Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes Presented by Zoetis

By on Apr 15, 2022 12:03 am -

Just some foal spam for your Friday. Photo by Ame Hellman.

You’re welcome.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL) [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Stabling] [Jog Order] [Scoring]
Twin Rivers Spring International (CA) [Website] [Entry List/Ride Times] [Schedule]
[Scoring]
Fair Hill International April H.T. & CCI-S (MD) [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scoring]
FENCE H.T. (SC) [Website] [Entry Status] [Scoring]
Spring Bay H.T. (KY) [Website] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

News From Around the Globe:

We all began riding for the same reasons: the love of the horse and the love of the sport. Back then we spent as much time laughing as we did lunging and as much time smiling as we did circling. It wasn’t about the color of the ribbon, placement on a leaderboard, or worrying about beating or being beaten. Back then we spent more time feeling fun than frustrated and thought more about joy than judges. But what happens when this carefree fun begins to feel more like fear of failure and falling? [Pressure Proof with Daniel Stewart]

Michael Barisone is not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity in the shooting of Lauren Kanarek and not guilty of attempted murder of her boyfriend Robert Goodwin. It took more than three days for a 12-member jury in Morris County, New Jersey, to reach that conclusion. The jury, which began deliberations April 11, after hearing two weeks of testimony in the trial of the former Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer, also found Barisone not guilty by reason of insanity on a weapons charge against Kanarek and not guilty of aggravated assault or possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose against Goodwin. [Michael Barisone Cleared of All Charges]

Dom Schramm has his sights set high this year. With the incredibly athletic and feisty Bolytair B, he’s got Badminton as well as the World Championships in Italy on his horizons. If you ever appreciated anything Dom or Boly in your life, consider helping them a little as they accomplish their dreams. [Boly 4 Badminton]

Best of Blogs: Putting the Puzzle Together to Solve Behavioral Issues

Hot on Horse Nation: Equus Obscurus: Horse Armour 

Enjoy these happy bounces courtesy of Alyssa Phillips:

Thursday Video: Galway Downs Lower-Level Winner Spotlight

By on Apr 14, 2022 5:00 pm -

Galway Downs International H.T. took place earlier this month in Temecula, California, featuring divisions from Beginner Novice all the way up to CCI4*-S. While FEI divisions are captivating and watching professional riders can be a master class, we always love to give the lower levels plenty of love as well — especially the Rider and Amateur divisions. Oftentimes these competitors are juggling school, careers, family and much more, and that they’ve made space in their lives for the all-consuming sport that is eventing is inspiring.

Here are three winners — Raney Wolfers, Anastasia Keyser and Georgia Gobos — from Galway who we thought looked especially fantastic out there. Many thanks to Ride On Video for sharing! You can view complete Galway results here.

Training Rider: Raney Wolfers and Annabell (36.2)

Novice Amateur: Anastasia Keyser and Bellatrix (27.2)

Beginner Novice Rider: Georgia Gobos and Black Gold (30.0)

Go Eventing!

Volunteer Nation: 5 USEA Events That Could Use a Hand This Weekend

By on Apr 14, 2022 11:00 am -

 

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Calling all volunteers (and their pups)! There’s a lot going on this weekend out there in the great sovereign state of Eventing Nation, and that means we need all hands on deck to help.

Here are four events that are seeking volunteers. As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

USEA Events

2022 Spring Bay HT

April 4th, 2022 to April 17th, 2022

Twin Rivers Spring International

April 14th, 2022 to April 17th, 2022

Fair Hill International – April Recognized Event [T, P, I, Adv, 2*, 3*, 4*]

April 8th, 2022 to April 18th, 2022

Longleaf Pine Horse Trial

April 13th, 2022 to April 19th, 2022

Ocala International Festival of Eventing

April 11th, 2022 to April 19th, 2022

Photo Feature: #GoEventing at Bouckaert International at Chatt Hills

By on Apr 14, 2022 9:00 am -

Holly Jacks-Smither and Candy King. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Sports photography is something I guess you could say I fell into. When I took a job in communications at the USEA, I found myself wielding a camera with not much clue how to use it. I still feel like that sometimes, but I have been lucky to have a lot of great mentors (and YouTube) to show me the way. As more of a “right brained” person, photography often feels creatively out of my league, but every once in a while I find magic. (You know what they say about blind squirrels…)

Over the weekend I followed the four-star competitors around the cross country course at Bouckaert Farm. Take a tour around to see the venue from my perspective.

For some real skill, please visit Liz Crawley Photography, the official photographer for the weekend. She had an amazing crew out shooting, and should have galleries up shortly.

Bouckaert International at Chattahoochee Hills: Website, Results, EN’s Coverage

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

Hawley Bennett Awad and Jollybo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Chello. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Dan Kreitl and Carmango. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Jessica Phoenix and Bogue Sound. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Mia Farley and BGS Firecracker. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Cosby Green and Highly Suspicious. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Dani Sussman and Jos Bravio. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Joe Meyer and Harbin. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Jessica Phoenix and Isla GS. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Woods Baughman and Hopak de Greenbay Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Thursday News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Apr 14, 2022 12:03 am -

Shameless self promotion because I think my horse is cute. Photo by Wenzhao Zhang.

