Classic Eventing Nation

Weekend Winners: Galway, VHT, Full Gallop, Rocking Horse, Texas Rose

By on Nov 7, 2022 4:00 pm -

The first weekend of November was met by five recognized events running, including Galway’s Challenge Divisions, two FEI events, Area V Championships, and a farewell to VHT.

Galway Downs International Three-Day Event (Temecula, CA): [Website] [Results]

Re/Max CCI Four Star – L: James Alliston and Paper Jam (54.9)
CCI Three Star – L: James Alliston and Karma (37.2)
CCI Two Star – L: Tamra Smith and Crafty Don (29.2)
Open Preliminary: Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild (24.2)
Open Modified: Adelaide Rudkin and Confetti 42 (36.3)
Preliminary/Modfied- Challenge: Rebecca Braitling and Conlino PS (25.8)
Junior Training Rider: Kelson Frieden and Claro LS (25.0)
Modified/Training – Challenge: Mickayla Howard and HH Ontario (24.6)
Open Training: Helen Alliston and Call Me Rudi (24.3)
Senior Training Rider: Rebecca Mortensen and International Anthem (30.7)
Training Amateur: Cara Lavigna and Carrick Diamond Duke (22.8)
Junior Novice Rider: Fiona Holland and Joshua Tree (25.3)
Novice Amateur: Linda Culligan and Ma Belle Amie (35.3)
Open Novice: Lindsey Smith and LeFabulous J (23.9)
Senior Novice Rider: Julienne Biglin and Reverie GWF (22.4)
Training/Novice – Challenge: Katherine Van Alstyne and Fun and Games (25.0)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Jillian Newman and Extra Stellar (26.5)
Novice/Beginner Novice – Challenge: Jennifer McFall and High Five DF (26.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Patience O’Neal and Carlo R (22.9)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider A: Erin Rousey and Winsome Willow (29.9)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider B: Megan LeFave and Lord Rocco (32.5)

The VHT International & H.T. (Lexington, VA): [Website] [Results]

CCI Three Star – L: Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS (33.9)
CCI Three Star – S: Sharon White and Claus 63 (43.9)
CCI Two Star – L: Laine Ashker and Lovedance (27.7)
CCI Two Star – S: Sharon White and Jaguars Duende (29.3)
CCI One Star – L: Boyd Martin and Mo Chroi (24.1)
Advanced/Intermediate: Michael Willham and Fernhill Cayenne (115.4)
Intermediate Rider: Erin Murphy and Argyle (44.0)
Open Intermediate: Olivia Dutton and Sea of Clouds (33.9)
Open Preliminary: Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Shutterfly (27.1)
Preliminary Rider: Shanna Sloan and Quiproquo Des Vatys (27.1)
Modified A: Lainey Phillips and Global Exellencia Z (24.8)
Modified B: Kelly Beaver and Excel Star Pluto (29.2)
Junior Open Training: Cate Lowham and Fernhill Confection aka Fernhill Frosted Top (34.8)
Open Training: Riley Leibeck and 5o1 Tin Man (30.2)
Training Horse A: Boyd Martin and Vivantura (32.9)
Training Horse B: Allison Springer and Monbeg Zebedee (32.4)
Training Rider A: Kendall Benner and Mine Quarry (35.0)
Training Rider B: Rose Cardinal and Crossfire (31.8)
Junior Open Novice A: Scout Knull and Ron Juan (31.4)
Junior Open Novice B: Carlin Keefe and Rosalina (28.6)
Novice Horse A: Michael Pendleton and Johnny Walker (20.8)
Novice Horse B: Leslie Lamb and Toha (25.0)
Novice Rider A: Stephanie Letarte and GarryNdruig Albie (31.1)
Novice Rider B: Julie Augustine and Texas Riddle (24.4)
Open Novice: Karen Mahaffey and Arthur HF (26.1)
Beginner Novice Horse: Nicole Ligon and Mocha (35.6)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Bekah Bartley and Plain Brown Wrap (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Shannon Barrett and Solar Flare (26.9)
Junior Open Beginner Novice: Emma Whitaker and Delilah’s Boy (22.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Molly McMillen and Poppins (24.7)
Starter A: Ashley Adams and Indigo (31.6)
Starter B: Judy Clark and Smoke on the Mountain (34.1)

