Classic Eventing Nation

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Unveils the Research Behind Upcoming STAR Helmet Ratings at Equestrian Symposium

By on Aug 16, 2022 12:30 pm -

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

In 2003, Virginia Tech placed the first sensors inside football helmets to measure head acceleration data that could characterize concussions.

Nearly two decades later, the university’s Helmet Lab is on the cusp of adding equestrian sport to its arsenal of public safety information on helmet use and unveiling its STAR (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) ratings system for helmets.

At the Equestrian Symposium, held Aug. 11-12 in Blacksburg, Va., Drs. Steve Rowson, Stefan Duma, Mark Begonia, and Barry Miller educated a group of equestrian stakeholders on the progress of their equestrian helmet research. The Helmet Lab began their study nearly four years ago, but the project was brought to the finish line with support from USEF, the United States Hunter Jumper Association, United States Eventing Association, and Jacqueline Mars, who collectively raised more than $425,000 in research funds in December 2020.

“With the same impact, there can be very different biomechanical responses between helmets. We felt a responsibility that everyone should have this information,” said Rowson, the Helmet Lab Director. “Not all helmets are the same just because they meet a [pass/fail] standard. That’s true for skull damage, but not concussions.”

The STAR ratings for equestrian helmets are designed to complement existing helmet certifications and fill in the gaps relating to concussion risks. The information, set to be released by the end of the year, will allow the public to search helmets by certification type, helmet type, brand, and more to make more informed choices on the helmets they wear and purchase when riding. They also will educate manufacturers on how to improve the safety of their helmets.

“The equestrian space has one of the noisier standard spaces, which makes it complicated for a manufacturer,” Duma said.

The Helmet Lab evaluated 26 helmet models and 104 helmets in 312 tests, quantifying elements like actual drop height (where a rider is positioned when actually parting ways with a horse), what body parts are impacted when falling, liner and rotational impacts, and surface, among other factors.

Watch: Helmet lab research will have big impact on equestrians.

The STAR value is the theoretical number of concussions someone would sustain if their on-field exposure matched the laboratory impacts. It is calculated by multiplying exposure (as a function of impact location and velocity) and concussion risk (as a function of linear and rotational headform acceleration). The ratings correlate with real-world injury rates; the lower the STAR value, the better the star rating (one to five stars, with five stars being the highest-rated helmets).

“It’s similar to a New Car Assessment Program. We took a system that works and translated it to the sports world,” Rowson said.

The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab’s work began with football helmets but has now expanded to youth football, flag football, hockey, cycling, soccer, and snow sport. Equestrian will be the newest addition, as the research is in its final phase. The test methods began with video analysis of 100 equestrian falls, followed by laboratory system comparison, on-site field testing, and impactor surface comparison on both dirt and sand surfaces—the “extremes” of hard and soft footing. The final phase is in process and involves the final calculations of STAR values and the publication of star ratings.

“We’ll often throw a football helmet in there. A football helmet is the most advanced designed and optimized helmet. We’ll also evaluate a ‘bare’ or no-helmet situation to show what the helmet is doing [helping with],” Duma explained. “If an equestrian helmet is producing similar numbers to a [highly rated] football helmet, it probably doesn’t need improvement.

“Football is a multiple head impact sport,” he added. “In equestrian, exposures are very different, and we have much lower numbers.”

Following presentations, attendees to the symposium visited the lab for a behind-the-scenes peek at testing procedures with Virginia Tech students that participate in program research.

To learn more about the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, click here.

To learn more about the USEF Helmet Safety Fund, click here.

Meet the Horses and Riders Nominated for FEI World Championships for Eventing at Pratoni

By on Aug 16, 2022 10:30 am -

Daniela Moguel and Cecelia. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We’re anxiously awaiting the finalization of team and individual berths for the majority of countries competing in Italy for this year’s FEI World Championships for Eventing, and this morning we have a glimpse of nominated entries to further fuel the anticipation.

Nominated entries from each National Federation were due to the FEI on Monday, August 15, meaning each Federation can submit their “long list” of riders currently in the running for a competition spot. Definite entries are due on Monday, September 5, and we’ll likely see most of the major teams named ahead of this deadline with most final prep runs and selection trials concluded.

