Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Nov 2, 2022 12:01 am -

I just canNOT with baby photos of eventual five-star winners. The latest winner, Jonelle Price’s Pau partner, the 11-year-old KWPN mare Grappa Nera, is the latest to grace the Instagram feed thanks to Jet Hoekstra’s epic photo archives. (Can’t see the embedded Instagram post above? Click here.)

And in case you wanted more Grappa Nera content (who doesn’t?), here’s a peek at her winning the 5 Year Old British Championship with Alex Postolowsky.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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] [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]

Wednesday News & Reading

The Nation Media Holiday Gift Guide, 12 Days of Giveaways, and Give Back Week are coming soon! If you’ve got a brand that would be a great fit for our Holiday Gift Guide (which will be produced in downloadable format this year with sections for both eventers as well as horse enthusiasts of all types), you’ll definitely want to sign up here for the full information drop on November 7.

SmartPak’s 15% off holiday sale ends today! You can shop with code Holiday22 to save 15% on your order. [Click here to visit SmartPak]

Galway Downs beckons! There are two more 4*-L events on the calendar before the season is fully up, and Galway’s is the first this weekend. Learn more about the field and what else is going on in southern California here.

Elisa Wallace was the inspiration for now-15-year-old Tayah Fuller to compete in the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover. “I would watch all of her YouTube videos, and she was going to RRP constantly with different horses,” Tayah told Paulick Report‘s Natalie Voss. “That looked so cool, bringing racehorses to an event. I’d study her videos and I’d go in my yard and set up hurdles and gymnastics and doing them on foot. I looked a little insane. I’d have my grandmother announce, ‘Tayah Fuller at RRP!’” Relatable, am I right? Read the full story of Tayah’s fulfilled dreams here.

After nine riders activated the front or back (or both) MIM-clipped rails at an open corner late on the Pau cross country last weekend, many are sharing opinions and renewing calls for the instatement of an appeal system. Indeed, an 11-point pin penalty would take away the lead and a potential win for Swiss rider Felix Vogg. Read the full recap here.

Tack Facts with Sterling Essentials: Did you know Sterling Essentials helps you care for your bits, too? And you wouldn’t want to put just any bit cleaner to use – after all, that bit has to go in your horse’s mouth, which means nasty, harsh chemicals are out. The pure. Bit Wipes from Sterling Essentials might be just the ticket – and they come in a peppermint or a cinnamon option. Learn more here.

Sponsor Corner

Wednesday Video Break

Because there is no such thing as too much Shetland Steeplechase content, let’s be honest:

#TrainingTipTuesday Video Break: Beat the Long Approach with Rhythm

By on Nov 1, 2022 4:00 pm -

We love a good training tidbit here at EN, and Sharon White has posted a few short videos in recent weeks explaining various nuances of walking, planning, and riding a cross country course.

The most recent tip is all about the dreaded long approach. Coming from hunter-land as myself and most of my American friends have, I think I’ve given myself perpetual first-jump-itis. There is simply too much time to change my mind, second-guess myself changing my mind, and change my mind again before I end up ruining my distance anyway because I, you guessed it, changed my mind.

But as Sharon puts it, rhythm should already be something in your arsenal when you leave the start box. So a longer approach simply means a longer amount of time to maintain a rhythm. Easier said than done, for sure, but sometimes hearing these concepts put simply goes a long way.

Can’t see the Instagram post embedded above? Click here.

Go for Gold Graduates: Karl Slezak’s Hot Tips for Online Horse Shopping

By on Nov 1, 2022 2:00 pm -

Online shopping became a typical way to shop during the Covid-19 pandemic, but most people stuck to basic items like groceries and toilet paper. But with international travel restrictions in place, some people also turned to online shopping to buy big ticket items –- like horses.

In 2021, Covid restrictions had been lifted, Canadian riders Karl and Katlyn Slezak had green cards that were still pending, rendering them unable to travel to Ireland to shop for young horses as they had originally planned. That’s when they went online and purchased Hashtag Verified, (Dignified Van’t Zorgflietout – Miss Nick Nack, by Don Juan de la Bouverie), then five years old, from the Goresbridge “Go for Gold” sale.

All horses at the sale, which is held every November at Barnadown and the Amber Springs Hotel in Wexford, just south of the Dublin airport, is heading into its 13th year in 2022. This year, the Go For Gold sale will take place November 14-16. It typically features 60-70 horses from the age of three that have been pre-selected by a panel of qualified experts as having the potential to be successful event horses.