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

Preliminary: Sue Jellum and Rochambeau (53.5)
Preliminary/Training: Shannon E. Riley and Solo Hit (35.4)
Training: Bonnie Mosser and A Funny Thing Happened (33.5)
Training/Novice: Margaret Schneck and Sky Road (34.5)
Novice: Emily Kuras and Monbeg Apollo 11 (29.2)
Beginner Novice: Susan Thomas and Fernhill Coastal Cowboy (30.9)
Starter: Jennifer Helgren and Pipes (28.3)

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (Altoona, FL): [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate: William Coleman and Gorgeous DHI (39.2)
Open Preliminary A: Lexi Scovil and SH Just for Laughs (22.6)
Open Preliminary B: Anna Loschiavo and I’m Special VG (31.7)
Preliminary/Training: Caitlin O’Roark and Lucky Devil (29.5)
Open Training A: Alexander O’Neal and Gold de Riverland (24.1)
Open Training B: Candace Elizabeth Bell and Promise the Moon (30.7)
Training Rider: Chloe Boyle and Cambalda (31.2)
Novice Rider: Penny Welsch and Mr. Poppers (27.8)
Open Novice: Alexander O’Neal and SF Darc Justice (25.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Brenda Hutton and WYO Dun Maid (30.0)

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T. (Tyler, TX): [Website] [Results]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Katherine Anderson and High Class (51.4)
Open Preliminary: Melissa Rickman and Lefty (38.8)
Preliminary – Championships: Lauren Hoover and Monbeg Capricorn (36.7)
Preliminary Training: Alyssa Craig and SBT Clover Road (37.1)
Junior Training Rider: Quidley Kellermann and Cruising Along (34.7)
Open Training: Lauren Lambert and Biscotti (26.7)
Senior Training Rider: Ashton Jones and CMF Rembrandt (34.3)
Training – Championships: Sydney Schultz and Excel Star Saphira (30.0)
Junior Novice Rider: Taylor Tiberg and Text Me (28.3)
Novice – Championships: Anna Pierce and Dreamweaver (27.2)
Open Novice: Rebecca Brown and A.C. Blue-KL (34.6)
Senior Novice Rider: Kendall Baker and Demitasse (34.7)
Beginner Novice – Championships: Michelle Kennedy and Right Swipe (23.8)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider A: Katie Halpain and Buck Fever (34.4)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider B: Jaxin Credeur and HSH Rocketman (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Hannah Corlett and Ernest Fuerst Dance (29.1)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Ariah Transmeier and Bold Remark (28.8)
Starter A: Natalie Olokede and Flagmount’s Good and Ready (31.3)
Starter B: Kristina Tobias Brown and Marvel (35.7)
Tadpole: Kahley Fiala and Permesso (32.0)

VHT International & Horse Trials Bids a Fond Farewell

By on Nov 7, 2022 2:00 pm -

Lexington, VA — The final rendition of the VHT International & Horse Trials took place November 3-6, 2022 at the Virginia Horse Center. After more than 30 years of quality eventing competition, the Virginia Horse Trials leaves behind a special legacy and contribution to the sport.

In a special presentation, Andy and Angela Bowles were presented with a VHT logo hand-painted by Demmi Hersh and a second canvas with hundreds of signatures and thank you notes from VHT fans. They were joined in the ring by a small portion of the VHT family (not everyone was present, as the show was still running). Teamwork makes the dream work. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

VHT was founded by Brian and Penny Ross in 1989. Andy and Angela Bowles took the reins in 2015. VHT has been a mainstay and destination event on the East Coast throughout its history, regularly hosting 500-600 entries in recent years, catering to amateurs and professionals alike from Starter through CCI3* levels.

Following the May 2022 event, the Virginia Horse Center withdrew from contract negotiations with the organizers to continue running VHT. The Bowles hope to continue running the event on the same dates at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC, pending USEF approval.

For the VHT staff, the conclusion of the event in its current form is deeply felt. It is the end of an era that is difficult to sum up in words as we bid VHT – as we know it – a fond farewell.

