Classic Eventing Nation

Take a Closer Look at the 2022 Red Hills Cross Country Courses

By on Mar 12, 2022 10:30 am -

CCI4-S/Advanced fence 18A. Photo by Shems Hamilton via CrossCountry App.

Cross country action at the 2022 edition of the Red Hills International Horse Trials in Tallahassee, Florida is currently underway! Red Hills welcomed back Mike Etherington-Smith for his 8th year as the cross country course designer for the CCI4-S and David O’Connor as assistant designer for the CC4-S and designer for the Advanced, CCI3-S, CCI2-S, Intermediate, and Preliminary divisions.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike was unable to fly from the UK to Florida for the 2021 event, which ran without spectators, in order to do his usual course design duties. Instead, he FaceTimed David and builders Tyson Rementer and Levi Ryckewaert as they prepared the course and set fences. This year, Mike is happy to be back on site and here’s what he had to say regarding the 2022 track in his design notes:

“The course follows the same route as last year, which worked well, although there are some changes and some new fences. The key fences are in the usual places but the questions are different. The aim of the course remains the same as usual namely to give everyone a ‘fun run’ with a good variety of questions all up to height and appropriate for the level yet planned to give confidence as an early season run and the chance to get back in to the competition groove. The World Equestrian Games will be held in Italy in September this year and even though it seems a long way ahead those who have the ambition and the horse power will already be looking to put a marker down with USA High Performance this spring.

“My ambition as course designer is that horses and riders have a beneficial run, jump well, and come home feeling as though they have benefitted from their cross country. It is all about giving horse and rider the opportunity to show what they can do and are ready for rather than trying to catch them out, it needs to be a positive (not necessarily easy) experience to help set them up for the season ahead. The team from the City Parks have continued their good work on the ground and it seems to get better each year due to their efforts. As always my thanks to everyone involved in putting the courses together: Tyson and Levi plus Corinne and her excellent team of hard working volunteers.”

The CCI4*-S and Advanced divisions will run over the same course, with an optimum time of 6 minutes 39 seconds over 3789 meters. There are 24 numbered obstacles with 37 jumping efforts. The course winds through the beautiful moss-cladded Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, a recreation and conservation area maintained year-round by the City of Tallahassee, Leon County and the Northwest Florida Water Management District. Take a peek at the course map for the marquee division, complete with audio explanations of each fence from Mike:

CCI4-S cross country kicks off at 11:45 AM ET and Advanced runs upon 4* completion. Red Hills is prepared to offer a livestream on the City of Tallahassee YouTube Channel, but has been experiencing technical difficulties so our fingers are crossed that we’ll get to enjoy some of the action today! The area experienced a substantial rain storm yesterday which took out their power and internet, and they’re working hard to remedy the situation.

Course maps for the other divisions can be found right here: [CCI3-S] [Intermediate]  [CCI2-S] [Preliminary]. Have wonderfully fun and safe rides today, everyone. Go Eventing!

Red Hills: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Volunteer, Live Stream

Saturday Links from SmartPak

By on Mar 12, 2022 12:01 am -

Photo by Abby Powell.

I don’t know who needs to hear this right now, but I’m coming at you with a hot shedding season tip today. Not only does the SleekEZ Grooming Tool do a great job removing the winter woolies from my pony, but it’s also the absolute best tool that I have ever found to remove that stubborn hair stuck to the underside of saddle pads. Just make sure your saddle pad is up against a solid surface, rake the SleekEZ along it, and voila! Check out all the hair that’s gone from the saddle pad to the floor. You can snag your own SleekEZ Grooming Tool from our friends at SmartPak. You’re welcome.

Women’s History Bit of the Day:

29-year-old Rachel Blackmore is a kind of a badass. Last year, the Irish jockey became the first female to win the Grand National, a 4 mile and 2½ furlongs steeplechase, in the 182-year-old history of the prestigious race. She also became the first woman to win the leading jockey title at the Cheltenham Festival  last year, notching 6 wins. Here’s 9 more facts about Rachel, courtesy of Horse & Hound.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Red Hills International CCI4*-S (Tallahassee, Fl): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm March H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Ride Times]

Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (Kosse, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

SAzEA Spring H.T. (Tucson, Az.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Southern Pines H.T. (Raeford, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

An Elite Sport Plagued by Sex Abuse Is Turning on Itself

The Foundation for the Horse Accepting Gifts for Ukrainian Equine and Veterinary Medical Relief

Three Eventing Professionals Share How they Knew it Was Time to Retire Their Horse

Living Through An Outbreak: One California Barn’s EHV-1 Diary

When Every Option Feels Awful: Struggling With An Impossible Decision for a Dangerous Horse

Helmet Safety Initiative Is On Track for Fall 2022 Completion

Saturday Video: Enjoy some trippy dressage courtesy of Karl Slezak.

