Classic Eventing Nation

A Peek at Pratoni: Go Behind the Scenes at the First Horse Inspection

By on May 11, 2022 10:42 am -

Austria’s Harald Ambros dons his finest lederhosen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Talk about the whirlwind of the eventing season: after the last two weeks of five-star double-headers at Kentucky and Badminton, we’ve nipped straight down to Italy for the test event for the Pratoni World Championships this September. Though the Championships will be a long-format competition as usual, with CCI5* dressage and showjumping and a ‘four-and-a-half star’ cross-country, this week’s test event is a CCIO4*-S, and is being used to fine-tune the infrastructure, the course, and the set-up ahead of the real deal in a few months. With 12 nations competing, plus further national representatives here on the ground, it’s certainly being taken very seriously, and it’s offering us all a unique opportunity to get to know this beautiful, hilly venue.

I’m not going to be covering this week’s competition in quite the same in-depth manner you’re used to, though rest assured, there’ll be plenty of updates from the event itself, which is also a Nations Cup leg and the Italian National Championships. Instead, my aim on the ground here in Italy is to get a sense of what we can all expect come September: the terrain, the theme of the course design, the measures in place to deal with the (considerable) heat, how different nations are preparing, and how you can make the most of your trip as a spectator. I’ll also be chatting to some up-and-coming riders from a variety of nations so we can follow along with their own respective journeys to — hopefully — their big WEG call-up in a few months’ time. But despite that, I couldn’t resist going to this afternoon’s horse inspection, which is held in a bit of a basin between the schooling arenas and the main arena. The verdict so far? It’s very, very hot, and there are a lot of seriously fresh horses here — but they’ll need to be, because this venue is all about the hills.

Here’s a little peak at what went down in that first horse inspection, which saw all competitors accepted into the competition and just one pair — Sweden’s Malin Josefsson and Golden Midnight — held. You can check out the full entry list here. You’ll also be able to take a closer look at the venue on our Instagram, where we’re storying the experience here all week — and we’d love to know your burning questions about Pratoni, too.

Pratoni 2022 Test Event: Website, Live Scoring, Entries, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Arena Eventing is Returning to Devon Horse Show! Get Your Entries in By May 16

By on May 11, 2022 9:00 am -

Boyd Martin and Contestor. Photo by The Book LLC.

Always a popular fixture on the summer eventing calendar and making its return for the first time since 2019 will be the $50,000 Arena Eventing at the iconic Devon Horse Show. The Arena Eventing class will take place on Sunday evening, May 29 in the historic Dixon Oval as well as the adjoining Wheeler Ring. Riders who are interested in competing must submit their entries here by Monday, May 16.

The cross country course will be designed by Captain Mark Phillips, and the event has been designated as Intermediate level/Arena Eventing. If you’re unsure of qualifications for this event, you can review the USEF Rules here.

We’re looking forward to this event as ever and also have a sneak peek of one entry: EN’s own Ema Klugman and Bendigo (who has been enjoying his role as eventing professor lately) are currently preparing to compete in the Devon Arena Eventing and looking sharp as ever!

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on May 11, 2022 12:01 am -

Photo Courtesy of Nora Huynh-Watkins.

I was so excited to hear that Nora Huynh-Watkins was named as the Summer 2022 Ever So Sweet Scholarship recipient from Strides for Equality Equestrians. Since the Ever So Sweet Scholarship’s creation in 2020, two riders have benefitted from the education and exposure gained with help from the program. Honestly, it’s made me quite envious, but all of these riders have ambitions to help serve the greater equestrian community as they move forward and I think it’s so important to have opportunities like this available to open those pathways. After all, our sport is only as big as the number of people it reaches, and I have no doubt that the ESS graduates will go on to help grow our community!

