Classic Eventing Nation

Equestrian Canada Names 2022 High Performance Squad Athletes + Fundraising Goal for WEG Set

By on Jun 4, 2022 11:13 am -

Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Equestrian Canada has named its 2022 High Performance Squad athletes as well as its Development Squad as the country looks ahead to this fall’s FEI World Championships for Eventing, where an all-important Paris Olympics qualification is on the line.

Named to the High Performance Squad are:

  • Hawley Bennett-Awad and the Jollybo Syndicate LLC’s Jollybo
  • Holly Jacks Smither and her own Candy King (More Inspiration was also named to the list)
  • Colleen Loach and Peter Barry’s Qorry Blue d’Argouges, Peter Barry’s Vermont, and Peter Barry, Amanda Bernhard and the rider’s FE Golden Eye
  • Jessica Phoenix and her own Pavarotti as well as Charlotte Schickedanz and the rider’s Wabbit
  • Karl Slezak and Kirk Hoppner and the rider’s Fernhill Wishes
  • Mike Winter and Jonathan Nelson and Emma and Mike’s El Mundo

Dana Cooke and Mississippi, who are currently overseas competing in Ireland, are one pair named to Equestrian Canada’s Development Squad. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Recently, Equestrian Canada released its fundraising goals for the season, identifying a goal of $250,000 to help bring the equestrian program forward to reach new heights. You can make a donation by clicking here, and stay tuned for more ways to get involved coming soon.

 

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From the Ground Up: Finding Time to Slow Down

By on Jun 4, 2022 10:00 am -

Gillian Warner is bringing us along for the ride as she strikes out on her own to launch her business as a professional. You can catch up on the preceding columns from this series here.

Setting realistic expectations for what can be accomplished and organizing my day to fight against my “energizer bunny” mode has provided me with the opportunity to be present.

As anyone with horse experience knows, there’s always more to be done.

Whether that’s progression in your training, fields that need to be mowed, tack that needs to be cleaned, or office work to complete, life on a farm never stops moving.

Despite fully recognizing that I’ll never completely “finish” the work, I still have a hard time accepting that. I have what has been nicknamed my “energizer bunny” mode – when I start to feel overwhelmed by tasks, I go into overdrive. The plus side of this is that I get a lot done. But it’s neither realistic nor sustainable.

“At my age, it takes a little longer than it used to for me to get back up the hill. But when you aren’t in a hurry about things, you’re liable to notice more, so I don’t mind.” ~ Bill Dorrance

Learning a lesson from the wise words of Bill Dorrance in the quote above, I’ve been challenging myself to maintain my efficiency while relaxing into the work as well.

I want to be fully present, instead of flitting about from one task to the next. I love spending time with horses (otherwise I wouldn’t have my job), but in the daily routine, and under the ever-growing list of tasks, I sometimes feel that focus gets lost. When I’m in overdrive, I miss out on the subtle interactions between horse and rider, observations that could be made, and the feeling of joy that’s so commonly associated with being around horses.

Managing and caring for a farm and so many animals means the work never stops. But giving yourself time to notice the little details and enjoy the work is critical to sustainability.

I still have so much growing left to do in this area. But I’ve already identified steps to make progress.

To begin with, for me, it’s all about setting and maintaining realistic expectations for my day. Yes, I try to fit a lot in – I want to fill any free time with another lesson, another ride, or tackle another project. However, fighting the urge to overwhelm myself with tasks by setting boundaries and expectations gives me the time to be present in the task in front of me. Also surrounding myself with a team I trust and enjoy working with has allowed me to delegate some projects and responsibility to spread the wealth of work!

Additionally, lists are critical to my attention and focus. While I’m going about my day, random new tasks pop up needing attention. If it’s time sensitive, of course I prioritize getting it done. Otherwise, I have multiple white boards for different tasks (to do today, this week, and miscellaneous projects to work on when I get “bored”). Writing new tasks on my lists takes it off of my mental to-do list while ensuring it will be remembered for later. Once it’s on the board, I can mentally move beyond it and dive into the task at present.

I enjoy being busy. I enjoy diving into projects. And I enjoy having time to spend with my horses. Finding opportunities to prevent my “energizer bunny” mode from creating a whirlwind of movement and mental overdrive has allowed me to be present in the moment, notice more details, and find joy in the endless work.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jun 4, 2022 12:01 am -

 

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Some great news for FEI riders: the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants have been extended for another three years! First awarded in 2011 and generously bestowed by the Broussard family through the USEA Foundation, the “Big Becky, “Little Becky” and The Rebecca Farm Travel Grants have annually helped alleviate some of the travel and training expenses for riders seeking to represent the U.S. on the world stage.

