Classic Eventing Nation

Maryland 5 Star At-A-Glance: Meet the Riders

By on Oct 13, 2022 1:00 pm -

As we move ahead to this afternoon’s start of 5* dressage here at MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory, we’ve dug into the numbers to introduce you to the 24-strong field competing this weekend. It’s a healthy mix of former 5* winners, experienced and debutant horses, and fresh faces mixed in with plenty of veteran riders.

Want more on each pair entered in the 5* this weekend? Don’t forget to peep our Form Guide, nestled inside this year’s program which can be found here. You can jump straight into the Form Guide section by clicking here.

Let’s dive right in, and stay tuned for a Meet the Horses version coming tomorrow morning!

MARS Maryland 5 Star:[Website] [Entries] [Schedule ] [Drawn Order] [Thursday 5* Times] [Friday 5* Times] [All Ride Times] [USEF Network Live Stream (North America)] [Interactive XC Course Maps] [H&C+ Live Stream (Worldwide)] [Form Guide] [Digital Program] [EN’s Maryland Daily Digest Email] [EN’s Coverage]

We Have Footwear Questions: The Unofficial Jog Awards, Maryland 5 Star Edition

By on Oct 13, 2022 10:26 am -

Getting to a CCI5* is an extraordinary accomplishment, and one that many riders will spend a lifetime working towards. Tens of thousands of hours; blood, sweat, tears; moments spent lying in the arena dirt wondering what on earth the point of it is — all of that leads here, to the first horse inspection at one of the biggest competitions in the world, and the validation that you did the right things, pushed through the tough times, and gained entry into the most elite club of all. If you trotted up a horse at the MARS Maryland 5 Star yesterday, know this: you’ve made it. But also know this: I am now going to make fun of you, with love and admiration. Keep on scrolling to meet this year’s Golden Chinch Award winners at the penultimate five-star of the year.

The Golden Chinch for the Rider Most Likely to Run a FinDom Empire

Hannah Sue Hollberg and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

EN boss lady Sally Spickard and I sat out by our little fire pit at our Delaware AirBNB last night, sharing a cigarette and some crab fries (no, not a euphemism) and winding down after a long course walk at Maryland.

“I have a friend,” she told me, pausing to take a long, luxurious drag, “who’s a financial dominatrix.”

I looked at her, my interest piqued.

“She verbally abuses men, sends them a photo of her feet, and then gets a thousand bucks from them,” she explained.

Now, Hannah Sue Hollberg definitely isn’t a financial dominatrix, because who actually has time for taking feet pics when you have a load of horses to ride every day and a very, very nice new husband to hang out with, too? But something about this eye-catching, body-skimming head-to-toe leather outfit tells me she could if she wanted to, and she’d be making a heck of a lot more than a thousand bucks doing so, as well. It’s all a bit Velvet Underground — shiny, shiny boots of leather; whiplash girl child, and all that — honestly? I’m here for it.

The Golden Chinch for When You’ve Got a Trot-Up at 1, But You Need to Wrangle Those Dogeys at 3

Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

I’ve met Woods Baughman exactly once before this week, and that was in the Burghley mixed zone, where everyone suddenly went really silly and quite odd when it came time to interview him, mostly because he is, let’s be real, very good-looking. He is also a brave, brave boy when it comes to footwear choices. I almost didn’t clock these cowboy clodhoppers as he line-danced his way down the trot-strip, because in my head, I’d already written him off as yet another man in a staid suit. Snore, thought I. More fool me! Woods Baughman is here to put a boot in yer ass, ‘cuz it’s the American way, or something like that, anyway, and he’s got a handy-dandy hoof pick on his belt, too, because what are cowboys if not practical chaps who are ready for just about anything? I, for one, hope that the suit and cowboy boot combo takes over from the regrettable suit and baseball cap situation that has plagued US eventing for far too long. Woods, if you’re reading this, I’ll be wearing my own, very silver, cowboy boots to the final horse inspection — I’ll meet you there for a hoedown. Again, I cannot stress enough that this is not a euphemism.

I’ve been brushing up on some cowboy lingo in preparation, which has been An Experience in and of itself, and so, Woods, let me offer you some sage advice: you’ll never feel more above snakes than you do while competing at a five-star. It can be a hog-killin’ time, or it can be a bit of a bad box, but no matter which hand you’re dealt, don’t be a yellow belly. Try not to get busted off, definitely avoid chewing gravel, and remember that you’re better than a lick and a promise. If you’re angry at me for victimising you in my jog awards, you can crawl my hump at five p.m. today. Ooo-er.

