Classic Eventing Nation

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Apr 11, 2022 7:15 am -

Werner Geven gives the camera a grin on his way to the Open Novice win at Bouckaert. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Isn’t it nice to find ourselves back in that whirlwind time of year, wherein every weekend is chock-full of events and preparations for our two (two!!) traditional spring five-stars? I’m heading to Badminton tomorrow on behalf of EN to get a first look at the course to come, and suddenly, life feels so full of possibility again. Spring has sprung after a two-year winter – and yes, I’ve really had to stop myself from writing ‘winter of the soul’ there – and it’s a joy now to bask in the sunshine of everyone’s palpable excitement. Roll on the adventures!

National Holiday: It’s National Barbershop Quartet Day. It’s probably best to stay at home today, just in case of celebratory flash mobs.

US Weekend Action:

The Fork at TIEC (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

Chattahoochee Hills International H.T. (Fairburn, Ga.): [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

CDCTA Spring H.T. (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Results]

Pine Hill Spring H.T. (Bellville, Tx.): [Website] [Results]

UK Weekend Results:

Breckenbrough (1): [Results]

Kirriemuir (1): [Results]

Larkhill: [Results]

Norton Disney (1): [Results]

South of England (1): [Results]

Weston Park (1): [Results]

Global Eventing Round-Up:

 

Though the USA’s two four-stars over the weekend dominated eventing headlines, Europe was well-represented too, with Poland’s popular Strzegom Horse Trials hosting its (admittedly chilly) Spring Open. The feature CCI4*-S class was ably taken by Sweden’s Christoffer Forsberg (a strong contender for the tallest man on the circuit, quite frankly) and Hippo’s Sapporo, pinching the win from Germany’s Nicholai Aldinger and Timmo after delivering the only clear inside the time on the cross-country course. Sweden also rounded out the top three, with Frida Andersen taking third on Box Leo.

Meanwhile, the CCI3*-S podium was wholly filled by Dutch women: Olympic stalwart Merel Blom took first and second place, riding Corminta Vom Gwick and Vesuve d’Aveyron, respectively, while Sanne de Jong took third with her Le Lion ride Jersey MBF.

Are you attending this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Join EN and Ride iQ for a ridiculously epic course walk led by Kyle Carter and Buck Davidson on Friday, April 29. If you register ahead of time, you’ll be entered to win prizes such as a limited edition signed tote bag and goodies from our sponsors. Click here to learn more.

Your Monday Reading List

Fancy jumping out of a plane in support of Ukrainian relief efforts (and Team GB)? Your chance is here, you utter lunatic – and you could find yourself in a plane with some of your idols, too.

A lot of us horsey folks put some serious pressure on ourselves to be everything to everyone, all the time. But life — and output — isn’t that straightforward, particularly if your headspace doesn’t always play ball. Blogger Laura Adriaanse shares her story of a breakthrough day in which she let herself just co-exist with her horse and found her mental health all the better for it.

An electronic queue system has been created to help facilitate the evacuation of Ukrainian horses. This is the latest great initiative from the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation, which has been created to streamline the aid process for horses in the country.

Head behind the scenes at Southern Belle Thoroughbreds, a thriving business designed to help transition horses from the track to their second careers.

Ever wondered what life is like as a roving equestrian photojournalist? Meet Melissa Fuller, who travels to major shows around the US for Sidelines magazine.

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

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What’s life like for a young up-and-coming professional in the Netherlands? Follow Sanne de Jong‘s journey with her exciting team of horses and find out!

Morning Viewing:

In memory of the exceptional Arctic Soul, who sadly died over the weekend, we’re looking back fondly on old memories — including his lightning fast effort at Gatcombe in 2017, where he and Gemma became the British Open Champions.

Doug Payne and Vandiver Clinch the Win at The Fork at TIEC

By on Apr 10, 2022 8:00 pm -

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

After standing seventh after dressage with his longtime partner Vandiver (Windfall II – Visions of Grandeur, by Mystic Replica xx), Doug Payne was pleasantly surprised to claim a second consecutive win in the CCI4*-S win at The Fork Three-Day Event at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (this pair also took the title in 2021).

“He was good in all three phases,” Doug said. “He was on a 30 in dressage, which is pretty par for the course; he’s usually between and 28 and 31. He jumped really well, and at this stage of the game he’s a pleasure to have, he’s 18 years and very reliable. We’re lucky to have Debi and Kevin Crowley with us -– they bred him and were able to come see him, and all of that is great, it’s really cool.”

Doug and his wife Jessica traveled from their farm in Rougemont, Nc. with four event horses, their two small children, and a group of students that Jessica was coaching in the adjacent hunter/jumper show.

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Jess said they had fun with the kids in Tryon, where the facilities include a dedicated village area with restaurants, an ice cream shop, carousel and little jumps for kids to play with. “We’re lucky we have really good help to watch the kids,” she said. “The kids can come and play –- we also had students in the jumper show that I was coaching, and I was helping Doug in the warm-up, so it’s great she can help with the kids when we need. Tryon is a lot of fun for them, they can eat at the Diner, do the pony jumps and ride their scooters everywhere. You don’t worry about them being in the way of the horses because there’s an area for them to play.”

