Classic Eventing Nation

Germany Takes Pathfinder Duties in Pratoni Draw

By on Sep 13, 2022 1:22 pm -

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH will be part of the pathfinding German team. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The 2022 FEI World Championships at Pratoni del Vivaro has gotten underway — sort of! — with the official draw of nations, held with the chef d’equipes of each country in a ceremony at nearby Rocca di Papa. Here’s the draw in full, with teams marked with an asterisk (*):

  1. Germany*
  2. Ireland*
  3. Canada*
  4. France*
  5. Belgium*
  6. Czech Republic
  7. Poland
  8. Spain*
  9. The Netherlands
  10. Lithuania
  11. Switzerland*
  12. Thailand
  13. Italy*
  14. Sweden*
  15. Denmark
  16. New Zealand*
  17. Mexico
  18. Hungary
  19. India
  20. USA*
  21. Japan*
  22. Great Britain*
  23. Australia*
  24. Austria*
  25. China
  26. Ecuador
  27. Brazil*

The competition begins tomorrow with the first horse inspection, which will begin at 13.30 local time (12.30p.m. BST/8.30 a.m. EST). Want to follow along? We’ll be bringing you wall to wall coverage across EN and its social platforms, and we’ve put together a handy-dandy viewing guide so you can tune into the livestream wherever you are in the world. Check it out here — and stay tuned for the first of our bumper form guides, winging its way to you this afternoon! Don’t forget to bookmark our Utimate Guide to Pratoni, too, to keep all the need-to-know information at your fingertips, plus get all the latest coverage as it goes live.

Editor’s Note: The headline of this article has been updated to remove a potentially offensive German saying. We apologize for any offense initiated by these words.

Want more Pratoni news? Head over to our Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships for Eventing, and be sure to sign up for the #Pratoni2022 Daily Digest email, which will begin delivering to your inbox daily on Tuesday, September 13.

FEI World Championships for Eventing: [Website] [Definite Entries] [FEI TV] [ EN’s Ultimate Guide ] [EN’s Form Guide] [Timing & Scoring] [Daily Digest Email] [EN’s Coverage]

Pratoni Pick ‘Em: EN Makes Their FEI World Championships Predictions + How You Can Play and Win!

By on Sep 13, 2022 12:30 pm -

It’s nearly go time for the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing! We’ll kick things off in earnest tomorrow (Wednesday) with the First Horse Inspection, and today the chefs for each team will meet and a draw will take place to determine order of go for the teams (in fact, that’s probably happened by the time you read this!).

As is tradition here on EN, our team has put their collective nerd hat on and has submitted their picks for teams and individuals to beat this week, along with a “Dark Horse” pick. For these World Championships, we invite you to play along too!

To participate, please fill in your picks for TEAM GOLD and INDIVIDUAL GOLD, along with the finishing score for each using the entry form at the bottom of this page. Ties will be broken using score predictions — the closest to the finishing score without going over will win in the event of a tie.

Up for grabs is a prize bundle containing:

(Note: One primary U.S.-based winner will be drawn from correct picks to receive the grand prize. Additionally, one international-based winner will also be drawn to receive a bundle of EN Merch! Prizes will be drawn the week of September 19 and the winners will be announced in News & Notes and notified via email.)

Need help making your picks? Check out the list of Definite Entries here and EN’s Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships here. You can also check out our team’s picks below.

Entries are due by midnight EST on Thursday, September 15. Use the entry form at the bottom of this post or click here if it isn’t visible in your browser!

FEI World Championships for Eventing:
[Website] [Definite Entries] [FEI TV] [ EN’s Ultimate Guide ] | Daily Digest Email | [EN’s Coverage]

Has anyone ever seen Oliver Townend jump for joy before?! A historic moment, indeed. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

SHELBY ALLEN

Team Gold: Great Britain

If consensus is any evidence, then just keep reading below to see who our team almost unanimously thinks will take the whole bag. Great Britain has arguably the strongest teams coming forward this week, and though we don’t yet know who will ride as the individual, they basically can’t pick wrong — this team is a whose who of top five-star finishers.

Reigning world champion Ros Canter’s Lordships Graffalo may be green in age, but he’s freaky competitive and a second-place finish at Badminton this spring sealed the deal for their place this week. Oliver Townend is a stalwart of the British team and he’s massively competitive, especially aboard previous Kentucky CCI5*-L winner Ballaghmor Class.

Speaking of competitive, Laura Collett and her best buddy London 52 are headed to Italy with a recent Badminton win in their pocket alongside British Eventing  up-and-comer Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir, who were second at Kentucky this spring.

Individual Gold: Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser 

I notably skipped one member of my team gold pick, Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser. An unlucky tumble ended their Badminton weekend early this spring, sadly too, considering they were sitting in second on 23.4. Toledo is a keenly athletic horse, and the terrain shouldn’t bother this pair, so I’m hoping he’ll keep fighting through to the very last fence.

Dark Horse: Team USA 

Every championship is a massive deal for the U.S. team who have seemed to be perennial underdogs in recent history, but I like to think this year is different. I think we have a healthy mix of seasoned vets, new faces and an extra crate of tannerite in the trailer to spark it all off.

I’m excited to see Ariel Grald given this huge opportunity with Leamore Master Plan. To take your “first upper level horse” to a World Championships is the stuff of miracles. We can expected polished, competitive rides from the stalwarts of Boyd Martin, Lauren Nicholson and Will Coleman. And if the stars align, we may see Tamie Smith and the unicorn Mai Baum up on the individual podium when all is done too.

Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser (pictured at WEG in 2018) will look to send Team GB to the top of the podium once more. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

TILLY BERENDT

Team Gold: Team GB

The British squad is TERRIFYINGLY good, once again, and they’ll head to Italy with the confidence of a nation that holds basically every gold medal there is to win at the moment (except the Pony European team gold, but we’ll allow that). I think Germany’s going to give them a serious run for their money, though, and it’ll come right down to the wire over a tough, terrain-y showjumping track on Sunday. One of those two teams will win — by the tiniest of margins.