27 countries will be represented at FEI World Championships at Pratoni del Vivaro, and the roster includes the usual heavy-hitters, such as defending team gold medalists (both at WEG in 2018 and at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021) Great Britain, as well as a slew of smaller federations represented by individuals. These individuals include Daniela Moguel for Mexico, Olympian Fouaad Mirza for India, Olympian Korntawat Samran for Thailand, Aistis Vitkauskas for Lithuania, Balázs Kaizinger for Hungary, Nicolas Wettstein for Ecuador, and Olympian Alex Hua Tian for China.

You can view the full list of Nominated Entries here — and keep an eye out on EN for more team announcements as #Pratoni2022 inches closer. The action begins on September 14, and you can get up to speed on all the information you need (and a lot you didn’t) in our Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships here.

You’re Invited to Submit Your Photos in Memory of Richard Picken

By on Aug 16, 2022 9:00 am -

The eventing community (and beyond) continues to pay tribute to Richard Picken, who bravely battled cancer and passed away a few days ago. Richard was a well-respected mentor and friend to many in the equestrian world, and the Baugh family has invited all who knew him to submit their photos in his memory to a public album.

“We invite you to upload photos of Richard and yourself as a compilation of memories from people he touched and forever changed through his selflessness, kindness, education and friendship,” Kelly Baugh wrote. “This is to have and hold dear forever. ‘Life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.’ (Jackie Robinson)“

If you’d like to share a photo, click here to visit the Memories album set up in Richard’s honor. Anyone may contribute to this album. You’ll need an email address or a Google, Apple, or Facebook account to contribute.

Richard’s family and friends continue to be in our thoughts. In his memory, below are a few more tributes rounded up from social media. You can also listen to a great interview Richard did with Major League Eventing here.

Richard,
Thank you for showing Colin and Alex the true honor of a Quest and how to Dream.

DON QUIXOTE
Whether I win…

Posted by Jeni Gaffney Dvm on Monday, August 15, 2022

A letter to Richard,

Six days from today will be four years since I first showed up at four schools farm and became…

Posted by Colin Gaffney on Sunday, August 14, 2022

Tuesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Aug 16, 2022 6:23 am -

 

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One of my favourite things about watching team announcements roll in for Pratoni is the sweet little surprises — like the well-deserved nomination of 21-year-old Alina Dibowski as Germany’s individual rider, with her Junior and Young Rider European Championships partner Barbados 26. The pair have had an incredible season, with placings in excellent company at Luhmühlen CCI4*-S and Haras du Pin CCI4*-S, and it’s so exciting to see this actual ray of sunshine make her World Championships debut on the 20th anniversary of her father Andreas’s WEG debut. This one’s a real superstar to keep an eye on.

Events Opening Today: Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, Tomora Horse Trials, Fleur de Leap H.T., Apple Knoll Farm H.T., Sundance Farm H.T., The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm, Jump Start H.T., Spokane Sport Horse Eighth Annual Fall H.T.

Events Closing Today: Bucks County Horse Park H.T., Seneca Valley PC H.T., Chattahoochee Hills H.T., Silverwood Farm Fall H.T., Course Brook Farm Fall H.T., Park Equine Kentucky Classique H.T., USEA AEC, $60,000 Adequan Advanced Final, and ATC Finals

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

Aiming for a trip to the AECs next year? Then make sure you take the time to brush up on the recently approved changes to the qualification process, which is now slightly tougher and require first or second place finishes, nixing the third-place finishes that could previously be used to secure the placing requirement. [Changes to the 2023 AEC]

Here’s a seriously cool learning opportunity: this web-based summit, Diversifying the Herd, is led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who work as equine facilitated practitioners, and it’s going to be absolutely jam-packed with useful information and fascinating talks on how to increase diversity and improve access to these programs. Let me tell you — the line-up of keynote presenters and speakers is STACKED, and the bargain price you’ll pay to take part will go straight into a scholarship fund. [Level up your career and your industry]

Burghley is preparing for its return for the first time since 2019, and there are some exciting changes afoot. They’ve got a new Director, Martyn Johnson, and a new course designer in Derek di Grazia, but in many ways, the event is planning to stick to its roots. Read more about their plans — plus, how they’re dealing with England’s drought — in this piece from Horse&Hound. [We’re so excited we could do a little wee, actually]

Sometimes, success requires that extra bit of faith that no one else can quite muster up. That’s certainly been the case for Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver, who she says is like riding a ‘giant, overcooked noodle’. After years of defending her belief in him, though, he’s undeniably come good, finishing fifth at Luhmühlen this year. At just eleven, he’s got plenty more big results to come and Liz, for her part, can enjoy basking in the glory of turning an oddball horse into a superstar. [He’s a weirdo, but he’s her weirdo]

OHP Dream Listing of the Week:

 

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This breezy, beautiful place with twelve airy stables looks like a dream come true for someone with a reasonably small string, who wants to prioritise making every day on the farm a joy. It’s also super close to WEC, which is incredibly handy, and it’s got ten acres of lush turnout, which ticks a big box for me. At sub-$2m, it’s a seriously useful looking property.