After freezing weather with gale force winds during last night’s show jumping under the lights, Doug said, “The cross country conditions were just about perfect: the ground was good and I think that run up the hill at the end of the course is super helpful for the horses’ fitness.”

Aiming for Kentucky, he and Quantum Leap (Quite Capitol – Report to Sloopy, by Corporate Report), who finished ninth today, will do the 5*, Camarillo (Chicardo – Rehobeth, by Riverman) and Starr Witness (Chello III VDL – Carmen, by Veneur) with do the 4*, and Quintessence will do the 3* show jumping.

“We should be in great shape for Kentucky, anything can go wrong but for where we’re at it’s a good group of horses,” Doug commented. “‘Quinn’ is a total known at 18 years old, the other two are eleven and Camarillo is eight, so they’re all just stepping up and of course could have a green moment but it’s a good group of quality horses.”

Doug Payne and Fenix Rouge Du Claux. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Doug also rode the stallion Quiberon (Quite Easy – Avalon, by A Fine Romance), who he and Jess own with John Chedle, in the CCI3*-S at The Fork. “It was his second time at this level,” Doug said. “He’s done three international derbies now and jumped to a meter 30; he’s a very special little horse. He’s also at stud, we basically collect him and only offer frozen. He’s been wonderful about it and it’s really exciting that we have weanling that’s by him out of Starr Witness, by surrogate. His legs are insanely long!”

It was a busy weekend for Doug, who also won the CCI2*-S riding Fenix Rouge Du Claux (Chef Rouge – Pixie Queen, by Fleuron de Dun), owned by Anna Antrovius. “He’s been with us for the last three months or so and went back to his owner from here,” he said. “He was with us just to get some mileage –- it was their goal to have him do a two-star this spring and we did our best to prepare him as well as we could. He did a couple events and some jumper shows; they bought him from Dirk Schrade. He’s an exciting horse for her, and she’s looking to continue this year at prelim and just get a bit of experience herself.”

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Phillip Dutton and Z, a 2008 Zangersheide gelding (Asca Z – Bellabouche), finished second in the four-star after moving up from fourth place after dressage and show jumping. The overnight leader Liz Halliday-Sharp, who was still nursing injuries sustained at Red Hills a few weeks ago, took it steady and finished seventh overall after adding 15.2 time faults today with The Monster Partnership’s Cooley Moonshine (Cobra – Kilpatrick Duchess, by Kings Master).

Phillip explained that Z, who is owned by a syndicate, is heading to Badminton. “It was a good preparation,” he said. “Obviously there wasn’t much to do at the water jump, that wasn’t the greatest prep, but overall the course was good and the footing was good. I was pretty shocked by the dressage judging: Z was an 11% difference in marks from two of the judges, and that’s a big difference. As a rider you want to know what’s right and what’s wrong so I think that needs to be looked at. Yes, they were sitting at different angles, but there shouldn’t be that much difference. I think we all put a lot of effort into these horses and they only get to do a couple events in the spring and fall, so it’s disappointing when that kind of thing happens. I was for first at the end, but Doug was faster than I was and closer to the optimum time, so he took the win.”

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

Phillip also finished fifth on Sea of Clouds (Malibu Moon – Winners Ticket, by Jolie’s Halo), an OTTB owned by a partnership that includes his race trainers, Graham and Anita Motion. “Socs” moved up from 13th after dressage. “He’s a gritty little horse – he raced once or twice and we got him as a three-year-old,” Phillip said. “He’s fast and easy to ride, you can turn him whenever you want. He doesn’t move that big but doesn’t do anything wrong in the dressage. Show jumping isn’t that easy for him but he really tried; we’ve experimented with different warm-ups and different rides in the ring. He’s just a great cross country horse so it’s fun, he just easy to ride.”

Because of Liz’s injuries, Phillip rode Cooley HHS Calmaria (Cyrano 145 – Chester Lass) for her, finishing sixth overall in the CCI3*-S.

“Liz had the fall at Red Hills and I’ve been trying to help her out,” Phillip explained. “I’ve cross country schooled them all while she was injured. She’s a very talented horse, she’s certainly a little on the quirky side but she’s a good mover. She’s still a little green and not very trusting yet, she’s still a little spooky and shy of things but she’s a very good jumper and I think will do a great dressage test at some stage.”

Will Coleman and Off the Record. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Will Coleman and Off the Record (VDL Arkansas – Drumagoland Bay, by Ard Ohio), the Irish Sport Horse that he rode to victory at Aachen last summer, added a few time faults and finished third overall after standing second throughout the weekend. “Both of my horses were incredibly fresh last night,” said Will. “It was cold and windy and the light added a lot of atmosphere; they were good but more on the muscle than I would have liked.”