For your mid-week brain puzzle, I give you the term Karma Yoga, which is “focusing on a task with no thought as to the outcome of that task”. This is a particularly interesting concept when it comes to training horses, as many of them require this type of zen mindset in order to become successful. This is what it takes to find joy in the smallest of steps forward, and the long term rewards that we find from the most successful partnerships. Ponder the Karma Yoga in your life on your next hack!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

News From Around the Globe:

Several weeks back, a video from a Mark Todd clinic circulated around the internet – it was a clip taken during a clinic, and it caused a lot of conversation and controversy on social media. This podcast is not about that video in particular, but the video did spark some reflection and larger conversations around what we deem acceptable in horse training, what we don’t, and how those standards are set and upheld. In this episode of Equestrian Voices, host Caroline Culbertson sits down with eventer Matt Brown, show jumper Anne Kursinski, and dressage rider Jeremy Steinberg to discuss. [What Does Doing Better Mean?]

Thoroughbreds are made for Eventing. Even though they don’t show the popularity they once did in the original days of our sport, the thoroughbred horse is still fantastically competitive and present at the highest levels of the sport at a consistent rate. Holly Payne is a fantastic lover of the breed, and explains in this article why she still prefers to ride thoroughbreds over some of the biggest tracks in the world. [An Argument for the Thoroughbred]

The equestrian community mourned the loss of a legend when eventer Gemma Tattersall announced the passing of her top horse Arctic Soul, who died at the age of 19 last week. Arctic Soul — an ex-racehorse by Luso known as “Spike” at home — was one of the greatest cross-country horses of all time, and he developed a formidable partnership with Gemma, which spanned over a decade. [9 Glorious Moments from Spike’s Career]

Sharon White advocates forming an identity as a self-confident leader in the relationship with your horse. No matter if you have a timid horse or a brash one, Sharon believes taking the role of leader will help. “The key to communicating with your horse, figuring out what he needs and letting him know what you want—in other words, making yourself the leader—is always the same: education and repetition”. [Become A Self Confident Leader]

Video:

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Get Ready for Fair Hill’s Spring CCI4*-S!

By on Apr 13, 2022 5:00 pm -

The first 4* of the season at Fair Hill International is coming up this weekend, and for many it’s one final prep for Kentucky or Badminton, while others are prepping for a 4*-L elsewhere or stepping up to this level for the first time.

You can preview the full entry list for this weekend’s Fair Hill International here. Want to head over to check out the action? The event can always use volunteers! Check out EventingVolunteers.com for opportunities.

Many thanks to YouTuber Emma for sending in this highlight reel from 2021! You can follow her on YouTube for more compilations here.

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Who Jumped It Best? Bouckaert Farm Open Novice

By on Apr 13, 2022 2:00 pm -

Who Jumped It Best?

Two big international events means we’ve got two editions of Who Jumped It Best? for you. Have a look at this collection of riders from the Open Novice divisions at Bouckaert International at Chattahoochee Hills.

These competitors are tackling the airy table at 9a, the Kidney Pond. Just a few steps beyond is 9b, a water jump. All the FEI divisions had combinations through this complex, so there’s a lot to take in as they plan their exit over the boat at fence 10. Have a gander at these pairs and vote in the poll at the bottom for who you think presents the best overall picture.

Bouckaert International at Chattahoochee Hills: Website, Results, EN’s Coverage

Lara Roberts and Fernhill Show Biz. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Werner Geven and Caheradoo Jack. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Dana Cooke and FE Monte Carlo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Jenny Caras and Beaulieus Cheerful. Photo by Shelby Allen

Emily Byczek and Ossian. Photo by Shelby Allen.

US Equestrian Announces Robert (Bobby) Costello as Interim Chef d’Equipe

By on Apr 13, 2022 12:21 pm -

Bobby Costello provides some encouragement. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

US Equestrian has announced today that Robert (Bobby) Costello has been selected as the Interim Eventing Chef d’Equipe and Team Manager. This role will be Bobby’s through September 30, 2022, during which he will lead the U.S. eventing effort to the FEI World Championships for Eventing in Italy, September 15-18.

The announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the leadership status of U.S. Eventing High Performance after the departure of former Chef Erik Duvander and Managing Director of Eventing Jenni Autry in December of 2021. Most recently, the federation had released an update citing work being done by the newly-established Performance Advisory Team (PAT) and Eventing Elite Program Task Force (EETF) to establish budget, funding, and timelines for the team leading up to WEG.

With this hire, the role of director or manager still remains open, and US Equestrian says they still plan to move forward with filling this role. “There are still plans to hire a Director/Manager and that process is ongoing,” US Equestrian told EN. “The position of Chef d’Equipe will reopen following the World Championships in September.”