Individual Gold: A who’s who of top finishers

It’s going to be a head to head between Michael Jung and the ineffable fischerChipmunk FRH and Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser, for me. Laura Collett and London 52 have an enormous chance, but we’ve not yet seen ‘Dan’ tackle terrain like this (and he had a hold mid-round at Badminton, so it’s enough of a question mark) — but Toledo has stay for days and looks at his absolute peak after that whoopsy at Badminton this spring. That said, though, there’s no part of me that would be surprised if Germany’s Christoph Wahler snuck in and sealed the deal with Carjatan S. They’re incredible on the flat, and can go sub-25, and the gelding is a real stayer. He peaks in the second half of the season, and generally show jumps exceptionally well. They’ve got everything it takes to get it done.

Dark Horse: Vive la France

It feels like cheating to refer to the French as a ‘dark horse’ front – but they do always seem to sneak out of nowhere to get the job done. This year’s squad is full of new faces and young horses, but when you start to delve into their results and recent performances, you’ll realise they’re an incredibly formidable bunch. I’m particularly excited to see UK-based Gaspard Maksud make his championship debut with Zaragoza, a nine-year-old who’s been extraordinarily impressive. They were right up there in the final selection trial at Haras du Pin — or Diet Pratoni — and could really put their names on the map this week. I’m also enormously excited to see what the Swiss team does this week, and I think we should see them nab their Olympic qualification here pretty easily — a huge step up for this developing eventing nation.

Tom Carlile’s exciting Darmagnac de Beliard at Bramham. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

AMANDA CHANCE

Team Gold: Team France

Tempting to go for the obvious choice with Team GB (the depth of their team is incredible) but where’s the fun in that?!? Plus I think it’s safe to say that if there’s something we’ve all learned in the past decade or so, it’s that the French tend to fly under the radar then pop up out of seemingly nowhere and do really well in team competition. You can never count them out, plus I’m a Tom Carlisle mega fangirl, so… Vive la France!

Individual Gold: Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos

This is the best cross country horse in the world right now (fight me, it’s a hill I’m100% willing to die on) and King of the FOD. He won’t be at the top after dressage, but I’m hoping the jumping phases have a heavy influence. To me Vassily is everything an event horse should be, an absolute joy to watch, and I can’t wait to see him eat up Pratoni – hopefully he gets some nice shiny golden hardware to hang up alongside his Olympic silver!

Dark Horse: Team Japan

This one is purely sentimental but I would love nothing more than to see Team Japan make it onto the podium. It was gutting to see them not finish a team on their home turf in Tokyo after putting in so many years worth of prep just for that occasion, and I think they’ll be seeking some redemption. Hopefully the eventing gods are on their side!

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum are textbook over Badminton’s beefiest showjumping track. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

TALEEN HANNA

Team Gold: Team USA

I may be a little biased since I live in the U.S., but Team USA has an overall solid team and might be capable of pulling it out this week.

Individual Gold: Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH

Michael is an all-time favorite of mine and I feel like it’s a pretty safe choice to put my bets on him winning!

Dark Horse: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

They have been working extra hard — especially lately. I think they might surprise us!

Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Abby Powell.

EMA KLUGMAN

Team Gold: Germany

It’s always hard to bet against the Germans, and this year they really seem to have a strong team with horses and riders with strengths in all three phases. Occasionally in the past the cross country has caught them out (i.e. in Tokyo, when they suffered from a mistake on cross country and only had three riders with the Olympic format), but I think having a drop score at the Worlds will mean that they are virtually bulletproof, even if one of their team riders does have a problem on cross country.

Individual Gold: Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir

As a young professional in our sport of eventing, I find it awe-inspiring that Yasmin was not only competitive enough at the top level to make a senior team, but also made the British team, which is arguably the most competitive to be selected for, given the country’s strength and depth. As she did at Kentucky this spring, where she finished second, this young woman seems to show up to play and to win. Her horse doesn’t appear to have a weakness, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them on the individual podium, if not atop it.

Dark Horse: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

A literal “dark horse,” the striking black gelding has the capability to win the dressage and add nothing to that score if everything goes their way in each phase of competition. If they can do that, it may be a real fairytale weekend for this long-term partnership.

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

ABBY POWELL

Team Gold: Is Team GB the strongest in the world right now? Is the sky blue? Do dogs bark?

Individual Gold: Ros Canter defends her title

Perhaps this is going a bit out on a limb since he’s such a young horse and of course there is such formidable competition even on their own team, but I think Ros Canter< will defend her title as World Champion with the 10-year-old Lordships Graffalo. This pair has already shown impressive consistency and garnered a number of top placings, including second place at Badminton this spring at the gelding’s 5* debut. I mean, c’mon.

Dark Horse: Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos

Speaking of consistency…Vassily de Lassos, Andrew Hoy’s FOD unicorn, will never be far off the front. While he doesn’t hit the lower 20s dressage scores, this horse is a jumping freak in the best possible way. Let this blow your mind: he’s only accrued 1.2 total jumping phase penalties in all his FEI starts over the last three years. If everyone else is having a bit of trouble in the later two phases, then this pair will steal the title.

Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

SALLY SPICKARD

Team Gold: A head-to-head between the Brits and the Germans

It won’t be surprising to see the defending World and Olympic champion British duke it out with the equally impressive German team this week — at this juncture, it’s really anyone’s call as to who will be the last standing atop the podium. I think this event will, more than some others, come down to cross country and its unique challenge that’s sure to feature “thinking questions” from designer Giuseppe della Chiesa. Add in a healthy amount of Italian terrain and a dash of heat and humidity, and we’ve got conditions that will warrant endurance and horsemanship above all else.

But this championship will be won on brains, not brawn. As Giuseppe told Tilly, “A tired horse on a hill will not finish; he just stops. He says, ‘I’ve had enough’. But a tired horse on flat ground, if the rider has a bit of a brain, has the chance of a softer route to bring him home. I didn’t use that so much in the short-format competition, but in the long-format, I will. I’ve always been a big believe that you must do hills early on and finish flat.”