While a number of top professionals have purchased horses from the sale, amateurs are also welcome to purchase horses. According to the Goresbridge website, “In 2021 the November edition produced a record-breaking turnover of just shy of 1.5million Euros and a top price of 82,000 Euros.”

Hashtag Verified, now six, had competed successfully in Young Event Horse competitions in Ireland. The Slezaks brought him over last November using Equijet (buyers at the Go For Gold sale have access to connections for transport options, making the sale process easier than some may think). Karl said, “I liked his type, he looked like a big, solid horse with a good jump. I had a few friends over there who thought he had a good brain and the quality to be my next upper level horse.”

While Karl considered selling Hashtag Verified and has shown him to a few people as a sales horse, he said the the efforts were half-hearted — what he’d really like to do is put together a syndicate to keep the horse in his barn. For now he plans to produce him and bring him up the levels for a while and see what he comes up with. Consistency has been the key to develop the stunning gray gelding, and Karl will be the first to admit that his busy schedule this year — several trips overseas with top horse Fernhill Wishes, including a trip to FEI World Championships, tend to put other horses on the back burner! — has put the gelding somewhat behind in terms of development. But, he says, more time never hurt anyone and he hopes that the extra practice will pay off as the horse continues to move up the levels. Hashtag Verified finished fourth in his first state-side event in August of this year, ending on his dressage score in the Open Novice at Ocala.

“This was the first one I bought from Go for Gold,” said Karl. “I wouldn’t necessarily buy a horse privately [online], but going through a sale I have people who are there and can sit on it for me, it’s already got a vetting, and it’s been selected by a panel of people that think it’s good enough. It’s not a typical Goresbridge sale even, it’s a select sale, so I feel like I’m minimizing my risk by buying from this sale. I wouldn’t buy sight-unseen from just anybody.”

Considering what advice he might give someone thinking about attending the Go for Gold sale, Slezak said, “I’d advise that anyone horse shopping in Ireland have someone there that they trust, to give them advice, and be able to sit on the horse. Whether online or in person, you always want to have someone you trust to help you. It helps to have an Irish agent – we’ve gone over so many times, we’ve built our connections. Your best option is to go with someone that you know and trust.”

While he wouldn’t be the first to buy a horse after downing a couple of pints, Karl said he prefers to do his horse dealing stone cold sober, or Katlyn will have something to say about it! “I have to admit we’ve done deals at the pub as well, and I almost bought one at the pub last time we were over in Ireland, but Caitlin wouldn’t let me shake his hand – to this day I think it was a good deal, but I’ll say that she was the voice of reason. It can seem like a good idea to buy a horse in the moment!”

Karl and Katlyn have plans to travel back to Ireland this year for the Go For Gold sale. “We are going over this year in person and I’m looking forward to it either way. We always like to pick up new connections. The sale is a base, and we’ve bought probably just as many outside the sale as in the sale. Whether you purchase a horse there or not, it’s a good opportunity to meet people and connect.”

US Equestrian Announces the Appointment of Robert Costello as Eventing Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe

By on Nov 1, 2022 11:00 am -

Bobby Costello provides some encouragement. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

US Equestrian has announced the appointment of Robert (Bobby) Costello as Eventing Technical Advisor/Chef d’Equipe effective today, November 1, 2022.

Costello first became involved in the discipline of Eventing in the 1970s and has enjoyed a successful career as a competitor and coach for over 30 years. Costello and Chevalier competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, earning an individual eighth place. On the sport governance front, Costello has held numerous positions, including chairing the USEF Active Athletes Committee (2001-2008) and the USEF Eventing High Performance Committee (2009-2012). He chaired the USEF Eventing Selection Committee for the Olympic, World, and Pan-American Games from 2013 through the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Most recently, Costello has been serving as the interim USEF Eventing Chef d’Equipe and Team Manager, helping to lead the USEF Land Rover Eventing Team to a Team Silver at the FEI Eventing World Championships in Pratoni, Italy.

“It is an immense honor to be named Technical Advisor/Chef d’Equipe for USEF Eventing,” stated Costello. “I’ve been involved in the sport beginning with my first competition at the age of twelve and have been privileged to wear many different hats within the sport ever since. Being Interim Chef for the last seven months has left me with a clear idea of what is necessary in supporting our athletes in producing more exciting medal-winning performances for the U.S. As we look toward the Paris Olympic Games 20 months from now, I look forward to getting right to work collaborating with our top athletes, owners, grooms, and USEF Staff. I am deeply appreciative of this opportunity.”