The Golden Chinch for Being the Nicest Boy in Peaky Blinders

Will Coleman and Dondante. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Peaky Blinders fever has swept the eventing world, which always makes me laugh, because event riders — as tough and ballsy and undeniably cool as they are — are about as far from Brummy gangsters as you could possibly get. They enjoy the finer things in life, like, um, dressage (although ‘enjoy’ might be a strong word for most) and cocktail parties. I don’t think Will Coleman has ever ordered anyone to be brutally murdered, although I’m willing to concede that I don’t know everything about everyone and I could be totally wrong there. The flat cap tells me that he’d like to think he has a touch of the crime boss in him, but I think what we’ve got here is a walk-on extra role, in which a smiley, sunny Will drives his milk cart up to the Blinders’ den of iniquity and kindly offers them the choice between full, semi-skim, and gold top. It’s important to ensure that one’s calcium levels are tip-top before a long, hard day of doing naughty things. And you know what? Will’s Got Milk? campaign is working on me. Pour me a tall one, chap.

The Golden Chinch for Hair That’s Booking a Ticket to That Blink-182 Reunion Tour

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s this: I am a die-hard Josie and the Pussycats apologist. I truly believe that the 2001 Rachael Leigh Cook-led ensemble piece is a work of fine art; perhaps one of the greatest film ventures of all time, like Casablanca or Gone With The Wind. This is a hill I will die on, very happily. Josie and the Pussycats awareness is, I think, the mission I was put on this earth to fulfil. And in the year of our lord 2022, I do believe that Jennie B has joined my cause.

First, there was her outfit at Kentucky this spring, which might have been my favourite trot-up outfit of all time. Like many riders, she came out in head to toe Holland Cooper, but instead of wearing the British brand in the Kate Middleton way, she punked it up, pairing a cropped tartan blazer with a pair of skin-tight leather trousers and a heeled ankle boot, looking as though she was ready to pick up a swoopy-fringed boy in the back of a Hot Topic and then maybe snog him in a mosh pit or something. Today, she went full Punk Rock Prom Queen, pairing a Sunday school skirt and scarf combo with a very tarty boot and stocking situation. I cannot explain to you how intensely I intend ‘very tarty’ to be a compliment.

The piece de resistance? That newly pink mane of hair, which says “look, I could do things your way. I could be the president of the National Honour Society. I could sell bon-bons for French Club in my free period. Or — and just bear with me for a moment here — I could start a thrash band with a name like ‘The Riotous Womb-Sluts’ and I could also, maybe, at a push, kick your ass.”

The Golden Chinch for Chaotic Sock Abandonment

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

New Zealand’s Tim Price can do what he likes, really, because he’s the World Number one, and I’m pretty sure that grants you diplomatic immunity from internet piss-takes. HOWEVER. He’s been a very, very rogue boy here, and has brought forward a look that I am never quite sure about. That look? A sockless loafer situation; very trendy, admittedly, among the slim-trouser-and-quaffed-hair chaps of the UK scene, but one that always, regrettably, makes me think a bit too much about the practical logistics of the thing. I just know it smells extraordinary in those loafers, unless, of course, Tim is hiding a secret sock in there. Then, of course, I have to take a moment to picture Tim wandering around in those cheeky lil’ toe condoms, and I’m honestly not sure which option makes me feel more uncomfortable. Perhaps Tim, too, is shilling feet pics on the side. Perhaps EN just started the rumour of the century. Perhaps.

The Golden Chinch for Egregious Flirtation with the Colour Wheel

Astier Nicolas and Babylon de Gamma. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Look, there’s a lot of blues going on here. A real spectrum of blues. The problem is that none of them are even in the same family. We’ve got a periwinkle trouser, an aqua windowpane, a baby blue shirt, and a Dennis the Menace tie that harks back to the days when the cool thing to do was either have your school-issued tie six inches too long or twelve inches too short. It’s a chaotic ensemble, and one that only a Frenchman who’s posed for Givenchy could pull off. Astier allez-ed les bleus, for sure, but perhaps he allez-ed les bleus too close to the sun.

The Golden Chinch For Refusing to Fetch the Milk, MOM

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Doug Payne is a sharp dressed man, don’t get me wrong. But something about his whole vibe here tells me that his mom just got home from the local Piggly Wiggly and shouted up to his bedroom that she needs some help bringing the groceries in, right as Doug was about to hit an all-time kill streak in a fierce COD blast-off. Last time he fobbed her off she took his X-Box privileges away, so he’s going to do it this time, but he’s also going to make sure she knows just how unhappy he is about it. Don’t worry, Doug. She got you a can of Monster for your troubles, and that sweet, sweet rage nectar will ease your pain and fire you up for even more wanton machine gunning. Go pwn those noobz. Pwn them hard.

The Golden Chinch for Actually Just Legitimately Nailing the Brief

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

I know I’m here with one mission, and that is to gently lampoon, but truly, I have nothing funny to say about Liz Halliday-Sharp’s smart, flattering, flared jumpsuit. It’s giving Studio 54, but on one of the rare nights in which Bianca Jagger didn’t ride in naked on a horse. Liz consistently rocks some great looks for trot-ups, but this one wins the prize for her best yet, and the look of the week here at Maryland. Go forth and conquer, LHS.