On cross country, he said, “’Timmy’ was amazing –- I didn’t go for broke, I wanted to set him up for Kentucky and make sure our communication was good and I was really pleased with how he felt. He finished wonderfully.”

Will Coleman and DonDante. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Team Rebecca LLC’s DonDante (Pachio – Muckno Clover, by Euro Clover) won Advanced Test A, and Will said he also went well and feels good in his prep for Kentucky. “I much preferred the direction of the course today –- it was one of the better tracks we’ve had here,” he said. “The water could have been tougher but the general flow of the course was good and helped get the horses in a nice rhythm.”

Morgan Batton and I’m Sew Ready. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Morgan Batton and I’m Sew Ready Win CCI3*-S

In the CCI3*-S, Morgan Batton and I’m Sew Ready (Lupicor – Jarda, by Elcaro) leapt up the standings from tenth to first thanks to clear show jumping and cross country rounds, finishing on their dressage score of 33.2. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley finished second, followed by Samantha Tinney on Glenbrook Cooley. (Not a bad weekend for the Cooley horses — time to crack open the champagne at Cooley Farm in Ireland!)

I’m Sew Ready is an experienced upper-level campaigner that Morgan, who owns two businesses in Aiken, Sc. — The Vista and Hitch and Tow — with her husband Paul, purchased about a year ago from Kristen Bond. Morgan said that she found out she was pregnant with their son as she was considering purchasing the horse, and her husband encouraged her to go ahead and buy him. Obviously she’s glad she did: with their son Lee recently celebrating his first birthday, she is celebrating her first FEI win with the gelding.

Morgan trains with Doug and Jess Payne and they originally made the connection for her to purchase “Jackson”. She previously competed at the three-star level with a Thoroughbred named Toby that she developed herself, and said that she is enjoying her more experienced partner. “He’s really sharp and knows his job,” she said. “On cross country he’s fabulous, he’s great to ride and has a good rhythm. I really wanted to make the time today, but it was totally unexpected to win! It was a bonus that we also earned prize money!”

Thanks for following along with us all weekend at The Fork! Just over two weeks remain before the first horse goes down centerline at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and we can’t wait to see you there!

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Fork at TIEC (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Christoffer Forsberg Best of Strzegom Spring Open CCI4*-S

By on Apr 10, 2022 3:00 pm -

Christoffer Forsberg and Hippo’s Sapporo. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

Sweden’s Christoffer Forsberg was the best in the CCI4*-S, the highest ranked class during Strzegom Spring Open. A Polish rider won the two-star competition.

Sunday’s cross country trial, which determined the winner of the 4* class, kept the audiences at the edge of their seats until the end. Christoffer Forsberg with Hippo’s Sapporo who started as the second to last, was the only one to go over the course clear and inside the optimum time, beating the leading German Nicolai Aldinger by one tenth of a penalty point. Aldinger, riding Timmo, did not have any problems with the fences, but time faults cost him the win and ultimately placed him second. Third went to Sweden’s Frida Andersen with Box Leo.

The best Polish rider in the 4* class was Wiktoria Knap with Quintus 134, who finished eighth.

The podium of the 3* competition was dominated by Dutch women. After clear cross country rounds, Merel Blom took home the first riding Corminta Vom Gwick and second with Vesuve d’Aveyron. Third place belonged to Sanne De Jong with Jersey MBF. Mateusz Kiempa with Libertina, leading after two trials, had time faults today and placed just outside the podium.

The best rider in the 2* was Daria Kobiernik aboard Ideal Girl. The Pole was sixth after dressage, and jumped up into the lead after clear rounds in the jumping and cross-country. Second place went to Zuzanna Społowicz (POL) with Bankier, and third to Merel Blom with Hallo 53.

The top three in the Intro class was all Polish. Karolina Miś with Go Jack kept her lead from the dressage and was victorious after clear jumping and cross country rounds. Katarzyna Brandys with Rio Brava was second, and Wiktoria Szynkiewicz with Hattrick third.

In the CNC 100 the best score belonged to Mateusz Kiempa with All Night, in the CNC 100-18 the winner was Laura Gillmaier with Red Sunrise 2, and in the CNC 8 the best one was Marcin Michałek with Brylant.

The Strzegom Spring Open competition opened the eventing season in Poland. Four international classes in short format and three national classes were held, and almost 230 horse-and-rider combinations representing 14 countries took part. The next edition of Strzegom Spring Open will take place in just two weeks, from April 22-24.

Strzegom Spring Open: [Website] [Scores]

Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on Apr 10, 2022 12:01 am -

Dirk Schrade and Hop and Skip at the European Championships in Sweden in 2013 where they placed 6th individually and earned the team gold medal for Germany. Photo by Julia Rau.

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Dirk Schrade’s championship partner, Hop and Skip a.k.a. “Baxter”, at the age of 23.

Baxter was purchased by Freya Rethmeier for Dirk in 2010 from Japan’s Kenki Sato, who piloted the British-bred gelding around the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington that year. Together, Dirk and Baxter completed eight Nations Cup legs, four five-stars, two European Championships, and the 2014 WEG where their double clear show jumping round helped to secure the team gold medal for Germany. After retiring in 2016, Baxter was able to enjoy a number of years retirement in Freya’s yard.