Learn more about the grants here and don’t forget that the deadline to apply for the The Rebecca Farm Travel Grants is June 15th — right around the corner!

U.S. Weekend Action: 

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (Geneseo, Ny.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

GMHA June H.T. (South Woodstock, Vt.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

IEA H.T. (Edinburgh, Ind.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, Wy.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (Cockeysville, Md.): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Summer I H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events:

Millstreet International H.T. (Millstreet, Ireland): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Saturday Links:

Register for US Equestrian’s DEI Community Conversation: Cultivating Inclusive Spaces for Transgender and Non-Binary Equestrians

Louise Persson: “Some grooms have maybe lost their why; why are we actually doing what we do?”

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Within the Equestrian Community

Meet the USEA Areas: Area V

Frigm Keeps Her Teenaged Promise To Her Forever Horse

Saturday Video: Consider your daily cuteness quota filled.

World Equestrian Brands Pick of the Week:

Friday Video from SmartPak: Arena Eventing to the Extreme

By on Jun 3, 2022 6:04 pm -

Ever fancied trying your hand at high-octane arena eventing under lights and in front of a packed out stadium? Now you can — well, kind of — thanks to Boyd Martin and his handy hatcam, which accompanied him for his rides on second-placed Federman B and third-placed Prezley at the Devon Horse Show’s $50,000 Arena Eventing class. You’ll get to enjoy all the thrill of the rounds themselves, plus those tense moments in the in-gate, watching the prior rider finishing up as you await your turn in the ring. Feeling your heart rate rise already? Us too.

Ramping back up into full work for the spring? SmartPak has everything you need to make the transition back to show season. Click here for more.

Laura Collett and Dacapo are Perfectly In Sync at Millstreet

By on Jun 3, 2022 5:00 pm -

Laura Collett (GBR) and Dacapo lead the way after dressage in the Horse Sport Ireland CCI4*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

The dressage phase is now complete for all nine classes, from 1* to 4*, at Millstreet International Horse Trials in Co Cork, Ireland. Britain’s Laura Collett swept into the lead in the showpiece Horsesport Ireland CCI4*-L section. Her performance with the striking dark bay gelding Dacapo was much anticipated and did not disappoint, earning a score of 24.3 from judges Sue Baxter (GBR, president), David Lee (IRL) and Jane Holderness-Roddam (GBR).

‘He was really on it and enjoyable to ride,” said the British Olympic gold medallist of the 13-year-old by Diorado, who was a picture of elegance and softness. “He has to have a tiny tantrum and thank goodness he got it out of the way this morning.”

Three of the German-bred Dacapo’s five owners had travelled to Ireland to watch – Diana Chappell, Carolyn Taylor and Gillian Morris-Adams, Michael and Alison Smedley being absentees at a wedding.

Kevin McNab was a member of the Australian silver-medal team in Tokyo last year and he is in second place on Willunga, an Irish Sport Horse by Olympic Lux. The 15-year-old was bought as a three-year-old at Goresbridge by Shaun and Sally Parkyn and sold to Nicky Roncoroni, who produced him as a youngster before selling him to the States.

Elizabeth Power (IRL) and Senza Fine are the highest placed Irish combination after dressage in the Horse Sport Ireland CCI4*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

“We’re slowly starting to work him out,” said Kevin after hearing his score of 27.2. “There’s still a lot to come and there were some costly mistakes, but overall there was genuine quality.”

Kevin is a regular visitor to Millstreet – the pair were second in the CCI4*-S last year. “You can always run properly here – there are amazing cross-country courses and surfaces,” he explained.

Britain’s Willa Newton is lying third on Cock A Doodle Doo, just 0.4 of a penalty ahead of Ryuzo Kitajjma on Japan Equestrian Federation’s Cekatinka JRA, a horse he hopes to qualify for the world championships. “She has a big motor,” he said of this lovely mare, previously ridden by New Zealander Tim Price. “She looks small, but she is powerful. She can be sensitive and sharp, but I like a sharp horse. She is definitely my type. I always wanted her.”

Elizabeth Power is best of the Irish on the Italian-bred mare Senza Fine and Britain’s Edie Campbell, competing in her first CCI4*-L and her first visit to the Duggan family’s Green Glens Arena, is in sixth place on the Dutch warmblood Fireball F. “It felt good, and I felt in control of the situation,” said Edie, who also works as a top model. “I’ve come to Millstreet with new eyes and my first CCI4*-L certainly feels a different game, but the course is fair and readable.”