To learn more about ESS and learn when you’ll be able to apply for a future round, please click here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event (Mill Spring, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Galway Downs Spring H.T. (Temecula, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, Vt.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (Spokane, Wa.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Unionville May H.T. (Unionvilla, Pa.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

WindRidge Farm Spring H.T. (Mooresboro, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Winona H.T. (Hanoverton, Oh.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

FEI Nations Cup CCIO4*-S/WEG Test Event (Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Scoring] [EN’s Coverage] [Live Stream]

Wednesday News & Reading

He did it! Dom Schramm completed a lifelong goal of finishing Badminton and he’s done just that with Bolytair B. ICYMI, Dom’s been blogging for The Chronicle during his time overseas, and his last installment is a reflection on the final phases of competition. Read it here.

We loved running into our buddies at Haygain at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event! If you visited the trade fair indoors, chances are you followed the delicious smell of steamed hay right to the Haygain booth. Read the recap of Haygain’s weekend in Kentucky here.

I really appreciated this candid reflection on Badminton from Pippa Funnell, who’s no stranger to success but experienced a down weekend this year at the British 5*. Pippa had the unfortunate luck of being held while her close friend, Nicola Wilson, was attended to after a bad fall, and the weekend never really got right in the end. We always idolize these top riders for their high moments, but Pippa’s candor here is even more valuable in my opinion.

Have a horse dealing with ulcers? Two keys that might be useful: forage and starch/sugar intake. Read more on this topic over on TheHorse.com.

Video Break

This definitely looks right up my alley: Frankie Thieriot-Stutes has teamed up with Will Faudree for the new H&C+ show “Frankie Feasts With”:

Tuesday Videos: Badminton in the Rearview

By on May 10, 2022 4:00 pm -

Horse show hangovers are a very real thing, and none quite so heavy as those that come after a big 5* — two, to be exact this year! We’re still on that Badminton high, and thankfully the production team at Badminton seem to feel the same way as they’ve served up video highlight reels from each day of competition.

If you want to relive the competition in full, you can still watch the replays from each phase on Badminton TV. A one-time fee of $25 will get you access to the programming for a whole year, and you’ll even have access to replays from 2018 and 2019 to boot.

Badminton definitely worked its way up toward the top of the bucket list for many of us this year, myself included, and it’s no wonder, with nearly 200,000 spectators on site throughout the weekend and plenty of good vibes to go around. We’re already ready for 2023!

Take a look back at our coverage from Badminton here.

‘Everything I Could Have Wished For’: Catching Up with David Doel after Top 10 Finish at First Badminton

By on May 10, 2022 2:00 pm -

David Doel earns a much-deserved moment in the spotlight with Galileo Nieuwmoed. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Badminton first-timer David Doel says he is “just buzzing” after finishing sixth in the 2022 event, presented by MARS Equestrian. David was the best-performing Badminton debutant, and rolled up the leader board from eleventh to sixth place as the show jumping phase played out.

“I am absolutely thrilled, just buzzing right now!” said David, whose yard, Redbridge Eventing is just a 20 minute drive from the event. “I was hoping to get in the top 20, but sixth is incredible. Galileo was amazing, and I could not have done this with out my great grooms and training team. I expect we will be going to the pub to celebrate tonight!”

Laura Collett took first place, on London 52. Runner-up Ros Canter was the only rider to finish on her dressage score with Lordships Graffalo, while Oliver Townend cemented his world number one position with third and fifth places on Swallow Springs and Ballaghmor Class.

David is hoping to make his mark for British team selection and is now looking for a year of top level consistency. He put in an impressive cross country round on the 11-year-old Galileo Nieuwmoed, owned by Gillian Jonas, putting him into 11th place ahead of the show jumping, where poles down for William Fox-Pitt and Kitty King saw him nudge ahead to a final sixth place on the leaderboard. David puts his success down to a lot of prep and fitness work with one of his trainers Nick Turner, as well as support from his team at the event itself.

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“I spoilt myself and brought along two grooms,” he said. “We were expecting to have the two horses, but only the one made it in, but that was definitely worthwhile.” His other mount, Ferro Point, didn’t make it off the wait list.

One of the two grooms was Claire Lintern, who was smiling from ear to ear walking Galileo back to the boxes after the prize giving ceremony in the arena at the end of the first Badminton in three years. “I’m so thrilled and really proud,” she said. “But I don’t know if I will make the pub — I’m more ready for bed!”

While David and the team are heading for a well deserved pint down the pub, David says it’s going to be business as usual for the next week.