Rest in peace, Baxter.

Are you attending this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Join EN and Ride iQ for a ridiculously epic course walk led by Kyle Carter and Buck Davidson on Friday, April 29. If you register ahead of time, you’ll be entered to win prizes such as a limited edition signed tote bag and goodies from our sponsors. Click here to learn more.

U.S. Weekend Action:

The Fork at TIEC (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Chattahoochee Hills International H.T. (Fairburn, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

CDCTA Spring H.T. (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Pine Hill Spring H.T. (Bellville, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Major International Events:

Strzegom Spring Open CCI4*-S (Poland): [Website] [Sunday XC Live Stream]

Sunday Links:

Behaviour of Retrained Thoroughbred Racehorses Studied

‘He’s a big, sexy, athletic lunatic!’ – the former problem horse getting set to tackle his first Badminton

Rule Refresher: Wait What Did that Bell Mean?

Strength, balance and athleticism of elite Eventing riders assessed in pilot study

From a coma to the World Cup Finals – the extraordinary story of Dressage rider Juan Matute Guimon in his own words….

Sunday Video: Take a ride with Dirk and Hop and Skip at Aachen in 2013:

Fairfax & Favor Find of the Week:

 

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Preview Capt. Mark Phillips’ CCI4*-S Cross Country at The Fork at TIEC

By on Apr 9, 2022 11:54 pm -

Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

Captain Mark Phillips’ cross country for the 4*-S riders competing at The Fork at TIEC this weekend makes ample use of the unique layout of the venue, working in the famous hill (first used on the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games cross country course) at the end for one final fitness push. For many riders here this weekend, it’s a final set-up for a spring three-day, be it Kentucky, Badminton, the 4*-L here at Tryon in May, or another destination.

Click the image to enlarge.

Today’s course features 34 jumping efforts and an optimum time of 6 minutes, 29 seconds. As with the other spring 4*-S events, we can expect to see some planned time from some pairs, while others plan to push the speed a bit more depending on their end goals. Overnight leader Liz Halliday-Sharp with the Monster Partnership’s Cooley Moonshine, for one, plans to test the speed a bit, intending to test out a few gears on her up-and-comer.

Our reporter in the field this weekend is Amber Heintzberger, and took a spin around the course today for a preview. It’s looking fabulous thanks to the efforts of the building and decoration crew, including Dylan Barry and Jamie Gornall pictured below.

Dylan Barry and Jamie Gornall out making last minute adjustments. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

There is, sadly, no live stream this weekend, but we’ll have much more to report on later today following cross country! Go Eventing.

EN thanks Amber Heintzberger for her reporting skills this weekend at The Fork. When she’s not braving the elements on a cross country course, she can often be found braving the elements on the road as a marathon runner — she even used part of her cross country walk this week as training for the upcoming Brooklyn Marathon, where she’ll be running for Team for Kids? If you want to support her in her quest, you can click here.

The Fork at TIEC (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Liz Halliday-Sharp Maintains CCI4*-S Lead at The Fork at TIEC

By on Apr 9, 2022 10:00 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp pats Cooley Moonshine after a clear round holds their lead under the lights. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Jumping after dark, under bright lights in the atmosphere of the stadium at the Tryon International Equestrian Center was a distraction for more than a couple of horses, especially with freezing cold, gale force winds blowing this evening. But Cooley Moonshine (Cobra – Kilpatrick Duchess, by Kings Master) kept his cool and put in a double clear round to maintain the lead in the CCI4*-S with Liz Halliday-Sharp on his dressage score of 26.0. The Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Monster Partnership looked every bit the part of a high performance athlete on course.

Liz’s other four-star entry, Cooley Be Cool (Heritage Fortunas – HHS Carlota), also jumped double clear to move up from tenth to seventh (30.7). Her 3* horse, Shanroe Cooley, had one green rail down to move into second place, with Marc Grandia and Campari FFF (Camiros – Tanner, by Ariadus) taking the lead (29.3).

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

“It’s always fun to ride here under the lights,” said Liz. “It gives the horses a bit more atmosphere. Cooley Moonshine jumped here under the lights last year and he absolutely loves it; Cooley Be Cool is a much greener horse and this was the best round he’s jumped, I was totally thrilled with him. He’s sort of a tricky horse and we’ve tried all sorts of things. He’s very careful but he can just go casual in the ring, but today he was a proper fighter so that was exciting.”

Click the embedded post (or click here) below to hear from Liz on Cooley Moonshine and Cooley Be Cool:

The top four places remain unchanged, with Will Coleman and Off the Record (VDL Arkansas – Drumagoland Bay, by Ard Ohio), Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF (Windfall II – Thabana, by Buddenbrock), and Phillip Dutton and Z (Asca – Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z) all jumping clear and in the time. But Boyd’s other mount, On Cue (Cabri d’Elle – On High, by Primitive Rising), knocked three rails down and dropped to 16th place.

