Classic Eventing Nation

Paris Olympics Appoints Dynamic Duo of Course Designers for Showjumping (and Eventing’s Finale!)

By on Dec 9, 2022 2:00 pm -

The equestrian sports at Paris 2024 will take place at the Palace of Versailles.

Santiago Varela Ullastres (ESP) and Gregory Bodo (FRA) have been appointed as Co-Course Designers for the Jumping and Jumping Eventing Competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The decision was taken by the FEI Board at its last teleconference for 2022 held on 6 December.

Santiago Varela, 54, is a 4* Technical Delegate and Course Designer in Jumping and is one of the sport’s most respected officials.

He was introduced to horses as a child and began designing courses at the Club de Campo de Madrid in 1984 at the age of 14. A year later, he qualified as a “Local Course Designer”. In 1993 Varela was promoted to International Course Designer status. In 2011 he designed the FEI Jumping European Championship in Madrid (ESP) and in July 2013 he achieved FEI Level 4 Course Designer status. That same year he was appointed as Course Designer for the first Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final in Barcelona (ESP) and has built courses at numerous events of all levels across the world. These include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifiers at Lyon (FRA) and La Coruña (ESP), the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals 2018 and 2019 as well as various championships for Children, Juniors, Young Riders, and U25.

Santiago Varela served as Technical Delegate for Jumping at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy (FRA) in 2014, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final 2017 in Omaha, NE (USA) and the FEI Jumping European Championship 2017 in Gothenburg (SWE), among many others.

Despite his many achievements in the sport, Varela is perhaps best known for his work as Course Designer for Jumping and the Jumping test of Eventing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games where his designs were lauded for their vibrant colours, creativity, sensitivity to Japanese culture as well as the challenges they set for riders while remaining respectful of horse and athlete welfare.

Frenchman Gregory Bodo, 44, has being building Jumping courses internationally for over 20 years. He officiated as the Assistant Course Designer at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, where he first cooperated with Santiago Varela, and the FEI Jumping European Championships for Children, Juniors, and Young Rider 2017 held in Šamorín (SVK).

In 2017 Bodo built his first Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier in Lyon (FRA), where Santiago Varela was Assistant Course Designer. Since then, Bodo and Varela have held these roles every year except for 2020 when the show was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2018, Gregory Bodo was Assistant Course Designer at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final in Paris (FRA), working once again alongside Santiago Varela, who officiated as Course Designer. Later that year he designed the FEI Jumping European Championships for Youth in Fontainebleau (FRA). He was Assistant Course Designer at the FEI Jumping European Championship 2019 in Rotterdam (NED), the FEI Jumping European Championship 2021 in Riesenbeck (GER) as well as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games where he worked in cooperation with Varela once again.

In 2019 Bodo was promoted to 4* Technical Delegate and Course Designer status, the highest level for an FEI official. He is currently one of only two French Course Designers in Jumping to have achieved this degree of excellence.

“We are delighted to have appointed Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo as the Jumping Co-Course Designers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“As is always the case for the Olympic Games, we went through a thorough evaluation process and selected two individuals both of whom hold a wealth of experience and are renowned for their dedication and impeccable work ethic. The designs created by Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo are stunning and combine huge expertise with unique local flavour. Most importantly, they always put the horse at the core of their thought process and produce courses mindful of the welfare of both our equine and human athletes.

“Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo have worked together on numerous occasions and will make a great team. I am convinced that with their knowledge, creative spirit, and professional attitude, the equestrian community, the spectators and the fans around the world can expect Jumping courses of the highest quality. With the equestrian events scheduled to be held in Versailles with the historical château as the uniquely beautiful backdrop, these are set to be truly exceptional Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The Olympic Games will take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024, and include three equestrian disciplines on the programme: Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing. Equestrian has been a regular fixture at the Olympic Games since 1912.

The Paralympic Games will take place from 28 August to 8 September 2024, and feature one equestrian discipline: Para Dressage. Para Equestrian was first included in the programme of the Paralympic Games in 1996.

The equestrian events of the Olympic Games will begin with the first Eventing Horse Inspection on 26 July and will end on 6 August with the Jumping Individual Final. For Para Dressage, medal days will be spread across 3 to 7 September.

