Classic Eventing Nation

USA On the Board at Le Lion: Caroline Martin Leads the 6-Year-Olds, Liz Halliday-Sharp Top 5 in 7-Year-Olds

By on Oct 20, 2022 3:00 pm -

Caroline Martin and HSH Connor. Photo by Charles Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times.

Competition is underway at the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships, and after roughly half of both the 6-year-old and 7-year-old Championships the American contingent has already made their stamp.

In the 6-year-old Championship, set at 2*-L technicality, Caroline Martin and HSH Connor (Connor 48 – Galwaybay Merstona, by Mermus R) lead the way narrowly on a score of 25.2 ahead of second-placed Meabh Bolger (IRE) with MBF Back to Black (25.3).

“[Mondial du Lion] is such an eye opener, it really is a championship course,” Caroline told the USEA earlier this week. She’s been based in the UK thanks to the support of the 2022 Wilton Fair Grant, and this weekend marks her penultimate competition before returning home. She’ll run Islandwood Captain Jack at Pau next week as her final competition. “There’s so many spectators, which is a big reason I came over here this summer to prepare for this. Everything we’ve done this summer has been in preparation for this, and while I had four horses qualified for this, I had to bring the ones that were in top form and health. I want to give 110 percent at this event.”

HSH Blake, owned by Caroline and her mother Sherrie as well as Molly Hoff and Luann McElduff, is one of a handful of horses Caroline brought with her to the UK, where she has been based with Pippa Funnell. Caroline calls the time she’s spent overseas invaluable and Pippa’s shrewd eye instrumental in helping her re-confirm the foundational skills that she and her horses need to progress in the sport. That continuing education has paid off well, as Caroline has racked up competitive results in the UK and now stands poised to make a good run of it this weekend.

“I’ve had him since he was a four-year-old, and he came up through the [USEA Young Event Horse] program, and I just have such high hopes for this horse,” Caroline explained. She had originally been a bit down to have drawn quite an early slot, but the judges nonetheless rewarded the quality they saw.

Caroline Martin and HSH Connor. Photo by Charles Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times.

“He’s a phenomenal jumper, he’s great on the flat, and he’s just a pleasure to ride,” Caroline continued. “He’s just one of those you love to ride.” Being in the United Kingdom has afforded Caroline the opportunity ride in more atmosphere than at many events, especially at the 2* level and below, in the States. Events like Gatcombe and Cornbury, she says, have given both her and her horses beneficial mileage in front of people. And at an event like Le Lion, where the local crowds come out in 5*-worthy throngs, that experience is helpful. Add in a dash of expertise from newly-acquired mentor Pippa Funnell?

“I have to pinch myself,” Caroline laughed. She’d called me after dinner with her team, which includes a slew of owners she’s connected with as she’s built her business up as well as Pippa herself. “It almost doesn’t feel real. Here is Pippa, who I’ve seen on TV growing up and played as her on video games, and now I’m at dinner with her and these incredible owners. I feel like such a fan girl, but this is my team. And I have the Wilton Fair Grant to thank for all of this, setting me up to build this for the future.”

Caroline is also competing in the 7-year-old division with HSH Blake (Tolan R – Doughiska Lass), who was named this week as the subbed-in recipient of the Holekamp/Turner Le Lion d’Angers Grant. HSH Blake will do his dressage test on Friday.

Kelly McCarthy Maine and Cooley Cardento. Photo by Charles Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times.

Just outside of the top 10 on day one in the 6-year-old Championship is Canadian rider Kelly McCarthy Maine with Cooley Cardento (Cardento – Viranda, by Furore), who earned an FEI personal best with a 31.2 in his 2*-L debut. Kelly has been based in the UK for nearly two decades, having first moved in 2005 to pursue her Masters degree while also working as a journalist. She’s since moved on to her own yard, with a stint working for Lucinda Fredericks in the middle, campaigning a string of talented rising stars.