Checking in the U.S.-based pairs, Clayton Fredericks is the highest placed of the two competing in the CCI4*-L, earning a 29.5 with FE Coldplay to sit in eighth ahead of tomorrow. Canadian rider Dana Cooke is in 18th with Mississippi, scoring a 32.9. Saturday, Clayton will be the first of the two to tackle Mike Etherington-Smith’s course, leaving the start box at 2:58 p.m. local / 9:58 a.m. EST. Dana Cooke will start at 3:46 p.m. local / 10:46 a.m. EST.

Virginia Thompson (NZL) and Katchafire lead the way after dressage in the Donagh Hickey Motors CCI2*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

The top of the Donagh Hickey Motors CCI2*-L leaderboard sees a New Zealand one-two for Virginia Thompson (Katchafire) and Jonelle Price (Fernhill Kankan), the pair separated by just 0.8 of a penalty. Clodie Coen, 19, is the highest placed Irish rider in third place on the 14-year-old Union Fortunus, by Fortunus out of a Clover Hill mare..

Virginia is another who has followed the well-trodden path set by the likes of Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson and Blyth Tait, and she is based in Blyth’s former yard in Gloucestershire. Kate Harvey, Phillip Levy and Ross Milne’s seven-year-old Katchafire is an Irish Sport Horse by Sir Donnerhall. ‘He is really cool, a big-moving, leggy horse and he coped well with the trip here,’ said Virginia, who has been riding him for a couple of years. ‘He tried really hard.’

Kirsty Chabert’s good weekend continued when she took the lead in the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI2*-S on the nine-year-old Heraldiks Girl Opposition.

An impressive field of 18 ponies has come forward for the Equine Warehouse CCIP2*-S, many of whose riders will be vying for a spot in the forthcoming Pony European Championships in Strzegom, Poland, in August. The leader after dressage is 15-year-old Josh Williamson from Co Meath riding Mrs Gerry Ward and Jane Hancock’s Ardeo Firema, by Tinka’s Boy, with a score of 26.1.

Cork-based Sian Coleman, riding Sean Barron and Maurice Coleman’s six-year old Kilroe Frolic by Cavalier Land, currently leads the new Carr Day & Martin CCI1*-Intro class.

Tomorrow is all about jumping, with the action kicking off at 8am with the show jumping phase for the CCI4*-S and the Pony competitors who are the first to sample Mike Etherington-Smith’s much-admired cross-country courses.

Tomorrow’s cross country will be carried live for premium subscribers on Clip My Horse TV. You can view the starting order for the CCI4*-L here and find scores and starting orders for all divisions here.

 

Millstreet International H.T. (Millstreet, Ireland): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

EN Gear Grab Photo Challenge: Show Us Your Best Eventing Face

By on Jun 3, 2022 11:30 am -

After our most recent Who Jumped It Best poll went viral — not for the skill showcased by the riders but rather for the grimaces of comically extreme focus on each rider’s face — we’re here to give the people what they want: a “faces of eventing” photo challenge.

We know the fine faces pictured below won’t mind us using them as examples, mostly because we also know we ALL have at least one photo like this. I can personally attest that my face while riding looks like I am actually quite angry to be in the saddle and that you probably shouldn’t get on my bad side (RBF problems, I suppose).

Caitlin Davison and M Cloudy de Lune SE. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Lauren LoPiccolo and Csongor. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Tommy Greengard and Leonardo Diterma. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

So we’re putting it to you now. Send us or show us your finest eventing face and we’ll put a few of the best options up for a reader vote to win some EN gear. We know you’ve got some, so let’s see ’em! Send them to [email protected] or tag us on social (we’ll also put up a comment thread on Facebook for submissions). We’ll post a gallery of finalists on Monday!

Need some more inspiration? Allow these grimaces to send you into a spiral of show photo stalking to find a face that gives these a run for their money:

Exhibit A: Any photo of Tom McEwen, it seems. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Dom Schramm can typically be counted on for a good in-saddle stare. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

You can also follow the (unaffiliated but incredibly awesome) Faces of Eventing Instagram page for more inspo…

 

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Seeing is Belonging: What Pride Means to Me

By on Jun 3, 2022 9:00 am -

In celebration of Pride Month, we invite our readers to share their stories and perspectives. We are always open to sharing diverse perspectives here on EN, and you can share yours by emailing [email protected]. This story come to us from Mary Campbell, the Boss Mare in Charge at Mare Modern Goods. You can check out the Mare Modern Goods Pride collection here.