MARS Maryland 5 Star: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule ] [Drawn Order] [Thursday 5* Times] [Friday 5* Times] [All Ride Times] [USEF Network Live Stream (North America)] [H&C+ Live Stream (Worldwide)] [Form Guide] [Digital Program] [EN’s Coverage]

Despite a Direct Hit from Hurricane Ian, All Systems Go for The Event at TerraNova

By on Oct 13, 2022 9:00 am -

As Hurricane Ian made its turn to hit the west coast of Florida further south than originally anticipated — the first storm of its size to hit this side of the state in nearly 20 years — Hannah and Zach Ketelboeter began to batten down their hatches at the recently-constructed TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, just a few miles inland from the Gulf coast.

Built by B&D Builders, the TerraNova Equestrian barns were built to the highest standards in terms of hurricane and wind resistance. “One thing I really value about working with B&D is how they prioritize quality work with efficiency, which is hard to find both!” Hannah explained. “In Florida, you have to engineer your buildings to certain standards, and we built above and beyond those with our facilities.”

As a result of this planning, and despite a direct hit that brought some flooding and heavy winds to the area, TerraNova remained mostly unscathed when the storm passed. During the bulk of Ian, which brought 140 mph winds to the area for multiple hours, the team at TerraNova moved all residents — 30 horses, 14 dogs, 10 people, and 2 alpacas, to be specific — into the main barn to wait it out. “I honestly don’t think any of the horses heard the winds at all,” Hannah said.

After the storm, Hannah took to Facebook to show the condition of the property:

Thanks for joining us on FB Live to tour the property and see how well it's doing as we get ready for The Event and TerraNova Dressage!

Here are time stamps to help you find different subjects throughout the video. Hannah covered many important things throughout and circled the property twice.

– 00:00 – 00:30: Brand new water complex
– 00:38 – 03:05: TerraNova's charity efforts
– 03:05 – 07:07: Tour of cross-country course
– 07:08 – 09:40: Preview of VIP Pavilion (Win a free VIP table!), arenas and new video boards
– 09:40 – 14:40: See our competitor stabling
– 14:05 – 16:30: Hannah answers some FAQs
– 16:30 – 18:56: Preview of RV campground and area for extra tent stabling if needed
– 19:10 – 19:45: Preview of Estates at TerraNova property
– 20:21 – 25:30: Preview of arenas, including the importance of CDI ring placement, and VIP pavilion
– 25:50 – 28:50: See the cross-country course and information on tailgating
– 28:50 – 29:48: Video boards and partnership with ACCI on incredible technology
– 30:19 – 33:27: See our competitor stabling and wrap-up

Posted by TerraNova Equestrian Center on Thursday, October 6, 2022

While some prep work for the upcoming Event at TerraNova (October 21-23) was delayed slightly, Hannah says all systems are still green for the event, which will also run alongside the TerraNova Dressage II CDI4*/CDI-W competition.

“We look forward to seeing you all for what is sure to be a fantastic event,” TerraNova posted on its website. “To alleviate any concerns, however, rest assured that if future unforeseen circumstances prevent us from running the event as scheduled, there will be prompt notification and full refunds will be sent to all competitors who have entered. Also, we have extended the closing date by one week.”

“We did have some flooding, which is if you’re not from this area can look scary,” Hannah elaborated. “We had a little on the cross country, but nothing around the show facility really. More by our house and main barn, but we’re by the Myakka River and in wetlands, so that can happen but also it drains really fast. Within a few days, it had receded. That was obviously more than normal, but this is what this land is meant to withstand. When building your land site, you have to have it raised to a certain height here, and so we prepared our sites to plan for [weather events like this]. One of the main pillars of TerraNova is ‘harmony with nature’, and thats why the wetlands are so important, to handle all that water and cleanse the environment.”

While prep continues, Hannah also shared some exciting updates to the facility, including all-new permanent competitor stabling:

Other additions/improvements include a new VIP pavilion, a new permanent video board, expansion on the cross country course, a new water complex, and much more. 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).

For more information and to purchase tickets or enter The Event at TerraNova, click here.

Dressage Day One News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Oct 13, 2022 12:03 am -

Chinch is ready to supervise the action this weekend. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Dressage begins! Honestly, I’m still not accustomed to the idea of a fall five-star in the US, but as only the second annual Fair Hill 5*, I think I’m excused. The weather this weekend looks delightful, with all of the best parts of fall, and even a little rain Friday night to make the footing perfect for cross country! Last year Ian Stark said that his course was intentionally soft just to see how it went, so I’m prepared for some real action this year.