You can view the replay of the 6-year-old tests from Thursday below:

[Click here to view full day one scores from the 6-year-old 2*-L]

Looking to the start of the 7-year-old 3*-L competition, Germany’s Antonia Baumgart leads the way with Ris de Talm (Adagio de Talma – Raisa, by BB Carvallo) on a score of 22.5. This is also an FEI personal best for the Holsteiner gelding, who makes his 3*-L debut here at Le Lion.

Fifth after day one representing the U.S. are Liz Halliday Sharp with Ocala Horse Properties‘ Shanroe Cooley (the “introverted Labrador” as #supergroom Gemma Jelinska dubs him), who overcame one mistake in the medium canter to score a 27.3. This would be a horse who’s well capable of scoring in the low-20s, so the ever-competitive Liz will likely be kicking herself to not have gone a touch lower, but there’s much to do yet including the incredibly decorated cross country course yet to come Saturday.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley. Photo by Charles Cunningham/Irish Eventing Times.

“I’d always planned on Lion for him, ever since he was a young horse, because he’s just that type,” Liz explained to EN earlier this week. “I really believe you only take the right type to Lion, and I believe he’s the type that will excel from it. I think when you’ve had them from a young horse and they’ve done the two-stars that he did last year, I always sort of believed he was ready. Had I been in England still, I would have taken him as a six-year-old. And then this year, I basically said to his owners, he’ll tell us when he’s ready for three-star. And he was ready quite early.”

“Dallas” was fifth in his first 3*-L at Bromont in very tough, muddy conditions in June, which Liz says set him up well to end his season in France. “He did Bromont, which was a really tough event for him because the ground was horrendous, and he learned a lot from that. It was great for him to jump on the last day when his muscles were tired, but really I’ve always believed he would be ready and I think it’ll help him become a better horse for the future.”

It’s Liz’s hope that Shanroe Cooley would be in contention to perhaps travel to Chile for the Pan American Games next year — “I’m trying to have as many horses qualified as I can [for future Championships]!” she said — but first things first: show the world what she’s got in this über-talented 7-year-old.

[Click here to view the full 7-year-old scores]

The remainder of the American riders will do their dressage tests tomorrow at the following times:

10:41 a.m. local / 4:41 a.m. EST / 1:41 a.m. PST: Cornelia Dorr and DHI Qyaracolle Z (2*)
1:28 p.m. local / 7:28 a.m. EST / 4:28 a.m. PST: Lucia Strini and Keynote Dassett (3*)
1:35 p.m. local / 7:35 a.m. EST / 4:35 a.m. PST: Caroline Martin and HSH Blake (3*)
3:19 p.m. local / 9:35 a.m. EST / 6:35 a.m. PST: Phillip Dutton and Denim (3*)

I’ll link to the FEI TV live streams, which will begin at 3 a.m. EST tomorrow (October 21) for the 6-year-olds and 7 a.m. EST for the 7-year-olds, below.

6-year-old Friday stream:

7-year-old Friday stream:

Cross country will also be live streamed on FEI TV at the below link.

6-year-old Saturday stream:

7-year-old Saturday stream:

Stay tuned for much more coming your way all weekend from France!

FEI WBFSH Eventing World Championships at Mondial du Lion (Le Lion D’Angers, France): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Schedule] [Live Stream]

Enjoy a few more social snippets from Le Lion:

Badminton Horse Trials Announces 2023 Schedule Change in Honor of King’s Coronation

By on Oct 20, 2022 11:00 am -

A childhood dream come true: Laura Collett wins Badminton 2022. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Following the announcement of the coronation of King Charles the III, who will succeed the late Queen Elizabeth II, on May 6, 2023 at Buckingham Palace, Badminton Horse Trials has modified its schedule to avoid conflict.

Badminton organizers released the following statement:

Since the news that The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort is to be held on Saturday 6th May (Cross-Country day) we have been working on planning how to deliver the Event around the celebrations.