Andy Bowles, Co-Organizer: “I’ve always said that running an event of this magnitude is a team effort. Every single staff member and volunteer is part of the team, but we’ve also grown as a family over the last eight years. I’m unendingly grateful to the people, competitors, and family for all their support over the years. I cannot thank them enough for their dedication. Thank you to our customers – over 500 starters! – who turned out for the last VHT at the Horse Center. We are so grateful for your generous support and words of encouragement.”

Angela Bowles, Co-Organizer: “It took a lot to get me to move from Texas. It was hard to leave my family there, but I knew I had a family in Virginia, too, and that’s largely because of everyone at Virginia Horse Trials. Regardless of the outcome, I’ll never regret the relationships that I’ve made because of it.”

Emily Kolokowsky, Volunteer Organizer: “VHT means 15 days a year I get to spend with some of the best people I know. I have gained invaluable friendships and connections the last six years. I cannot thank Andy, Angela, and every single volunteer enough for all the love and support they have always given me. It has always been a dream of mine to compete at VHT. Instead I got something even better – an opportunity to be part of an incredible team.”

Terry Abrams, Secretary: “I cannot say what VHT has meant to me in a few words under Andy and Angela Bowles. My kids and farm kids grew up riding here! As the VHT show secretary, I have found a family and part of a beautiful, well-run organization that I am proud to have done my part to help grow into the thriving, well-organized show it has become. My prayer is we continue to bring this special group to our next venue to continue to advance our beloved sport and service our riders.”

David Taylor, Course Designer: “Five years ago I became part of VHT and have not looked back since. VHT is more than a horse show, it’s a well-oiled machine with many moving parts that act more like a family unit. Every single one of us worked together for the common good, stepping up when others needed help. My one greatest regret is not being able to run the cross-country one last time, but the memories I’ve had galloping the hills of the Blue Ridge will live on forever thanks to Andy and Angela.”

As for this scribe, it is the disruption of the family unit that is most profound. I never went through a VHT event without hearing “you’re part of the team” at least several times. Andy and Angela made people feel valued and built a close-knit, determined community. We worked hard for the sport, but we were most inspired to work hard for them.

We hope to see everyone again and continue with our traditions at Tryon. We hope the Federations see the support that has been lobbied behind the organizers and respond positively. On behalf of the entire VHT family, thank you for following along through the years and thank you for all your support.

Galway Downs International Challenge Divisions Provide Exciting Finalé

By on Nov 7, 2022 12:00 pm -

Nov. 6, 2022: Temecula, California. The international divisions concluded yesterday but the exciting vibe lingered as up-and-coming horses and riders navigated Galway Downs’ unique Challenge Divisions. From the new Preliminary-Modified edition to the Beginner-Beginner Novice, each of the four segments supported gradual step-ups with cross-country efforts at the lower division’s specs and higher degrees of difficult in dressage and show jumping.

Novice-Beginner Novice Challenge

Professional Jennifer McFall and the 5-year-old High Five DF made easy work of every phase. The McFall family has been big fans of the Challenge format since its inception three years ago. “I love that they do this for the lower divisions,” Jennifer noted. “It’s great to expose our young horses to some atmosphere and having them have to come back and show jump on the last day after cross-country.”

High Five DF is a big boy. Jennifer hasn’t had the nerve to measure him and find out exactly how tall the Holsteiner is. “I don’t want to know! My husband (Earl) says he’s too big for me. I pretend he’s not big and, really, he’s a mama’s boy.”

Jennifer and High Five had a few time faults to spare to maintain their lead, and the pro’s priority was “taking my time so he could fit the strides in. He’s a big horse and some of the distances were tight.” In adding only .4 time penalties to their dressage score, they kept their lead to finish on a 26.9.

Tina Barclay and the 10-year-old Trakehner, Manning, adding only .4 time penalties to their dressage, finishing second on a 27.2. Erin Storey and the 7-year-old Thoroughbred WV American Pie added nothing to their 28.5 dressage to finish third.

Novice-Training Challenge

It was the perfect format for amateur rider Katherine Van Alstyne, who travelled from Kalispell, Montana, to tackle the Novice-Training Challenge with Fun And Games. The 15-year-old Thoroughbred is a veteran in eventing, but Katherine is not. Having migrated from the show jumping world, Katherine prioritizes confidence-building opportunities, and the Challenge was exactly that. “I love the higher show jumps, but I don’t love the higher cross-country.”