Tamie Smith, who was tied for fifth with Martin and On Cue, had a stop at the second jump on course with Judith McSwain’s Fleeceworks Royal (Riverman – Marisol), after the mare chipped in at the first of a related distance and then lost momentum to the next fence, moving into 14th place.

This opened the door for Doug Payne, who was on last year’s Olympic team with both Boyd and Tamie, to move up to fifth place with Vandiver (Windfall II – Visions of Grandeur, by Mystic Replica xx).

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Boyd said, “It was awesome jumping here under the nights, it was pretty cold and chilly. I had a split night; Thomas jumped like a champion but unfortunately Cue got a little spooky and had a couple of poles down. I’ve still got a little bit of work to do, and a bit of time leading up to Kentucky.”

Looking forward to tomorrow’s cross country phase he said, “The course looks superb, it’s going to be a brilliant preparation for the Kentucky horses and my plan is to give them a good run, go pretty quick but not crazy quick.”

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

Tamie had a stellar round with Elliot V (Zavall VDL – Vera R, by Nassau), moving up from 15th to ninth place, which might take the sting out of her first round. Solaguayre California (Casparo – Solaguayre Calandria, by Casall), owned by Juliane Guariglia, was last in the ring and had a foot perfect round to move up from 18th to 12th place.

In the Advanced-B division Tamie maintained her lead on a score of 21.1 in the riding the Badminton-bound Mai Baum (Loredano 2 – Ramira, by Rike), owned by Ellen and Alex Ahearn and Erik Markell.

Kentucky-bound Marc Grandia and Campari FFF take the lead in the 3*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Cross country begins tomorrow at 9 a.m. EST with Intermediate. The 3* begins at 9:40 a.m., and the 4* takes place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Stay tuned for the final report from The Fork!

EN thanks Amber Heintzberger for her reporting skills this weekend at The Fork. When she’s not braving the elements on a cross country course, she can often be found braving the elements on the road as a marathon runner — she even used part of her cross country walk this week as training for the upcoming Brooklyn Marathon, where she’ll be running for Team for Kids? If you want to support her in her quest, you can click here.

The Fork at TIEC (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Dana Cooke Aims for Ireland After Bouckaert International CCI4*-S Win

By on Apr 9, 2022 9:00 pm -

Dana Cooke FE Mississippi. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi have a long flight ahead of them as they barrel toward a busy summer season overseas. One of the last stops on their journey was Bouckaert International at Chattahoochee Hills where they won the CCI4*-S class over the weekend.

“I go to Kentucky in two weeks to do the four-star short and after that I’m planning to run the four-long at Millstreet over in Ireland. My plan is to try to make the World Games team,” Dana. said. “But I’m going to leave Missy over in the U.K. and if I make the World Games team that’s amazing, and if I don’t I’m going to plan to run Blenheim instead.”

Dana and “Missy,” a 12-year-old Württemberger (Cassini II x Liastra) mare owned by the FE Mississippi Syndicate, finished ten seconds over the optimum time in what Dana says is her most confident run yet at the level.

“She moved up the four-star level in 2019, but last year was her first solid season at the level and it was a bit rocky, she wasn’t as confident. But then after Galway (2021) — by the end of the cross country at Galway I felt like she was finding her grove, and she really just came out this year getting it and she understands it.” she said.

“She’s done that kind of as she’s gone up the levels. She went Preliminary, she’d have a good round, then she got a bit rocky for a few, and then was awesome. Then she moved up to Intermediate and her first one was good, then she’d get rocky and we’d drop back down. So the same thing happened at Advanced. Now she just feels like she gets it and is loving her job.”

Joe Meyer and Harbin. Photo by Shelby Allen.

No one caught the optimum time of 6 minutes and 50 seconds, but Joe Meyer came the closest with Harbin, a 12-year-old Irish Thoroughbred (Verglas x Rainbow City) owned by Joe, Ruth, Gay and John Meyer in partnership with Theresa Foote, in a time of 6:54. Their quick work moved the New Zealand pair from 10th to 2nd on a result of 33.3.

Mia Farley and BGS Firecracker. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Mia Farley finished in third place with her spicy mare BGS Firecracker as the top placed American. “Crack,” a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse, added 7.2 time penalties for a three-phase result of 33.7. Mia rounds out the top three, all which finished within less than a point of one another.

“She loves her job that’s for sure! I think we had everything going for us today, good weather and fantastic footing. She was so rideable and happy to be out there,” Mia said. “She gave me wonderful shapes over the jumps and even let me give the reins on the gallop stretches. I couldn’t be happier with how she went.”

Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D’ysieux. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Sara Kozumplik was all smiles after a confident run with one of her best mates, Rubens D’ysieux. “It was one of the best rounds I’ve ever had with him, and that’s saying something,” she said. “Rubens” is deliciously talented, but after a few bobbles recently, a simple equipment change made all the difference for this pair.