The Event will now start a day later so our cross-country day does not clash with The Coronation. The timetable will be as follows:

  • Wednesday 3rd May – Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships – (Dressage)
  • Thursday 4th May – International Event – Horse Inspection; Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships – Dressage, SJ, XC; Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Class; Tradestands Open
  • Friday 5th May – International Event – Dressage
  • Saturday 6th May – International Event – Dressage
  • Sunday 7th May – International Event – Cross Country
  • Monday 8th May – International Event – Show Jumping

To allow those attending to be part of this historic day, the Saturday Dressage will start earlier in order to accommodate The Coronation which will be shown on the big screens. Dressage will recommence once The Coronation service has taken place.

We very much hope with this amount of notice, it will be possible for you to amend your plans and attend as usual. Thank you for your support and we very much look forward to seeing you all at Badminton 2023.

This schedule change simply moves the 5* competition forward one day, meaning we’ll see the winner crowned on Monday, May 8 instead of the traditional Sunday.

For tickets and more information about Badminton Horse Trials, presented by MARS Equestrian, click here.

The Breeding Breakdown: Variety is the Spice of Life at Maryland 5 Star

By on Oct 20, 2022 9:00 am -

Breeding a quality event horse capable of winning (or placing competitively, or in some cases even finishing!) a modern five-star is a feat that requires skill, creativity, bravery, and a little bit of luck. In her latest column, owner of Breed.Ride.Compete and bloodstock advisor at Willow Tree Warmbloods Amanda Chance breaks down some facts on this year’s Maryland 5 Star podium-finishers. Want more Breeding Breakdown? Click here!

If you’ve studied the pedigrees of top event horses at all in the past couple decades, you’ve probably seen a wide variety of ancestries and breeding. There isn’t just one magical formula to produce a 5* horse, and that fact is particularly evident when you dive into the pedigrees of the top 3 finishers at this year’s Maryland 5 Star.

Tim Price and Coup de Coeur Dudevin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Coup de Coeur Dudevin
2012 Selle Francais by Top Gun Semilly out of Tiebreak Combehory (by Leprince des Bois)

Bred in Switzerland by owner Jean-Louis Stauffer, this Selle Francais has eventing in his blood. Coup de Coeur Dudevin’s dam, Tiebreak Combehory, is a lower-level eventer herself. Her sire Leprince des Bois reached the 5* level with German rider Kai Rüder, competing at Burghley, Badminton, Luhmühlen, and Pau.

Leprince des Bois’ sire was the Trakehner stallion Yarlands Summer Song, who competed in eventing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games (finishing 4th individually) as well as the 1994 and 1998 World Equestrian Games.

Yarlands Summer Song’s sire, Fleetwater Opposition, was also an eventer, winning individual and team gold medals at the Junior European Three-Day Event before going on to compete Grand Prix level dressage. Tiebreak Combehory’s dam, Filing des Plaines, was an eventer as well, competing through the 2 Star level. There’s no doubt that the dam’s side of Coup de Coeur Dudevin’s pedigree is absolutely jam-packed with eventers.

His sire, Top Gun Semilly, competed as a show jumper through the 1.45m level. His oldest crop is only 10 years old, but Top Gun Semilly has already produced several eventers through the FEI levels, with Coup de Coeur Dudevin being the first to reach 5* level. Quaprice Bois Margot, Top Gun Semilly’s sire, showjumped through the 1.60m level.

Top Gun Semilly’s dam, Tati du Palis, has been an extremely strong producer in France. She is the dam of one 1.50m showjumper and two 1.60m showjumpers, and has produced four approved stallions, including Andiamo Semilly (by Diamant de Semilly).

Coup de Coeur Dudevin hails from a French Trotter mare family, and has a 12 generation blood percentage of 51%.

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Danito
2009 Hanoverian by Dancier out of Wie Musik (by Wolkenstein II)

This little firecracker of a horse was bred in Germany by Herbert Schuett, and in sharp contrast to Coup de Coeur Dudevin, it’s safe to say he was not originally intended for top level eventing.