“It has been an exciting few weeks for me as I transition into the United States Equestrian Federation. The role is a new one for me as it encompasses so many successful disciplines and their international Teams that have medaled repeatedly on the world stage,” said Graeme Thom, USEF Director of FEI/HP Sport. “In that light, I am delighted that Bobby will be extending his duties as USEF Eventing Chef d’Equipe and Team Manager with our WEG 2022 Silver Medal Team in Eventing. I have known Bobby for a number of years and was impressed with how he adapted to the interim role and supported our Eventers in Italy. I have no doubt that Bobby will be a constructive and encouraging influence as he begins the next leg of the journey to Paris 2024. I very much look forward to working with him.”

“Bobby has demonstrated his ability to lead the US Eventing Elite Team by engaging athletes, coaches, owners, and support personnel, fostering a positive team environment, and ensuring integrity and excellence throughout the program,” stated USEF CEO Bill Moroney. “We are pleased to have Bobby on board in this role and look forward to the continued success of our Eventing program.”

Who Jumped It Best? Ram Tap Fresno Intermediate Edition

By on Nov 1, 2022 9:00 am -

We’re kicking off this Tuesday with a fresh new serving of Who Jumped It Best? ready for your voting. This collection comes to us from Ram Tap in Fresno, CA, which ran its fall Advanced H.T. earlier this month. Sherry Stewart was on site for EN and now brings us this hearty helping of Intermediate rides. Take your pick of the pair who presents the best overall impression. EN karma and bragging rides forever to the winner! Happy voting and Go Eventing.

[Click here to view full scores from Ram Tap Fresno]

Asia Vedder and Isi

Asia Vedder and Isi. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Tamie Smith and Cheers

Tamie Smith and Cheers. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Taren Hoffons and Regalla

Taren Hoffons and Regalla. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

James Alliston and Monkey

James Alliston and Monkey. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Taylor McFall and Stoneman

Taylor McFall and Stoneman. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Josey Thompson and Pistol Annie

Josey Thompson and Pistol Annie. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Tamie Smith and Marmeluke

Tamie Smith and Marmeluke. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Jolie Wentworth and KF Klosterbrau

Jolie Wentworth and KF Klosterbrau. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Hailey Blackburn and Kilbunny Amigo

Hailey Blackburn and Kilbunny Amigo. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Cast your vote in the poll below (or here if you can’t see the embedded poll):

Tuesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Nov 1, 2022 7:32 am -

Pinch, punch — it’s the first of the month! I used to really dread November, because for me, it always meant dragging myself home from Pau and facing many months without events. It bummed me out so much, but these days, I actually really look forward to it. A little bit of nesting; some cozy evenings in; the chance to assess the season and make plans for the next; time to read, and watch, and learn, and hone all those skills we don’t really get a chance to develop when we’re all rushing around from competition to competition. I love using these first couple of days to really unwind and write down a list of achievable goals for the next six months, whether that’s things I want to work on with my horse, ways I want to improve my house, or personal skills I’m keen to develop. Having that list in front of me definitely makes the short days feel a bit less gloomy. I’d love to know what your off-season goals are!

Events Closing Today: Ram Tap H.T., SAzEA Fall H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

The first recipients of training and funding from British Eventing’s exciting new Howden Way initiative have been announced. Ten young horses, with riders ranging from established upper-level competitors to up-and-coming stars, will take part in the Young Horse Academy programme from January, with the longer-term aim of developing talent within the country. [Meet the lucky recruits]

In Piggy March’s latest column for Horse&Hound, she reflects on a couple of exciting weeks in France. From the trials and tribulations of travelling abroad post-Brexit to Le Lion’s somewhat uneven standard of judging, there’s a lot of ground covered — and as always, her sage wisdom and frankness make for fascinating reading. [To be fair, if she wrote shampoo bottle blurbs, we’d read them]

USEA member Carole Bennett just enjoyed her first horse trials at the age of 68, after decades working in Hollywood. In true eventer fashion, she reckons the thrill of the cross-country course beats any buzz at a film premier — and we’d be inclined to agree! [Read all about her first competition here]

