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.
EN TRENDS:
Classic Eventing Nation
Britain’s Young Horse Eventing Champs Move to Cornbury International in 2023
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
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?
Saturday Video: A 90% at London International
Charlotte Fry (GBR) riding Glamourdale – winners of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2022/23 – London Excel (GBR). Photo: ©FEI/Jon Stroud
The recently-crowned double world champions, 26-year-old Lottie Fry and the fabulous 11-year-old stallion Glamourdale (Lord Leatherdale – Thuja, by Negro), stormed to victory with a massive score of 90.995% at the fifth leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2022/2023 Western European League series on home ground at the London International Horse Show last night. You won’t want to miss the video!
Announcing the 2022 EN Blogger Contest Winner!
Only here at EN do Blogger Contests take six months. We could say it simply adds to the suspense, but the reality is: we owe you an apology! Our finalists have been patiently waiting to hear the results of the 2022 EN Blogger Contest, and we are pleased to — at very long last — announce the winners who will be joining the team in 2023!
We received an overwhelming number of initial entries as well as reader votes on the eventual finalist pieces. While we’ve identified our official winner and runners-up, who will each receive cash prizes, we have also extended offers to continue writing for EN to two other finalists.
Without further ado, your Blogger Contest results are:
Winner: Diana Gilbertson
Photo courtesy of Diana Gilbertson.
Diana, a UK resident and adventure junkie, has displayed the highest level of enthusiasm throughout the entire Blogger Contest process, despite our clunky delays in wrapping this contest up. Her writing exudes a passion for the sport and we’re thrilled to give her a crack at continuing on this path she’s found herself on. Diana now joins Tilly Berendt (winner: 2017) as our second winner from the UK. Welcome to the team, Diana!
Runner-up: Allie Heninger
Photo courtesy of Allie Heninger.
Also known as the Autoimmune Equestrian on social media, Allie is an amateur rider who brought her deep perspectives to her writing and whose passion for horses and perseverence is evident in everything she does. We look forward to adding her viewpoint to our roster of writers from all types of backgrounds!
Runner-up: Sydney Steverson
Photo courtesy of Sydney Steverson.
Sydney had us absolutely rolling when she sent in her first entry (which we’ll share here on EN soon) depicting the conversations we have with our horses on cross country. Her second entry, The Terror and Hope of Cross Country Day, accurately sums up the eventing experience for approximately 99% of us. Sydney hails from the midwest and is also an avid TikToker (is that the right term? I’m old) with a sense of humor and a perspective that lends itself well to inspiring as well as entertaining. We can’t wait to see what else Sydney has up her sleeve — welcome to the team!
Other writers who have been extended offers to continue writing for EN are: Cheg Darlington and Cassidy Oeltjen.
Congratulations to all of you, and thank you to all who submitted pieces for this year’s Blogger Contest. If this wasn’t your year, we encourage you to re-submit during our next contest — you never know!
Go Eventing.
Canada Names 2023 High Performance Squad Athletes
Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Abby Powell.
December might be a bit of a sporting hinterland for eventing, but one thing you can always rely on is this: the announcement of each major country’s high performance squad and Olympic talent-spotting pathway. The latest nation to release its 2023 lists is Canada, which has published a four-strong horse-and-rider line-up on the National Squad and a list of eleven riders and fourteen horses on the Development Squad.
The athletes and horses named to the National Squad are as follows:
- Dana Cooke (Mooresville, NC) and FE Mississippi, owned by the FE Mississippi Syndicate LLC
- Colleen Loach (Dunham, QC) and Vermont, owned by Peter Barry
- Jessica Phoenix (Cannington, ON) and Wabbit, owned by James Phillips and Jessica Phoenix
- Lindsay Traisnel (Maidstone, ON) and Bacyrouge, owned by Patricia Pearce
The athletes and horses named to the Development Squad are as follows:
- Hawley Awad (Aldergrove, BC) and Jollybo, owned by the Jollybo Syndicate LLC and Hawley Awad
- Melissa Boutin (Ascot Corner, QC) and Obeah Dancer GS, owned by Melissa Boutin
- Hannah Bundy (Toronto, ON) and Lovely Assistant, owned by Juliana Hansen
- Holly Jacks (Hillsburgh, ON) and Candy King, owned by the Candy King Limited Partnership
- Kyle Carter (Sparr, FL) and G Star Van de Klinkenberg, owned by the Barnstaple Group
- Dana Cooke and Quattro, owned by Kingfisher Park
- Jamie Kellock (Cedar Valley, ON) and Summer Bay, owned by Jamie Kellock
- Kendal Lehari (Uxbridge, ON) and Audacious, owned by Kendal Lehari
- Colleen Loach and FE Goldeneye, owned by Peter Barry, Amanda Bernhard, and Colleen Loach
- Jessica Phoenix and Isla GS, owned by Charlotte Schickedanz; Freedom GS, owned by Charlotte Schickedanz; and Tugce, owned by Jessica Phoenix
- Karl Slezak (Tottenham, ON) and Fernhill Wishes, owned by Kirk Hoppner and Karl Slezak, and Hot Bobo, owned by Karl Slezak
Both the Development and National Squad programs are part of the framework of Canada’s drive to improve results on the world stage, with the National Squad — formerly known as the Elite Squad — representing the pinnacle of the program. Now, Canada will be hoping to hone its team in order to take a much-needed win at the 2023 Pan-American Games, which will give them a direct qualification route for the 2024 Paris Olympics if attained.
Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands
Tim and Jonelle Price visit with the Motueka Pony Club. Photo via Motueka Pony Club on Facebook.