His pedigree is jam-packed with horses that are more typically seen in high level dressage, although it’s important to note that if you look more closely there are also several horses in there that were more dual-purpose. The jumping ability in Danito’s pedigree is less evident than most other 5* contenders, but it did not come out of nowhere.

Danito is by the stallion Dancier, who competed to PSG/Intermediare level dressage in Germany. Although Dancier’s sire, Donnerhall, was also a dressage stallion (competing to Grand Prix), Dancier’s dam, Larcana, came from a fairly versatile line –- her direct mare family produced everything from Grand Prix dressage horses to 1.30m show jumpers to a 4* eventer.

On the dam’s side of Danito’s pedigree, it’s still largely ruled by dressage lines. His dam, Wie Musik, is by Wolkenstein II, who was used heavily for dressage breeding. However, Wolkenstein II was not a “jump killer”, and managed to produce some show jumpers that were successful through 1.50m.

On Danito’s dam side you also see the French Anglo-Arab stallion Matcho, who helps bring a bit more blood to the pedigree. His direct mare family has produced, within the last five generations, 11 horses that have show jumped from 1.40m to 1.60m, as well as two international eventers and ten Grand Prix dressage horses.

Danito is from Hanoverian mare family 1189006 and has a 12-generation blood percentage of 41%. His dam Wie Musik also produced the very successful Grand Prix dressage stallion Desperados FRH (by De Niro, another Donnerhall son), who won Team Gold and Individual Bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Kristina Bröring-Sprehe.

Oliver Townend and As Is. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

As Is
2011 Spanish Sporthorse by Meneusekal xx out of Paraca (by Lacros)

And just like that, we’re back to the purpose-bred, but arriving at the end product of As Is was done a bit differently than Coup de Coeur Dudevin. As Is, who was bred in Spain by Ramón & Ana Beca (breeders of multiple 5* horses including former Andrew Nicholson rides Nereo and Armada), has a full Thoroughbred sire — in sharp contrast to Coup de Coeur Dudevin’s Selle Francais show jumping sire.

As Is’ sire is French-bred Meneusekal, and although he was a racehorse, he does have a good pedigree for sport as well. Meneusekal’s pedigree contains names that will be familiar to any sport Thoroughbred enthusiast, including Caro, Blushing Groom, and Never Bend. Meneusekal’s sire Kaldounevees is sire, second sire, or damsire to several FEI-level eventers as well as show jumpers up to 1.40m, and Meneusekal himself has produced several international eventers.

The dam of As Is, Paraca, is by the Holsteiner stallion Lacros, by show jumping legend Landgraf. Lacros himself was a 1.60m show jumper, representing Team Germany and earning almost a quarter million Euros in the 1990’s with Dirk Schröder. Paraca has also produced a full sibling to As Is, Damaso, who so far has competed through the 3*-L level with Swiss rider Robin Godel.

The 12-generation blood percentage for As Is comes in around 73%, although it could be higher –- there are only four generations recorded on his damline. Even with a relatively short history, this mare family has been quite successful; within just those four recorded generations, they have produced four 3* eventers, one 4* eventer, one 5* star eventer, and one 1.50m show jumper.

As Is certainly is a good example of combining jumping prowess with the stamina, athleticism, and gallop of the Thoroughbred, and in this case, it undoubtedly worked for producing 5* event horse.

There you have it: three very different horses, yet three very good eventers — from dressage lines to show jumping lines to eventing lines to Thoroughbreds, and ranging from 41% blood to 73% blood. Many roads can indeed lead to Rome, or in this case, many pedigrees can lead to a Maryland podium.

Thursday News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Oct 20, 2022 12:03 am -

Le Lion literally could not be more picturesque.