Their 25 dressage score was the best yet for the one-year partnership. Adding double clear cross-country and show jumping iced the cake.

A close friend of Horse Trials and Challenge course designer Alessandra Allen-Shinn, Katherine appreciated the rider-friendly flow of Saturday’s track. “It looked twisty and turny when we walked it, but then it really flowed when we rode it. I really see Ali developing as a cross-country designer,” Katherine notes. Making the time was another high point. “We’ve struggled with that because I usually don’t like going fast.”

Katherine finished on her dressage score, as did the divisions 2nd and 3rd-placed finishers. Jennifer Achilles and Excel Star Lance were 2nd on a 27.6, and Teresa Harcourt and Csonger stayed on their 28.9 for third.

She heads back to Montana with the Jarba Farm team full of praise for Galway Downs. She’d only been to the venue three years ago, and not as a competitor. “Organizer Robert Kellerhouse and his team have done a great job here with so many positive changes.”

Modified-Training Challenge

Winning this division, and on their 24.6 dressage score, were big bonuses for professional Mickayla Howard. She’s had a bumpy season with Ontario HH, a 10-year-old Irish Sporthorse and the victory marks a major move back on track. “We finally get to do our move up,” she says of this prep for Preliminary next year. “Ontario is stronger than ever and he was really with me through all the phases. That’s a great feeling.”

The Northern California professional came south with several students and enjoyed studying her own Galway courses and those of her students at various levels. “It was a course that really had a lot of positive things to teach the horses. There were tests of rideability and long gallop stretches. Great tests for all the important things: can your horse, go forward, come back, go right and left?”

Sarah Sullivan and La Copine added only a few cross-country time faults to finish second on a 25.6, and Kendra Mitchell and Calcourt Legend were third on a 30.7.

Preliminary-Modified Challenge

Professional Rebecca Braitling and Conlino PS overtook the lead to complete on their 25.8 dressage score. It was the first move up for the 6-year-old Oldenburg that she’s developed over the last two years for owner Jenny Ramirez.

“We’d been doing some 1.10-meter classes at jumper shows, and this division was perfect for his first time having to work at these speeds. I wasn’t sure what he had in him and this shows that he’s probably a top horse in the making.”

Bec and Conlino took the lead over from Jennifer McFall and Hallelujah DF, owners of the event’s lowest dressage score: an 18.9. Two surprising rails in a triple combination that troubled several contenders today and Saturday in the international divisions knocked them out of the lead. Yet Jennifer remained thrilled with the mare’s efforts.

The 7-year-old Holsteiner is the half-sister of High Five DF, both out of Columbia DF, the dam of several eventing stars. The rails were uncharacteristic for the beautiful gray, Jennifer reported. She credited tips from visiting German Olympian Bettina Hoy before the competition with producing their auspicious dressage effort on Friday. Bettina was on hand as a guest coach for the MARS Bromont Rising U-25 program, in which the McFalls’ daughter Taylor, stood out by finishing 2nd in the CCI2*-L yesterday.

Junior rider Molly Duda and Generous DHI finished an impressive third on a 30.4.

That’s A Wrap

This show is over for organizer Robert Kellerhouse and his growing team, but their quest to put West Coast eventing on true international par is just beginning.

After 25 years of staging competitions, Robert called this one the best ever. “It’s different because of the way our whole team is working on different aspects of the venue and the event.” Radical upgrades began a few years ago for two reasons. Property owner Ken Smith invested heavily in wide ranging improvements throughout the 242-acre property, now justifiably advertised as “a legend reborn.”

More recently, hunter/jumper organizer Ali and Francie Nilforushan dovetailed on those improvements to stage several weeks of competition. Robert’s team and the Nilforushans collaborated in several ways that impacted the showcase arenas, stabling, footing and overall exhibitor experience, including an immediately sold out VIP Pavilion experience. “Our competition has been a beneficiary of that,” Robert explained. “Now we are mirroring those improvements on the lower part of the property, where the cross country is, bringing everything up to the same high standard.”

Teams tackling cross-county footing, course decoration and even beautifying the landscaping bordering the tracks are “mimicking the transformation that’s happened at the top of the property,” Robert said. Major and sustained commitments from sponsors including Land Rover of Mission Viejo, Re/MAX Collection, Devoucoux/CWD and Adequan have helped make the ongoing improvements a reality.