Riders are also able, as they always have been, to engage with any coach of their personal choosing — many high performance riders have continued to work with Erik Duvander and former show jumping coach Peter Wylde in recent months. “Bobby’s role is not a coaching role, but a leadership role to help guide and provide stability for the program ahead of the championship,” US Equestrian said.

Bobby Costello certainly needs little introduction, as both his competitive and coaching successes speak for him. As a professional rider, Bobby finished eighth individually at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney with his horse of a lifetime, Chevalier. Bobby has also competed at Kentucky, Burghley, and the 2003 Pan American Games, where he finished seventh individually with Dalliance.

Embed from Getty Images

Today, Bobby can be found teaching out of his ROC Equestrian facility in Southern Pines, Nc., producing soft, capable, and efficient riders of five-star caliber with remarkable consistency. He’s a USEA ICP Level IV certified instructor and is a widely sought-after trainer, volunteer, and leader. Bobby has chaired the USEF Active Athletes Committee, the USEF Eventing High Performance Committee, and has also spent multiple years as a member of the USEF Eventing Selection Committee. In 2014, he was honored with the USEA Wofford Cup for his decades of service to the sport.

“I am very excited and grateful to be named Interim Chef d’Equipe through to the World Championships in Pratoni this fall,” Bobby said in a statement. “My job is not to come in and make sweeping changes to the program, but to use my experience of 25+ years in the sport as an athlete, committee member, and volunteer selector, to steadily guide the program through the consequential next five-and-a-half months, ultimately delivering a team in Pratoni that is prepared in every way possible to produce results U.S. athletes and horses are well-capable of on the world stage. I am looking forward to working with our athletes to ensure their preparations are moving forward as we continue our planning for Pratoni, which will lay the foundation for team qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”

This is a developing story, and we will provide further updates as they become available. This story was updated at 5:00 p.m. with quotes from US Equestrian and Bobby Costello.

For now, though, we’ll leave you with the EN hot take:

From the Ground Up: Establishing Boundaries and Being Comfortable with the Word ‘No’

By on Apr 13, 2022 9:08 am -

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

Working with students and clients towards their goals for themselves and their horses is a passion of mine. But setting boundaries has proven to be important in preserving that passion.

I’m settling into bed and my phone lights up. I glance over, reading the white numbers on the screen signaling that it’s 11:36 p.m. I should have gone to bed hours ago, but needed to wrap up some paperwork.

The text on the screen is from a client of mine, asking for another lesson slot the following day.

My internal argument between being accessible and finding time to rest springs to the surface. I want to be approachable as a young professional, and I care about my clients and their goals — I want to help by providing that lesson. However, I’m tired after a long day, it’s well outside of normal business hours, and I don’t have time in my schedule the following day.

Do I respond?

When I first kicked off my business, messages such as these were quite commonplace. And I responded promptly. I struggled to set boundaries from the get go to protect my own time, rest, and goals. I was eager to please and forgot about the need for balance.

Once I found a steady client base and schedule, I had more confidence and ability to be clear and straightforward regarding those boundaries. I’m lucky to have understanding and kind clients, who of course recognized what I was saying immediately. While I was so nervous about asking for space, setting boundaries on hours I’d respond and what I could give actually allowed me to give more to my clients in the time I had with them, instead of feeling strung out and disorganized in my interactions.

I also realized the power of saying “no”. Of course, I want to do all I can to help my riders and their horses. It’s what I strive for every day, to help each of them be and feel the best they can be. However, I’ve filled up my lesson slots, and am working off of a waitlist. When riders asked for more than I could give, I felt guilty (and honestly, I still do!) But finding the strength to say “I can’t right now” protects me from stretching myself too thin, which again can only result in disorganized interactions and an exceptionally tired self.

Whereas I used to respond to those late night and crazy early text messages, I now wait until normal business hours — hours that I’ve set and explained to my clients. They all know I’m accessible any time in case of emergency, but otherwise will hear from me as soon as I can. Setting and holding these boundaries by being clear, consistent, and confident in what I also need has helped me to be a better trainer, coach, and manager.

Tuesday Video: Worcestershire Team Chase Helmet Cam

By on Apr 12, 2022 5:00 pm -

“Keith, you’re probably going to need to give me a lead because I haven’t got a clue where the course goes, really.”

“This is gonna be a nightmare.”

“We really need a leader.”

“Can you lead? Alice, CAN YOU LEAD?!?”

“Oh brilliant, yay, we’ve got a leader. Woo-hoo!”

“Okay, I’ve never been in water before.”

“There’s one over there.”

“Good, mates, really quick! Good feet. Good boy. Good fella.”

“We’ve lost Alice.”

“We’ve got a big hedge coming up now. Oh holy … off we go!”

“Mate, really?!”

Between Roddy Stanning’s hilarious commentary and the seat-of-the-pants cross country action, you’ll want to grab mane for this helmet cam from the recent Worcestershire Team Chase!

Go Team Chasing.