 

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

Will Coleman & Off The Record On Track for Red Hills CCI4*-S Dressage Lead

By on Mar 11, 2022 7:00 pm -

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

This weekend eventers flock to Tallahassee, Fla. for the North America’s first FEI event of 2022 at Red Hills International Horse Trials. The picturesque Live Oaks draped in Spanish Moss make for a perfect background for this community-driven event, even with some tumultuous early spring showers.

The third to last pair of the day, Will Coleman and Off the Record claimed the top spot in the 36-entry CCI4*-S division. “Timmy,” the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse (VDL Arkansas x Drumagoland Bay) owned by his namesake syndicate, boasts a 23.8. While this score is drool-worthy in its own right, it still is not the gelding’s personal best at the level (That would be a 21.9 at Great Meadow in 2020). Nevertheless, it still gives these two a five-point lead going into cross country.

Will took Timmy to stretch his legs in the Open Intermediate at Rocking Horse last month, but this is first International run since winning Aachen last fall.

Holly Jacks-Smither and Candy King. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Holly Jacks-Smither earned a 28.8 with her 12-year-old British Sport Horse (Grafenstolz x Eye Candy) Candy King for second place.

Lauren Nicholson and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Ms. Jaqueline Mars’ Landmark’s Monte Carlo is third with Lauren Nicholson in the tack. This partnership also impressed the judging panel for a sub-30 dressage result of 29.3.

Woods Baughman with C’est La Vie 135. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Fourth place is shared between Mia Farley & BGS Firecracker and Woods Baughman with C’est La Vie 135 on 30.2 points.

Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Lexi Scovil earned 30.3 for sixth place with her 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding Chico’s Man VDF Z. Leslie Law sits seventh and eighth in a tight race with Typically Fernhill (31.6) and Lady Chatterley (31.8), respectively.

Phillip Dutton and Azure. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

A new ride for Phillip Dutton, Azure is ninth on a score of 32.4 in the pair’s FEI debut together. In 10th place is Will Coleman will his second ride Don Dante on a score of 32.6.

Dana Cooke and FE Quattro. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The CCI3*-S belongs to Canada’s Dana Cooke after the first phase with Kingfisher Park’s FE Quattro. The 8-year-old German Warmblood carries a score of 24.8 into the jumping phases.

Leslie Law and Fupsilon Grande Lande. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Leslie Law and Fupsilon Grande Lande lead the biggest division of the weekend. The 7-year-old Selle Francais, (Upsilon x l’Irlandaise) owned by Beatrice Rey-Herme, sits on 25.3, besting 51 other pairs in the CCI2*-S.

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The small, but mighty Advanced division is headed up by Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam. Nina Gardner’s 12-year-old homebred score 30.7.

Joe Meyer and Harbin are in second place with a dressage result of 33.6, and Meg Kepferle follows in third aboard Anakin with a score of 33.9.

You can find a complete results list at this link. Many thanks to Shannon Brinkman and her team for the gorgeous photos from Red Hills this weekend!

Cross country kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday with the Preliminary divisions. Be sure to tune into the live stream over the weekend with commentary that includes heaps of breeding and background of each horse. You can find the stream on the Visit Tallahassee YouTube channel.

Red Hills: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, Volunteer, Live Stream

Friday Video from SmartPak: Rock and Roll(-tops)

By on Mar 11, 2022 5:27 pm -

Let’s be real: most of us don’t have the luxury of working with horses full-time, and so our own eventing exploits have to fit in with a busy career – and that’s not always the easiest of asks. And when your career likes to fit into odd hours itself? It’s even more of a challenge.

This week, we’re checking out a new blogger on the scene from Down Under, and following her through a hectic weekend in which she attempts to do both: be an eventer, and be a gigging musician. We’re definitely impressed by Tracey Bennett’s time management skills (and with a double life like hers, no one could ever possibly accuse her of being uncool, which we reckon is some consolation when things get really manic)!

Go double-life-livers, and Go Eventing!

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

STRIDER Announces Professional Development Series for Spring 2022

By on Mar 11, 2022 1:00 pm -

STRIDER’s Professional Development Series is curated to build capacity throughout the equestrian community. Through access to top equine industry experts, we aim to provide actionable knowledge to help you scale your business.