Most of all, Robert credits the Galway Downs team for making this year’s International a success.

Ros Canter Overtakes #3, Tamie Smith Rises to #7 in Latest FEI Eventing World Rankings

By on Nov 7, 2022 9:00 am -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum represent the U.S. in Pratoni. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A slight shuffle features in the most recently updated FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings, and while reigning World #1 and #2 Tim and Jonelle Price (NZL) will retain their positions following five-star wins this fall, Ros Canter (GBR) is now ranked in the third overall spot. She overtakes Oliver Townend (GBR) for this spot with 509 FEI points gained to date to his 497. Oliver now takes the #4 spot on the ranking list.

For the U.S., Will Coleman remains the top-ranked, staying in the #5 slot for this update — the best world ranking Will has earned to this point in his career; he’s spent the majority of the year ranked within the top 10.

We also welcome Tamie Smith to the world top 10, rising from her previous ranking of #13 with 419 points accumulated (and some more added this weekend at Galway Downs!). This is the first time Tamie is in the top 10 worldwide and the highest ranking she has achieved to date. Boyd Martin also remains in the top 10, though he loses a couple spots to go from #6 to #10.

Recently crowned FEI Eventing World Champion Yasmin Ingham (GBR) is #6, while Michael Jung (GER) and Piggy March (GBR) complete the top 10 in #8 and #9, respectively.

[Click here to view the FEI World Eventing Athlete Rankings]

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Nov 7, 2022 7:06 am -

 

Three cheers for Canada’s Holly Jacks, who took the win in the indoor eventing at Canada’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, riding in honour of her late student, Zara Buren, and beating out the likes of Michael Jung. Get ’em, girl!

National Holiday: It’s National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day, and I don’t really know why either.

US Weekend Round-Up:

Galway Downs International Three-Day Event (Temecula, CA): [Website] [Results]

The VHT International & H.T. (Lexington, VA): [Website] [Results]

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

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (Altoona, FL): [Website] [Results]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T. (Tyler, TX): [Website] [Results]

Global Eventing Round-Up:

The South American Games took place over the weekend in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was duly won by the Brazilian team — and individual gold, too, went the way of Brazil, with British-based Carlos Parro taking top honours in this CCI3*-L competition with Tullabeg Chinzano. The course didn’t mess around; they had their own level-appropriate version of Pratoni’s slide, giving the nineteen entrants plenty to sink their teeth into.

Your Monday Reading List:

Getting transitions right — and then riding a tonne of them — is key to a great ride. But nailing the transitions in life, too, is pretty essential, for many of the same reasons. [Direct, indirect — they all count]

World Championships team silver medalist Will Coleman is having one heck of an 18 months. Between that Pratoni result and his history-making Aachen win last year — and a slew of other accolades in between — he’s riding high at the top. But that upper-level success comes off the back of a commitment to training his horses properly from their earliest rides. So what’s his secret? US Eventing sat down with him to uncover his training philosophies. [Spoiler alert: he loves the YEH program]

Horse show competitors said the darnedest things. This collection of gems from the Facebook group ‘Overheard at the In-Gate’ is particularly good, and even features a couple of stinkers from the competitors at Maryland last month. The pros: they’re just like us. [No one knows where the stretchy thing starts]

I’ve been following along with the National Horse Show over the last few days, mostly because I like to get wine drunk and treat my boyfriend to my own unique brand of Maclay commentary. But in all seriousness, what a show — and what a rich history it has, too. COTH has done a deep dive back into their own archives to look at the 52nd edition, back in 1937, when the show was still held at Madison Square Garden. There’s even some remarkable footage, courtesy of the British Pathé archives. [Vintage? SO cute.]

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

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A post shared by Equine Art (@equineartuk)

Bring a bit of fine art to your timeline with this curated collection of UK-based equine artists. On show today? These gorgeous oils of racehorses. I particularly love the slightly undone studies.

Morning Viewing:

Take some inspiration from the world of dressage, and this incredible performance from Olympic gold medallist Jessica von Bredow-Werndl at Lyon, where she made her return to the top after maternity leave.

