in the dressage warm-up areas, and the ground available for the international dressage arenas has been extended. There will be stabling for competitors on-site for the first time.

New for 2023 will also be arena eventing under the banner of The Howden Way, the talent pathways and coaching scheme set up by British Eventing with the support of David Howden in 2022.

British Eventing chief executive Helen West said: “Cornbury House Horse Trials has always been one of the most prestigious and popular events in the British Eventing calendar. David Howden is passionate about our sport and provides the very best experience for all stakeholders at what is a top-class event.

“David leads an exciting and dynamic team that brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh approach to add innovation, a focus on sustainability and an exceptional day out to the eventing calendar. I have no doubt that the news that Cornbury is hosting the British Eventing Young Horse Championships will be extremely well-received by riders, owners and supporters.”

 

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on Dec 18, 2022 12:01 am -

Yummm…? Photo via Lauren Pileggi Friga on Facebook.

Every year about this time I see this fun little holiday barn party dessert idea floating around the internet, but this one has a nice little twist I haven’t seen before. For some extra realistic flair, add a bit of toasted shaved coconut to your chocolate, uh, nuggets, and they’ll look fresh out of the stall oven! Just please, for the love of all that’s holy, use a brand new muck fork! It’ll double as a hostess gift.

National Holiday: Happy Hanukkah! The celebration begins at tonight and continues through Monday, December 26.

Links to Start Your Sunday:

What Having a Baby Taught Me About Riding

Behind The Photo: ‘Vinny,’ Vidi, Vici—No Bridle Required

Pressure Proof with Daniel Stewart: Mojo-Mantras

Study: Is There A Link Between Equine Sex, Color, And Attitude?

Hot on Horse Nation: Three Tips for Hiring a Horse Sitter for the Holidays (and three things you should do after they’re hired.)

SmartPak Pick of the Week: Horses with Hope Equine Rescue posted this photo of one of their trainees, Owen, checking to see if there was anything for him in a recent SmartPak delivery:

Well, SmartPak saw that photo and next thing you know Owed DID get something for himself in the mail! How’s that for wholesome sponsor content?