Individual Gold: Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos

It feels a bit silly to bet against the fischerChipmunks, London 52s, Amande de B’Nevilles, and Ballaghmor Classes of the world, but I — along with many of our team members here — have a good feeling about Andrew Hoy’s magical unicorn, Vassily de Lassos. Skip on down to Abby’s write-up about Vassily de Lassos’ nearly impeccable cross country record, which speaks for itself. Andrew benefitted from a hold on cross country in Tokyo, but likely could have caught the tricky time regardless of that and would go on to collect an individual and a team medal for Australia that week. Andrew’s chosen his competition schedule for the 13-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding — whose breeding will also be bonus for this event — smartly, picking events where his horse’s versatility and rideability can truly shine. This pair was fifth in the 4*-L (different cross country designer) at Pratoni in 2020 and will lead the charge for the Australians this week.

Dark Horse: Team USA

The all-important Olympic qualification is on the line for all countries fielding a team at Pratoni. The top seven teams — excluding host country France, should they finish in this realm — will collect their qualification berth for Paris, taking the pressure off for the next couple of years. While this is the foundational goal, Team USA won’t be going into Pratoni with *just* a qualification in mind — they’ve put together one of the strongest teams in recent memory and are heading into championship week with medals on the mind.

Under the guidance of interim chef d’equipe Bobby Costello, the mix of new faces and experience on the U.S. team bring a wealth of recent successes to the table. Team USA has not achieved the results it’s sought in the past few championship and Olympic cycles — could this be the week of the turnaround?

In particular, I’m keen to see the very experienced Tsetserleg take a spin around this cross country track, and I also look forward to the Anglo-Arab Vermiculus’ performance for Lauren Nicholson — this is another pair that, to my eye at least, seems perfectly suited to this type of track. And of course, you’ve got the 2021 Aachen winners (Will Coleman and Off the Record) as well as the guaranteed-to-dazzle Mai Baum and the consistent Leamore Master Plan sporting the stars and stripes this week, and I for one think we could be looking at a podium team if things go well for the Americans.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

GILLIAN WARNER

Team Gold: Great Britain

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the British team defend their title from Tryon in 2018. With an incredibly experienced and impressive team in Laura Collett, Ros Canter, Oliver Townend, Tom McEwen, and Yasmin Ingham, the British team is bringing some hard hitters, consistent pairings, and a talented senior team debutante in Yasmin Ingham. I’d expect this team to leave a massive impression.

Individual Gold: Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH

Every time I think I’ve selected my pick for individual gold, I think of yet another strong pair, or factor to consider. It just goes to show how intensely exciting this week will be! Not particularly surprising, but Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH are top of my list. However, could we see a similar showing as Kentucky this past spring? With Yasmin Ingham’s remarkable showing in Kentucky, her senior team debut could be similarly competitive.

Dark Horse: Team Switzerland

I’m keeping a close eye on the Swiss team this week… with impressive performances at Avenches in July AND Pratoni in May, the team riders are in the midst of a hot streak. I’m looking forward to seeing what these riders can do at Pratoni this time around!

Now it’s your turn! Submit your picks below or here by midnight EST on Thursday, September 15 to be eligible to win. Can’t see the embedded post below? Click here to enter.

Disclaimer: This form collects email addresses, which will be shared with the presenting sponsors of this contest. You may receive emails from Kentucky Performance Products, Ocala Horse Properties, Achieve Equine and EN — but you can unsubscribe at any point in time, and we won’t share your information outside of these parties.

Want more Pratoni news? Head over to our Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships for Eventing, and be sure to sign up for the #Pratoni2022 Daily Digest email, which will begin delivering to your inbox daily on Tuesday, September 13.

It’s Pratoni Week! How to Watch FEI World Championships for Eventing

By on Sep 13, 2022 9:15 am -

We are absolutely spoiled with a full calendar of eventing for the first time in recent history, and the adventure continues this week as the long-awaited 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing kick off Wednesday, September 14 with the first horse inspection.

If you aren’t lucky enough to attend in person (I feel your pain there!), I’ve rounded up the best ways to follow along from wherever you are, so keep this post bookmarked (along with our Ultimate Guide to World Championships, of course) and share with your fellow eventing nerd friends.

Additionally, it’s likely I’ve missed some information on international viewing, so please feel free to email [email protected] or comment on this post if you have more details than I found!

The global broadcast will be carried by FEI.TV, which is now a part of ClipMyHorse.TV. You’ll need a subscription to access the stream, which starts at $17.03/month —- but this will also get you access to the entirety of their global streaming schedule, including all the World Championships disciplines, plus a jam-packed archive of competitions and programs. There is also a free trial for new users, and the service can be canceled at any point in time. Bonus: the World Championships for Driving are also set to be held at Pratoni the week following eventing and will also be broadcast live on FEI.TV.

To access the live stream from wherever you are, click here. Highlights and winning rounds will also be uploaded to the FEI’s YouTube channel.

Tilly has graciously designed a few time zone cards for you as well, so here’s a look at the competition schedule in worldwide time zones:

There will also be select/limited coverage broadcast on various networks around the world. I wasn’t able to confirm specifics, but here is a list provided by the FEI of networks that will carry some sort of coverage from Pratoni — check your local listings for more:

  • Australia – 7plus
  • Brazil – COB (Brazilian Olympic Committee)
  • China – MIGU
  • Egypt – ONTIME Sports
  • Finland – Yle
  • Germany– ARD/ZDF
  • Italy – Rai
  • Netherlands – NOS
  • Norway – NRK
  • Poland – TVP
  • Sweden – SVT
  • Switzerland – SSR
  • UK – BBC
  • MENA – Dubai TV: Iran – Iraq – Israel – Jordan – Kuwait – Lebanon – Oman – Palestinian Territory – Qatar – Saudi Arabia – Syria – United Arab Emirates – Yemen
  • MENA – Abu Dhabi Media: Algeria – Bahrain – Chad – Djibouti – Egypt – Iran – Iraq – Israel – Jordan – Kuwait – Lebanon – Libya – Mauritania – Morocco – Oman – Palestinian Territory – Qatar – Saudi Arabia – Somalia – Sudan – Syria – Tunisia – United Arab Emirates – Yemen
  • Africa (9 countries) – StarTimes: Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, Guinea, DRC, and South Africa

Delayed coverage will also be provided on Eurosport:

  • Pan-Europe: Albania – Algeria – Andorra – Armenia – Austria – Azerbaijan – Belarus – Belgium – Bosnia-Herzegovina – Bulgaria – Croatia – Czech Republic – Cyprus – Denmark – Egypt Estonia – Finland – France – Georgia – Germany – Greece – Hungary – Iceland – Ireland – Israel – Italy – Jordan – Kosovo – Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan – Latvia – Lebanon – Libya – Liechtenstein – Lithuania – Luxembourg – Macedonia – Malta – Moldova – Monaco – Morocco – Montenegro – Netherlands – Norway – Poland – Portugal – Romania – Russia – San Marino – Serbia – Slovakia – Slovenia, Spain – Sweden – Switzerland – Syria – Tajikistan – Tunisia – Turkmenistan – Turkey – United Kingdom – Ukraine – Uzbekistan – Vatican State
  • Pan-Asia: Afghanistan – Australia – Bangladesh – Bhutan – Brunei – Cambodia – Cook Islands – East Timor – Fiji – Federated States of Micronesia – French Polynesia – Guam – Hong Kong – India – Indonesia – Kiribati Islands – Laos – Macau – Malaysia – Maldives – Marshall Islands – Mongolia – Myanmar – Nauru – New Caledonia – Nepal – Niue – North Korea – North Mariana Islands – Pakistan – Papua New Guinea – Palau – Philippines – Pitcairn Islands – Samoa – Singapore – Solomon Islands – South Korea – Sri Lanka – Taiwan – Thailand – Tonga – Tuvalu – Vanuatu – Vietnam
  • Indian Sub-Continent: India – Bangladesh – Bhutan – Myanmar – Nepal – Pakistan – Sri Lanka

Highlights will be available on the following networks:

  • New Zealand – Country TV
  • Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Asia Pacific (including Australia and New Zealand), Latin America – CNBC
  • Pan-Africa – SuperSport: Angola – Benin – Botswana – Burkina Faso – Burundi – Cameroon – Cape Verde – Central African Republic – Chad – Comoros Islands – Congo – Democratic Republic of Congo – Djibouti – Equatorial Guinea – Eritrea – Ethiopia – Gabon – Gambia – Ghana – Guinea – Guinea Bissau – Ivory Coast – Kenya – Lesotho – Liberia – Madagascar – Malawi – Mali – Mauritania – Mauritius – Mayotte – Mozambique – Namibia – Niger – Nigeria – Reunion – Rwanda – Sao Tome and Principe – Senegal – Seychelles – Sierra Leone – Socotra – Somalia (including Somaliland) -South Africa – St Helena and Ascension – Sudan – South Sudan – Swaziland – Tanzania – Togo – Uganda – Zimbabwe – Zambia
  • Japan – The Green Channel
  • Africa (7 countries) – Azam: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Zimbabwe
  • Venezuela – LaTeleTuya
  • Asia-Pacific – ABU (Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)

FEI World Championships for Eventing: [Website] [Definite Entries] [FEI TV] [ EN’s Ultimate Guide ] [EN’s Form Guide] [Timing & Scoring] [Daily Digest Email] [EN’s Coverage]

Tuesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Sep 13, 2022 5:00 am -

It’s timeeeee! Horses and riders are arriving at Pratoni del Vivaro for this week’s FEI World Championships, and I am simply stoked to follow along from afar. We’ve got Shelby Allen and Tilly Berendt on the ground this week and Abby Powell and myself supporting remotely, so buckle in for an epic week of top-tier eventing!

Want more Pratoni news? Head over to our Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships for Eventing, and be sure to sign up for the #Pratoni2022 Daily Digest email, which will begin delivering to your inbox daily on Tuesday, September 13.

FEI World Championships for Eventing:
[Website] [Definite Entries] [FEI TV] [ EN’s Ultimate Guide ] | Daily Digest Email | [EN’s Coverage]

Events Opening This Week:

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA); Full Moon Farms H.T. (MD);

Events Closing Today:

Spokane Sport Horse Eighth Annual Fall H.T. (WA); Jump Start H.T. (KY); The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm (MD); Sundance Farm H.T. (WI); Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (MA);

News & Notes:

Know someone who has made our sport better? Nominations are now open for the USEA Appreciation Award, intended to recognize someone for their dedication to the sport in a riding or a non-riding capacity. [Learn more & nominate someone]

Doug Payne stopped by the latest episode of the USEA Podcast with Nicole Brown to chat all things Vandiver, the Tokyo Olympics, running a bustling business, family, and much more. [When Nicole Met Doug]

Mexican rider Daniela Moguel is on a mission to grow eventing. As she treks to her second World Championships appearance with her darling mare Cecelia, she also hopes to enjoy the ride with her partner of a lifetime while also growing visibility for other riders hoping to get into the sport. [Bringing Eventing to the World]

Sponsor Corner: Our favorite listing from Ocala Horse Properties this week is a darling mini-farm just waiting for you (and me, into your guest room) to move in…

Training Tip Tuesday Video Break:

Changing your environment is instrumental for training and development, and Cathy Wieschhoff shares some tips from her farm in this minute with Cathy clip:

Monday Video: All Things Burghley and Pratoni with Jon and Rick (& Special Guests!)

By on Sep 12, 2022 5:00 pm -

It’s a Burghley and World Championships bonanza on the latest episode of The Jon and Rick Show! Hosts Jon Holling and Rick Wallace welcome two fantastic guests this week.

Cornelia Dorr, fresh off her top ten finish a her 5* debut at Burghley, tells our hosts how she’s adapted to Daytona Beach 8’s spicy style and gives us a play-by-play of how her Burghley weekend went. Daniela Moguel, who’ll be representing Mexico at the World Championships later this week, then joins the show and tells us about preparing for her second World Championships (including all the things that have made her want to bubble wrap Cecelia!).

Jon and Rick also have some interesting talking points at the beginning of this episode, including discussing Derek di Grazia’s course design and the use of brush fences and frangible devices, the value of a horse who might not be competitive on the flat but can jump clear around the biggest tracks in the world, as well as some thoughts on structuring a World Championship or Olympic team.

Watch the episode above or listen to it here or wherever you listen to podcasts!

 

The Breeding Breakdown: Mare Families Shine at Burghley

By on Sep 12, 2022 3:00 pm -

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 that caught her eye as we look at Burghley in the rearview.

Note: In this column, xx denotes a full Thoroughbred horse

Every time a big event is done and dusted I like to take peek through the breeding of the top 10 to 20 finishers to see if there’s anything interesting or noteworthy. Spoiler alert: there almost always is, and the 2022 Burghley field was no exception.

This year the top spots were dominated by mostly higher blood horses, with at least four of the top 10 (there’s some debate as to the pedigree of a couple horses –- more on that later) having one full Thoroughbred parent, and every single one of the top five finishers having a Thoroughbred damsire.

The real story for me though, when you dig a bit deeper, is in the incredible depth of the mare families of most of these horses.

The term “mare family” is used to refer to the female line of a horse’s pedigree (also called the tail-female line) and the offspring of the mares within that line. Most breeders will agree that when it comes to producing good horses, the mare is the more important part of the equation. Of particular interest to most breeders, aside from the particular mare at hand, is her entire mare family in general. What have they done performance-wise, and what other horses have they produced? This is something that is tracked almost obsessively by many breeders, and argued about extensively around dinner tables and online. Different mare families are even assigned numbers by many studbooks in order to make them easier to track and reference.

If we take our top 10 Burghley finishers and take an in depth look at their mare families, this is how they break down.

Piggy March and 2019 Badminton winner/2022 Burghley winner Vanir Kamira. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

1: Vanir Kamira (Camiro de Haar Z x Fair Caledonian by Dixi xx) / ISH / bred by Kathryn Jackson / between 48% to 74% blood

Vanir Kamira is by the 1.60m showjumping stallion Camiro de Haar Z (Challano Z x Ramiro Z) who has one other 5* horse to his credit in Fiona Kashel’s Creevagh Silver de Haar. Her dam, Fair Caledonian, was by the Thoroughbred stallion Dixi xx, out of a mare called Fair Words. Unfortunately the pedigree and breeding of Fair Words is not known for certain (she was purchased for £200 from a Horse and Hound ad) but she was believed to be full Thoroughbred. Without knowing the breeding of Fair Words, Vanir Kamira’s provable blood percentage is 48%. If we assume that Fair Words was full Thoroughbred, that means she’s more like 74%. Big difference!

While Fair Caledonian herself was described as “slightly underwhelming” (indeed she finished only 15.1h at maturity) by her breeder Kate Stevens, she has proven her worth as a broodmare. In addition to Vanir Kamira she also produced two other mares: Vanir Silver River (by Golden River) and Camacazy Diamond (by Mount Diamond Flag). Vanir Silver River is the dam of the aforementioned Creevagh Silver de Haar, Camiro de Haar’s other 5* offspring. Camacazy Diamond produced an FEI horse in Fernhill Fine Diamond, who competed to 3*-L in the U.S. with Mia Farley.

Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift. Photo by Libby Law.

2: Capels Hollow Drift (Shannondale Sarco St Ghyven x Lucky Crest by Lucky Gift xx) / ISH / bred by Jeanette Glynn / at least 52% blood

Capels Hollow Drift is by popular Ireland-based stallion Shannondale Sarco St Ghyven, who is also the sire of 5* horse Woodstock Bennett (Ryan Wood). While the documented mare line of Capels Hollow Drift’s pedigree only goes back four generations to the mare Cotton Ginny (whose dam was unrecorded) his dam, Lucky Crest, has proven to be an excellent producer of event horses. In addition to Capels Hollow Drift she also has two 4* horses to her credit: With Love and Triple Point, both by Beau Royale xx.

Tim Price’s Vitali steps up to the plate and grows in confidence around his first Burghley. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

3: Vitali (Contender x Noble Lady I by Heraldik xx) / HOL / bred by Guenther Fielmann / 56% blood

Vitali’s sire, Contender, has proven to be an excellent line for eventing, particularly through his son Contendro. Vitali’s dam, Noble Lady I, is by the full Thoroughbred stallion Heraldik xx, and it’s not a surprise to see a horse from the Contender/Contendro x Heraldik xx “nick” on the podium at a big event — it’s a popular one for producing event horses (fischerChipmunk ring a bell?).

Vitali’s dam, Noble Lady I, has a couple other performance horses to her name with a 1.30m show jumper and a 1.40m show jumper. She also produced a mare named Tessa (by Cassini) that is the dam of 1.50m showjumper Malin 21, by Mylord Carthago. Vitali is from Holsteiner mareline (also known as Stamm in German) 3317, which has also produced WEG show jumper Dominator Z (Christian Ahlmann).

Jonelle Price and Classic Moet: full of gumption in the final phase. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

4: Classic Moet (Classic xx x Gamston Bubbles by Bohemond xx) / SHBGB / bred by Elaine Hepworth / 88% blood

Classic Moet is another one with a partially undocumented pedigree, but we do know enough to prove that performance runs in this mare family. Her dam, Gamston Bubbles, competed to Advanced with Classic Moet’s breeder Elaine Hepworth. We know that Gamston Bubbles was 1/4 Shire, so by crossing her to a full Thoroughbred stallion in Classic xx, the resulting offspring is 7/8 TB. Classic Moet also had a full sibling, Classic Piper, who competed to 4* (Elizabeth Hayden and Michael McNally). Time will tell if Classic Moet passes on the family talent –- she has two four-year-old Upsilon foals produced via embryo transfer.

Alice Casburn and Topspin celebrate a classy clear. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

5: Topspin (Zento x Capriati by El Conquistador xx) / SHBGB / bred by Caroline Casburn / 70% blood

I will admit that tracking down the pedigree of this one led to me sending a perhaps somewhat stalker-ish WhatsApp message to the breeder (#sorrynotsorry), who is also rider Alice Casburn’s mother. Topspin is a second generation homebred from the Casburn breeding program, out of their Thoroughbred mare Capriati xx, who is by the stallion El Conquistador xx, by Shirley Heights xx. Capriati’s dam is a mare named Spangle that Caroline competed to Advanced.

Kitty King and Vendredi Biats. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

6: Vendredi Biats (Winningmood x Liane Normande by Camelia de Ruelles) / SF / bred by Phillippe Brivois and Sophie Floquet / 52% blood

Lest you start thinking “Aha! We’ve found one without a close Thoroughbred relative!”, you should sit back down because Vendredi Biats’ second dam is by Count Ivor xx — a Thoroughbred sire who is quite common to see on the dam’s side of modern event horses. Vendredi Biats’ sire, Winningmood, show jumped to 1.60m and has mostly sired show jumpers, with Vendredi Biats being the only event horse so far to have made it past 3* level.

The mare family of Vendredi Biats has considerable depth with it comes to performance: in addition to Vendredi Biats it has produced 5* horse Jacquet (by Amarpour xx), 4* horse Trappeur Norman (by King’s Road xx) , 4* horse Nova V (by Starter), and 3* horse Garaut (by St Brendan xx). It can also lay claim to three 1.60m show jumpers.

Richard Jones and Alfies Clover. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

7: Alfies Clover (Tajraasi xx x Aoifes Clover by Clover Hill) / ISH / bred by James Hickey / 72% blood

The sire of Alfies Clover, Tajraasi xx, is a full brother to Group 1 winner and successful National Hunt Cup sire Germany xx. So far at the top levels of eventing Tajraasi xx has produced Alfies Clover and 4* horse Kilballyboy Bob. On the dam’s side of Alfies Clover’s pedigree we unfortunately only have five generations before we again come to an unrecorded mare. While his mare family is not as extensive as some, his dam Aoifes Clover has also produced two 1.30m show jumpers.

2019 Burghley champion Pippa Funnell with Billy Walk On. Photo by Libby Law.

8: Billy Walk On (Billy Mexico x Shannon Line by Golden Bash xx) / SHBGB / bred by Donal Barnwell / 69% blood

Billy Walk On’s sire, Billy Mexico, show jumped to 1.50m and is also sire to three 4* horses. In addition to 5* horse Billy Walk On, his dam, Shannon Line, has also produced two 4* horses and a 3* horse. This mare family has been particularly effective at producing show jumpers: one of Shannon Line’s daughters, Shannon Bells (by Animo), has produced 6 (six!) horses that have show jumped from 1.30m or higher, including 1.60m horse Billy Bella, by Vechta. Shannon Line herself was 7/8 Thoroughbred and 1/8 Irish Draught.

Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

9: Liberty and Glory (Caretino Glory x Little Runnymede xx by Ginger Boy xx) / SHBGB / bred by Patricia and Robin Balfour / 67% blood

Liberty and Glory is another homebred out of a high performance mare; her dam, Little Runnymede xx, is a full Thoroughbred who ran Advanced with Tim Crisp’s wife Sofie Crisp (née Balfour). She is from the Thoroughbred mare family 1-j, the same as 5* eventers Superstition, Global Fision M, Calico Joe, and Landmark’s Monte Carlo, just to name a few.

Liberty and Glory’s sire, Caretino Glory, show jumped to 1.60m and has yet to produce any other 4* or 5* event horses.

Cornelia Dorr delivers a masterclass in tactful riding with Daytona Beach 8 (Duke of Hearts xx x Sandance by Santander 8) in their Burghley/5* debut. Photo by Libby Law.

10: Daytona Beach 8 (Duke of Hearts xx x Sandance by Santander 8) / OLD / bred by Dr Rolf Lück / 67% blood

I will admit that I’ve been following this horse for years, partly because she’s just plain fun to watch and partly because I love her sire. Duke of Hearts xx, a full Thoroughbred stallion by Halling xx out of a Keonigsstuhl xx mare, was not very heavily used early on in his stud career, but despite having a fairly modest number of offspring over the age of 10 has so far managed to produce four 4* horses in addition to the newly-minted 5* horse Daytona Beach 8.

Another notable up and coming Duke of Hearts xx offspring can be found in the barn of Laura Collett. Outback finished second in the 7-year-old Championship at Le Lion d’Angers in 2021 and won the 3*-L at Millstreet this year.

Daytona Beach 8’s dam, Sandance, show jumped to 1.20m herself, as did her dam Sweet Iris. So far Sandance has been the best-producing mare of her family, particularly when crossed with Duke of Hearts xx. There are several full siblings from this pairing, including a 1.30m show jumper, a 1.20m show jumper, and a 2* eventer.

Okay I swore I was going to stop at 10 (is anyone still alive out there?) but the 11th place horse might be the most interesting mare family of all, so I just can’t resist including her.

Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

11: Pencos Crown Jewel (Jumbo x Cornish Queen by Rock King) / SHBGB / bred by Pennie Wallace / 61% blood

By the Advanced level eventing stallion Jumbo, Pencos Crown Jewel might be a 5* horse but she’s already proven her value as breeding stock as well, having produced two foals via embryo transfer when she was 3 and 4 years old. Her first foal, a 2012 mare named Jamakin Faer Trial (by Mill Law), has competed to 3* level with British rider Gracie Lovett Brunt.

Pencos Crown Jewel is continuing the legacy of what has proven to be a fairly remarkable mare family. Cornish Queen, the dam of Pencos Crown Jewel, is also the dam of 5* horse Lordships Graffalo (who was tapped to rep Great Britain with Ros at this week’s FEI World Championships) and up-and-coming 3* horse Lordships Parc Royale.

Cornish Queen is at least 84% Thoroughbred. Her second dam, Cornish Faer, was a 5* horse, completing Badminton and Burghley. Cornish Faer’s dam Tregea, a full sister to 1972 Olympian Cornish Gold, produced five Advanced level eventers. Tregea’s dam, April The First, produced two 5* horses and a Grade A show jumper. She was also a Grade A show jumper herself, known for having cleared 7’ in the Puissance at the Horse of the Year Show in the UK. Not only is this mare family full of high performance horses, they’ve also more than proven their worth through their offspring as well.

Girl power, indeed.

Weekend Winners: CDCTA, Chardon Valley, Five Points, Flora Lea, GMHA

By on Sep 12, 2022 1:00 pm -

Even with the weather cooling down, the competition season is hot! With five recognized events running this past weekend, including Area I Championships, we have plenty of Eventers to congratulate and celebrate from this weekend.

CDCTA Fall H.T. (Berryville, VA): [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Martin Douzant and Silver Ruby (35.1)
Open Training 1: Kaitlin Clasing and Above the Fold (29.6)
Open Training 2: Mia Valdez and Perfect Storm (35.6)
Open Novice 1: Angela Bowles and Excel Star Aurora (32.5)
Open Novice 2: Lynn Symansky and Chesterland’s Juice (33.3)
Novice Junior: Sarah Bush and Spryte (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice 1: Jennifer Berdell and Waffle (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice 2: Crystal Sorrenti and Money Is Due (33.2)
Beginner Novice Junior: Lillian Weidner and Just Keep Swimming (26.2)
Intro: Daisy Shumaker and Seabeescando (42.0)
TIP Preliminary: Courtney Sendak-Waskiewicz and Where’s My Tail (48.0)
TIP Training: Alexandra Wikstrom and Viking Navigator (33.8)
TIP Novice: Scout Knull and Ron Juan (32.5)
TIP Beginner Novice: Lillian Weidner and Just Keep Swimming (26.2)
TIP Intro: Tamara Zerbo and Donatello (45.3)
VABRED Intro: London Roberts-Shipway and Flying First Class (91.3)
VABRED Beginner Novice: Sharon White and Namara CFF (33.2)
VABRED Novice: Sharon White and Arden’s Noblest (33.3)

Chardon Valley H.T. (Decatur, MI): [Website] [Results]

CCI2* Combined Test-unsanctioned: Carrie Mulks and Colony’s Finale (54.4)
Modified-Open: Bentlee Swisz and Isabel (32.3)
Open Modified-Training: Carrie Mulks and Malibu Rum (52.5)
Training Junior Rider: Olivia Cannizzaro and Mahogany Dancer (40.0)
Training-Open: Lily Thomas and Elysee (40.3)
Novice Junior Rider: Katie Schutte and Rigden (28.9)
Novice-Open: Jordan Riske and MM Irish Clover (25.3)
Beginner Novice Junior Rider: Afton Markoski and Paper Maker (33.1)
Beginner Novice-Open: Halley Widlak and Starscream (24.4)
Starter Junior Rider: Taylor Goodwin and Princess (32.9)
Starter-Open: Margaret Kinsinger and Leap of Faith (32.2)

Five Points H.T. (Raeford, NC): [Website] [Results]

Advanced: Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba (42.2)
Intermediate: Leslie Lamb and Banjo (28.0)
Open Preliminary: Emeline Gilbert and EWSZ Mozart (28.4)
Preliminary CT: Hugh Wrigley and Luksor (30.5)
Preliminary Rider: Leila Cluff-Ryan and Grand Finale (29.8)
Modified Rider: Carroll Courtenay and Mr.Puff Higgens Jr. (30.2)
Open Modified: Hugh Wrigley and FE Santos (20.7)
Open Training A: Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond (32.5)
Open Training B: Bennett Camp-Crowder and Sheeran (27.9)
Training Rider: Ruth Cruz and Achiever’s Tribute (27.4)
Novice CT: Andrea St.Hilaire and Kiss the Stars AND John Michael Durr and Cactus Willie (31.1)
Novice Rider: Lauren Hill and Phineas Flynn (24.4)
Open Novice A: Leslie Lamb and Journeyman (27.5)
Open Novice B: Barbara Gibson and Emmett Otter (33.9)
Beginner Novice CT: Christine Chatham and Poppy (39.9)
Beginner Novice Rider: Roisin O’Rahilly and Ziggy (27.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Susan Thomas and Fernhill Coastal Cowboy (28.8)
New Event Horse: McKenzie Dey Cumbea and Hoosier Zip (76.300)
Future Event Horse – Yearling: Trina Gomez and Crixus (76.100)
Future Event Horse – 3 Year Old: Kaitlyn Dudley and Bend The Rules (77.050)
Young Event Horse – 4 Year Old: Alexandra Green Kerby and Serrano B (80.200)
Young Event Horse – 5 Year Old: Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond (84.500)

Flora Lea Fall H.T. (Medford, NJ): [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Jennifer Brannigan and Ottakringer (29.0)
Preliminary Rider: Katherine Maroko and Rosie’s Little Miss Liberty (39.6)
Open Training: Jennifer Brannigan and FE Flint (28.7)
Training Rider: Olivia Ford and Kilcannon Pride (31.1)
Novice Rider: Tara Astacio and Money to Burn (33.7)
Open Novice: Delaney Emerson and Merlins Redfield HSH (28.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Taylor Davidson and Jax and Taylor (35.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Delaney Emerson and Redfield Kylian A (29.0)
Young Event Horse – Four Year Old: Jennifer Brannigan and Cool Macallan (81.350)
Young Event Horse – Five Year Old: Kurt Martin and K.M. Baliaretto (86.400)

GMHA September H.T. & Area I Championships (South Woodstock, VT): [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Amy Conforti and Just Say Yes (35.9)
Open Preliminary – Championships: Emily Van Gemeren and Winter Carnival (41.3)
Preliminary Rider: Eliza Quigley and Kwibus (45.6)
Junior Training: Leeci Rowsell and Man of Conviction (27.5)
Open Training: Sarah Morton and Smiling’s My Favorite (29.4)
Training Horse – Championships: Danielle Downing and Caribe PCH (32.9)
Training Rider: Carroll Rayner and Amazing Grace (28.7)
Training Rider – Championships: Eleanor Winter and Figlio (27.9)
Junior Novice: Lucy Hill and Journey to Ernie (31.4)
Novice Horse – Championships: Annabelle Sprague and Freddie (21.9)
Novice Rider: Nick Olijslager and Olaf W (31.7)
Novice Rider – Championships: Pamela Bolek and Well Decorated (23.6)
Open Novice: Alexander Conrad and Sachem (30.0)
Beginner Novice Horse – Championships: Alison Eastman-Lawler and Sara Bella (27.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Caitlin Dwyer and Shadow of Night (29.3)
Beginner Novice Rider – Championships: Quinn Ellis and Good Harbour (28.4)
Junior Beginner Novice: Moira Danzig and Magical Daydream (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Amie Loring and Excel Star Cast Away (22.7)

On the Road to Le Lion with Liz Halliday-Sharp, Presented by Ocala Horse Properties

By on Sep 12, 2022 9:00 am -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

It seems like only a few months ago that an exciting young horse popped up on Liz Halliday-Sharp’s social media channels. A frequent customer of Richard and Georgina Sheane’s Cooley Farm in Ireland, Liz can be counted on to have a slew of horses sourced from Ireland on her roster at all times.