One of my bucket list events to attend, either as a competitor or a spectator, is definitely Le Mondial du Lion. The jump designs on cross country every year are out of this world. I can think of lots of classic jumps that we see at well-known competitions like The Head of the Lake, or Huntsman’s Close, but waiting for the artistry and the surprise of Le Lion is unmatched. My high-school friend and fellow Charlottesvillian, Lucia Strini, is taking on her first

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL): [Website]. [Entries] [Live Stream] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event (Lexington, KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Farm Mini Event (Medford, NJ): [Website]

Ram Tap H.T. (Fresno, CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club “Morris the Horse” H.T. (Landrum, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event & H.T. (Gaithersburg, MD): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. (Weatherford, TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Windermere Run H.T. (Kansas City, MO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

FEI WBFSH Eventing World Championships at Mondial du Lion (Le Lion D’Angers, France): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Schedule] [Live Stream]

News From Around the Globe:

William Fox-Pitt has a new ride, and he’s fairly accomplished already. Ten-year-old OTTB Santini’s last outing on the track was running a respectable fourth in this year’s Grand National in April. He has since transitioned quickly into his new job, and recently competed in his first horse trial. William rates the horse very highly, and says despite his late start to the eventing scene, the horse has potential to be a real upper level contestant. [WFP Rides Grand National Racehorse]

In September, the USEA announced that the Redfield King’s HX Group’s 7-year-old gelding, King’s Especiale was the likely recipient of the 2022 Holekamp/Turner Grant and The Dutta Corp. prize. The reserve for the grant would be Caroline Martin’s other mount intended for entry, HSH Blake. Now, Caroline Martin and her team have elected not to run King’s Especiale at La Mondial du Lion after a minor health setback, and have subbed in HSH Blake, who will now be the likely recipient of the 2022 Holekamp/Turner Grant. Learn more about this promising pair here! [HSH Blake Subs In for HSH King’s Especial]

Riding unmotivated horses can be quite frustrating. Every five strides your instructor tells you to add “more leg”, or every time you try to relax your leg your horse does less. You are stuck squeezing, which then makes it impossible to sit well. Bigger spurs work one time, then you need even bigger ones.  Good news: It IS possible to turn things around and have a more willing horse. However, it will be a team effort. You will need to think about what you can do for your horse at least as much as you are thinking about what your horse needs to do for you. Creating a willingness to apply effort comes from the inside out. We need to gain our horse’s trust, win his heart and educate him with fairness. [Don’t Call Your Horse Lazy]

 

Best of Blogs: Horses That Inspire Community

Book Review: The Year of Horses

Horses were essential to everyday life in medieval Europe, but what do we know about how they were cared for and trained? A seminar on November 24 will explore that very topic. During this seminar, the speakers will explain the “what” and “how” of horse care and training in medieval Europe based on contemporary hippiatric texts, administrative documents and practical experiments. [Exploring Equestrian Arts in Medieval Europe]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Walk It Out with Amelia Newcomb

By on Oct 19, 2022 4:00 pm -

As much as we may all be loathe to practice it, the walk is a key gait that can earn (or lose!) you a lot of marks in your dressage test. Not to mention, a quality walk leads to quality in other gaits, so it’s an important one to hone.

Walk work doesn’t have to be slow and boring — in fact, if your walk work bores you, you may not be doing it right. We’re big fans of Amelia Newcomb’s online trainings and this short video is full of useful tips on improving your walk work.

Supplements you can count on from Kentucky Performance Products.

When it comes to keeping your horse happy and healthy, you can depend on your friends at Kentucky Performance Products (KPP). Our company is owned and operated by horse people just like you. That means we’re out in the barn every day dealing with the same challenges you are. We’re committed to producing the best nutrition supplements possible because our horses use them too!

The horse that matters to you matters to us® KPPusa.com

There is still time to grab your 2022 fall sticker at KPPusa.com/fall22.

More Than a Moment: Watch the Epic Story of Doug Payne and Vandiver

By on Oct 19, 2022 2:00 pm -

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

So, in case you were looking for a reason to get overly emotional today, allow me to coax you along a bit. In case you missed it, Equine Network recently paired up with several top riders across equestrian disciplines to put together some short documentaries all about the special horses that change our lives and our careers.