US Weekend Preview

Pine Hill Fall H.T. (Bellville, TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place Farm October H.T. (Hamilton, GA): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

MARS Maryland 5 Star:: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule ] [Drawn Order] [USEF Network Live Stream (North America)] [H&C+ Live Stream (Worldwide)] [Form Guide] [Digital Program] [EN’s Coverage]

Strzegom October Festival, Poland: [Website] [Entries] [Start Lists/Scoring]

News From Around the Globe:

After the first inspection, we are sadly down two entries. Liz Halliday-Smith’s lovely gelding Deniro Z didn’t make it through the jogs, and Leslie Law withdrew Voltaire de Tre. If you want to see pretty pictures of the horses, we’ve got all you need. [Wednesday Inspections]

Don’t forget to sign up for our 4 Days of Giveaways with Ride iQ, World Equestrian Brands, and Horse & Rider Books, which kicks off tomorrow. You can click here to sign up, even if you aren’t here in person, and you can also sign up for notifications on our course walk with Kyle Carter and Sharon White Friday afternoon. We hope to see you there!

Eventing Nation is once again delighted to have collaborated with the Maryland 5 Star Event Committee to bring you the digital program and form guide for the MARS Maryland 5 Star presented by Brown Advisory. Inside you’ll find all the details on everything you need to know to have a great time at Fair Hill this weekend or to supplement your at-home viewing.

The topic of value in a boarding barn has been coming up a lot lately. What makes a place worth a certain amount and, outside of the cost to the proprietor, what should influence what one charges for board? Beauty is the eye of the beholder, of course, but there are certain, definable features that make boarding facilities attractive to horse owners. [What Creates Value in a Stable?]

Hot on Horse Nation: A Shifting Paradigm of How We See Lameness

 

@practicalhorseman John Michael explains why cross country fences appear to be different heights and how they can be used in different divisions. #horsetiktok #horsetok ♬ original sound – Practical Horseman OnDemand

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Walk Cross-Country Courses Like a Pro

By on Oct 12, 2022 5:34 pm -

Every course designer has a different set of priorities and a different modus operandi — and understanding your designer is key to unpacking what it is they’re looking for from your round. Lucinda Green explains this concept, and teaches you how to walk like a pro, in the latest instalment of her XC Academy.

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®.

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

1 Spun, 24 5* Horses Accepted in First Maryland 5 Star Horse Inspection

By on Oct 12, 2022 2:47 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z will sadly not proceed to competition at Maryland 5 Star. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We are through the first horse inspection here at the MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory, but the jog was not without its dramatics for the 5* horses.

A total of 24 5* horses will move forward to dressage, which begins for both the 3* and 5* tomorrow, the 5* field thinned by one after Liz Halliday-Sharp‘s Deniro Z was sadly not accepted by the Ground Jury of Christian Landolt (SUI), Gretchen Butts (USA), Judy Hancock (GBR). Liz posted on social media later on that Deniro Z was dealing with an ill-timed hoof bruise.

“Very sad to share that Deniro Z will not be competing this week at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill p/b Brown Advisory as he presented with a badly timed foot bruise,” she wrote. “He has been feeling fit and ready and this was not something any of us expected at all. Obviously I am gutted for Deniro Z, his owners Ocala Horse Properties, my team and myself. We are disappointed that he won’t get his chance this time, but perhaps this is the universe telling us that this is not our event to run this year.”

Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135 in tip-top turnout thanks to #supergroom McKenzie Ragan (and #supergirlfriend Mia Farley, probably). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Also withdrawn prior to the jog were Great Britain’s Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre.

In the USEF 3*-L National Championship, all horses presented were accepted by the Ground Jury of Peter Gray (CAN) and Valerie Pride (USA).

Christina Henriksen presents JTH Zest in the 3* jog. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Dressage begins tomorrow for the 3* at 8:30 a.m. EST, with the 5* following at 2:00 p.m. EST. We’ll also kick off the USEA Young Event Horse competition tomorrow for both the 4- and 5-year-olds, so there’s plenty to check out if you’re planning to come in person. View the full schedule here. All ride times are now available and you can find them for each division here. You can still purchase tickets here.

Does anyone have a cuter pony face than Jessie Phoenix’s Wabbit? Definitely not. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

And don’t forget to sign up for our 4 Days of Giveaways with Ride iQ, World Equestrian Brands, and Horse & Rider Books, which kicks off tomorrow. You can click here to sign up, even if you aren’t here in person, and you can also sign up for notifications on our course walk with Kyle Carter and Sharon White Friday afternoon. We hope to see you there!

Tilly is here with shiny boots on and ready to bring you our famous (infamous?) Jog Awards later this evening, so stay tuned for much more from Maryland.

MARS Maryland 5 Star:: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule ] [Drawn Order] [Thursday 5* Times] [Friday 5* Times] [All Ride Times] [USEF Network Live Stream (North America)] [H&C+ Live Stream (Worldwide)] [Form Guide] [Interactive XC Course Maps] [Digital Program] [EN’s Coverage]

Maryland 5 Star: Team EN Makes Their Picks + Pick Yours & Win!