“Best thing I ever did was take his back boots off on cross country last year. I struggled sometimes with him hanging up high and not getting across.,” Sara said. “I asked my trusted vet Brendan Furlong about it in case he thought I was nuts, and he said in all the years he has done this, he’s never thought, ‘Thank God that horse had a hind boot on.'”

With bare hind legs, the pair had 9.6 time penalties for 4th place (37.7).

Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Fifth place belongs to the event’s busiest lady, Jessica Phoenix. With six (yes, SIX) horses entered in the four-star she had her hands full. Her best finisher was her own Freedom GS, a 9-year-old Trakehner/Oldenburg, on a score of 40.

It’s a family affair for many of Jessica’s rides. Freedom is joined by half sibling Isla GS (16th, 52.3), and their shared sire Humble GS, who finished 24th.

The division lost four before the start with Bobby Meyerhoff scratching all three of his rides and Ellen Doughty-Hume scratching Breakin’ All The Rules. Three pairs retired after issues on course: Hallie Coon & Global EX, Cosby Green & Highly Suspicious, and Heather Gillette & Vincent Chase. While no one accomplished a double-clear result, 21 competitors finished with no jumping faults for a 70% clear rate.

“I think Hugh designed a super course. It was technical, and Chatt has a little bit of terrain, which is great. The footing is probably the best it has ever been. It was tough, but the horses all jumped it well,” division winner Dana Cooke said. “Honestly, I’m disappointed that they don’t have an FEI here next year in April. I think it’s a super track for the horses that are going to their spring three-days and I do think it’s unfortunate that we won’t have that option.”

We at EN would like to give many thanks to Bouckaert Farm for hosting us and this prestigious event.

Until next time, go eventing.

Bouckaert International at Chattahoochee Hills: Website, Live Scores, Entry Status, Ride Times, Volunteer, EN’s Coverage

Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Draw Order: Buck Davidson to Lead Off

By on Apr 9, 2022 4:00 pm -

Buck Davidson and Jak My Style will be the first pair to see come cross country day in Kentucky this year. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Buck Davidson will be the first rider down centerline and out of the start box this year at the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian. For the task, Buck will pilot the first of his four entries, Kat and Roberto Cuca’s Jak My Style, making his fifth start at the 5* level with the 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding.

Great Britain’s Pippa Funnell, the OG winner of the Rolex Grand Slam, will be the final rider to see in the 56-strong field, riding S.H.E. Eventing’s Maybach, the second of her two rides (she drew number 22 with Marek Sebestak and her own’s Majas Hope).

Other notables from the 5* drawn order:

  • Maryland 5 Star winners Boyd Martin and the Turner family’s On Cue drew number four, and stablemate Tsetserleg TSF number 33
  • Germany’s Michael Jung will ride Sabine and Klaus Fischer, Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff and DOKR’s fischerChipmunk FRH 36th

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

Looking to the CCI4*-S, Liz Halliday-Sharp will be the trailblazer with The Monster Partnership’s Cooley Quicksilver; she will also be the last to see in this division with Ocala Horse Properties’ Deniro Z.

Last year was the first year of the CCI4*-S here, and we saw roughly half of each division on each day of dressage — if you’re planning ahead, you can use that rule of thumb to sort out who you want to see on each day. As of now, the 4*-S will compete first each day, though last year rain prompted officials to decide to run the 5* on cross country first. The provisional schedule for the weekend can be found here.

Stay tuned right here for all of the latest news from Kentucky! If you want even more, you can also sign up for our Kentucky Daily Digest email, which will begin sending on Monday, April 25, here.

British 5* Stalwart Arctic Soul Passes Away Aged 19 Following Advanced Victory

By on Apr 9, 2022 2:40 pm -

Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

We’re incredibly sad to report that the Soul Syndicate’s Arctic Soul, longtime top-level mount of Great Britain’s Gemma Tattersall, died this afternoon at Weston Park Horse Trials, following an exceptional performance that saw him win the Advanced class –- a prep run for an intended spin at Badminton, for which he was 12th on the waitlist. His death is reportedly the result of a heart attack, but official word has not yet been released. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

The rangy 19-year-old Thoroughbred (Luso x Dream Cocktail, by Roi Danzig) enjoyed an extraordinary career at the upper levels of the sport and became something of a de facto ambassador for ex-racehorses all over the world. In his first career, he raced four times over hurdles in Ireland under the auspices of Colm Murphy, but it wasn’t a job that lit a fire in his belly –- in those four starts, he never placed higher than 11th, and ultimately retired as a five-year-old in 2008.

It was in his second career that he would shine, first under Nicky Roncoroni, who produced him to what is now the CCI2*-L level for former owner Phillip Kerr, and then under Gemma, who was given the ride before the 2012 season.

Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul take the British Open Championship in 2017. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

That the duo were perfectly matched seemed obvious from the get-go: in that first season together, they climbed from Novice (U.S. Preliminary) to CCI4*-L, finishing in the top five in nine of their 14 runs and never finishing lower than 13th. The following year, they set even loftier goals and faced stiff competition throughout the season, but their top ten finishes in the CCI4*-S at Chatsworth and the CCI4*-L at Blenheim further cemented their status as one of Britain’s most formidable pairs.