They’re not just great riders, they’re great people too. Tim and Jonelle Price took time out of their holiday home in New Zealand to attend the Motueka Pony Club end of year prize giving and inspire the young members. Plus, some lucky raffle winners won private lessons with Tim or Jonelle while they’re home on holiday as well!
Links to Start Your Weekend:
The Effects of Longeing on Your Horse’s Joints
Why winter is the time to work on your horse’s walk — plus four exercises to try
Fly Away to the #BestWeekendAllYear: How to Win the Ultimate LRK3DE Getaway
Over 50 Jaw Dropping Body Clips
15 Employment Tips from Eventing, Dressage, and Hunter/Jumper Professionals
Yasmin Ingham Awarded the Prestigious Raymond Brooks-Ward Trophy
World Equestrian Brands Pick of the Week: The World Equestrian Brands family spans equestrian disciplines, and WEB team riders are heating things up in their Amerigo saddles at the Split Rock Jumping Tour in Texas!
Friday Video: 5 Steps to Introducing Spooky Jumps
Slow and steady always wins the race when it comes to introducing new or “scary” concepts to our horses. In partnership with Equestrian Masterclass, Tik Maynard has broken down the steps horses go through when encountering something frightening:
⭐️ Denial (your horse might refuse to look at the jump or acknowledge it’s there)
⭐️ Fear (your horse wants to move backwards or run away from it)
⭐️ Curiosity (your horse will look at the object, sniff it, or fee it)
⭐️ Play (Touching or sniffing with their nose or touching with their legs)
⭐️ Acceptance (Understanding what the object is and feeling familiar around it)
Now, how to translate this into working with spooky jumps? Let’s take a dive in with these short videos from Noelle Floyd:
Preview the 2023 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Calendar
Jonelle Price’s Grappa Nera. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
A new year brings a new international calendar for eventing, and though there are no major worldwide championships on the docket it’s still stacking up to be an action-packed year of sport. Highlights for 2023 include the FEI European Eventing Championships, to be held at Haras du Pin in August (and also to be designed by incoming Paris Olympic cross country designer Pierre le Goupil), as well as the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile in late October (also designed by Pierre le Goupil). Among the most notable revisions to the calendar is the change to the UK’s Nations Cup leg, which will now be hosted at Chatsworth the week after Badminton, rather than the now defunct Houghton International Horse Trials later in the month.
The FEI Eventing Nations Cup is a highlight of the international calendar, and while this year will see no legs hosted in North America — a usual challenge given the distance required to travel and the resulting difficulty of forming enough teams — a total of eight stops will make up the schedule.
The 2023 FEI Eventing Nations Cup schedule is as follows:
CCIO4*-NC-S Montelibretti (ITA) – March 9-12, 2023
CCIO4*-NC-S Chatsworth (GBR) – May 13-14, 2023
CCIO4*-NC-S Millstreet (IRL) – June 1-6, 2023
CCIO4*-NC-S Strzegom (POL) – June 21-25, 2023
CCIO4*-NC-S Haras de Jardy (FRA) – July 13-16, 2023
CCIO4*-NC-S Avenches (SUI) – July 20-23, 2023
CCIO4*-NC-S Arville (BEL) – August 17-20, 2023
CCIO4*-NC-L Boekelo (NED) – October 5-10, 2023
From the Ground Up: Keeping It Simple
The good news is that I love the work that I do with horses. I’ve had incredible clients work with me over this past year, whose dedication and commitment to bettering their riding and horsemanship motivates me. The horses I have in training have been coming along quite well too. I’m thrilled to see their progress, and excited to continue to learn and grow with them.
The risk to that excitement, though, is that I tend to information dump.
My clients ask good questions and genuinely want to learn. I love that. The horses show up enthusiastic and curious. That makes my day fun. But when my excitement and enthusiasm is met with excitement and enthusiasm, I get ahead of myself.
There is so much to learn about horses. And the thing is, it’s never ending. Despite knowing this, and knowing the countless hours and years it takes to develop horsemanship, I have the urge to information dump everything I’ve ever learned to the people and horses with which I work. I want to give and share the information and experiences I’ve had with horses so far. The issue is, this muddles a lot of the important information necessary in the now, while presenting information that would only be useful down the road. I’m overcomplicating, and need to simplify.
Using consistent and clear ground work techniques have simplified new questions, such as working on the platform.
It seems like I’m not alone in this struggle. I recently came across a podcast with the “Confident Rider” in a “Conversation with Crissi McDonald & Mark Rashid“. Crissi and Mark are a wife/husband duo, both of whom are incredible horsemen in their own right. Both have a lifetime of experience with horses and humans, and have numerous books highlighting such experiences. And at roughly around minute 44 of this podcast, they discuss the challenge (but importance) of keeping things simple in the development of both horse and rider.
“I do everything I can to not overload my students with information they don’t need,” Mark states. “If I can figure out the one piece of information [they need], we can all get on the same page… They don’t need to know all this other information right now… The one thing they need will get buried in all the information they don’t need.”
This lesson on simplification has been especially useful when working with my new three year old. Although very smart and very willing, not overcomplicating the work for her right now has allowed us to enjoy quiet, confident rides!
It’s reassuring to hear that horsemen and women with more experience than I have struggle with this concept as well. I do my job because I love helping horses and people communicate, reach their goals, and do so while further developing their partnership. While I’m excited about the progress my pairs have made, and the progress to come, it takes time, and won’t happen as a result of a word vomit from me on all the concepts, techniques, and feeling I’ve learned over the years.
As we continue with our work, I’m going to keep simplicity in mind – not everything can happen overnight… nor should it! I’m here (and thrilled) to be part of my clients’ and horses’ journeys that they are on. I will continue to offer support and guidance, while also hopefully offering clarity along the way.