In “More Than a Moment”, sponsored by Cowboy Magic, Doug Payne’s longtime Olympic partner, Vandiver, is the star of the show. Originally sent to Doug and Jess Payne as a sale project by owned Debi Crowley, “Quinn” quickly made his way into the top spot on the Payne squad, showing his heart and his talent as he stepped up again and again to each new challenge.

“He’s got more heart than about any other horse that I’ve ridden,” Doug said. “When there’s desire to do it, you can overcome a lot of limitations. I would say on cross country, he’s one of the best horses I’ve ever ridden. It’s just an exhilarating feeling.”

The film features Doug, Jess, and #supergroom Courtney’s reflections on Vandiver’s career, including the trip to Tokyo that earned Doug his first Olympic team appearance.

Ready to watch? Grab a tissue box and tap/click the image below (or click here) to watch the short film. You can also click here to view all the Horse Week 2022 videos, which includes a “Equestrian Cribs” episode all about Boyd and Silva Martin’s Windurra facility.

Click/tap the image to watch the film.

Time for the Young Guns: Your Guide to FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships at Mondial du Lion

By on Oct 19, 2022 11:00 am -

October heralds one of the most popular European events and one of our favorites to preview the rising stars of years to come. The FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships are held annually in Le Lion d’Angers, France, with a 2*L championship for 6-year-olds and a 3*-L championship for 7-year-olds. Horses that place competitively here are set up well for success in the future, and this year as is typical we have a robust field representing 26 nations spread across the two divisions.

Competition got underway today when all pairs were accepted by the ground jury in the first horse inspection. The ground jury members for this week are:

3*-L: Andrew Bennie (NZL) – President, Joachim Dimmek (GER), Anne Keen (GBR)
2*-L: Tim Downes (GBR) – President, Laure Eslan (FRA), Felicisimo Aguado Arroyo (ESP)

Stalwart French course designer Pierre Michelet returns to design the cross country, assisted by Phillipe Racape, and Pierre will also design the show jumping tracks, assisted by Jean Pierre Cosnuau.

Looking to the North American pairs representing in this year’s competition, the robust group includes:

CH-M-YH-CCI3*-L:

  • Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) with Denim (Dinken – Celia II, by Ibisco xx), a 2015 Holsteiner gelding owned by Caroline Moran, Ann Lapides, and Neill Sites
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) with Shanroe Cooley (Dallas VDL – Shanroe Sapphire, by Condios), a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties
  • Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.) with HSH Blake (Tolan R – Doughishka Lass, by Kannan), a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Martin, Sherrie Martin, and Mollie Hoff
  • Lucia Strini (Scottsville, Va.) with Keynote Dassett (Vigo d’Arsouilles – Bubble Gum, by Cardento), a 2015 KWPN gelding and FE Caspian, a 2015 Oldenburg gelding, both owned by Plain Dealing Farm

CH-M-YH-CCI2*-L:

  • Cornelia Dorr (Manchester by the Sea, Mass.) with DHI Qyaracolle Z (Quinar Z – Celiacolle Z, by Chellano), a 2016 Zangersheide mare owned by Cornelia Dorr and Ann Wehrle
  • Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.) with HSH Connor (Connor 48 – Galwaybay Merstona, by Mermus R), a 2016 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Martin, Sherrie Martin, and Luann McElduff
  • Kelly McCarthy Maine (CAN) with Cooley Cardento (Cardento – Viranda, by Furore), a 2016 KWPW gelding owned by Rider

The competition begins in earnest tomorrow (October 19) with the first groups of dressage in both divisions. All phases of competition will be available to watch live on ClipMyHorse.TV (subscription required). North American dressage ride times are as follows:

Thursday, October 19

9:14 a.m. local / 3:14 a.m. EST / 12:14 a.m. PST: Kelly McCarthy Maine and Cooley Cardento
9:21 a.m. local / 3:21 a.m. EST / 12:21 a.m. PST: Caroline Martin and HSH Connor
4:08 p.m. local / 10:08 a.m. EST / 7:08 a.m. PST: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley

Friday, October 20

10:41 a.m. local / 4:41 a.m. EST / 1:41 a.m. PST: Cornelia Dorr and DHI Qyaracolle Z
1:28 p.m. local / 7:28 a.m. EST / 4:28 a.m. PST: Lucia Strini and Keynote Dassett
1:35 p.m. local / 7:35 a.m. EST / 4:35 a.m. PST: Caroline Martin and HSH Blake
3:19 p.m. local / 9:35 a.m. EST / 6:35 a.m. PST: Phillip Dutton and Denim

A full list of starting times and schedules can be found here.