Sunday Video: Watch + Ride Along with Flightline’s ‘Classic’ Win

By on Nov 6, 2022 2:00 pm -

The undefeated colt Flightline (Tapit – Feathered, by Indian Charlie) showed his dominance once more on Saturday in the Longines Classic, the marquee race of the Breeders’ Cup. This year’s two-day championship was hosted by Keeneland in Lexington, KY. The 4-year-old extends his win streak to six in as many starts and his career race earnings to over $4.5 million.

Watch the magic unfold:

Thanks to Jockey Cam, we can also ride along with jockey Flavien Prat, as he takes an exhilarating ride on a horse of a lifetime:

And in case you missed it in Abby’s Sunday Links this morning, you definitely want to watch the reaction of the day (Click here if you can’t see the embedded Facebook post below):

Flightline Split Screen

FLIGHTLINE leaves his owner and the world completely speechless… 🤯 #BC22

Posted by World Horse Racing on Saturday, November 5, 2022

Congratulations to Flightline and all other Breeders’ Cup winners — what a ride!

Holly Jacks Wins, Michael Jung Features in Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

By on Nov 6, 2022 12:00 pm -

Holly Jacks and Josephine. Photo by Ben Radvanyi.

Holly Jacks, riding in honor of Zara Buren, took home the win Saturday evening in the Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, held annually in Toronto. Riding Donna von Beek’s 9-year-old Thoroughbred/Swedish Warmblood mare, Josephine, Holly picked up 5 penalties in the first round on Friday but added nothing over Saturday’s final course, designed by Capt. Mark Phillips, to take the overall win.

“It’s so fantastic to be back at the Royal,” Holly said [read more from the action on Saturday here]. “It’s a community here, and I have a lot of students that showed up to watch me ride in memory of Zara. It was amazing and the crowd was electric. It was a lot of fun.”

“She is a pretty exciting horse for the future,” Holly continued. “She’s very classy. She’s always been a spooky horse, but I think her bravery tonight just shows that she’s going to step up to be a fabulous horse for Canada in the future. I’m really excited to have had the opportunity to ride her here tonight.”

Waylon Roberts and Sher Schwartz’s Holsteiner mare, CS Carrera, took the lead after the first round with a clear round, edging ahead of Kendal Lehari and her own Audacious by just a few tenths of a second. Both would go on to add penalties in Saturday’s final, but finished in the top five. In between them is a familiar face: none other than multiple Olympic gold medalist and 5* winner Michael Jung!

Michael Jung and Renegade. Photo by Ben Radvanyi.

Michael took the reins on a borrowed ride, Emma Saraullo’s Renegade, Michael moved up to finish in third overall with 10 penalties added across the two phases.

Final results for the Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge can be viewed here. Also a part of the evening was Colleen Loach’s receipt of the Michael Gutowski Award, given to the Canadian event rider with the highest FEI points of the 2022 season.

You are able to watch competitions, excluding Longines FEI World Cup events, live and on demand for a one-time fee of $39.95 CAD / $29.63 USD which can be purchased here.

Enjoy a few social media snapshots from a fun two evenings, and don’t forget to follow along with the rest of the RAWF action here.

Posted by The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on Saturday, November 5, 2022

Indoor Eventing The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair course. Opening night saw 15 efforts.

Posted by Veronica Low on Friday, November 4, 2022

Night 2 of The Horseware Eventing Challenge – full house Saturday night and crowd service enjoying the competition

Posted by Deirdre Vaillancourt Aiken SC Properties on Saturday, November 5, 2022

The course for the second night The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Posted by Veronica Low on Saturday, November 5, 2022

It was an honour to ride Donna Van Beeks mare Josephine last night in the indoor eventing in memory of Zara Buren❤️
It…

Posted by Holly Jacks-Smither on Saturday, November 5, 2022

Opening night of the centennial celebration of the #RoyalHorseShow kicked off with the Horseware® Indoor Eventing…

Posted by The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on Saturday, November 5, 2022

James Alliston, Tamie Smith Rack Up More Titles at Galway Downs International

By on Nov 6, 2022 12:45 am -

James Alliston and Paper Jam take the 4*-L. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The difficulty level and influence of cross-country suited James Alliston and his international horses perfectly this week. James rode Paper Jam to top the Re/MAX 4*-L and Karma to win the CCI3*-L, where he was also third with 6-year-old Monkey.