By on Oct 12, 2022 10:02 am -

As is tradition here on EN, we love to nerd out ahead of a major competition and make our picks. For the MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory, it’s a small-but-mighty CCI5* field to choose from, and we’ve broken out our picks into a few different categories this week. Check out the full entry list here (and, if you want more detail on each pair, click here to view EN’s Form Guide inside this year’s program) and keep reading to see EN’s picks + submit your own for a shot at winning some cool prizes.

Up for grabs is a prize bundle containing:

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 October 17 and the winners will be announced in News & Notes and notified via email. Scroll down to submit your entry ahead of the start of dressage (the form will close at 1:30 p.m. EST tomorrow, October 13).

Oliver Townend and As Is. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

SHELBY ALLEN

First Phase Dominator: I would keep the flaming hot cheeto Danito on your radar. Though it’s his debut at the level, he’s proven himself a fierce competitor on the flat. Recent notable dressage marks include a 24.7 at Boekelo last autumn and a 23.9 at Jersey Fresh in 2021.

XC Machine: Phillip Dutton has been around a few five-stars in his career, and he’s on Z, a horse who hasn’t had a cross country penalty in the last three seasons (and before that only from a flag penalty or fall of rider). That, combined with the bittersweet motivation of being a World Championship traveling reserve, will make them a force to keep your eyes on Saturday.

Show Jumping Star: Dondante has a penchant for the final phase, having only one or two poles down at International events in his entire career. The final phase could prove lucrative for him and Will Coleman.

Sleeper Alert: It seems hardly fair to call Liz Halliday-Sharp a “sleeper” but  she’s my choice for a U.S. victor. Partnered with Cooley Quicksilver, it could definitely be in the cards. “Monster” had strong performances at both the Luhmühlen and Pau 5*s, but those tracks are much different to this weekend’s. That considered, the horse’s record gives me confidence that he and Liz could go for it — he can be quick on cross country and come Sunday the poles will more than likely stay up.

Maryland 5 Star Winner: Oliver Townend is usually a pretty good bet a at a 5*, but this will be a debut for As Is, though the Andrew Nicholson-produced ride is not short for experience. Though he may be just above the mark on the flat, he’ll finish on that result. Oliver knows how to get the most out of horses on cross country, and the striking grey has never had a pole down at an International, giving him a good shot at the win.

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

TILLY BERENDT

First Phase Dominator: I loved watching Tamie Smith and Danito at Boekelo last year, where they ultimately finished tenth — but it was their first phase that really got people talking. The tiny orange dynamo put a 24.7 on the board on that occasion, and he’s been similarly well-marked in other CCI4*-L competitions, including earning a 23.9 at the Jersey Horse Park last year. Tamie is a real perfectionist in this phase and doesn’t throw a mark away, so I think we’ll see them set the standard for the rest of the field.

XC Machine: He’s a five-star debutant, but Oliver Townend‘s As Is is a really interesting horse in this line-up. He’s Spanish-bred, from the same farm as former rider Andrew Nicholson’s stars Nereo and Armada, and he’s been seriously consistent, and seriously fast, since stepping up to four-star. We’ve not seen him finish outside the top ten in an international since 2019, and while Oliver’s only been competing him this year, he’s already nabbed a placing in the toughest four-star in the world, Bramham CCI4*-L. He should go the distance here without much trouble.

Show Jumping Star: I wouldn’t historically have put Liz Halliday-Sharp‘s Cooley Quicksilver in this spot, but whatever she’s been doing with him this season is working — he’s become a really reliable final-phase horse, and has just had one rail at the very start of the season in internationals. He made Luhmühlen’s showjumping course — the toughest in the world at this level — look like a real doddle back in June. It’s a tough call whether I want to put this pair as my jumping stars or my winners, if I’m honest. Liz is riding a high after a super week at Boekelo with Mik’s Master C, and she’s got the highest win chance according to our pals at EquiRatings. Cooley Quicksilver might have been an overcooked noodle of a horse in his scrappy youth, but he’s turned into a serious competitor, and his performance at the Germany five-star this summer certainly looked like the precursor to a major win. I think this could well be his to walk away with.

Sleeper Alert: Can we call anything Tim Price rides a sleeper, really? But of all his horses, new ride Coup de Coeur Dudevin is the biggest unknown: he’s been very exciting at the lower international levels with former rider Chris Burton, but he only joined Tim’s string at the start of this year and has done just three long-formats in his career. I loved watching him in the very, very competitive and tough CCIO4*-S at Haras du Pin in August, though, and certainly saw in him the sparkle of something special. For Tim to bring him all the way to the States as the one Price family entry this year tell me that he feels exactly the same way. I think this is the week we all learn this cool ten-year-old’s name.