We’ll have much more coming your way from Mondial du Lion in the coming days, and be sure to stop by our Instagram story all week to follow along with Ocala Horse Properties’ Shanroe Cooley as he and Liz Halliday-Sharp compete.

FEI WBFSH Eventing World Championships at Mondial du Lion (Le Lion D’Angers, France): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Schedule] [Live Stream]

Check out some social scenes from horse inspection day:

Previewing The Event at TerraNova

By on Oct 19, 2022 9:00 am -

Jennie Jarnstrom Dennis and Flower Girl. Photo by Al Green Photo.

We’re not quite through with the 2022 season! More action awaits as we now head down to Florida for The Event at TerraNova, happening October 21-23 and featuring not only a CCI4*-S eventing competition but also the TerraNova Dressage II CDI4*.

The gorgeous facility, which withstood the full force of Hurricane Ian not two weeks ago, is primed and ready to welcome competitors and spectators alike. The Event at TerraNova makes every effort to engage and benefit the local community, designating local charities to receive donations from the event and offering multiple ticket and VIP experiences for spectators.

We’re pleased to have Amanda Chance heading down to Myakka City to rove around for EN this weekend, but if you aren’t able to join us there will also be a full live stream of the event carried on Horse & Country (H&C+ subscription required).

Here’s more need-to-know ahead of this weekend:

The Entries

13 combinations will come forward to compete in the headlining 4*-S division this weekend. TerraNova Equestrian is preparing to expand to host a 4*-L — the USEF 4*-L National Championship, to be exact — next year, so riders coming to compete now will get an early glimpse at what’s in the works for 2023.

This year’s 4*-S entry list includes highlights such as:

  • Two entries from Sara Kozumplik in Rock Phantom as well as the ever-popular Rubens d’Ysieux, who was second in the inaugural event last year
  • Lucienne Bellissimo will bring two horses forward: 10-year-old Trementon will make his second 4*-S start, while fellow 10-year-old Dyri makes his debut at the level
  • Canadian FEI World Championships team member Dana Cooke will bring the 11-year-old mare FE Glamour for her second start the 4*-S level, looking to improve on a sixth-place finish at Morven Park earlier this month
  • Sydney Elliott has an exciting up-and-coming talent in her string in the 10-year-old French gelding Commando D’Osthuy, who was tenth in the 4*-S at Stable View last month

In addition to the 4*-S, TerraNova is also running National divisions from Beginner Novice through Intermediate as well as FEI levels 1* through 4* — it’s truly an event for everyone!

The Officials

Presiding over the 4*-S will be Robert Stevenson (USA) alongside Ground Jury members Debbie Adams (USA), Amanda Miller (USA). The 4*-S cross country track is designed by Capt. Mark Phillips, while the other levels have been designed by Mogie Bearden-Muller.

The Schedule

All divisions will ride dressage on Friday, October 21. Saturday, October 22, will be show jumping for all FEI levels while National levels run cross country, and Sunday, October 23, will conclude competition with FEI cross country and National show jumping. The full tentative schedule can be found here.

The Awards

Special awards up for grabs this week include a Best Turned Out for FEI divisions, a Groom’s Award determined by the Ground Jury, the annual TerraNova Award for sportsmanship, safety, and community involvement, as well as the Sara Kozumplik Young Rider Sportsmanship Award giving to an FEI rider under 21 who represents the ideals of sportsmanship and horsemanship.