“Cross country was really challenging, particularly at the 3* and 4*. Not only did our horses jump all the jumps, they galloped really well, too. Which is an indication that they can go on and do bigger and better things. They all finished full of running.”

James Alliston and Paper Jam. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Even having the rail they had to spare in their lead, James was thrilled with the 13-year-old Hanoverian’s effort. The Grand Prix Arena is surrounded by a VIP Pavilion, a big spectator tent and grandstands, with international flags flapping on one end. “The course started with three fences going toward the end gate, which is where he usually gets a bit frantic,” James recounted. “But he was really good there and I sensed we were in for a good day.” So good, in fact, James added the Galway Downs Perpetual Trophy to his long list of Galway titles.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and MB MaiBlume. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The 4* field had narrowed from four to two by the show jumping phase. The leader after dressage, Kaylawna Smith, had a fall from one of two entries on cross-country yesterday and Sophie Click opted out with Quidproquo after the final FEI inspection this morning. So, it was Kaylawna on MB MaiBlume to finish second. In their first 4* Long, the pair followed clear cross-country jumping with two rails in show jumping as a solid step toward what’s expected to become a 5* partnership.

James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

More Alliston in the 3*

James warmed up for the Re/MAX 4* win by having a good morning in the 3*. The 8-year-old Oldenburg Karma put in a double clear well within the time. That gave them the victory when overnight leaders Tamie Smith and Cheers had rail in the triple combination midway through Marc Donovan’s stout course.

Karma is both fast and careful. “She’s that ideal blend of carefulness and courage,” James said. Monkey had only 1.2 time faults to hold his 3rd rank after cross-country.

The many-time Galway Downs champion was happy about more than his own results. “I thought this year was a really good competition and sport. On cross-country, the time was very influential. It was tight and I felt the winner could have come from anywhere. Cross-country weighted very heavily, and I think that’s how it should be.”

Tamie Smith and Cheers. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Tamie Smith described Cheers’ one rail as “unlucky” in an otherwise “unbelievable” round of jumping and she was thrilled with the 10-year-old Thoroughbred’s performance in all phases.

Several special awards were presented at the 3*’s end. Karma picked up the Yogi Cup, while Monkey earned the distinction of Best 7-Year-Old. Professional Sophie Click earned the Mia Erickson Memorial Trophy as the Best Young Rider, and her 3* horse, Tarantino 54, earned Best Cross-Country round, a new distinction made possible by Devoucoux. Sophie and Tarantino 54 finished 6th in the 3*.

Also supported by Devoucoux, the Best Presented Award went to Josh Barnacle.

Tamie Smith and Crafty Don. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Smith Gets A Crafty Win in the CCI2*-L

Tamie Smith’s next string of super stars strutted their stuff in this division. The 6-year-old Irish Sporthorse Crafty Don went double clear to win in a field with three stablemates in the running. Tamie’s overnight leader, Kynan, had a rail to finish 3rd and she was thrilled with all four.

“I think all four of them could have ended up on their dressage score. I think the show jumping was quite difficult today. The distances were tight and the triple was very influential. It’s a game of fractions. Sometimes the horses jump out of their skin and you still have an unlucky rail.”

She surmised that wavy lines on the poles in the triple may have complicated the questions for the youngsters, but was happy with their overall results. “Marc Donovan is an amazing course designer. I think the results are what you want. Enough clean rounds and enough trouble,” she observed.

Crafty Don also added the Best 6-Year-Old Award to his auspicious weekend resume.

Taylor McFall and Stoneman. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Slipping into second between the World #7 ranked Tamie was 19-year-old Taylor McFall and Stoneman. In her third year of competing at the FEI levels, Taylor was happy to finish on their 31.1 dressage score, moving up from 6th after that phase.

One of five participants in the MARS Bromont Rising U-25 program, Taylor explained that her secret this weekend was taking each phase on its own. “This is a big effort and you have to focus on one thing at a time: today is dressage, today is cross-country, etc. So you don’t overwhelm yourself. It was all great, but the biggest part of the weekend for me is clear show jumping because that’s something we’ve struggled with for pretty much the whole season.”