And by the end of 2014? They’d proven — with a strong fifth at Burghley — that ‘Spike’ was every inch a classic event horse in the mould of the golden era greats. And he was fast, to boot –- so fast, in fact, that a windswept Gemma would often come through the finish line laughing, her arms almost certainly a centimetre or two longer than when she set off.

“He just steps over the Vicarage Vee. His scope is freaky; he was born in the wrong era of eventing,” marvelled Gemma when introducing The Chronicle of the Horse to Spike in 2018. “He’s certainly unique, and he’s not an easy ride, but he’s incredible and gives you the most incredible buzz on cross-country. He’s a handful, but he’s never going to say no, and he’s a neat, careful jumper who just wants to get to the other side.”

Gemma often joked that a new, six-star level would need to be brought in before Spike would meet a fence he might find difficult –- and his results across the zenith of his career proved that point. He recorded five top-ten finishes at Badminton and Burghley, with his best result — a third place to Michael Jung and Andreas Ostholt –- coming at Badminton in 2019.

But he was no one trick pony, either: he also excelled at the short format of the sport, winning the exceptionally tough Gatcombe leg of the Event Rider Masters series in 2017 and becoming the British Open Champion in the process. He was also a two-time representative of Great Britain at championship level, taking ninth place when presented as an individual at Blair in 2015, the tough conditions and terrain of which allowed him to show his characteristic grittiness, and he helped the British team to gold at the 2018 World Equestrian Games at Tryon, too.

Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul at Badminton 2018. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

But even the greatest of event horses is more than just his results sheet. Often known affectionately as ‘Sharkface’ around the yard, Spike had a character every bit as big as his impressive stride: he loved face massages, but stroking him anywhere else meant risking losing a chunk of flesh to his lightning-fast teeth. At other times, though, he was rather like the Cowardly Lion -– his great protector at events was Gemma’s mother, Marcelle, who he’d happily and meekly follow around, and in the ring, Gemma often had to signal to the crowd to hold their applause so her 16.3hh gelding wouldn’t have his confidence shaken before a test.

At home, he could often be spotted being ridden to the field in his head collar by Gemma’s staff members, and he was known just as much among the team for his impeccable manners out hacking as for his heroic efforts over solid fences at the world’s most iconic venues.

Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul at the 2018 WEG. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“Arctic Soul, my absolute hero, my bestie, my darling boy. Today we lost you but you will be with me forever and I will think of you every single day,” Gemma wrote in a heartfelt statement on her social media. “What we achieved together was just unbelievable really, from failing as a racehorse to so many amazing achievements too numerous to mention. What sticks in my head, though, is his 3rd at Badminton in 2016 and his pathfinding cross country round at Tryon at the World Equestrian Games that gave the team so much confidence and we all went on to win team gold. Today he won his last ever event finishing on a lovely dressage, he flew around the xc with his ears firmly pricked finding the next fence on his own!”

Arctic Soul my absolute hero, my bestie, my darling boy. Today we lost you but you will be with me forever and I will…

Posted by Gemma Tattersall Eventing on Saturday, April 9, 2022

“Words don’t even come close to what I feel right now, literally horrendous, I will miss him terribly everyday. Our partnership was something that I might never have again, just something so special, we just understood each other and I always knew what he wanted and he always knew how to look after me back. Just want to say a massive thank you to his amazing owners and to all his people who have been involved in his career who have supported us so much through the years. It’s been such an incredible team. He really has given us so many amazing wonderful memories that we will all treasure forever. Thank you my precious boy. I said goodbye and I thanked him and told him how much he was loved by everyone, and obviously how much I loved him.”

Gemma Tattersall’s Arctic Soul. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Gemma, whose first five-star win at Bicton with the Chilli Morning son Chilli Knight was undoubtedly the result of a foundation laid by her partnership with Spike, made a small request in her post, too, which we would like to extend to EN’s readership: “What I would love is for people to tell me about their favourite memory or show me their favourite picture of him.” You can head to Gemma’s Facebook page to share your memories of this special horse.

All of us at Team EN extend our most heartfelt condolences to Gemma, Marcelle, head girl Charlotte Overton, the Soul Syndicate, and all of this special horse’s connections.

#Supergroom Series: Will Coleman Equestrian is Hailey Burlock’s Home Away From Home

By on Apr 9, 2022 9:30 am -

Hailey and the team. Photo courtesy of Shannon Brinkman.

Hailey Burlock went from helping her cousins with barn chores as a kid to grooming for Will and Katie Coleman– and I had the pleasure of getting to talk with her about that journey.

Hailey grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick and her involvement with horses began as a kid by lending a helping hand at her cousins’ draft horse barn on the weekends. As she grew older, she started taking weekly lessons with Zoe Erichsen-Meesters, and eventually leased “Fantasia,” a horse that was shortlisted for the 2008 Olympics.