Our webinars feature best practices and tools to do everything from create a business plan for your boarding facility, market your training business, basic bookkeeping for your summer riding camp program, and so much more.

This FREE series is accessible to all. Interested in sponsoring a professional development opportunity or have a topic request? Email [email protected] to get started. 

Join the Conversation in 2022:

STRIDERPRO_BoostClinicRevenue

How to: Boost Your Clinic Revenue
March 15, 2022 @ 7:00pm EST

Learn to streamline organization and boost your revenue when you host clinics at your facility. Experts Helena Harris of Stall and Stable and Margaret McKelvy of Mythic Landing Enterprises will lead you through best practices to optimize your clinic hosting experience and generate income. Save your spot.
STRIDERPRO_Webinar_NOELLEFLOYD_THEPLAIDHORSE_USEVENTING

Success in Equine Media & Communications
April 12, 2022 @ 7:00pm EST

Join STRIDER for an interactive panel discussion with leaders in equine media and communications. This Professional Development Webinar invites you to learn from Caroline Culbertson of Noelle Floyd, The Plaid Horse’s Piper Klemm, and Leslie Mintz of US Eventing. Join the conversation on April 12, 2022 for insights, best practices, and more from these industry experts.
Save Your Spot.

Coming Up this Year

  • Horse Ownership Syndicates
  • Best Practices to Hire & Keep Employees in the Horse World
  • Careers Around the Equine Industry Panel
  • Community Access to Horses
  • & More!

Explore Past Webinar Resources

Learn more at the Strider website.

Volunteer Nation: Four Events That Could Use a Helping Hand This Weekend

By on Mar 11, 2022 9:00 am -

Left: Izzy before signing up to volunteer … Right: Izzy after signing up to volunteer. Be like Izzy! Photo via the Carolina Horse Park March Volunteer Voice newsletter.

Did you know that the Carolina Horse Park has a “Volunteer Voice” newsletter? What a great way of getting the word out about future volunteer opportunities at a venue, such as the Park’s Southern Pines H.T. this weekend. From the Newsletter:

“It’s going to be a great show with over 280+ entries! Come spend a weekend at the Park! We still have many volunteer spots open.. From jump judge to dressage steward, experienced or not, we have a spot for you. Bring your friends and family! So much to see and learn while volunteering. Plus, get your Park Points for discounts on future show entries or cash them in for Volunteer Merchandise! Full or half day shift available.”

Interested in volunteering? Contact RHF’s Volunteer Coordinator, Tammy Kummer at [email protected]. And be sure to sign up for the Volunteer Voice newsletter at the website here.

Here are three more events that could use a helping hand this weekend.

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

Full Gallop March HT

March 13th, 2022

Meadowcreek Park – The Spring Social Event

March 11th, 2022 to March 13th, 2022

Southern Pines Horse Trials

March 9th, 2022 to March 14th, 2022

Other Events

March Eventing Academy

March 7th, 2022 to March 12th, 2022

Friday News & Notes Presented by Zoetis

By on Mar 11, 2022 12:03 am -

Tiny human or giant horse? Photo courtesy of Access Copperline Equestrian

Honestly y’all, TGIF for real. This week started out with my 21-year-old “retired” 4* horse jumping out of his field at 4 am and running around my house, followed by my dog impaling himself on a large sharp stick the next day and requiring emergency surgery, then the night after that my miniature donkey broke out of his field and ran amok at 1 am. So, when I say I’m glad this week is over, I mean it, for real. Please, all animals stay in the appropriate enclosures from now on.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Red Hills International CCI4*-S (Tallahassee, Fl): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Full Gallop Farm March H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (Kosse, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

SAzEA Spring H.T. (Tucson, Az.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Southern Pines H.T. (Raeford, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

News From Around the Globe:

Do you know the difference between rhythm and tempo? The terms “rhythm” and “tempo” describe two totally different things, yet they’re commonly confused. In dressage, it’s very important to understand how they differ, learn how to evaluate your own horse’s rhythm and tempo and correct them when necessary. [Rhythm With Ali Brock]

What’s in a bag? A high-level professional groom’s bag, more specifically. The chief groom plays an important role for all top athletes, offering their assistance just before the rider enters the arena and when they return. Usually, they are carrying a rucksack on their back, containing water for the rider and mints for the horse. But there is so much more in that special rucksack as Ruth Asquith, head girl for European champion Nicola Wilson explains. [Success is in the Bag!]