Have you ever had one of those bright ideas that’s made you think, ‘if someone made this, it’d make them millions?’ I’m personally still waiting for someone to get on self-mucking stables, but entrepreneurs Allison Malefant and Connie DeMaio have been a bit more forward-thinking after realising that equestrians had nothing available for them that served as a comfortable, functional coverall for cold winter days. Now, there’s no stopping them. [Horse people need to be warm too]

The Ocala Horse Properties Dream Farm of the Week:


Okay, you know how I was saying I’d like to hunker down and tick some goals off my list this winter? First goal: secure this place. Second: use it to make myself the very best rider I can be. With 10 stalls, a stunning irrigated arena, plenty of acreage, close proximity to WEC, and a house that is, frankly, to die for, it’s getting my daydream machine working overtime.

Watch This:

Charisma remains one of my great celeb loves of all time, so to get us all moving on this, the first of the truly cold months, I reckon we could use a bit of inspiration from the tiny man himself.

Monday Video: Feel Your Horse’s Hind Legs

By on Oct 31, 2022 5:00 pm -

It’s a spooky scary skeleton edition of Amelia Newcomb Dressage‘s training videos!

Well, really, it’s a very biomechanical edition that just so happens to coincide with nicely with Halloween! This week, Amelia address a common struggle among riders: feeling where their horse’s hind legs are. With the help of a skeleton onesie and a physiotherapist named Stephanie, Amelia shows an easy exercise to help you feel where your horse’s feet are and gives us a physiological explanation for why the exercise helps.

Weekend Winners: Twin Rivers, Chattahoochee, Full Moon

By on Oct 31, 2022 3:00 pm -

We’re wrapping up October with another weekend of Eventing! The spooky season didn’t keep horses and riders away, and we’re taking a closer look at the events that ran this weekend at Twin Rivers, Chattahoochee, and Full Moon.

Congrats to all riders celebrating successful runs! And an extra shout out to our sub-20 score from Lara Roberts and Fernhill Show Biz at Chattahoochee with their 16.2!

FEH & YEH Last Chance Qualifier & West Coast Championships (Paso Robles, CA): [Website] [Results]

Future Event Horse 2 Year Old: Michlynn Sterling and High N Mighty (85.3)
Future Event Horse 2 Year Old: Michlynn Sterling and Corona Especial (85.3)
Future Event Horse 2 Year Old Championship: Michlynn Sterling and High And Mighty (78.3)
Future Event Horse 3 Year Old: Gemma-Cieli Richards and Tribute to Jazz (83.5)
Future Event Horse 3 Year Old Championship: Chloe Smyth and Secret Romance (81.3)
Future Event Horse 4 Year Old: Bec Braitling and Nicolai Van De Heering (90.0)
Future Event Horse 4 Year Old Championship: Catie Cejka and Valiane (82.6)
Future Event Horse Yearling: Sarah McCarthy and Smoky Mountain (84.5)
Future Event Horse Yearling Championship: Nolan Spence and Cape Fear (87.6)
Young Event Horse 4 Year Old: Kristin Joly and Natagho-w (83.5)
Young Event Horse 4 Year Old Championship: Kristin Joly and Natagho-w (84.1)
Young Event Horse 5 Year Old: Nick Cwick and Lowmax (88.8)
Young Event Horse 5 Year Old Championship: Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z (85.3)

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (Fairburn, GA): [Website] [Results]

Advanced: Hallie Coon and Global EX (49.4)
Open Intermediate: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Quite Nice 11 (29.0)
Open Preliminary: Lauren New and Flying Again (31.3)
Modified Rider: Livy Chambers and Fernhill Stateside (33.0)
Open Modified: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Maybach (29.3)
Open Training: Lara Roberts and Fernhill Show Biz (16.2)
Training Rider: Callan Littrell and Seeking the Storm (26.4)
Novice Rider: Shelby Allen and My Ballyanihan Boy (34.2)
Open Novice: Sarah Sizemore and Coulson (26.9)
Beginner Novice Rider: Shyla Harter and Fernhill Sinatra (24.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Samuel Moreland and Sir Pollux Z (30.6)

Full Moon Farms H.T. (Finksburg, MD): [Website] [Results]