Pride Month is here! And I’d like to give you my reason for recognizing this important event. I came out about 25 years ago and it was a very different time. Ellen was not a fixture on our televisions, AIDS was still something that was very much feared by the gay community and marriage equality was not even on the horizon. To keep a very long story short, it was not an easy time to navigate the waters of being gay. I’m so glad that things have changed over the past 25 years and that resources for people who are LGBTQIA are so much easier to access and, more importantly, that the stigma around being gay has lessened.

But I’ll be honest, I still feel nervous writing this and sharing it with you guys. I worry that you’ll judge me, not support my business, or think less of me. It still feels risky and, while no one is forcing me to share this with you—my friends and customers—it feels important for me because it’s the brave thing to do. And, if there is one thing I have learned though my time with horses, sometimes you have to show up, trust yourself and do the brave thing.

And why is this story important? Because we all need to be seen and we all need role models and people who inspire us to be our truest selves. Even at 45, I need reminders that it’s okay to be myself and that the world needs people like me here. That’s why diversity matters and it’s not just a box to check but a guiding principle for my business. If you can’t see yourself in the life you want to live, how do you ever fully blossom into who you are meant to be?

My wish is that everyone can see themselves in the world of horses. No matter your background, your gender, your race, your body type, your sexual orientation, you belong here. Horses don’t judge us, they accept us for all of the reasons that should inspire us to accept each other: are we kind, are we generous with our assumptions, are we clear about our boundaries, are our pockets full of cookies? Personally, I’ve found if you have cookies, most people are nice to you. Tell me I’m wrong.

So, this month (and always!), no matter who you are and who you love, we celebrate you. Being your truest self takes courage and that’s badass.

As always, thank you for taking time to read this and if you are struggling with your own identity issues, know that you are not alone and things will get better. If you need support, please don’t be afraid to ask for help and if you need mental health resources, I’ll include a list of links below.

Helpful LGBTQIA Resources:

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.

PFLAG

PFLAG was the first organization devoted to helping parents, families, and allies support LGBTQ+ people. Today, the organization supports a network of more than 400 local chapters found throughout the United States. Through their site, you can locate or even start a local chapter of the support organization.

LGBT National Help Center

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) National Help Center, founded in 1996, is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that provides vital peer-support, community connections and resource information to people with questions regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Trans Lifeline

Trans Lifeline is a service devoted to offering care and support to transgender people. It provides peer support from a place of experience since the organization is staffed by trans individuals.

Friday News & Notes Presented by Zoetis

By on Jun 3, 2022 12:03 am -

Quartermarks for the Queen’s Jubilee! Photo courtesy of World Class Grooming.

It’s Friday! Happy weekend to all you working stiffs with “real” jobs, and also to those of us who work the same schedule every day of the week and 100% lose track of which day it is. A friend of mine recently had a car wreck, and the medical personnel who arrived were asking him questions to determine if he had a concussion, but I swear to God, if you ask a horse person which day of the week it is or the actual date, chances are we wouldn’t know anyway.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (Geneseo, Ny.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

GMHA June H.T. (South Woodstock, Vt.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

IEA H.T. (Edinburgh, Ind.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, Wy.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (Cockeysville, Md.): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Summer I H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Millstreet International H.T. (Millstreet, Ireland): [Website] [Scoring]

News From Around the Globe:

Eight-time Olympic eventer J. Michael Plumb is recovering in the hospital after falling while mounting a horse at his home in Southern Pines, North Carolina, on May 26. Mike, 82, incurred a fractured femur that required surgery. Prior to surgery, his doctors determined he’d need a pacemaker. He underwent surgery for the pacemaker on May 27 and had surgery to repair the femur on May 28. He’s back to his cantankerous old self though, apparently, and I’m sure he will be back in the barn as soon as possible. [Mike Plumb Suffers Mounting Injury]

Professional boxer Muhammad Ali was once quoted as saying, “In the big leagues everyone has the ability. It always comes down to mind games. Whoever is more mentally strong—wins.” Sports coaches often say that mental preparation is 90% of the game. Developing an ability to cope with the psychological stress that comes along with elite competition—and competition in general—is crucial in the show ring. How can equestrians learn from other sports? [Change Your Mindset, Improve Your Riding]

Best of Blogs: What Feminism Looks Like in the Rural West

 The 2022 USEA AEC is only three months away! The 2022 AEC will take place from August 30 to September 4 at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana. This year’s AEC will have up to 23 divisions and will offer all levels from Beginner Novice through the Advanced level, including the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final. The 2022 AEC will also host the 2022 USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC) at the Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, and Preliminary levels. From entries and qualifications to prizes and sponsors, learn more about what to expect at the upcoming 2022 AEC! [Rev Up for the AEC’s]