Competing a barn full of horses in four disciplines is no mean feat. But Doug Payne seems to be handling it, operating his business out of Rougemont, North Carolina, alongside his wife, Jess. He started showing in FEI jumper classes in 2014, and over the years his involvement in the sport has grown to the point where his time now is split almost evenly between eventing and show jumping. He’s also started playing with Grand Prix dressage movements on his 2019 Pan American Games team gold medal-winning mount Starr Witness, and competes Quiberon in hunter derbies alongside his eventing career. [Doug Payne Talks Riding Four Disciplines]

Wondering about whorls? A swirl, or whorl, is a distinctive pattern in the lay of hair on the horse. Though they can be found anywhere on the horse’s body, it is believed that there is a meaning behind the whorl on a horse’s head. No whorl is alike, they are a permanent form of identification for horses because a whorl at birth does not change in location or direction during a horse’s lifetime. [Whorlology 101]

Thursday Video: No Stirrup, No Problem for Morgan Batton

By on Mar 10, 2022 5:00 pm -

Photo via Morgan Batton’s Facebook page.

And this here is why we do no-stirrup work, folks! When Morgan Batton’s stirrup broke during cross country at Pine Top Advanced last month, she kicked that bad boy free (you can see it go flying at around the 1:30 mark in the video above) and kept going a la Mark Todd. And not only did she turn in a double-clear round, she won her entire Intermediate Rider division! Her mount: I’m Sew Ready, formerly piloted through the five-star level by Phillip Dutton.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Morgan Batton (@morgan_batton)

As you can see in these photos, Morgan’s leg DOES NOT BUDGE and both her balance and her nerves appear unaffected as she tackles the rest of the course. Color us extremely impressed. Best of luck to Morgan and “Jackson” in their partnership!

Posted by Morgan Conrad Batton on Monday, February 28, 2022

Vitamin E and the Performance Horse – A Winning Combination

By on Mar 10, 2022 3:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Kentucky Performance Products.

Vitamin E is essential for the performance horse

Vitamin E, the major lipid-soluble antioxidant defense in cells, plays an important role in preserving cell membrane integrity. It also helps maintain normal muscle function, prevent muscular disease, and protect enzymes and other intracellular components from oxidation-induced damage.

Vitamin E interrupts the production of harmful free radicals at the initial stage of peroxidative damage. The more active the cell (skeletal and involuntary muscle cells), the greater the risk of tissue damage if vitamin E stores are insufficient. Exercise-induced muscle damage is a common problem in performance horses. If vitamin E levels in muscle tissue are inadequate, the risk of exercise-induced muscle damage is increased.

Evaluation of exercise-induced muscle damage in the horse

Plasma enzyme activity, specifically that of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), is used as an indicator of muscle damage during exercise. In addition to enzyme activity, various assays are employed to assess oxidative stress by measuring free radical markers. When a fatty acid is peroxidized, it is broken down into aldehydes, which are eventually excreted. Aldehydes such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) are widely accepted as general markers of free radical production.

A case for vitamin E supplementation in the performance horse

A study by McMeniman and Hintz (1992) reported TBARS increased with exercise in all horses, but even more so in horses with low plasma vitamin E. This suggests that horses with inadequate access to vitamin E will have lower tolerance to exercise.

Recent work conducted at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University showed that a higher vitamin E intake is associated with less oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant status in horses throughout an endurance ride (Williams, 2003). The research team found that horses undergoing heavy exercise would have improved welfare and possibly performance if they were supplemented with vitamin E.

Hoffman and coworkers (2001) researched the effects of supplemental vitamin E on nutritional and oxidative status of polo ponies, equine athletes subjected to short bursts of intense work. Based on blood values taken throughout exercise tests that simulated polo play, the horses benefited from consumption of supplemental vitamin E, especially late in the competitive season when overtraining may have been an issue.

Natural vs. synthetic vitamin E

The most common source of vitamin E used in animal feeds is synthetic dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Made from petrochemicals, synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) is not as biologically potent as natural vitamin E. An alternative, natural form of stable vitamin E is d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. There are physiological differences in the absorption, utilization, and tissue retention of synthetic and natural vitamin E. In fact, the body preferentially transports and incorporates natural vitamin E. Current research in several species, including horses, shows that natural vitamin E is two to three times more potent than synthetic.

The bottom line

Performance horses are susceptible to exercise-induced muscle damage. Research has shown decreased muscle enzyme activity and oxidative stress in performance horses supplemented with vitamin E. Until now, horse owners had no choice but to supplement with synthetic vitamin E. With the introduction of Elevate into the equine nutrition marketplace, there now is a more bioavailable alternative.