Listen to This: Now that we have a (very, very good!) US team line-up confirmed, it’s full-steam ahead with the important stuff — namely, preparing those horses and riders to tackle the World Championships and all its challenges. Join Nicole Brown and Bobby Costello to find out how that’s happening.

Watch This:

Catch up with British eventer Ashley Harrison and her four-star partner Zebedee in her latest vlog.

Monday Video: All Hail Jumping Royalty Henrik von Eckermann & King Edward

By on Aug 15, 2022 4:00 pm -

All hail Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward, newly crowned as the best show jumpers in the world after earning individual gold at the  Agria FEI World Jumping Championship. Henrik is the first Swedish rider to ever claim an individual medal at the world championships.

Already ranked the best jumper in the world on the FEI World Rankings, Sunday’s performance solidified this pair’s place in history. Not to mention their team gold clinched for Sweden just a few days earlier. Take a look at their nail-biting final round:

Go jumping.

Checking in from the Steppe: August Mongol Derby Riders Reach Halfway Point

By on Aug 15, 2022 2:00 pm -

Riders of the second 2022 Mongol Derby are experiencing the realization that this race is more than just a horse race. From variable weather to gear malfunctions to navigation and nutrition, there are numerous components that riders have to consider and challenges they have to face that go beyond their mad riding skills.

Despite gear malfunction with a broken stirrup, herder Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar, veterinarian student Bilegbat Erdenesukh, and horse trainer and instructor Callie King are neck and neck. With a close competition among the leaders, and days left in the race, be sure to keep an eye on the live tracking for updates as the ride evolves.

Although competition is tight and the challenges riders are facing serious, there’s always time to enjoy the journey… or a pickup game of basketball to unwind from the day.

However, as they continue on to the days ahead, riders must be careful with the constantly changing weather. From incredibly soggy weather to scorching hot days, riders have already been feeling the trials of the steppe. Hydration, nutrition, and some steppe self-care will be critical for riders’ well-being.

Wonder how these riders are surviving at all? Thinking about giving it a go? Before jumping in, check out some tips and tricks from July 2022 Mongol Derby rider Kristin Carpenter through Intrepid Medics on “How not to die in the Mongol Derby”…

Clearly, this adventure is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, with a solid team of organizers, medics, vets, and encouraging families along the way, riders have the opportunity to test themselves, their riding, and their resiliency. And enjoy the challenge along the way. Just a few more days to go.

Beautiful nights at the horse stations. Photo from The Equestrianists’ Twitter.

That’s a Wrap from Herning! Final Updates on Para Dressage and Jumping

By on Aug 15, 2022 12:00 pm -

Para Dressage

Sanne Voets (NED) and Sara Morganti (ITA) both retained their Para Dressage Freestyle World titles in Grades I and IV respectively for the third successive time at the Orifarm Healthcare FEI Para Dressage World Championship 2022, in Herning (DEN) today. They did so in the same venue at which they both won their first major international titles nine years ago, at the FEI European Championships of 2013.

“Usually I think of something to say when I get off the horse and come here but I’m pretty much speechless today,” Sanne said. “There are a few moments in your career where you just enter the arena and raise your hand and from that moment on you are just in another dimension and don’t really experience what’s going on in that moment. Today was one of those days.”

Silver KATE SHOEMAKER (USA), gold SANNE VOETS (NED) and bronze RODOLPHO RISKALLA (BRA) in the Grade IV Freestyle to Music final during Orifarm Healthcare FEI World Championships 2022 © FEI

On Royal Delight, Italy’s Freestyle queen Sara Morganti danced to a score of 80.653% to take gold in Grade I ahead of Latvia’s Rihards Snikus with 78.400% on King of the Dance. Just a whisker away from that, by 0.013%, was Ireland’s Michael Murphy, who was able to finally put the lid on a disappointing Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with another bronze in Herning, on Cleverboy, with 78.387%.

Having first won the title at the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM in Caen (FRA) in 2014, Voets rode Demantur RS2 N.O.P. to score 82.485% in this year’s Grade IV competition.