Poles/Tadpole – Rider: Harper Carnaggio and Bit of a Pickle (32.2)
Introductory Open A: Alison Hardman and Tango (30.7)
Introductory Open B: Savannah Brunkow and Major Dude (28.7)
Starter – Open: Anne Peterlin and CASSIAN (29.1)
Beginner Novice Horse: Jennifer Brannigan and California Anthem (31.5)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Gillian Smith and CV’s Eventing Rebellion (31.5)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Savannah Taylor and Paint Misbehavin’ (25.3)
Open Beginner Novice: David Ziegler and Lindbergh (26.1)
Novice Rider: Sara Keesee and Rare Hue (34.8)
Open Novice: Jennifer Brannigan and Sorrel (28.9)
Training Rider: Ashley Gross and State of Lux (34.1)
Open Training: Savannah Fulton and Velvet Alley (29.4)
Modified/Training: Sophia Middlebrook and Betterthanexpected (36.8)

2022 Dutta Corp. USEA YEH and FEH West Coast Championships Recap

By on Oct 31, 2022 1:00 pm -

It was a case of mistaken identity for chestnut mares that gave a glimpse into the future. Catie Cejka went to school a client’s experienced eventing horse this winter but instead grabbed a different chestnut mare. To this point, the rising 4-year-old Canadian Warmblood mare Valiane (Valentino x Joey) had been lightly backed but was not anywhere near the caliber of the horse she thought she would be riding.

“She hadn’t been out and handled for six months and was actually able to stay with me for the whole time and trust me,” Cejka said.

It was quite a ride, and it’s been quite a ride since, culminating in Valiane winning the 2022 USEA Future Event Horse (FEH) West Coast Championship for 4-year-olds ridden and presented by Cejka for owner Barb Hanel on Saturday at Twin Rivers in Paso Robles, Calif. In addition to Valiane, Stacia Lloyd’s bay Oldenburg filly Secret Romance (Schwarzenegger x SH Romance) was crowned West Coast champion 3-year-old presented by Chloe Smyth. They joined Friday’s FEH winners, Michlynn Sterling’s 2-year-old Trakehner filly High And Mighty (Mighty Magic x High Priestess) and Sarah Cullum’s Westphalian gelding Cape Fear (Crumble x Sweet City Woman xx), to culminate the biggest field in the history of the USEA FEH West Coast Championships since the event was inaugurated in 2019.

There were a total of 31 yearlings, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, and 4-year-olds that presented before FEH championship judges Marilyn Payne from New Jersey and Katie Rocco from Massachusetts. That represented significant growth from the previous USEA FEH West Coast Championships—21 in 2019, 19 in 2020, and 18 in 2021.

For the FEH 4-year-olds, they were judged under saddle and for conformation on Friday and then in the jump chute arena on Saturday. Valiane was fourth heading into the jump chute, and her jumping score of 86.5 jumped them to the win with a final score of 82.6.

Coincidentally, Valiane will continue to learn to event with Cejka and may eventually partner with 16-year-old Hanni Sreenan, the rider of Zena, the horse Cejka mixed up with Valiane in the winter.

“Hopefully, she might be the kid’s move-up move-up horse, or I might get to ride her,” Cejka said. “I think they’re a little shocked with how well she’s doing.”

Arnell Sporthorses’ Dutch Warmblood gelding Nicolai Van De Heering (Hernandez TN x Candy D) ridden by Bec Braitling was second with a score of 81.2. Emilie Melnychuk’s Dutch Warmblood gelding Handsome Boy (Hardwell x Walykes) was third with a score of 78.5. Katrina Rivas’ Temptress Of Love, an Irish Sport Horse and Canadian Warmblood cross that finished fourth, won the Born In America Award presented to the highest-scoring American-bred horse.

Valiane. Tina Fitch Photography.

For the FEH 3-year-olds, they were presented in-hand and at-liberty for judging their conformation and gaits before going through the jump chute. Secret Romance was the only entrant to score in the 80s for both conformation and jumping and finished on a final score of 81.3.
“When the pandemic started, I decided to look for something really nice,” owner Lloyd said. “I could not afford a 3- or 4-year-old going. So, I saw her baby pictures, and I ended up purchasing her at 9 months old.”

A lot of factors went into choosing Secret Romance, according to Lloyd.

“Beautiful head, very uphill movement, her dam’s pictures were beautiful,” she said. “I didn’t know a lot about the bloodlines, but I liked the dark bay, and I like mares especially. And, the name just seemed to be a good name. So, I went with it.”

The good feeling paid off, with Secret Romance steadily improving each of the three times she has competed in FEH events at Twin Rivers in 2022.

“At the beginning of the year, she was wild when I brought her for the first time,” Lloyd said. “She’s not a very confident lady, and the second time showed some improvement. I was really impressed with her how she handled herself, and I was just hoping for the best really.”

Lauren Salgueiro’s Oldenburg filly Carolina Comet W.E. (Rabble Rouser x Comet Swinger) finished second with a score of 76.8. Megan Bittle’s American Warmblood filly Nevadas Ember BDF, who was fourth as a 2-year-old in the 2021 USEA FEH West Coast Championships, finished third as a 3-year-old in 2022 with a score of 76.2.

From right to left, Secret Romance with owner Stacia Lloyd, handler Chloe Smyth,
FEH judge Marilyn Payne, and FEH judge Katie Rocco. Tina Fitch Photography.

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program award for the highest-scoring Thoroughbred in the 2022 USEA FEH West Coast Championships went to Gemma-Cieli Richards’ Tappington (Eddington x Tap the Till), a 2-year-old chestnut gelding that was race training at Golden Gate Fields as recently as last month.

The FEH competition had people at Twin Rivers not only excited about the future for the talented young horses but also for future of the FEH series.

“We’re thrilled with how this program is growing on the West Coast and look forward to what’s in store for the future,” said Connie Baxter, organizer of events at Twin Rivers.

2022 USEA FEH West Coast Champions
FEH-4: Valiane (82.6)
FEH-3: Secret Romance (81.3)
FEH-2: High And Mighty (78.3)
FEH-Yearling: Cape Fear (87.6)

The 2022 Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) West Coast Championships produced the highest-scoring 5-year-old champion on either coast with That’s Me Z (Take A Chance On Me Z x Venetia) and Tommy Greengard, as well as Natagho-w (Comthago x Odorette-W) and Kristin Joly capturing the 4-year-old title on Saturday at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, Calif.

There were 18 5-year-olds and 12 4-year-olds competing, representing the largest YEH field in the history of the West Coast championships since they were first held as a standalone event in 2020.

That’s Me Z, a chestnut Zangersheide gelding that Greengard owns together with Andrea Pfeiffer, debuted in USEA recognized events earlier in October, competing at Novice at Woodside and Ram Tap in California before taking on the best 5-year-olds on the West Coast as part of the event that culminated 34 YEH qualifiers and the Dutta Corp. USEA YEH East Coast and West Coast Championships.

“We’ve had him like a month or so,” Greengard said. “I was just excited to have him out, and the cards were going to fall where they fell. He’s a lovely young horse, and I’m so proud of him for showing off what a nice quality horse he is.”

That’s Me Z and Tommy Greengard. Tina Fitch Photography.

That’s Me Z and Greengard tied for the best dressage score of 16.8 out of a possible 20, followed by a score of 7.9 out of 10 for conformation and type on Friday. Then, on Saturday, they added the best jumping score of 60.6, which included having the best cumulative scores for both stadium jumping and cross country efforts. Their final score of 85.3 topped the 84.2 by the East Coast 5-year-old champion, chestnut Trakehner gelding Sky Moon (E. H. Sixtus x Pr. St. Sky Lady) ridden by Boyd Martin. That could put That’s Me Z and Greengard in position to be awarded the prestigious Holekamp/Turner Young Event Horse Lion d’Angers Grant should they qualify for the FEI World Young Horse Championships at Mondial du Lion when the horse is 7.

Nick Cwick finished second and third with his bay Swedish Warmblood gelding Piccadilly’s Pride M.E. (Colmander x Narew xx) and chestnut Hanoverian gelding Lowmax. Starting Over (Street Sense x Indy Five Hundred), a former stakes-winning racehorse under the name of Albert Park, won The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program award recognizing the top-finishing Thoroughbred. Michlynn Sterling and her Irish Sport Horse gelding Gaelic Gamble (Island Commander x Marlton Dusk) were the recipients of the Safe Harbor Award recognizing their partnership.

Just like how That’s Me Z and Greengard represent a new partnership, so too did the 4-year-old West Coast champion Natagho-w and Joly.

“Amber Birtcil owns him through Cellar Farm, and she got him in Holland earlier this year,” Joly said. “He just got to America a month ago. This was her intention, and I get to be lucky enough to go along for the ride.”

Their first USEA recognized event together was the Last Chance Qualifier held on Thursday at Twin Rivers. They had the best score among the nine 4-year-olds. In the championships, they moved up from sixth after dressage and conformation to first with the best jumping score on day two.