References

Hoffman, R. M., Morgan, K. L., Phillips, A., Dinger, J. E., Zinn, S. A., & Faustman, C. 2001. Dietary vitamin E and ascorbic acid influence nutritional status of exercising polo ponies. In: Proc. 17th Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society, Lexington, Kentucky. pp. 129-130.

McMeniman, N. P., & Hintz, H. F. 1992. Effect of vitamin E status on lipid peroxidation in exercised horses. Equine Vet. J. 24:482-484.

Williams, C. A., Kronfeld, D. S., Hess, T. M., Waldron, J. E., Saker, K. E., Hoffman, R. M., & Harris, P. A. 2003. Vitamin E intake and oxidative stress in endurance horses. In: Proc. 18th Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society, East Lansing, Michigan. pp. 134-135.

Elevate®

Performance horses are susceptible to exercise-induced muscle damage. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, limits the damage caused by everyday oxidative stress. It maintains healthy muscle and nerve functions, and supports a strong immune system in horses of all ages.

Elevate was developed to provide a highly bioavailable source of natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) to horses.

Check out this KPP article: Vitamin E and the Performance Horse – A Winning Combination.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®. KPPusa.com

Luhmühlen 2022 Plans to Run With Spectators

By on Mar 10, 2022 11:54 am -

Andreas Dibowski and Corrida. Photo by TGL / Annette Dölger.

The 2022 Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials (June 16-19, 2022) are planning to run with spectators, the event announced in a press release today. Due to the pandemic, the event was canceled in 2020 and took take place without spectators in 2021.

“Due to the current development of the COVID pandemic and the resulting positive prospects we are looking forward to the upcoming event”, explains event director Julia Otto. “The advance ticket sales are mirroring the spectators’ anticipation and we hope that, in coordination with the authorities and taking everyone’s health into consideration, we will be able to run Luhmühlen as we did in 2019. An event like the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials thrives on the atmosphere of the spectators. The backdrop is also so important for the athletes – riders and horses – to perform at their best.”

Germany’s new Chef d’Equipe, Peter Thomsen, has a similar view: “Luhmühlen is the annual meeting point for the eventing family: top riders, fans, horse owners, sponsors and course designers. It always feels like coming home. In 1982, I watched the World Championships in Luhmühlen and on the same day I decided to ride there as well. Since the end of the 1980s I have ridden in Luhmühlen almost every year, including many championships and will always remember the individual and team medals at German and European Championships. Now I have the opportunity to take over from Hans Melzer and I am looking forward to the challenge. My goal is to find a team for the World Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, via the selection of our top German riders in Luhmühlen 2022.”

According to Peter Thomsen, many top German riders will try to win a medal at the German Championships, which will be part of the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy. Likely starters in the Longines CCI5*-L will include Andreas Dibowski, Dirk Schrade and Sophie Leube.

Dibowski confirms Thomsen’s plans: “I’m definitely planning to ride Brennus. Depending on the upcoming events, I would prefer to
compete him in the Longines CCI5*-L. Alternatively, I am planning to take part in the German Championships.”

Luhmühlen could become a family event for the Dibowski’s this year. “My daughter Alina would love to take the next step and compete in the German Championships in Luhmühlen,” said Dibowski.

Peter Thomsen & Loucius. Photo by TGL / Thomas Ix.

Valuable partners

The success of the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials is largely due to the commitment of the sponsors. “We are very grateful to be able to rely on sponsors and partners who have supported us for many years and have made the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials what it is today: one of the six biggest eventing competitions in the world”, explains Julia Otto.

The list of partners is headed by Longines as title partner, followed by the main sponsors Meßmer, LVM Versicherung Bernd Bamberger and Lotto Niedersachsen. Additional support is ensured by local companies. “It’s marvellous that quite a few businesses from our area are interested in supporting us. Now we’re pleased to be backed by the Nord-Pool GmbH, Salzhausen as another main sponsor”, says Julia Otto.

Nord-Pool GmbH is the official Artesian Spas trade partner in Germany and will use the tournament to present a selection of their high-quality pools on site.

“We at Nord Pool are delighted to support the wonderful eventing venue Luhmühlen with our sponsorship. As the official distributor of Artesian Spas products throughout Germany, the highly acclaimed Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials are an ideal opportunity to present our company. On site, we can welcome our customers in a special atmosphere and present our SwimSpas, whirlpools and saunas to the visitors. We would like to thank Julia Otto and her team and wish all participants good luck for this year’s Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials!”

For more information on the event, click here.