For more information on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and ticketing, which opened on 1 December, please visit the event’s official website paris2024.org.

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 9: Win a Care Bundle from Sterling Essentials

By on Dec 9, 2022 11:00 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 9), we’re teaming up with Sterling Essentials to give away a bundle full of goodies for both horse and rider, including:
  • Leather Cleaner (16 fl oz. – choice of scent: Lavender, Citrus, Eucalyptus)
  • Leather Conditioner (8 oz. – choice of scent: Lavender, Citrus, Eucalyptus)
  • Breathing and Affirmations for a More Calm and Confident Ride – A Guided Meditation for the Nervous Rider

[Read our review of Sterling Essentials here]

Congratulations to Casey L. from MA! You’re our winner!

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 9: Win a One-Year Membership to Ride iQ

By on Dec 9, 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 9), we’re teaming up with Ride iQ to give away a one-year membership! Transform your schooling days with on-demand audio lessons taught by world-class equestrian coaches. Listen while you ride and unlock your potential!

Congratulations to Helen B. from Durango — you’re our winner!

Friday News & Notes Presented by Zoetis

By on Dec 9, 2022 12:03 am -

Mud pig! Photo by Kate Samuels

PSA for all you winter warriors: blanketing your horse is absolutely no guarantee of cleanliness, helpfully demonstrated by my pocket rocket Beep here. The skill it requires to roll in a relatively non-muddy field and scrounge around enough and get the mud packed up underneath a full blanket is truly just amazing. However, upon posting this photo, many of my friends made me feel better by posting pictures of their non-blanketed horses, who more resembled the bottom of my muck boots than actual horses. Winter! We love it! (*sarcasm*)

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

News From Around the Globe:

Our new USEA President Louise Leslie brings a fresh perspective to the role for the upcoming years. Growing up in a military family, Louise Leslie was never afraid to walk up to someone and make friends in whatever new city was her home. Over the past two decades, many of those new friends have been eventers. She’s been involved with the U.S. Eventing Association Area 7 Council from her home in Redmond, Washington, and she’s become an integral part of U.S. Eventing Association at all levels. She’s set to take on the USEA presidency in 2023 and has spent this year shadowing current president Max Corcoran. [Meet New President Louise Leslie]

As one of the few U.S. training programs open to riders age 25 and under, the Eventing Emerging Athlete Program is used to identify and support a wider field of up-and-coming horse and rider combinations with the potential to develop into future Team candidates. From January 16–20, 2023, selected athletes will have the opportunity to work with U.S. Eventing Development and Emerging Coach Leslie Law in Ocala, Florida. Both on the ground and in the irons, these 12 riders will build the knowledge and skills necessary to one day compete at the top of the sport for their country. [Meet the Riders for 2023 Eventing Emerging Athlete Program]

It only takes one horse with difficult feet to inspire a horse owner to learn more about hoof care. Alicia Harlov’s passion for hoof care began after acquiring a BLM mustang who was quickly diagnosed with deteriorating navicular disease. On a mission to keep her dreams for him alive, she sought to learn more about hoof rehabilitation and the multitude of elements involved in hoof management and maintenance. A visit to Rockley Farm in England pushed her to pursue more knowledge on the subject, and in the years since she has gone on to study a variety of trimming philosophies and methodologies, as well as learn from nutritional webinars. [Prevalent Hoof Issues & Prevention]

Hot on Horse Nation: Thoroughbred Logic: Have a Plan

Thursday Video: Just A Bunch of Satisfying Horsey TikToks, TBH

By on Dec 8, 2022 7:44 pm -

Yesterday, our farrier popped to the yard to sort a touchy nail on one of our ponies, and sometime in the process, he happened to mention that he’d accidentally become TikTok famous. And I’m not talking a little bit TikTok famous: his video showing the shoeing process had racked up 270 million views on the platform, making it the most-viewed TikTok in the entirety of the UK for 2022. Like, the whole UK. Who knew that this was the way to make equestrians hit the mainstream! Anyway, this YouTube video compiles many of the day-to-day normal chores for us horsey folk that are actually seriously satisfying for the rest of the world to watch — and it starts with one of our Sam’s videos. A star is born.