“I have four horses running at Aston Le Walls on Wednesday and Chatsworth at the weekend, so back to normality and working with the young horses pretty quickly.”

After a gap of three years, support for the Badminton event was huge: 180,000 visitors attended over the four days, and the many trade stands did a roaring trade, delighted to be back.

“It was everything I could have wished for,” said Event Director Jane Tuckwell. “Lots of happy people, fantastic result, wonderful sponsors in our presenting partner Mars Equestrian and our official partner Lifesource BP. It’s a dream come true at last. Bring on 2023.”

To catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2022 Badminton Horse Trials, click here.

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Nora Huynh-Watkins Named Third Ever So Sweet Scholarship Recipient by Strides for Equality Equestrians

By on May 10, 2022 11:30 am -

Photo Courtesy of Nora Huynh-Watkins.

Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) is delighted to announce that Nora Huynh-Watkins of Oregon has been selected as the Summer 2022 recipient of the Ever So Sweet Scholarship. The education and network that Huynh-Watkins will develop over two months at Sara Kozumplik’s Overlook Farm will be influential as she navigates her way in the horse industry.

Huynh-Watkins is the third recipient of the scholarship which covers expenses for full board and training costs for Huynh-Watkins’ horse, several lessons per week, housing, a stipend to cover living expenses, competition fees, and coaching at competitions.

Huynh-Watkins is a 25-year-old self-professed lifelong “horse-girl” who is looking forward to expanding her knowledge both in and out of the saddle. Her current horse is a 9-year- old OTTB that she is competing at Novice and hopes to continue up the levels as they are ready.

Huynh-Watkins would also like to be more involved with expanding grassroots level events in the Pacific Northwest to increase competition opportunities. She was on her Intercollegiate Eventing Team that encouraged those with interest in horses, but who didn’t have access to a horse of their own to come out and gain experience. This may turn into an exciting model for SEE to explore!

SEE with the help of Sara Kozumplik & Edy Rameika is thrilled to offer the Ever So Sweet scholarship, a life-changing opportunity to deserving individuals in the horse world. Our Professional Pathways program is helping realize the goal of increasing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion within horse sports. We are so appreciative of the USEA & the USEA Foundation for their continued support.

SEE the Change, Be an Ally!

You can follow along for updates on the SEE website at https://www.stridesforequality.org/.

For more information please contact Erin Tomson, Ph.D., Strides for Equality Equestrians at 509.332.9486 / [email protected]

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on May 10, 2022 6:25 am -

 

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I feel like I’ve just about recovered from Badminton, wherein a tight-knit group of us slightly bonkers equestrian media folks kept the press centre security chaps in business until the wee hours of the morning most nights. (It’s good timing, too, as I’m just packing up my cameras to catch a flight to Rome in a couple of hours, from where I’ll be going on to the WEG test event in Pratoni!) There have been little glimpses of normality over the past couple of years — last year’s European Championships felt very nearly there, as did Pau and Le Lion with the return of their enthusiastic crowds. But nothing’s felt quite as in-your-face real as Badminton did, with its sell-out crowds, its sea of hugs and tears, and with the elbow-to-elbow scrum of the mixed zone for media and athletes. I hugged just about everyone I encountered, for good measure — social distancing be damned. It’s time to get back to swapping our germs merrily and generously.

Events Opening Today: Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T., Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I, Stable View Summer H.T., Midsouth Pony Club H.T., Inavale Farm HT, Valinor Farm H.T.

Events Closing Today: Spring Coconino H.T., Flora Lea Spring H.T., Willow Draw Charity Show, Mystic Valley Hunt Club H.T., The Spring Event at Woodside, May-Daze at the Park H.T., Equestrians’ Institute H.T., VHT International & H.T., Mill Creek Pony Club Horse Trial

News & Notes from Around the World:

“One of the wonders of eventing is the different character of the cross-country courses around the world.” Captain Mark Phillips’s latest column for H&H dives into the differences between the two, recaps a dramatic renewal of Badminton, and recounts what riders got right — and what they got wrong — at the event. [He just has a lot of feelings, okay]

Ever wondered what it’s like to train with the pros in the heart of Ocala’s horse country? Writer Justine Griffin headed to the sunshine state to find out for herself. [Here’s what she learned]

There wasn’t just drama on the cross-country course at Badminton — it all kicked off in the trade-stands, too. Someone has stolen a hare statue worth £19,000, in what must be the most complicated horse show robbery since that time someone nicked a gold toilet from Blenheim. [Is that a rabbit in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?]