The silver medal went to a delighted Kate Shoemaker (USA), on Quiana with 80.275% while Brazil’s Rodolpho Riskalla edged the bronze medal on Don Henrico, with 78.385%. His medal had extra emotion being his last ride on the soon to retire Don Henrico after a partnership which saw them pick up two World and a Paralympic silver medal, and two further bronzes here.

Katrine Kristensen and Tobias Thorning Joergensen (DEN) delighted their home fans by taking the Freestyle titles in Grades II and III, prompting a sea of red and white Danish flags to be waved around the arena in celebration.

Katrine set the ball rolling by winning the Grade II Freestyle riding Goerklintgaards Quater to music dominated by Queen songs, and scoring 80.354%. Great Britain’s Lee Pearson and Breezer took the silver with 77.860%, while his teammate Georgia Wilson won a delightful but surprise bronze medal with Sakura, and 75.834%.

In the Grade III contest, a world record 86.513%, on Joline Hill, put Tobias nearly 10 points clear of the silver medal, which went to The Netherlands’ Lotte Krijnsen, on Rosenstolz with 76.673%. And breaking her World Freestyle jinx, Great Britain’s Natasha Baker took the bronze, on Keystone Dawn Chorus, with 76.620%

Belgium’s Michèle George reclaimed the Grade V Freestyle title she last won at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2014. On her amazing mare, Best of 8, she scored 82.860% for gold. Frank Hosmar (NED) once again performed to a medley of 80s pop classics to take the silver, on Alphaville N.O.P. with 80.775% – his best score at a World, European, or Paralympic competition – while Great Britain’s Sophie Wells was third, on Don Cara with 79.255%. This was her ninth World or Paralympic title. “I’m so happy I can do this again with another horse,” she added, “because it’s not always easy. It’s not easy to get to the top, and it’s more difficult to stay there. But I’m back, and this is only the start.”

At the end of a brilliant World Championship week for Para Dressage, Denmark has topped the medal’s table with four golds and a silver. The Netherlands are second, with three golds, three silvers and a bronze, with Belgium in third place securing two golds.

Show Jumping


Last Friday night they helped Team Sweden to victory in the Team event, and today Henrik von Eckermann and his brilliant chestnut gelding King Edward added Individual gold to their haul of loot with another extraordinary performance at the Agria FEI Jumping World Championship 2022 in Herning, Denmark.

The dynamic duo were under the ultimate pressure, out in front on the final day with two rounds of jumping still to do and less than a fence separating them from the four combinations chasing them on the Individual leaderboard. Belgium’s Jérôme Guery took the Individual silver medal and The Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten claimed the bronze.

A total of 21 combinations tackled the first round and 14 jumped clear, but it was a very different story second time out. Course designer, Dutchman Louis Konickx, explained his thinking about how to let a champion shine. “The first course was fluent and big enough but not too complicated. For the second round we built it up and it was more technical. The time (87 seconds) was short. It was great to see King Edward win, he was clear every day and he has so much scope. I think we have seen wonderful sport!”, he said.

Just 12 came back in the second round and this time only four left all the poles in place. Germany’s Marcus Ehning and Stargold kept themselves in the running with a clear when first into the ring this time out, but another five faulted before van der Vleuten and his individual Olympic bronze medal winning ride Beauville Z NOP followed suit.

Lying fifth in the closing stages, Great Britain’s Ben Maher dropped out of contention when Faltic HB clipped the 1.65m vertical at fence seven, and when Austria’s Max Kuhner and Elektric Blue P kicked out the second element of the spooky water-tray double at fence ten, and added two time faults, there were only three left to go and van der Vleuten was moving rapidly up the scoreboard.

Lying in bronze medal spot Belgium’s Jérôme Guery and Quel Homme de Hus didn’t buckle under the pressure however, and when the 16-year-old stallion and his 42-year-old rider raced through the finish there were already ecstatic scenes in the Kiss and Cry because the pair were now definitely destined for a place on the podium.

Second-last to go however, von Eckermann’s team-mate Jens Fredricson saw silver slip from his grasp when Markan Cosmopolit left three fences on the floor and the only question now left was whether von Eckermann could hold his nerve. He said this evening that he was very grateful to the many Swedish supporters for not going wild when he entered the ring because King Edward is such a sensitive horse.

And setting off with complete focus the pair delivered a copybook tour of this final 12-fence track to put the result beyond doubt. He could hardly believe he had precious gold in his grasp. In the 69-year history of the Jumping World Championship no Swedish rider had ever taken an Individual medal, and to make the first one a golden one was all the more special.