“I was so lucky to be able to ride and compete a horse like that. She was amazing and we shared a special bond, as well as an exact same birth date,” Hailey said. “Fantasia” got Hailey hooked on the sport of eventing and began her appreciation for and dedication to horses as high-performing athletes.

As an integral part of the WCE team, Hailey’s work behind the scenes is a major help to the team’s consistent international success.

While this respect for the horses and the sport would eventually be her career choice, Hailey studied forestry at the Maritime College of Forest Technology.

“It wasn’t always clear that a chance to work with horses was a viable option for me, but I was always really interested in just being outside and working outside,” she said. “Studying forestry and going down the path towards becoming a park ranger was really formative for establishing myself as an independent, self-motivated individual.”

Hailey’s chance to work with horses on a daily basis arrived partly by chance. Growing up in Eastern Canada, she had ridden in several clinics with Rob Stevenson, the Chef d’Equipe for the Canadian Olympic Team. After crossing paths with him later, he offered her a job running his barn in St. John, New Brunswick. She worked with him for about two years and groomed at international competitions like Bromont and Foshay International.

Hailey and Dondante. Photo courtesy of Alleyn Evans of Shannon Brinkman Photo.

“It gave me a taste for running a barn and maintaining a standard of horse care that I could really embrace,” Hailey said.

Hailey soon found herself back at school, but within six months, she was itching for another opportunity in the horse world. “I just missed horses, and I missed working with them. The classroom all of a sudden seemed very boring and unfulfilling, and I began desperately looking for opportunities as a groom,” she said.

Will and Katie Coleman were looking for some help, so Hailey seized the opportunity and applied for the job. “As soon as Hailey arrived, I could see that she was exactly what we were looking for in a professional groom,” Katie Coleman said.

“Traveling from New Brunswick to Ocala is an exhausting, nearly 24 hour journey. When Hailey arrived at the farm, it was at the end of the day and the girls were sweeping and finishing up the barn. Hailey had probably not slept in a day, but without saying a word, she just instantly grabbed a broom and started sweeping alongside them. I remember so distinctly saying to myself, ‘I like this girl.’ She has an unbelievable motor, and a work ethic that is second to none. She leads by example, and that’s what we admire most in her,” Katie said.

Grooming is not an easy job, and people are often shocked by the time commitment it requires. “It’s an all-consuming job and lifestyle,” Hailey said. “People don’t realize all that goes into it, but I love all that.”

Top eventing and equestrian programs around the world are like Formula One teams, and grooms are the epicenter of maintaining and optimizing these incredible equine athletes that are part of top equestrian programs. They communicate with vets, farriers, coaches, and their riders in ways that require them to be very knowledgeable about all of these various fields.

“There are no medals or major performance goals reached without a truly world-class groom in the barn, and Hailey has become that person for us,” Katie said.

In almost two years of working with Katie and Will, Hailey has seen firsthand that the number one priority for WCE is the horses and their care, and she has embraced that approach.

Hailey Burlock riding her cousins’ pony when she was little. Photo courtesy of Hailey Burlock.

“Everything is meticulously well thought out, and there’s a reason why we do everything. Will and Katie hold everyone to a very high standard. Their expectations are that the whole team is constantly striving to get better in the way that we manage and support the horses in fulfilling their potential, and I think that’s what makes us a successful program,” Hailey said.

WCE’s success in 2021—which include multiple internation wins, a top five finish at the Maryland 5*, a reserve horse for the Tokyo Olympics, and the first American winner of Aachen CHIO 4*– can be attributed in part to the team behind the scenes.

“Success for our program — the rider is just the cover,” Will Coleman he told EN after a recent win at Stable View. “It is as much about everybody else: my coaches, my wife, my family, our girls home at the barn, the team behind us, vets, farriers. It’s really a victory for all of them, I’m just the cover of the book, but they’re the ones making up the full story.”

Aachen winner Off The Record and recent Carolina 4*-S winner Dondante are Hailey’s top two favorites at the barn – credits to their vibrant personalities for being so high up on the list! Just don’t tell the other horses…Hailey can’t play favorites, “I love them all to be honest.”

Since Will and Katie are based out of Ocala during the winter and Gordonsville, Virginia the rest of the year, it is difficult for Hailey to see her family in Canada. “I feel very fortunate that Will and Katie treat us like family – that certainly helps with being away from home for extended periods of time.”

But despite the long hours and hard work, Hailey says, “I love all of those ins and outs. Those small details and extra efforts are really what makes our successes so rewarding.”

Hailey is thankful for the support and opportunities that Will and Katie have given her and looks forward to another exciting year in 2022. With three horses aiming to contest the Land Rover Kentucky 5*, another trip to Aachen CHIO and their sights ultimately set on representing the U.S. at the FEI World Championships for Eventing in Pratoni, Italy this fall, it will be another busy and exciting year of competition for Hailey and the Will Coleman Equestrian team.

Go Hailey and Go Eventing.