Sessions We’re Looking Forward to at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention This Week

By on Dec 8, 2022 12:31 pm -

It’s time to kick things off at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, this year hosted in picturesque Savannah, GA at the Hyatt Regency Savannah Hotel. The Annual Meeting & Convention is an opportunity for all USEA stakeholders to gather and connect over the past year’s endeavors. It’s a time to hand out a few awards and grants, to meet on important topics and proposed rule changes, and to give riders of all backgrounds the opportunity to share their thoughts.

It’s a full schedule of informative action this week, and I’ll be on the ground beginning Friday to bring you some reports from key sessions. I’ve got a few ideas of what my days will look like, but here are a few sessions that look particularly interesting. The full Convention schedule can be found here.

Friday, December 9

8:00 a.m.: Proper Warm-up and Cool Down for Riders with Coach Tony Sandoval
Rider fitness is imperative to safe and effective riding. Tony Sandoval is based in Kentucky and works with multiple riders, so it’s safe to say he knows how to get a rider feeling and performing their best! Tony will also be leading an “Age is Just a Number!” session on Saturday morning at 8 a.m.

10:00 a.m.: Incident Management with Rob Burk, Cindy Deporter, Tim Murray, Sarah Broussard, Rusty Lowe, and Dr. Kimberly Keeton

Managing a risk-heavy sport is a big responsibility, and how we respond to incidents matters. This panel discussion should yield some interesting insights into how risk is managed at competitions.

10:00 a.m.: How Tech Can Supports the Best Eventers of the Future, with Kyle Carter, Jessa Lux, and McKinsey Lux

Technological advances are coming — but how we can we make the most of it to improve our sport and inform ourselves as riders?

5:00 p.m.: Development and Uses of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram: A Performance Checklist, with Dr. Sue Dyson

I’m super keen to learn more about Dr. Sue Dyson’s research. She’ll be giving a presentation on her Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram that’s sure to be well worth attending to better understand our horses.

12:00 p.m.: USEA Year End Awards Luncheon

Always a popular event, the Awards Luncheon is hosted by Jim Wolf, who celebrates the achievements of all recipients for the season. It’s a festive one, well worth attending if you’re in town for it!

Saturday, December 10

8:00 a.m.: Safety Committee Open Form, with Max Corcoran, Jonathan Holling, Sarah Broussard, and Dr. Jennifer Miller

Hear from members of the USEA Safety Committee on statistics and developments in the sport’s safety-conscious initiatives.

10:00 a.m.: Making Strides for Equality and Growing the Sport, with Dr. Anastasia Curwood and Heather Gillette

Learn about diversity, equity, and representation within our sport — and why this is so important.

11:00 a.m.: Rule Change Open Form, with Malcolm Hook

Get the latest on upcoming and proposed rule changes that can affect competition and qualifications.

12:00 p.m.: USEA Annual Meeting of Members Luncheon and Keynote Presentation

Hear from USEA leadership on the 2022 season + more from Dr. Sue Dyson, this year’s keynote speaker.

2:00 p.m.: FEI World Championship Riders Recap, with Bobby Costello, Max Corcoran, Will Coleman, Tamie Smith, Lauren Nicholson, Boyd Martin, and Ariel Grald

Hear from the Pratoni silver medalists themselves as they recap a banner year for US Eventing and look ahead to what’s coming next: Pan Ams and Paris 2024.

6:30 p.m.: USEA’s Eventing Hall of Fame Gala

The USEA is proudly presents the 8th edition of the USEA’s Eventing Hall of Fame induction gala. This year, five new inductees will join this esteemed group of eventing legends: Janie Atkinson, Col. Harry Chamberlain, Trish Gilbert, Sally O’Connor and Eagle Lion.

Sunday, December 11

9:00 a.m.: Incoming USEA President Louise Leslie will lead her first Board of Governors meeting, which will be open to the public.

[Click here to view the full Convention schedule]
[More Convention Fast Facts]

There is no live stream from the Annual Meeting & Convention this year, so be sure to follow along on USEA’s website and Instagram for more, and of course I’ll be bringing you reports from on the ground. I’m curious: what do you want to know about? I’d love it if you would fill out the survey below (or here if the embedded survey doesn’t display in your browser), and I’ll do my best to do some digging for you!