Taylor McFall and Stoneman. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Stoneman earned the Livingstone Award as the best Thoroughbred in the division, an award created by Canadian Olympian Hawley Bennett-Awad in honor of her own Livingstone. Taylor also added the Best Adult Amateur Award to her bounty and Molly Duda received the division’s Best Junior Award.

James Alliston and Monkey. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

A Ground Juror’s Perspective

Peter Gray offered high praise for the level of riding and quality of horses he witnessed as President of the Re/MAX 4*-L Ground Jury and jury member for the 3* and 2*. The Olympic rider and coach noted that relatively small divisions in the West don’t correlate with quality in any way.

Watching cross-country from the announcer’s tower, Peter said the Ground Jury had a relatively easy time. “As officials, our most important role is on cross-country day because we have to sanction dangerous riding, stop riders on course if needed…save them from themselves. We don’t want to over-police the sport too heavily, but it is a high-risk sport.

“From my first year working out here (three years ago), we just don’t see that. We see riders going at the right speed, in the right rhythm. The overall standard of quality in all phases is high out here.

“What else is high is the quality of horses. Some are imported and I think the breeders out here are really getting a handle on what the sport requires.”

He praised Clayton Fredericks’ cross-country course for being one that educated horses and riders to help them move onto the next level. He credited the Galway organizers with doing the same by ensuring that cross-country and show jumping met the sport’s highest standards.

Peter also spearheaded the first staging of the MARS Bromont Rising U25 program to be held in the West. He was thrilled to have selected the Galway Downs International for the program’s West Coast debut and even more pleased with how well the five participating riders finished their outings with the help of guest coach and German Olympian Bettina Hoy.

With the international divisions concluded, the spotlight turns to the Horse Trials divisions and the four Challenge divisions. Starting at 9 am in the Grand Prix Arena Sunday, show jumping will determine the winners of the Preliminary-Modified, Modified-Training, Training-Novice and Novice-Beginner Novice Challenges.

Galway Downs International Three-Day Event (Temecula, CA): [Website] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Sunday Links from SmartPak

By on Nov 6, 2022 12:01 am -

Not only have Tim and Jonelle Price moved to the top of the FEI Eventing World Rankings recently, but they’ve got another pretty big move planned for early next year. They’ll be leaving Mere Farm in Wiltshire, their base for the past 17 years, and relocating to the renowned yard of Chedington Estate, owned by Dr. Geoffrey Guy, where they’ll have onsite access to cross country schooling, fitness facilities, and frankly everything a high performance program could want. Is Team Price about to kick things up a notch? What would that even look like for Team Price be? We’re eager to find out and totally here for it!

U.S. Weekend Action

Galway Downs International Three-Day Event (Temecula, CA): [Website] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

The VHT International & H.T. (Lexington, VA): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Full Gallop Farm November H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T. (Tyler, TX): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

FEI responds to frangible-device debate surrounding Pau cross-country

Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride: Chasing Dreams, One Step at a Time

Ukraine situation “dire”, with worse to come, says horse sport boss

Are You a Horseman? Ten Points to Consider

Researchers examine effects of equestrian helmets on head and neck injuries

‘One Of The Great Horses Of All-Time’: Flightline Runs Away With Breeders’ Cup Classic

SmartPak Sunday Tip: Get a head start on your holiday shopping with big savings on Horseware brand products!

Sunday Viewing: This video of the Breeder’s Cup winning owner’s reaction to their horse’s finish down the homestretch will give you all the feels 🥺 (Click here if you can’t see the embedded Facebook post below)

Flightline Split Screen

FLIGHTLINE leaves his owner and the world completely speechless… 🤯 #BC22

Posted by World Horse Racing on Saturday, November 5, 2022

Saturday Video: Jump in the Wayback Machine to Atlanta ’96

By on Nov 5, 2022 4:39 pm -

You all know I’m a sucker for a bit of eventing history, especially if it harks back to a part of the sport I actually kind of remember. I definitely had posters from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics ripped out of Horse and Pony magazine and Blue-Tacked onto my walls, even if it came just weeks after my fifth birthday, and no matter your age, I’d be willing to bet you’ve spent some time idolising some of the riders in this cross-country footage. Some of them are still going strong, too, so you may well have had a very recent fan-girl over them! This is about as Equestrian 2001 as a bit of eventing footage can get — enjoy.