“He’s super easy,” Joly said. “He’s just a good boy.”

Natagho-w and Kristin Joly. Tina Fitch Photography.

Cindy Hahn’s German Sport Horse gelding Tristan (Titulus x Elaisa) ridden by Michele Pestl, the leader after dressage and conformation, was reserve champion 4-year-old. Christy Garcia’s Thoroughbred gelding Wynnville ridden by Ella Garcia was third, as well as being the winner of the Go Get ‘Em Award presented by Stillwater Farm in memory of Don Trotter for the best gallop score and the Born In America Award presented to the highest-scoring American-bred horse.

The growing popularity of the Dutta Corp. USEA YEH and FEH West Coast Championships reflects the
vision of the Baxter family at Twin Rivers.

“It’s my vision to make it look and feel like an FEI event for these young horses,” Andrea Baxter, a member of the USEA’s YEH and FEH committees, said before the championships. “They’re only young once, so it’s a unique opportunity for these special young horses to show themselves off.”

2022 Dutta Corp. USEA YEH West Coast Champions
YEH-5: That’s Me Z and Tommy Greengard (85.3)
YEH-4: Natagho-w and Kristin Joly (84.1)

FEH & YEH Last Chance Qualifier & West Coast Championships (Paso Robles, CA): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

4 Things You Can Bid on in the Strides for Equality Equestrians Auction

By on Oct 31, 2022 11:00 am -

Founded in 2020 by Heather Gillette and Anastasia (Stacy) Curwood, Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) is an allyship program for the equestrian community. To create equitable opportunities and communities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) equestrians, SEE strives to address challenges of access, expand professional pathways, engage, and educate.

To celebrate two years of SEE and their mission, a month auction has been running throughout October, with some great items to bid on, from lessons to books to swag bags and more. The auction is closing today (at midnight PST), as we wrap up the month of October, but there’s still time to put in any final bids.

Let’s take a look at some of the items you could win…

SIGNED COPY OF GRID PRO QUO: 52 POWERFUL JUMPING EXERCISES FROM THE WORLD’S TOP RIDERS, BY MARGARET RIZZO

This modern-day quick reference to more than 50 grids and jumping exercises brings the best of top international training and instruction into your home ring. Build your skillset and your horse’s confidence and conditioning with a fantastic selection of lessons from a remarkable group of top equestrians never before found together in one instructional book, including Olympians Anne Kursinski, Phillip Dutton, Kim Severson, Ingrid Klimke, and Boyd Martin.
Winning bidder receives one spiral-bound copy of Grid Pro Quo autographed by the author.

HEATHER REINS BY CORRECT CONNECT

Designed in partnership with SEE co-founder 5* eventer Heather Gillette, these reins feature a thicker padded “squish” the entire length of the rein. Legal for USEA, USDF, and FEI competition with regular size rein stops. Great for riders with weak hand grip and sore hands. Allows for a softer hand for a softer feel without losing your connection. Buckle ends, 55” in black and brown.
Winning bidder receives one pair of Correct Connect Heather Comfort Connect Reins. Bidder may select color after winning.

CARLEVO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS COMMEMORATIVE SET

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Own a piece of 2022 eventing history! Carlevo and Bruce Davidson Eventing have had a fantastic fall campaign, including a 4* victory at **cough** UNIONVILLE **cough** and a 12th-place 5* finish this month at Maryland. Maybe a little of Carlevo’s fancy footwork will even rub off on you and your eventing partner!
Winning bidder receives one horseshoe from Carlevo’s fall 2022 campaign, and may receive other goodies as well.

FREE MONTH OF ADVERTISING ON EVENTING NATION & HORSE NATION (UP TO $750 VALUE!)

Nation Media LLC (Eventing Nation & Horse Nation) are pleased to offer a digital advertising package so you can show support for SEE while getting support for your brand! Nation Media LLC brings the latest equestrian news from around the world on Eventing Nation and Horse Nation, reaching a broad readership from around the world every day.
Winning bidder receives an advertising package valued at $750, which includes a sidebar ad on both Eventing Nation and Horse Nation, sponsorship of two editorial pieces that fit your brand, and one banner insertion into Eventing Nation’s email newsletter. The package will be placed on Eventing Nation/Horse Nation for one month.

Take a look at the other auction items on SEE’s website and Facebook page, where bidding is currently taking place!