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 8: Win a Delaire Backpack from Veltri

By on Dec 8, 2022 11:00 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 8), we’re teaming up with Veltri to give away a ring-side ready Delaire Backpack! Constructed sustainably and designed to fit everything you need (including your helmet!) without sacrificing style, the Delaire Backpack is perfect for the organizer in all of us. Winner can choose color of Regular size Delaire Backpack.

To enter, use the form below to submit your information, or click here if the embedded form is not usable or visible in your browser. We’ll announce the winner tomorrow in this post and will also notify the winner via email.Want a bonus entry? Give @veltrisport a follow on Instagram!

Disclosure: This form collects email addresses, which will be shared with EN as well as the sponsor of the day’s giveaway. You may receive a few emails from EN and the sponsor, from which you’re free to unsubscribe at any time (but you’ll miss the fun!).

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 8: Win a $100 Shopping Spree at Horse & Rider Books

By on Dec 8, 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 8), we’re teaming up with Horse & Rider Books/Trafalgar Square Press to give away a $100 gift certificate to line your bookshelves! Study up and pick out your wishlist of books here.

Congratulations to Jenavieve F. from MD — you’re our winner!

Thursday News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Dec 8, 2022 12:03 am -

Horses are majestic. Photo by Afton Stables.

Stable View is celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2023 since hosting their first recognized event in 2013! To properly celebrate you and your horse(s), the venue is offering a training incentive for competitors who complete all three schooling shows in January leading up to the new USEA/USEF Aiken Opener on January 21-22. On January 4th, they’re hosting a schooling jumper show, on January 11th, a schooling dressage show, and on January 14th, a winter combined test! It looks like the perfect way to practice your skills, and they’re offering half price entry on the CT for competitors who compete in all three.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

News From Around the Globe:

It’s USEA Convention week! USEA members from near and far are getting ready to converge on the historic city of Savannah, Georgia this week for the 2022 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention! With four full days jam-packed with educational seminars, committee meetings and social gatherings, the convention is sure to excite all members of the eventing community that will be in attendance. [USEA Convention Fast Facts]

We’re sad to report that Salinero, Anky van Grunsven’s 2004 and 2008 double Olympic champion, passed away this week. Originally started as a show jumper, the gelding showed promise on the flat, and was trained by a few riders until finding his match with Anky in 2002. They made their Grand Prix debut that year, and Salinero rose to the occasion to fill the shoes of the great Bonfire in Anky’s barn. Despite controversy surrounding her use of rolkur in her training, Salinero helped her become the first dressage rider to win three Olympic individual gold medals. [RIP Salinero]

Best of Blogs: Equine Roots of Idioms to Surprise 

The famous Endo the Blind has made history with three Guinness World Records. At 22-years-old, the Appaloosa gelding and his owner Morgan Wagner have trained for years to compete alongside sighted horses and do extensive liberty work. He has garnered the titles for the highest free jump by a blind horse (3ft 5in), the most flying changes by a horse in a minute (39), and the fastest time for a blind horse to weave five poles (6.93 sec). Endo was diagnosed with recurrent uveitis at eight years old, and Morgan worked hard to build his trust and his confidence. [Endo The Blind Wins Guinness World Records]

 

Please enjoy Cambalda rocking around Training level in his “retirement”!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Behind the Scenes at Cornbury 3*

By on Dec 7, 2022 6:11 pm -

While vlogging is becoming more and more prevalent in the sport, it’s still pretty rare to see an upper-level rider taking part (likely because nobody really has the time to fiddle around with endless editing while keeping a string of horses on the go!). That’s why we’re always delighted with the efforts of those who do, such as Elisa Wallace, Piggy March, or British four-star competitor Ashley Harrison, who brings her viewers along with her as she tackles the highs and lows of making a name for herself in the sport. In the latest episode on her channel, she takes us with her as she tackles the three-star at Oxfordshire’s Cornbury International with top horse Zeb. Find out how she got on — and add an event to your bucket list — by tuning in now.

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