In a rather more grim bit of news, it turns out that the donkey skin trade is doing roaring business. A new report has revealed an extensive organised crime network devoted to trafficking the skins globally, and apparently, nearly 5 million donkeys are falling victim to the trade every year. [This isn’t nice reading, but it’s important reading]

Listen to This: One of Badminton’s great success stories was that of Tamie Smith, who overcame a tough Kentucky to deliver three impeccable phases with Mai Baum, including arguably the most stylish showjumping round of the day on Sunday. Get to know her a little bit better in this episode of the Eventing Podcast.

Video Break:

Meet Fiona Kashel, who made her Badminton debut last week with Creevagh Silver de Haar:

Monday Video: Beast Around Badminton XC with Laura Collett

By on May 9, 2022 5:00 pm -

Ladies and gentleman, this is a helmet cam for the ages! Laura Collett‘s win at Badminton yesterday is the stuff dreams are made of, literally, and thanks to Equine Productions’ Jockeycam we get to take a ride with her on London 52 over Eric Winter’s cross country track.

If you watched any of the live coverage during Saturday’s cross country phase, you’ll have heard rider after rider mentioning what a change it was to have the return of such large crowds lining the ropes and you can really get a feel for how impressive the crowds were from Laura’s vantage point. Just think, is there a little kid amongst the crown somewhere who will go on to dream of being Laura Collett winning Badminton someday and then make that ream come true? Maybe we’ll find out in another 25 years or so.

Badminton Links: Website, Entries, Live Stream, Scores, EN’s Ultimate Guide, The Form Guide, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Weekend Winners: Catalpa Corner, Skyline, Miami Valley, Poplar Place, Waredaca

By on May 9, 2022 2:16 pm -

It’s springtime in the Eventing Nation and horse trials are hopping from coast to coast. Here are this weekend’s winners! An extra congrats to the lowest scoring winners in the country this weekend: Rachel Parrott and Mr. Barron, who scored a 19.4 to win their division of Open Beginner Novice at Poplar Place H.T.

Catalpa Corner May Madness H.T. (Iowa City, Ia.): Scores
Open Modified: Ashlynn Riley & Curious George (32.6)
Junior Training: Sarah Harrison & We Been Spotted
Senior Training: Kim L Wendel & MBF Gambler (35.9)
Junior Novice: Meadow Carani & Elan V (33.4)
Senior Novice: Christina Kelly & Real Deal Lady (36.1)
Junior Beginner Novice: Matilda Karner & Sweet Child O’Mine (31.2)
Senior Beginner Novice: Alexandria Novotny Pasker & Soft Spoken 307 (25.9)
Junior Starter: Mia Strunk & Josie (35.2)
Senior Starter: Katie Greenfield & Baby Shine On (29.4)

 

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The Event at Skyline (Mt. Pleasant, Ut.): Scores
Open Intermediate/Preliminary: Mia Edsall & True Story (35.0)
Open Preliminary: Amy Bowers & Del Mar Belle (36.9)
Open Preliminary/Training: Ashley Fischer & Cimbria RC (43.8)
Open Training: Kirsten Freed & Jasper (23.9)
Open Novice A: Carly Atkinson & Something (25.0)
Open Novice B: Marybethin Hansen & Zip Wyatt (28.6)
Open Beginner Novice A: Marley Juarez & Saint Somewhere (27.9)
Open Beginner Novice B: Avery Calder & Lismore (28.7)
Open Introductory: Carrie Matteson & Maestro De La Nuit (35.7)

 

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Miami Valley H.T. at Twin Towers (Yellow Springs, Oh.): Scores
Open Training A: Gina Pletch & Charlotte La Bouff (24.2)
Open Training B: Eva Taylor & Irish Rose (31.7)
Open Novice A: Madeline Bletzacker & Drummer Boy (28.3)
Open Novice B: Maisy Sullivan & Ima Rain Storm (34.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Nikki Burns & Garvey (34.1)
Open Beginner Novice B: Elizabeta Howell & Aunt Tipsy (32.4)
Open Starter A: Peter Huang & Farmer Ted (35.1)
Open Starter B: Brianna Nackes & Simply I Suppose (30.0)

 

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Poplar Place May H.T. (Thomson, Ga.): Scores
Intermediate – Combined Test (FEI Three Star Test A): Lindsey Lanier & Fernhill Feel Happy (36.2)
Intermediate – Combined Test (FEI Three Star Test B): Mary Bess Davis & Imperio Magic (27.9)
Open Intermediate: Karli Wright & The Diesel Boy (37.4)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Jessica Schultz & Rocky Top City (43.0)
Open Prelim: Jenny Caras & CS Carrera (30.0)
Preliminary: Combined Test: Solomon Edwards & Graffique (41.1)
Modified: Waylon Roberts & Fernhill Salt Lake (30.7)
Junior Training Rider: Molly McLaughlin & Fernhill Sinatra (35.6)
Open Training: Arden Wildasin & FE Lobo (36.7)
Preliminary/Training: Claudia Duncan & Awesome Commander (73.3)
Senior Training Rider: Lenora Evans & Christian Grey (30.8)
Junior Novice Rider: Hudsyn Bagwell & Ardeo Mermus Hill (30.3)
Open Novice A: Erin Flynn Mobley & In Sync (27.2)
Open Novice B: Werner Geven & Caheradoo Jack (35.6)
Senior Novice Rider: Hanna Miller & Ana Navarre (29.7)
Training/Novice: Jessica Schultz & Brahms Sweets (36.6)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Kalli Holderfield & Winston (32.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Rachel Parrott & Mr. Barron (19.4)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Katharina Huenermann & Targaryen TWF (24.1)
Intro: Ryan Norrell & Tuck Everlasting (31.9)
Pre-Comp: Josie Smith & De Nira (39.1)
Starter A: Carol Tresan & EPA Cullen (35.7)
Starter B: Lucy DesPortes & Subtle Dream Unveiled (32.7)

Waredaca H.T. (Gaithersburg, Md.): Scores **Scores not updated at time of publication – check back!**

Intercollegiate Eventing Comes to Area 1

By on May 9, 2022 1:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Town Hill Farm.

Calling all college students! Town Hill Horse Trials in Lakeville, CT, will host Area I’s first Intercollegiate Team Challenge on August 28, 2022. All levels are welcome and your school does not need an official eventing team to participate.

The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 2014. The program was originally established to provide a framework on which eventing teams and individual competitors could flourish at universities and colleges across the country. It has developed into a thriving program through which college aged eventers can identify a supportive and like-minded community to support the pursuance of their equestrian goals while balancing the rigors of a college education.

Intercollegiate team challenges have become popular additions to recognized horse trials across the country and give students the chance to experience the fun and camaraderie of riding on a team.

Interested in riding in the intercollegiate team challenge at Town Hill? Here are some important things to know:

  • You do not have to have a USEA Collegiate Membership, you only have to be a current undergraduate college student! This is only a requirement for the USEA Eventing Championships.
  • Your school does not have to have an official eventing team. Only the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships requires the team to be a registered affiliate.
  • It doesn’t matter if you go to a private college, state university, or community college. All college students are welcome!
  • Intercollegiate eventing is for all levels! Teams made up of mixed levels are very common. A level factor coefficient will be applied in scoring to “even the playing field.”
  • Teams are made up of 3 or 4 competitors. Teams of 4 have a “drop” score.
  • Wearing your school colors and decorating your stalls in team gear is encouraged!

To enter Town Hill’s Intercollegiate team challenge, enter the competition as an individual like you normally would, then get to work forming your team! Email your team roster to the event secretary. And have fun! Learn more about USEA Intercollegiate Eventing here.