Maryland 5 Star Winner: I’ve long loved Astier Nicolas’s sweet Babylon de Gamma, whose path to greatness has deviated a few times from its intended route as the result of niggling injuries and a hoof situation that bubbled up after his tenth place finish here last year. Time and patience are great healers, though, and although we were robbed of the chance to see the striking gelding at Tokyo or Pratoni, he’s got something very big in him. He comes here off the back of a decisive win in the intense CCI4*-S at Scotland’s mountainous Blair Castle, and I think that’ll prove to be the perfect prep for this week’s course.

Astier Nicolas and Babylon de Gamma. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

AMANDA CHANCE

First phase dominator: Tamie Smith & Danito
This is a horse that was bred for dressage, ridden by someone who is exceptional in the first phase… hard to bet against them!

XC Machine: Quantum Leap
This Maryland-bred gelding has been really fun to watch come up the levels. He’s got the scope of his warmblood sire and the gallop, heart, and speed of his thoroughbred dam. At last year’s Maryland 5 Star, Quantum was clear with 1.2 time, and at Kentucky this spring he was again clear with 1.2 time. Doug is a fast rider and I bet he’s itching for that elusive double clear – this horse is certainly capable of delivering.

Show Jumping Star: DonDante
This one was a struggle for me between As Is and Don Dante. Both have excellent records over the colored sticks but Don Dante comes from the Diamant de Semilly sire line, showjumping royalty, so… ultimately that’s what pushed me to give him the nod.

Sleeper Alert: Coup de Coeur Dudevin
Ok I’m willing to admit that I’m not sure any horse ridden by a Price could ever truly qualify as a sleeper, BUT it’s the horse’s 5 star debut and his first time leaving the continent – that makes him a bit of an unknown quantity here. That said, he is being piloted by the world #1 and he’s yet to add a cross country jump penalty to his FEI record. Plus his dam is by 5 Star horse Leprince des Bois, and we’ve got a Leprince des Bois filly here on the farm, so there is an immediate bias that I won’t apologize for.

Overall Winner: Babylon de Gamma
I know, I know, I bet all my imaginary money on the French for Pratoni and ended up cursing them all, so apologies in advance to Astier but I just love this horse. He pings off the ground like he’s got springs in his feet – maybe not surprising since he’s by an Olympic showjumper and out of a French Anglo Arab mare. Such a très chic and very typically French pedigree, lots of blood and lots of scope. This horse did well here last year, adding just a handful of time to his dressage score, and they’ve shown improvement since that performance.

Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

EMA KLUGMAN

First Phase Dominator: C’est La Vie 135 (Woods Baughman) strikes me as the one to watch to lead the dressage. This striking horse is really impressive in this phase, and if he can follow it up with good cross country and show jumping performances, he could be one to watch to snatch a top placing.

XC Machine: FE Lifestyle (Jennie Brannigan) is an amazing cross country horse and if the track is especially difficult, this will be his day to shine. The course designer couldn’t build a fence too big for this horse to jump, and it will be a treat to watch the well-seasoned go around.

Show Jumping Star: DonDante (Will Coleman) is really strong in the show jumping. He rarely has a rub, much less a rail, and his jockey is also very stylish in this phase. I think that if he entered the final day in a strong position, he could move up the placings onto the podium if the show jumping track is difficult.

Sleeper Alert: Superstition (Harry Meade) has now done a couple of American five-stars, and he always turns in a very solid performance. If he can knock off a couple of points in the dressage, he is capable of finishing on that score and quietly rising up the standings.

Maryland 5 Star Winner: You absolutely cannot bet against Tim Price at the moment. He could be on a mustang and still have a shot. Jokes aside, the riders coming from overseas would not enter if they didn’t think they had a shot at the prize money. Even though Tim is on a 10 year-old five-star first-timer, Coup de Coeur Dudevin, he could well win the whole thing.

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Abby Powell.

ABBY POWELL

First Phase Dominator: No stranger to leading the field after the first phase (or any of the phases, mind you) I’m betting that we’ll see the familiar names of Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z at the top of the leaderboard when the dancing is done and dusted.

XC Machine: Zoe Crawford‘s K.E.C. Zara is the definition of an XC Machine to me. They won’t be contesting the top of the leaderboard after the dressage and they may not be in the ribbons at the end of the weekend either, but they’re sure in contention for the biggest mover award thanks to this mare’s zest for cross country!

Show Jumping Star: I have to admit to not keeping up with show jumping statistics very well, but Quantum Leap, really jumps out at me (but not intended, but welcomed) as being exceptionally strong in this phase. This horse clinched the CCI5* National Championships thanks to a double clear round in his debut at the level in Kentucky this spring and you know he and Doug Payne put in plenty of practice over the poles.

Sleeper Alert: I have to admit, I don’t know very much about As Is, the former Andrew Nicholson ride who is now ridden by Oliver Townend. But I do know that Oliver wouldn’t be flying him across the pond if he didn’t believe he were a right contender for the top.

Maryland 5 Star Winner: I may have picked Deniro Z to lead after the first phase, but I’m going to get top honors to his stable mate, Cooley Quicksilver, who (from a rudimentay glance at FEI records) looks to be just a bit faster across country and is seriously on top form with Liz Halliday-Sharp this year. Here’s to another home-country five-star winner!

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

SALLY SPICKARD

First Phase Dominator: Danito

Ever seen a Cheeto Puff dance? Well on Thursday afternoon we’re likely to see just that. The early dressage lead is likely to be taken by Danito and Tamie Smith, who can coax a 25 out of a giraffe if she needs to, and while this test is a step up for the 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding he’s already shown his prowess for the first phase at the 4* level. If he can put the pieces together, Danito’s also game to finish on that score, but Tamie may choose to prioritize education over competition come Saturday.

XC Machine: Superstition

At this level, it’s often hard to find a horse without a cross country penalty on its FEI record, but the 13-year-old Superstition, ridden by Great Britain’s Harry Meade, has managed to achieve this in 23 international competitions. Truth be told, this pair could easily make me eat my words when it comes to my winner pick — they knocked on the door at both Kentucky and Maryland in 2021, finishing 5th and 7th respectively. Cross country is this horse’s jam, and Harry won’t be hanging about on Saturday as he tries to catch that elusive podium finish.

Show Jumping Star: Quantum Leap

Gotta go with the part-time show jumping rider on this one (though you could easily slot Quantum Leap into the Sleeper or even potentially the Winner spot here). Quantum Leap is piloted by the very experienced Doug Payne, who knows a thing or two about turning and burning. Show jumping here at Maryland can feel a bit like a fishbowl with the close arena sides and small dimensions in comparison with its Kentucky counterpart, so the ability to come forward, not succumb to distraction, and turn efficiently will all play a key on Ken Krome’s show jumping track later this week.

Sleeper Alert: Twilightslastgleam

I’ve been a huge fan of this big-galloping Thoroughbred ever since I caught a glimpse of said gallop during Young Event Horse finals at this venue several years ago. Add in the fact that he’s got a big 4*-L win under his belt with “Need for Speed” Jennie Brannigan at Bromont this summer and the fact that Ian Stark builds — you guessed it — big, galloping tracks and I think you could well see this pair slip right up into the top five or even onto the podium when the dust settles Sunday.

Maryland 5 Star Winner: Cooley Quicksilver

It feels odd to go against the reigning world #1 (Tim Price) and former world #1 (Oliver Townend), but I am going to give this nod and a first 5* win to Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. This pair won the very tough Lexington 4*-S this spring and followed that up with a top-5 finish at Luhmühlen. Despite his relative young age, “Monster” is well-traveled and has all the chops to put in a personal best weekend: he’s solid on the flat, he’s nippy and bold on cross country, and he can leave the poles up on Sunday. Liz, a need for speed lady herself, is oh-so-competitive, so you know she’ll be gunning for a top finish this weekend with plenty of momentum on her side coming off a strong finish at Boekelo last week aboard Miks Master C.

Now, it’s your turn! Up for grabs this week is a $100 Starbucks gift card provided by Ocala Horse Properties, a 6-pack of FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips in the color of your choice from Achieve Equine, and an EN merchandise bundle. Submit your pick to win as well as the winning score for tie-breaking purposes no later than Thursday (10/13) at 1:30 p.m. EST to be eligible to win! Use the form embedded below or click here to submit.

MARS Bromont Rising Expands to Offer First-Ever West Coast Location at Galway Downs

By on Oct 12, 2022 9:00 am -

Bromont Rising participants Lea Adams-Blackmore and Fernhill Frostbite. Photo by Alison Green for Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Founded in 2019, the MARS Bromont Rising U25 Program was initially created to assist up-and-coming riders under the age of 25 in North America who had not yet competed in a destination event, such as the program’s namesake the MARS Bromont CCI in Lac Brume, Quebec, Canada, or been recognized by the USEF programs intended for emerging athletes.

Spearheaded by the late Steve Blauner and Sue Ockendon, the program sought to give back to the sport by helping the next generation of riders get more experience under their belt with the help of the financial assistance provided by the program, and the two days of included instruction from leading coaches around the world.

In its inaugural year, the MARS Bromont Rising U25 Program provided nine riders with a $2,500 scholarship to participate in the training program and compete internationally at Bromont. Additionally, six more riders were invited to participate in the training sessions and provided with a free entry to the event.

After the success of the program at Bromont, the program administration transitioned to the USEA Foundation and opened up a new opportunity to offer the program at the Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event in the same year. Ten riders were extended invitations to participate in the Ocala training session.

Unfortunately, the program was unable to run in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID, but it came back better than ever in 2022 with ten riders receiving funding to compete in the 2022 MARS Bromont CCI competition. For the first time ever, an international coach was brought in to instruct grant recipients, Frenchman Rodolphe Scherer. “Scherer was phenomenal,” stated Peter Gray, Director of the MARS Bromont Rising U25 program. “He honestly was so good that we opened up the course walks to everyone. It was a huge success!”

Even more exciting is the announcement of the program’s first-ever West Coast location, the 2022 Galway Downs International event held November 2-6, 2022 in Temecula, California. Ten applicants will receive MARS Bromont Rising U25 grants of up to $2,500 to assist with travel expenses and entry fees for the West Coast event.

Expert instruction will be provided by German Olympian Bettina Hoy both in dressage and show jumping, as well as a cross-country course walk. In addition, a Centerline Workshop will be provided by Gray where riders will discuss ringmanship and Dr. Mark Hart and Jim Wildasin, both previous owners of horses representing Team USA internationally, will give a presentation on how young riders can attract owners and sponsors.

“We are thrilled that MARS Equestrian wanted to have a presence on the West Coast,” stated Gray, “and we are very happy that Robert Kellerhouse offered to host the program at his competition.”

Galway Downs organizer Robert Kellerhouse could not be more delighted to host the first-ever West Coast leg of the program, stating “we are honored to be the West Coast host for the MARS Bromont Rising U25 grants. This program will inspire its recipients to do more as it shines a light on those up-and-coming athletes and provides a lift in advancing their abilities in our sport.”

Riders competing at the FEI levels who are interested in applying to participate in the MARS Bromont Rising U25 program at Galway Downs may apply here. Applications close on October 20, 2022.

For riders who are not eligible to apply for the program, Hoy will be offering a clinic at Galway Downs on October 31 and November 1. For more information on this clinic opportunity, please contact Hawley Bennett at 951-852-8556.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Oct 12, 2022 12:01 am -

Eventing Nation is once again delighted to have collaborated with the Maryland 5 Star Event Committee to bring you the digital program and form guide for the MARS Maryland 5 Star presented by Brown Advisory. Inside you’ll find all the details on everything you need to know to have a great time at Fair Hill this weekend or to supplement your at-home viewing.

Need a little help picking your favorite contender for our Pick ‘Em Contest (coming soon!) or building your Eventing Manager team? Simply want to get to know this year’s 5* field of horses and riders? Jump to the form guide here and don’t forget to bookmark this page to keep on top of our latest coverage.

US Weekend Preview

Pine Hill Fall H.T. (Bellville, TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place Farm October H.T. (Hamilton, GA): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

MARS Maryland 5 Star:: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule ] [Drawn Order] [USEF Network Live Stream (North America)] [H&C+ Live Stream (Worldwide)] [Form Guide] [Digital Program] [EN’s Coverage]

Strzegom October Festival, Poland: [Website] [Entries] [Start Lists/Scoring]

Wednesday News & Reading:

The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium starts today! The Retired Racehorse Project’s hallmark competition and educational event returns for its 2022 renewal at the Kentucky Horse Park. Visit their website for all the need-to-know info.

Fair Hill is a special place, and the inaugural running of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill last year felt exceptionally special. But the beauty and aura of an event will only go so far in keeping an event running and everyone is curious to see how Maryland evolves — Kyle Carter included. [Kyle Carter: Making The Mars Maryland 5 Star The Best In The World]

We love to see off-the-track Thoroughbreds lauded for their second careers and here’s a lovely little shoutout to David O’Connor’s fabulous OTTB Phelps, ridden by Mia Farley, for their third place finish at Morven Park this past weekend. [‘He’s An Underdog’: Thoroughbred Phelps Finishes Third In Morven Park International CCI4*-L]

Baby event horses had their time to shine at the USEA Future Event Horse (FEH) Central Championships, held over the weekend at Haras Hacienda in Magnolia, Texas. Here’s who took home top honors. [The 2022 USEA FEH Central Championships Show a Glimpse of the Future of Eventing]

Are you local to Fair Hill and need a little extra fall decor? After the event, on Monday October 17th, some of the plants and flowers used to decorate the grounds for the event will be for sale. [Plant Sale!]

Sponsor Corner: How can a Haygain feeder help with gastric health?

Wednesday Video Break: Get hyped for a whole bunch of eventing fun from Maryland:

Tuesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: When Jumpers Do Dressage

By on Oct 11, 2022 4:00 pm -

Now here is a cool update from the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, in which junior jumping riders are challenged to develop skills that they can call upon as they build their professional careers. With qualifying classes held across the country each season, this is a healthy pipeline for well-developed young riders, and this new “dressage” portion of the Talent Search is case in point. Check out a test in the video below or here on Instagram.

The test features shoulder-in work, 15-meter circles, medium canters on a circle, turn on the haunches, and more, making it quite a solid test of horsemanship and intelligent riding. It’s a very cool crossover of disciplines, if you ask me, and a little foundational flatwork never hurt anyone. What do you think? Could you ace this test?

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