The Charities

The Event at TerraNova also runs a robust charity competition, benefitting three local charities, throughout the week; this year organizers have added the opportunity for all riders — not just the 4* riders — to participate in a “team” competition, with the winning team sending the largest check to their designated charity. This year’s beneficiaries are Southeastern Guide Dogs, Meals on Wheels of Manatee, and Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART).

How to Follow

Horse & Country is the live stream provider for The Event at TerraNova (as well as TerraNova II Dressage!). Click here to bookmark the main live stream page (H&C+ subscription required).

Volunteer

There are still plenty of openings for volunteers! Click here to sign up and bank some Eventing Volunteers hours.

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Program] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Oct 19, 2022 12:01 am -

This had to be one of my favorite stories from Maryland 5 Star last week. All day, each day, Jarret Ortega not only did his duties as security officer but also provided a wealth of encouragement and bonding as riders came up and down the chute from the main arena. By Sunday, Jerret was best buds with everyone from Will Coleman to eventual winner Tim Price, offering up fist bumps and hearty words of encouragement as each rider went in for their rides. I’m not sure if Jarret has ever experienced eventing before, but I’m certain he’s a fan for life now! Now, to get him on a horse, hmmm?? Major props to intrepid photographer Samantha Haynie for capturing the best series of the weekend!

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL): [Website]. [Entries] [Live Stream] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event (Lexington, KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Farm Mini Event (Medford, NJ): [Website]

Ram Tap H.T. (Fresno, CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club “Morris the Horse” H.T. (Landrum, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event & H.T. (Gaithersburg, MD): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. (Weatherford, TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Windermere Run H.T. (Kansas City, MO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

FEI WBFSH Eventing World Championships at Mondial du Lion (Le Lion D’Angers, France): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Schedule] [Live Stream]

Sponsor Corner

We’re looking forward to following along with Liz Halliday-Sharp and Ocala Horse Properties’ Shanroe Cooley all week long at Mondial du Lion (more on our Instagram story!). But first, a look at how the Halliday-Sharp crew use Haygain for their horses:

Wednesday News & Reading

As usual, Capt. Mark Phillips shares his thoughts and analysis on the cross country and competition at last week’s Maryland 5 Star. An interesting nugget from his article: the show jumping cups used on Sunday were considerably more shallow than typically seen in eventing competition (18mm vs the usual 25mm). [Read Capt. Phillips’ analysis]

When you see a whole bunch of messiness on an x-ray, too often the prognosis isn’t great. But thanks to modern surgery methods and advancements in technology, all hope wasn’t lost when a 5-year-old racehorse presented with multiple fractures in one leg. Now, a full recovery is expected following surgery — could this mean hope for previously-catastrophic injuries? In some cases, perhaps. [Beyond the x-rays]

Tim and Jonelle Price’s team keep us up-to-date on their world travels, and if you haven’t read up on their blog yet you’re certainly missing out. Read more on Jonelle’s weekend at Oasby here and more on Tim’s Maryland win here.

Don’t forget! Nominations for the 2022 USEA Appreciation Awards close on October 28. This is a great opportunity to show gratitude for both those who have excelled in the saddle as well as those who support the sport in a non-riding capacity. [Nominate someone]

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Wednesday Video Break

Mustang cam! Ride along with Elisa Wallace and Eton and take a peek at the gorgeous TerraNova Equestrian Center while you’re at it:

Tuesday Videos: It’s Racehorse Time at Laura Collett’s Yard

By on Oct 18, 2022 5:00 pm -

It’s officially my favorite part of the year: baby racehorse training at Laura Collett’s yard!

Why, you may ask? Because Laura, when she isn’t out winning gold medals and five-stars, is the ever-giving social media queen who finds her joy in posting hilarious outtakes from her adventures wrangling young racehorses and teaching them how to jump, and it’s an endless source of laughs. If you’ve ever taken a horse off the track (or, heck, started one jumping from any background), you can likely relate to this compilation!

Enjoy the “before” post… (can’t see the Instagram posts below? Click here!)

And, in case you were wondering, these smart young horses did, of course, learn where to put their feet eventually!