Talking about King Edward, he said, “he has jumped so many clear rounds and done so many good things, it’s just a privilege to ride him. I knew Jerome was clear so I could have no mistakes….I had a really good feeling from the first round so that gave me confidence and the horse felt as fresh as he was the first day.”

Von Eckermann admitted he feels nervous before a big competition. ’It’s always the same with me, two hours before I’m really nervous, can’t eat or anything, but when I get up on my horse that turns somehow into focus and concentration and just trying to stay focused and to do the best round for my horse”, he explained.

And how does it feel to be the new world champion? It’s clearly taking some time to process that…

“For the moment I’m empty – you try to keep emotion pushed down so you can focus, and when it’s done it’s like pulling the plug out a bit. But it’s just happiness I think, and this is a day to remember!”, he said with the biggest smile.

These press releases were written by Louise Parkes and Rob Howell for the FEI.

Weekend Winners: Fair Hill, GMHA, Otter Creek, WindRidge Farm

By on Aug 15, 2022 9:15 am -

We spy more than one former 5* horse out winning the blues this weekend! Here’s Neville Bardos, former superstar partner of Boyd Martin, who’s been relishing his role as professor for quite a few years now. His latest victory comes at Fair Hill this weekend in the Open Beginner Novice with Sarah Reese.

We also spotted the former partner of Lillian Heard, Share Option, at Fair Hill in the Beginner Novice Rider division, picking up the win with Emma Yanek.

Meanwhile, this weekend’s Unofficial Low Score Award was earned by Bernard Morauw and VC Questera, who won their Novice division at Otter Creek on an impressive finishing mark of 20.8. Nicely done!

Fair Hill International H.T. (Elkton, MD): [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate A: Daniel Clasing and Double Diamond C (35.8)
Open Intermediate B: Alex Baugh and Mr Candyman (38.8)
Open Preliminary A: Dom Schramm and Dawn Breaker (30.3)
Open Preliminary B: Meg Pellegrini and Global Naxos (26.2)
Preliminary Rider: Audrey Ogan and Always Cooley (31.7)
Open Training A: Ashley Adams and Global Halycon (30.4)
Open Training B: Daniel Clasing and Et Cetera (25.2)
Open Training C: Sydney Hagaman and Charmeur (21.7)
Training Rider A: Madison Hogan and Quintessential 39 (30.7)
Training Rider B: Megan Smallwood and Nevertheless (35.5)
Novice Rider A: Maeve Kenny and Astaire To The Future (31.7)
Novice Rider B: Robin King and Splash of Sass (28.3)
Open Novice A: Delaney Emerson and Merlins Redfield HSH (29.4)
Open Novice B: Ryan Wood and The Optimist (26.4)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Emma Yanek and Share Option (28.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Jennifer Trautmann and Moxley Leonard (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Sarah Reese and Neville Bardos (31.6)

GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T. (South Woodstock, VT): [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI3*-S: Anna Loschiavo and Fernhill That Guy Jack (33.7)
CCI2*-S: Beth Murphy and Jimba (35.8)
Advanced CT: Lila Gendal and BT Just A Rebel (44.3)
Advanced/Intermediate: Ariel Grald and Isla de Coco (40.7)
Open Intermediate: Madeline Hartsock and Global FX (38.2)
Open Preliminary: Ariel Grald and Diara (28.8)
Preliminary Rider: Stephanie Sills and Salt (33.4)
Jr. Training: Eleanor Winter and Figlio (26.4)
Open Training A: Megan Tardiff and Vindakova (22.9)
Open Training B: Eliza Quigley and Kwibus (28.2)
Training Rider: Susan Gallagher and Chacco Chip (27.9)
Jr. Novice A: Annabelle Sprague and Freddie (22.5)
Jr. Novice B: Annabelle Sprague and Merry Clover King (22.8)
Novice Rider A: Kate Homan and Steve’s Sonata (33.6)
Novice Rider B: Jennifer Clapp and Sidamo de Brio (31.8)
Novice Rider C: Jacqueline Gilbert and ALF Cross My Heart (25.3)
Open Novice A: Booli Selmayr and Just My Style (24.2)
Open Novice B: Kristal Gessler and Prolific (26.7)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Jack Brennan and Paladin (33.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Nancy Read and Classic Chrome PCH (25.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Emma Adams and Cantefina HPF (33.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Alison Eastman-Lawler and Sara Bella (29.3)

Otter Creek Summer H.T. (Wheeler, WI): [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate: Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime (45.7)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Rebecca Gall and Winning Attribute (46.2)
Open Preliminary: Liz Lund and R’Mani CF (42.3)
Jr. Training Rider: Alyssa Kendrick and McBean (59.1)
Open Training: Kirsten Hiles and Wisencrazi (28.6)
Preliminary/Training: Todd Wulf and Kando (26.4)
Sr. Training Rider: Morgan Risseeuw and Farina VT (32.4)
Jr. Novice Rider: Adelyn Rinehart and Wexford Cruise (35.0)
Open Novice: Bernard Morauw and VC Questera (20.8)
Sr. Novice Rider A: Bella Godfrey and Wonder Girl (34.7)
Sr. Novice Rider B: Jennifer Tyler and London ROF (30.6)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Liliana Davick and Briarhill Excell Star Cornetta (30.6)
Open Beginner Novice A: Mark Ward and Moonlight Clover (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice B: Lianne Burgess and Marisol (29.9)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Sue Goepfert and Isabeau VT (33.2)
Starter A: Catherine Christianson and Sonsational Sizzler (32.8)
Starter B: Amelia Nachtsheim and LandDance (29.0)

WindRidge Farm Summer H.T. (Mooresboro, NC): [Website] [Final Scores]

Intermediate: Becky Holder and Silmarillion (40.0)
Preliminary: Alan Montemayor and AZ (32.2)
Preliminary/Training: Lisa Borgia and Storm’s End (45.3)
Training A: Brianna Manning and Adrenaline Rush (28.9)
Training B: Bobby Meyerhoff and Aramona K (28.1)
Novice A: Andrew McConnon and Connor (32.1)
Novice B: Zoe Crawford and Willbrook Brown Yeats (31.9)
Novice C: Rachel Parrott and Mr. Barron (31.9)
Novice CT: Maggie Hitron and This Is Gonna Be Fun (42.5)
Beginner Novice A: Amanda Miller and Parkmore Irish Annie (31.5)
Beginner Novice B: Dianne May and Gilligan (31.5)
Beginner Novice C: Morgan Franklin and Mio Bello Ragazzo (35.8)
Beginner Novice CT: Harriet Goodrich and St. Paddy (46.2)
Intro A: Meredith Kapler and Queen Bee (41.5)
Intro B: Hannah Crosby and I Love Lucy (43.5)
Intro CT: Logan Harris and Dandy (38.4)
Starter A: Heather Sinclair and Banoffi (29.3)
Starter B: Evan Harris and Macaroni (29.7)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Aug 15, 2022 12:01 am -

Retiring Ben from the top level of the sport last year was hard, and since then I have realized how much he did for me—…

Posted by Ema Klugman on Monday, August 15, 2022

There isn’t much better than seeing former five-star horses out enjoying their jobs even in “retirement”. After all, if you know most event horses you know they thrive on their jobs, so stepping down from the upper levels doesn’t have to spell life in a pasture. One such horse is one of our resident favorites, Bendigo, who has been teaching Julie Anne Bigham the ropes — we love to see it!

National Holiday: It’s Chant at the Moon Day. How very Kate Bush.

US Weekend Action:

Fair Hill International H.T. (Elkton, MD): [Website] [Results]

GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T. (South Woodstock, VT): [Website] [Results]

Otter Creek Summer H.T. (Wheeler, WI): [Website] [Results]

WindRidge Farm Summer H.T. (Mooresboro, NC): [Website] [Results]

UK Weekend Results: 

NAF Five Star Hartpury International H.T. (Gloucestershire, England): [Website] [Results]

Aston-le-Walls (4): [Results]

Hopetoun (2): [Results]

Global Eventing Roundup:

Le Grand Complet International H.T. (Le Pin au Haras, France): [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

Your Monday Reading List:

I’m unapologetically very into Pony Finals, where kids whose pocket money eclipses my annual salary ride four-legged pension plans around the cutest, most cunning of course. Their mounts are little rockstars, and occasionally, we even see one venture from our discipline over to hunter-jumperland and wind up competing at this most prestigious of kiddo championships. [Here’s one such story.]

In news from Herning, Eric Lamaze is tackling his first World Championships in a new role. This time around, he’s not a competitor himself — instead, he’s chef d’equipe of the Canadian jumping team, which is a pretty major transition. [Find out how it’s going for him here.]

We’re just a couple of weeks away from Burghley’s return, and you’ve probably started planning your watch parties (or trips to Stamford!). If you’re on the fence about subscribing to BurghleyTV, it might sweeten the deal to learn who, exactly, you’ll be listening to on commentary. [It’s a stacked line-up]

We’re loving US Eventing’s AECs series. The latest edition tells the story of a spicy red mare, an impressive comeback, and a dream in the making for Area VII eventer Jacqueline Cameron. [Red mares are the best mares]

The FutureTrack Follow:

Chinese Olympian Alex Hua Tian picked up a win in the 3*-L at Hartpury this past weekend, and he’s an interesting fellow to follow as he’s quite involved in the sport from a variety of angles. Give him a follow here.

Morning Viewing:

Meet the first rider from China to jump clear at World Championships: Ella Yunjing Wang and her sporty Quidamia D:

Hartpury’s Golden Girl: Vanir Kamira Becomes First Mare to Win CCI4*-S

By on Aug 14, 2022 4:35 pm -

Piggy March and Vanir Kamira. Photo courtesy of Hartpury International.

Piggy March and Vanir Kamira have scored their first international victory since taking the Badminton Horse Trials in 2019, winning the NAF Magic CCI4*S at the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials. Vanir Kamira is the first ever mare to win the CCI4*S competition and also delivered her best ever finishing score at an international event (26.4)

The combination jumped an effortless clear round in the show jumping on Saturday morning, before storming around Eric Winter’s cross country track well inside the time – one of just four pairs to do so.

The 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare had looked outstanding on Friday afternoon putting in a consistent test brimming with 7s and 8s. The judges were particularly impressed by the walk and canter work and accurate half passes were also well rewarded by the Ground Jury.

Vanir Kamira, or “Tilly” as she’s known, was bred by Kathryn Jackson in Ireland’s Co. Monaghan. Her dam was Fair Caledonian and sire, Camiro De Haar Z.

Dressage leader Ros Canter finished in a very creditable 2nd place after having a rail down and picking up 0.8pen on the cross country with her Badminton runner-up Lordships Graffalo. She enjoyed two outstanding cross country rounds and two top-ten finishes with Pencos Crown Jewel having also finished in 8th.

The only former winners in the field, Kitty King and Vendredi Biats, picked up 5.2 time pens on the cross country meaning the galloping grey finished in third place.

Tom McEwen withdrew his Olympic ride Toledo De Kerser before dressage began but finished in 4th place with Bob Chaplin. Monkeying Around and Izzy Taylor had been in 2nd place after dressage but a rail down and 7.2 time pens dropped them to 6th.

Elsewhere, the NAF Mpower CCI2*L and NAF Superflex CCI3*L see no change at the very top of the leaderboard. Jason Wood and Nitro (2*) jumped clear across country within the time as did a number of other 2* combinations. It’s tight at the top as there’s just 2.4pens between the top ten.

China’s Alex Hua Tian has maintained his lead in the CCI3*L with Jilsonne Van Bareelhof (25.4) after jumping a clear cross country round inside the time. He needs to jump a clear round on Sunday as Stephen Heal and I Diablo Joe sit just 2 penalties behind him on 27.4. Both the CCI2*L and CCI3*L competitors will face a final horse inspection on Sunday morning before showjumping.

Three-quarters of the CCI4S* runners jumped clear across country and penalties were scattered all around the course with the Jump 1 Brush Corners proving perhaps the most influential.

Course Designer Eric Winter reflected on a successful day: “It’s been another safe and successful day of cross country at Hartpury, and I’m delighted with how the course rode. As was the case with the FEI European Championships for Young Riders/Juniors a few weeks ago, the 2* and 3* tracks were educational and created a good test for the level. Interestingly, penalties around the two courses came from different fences to those in the European Championships.

“The 4* track had a good number of completions and I’m delighted for Piggy who really got out and attacked the course. For many, this will have been a superb prep run for the autumn internationals setting them up for Burghley in a few weeks time.”

Rosie Scott-Ward, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Hartpury University, said: “We’re thrilled for Piggy and the lovely mare Vanir Kamira. They pulled out all the stops in the jumping phases and were rewarded with this victory. It’s a great privilege for Hartpury to host horses of this calibre and to have former Badminton and Bramham winners amongst the names.

“In light of the hot conditions, we worked closely with the FEI officials, vets and riders themselves to make a number of changes ahead of cross country day. As a result, the course was shortened in order to create a shaded finish area in the woods. This worked particularly well, allowing horses to be cooled quickly and efficiently using ice water and fans. We also ensured water points were distributed throughout the course to keep horses cool during holds. The earlier start (07:30) helped many combinations to jump away from the hottest part of the day.”

For the U.S., Katherine Coleman picked up a 14th place finish with her own RLE Limbo Kaiser, a 15-year-old Irish gelding with whom Katherine’s been partnered since early 2021. Burghley-bound Meghan O’Donoghue also contested the 4*-S with Palm Crescent, adding only some time on cross country for 28th overall, while Emily Hamel and Corvett finished in 49th, also with just time added on cross country. Canada’s Kathryn Robinson also contested the 4*-S with Cloud K, adding two rails and some time on cross country to their final score.

Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne Van Bareelhof (Top Shots Photography)

CCI3*L

Even a pole down in Sunday’s final showjumping phase wasn’t enough to prevent China’s Alex Hua Tian winning the NAF Superflex CCI3*L with Jilsonne Van Bareelhof. The imposing 17hh Belgian warmblood by Nevado Van De Rostal looked to have plenty of experience as the pair moved effortlessly through the phases. A dressage score of 25.4 followed up by an eye-catching cross country round on Saturday placed the pair in a comfortable position as those closest to them faltered. Alex’s other ride Cooley Admiral also jumped a clear round but 9.2 time pens from cross country and a dressage score of 45.6 meant they finished in 25th place.

Ellie Fredericks and Pure Trendsetter moved up to 2nd place after a clear round on Sunday while Emily Young-Jamieson and Obos Nidge, and Alexander Whewall and Wisbeach Cevin Z Pride also moved up to 3rd and 4th respectively after jumping a valuable clear.

CCI2*L

More than half of the 3* competitors jumped clear rounds on Sunday afternoon, but it was a different story for the 2* combinations during the morning session.

Kitty King continued a run of good Hartpury form, winning the NAF M Power CCI2*L with RSH Monbeg Marshall on a score of 29.4. Kitty had finished in 3rd place in the NAF Magic CCI4*S with her galloping grey Vendredi Biats on Saturday.

Jumping proved the name of the game and Sunday’s showjumping phase proved extremely influential in altering a leaderboard that had been largely unchanged after the dressage and cross country. With the top ten so close after the cross country, even a time fault was costing several places.

Jason Wood and Nitor had led after the first two phases but a rail down and 1.2 time pens proved expensive, dropping the pair into 8th place.

Just over a quarter of the 2* riders managed to record a clear around Paul Connor’s track. Clear rounds moved several pairs up the leaderboard including Great Britain’s Millie Toulson-Clarke and Tir Na Nog Shadow who finished 2nd with 30.8, Ireland’s Danielle Mccormack and Billy Orinoco who finished 3rd with 32.3, and Tim Cheffings who finished in 4th and 5th place with Fanad West Callardo and Nadir De Leau respectively.

Course Designer Eric Winter reflected on a successful cross country day for the two levels: “Saturday saw a safe and successful day of cross country at Hartpury, and I’m delighted with how the course rode even in the hot conditions. As was the case with the FEI European Championships for Young Riders/Juniors a few weeks ago, the 2* and 3* tracks were educational and created a good test for the level. Interestingly, penalties around the two courses came from different fences to those in the European Championships.”

Rosie Scott-Ward, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Hartpury University, said: “Congratulations to Alex Hua Tian and Kitty King on their victories in the 3* and 2* competitions. It’s been an outstanding week of world-class eventing action and I’d like to thank the riders, officials, volunteers and sponsors who help to make our events a success. Today is rather bittersweet for us as it’s the last of our major equestrian events for the season. We’ve enjoyed a spectacular summer with the addition of the European Championships and are already looking ahead to 2023.

“The weather presented a host of challenges for our team this week but working with the FEI officials, vets and riders themselves, we managed to create a comfortable environment for horses and humans alike. By starting earlier in the day and implementing a shaded wash-down area with extra volunteers and an abundance of iced water, all horses and riders enjoyed a safe and enjoyable week at Hartpury.”

The Hartpury Organising Committee would like to say a special thank you to all our sponsors, in particular NAF, whose generous title sponsorship helps us to stage our three prestigious equestrian events.

NAF Five Star Hartpury International H.T. (Gloucestershire, England): [Website] [Final Scores] [Live Stream Replay]