One rising star on the Halliday-Sharp roster (a high compliment, considering most any horse in Liz’s stables at any point in time is most likely a superstar in the making) is a seven-year-old by Dallas VDL, Shanroe Cooley. Bred by Anthony Smyth, Shanroe Cooley (Dallas VDL – Shanroe Sapphire) was purchased as a four-year-old for Liz’s program, joining a strong string of her horses owned by Ocala Horse Properties.

It’s this gelding, who competed in the Irish Young Event Horse Finals in 2019, that’s been tapped for the FEI WBFSH World Young Horse Breeding Championships at Mondial du Lion in France. The annual fall event, which this year is scheduled for October 20-23, features World Championships for both six- and seven-year-old event horses at the CCI2*-L and CCI3*-L levels, respectively.

“I have always believed he was a [Le Lion] horse,” Liz explained after winning the 3*-S in wire-to-wire fashion at MARS Great Meadow International last month. Prior to that, “Dallas” was fifth in his first 3*-L at Bromont in June.

“He’s a really interesting horse,” Liz continued. “He’s wiser than his years. He’s never been bothered with atmosphere or anything like that, he just goes in and does his job.” That isn’t to say the Irish gelding is a simple ride, though. “He doesn’t look it, but he’s a tricky ride. He’s an internal worrier, definitely, and he’s sensitive.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley pick up a win en route to a trip to France this fall. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Had it not been for the fact Liz moved her full-time base to the U.S., she says she would likely have taken Shanroe Cooley to Le Lion as a six-year-old. Young horse championships are a “strike while the iron is hot” type of deal, where time is limited and age-outs come into conflict with what could have been all too frequently. But Liz knows she’s got a seven-year-old contender on her hands, and now the focus is on making sure the gelding peaks properly for his big event.

“It’s nice now because I’m going to go to his next run and just tone everything down a little bit since that was the first time I’ve put a bit of pressure on him,” Liz said at Great Meadow, where cross country ran last and she was pleasantly surprised to have gone quickly inside the optimum time. This run sets him up nicely to have a low-pressure run at Stable View later this month ahead of his flight to France. “I think that was good for him, and now we can settle down a little and have a nice run at Stable View.”

The road to Le Lion is long, but we’re enjoying the journey with Liz and will be checking in with her again as the Championships approach. You can learn more about FEI WBFSH World Young Horse Breeding Championships here.

This series is brought to you in partnership with Ocala Horse Properties — your home for prime equestrian real estate in Ocala and beyond. Find your dream farm or next investment opportunity here.

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Sep 12, 2022 6:08 am -

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Equifans (@equifans)

It’s finally here! The 2022 FEI World Championships of Eventing is upon us, and me and Shelby Allen have just touched down in Rome to crack on with a week of wall-to-wall content (and, I hope, lots of Aperol spritz). Stay tuned for plenty of juicy pieces over the next few days, including two form guides, At A Glance graphics guides, course walks, and much, much more. Go Eventing!

National Holiday: It’s Māori Language Week. You can find out more about why that’s so important, and the rich history of New Zealand’s indigenous peoples, here.

US Weekend Action:

CDCTA Fall H.T. (Berryville, VA): [Website] [Results]

Chardon Valley H.T. (Decatur, MI): [Website] [Results]

Five Points H.T. (Raeford, NC): [Website] [Results]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. (Medford, N): [Website] [Results]

GMHA September H.T. & Area I Championships (South Woodstock, VT): [Website] [Results]

UK Weekend Results:

Cornbury International: [Results]

Frenchfield (2): [Results]

Chillington Hall Area Festival: [Results]

West Wilts (3): [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

The idea of taking your horse to ‘cowboy camp’ might make you roll your eyes. I get it: I’m inherently suspicious of the natural horsemanship industry which, rather like the wellness industry, can sometimes take a fundamentally good concept and twist it into a money-making machine. But done right, and delivered properly, learning to ‘speak horse’ can have some huge benefits, as writer Justine Griffin discovered when she took her out-of-action horse out to learn how to work together in-hand. [You don’t actually need to pay three figures for a carrot stick]

Several years ago, an inauspicious tumble while riding on the flat threw a huge curveball into Hannah Sue Hollberg’s life and career. Find out how she engineered her recovery — with some top-notch support from her now-husband Matthias — and got herself back to the big leagues. [The rise and rise of Hannah Sue]

From getting a speeding ticket at her first ever event to jumping around Advanced tracks — with a serious injury in between — Dr Kim Keeton has experienced the full spectrum of the sport. The amateur event rider works full-time as a vet, and managed to carve out time to go train in England, too; if you’re not inspired by her get-up-and-go, I’ll be astonished. [Do all the things, live all the dreams]

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gaspard Maksud (@gaspardmaksud)

I know we all just want to follow the folks on the ground at Pratoni this week, and French debutant Gaspard Maksud is going to give us what we all want: unbridled joy, behind the scenes shots, and a little bit of je ne sais quois. Well worth the follow.

Morning Viewing:

Get a taste of what’s to come this week in Pratoni with this footage from the 2007 European Championships:

 

#RoadToPratoni Social Media Roundup: In Transit to Italy

By on Sep 11, 2022 3:30 pm -

The time is nigh! Most of the horse and rider pairs that will be representing their countries at the FEI Eventing World Championships have departed their training camps across Europe and are currently en route to their final destination: Pratoni, Italy. Let’s take a peek at who’s on the move.

Want more Pratoni news? Head over to our Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships for Eventing, and be sure to sign up for the #Pratoni2022 Daily Digest email, which will begin delivering to your inbox daily on Tuesday, September 13.