Although straightness shows up as the fifth of six elements on the scales of training, basic straightness as a concept is introduced much earlier. After all, young horses are taught to travel as straight as possible both on the flat and to jumps from when they are first backed. So surely straightness can’t be that advanced? It all comes down to the idea of basic straightness versus true straightness. So, what is basic straightness? And how does it differ from true straightness? [True Straightness vs Basic Straightness]

 

Thursday Video: Badminton in the Rearview

By on Jun 2, 2022 4:30 pm -

Hard to believe Badminton is a month removed already, so I went digging for some highlight reels to relive the weekend. Lucky I did, as I stumbled upon this gorgeous min-reel from All I See Media that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of eventing and the tradition of the historic Badminton Horse Trials. Enjoy!

Don’t forget: you can still catch the archived replays from not just this year, but previous Badmintons as well, with your Badminton TV pass that’s good for a year with a one-time purchase. Click here to check it out.

Kirsty Chabert Makes Classic Start at Millstreet

By on Jun 2, 2022 4:06 pm -

Kirsty Chabert (GBR) and Classic VI lead the way after dressage in the Connolly’s RED MILLS CCI4*S at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

Competition is well underway at Millstreet International Horse Trials where 320-plus horses have arrived at the Duggan family’s Green Glens Arena in Co Cork, Ireland, to find a warm Irish welcome and a stunningly well-presented cross-country track.

British rider Kirsty Chabert has taken an early lead at the halfway mark in the Connolly’s Red Mills CCI4*-S with her father John Johnston and Carole Somers’ 13-year-old mare Classic Vl, but judges Anne-Marie Taylor (GBR, president), John Little (IRL) and Joanne Jarden (IRL) have yet to award a sub-30 mark.

Kirsty scored 30.8 and currently leads seasoned Australian Olympian and perennial Millstreet visitor Kevin McNab on Rebecca Stones’ Miss Pepperpot, a 10-year-old mare by the former British showjumping team horse Peppermill, by 2.1 penalties. Ian Cassells from Newcastle, Co Dublin, riding the nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse Kellys Quality is best of home riders on 33.3.

Recent Badminton winner Laura Collett heads a field of 51 in the Noel C Duggan Engineering CCI3*-L with a score of 28.3 on Yogi Breisner, Diana Chappell and Christopher Clemente’s eight-year-old Outback, a horse she purchased five years ago via video from Germany.

Laura Collett (GBR) and Outback lead the way after dressage in the Noel C Duggan Engineering CCI3*L at Millstreet International Horse Trials (1)

The British Olympic gold medallist also has a youngster in the Eventing Ireland CCI2*-S for young horses, which is currently led by Meath Bolger on MBF Back to Back, and will perform the dressage phase on Dacapo in the Horsesport Ireland CCI4*-L tomorrow.

“The plan with Dacapo was always a CCI4*-L and I thought the track at Millstreet would suit him best,” explained Laura. “I’ve been here a couple of times before and I really like it. The course is beautifully built and the ground is amazing. There are lots of questions but nothing is trappy and it’s all in front of you.”

Antipodean riders are at Millstreet in force, including the 2006 world silver medallist Clayton Fredericks who has flown over from the US, all of whom are vying for places at the World Championships in Italy in September. Samantha Lissington, who has been based in Britain in Joe Giannamore’s yard since 2019, is in second, third and eighth places in the CCI3*-L on Ricker Ridge Ricochet, Bing Bong and Señor Crocodile.

She also has a horse in the CCI4*-L, Ricker Ridge Sooty Gnz. “I’ve looked at the cross-country course and I’m blown away by the amount of detail and effort that has been made with the presentation,” she said.

Adam Haugh from Co Down leads the Foran Equine CCI3*-S on van Thee Man with a score of 29.7 from Ian Cassells on Rosconnell Alto (30.4) and leading Kiwi rider Tim Price on Polystar l.

The CCI4*-L competition will commence tomorrow as the division trotted up for the ground jury today. US-based pairs Clayton Fredericks and Dana Cooke are competing in this division, and their ride times are as follows:

Clayton Fredericks and FE Coldplay: Friday, 4:30 p.m. local / 11:30 a.m. EST
Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi: Friday, 6:01 p.m. local / 1:01 p.m. EST

You can follow along live on Clip My Horse TV (subscription required) here.

Millstreet International H.T. (Millstreet, Ireland): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream]