Classic Eventing Nation

Remembering Kim Meier: My Rolex Rookie Story

By on May 17, 2022 11:00 am -

The team here at EN was deeply saddened to learn of beloved eventer Kim Meier’s passing earlier this month. We were honored to make Kim’s acquaintance and were lucky that she shared some of her countless stories with us. We’ll be sharing some of these stories this week in tribute. Do you have a memory or story about Kim to share? Please send it to us at [email protected].

This story first appeared on Eventing Nation on April 21, 2015.

Kim Meier and Test Run at Rolex. Photo courtesy of Kim Meier.

Kim Meier and Test Run at Rolex. Photo courtesy of Kim Meier.

Over a decade ago, Rolex Rookies were not featured, and that was a shame, because my Test Run had a great story. I miss him very much, and when Rolex comes around, I think about him even more and relive the magical week we had there.

Test Run, AKA Merle, was by Test Pilot, a son of Babamist and a grandson of Epic Win. I rode his great grandmother, Charisma, in my first Rolex CCI3*, 20 years earlier, and his grand uncle Chobalt, son of Charisma, had placed 8th in 1997 and 11th in 1998 in the CCI3*. I, in fact, had hardly competed anything that wasn’t related to Charisma since the late 80s. So Merle had some history in his blood at Kentucky.

I first met Merle when he was a few minutes old. I was his first rider, aimed him at his first jump and competed him exclusively. I did loan him to my good friend Molly Sorge the winter of his 3-year-old year, and we refer to her as his surrogate mother. He did Training as a 4-year-old and moved up a level a year, running his first Advanced when he was 7, shortly before placing fourth at Bromont CCI2* in 2002.

The next year he did two CCI3* at Fair Hill and Foxhall. Being very sound and never missing a competition put him right in line for Rolex in 2004 as a 9-year-old. Neither of us had ever done a CCI4*. Of course, Molly would be his groom.

He did an obedient albeit green dressage, which was our only goal in that phase. That was the last year Kentucky ran a full old format endurance day, as well as a new format division for those who were qualified for the Olympics. We were in the first division, thank goodness.

It was my tradition to tell him the course before hand, including where to turn and where the minute markers were. I told him he had to remember everything I had taught him all at once, today. I am positive he understood me.

After a half dozen trips to the port-a-let, it was time to get on. I can’t imagine not doing old format. I love the relaxation of hacking out, and the kick in the ass for courage sake galloping fast. It sets the whole tone.

The serenity comes to an end as you see the 10 minute box ahead. Reluctantly, I handed Merle over to Molly as she ordered me to “drink something.” Having done that, I desperately wanted to cool him out myself or get on and ride, but watching was no good. I was not nervous, I just wanted it. I wanted it bad.

With all the people lining the ropes, clustered at the fences you would think you could hear the noise. Personally, I couldn’t. Only after the fence has been jumped does the crowd’s roar get to you, and allow you to crack a smile as you smack your horse on the neck in praise.

Kim Meier and Test Run at Rolex. Photo courtesy of Kim Meier.

Kim Meier and Test Run at Rolex. Photo courtesy of Kim Meier.

Merle and I had never been more in sync. We didn’t argue about left-hand turns, I didn’t pick (maybe once early on) and if he saw an awkward question, the wheels upstairs just turned faster. It was a dream sequence, the kind you don’t want to end, but when it did you realized you were only two seconds over, so your dream had come true.

On Sunday I left my demons in the warm-up area when I missed at a big oxer and sent a handful of people running for their lives. No one had had a double clear round yet but somehow I knew we could do it. We galloped forward and never missed a distance, never got hollow, never got flat. And until then, had never signed an autograph.

We were 10th, .8 added to our dressage score, winner of the Bank One Trophy for leading owner/rider, and to top it off the head vet came up to me and said I was one point off Best Conditioned. We posed with our trophy, Merle’s ears regally up, me grinning ear to ear. What magic.

Driving home I called every person I knew and gave them the news, and that there would be a two-hour special on a major network on such a such a date and time, and please watch it because I thought top 10 would get at least a minute or two or part of a jump round.

It was starting to sink in on the way home what we had accomplished. Molly had even made me go up and inquire what I had to do to go to Burghley that fall. She reminded me that I had once said there was no reason to go to Europe unless I had done all the events in the U.S. well, and now that I had kicked quite a few butts here it was time to go there.

I received an unexpected phone call from a popular event announcer, a friend, who told me that he really hoped my story was played up on the TV special because I was really the Cinderella tale of that week. He had been announcing our results for six years and knew I had bred him and how phenomenal it was to produce such an outstanding first four-star.

I felt so honored that he would even think to call and got even more excited about the TV show. When we hung up, I just giggled with amazement that other people had noticed us.

When the show came on, there was a split second glance of Merle over a stadium fence, and then another of his dappled gray legs trotting along in the warm-up, and we were only in the preview! As it went on, there were long passages of Mr. Super Coach warming up his oh so rich student. The coach, an Olympian, had only placed one above me, and his student far below me.

Time was running out, and at the end the scoreboards were highlighted with the names and placings of everyone, except, except … 8th and 10th place? Really? The only two riders without big-time sponsors virtually eliminated from sight. I was so embarrassed that I had told everyone to watch me and there was no evidence I was even there.

I was pretty hurt. It wasn’t a very nice thing to do. Being an underdog is OK because of the elation when you finally break loose. Eventually the high stayed but there will always be that annoying undercurrent, the only thing that was wrong with the most perfect week I shared with Merle.

Remembering the Life and Legacy of Kim Meier

By on May 17, 2022 9:00 am -

The team here at EN was deeply saddened to learn of beloved eventer Kim Meier’s passing earlier this month. We were honored to make Kim’s acquaintance and were lucky that she shared some of her countless stories with us. We’ll be sharing some of these stories each day this week in tribute. Do you have a memory or story about Kim to share? Please send it to us at [email protected].

Kim Meier and Test Run at Rolex. Photo courtesy of Kim Meier.

From the word go, Kim was a horse girl through and through, sitting astride her first horse as a young girl and quickly picking up lessons and competing as she grew. Her mother enrolled her at the toughest Pony Club she could find: GMHA in Vermont, where she would eventually begin working with Denny Emerson. Kim would go on to be, among many other things, a successful eventer whose career spanned from 1969 to 2007.

She favored producing and competing her own homebreds, making six Advanced horses from the ground up — four of them were bred by her, five of them were first broken by her, and all of them began their careers with her.

In 2004, Kim competed at what was then known as the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event as a first-timer with the homebred Test Run (she had also bred Test Run’s sire, Test Pilot, and dam, Iron Gal, in addition to the dams of both parents), where she finished tenth, won the Bank One Trophy as top owner/rider, and Best Conditioned to boot.

“Merle and I had never been more in sync,” Kim wrote about the experience. “We didn’t argue about left-hand turns, I didn’t pick (maybe once early on) and if he saw an awkward question, the wheels upstairs just turned faster. It was a dream sequence, the kind you don’t want to end, but when it did you realized you were only two seconds over, so your dream had come true.”

Kim and “Merle” would also complete Burghley that same year, and had her sights set on Badminton to complete the trio of classic three-day events before the gelding came up with an injury in 2005.

A freak riding accident in 2007 left Kim paralyzed from the C5 vertebrae down. After the accident, her love for the horse never wavered, and she remained and friend and student of the sport for the rest of her days.

“Needless to say we weren’t at Rolex, but a year later I did ride him again, with someone behind me holding my limp body up,” Kim wrote in 2016. “He didn’t care if we were galloping down to the Head of the Lake or if we just walked around the indoor for 15 minutes. He was always there for me, and this time he came back to help me feel alive again.”

Take a deeper dive into the life of Kim Meier in this profile from the USEA in 2008.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on May 17, 2022 3:27 am -

While we were away sunning ourselves in Italy, back in Englansd, the Chatsworth International Horse Trials finally returned to the calendar for the first time since 2019. It’s brilliant to see this iconic fixture back, particularly as its four-star course is one of the true tests of the level — but even better is spotting this super photo gallery from Hannah Cole, who spotted Ros Canter’s longtime groom Sarah Charnley out on a horse herself. We love seeing our sport’s supergrooms nailing their own competitive goals.

Events Opening This Weekend: Essex H.T., Chattahoochee Hills H.T., Summer Coconino H.T. I,

Events Closing This Weekend: Flora Lea Farm YEH and Mini Event, Carriage House Farm Combined Test, Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T., Poplar Place June H.T., Ocala Summer H.T. I, MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs, GMHA June H.T., The Spring Event at Archer, IEA Horse Trials

News & Notes from Around the World:

When we seek out viewpoints different from our own, it’s important that we keep intersectionality in mind. Coined as a way to distinguish between multifaceted feminist struggles, ‘intersectionality’ refers to the cross-section of prejudices a person might have to live through — for example, a Black woman will likely have to deal with racial prejudice as well as misogyny, which a white woman is less likely to have experienced. One intersectional viewpoint we’ve not seen much of in the amplification of diverse voices is that of a Black woman with a disability — but this piece on para rider Tegan Vincent-Cooke changes that. [Hear her perspective]

Every barn has one — the person who’s habitually late to pay their board, leaving the owner and manager in the lurch as a result. But legally, what can a barn’s owners actually do about it, and how should they implement the consequences? And, if you hit a rocky patch, how much trouble can you expect to get in for late payment? [Seriously, just pay your bills]

In a sad change to the USEA calendar, California’s Copper Meadows will be no more. You can read more about it in the event organisers’ statement. [Thanks for the memories]

Video Break:

Revisit Kentucky’s first phase with Elisa Wallace and Let It Be Lee:

Monday Video: Ride the Pratoni Test Event With Andrew Hoy

By on May 16, 2022 4:30 pm -

Are you ready for a romp through the Italian countryside? Take a ride on Bloom des Hauts Crets, who was piloted by Australia’s Andrew Hoy in the World Championships test event at Pratoni del Vivaro this weekend.

“Bloom”, an 11-year-old Selle Francais mare owned by Odaria Finemore and Andrew, continued a streak of clear cross country jumping rounds and is now 15 for 15 in all of her FEI starts (thanks to some incredible riding by Andrew at a corner early on this course!) The pair finished their weekend in 28th position out of 56 competitors. You can check the full results here.

Our own Tilly Berendt was on site in Italy this weekend to cover the competition and take a good look at what course designer Giuseppe della Chiesa‘s World Championship course might have in store come September. The property, which was also the site for eventing at the 1960 Rome Olympics, is filled with undulating hills steep enough that the rolling terrain is easily visible through Andrew’s helmet cam video. You can also catch a few glimpses of the marathon obstacles being constructed, as Pratoni will also serve as the venue for Combined Driving!

Catch up on our full slate of Pratoni Test Event coverage here.

Pratoni 2022 Test Event: Website, Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Coverage

Who Jumped it Best: Pratoni Test Event Edition

By on May 16, 2022 2:30 pm -

The CCIO4*-S FEI Nations Cup and World Championships test event at Italy’s Pratoni del Vivaro is a very big deal and we should take it all very seriously indeed…but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to dive straight into one of our favourite games here at EN.

Italy’s Elisa Vincenti and Herminia jump the oxer at nine. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Our ‘Who Jumped it Best’ question today is fence nine on the course, which ran over the venue’s extraordinary and unique hills. Though this simple, MIMed timber spread caused no issues through the day, it certainly commanded respect: competitors, who had begun their course on a long uphill pull to fence 7AB, which was situated at the crest of a hill, then coasted back down the hill to a large rolltop at eight and then down to this oxer, which was on nearly flat ground but under one of the few trees on course. That meant horses had to assess the dappled light, while riders had to take responsibility and use the fence to rebalance the canter ahead of the coffin combination they’d tackle next.

And so, armed with a bit of context, we turn the judgment call over to you. Take a look at a selection of the week’s competitors and then scroll down to decide who had the jump of the day.

Switzerland’s Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

France’s Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold HDC. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Italy’s Federico Sacchetti and GRC Shiraz. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Italy’s Fabio Fani Ciotti and Suttoco Georg. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sweden’s Sofia Sjoborg and Bryjamolga van het Marienshof Z .Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Italy’s Emiliano Portale and Aracne dell’Esercito Italiano. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Brazil’s Carlos Parro and Goliath. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Germany’s Andreas Dibowski and FRH Corrida. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

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

Luhmühlen Entry List Preview: 38 5* Entries Feature a WEG Champion, Tokyo Olympians, Former Winners

By on May 16, 2022 11:00 am -

Jonelle Price and Faerie Dianimo, winners at Luhmühlen in 2018. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hot off of two back-to-back 5* events in April and May, our attentions now turn to Germany, where the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials are set to commence on June 16. Entries for both the 5* as well as the 4*-S also hosted at Luhmühlen that serve as German Championships have been released this morning, featuring representatives from both Canada as well as the U.S. and a slew of world champions, Olympians, and former winners to boot.

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

The North American contingent for Luhmühlen includes:

  • Matt Flynn and Kathleen & Patrick Flynn & Merry Go Round Farm’s Wizzerd, re-routing from Badminton
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and The Monster Partnership’s Cooley Quicksilver
  • Lauren Nicholson and Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Vermiculus
  • Karl Slezak and Kirk Hoppner’s and his own Fernhill Wishes, also re-routing from Badminton
  • Will Coleman will also compete with Hyperion Stud’s Chin Tonic HS in the 4*-S.

We know the family Price are big fans of Luhmühlen: Jonelle won here in 2018 with Faerie Dianimo, who will return to the event this year, and Tim has won this event twice, in 2014 with Wesko as well as in 2019 with Ascona M.

Tim Price and Vitali. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The Prices return in 2022 with four rides between them: Jonelle returning with Faerie Dianimo and Tim entered with 2021 Pau winner Falco as well as two debuatant horses in Spartaco and Tokyo partner Vitali.

2018 World Champion Ros Canter, hot off a podium finish at Badminton with the stunning Lordships Graffalo, has entered the 13-year-old Pencos Crown Jewel, who was fourth at the “pop-up” 5* at Bicton in 2021.

We’ll see the return of Ireland’s Cathal Daniels with his pocket-rocket Olympic and WEG partner, Rioghan Rua in their first trip to Luhmühlen since 2019.

Sophie Leube takes a well-deserved victory in her second-ever CCI4*-L with Jadore Moi, at Boekelo in 2021. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Also highlighting this year’s entry list are a handful of 5* debutant riders, including:

  • Sophie Leube and BG Jadore Moi’s and her own Jadore Moi for Germany
  • Max Gordon and Richard Gordon’s Redwood Clover for Great Britain
  • Alex Donohoe and his own Guidam Roller for Ireland
  • Felicity Ward and James O’Callaghan’s Regal Bounty for Ireland

This will also be the first 5* event in five years for South African Olympian Victoria Scott-Legendre, who last competed at Luhmühlen in 2017 and finished 15th with Song du Magay. It will be a debut at the level for the 13-year-old Valtho des Peupliers, who traveled to Tokyo with Victoria in 2021.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Highlights of the the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy (German Championships) field include:

  • Will Coleman with Hyperion Stud’s Chin Tonic HS
  • German WEG champion Sandra Auffarth with Tokyo partner, Nikolaus Prinz von Croy’s Viamant du Matz
  • Kentucky winner Michael Jung and Anette Schmid and the Jung family’s Highlighter
  • Anna Siemer and Prof. Dr. Volker Steinkraus’ FRH Butts Avondale

“In just a few weeks we will be welcoming some of the best international horses and riders. We are very much looking forward to seeing these exceptional athletes shine again in front of an audience on a big stage,” Luhmühlen event director Julia Otto said.

We’ll be on site once more as the final spring/summer 5* kicks off beginning June 16. In the meantime, take a look at the full 5* entry list below. Full nominated entriess can be found here. The event will once more welcome spectators after running behind closed doors in 2021 — if you’re hankering for some travel and some German eventing action, click here to grab tickets.

 

NF Rider Horse Owner Division
Canada Slezak, Karl Ferhill Wishes Kirk Hoppner & rider CCI5*
Denmark Flarup, Peter Fascination Jan Juul & Rider CCI5*
France Astier, Nicolas Baladin de L’Ocean LA Etienne Grivot & Marielle Grivot Bize CCI5*
Germany Leube, Sophie Jadore Moi BG Jadore Moi & Rider CCI5*
Germany Schrade, Dirk Casino Freya Rethmeier CCI5*
Great Britain Canter, Rosalind Pencos Crown Jewel Kate James & Annie Makin CCI5*
Great Britain Chabert, Kirsty Classic VI John Johnston & Carole Somers CCI5*
Great Britain Cross, Philippa Scoop de Ferbet Tina Hayward, The Scoop Sydicate & Rider CCI5*
Great Britain Doel, David Dunges Don Perignon Alice & Tim Page CCI5*
Great Britain Doel, David Ferro Point Christine Lees CCI5*
Great Britain Dunn, Danielle Grandslam Anne Chapman & Rider CCI5*
Great Britain Gordon, Max Redwood Clover Richard Gordon CCI5*
Great Britain Hobday, Ben Shadow Man Jane Chambers, Stephen Hobday & Rider CCI5*
Great Britain McEwen, Tom Bob Chaplin Penny & Fred Barker CCI5*
Great Britain McEwen, Tom Braveheart Barbara Cooper CCI5*
Great Britain Roddy, Kylie Carden Earl Grey Madelaine White CCI5*
Great Britain Roddy, Kylie SRS Kan Do The Fox Family CCI5*
Great Britain Tattersall, Gemma Jalapeno Christopher Stone CCI5*
Great Britain Upton, Isabelle Cannavaro Rachel Upton CCI5*
Ireland Daniels, Cathal Leb Lias Jewel Jo Breheny CCI5*
Ireland Daniels, Cathal Rioghan Rua Margaret & Frank Kinsella CCI5*
Ireland Donohoe, Alex Guidam Roller Rider CCI5*
Ireland Ryan, Michael Barnahown Corn Hill Carol & Tom Henry CCI5*
Ireland Ryan, Michael TR Kaygraff Carol & Tom Henry CCI5*
Ireland Ward, Felicity Regal Bounty James O’Callaghan CCI5*
Lithunia Vitkauskas, Aistis Commander VG M.&B. Kloeve-Mogensen & Rider CCI5*
New Zealand Campbell, Jesse Diachello Kent Gardner & Rider CCI5*
New Zealand Philpott, Bundy Tresca NZPH Brian Philpott & Rider CCI5*
New Zealand Price, Jonelle Faerie Diamond Trisha Rickards, Jacky Green & Rider CCI5*
New Zealand Price, Tim Falco Sue Benson & Rider CCI5*
New Zealand Price, Tim Spartaco Rider CCI5*
New Zealand Price, Tim Vitali Alexander & Joseph Giannamore & Rider CCI5*
Republic South Africa Scott-Legendre, Victoria Valtho des Peupliers Rider CCI5*
Sweden Lindback, Niklas Focus Filiocus Tun Albertson CCI5*
Switzerland Vogg, Felix Colero Jürgen Vogg CCI5*
USA Flynn, Matthew Wizzerd Kathleen & Patrick Flynn & Merry Go Round Farm CCI5*
USA Halliday-Sharp, Elisabeth Cooley Quicksilver The Monster Partnership CCI5*
USA Nicholson, Lauren Vermiculus Jacqueline Badger Mars CCI5*

Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Nominated Entries] [Tickets] [EN’s Coverage]

Weekend Winners: 9 Events, 120 Winners

By on May 16, 2022 9:30 am -

Whew, that was quite a weekend you all had! We’ve got a lot of winners to congratulate this week, including our Unofficial Low Score Award recipients Brooke Guarnera and Pocket Full of Sunshine, who won their Starter division at Winona H.T. in Ohio on a score of 19.4. Close second and lowest of recognized divisions this weekend was Olivia Putrino and Winsome Willow, winners of their Open Beginner Novice at Galway Downs on a score of 20.0. Nicely done!

Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event (Mill Spring, Nc.): [Website] [Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

CCI4*-L: Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (29.0)
CCI4*-S: Jacob Fletcher and Fabian (39.7)
CCI3*-L: Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy (33.5)
CCI3*-S: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley (28.5)
CCI1*-S: Sinead Maynard and I-Quid J (28.1)

Galway Downs Spring H.T. (Temecula, Ca.): [Website] [Scores]

Open Intermediate: Gina Economou and Exclusive (51.0)
Open Preliminary: Emilee Libby and Toska (32.2)
Open Training: Megan McIver Sabo and Galliard’s Lancer (25.6)
Training Rider A: Laurei Murphy and Zuvenir (31.1)
Training Rider B: Jessica Jones and Jameson (30.3)
Jr. Novice Rider: Jillian Newman and Ada Mammas Affair (28.6)
Open Novice: Whitney Tucker Billeter and Redhawks Ambiance (26.5)
Sr. Novice Rider: Caitlin Mulvihill and Cabela (32.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Brooke Kalaitzian and Puzzle Piece (30.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Olivia Putrino and Winsome Willow (20.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Courtni Bonnello and That One Fine Day (26.8)
Starter: Skye Kahenjoo and Thermonuclear (27.7)

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, Vt.): [Website] [Scores]

Modified: Megan Tardiff and Vindakova (29.7)
Training: Barbara Fitch and Donte (28.1)
Novice 1: Janelle Day and Power Fixture (36.4)
Novice 2: Anneka Paelinck and Maleficent (34.4)
Novice 3: Julie Howard and Isn’t She Sweet (28.6)
Beginner Novice: Susan Kissel and Michabou Kt Jeanie Fred (30.0)

Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Scores]

Open Preliminary: Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Splash Dance (32.6)
Preliminary Rider: Jesse Reagin and RCA Society Law (32.8)
Training Rider: Tanya Miller and Churros (29.7)
Open Training: Melissa Schielein and Little Indian Boy RSF (29.7)
Open Novice: Kelly Prather and Ballyneely Soldier (26.1)
Novice Rider: Penny Welsch and Mr. Poppers (24.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Cindy Rawson and Truly Stellar (27.9)
Beginner Novice Rider: Hannah Catsulis and Solo Mio Amor (30.0)
Starter Intro: Samantha Porter and Rosie (35.3)

Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (Spokane, Wa.): [Website] [Scores]

Advanced/Intermediate: Nicole Aden and Truckee Bash (67.4)
Open Intermediate: Stephanie Cooper and Sketchy Past (48.6)
Open Preliminary A: Tommy Greengard and Leonardo Diterma (26.1)
Open Preliminary B: Nicole Aden and Illustrator (35.2)
Open Modified A: Devin Robel and Gilou (23.3)
Open Modified B: Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo (22.2)
Jr. Training: Greylin Booth and Extra Eager (33.2)
Open Training: Courtney Jade Benton and MJ Samba (29.2)
Training Amateur: Kylie Cemulini and Eddison (30.3)
Jr. Novice: Michaela Aulicino and Nottingham Hill (30.3)
Novice Amateur: Bobbie Smith-Ede and HS Cool River Jane (31.1)
Open Novice A: Meika Decher and Verily (28.9)
Open Novice B: Marc Grandia and Sunsprite Chiasso (29.7)
Beginner Novice Amateur A: Jordan Raska and JB Red in Rohm (35.0)
Beginner Novice Amateur B: Kimberly Johnson and Ascendance (29.1)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Evelynne Ockner and The Diceman (27.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Sarah George and Centerfield Linux (28.5)
Open Introductory A: Jessica Heidemann and Barracuda (28.3)
Open Introductory B: Amelia Linnemann and Remington Steele (29.5)
FEH 4 Year Old: Michelle Pestl and Tristan (79.6)
FEH 3 Year Old: Janice Maurer and Omari (79.0)
FEH 2 Year Old: Erin Storey and Prachtige Schat (77.6)
FEH Yearling: Katie Blanchard and Kleary’s Big Dreaming (77.1)
YEH 4 Year Old: Jordan Linstedt and LS Crown Royal (76.2)
YEH 5 Year Old: Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and Aventinus (73.6)

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, Tx.): [Website] [Scores]

Advanced/Intermediate: Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah (46.2)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Laura Vello and English Rose (56.2)
Open Intermediate: Vienna Allport and DHI Zatopek B (54.9)
Open Preliminary: Nicole Hatley and BT Jump the Gun (40.6)
Preliminary Training: Chloe Johnson and Chilli Bean (34.7)
Jr. Training Rider: Kate Bell and Daphne AS (34.3)
Open Training: Megan Sykes and Spiro P (27.6)
Sr. Training Rider: Laura Sparks and Get Ready (24.1)
Jr. Novice Rider A: Willow Schwartz and Flashy Bandit (31.7)
Jr. Novice Rider B: Sarah Talcott and Phlying Phoenix (27.9)
Novice Horse: Anna Pierce and Dreamweaver (25.3)
Open Novice: Ellen Doughty-Hume and Don’t Split Tens (28.7)
Sr. Novice Rider: Emily Wilson and King Pony (30.0)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Carter Jackson and O-K Jaxx (29.1)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Caroline Ballotta and Abendgold (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Scottiann Evans and Chance Encounter (30.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Cate Engle and Chili Pepper (31.8)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Joan Cleveland and Parade in Brazil (31.6)
Starter A: Megan Correia-Bittner and Antonio Z (28.3)
Starter B: Melissa Rickman and Sammy’s Flashback (32.3)
Tadpole: Eliza Lane and No Hesitation (37.0)

Unionville May H.T. (Unionville, Pa.): [Website] [Scores]

Open Intermediate: Cassie Sanger and Fernhill Zoro (34.6)
Open Preliminary A: Kirsten Schuitema and One Sly Fox (34.7)
Open Preliminary B: Chris Talley and Rappahannock (23.7)
Preliminary Rider: Lauren Hoover and Atlanta VII (31.1)
Open Training: Mike Pendleton and Clarkes Sweet Music (25.8)
Training Rider A: Christa Schmidt and Monbeg Odyssey (30.3)
Training Rider B: Morgan Miller and Kira Rose (29.4)
Jr. Open Novice: Lainey Phillips and Global Excellencia Z (27.5)
Novice Rider: Bailey Yablonovitz and Fiddler’s Choice (34.8)
Open Novice: Jennie Brannigan and FE Flint (26.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jen Grant and Lavendel (22.7)
Jr. Open Beginner Novice: Kendal Fansier and Curioso (25.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Emilija Zygelyte and Carriage House Dirk (33.5)

WindRidge Farm Spring H.T. (Mooresboro, Nc.): [Website] [Scores]

Intermediate: Leila Cluff-Ryan and Grand Finale (46.2)
Preliminary: Kristi Foresman and Kingston Reuvekamp’s (57.0)
Preliminary CT: Jennarose Ortmeyer and Primrose (49.1)
Training A: Riley Elizabeth Lorenz and Cracker T (45.1)
Training B: Bonnie Mosser and Wilburn’s Angel (37.9)
Novice A: Asher Quinn and Miracle (39.4)
Novice B: Margret Stiles and Megnog (31.0)
Beginner Novice A: Jill Oliphant and Explorationist (34.1)
Beginner Novice B: Katelyn Thomas and Call Me Waylon (32.9)
Beginner Novice C: Cynthia Holbrook and Sweet Pea (32.1)
Beginner Novice CT: Shaina Gilger and Casanova (38.2)
Introductory A: Daniel Palmer and Buckeye Duke (36.9)
Introductory B: Sadler Smith and Jesse James (46.3)
Introductory CT: Georgia Arnall and Justine The Queen (40.3)
Starter A: Logan Harris and Marc MM (35.0)
Starter B: Helen Kaiser and JJH Gallatin (39.3)
Starter C: Teddy Basl and B.E. Isabella (37.9)
Starter CT: Jennarose Ortmeyer and Marvel’s Project Pegasus (29.3)

Winona H.T. (Hanoverton, Oh.): [Website] [Scores]

Preliminary: Brooke Burchianti and Ballaghmore Castle C (47.6)
Training: Kerry Varble and Happy Eloise (26.5)
Novice A: Nicole Zelenak and N’Pressive (26.9)
Novice B: Amy Burrows and Chant de Ciel (28.6)
Novice C: Madeline Bletzacker and Drummer Boy (25.0)
Beginner Novice A: Taylor Reis and Strong Royalty (24.1)
Beginner Novice B: Grace Ransom and Bright Prince (25.9)
Beginner Novice C: Jenny Smalley and MtStHelensSpirit (25.6)
Starter A: Cori Garcia and Lyric (21.3)
Starter B: Brooke Guarnera and Pocket Full of Sunshine (19.3)

Take a look around Instagram for our favorite #goeventing posts from a very busy weekend!

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on May 16, 2022 8:13 am -

 

 

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I’m still shoulders-deep in writing all sorts of fascinating Pratoni content for you all from my dreamy trip to Italy, but I wanted to make the time, and the space, to highlight one story in particular that stood out to me — that of 62-year-old Beat Sax who, after over forty years of eventing, finally got to make his team debut for Switzerland in the Nations Cup competition, riding his only horse, Secret IV. That the Swiss ultimately won the competition is the cherry on top of the cake — I don’t think I saw anyone happier to realise a dream this week than Beat, who was also a galvanising force in the team’s cohesive spirit, too. There’s a forty year age gap between him and his teammate Nadja Minder, and that, to me, is one of the things that makes eventing truly brilliant.

National Holiday: It’s National Mimosa Day. I celebrate this daily, but okay.

US Weekend Action:

Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event (Mill Spring, Nc.): [Website] [Results]

Galway Downs Spring H.T. (Temecula, Ca.): [Website] [Results]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, Vt.): [Website] [Results]

Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Results]

Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (Spokane, Wa.): [Website] [Results]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, Tx.): [Website] [Results]

Unionville May H.T. (Unionvilla, Pa.): [Website] [Results]

WindRidge Farm Spring H.T. (Mooresboro, Nc.): [Website] [Results]

Winona H.T. (Hanoverton, Oh.): [Website] [Results]

UK Weekend Action:

Chatsworth International: [Results]

Floors Castle International: [Results]

Aston-le-Walls (2): [Results]

Firle: [Results]

Llanymynech: [Results]

Mendip Plains: [Results]

Global Eventing Coverage:

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

Your Monday Reading List:

So much of modern-day horse care and conditioning feels like it comes down to arbitrary barometers passed along over generations. In a bid to bring science and subjectivity into the equation, though, researchers in Australia are working on developing a microchip that charts body temperature, helping caregivers better manage the critical cool down period after strenuous exercise. [Is it getting hot in here?]

The use of CBD products has skyrocketed around the world. But can it help your horse, or is it just another snake oil fad? [Pass us the sticky icky icky]

Ever wondered what it might be like to abandon your normal life in the US and hurl yourself headlong into UK eventing culture? The answer is ‘wet, mostly’, if you ask me, but rider and writer Lindsey Colburn has much more interesting insights for you in her latest blog. [It’s been a rollercoaster]

 

The FutureTrack Follow:

If you’re a fan of eventing art, you’ll be as enchanted by Daniel Crane’s work as I am — particularly his atmospheric paintings of the Badminton trot-up and stables. Bliss.

Morning Viewing:

Want to cling on to Pratoni’s sunshine and good vibes a little longer? Yeah, me too. Crack open a Peroni and rewatch all the test event action here:

Nicola Wilson Remains in Stable Condition at Southmead Hospital ICU [UPDATED: May 15]

By on May 15, 2022 8:00 pm -

European Champions Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

[UPDATE: May 15, 8:00 p.m. EST] Nicola Wilson’s team has shared the latest update on her condition on social media:

“An update on Nicola, she is still in the icu at Southmead Hospital in Bristol following her fall from JL Dublin at Badminton Horse Trials on Saturday 7th May.
Nic is still in intensive care, and is expected to remain there for the next week to ten days, before being moved to a spinal unit closer to home. She remains comfortable and in good spirits.

Dubs is happy and content, and is enjoying the sunshine and the spring grass.

Nic, Alastair and Mary would like to thank everyone at Southmead Hospital for the outstanding care and attention she is getting from the expert team there. They would also like to say how grateful they are for all of the messages of support they have had.”

[ORIGINAL UPDATE: May 10]

British Eventing has reported the latest update on Nicola Wilson, who had a scary fall on cross country at Badminton with JL Dublin. The pair fell at fence 27, a boxy corner after the Mars M, and Nicola was taken to Southmead Hospital for observation following. JL Dublin was reported to be resting comfortably in his stable.

British Equestrian today released the following update on Nicola’s condition:

Nicola Wilson was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol following her fall from JL Dublin at Badminton Horse Trials on Saturday 7 May where she has received outstanding care and attention from the expert team.

Nicola is in intensive care and will be for the next week or so. She is able to breathe independently and is talking. She sustained no head injury.

There are several spinal fractures but these are all stable and will not require any surgical intervention but will be managed conservatively.

Other acute symptoms from the trauma are being managed in intensive care by the specialists at Southmead.

British Equestrian’s Athlete Health Lead Ashleigh Wallace and Chief Medical Officer Anna-Louise Mackinnon have been working with Nicola’s family and the team at Southmead to ensure all medical information is shared fully across the teams so that care and appropriate support is optimised.

Her horse, JL Dublin, owned by James & Jo Lambert and Deirdre Johnston, is now back at Nicola’s base in Yorkshire and will be monitored by the team but appears none the worse for his fall.

Nicola, her husband Alastair and mother Mary Tweddle would like to thank the team at Southmead for everything they have done so far. They feel incredibly supported by their eventing family and appreciate all the well wishes and messages received.

We will continue to provide updates on Nicola and wish her a safe and quick recovery — we’re so relieved to hear that she’s making progress and under supreme care.

Tales from Tryon: A Win for Annie, Rising Stars, and Triumphant Returns at Spring International

By on May 15, 2022 6:30 pm -

The 2022 spring season is effectively capped off after this weekend’s spring FEI event at Tryon International in Mill Spring, Nc. It’s been an intense period of back-to-back 5* events followed by Pratoni and Tryon this weekend, but it was a weekend full of storylines. Let’s dive right in!

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B take the top honors in the 4*-L. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Boyd Martin Wins Another for Annie

Boyd Martin was looking for confirmation that his and the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B’s (Eurocommerce Washington – Paulien B, by Fedor) relationship was really coming along — and this weekend he got it, clinching the win in the 4*-L this weekend. He’s had a good feeling about “Bruno”, who is 12 this year, but it’s been an adjustment period after Boyd took over the ride last year. Beginning this season, particularly at the Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field in March, Boyd says he’s felt the partnership begin to come along, and thanks to support from Annie family as well as a group of owners who came into support the syndicate he’ll continue to build for the future with one more feather in his cap.

“He was absolutely brilliant in all three phases,” Boyd said. “He impressed the heck out of me on cross country with his speed and his endurance and his bravery. And then to come out today and show jump like he did — I’m just blown away by the quality of him.”

This weekend was intended to be more on the focus of building and confirming, so the win — on the pair’s dressage mark of 29.0 — is icing on the cake. “This is, to be honest, a stepping stone event,” Boyd commented. “We’ve still got a little bit of building and improving to do, but I’m very excited and I think he’s going to be a superstar in the future.”

Colleen Loach celebrates a clear round with Vermont. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Colleen Loach On the Map for Team Canada

Canada’s Colleen Loach knew she could be competitive this weekend with Peter Barry’s Vermont (Van Helsing – Hauptstutbuch Hollywood, by Heraldik xx), one of the exciting 10-year-olds in her stable who’s in all likelihood got the attention of the Canadian selectors as they plan for this fall’s World Championships. “I was aiming to be top three,” Colleen said. “I knew if I could get competitive in the dressage and jump clear we’d be right up there.”

It was some warm-up tension that carried over into cross country that would ultimately end Colleen’s weekend early at Kentucky last month, but “Monty” was no worse for the wear, earning his second top-10 finish at the 4*-L level this weekend with a second place, also on his dressage mark of 29.3. Colleen’s also pleased with stablemate FE Golden Eye — she’s had both horses since they were four and has gotten much fulfillment out of producing them up the levels — who also produced a double clear show jumping round this afternoon.

Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley step up to the plate to finish third in the 4*-L. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

A Class String for Leslie Law

Leslie Law is another with an exciting batch of horses that are gaining more confirmation at this level; Lesley Grant-Law, Jackie Brown and Steve Brown’s Lady Chatterley (Connor x Jucy) wound up third in her first 4*-L, adding nothing to her dressage score of 31.0.

“She’s been going very well so you obviously go in with high hopes, but it was her first four Long, and you never know how they might take to it,” Leslie explained. This mare, who is 11 this year, was originally ridden through 3* by Lesley Grant-Law, but some inconsistent results prompted her to tap her husband to try out the ride. “Lesley thought maybe she needed a stronger ride,” Leslie explained. “I took over the ride at that point and quite honestly I was still getting inconsistent results. I would either do rather well or I wouldn’t finish.”

This encouraged Leslie and Lesley to take a closer look — was the mare acting out because of a physical issue? As it turned out, she was. “We had the vets check her out, and we found out that she was producing a large follicle which could be really painful,” Leslie continued. “We had the mare on Regumate and the vets suggested taking her off and letting her re-cycle naturally. We’ve never put her back on and since we’ve done that, the results started to get more and more consistent.”

Consistent, indeed: Lady Chatterley was the 2020 USEA Mare of the Year and was also the 2021 Intermediate Champion at American Eventing Championships. She’s rarely found outside of the top five, even as she’s stepped up to the Advanced level, and despite perhaps a lighter prep schedule than Leslie would have liked ahead of this weekend, the mare answered every question put in front of her with confidence.

Together with a class result from Voltaire de Tre (5th in the 4*-L) and Typically Fernhill (17th in the 4*-L with just a one-off of a drive-by on cross country yesterday), Lady Chatterley’s win is hard work paying off for Team Law, who typically tries to purchase horses as four- or five-year-olds and produce them on. It’s a proper system, but it’s always a bit of a gamble no matter which way you look at it. “We like to produce them and obviously some of them, they’re not all going to go all the way,” Leslie explained. “It’s very rewarding that what we’ve put together over the last few years is now really starting to come through and give us a great string of horses.”

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to correct an error that named Banjo as a ride of Leslie Law’s (Leslie Lamb piloted Banjo to a fourth-place finish in the 3*-L!).

Mia Farley and BGS Firecracker return to the 4*-L level with a “crackin'” fourth plate finish. Mia also won this weekend’s Markham Trophy as top-placed young rider. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Patience Paying Off for Mia Farley

If there is one thing Mia Farley has learned since leaving California to join the O’Connor Event Team program four years ago, it’s patience.

Mia was on cloud nine in 2019, when she achieved a runner-up finish in her first 4*-L at Fair Hill aboard BGS Firecracker. But just when it seemed the sky was the limit, an injury (and a pandemic) put some of that progress on hold. The resulting gap between Advanced rides was a test for Mia, who describes herself as more competition-focused when she was younger.

“I know it doesn’t sound big but the biggest thing I’ve learned, and its huge for me, is patience,” Mia commented. “I’m competitive and impatient, so being away was really hard for me. And training horses, impatience is never a good thing.”

David O’Connor has been instrumental on shifting Mia’s philosophy away from so much focus on competition and more on producing for the long run. “To be honest, I’ve learned how to actually train horses — I’ve always just been worried about competing them. I didn’t look at the long term before, I always looked at things short term. And now I know patience, I know long term, I know to trust to the program, which has been really helpful with [Firecracker].”

It’s a goal she always reiterates any time we catch up: “I just want to be a good horsewoman, and I want to have my horses happy at the level and able to do this for a long time.”

Mia had a triumphant first 4*-L in three years, finishing fourth with BGS Firecracker with just that pesky last show jump down to end the weekend on a 35.4. She’s also enjoyed producing David’s Phelps, a 9-year-old off-track Thoroughbred, to his first 4*-L this weekend. Phelps came to Mia somewhat by accident, after Joanie Morris tipped David off that she had a line on a nice Thoroughbred that needed a new job. “We basically got him from Kentucky for a dollar,” Mia laughs. “And he’s just been that kind of horse that keeps stepping up the levels.”

Mia’s potentially eyeing a trip abroad later this year — perhaps a run at Blenheim in the 4*-L — but above all she’s grateful to have been able to get back to this level. “I learned a lot and grew a lot in my mind as a result [of the setbacks], and to come back after two years and actually have two horses going at the level has been incredible. I just want to keep them going and have them last for a long time.”

Jacob Fletcher and Fabian. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Jacob Fletcher Triumphs in 4*-S

Jacob Fletcher said he was a good bit nervous heading out on cross country yesterday in the 4*-S. Fabian (Up To Date – Ineke, by Beaujolais) has been with Jacob since 2019, but the pair has really not had a chance to get out and gain some mileage together since the now-12-year-old KWPN first came over from the UK. He was originally produced from his young horses days on through the 4* level by British rider Millie Dumas, ending his campaign with her in 2019 at Blenheim, where the pair finished 30th. After just a couple of runs with Jacob, Covid hit.

“Covid struck, so we just turned all of our horses out,” Jacob explained. In the field, Fabian picked up an injury, which meant it wouldn’t be until July of last year that they were able to pick back up.

“So we’re still a new partnership,” Jacob said. “I’m still really getting to know him, but he was super this weekend. I was nervous…I kind of just went cautiously for the first five or six, and he was really good so then I kind of went for it.”

Their efforts paid off, and they’ll take home the top honors in the 4*-S on a final score of 39.7. The goal was not to end the spring season with a 4*-L, this being the first major season the horse has done since his injury, so Jacob says he’ll likely aim for the 4*-L here at Tryon in November.

Julie Wolfert’s long hours in the truck traveling from her base in Kansas pay off with a win in the 3*-L with Team Pivot’s SSH Playboy. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Julie Wolfert Reps Area IV with 3*-L Win

Area IV’s Julie Wolfert is back with a bang — and what she calls a surprising win — this weekend with a top finish in the 3*-L with Team Pivot’s (Sheri Gurske and Renee Senter) SSH Playboy (Cit Cat – Stomeyford Black Pearl) after starting off in seventh place and working her way up. A double clear show jumping — “my last event I got eliminated in show jumping because I jumped a few extra jumps, so I was a bit more nervous than normal!” — sealed the deal, moving her up to the top on a score of 33.5.

Anyone hailing from an area less populated with events knows how much time spent in the truck is required to campaign at the upper levels. While juggling a full-scale training business in Kansas with prep for a little race this summer called the Mongol Derby, Julie now adds qualification-collecting to her busy schedule as her partnership with “Jaego” continues to build.

Nine years ago, Julie was climbing the ranks — and getting noticed — with her former Advanced horse, Buenos Aires. But when “Aires” passed away suddenly in 2014, Julie found herself in the midst of a struggle to find the next horse to potentially take her all the way. It’s something that frequently plagues talented up-and-coming riders without a ton of existing backing: the loss of their horse of a lifetime often leaves them in limbo. She’s had a few other horses come up through the Intermediate level to date, but for one reason or another they’ve not wound up being the ones to take her farther.

“Sheri and Renee are two really close friends of mine,” Julie explained. “I taught their daughters how to ride and they saw me struggling trying to find a horse to get back to the upper levels. So they approached me one day and said ‘we’ve seen you struggle and we want to help you’.” It was here that Team Pivot was born, uniting a group of people who wanted only to support a rider they believed in.

“She’s a part of our family,” Sheri Gurske explained. “It was so hard to see her struggling, and Renee and I and our husbands were in a position to say ‘you know what? We can do this’. We just wanted to launch her. And the hope is to build on this for her.”

“You have to do it because you love the sport and the horses — and it really helps if you love the person,” Renee Senter echoed. “This has definitely grown out of personal relationship — it is very non-traditional. Sheri and I both said all along that we have known she is an amazing rider — a phenom — and it was time for other people to see that too. All we did was launch her, she’ll do everything else on her own.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp Collects 3*-S Win with Bromont-Bound Shanroe Cooley

Liz Halliday-Sharp is using this weekend as set-up as she looks ahead to MARS Bromont next month, but in the process she collects a win in the 3*-S with the 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse Shanroe Cooley (Dallas VDL – Shanroe Sapphire), adding a bit of time (added primarily because a jump judge tried to hold Liz on course despite the fact she was first on course) to end on a 28.5.

“The horse is just an incredible horse,” Liz said. “He’s only seven and he made it feel so easy. It didn’t feel like he over-stretched himself — I opened him up on the hill at the end and he just said ‘how fast do you want me to go?’.”

This is the seventh FEI start for Shanroe Cooley and his fifth win — in fact, he’s never finished lower than third in his international career to date. “He just finished so well and inside himself,” Liz said. “There’s not many young horses that are like that. He’s just kind of a freak.”

Liz also finished sixth in the 3*-S with HHS Cooley Calmaria and third in the 4*-S with The Monster Partnership’s Cooley Moonshine. The Monster Partnership’s Cooley Be Cool also wrapped up his first 4*-L with a top 20 finish, though Liz feels he could’ve made the time on cross country had it not been for some, ahem, young horse educational moments that prompted her to bridge her reins and go a bit slower than originally intended. “He’s going to be a weapon for the future,” she described. “I just had to try and teach him not to beat his fist against his chest quite as much as he was. But I think he’s a real Burghley, Badminton horse, which is exciting.”

“It’s nice to win everything, but I came here with a plan,” Liz continued. “I think that’s what a lot of this is about is prep for the future.”

 

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Sinead Maynard’s Back with a Bang and a 1*-S Win

It’s a new partnership for Sinead and the 9-year-old Dutch gelding I-Quid J (Quirado – O Juliana-Imoo, by Come on), who was originally sourced by Dirk Schrade and began his U.S. career with Sharon White. Sinead purchased I-Quid just a few months ago, just before giving birth to her second baby, Violet.

“He’s just a lovely, lovely horse,” Sinead said. “He’s a fancy little guy, has tons of presence, and he seems like he really likes to compete. Sharon’s obviously done a wonderful job with him, and he was with Dirk Schrade before that, so he’s been really well-produced.”

Sinead calls herself a little rusty — baby Violet is only five weeks old, after all! — but “Squid” stepped up to the plate in all three phases. “I just felt a little rusty all weekend, but he was a champion.”

A technical elimination saw Sinead end her weekend early with another exciting young horse, Icytonic (a 7-year-old originally produced by Julia Krajewski), but she was able to sort out the line she missed on cross country in time for her ride on I-Quid (with some help from a kind official who took her back between rides to see the question she missed).

“Nothing like getting back to it,” Sinead laughed. “So I felt like it was a great weekend, I got what I needed to. I definitely made mistakes throughout, but I got to know the horses better and felt pretty optimistic about them moving forward.”

The spring season now wraps up for many of the combinations here, and we’ll next look ahead to the much-anticipated return of Bromont next month. You can catch up with more results from Tryon here, and as always many thanks to Shannon Brinkman for providing competition photos throughout the weekend.

Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event (Mill Spring, Nc.): [Website] [Final Scores]