Classic Eventing Nation

The 2022 Thoroughbred Incentive Program Championships will Return to Stable View

By on Feb 6, 2022 10:30 am -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) announced today that the T.I.P. Championships in hunters, jumpers, combined test, English pleasure, and English in-hand will return this year to Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina. The event will also include an East Coast Dressage T.I.P. Championship show.

The show will kick off with a welcome party on the evening of Thursday, October 6, and will run through Sunday, October 9.

“We are thrilled to be returning to Stable View for T.I.P. Championships in 2022,” said Kristin Werner, senior counsel for The Jockey Club and administrator of T.I.P. “Thoroughbreds continue to prove their versatility across a wide range of disciplines, and we are excited to again team up with Stable View to showcase and promote Thoroughbreds’ abilities beyond the racetrack.”

“We look forward to the return of TIP Championships to Stable View, and our intention is to make the event even better than last year,” said Barry and Cyndy Olliff, owners of the United States Equestrian Federation Elite Training Center. “With an added day of competition, and the recent completion of a sixth arena, we are prepared to welcome even more entries. As a bonus, this year, our rider lounges will be stocked with light refreshments during the day, followed by Stable View’s signature Graze & Gaze each evening.”

Qualifying information is available on the T.I.P. website at tjctip.com/About/CSI. Prize lists will be made available for the events in the spring. T.I.P. previously announced the dates of the Western T.I.P. Championships and Central Dressage Championships, which will be held in conjunction with the Retired Racehorse Project’s 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, October 12-15, 2022, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Created and announced in October 2011, T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at sanctioned horse shows, performance awards, and non-competition awards. In addition to the complete schedule of T.I.P.-sponsored shows, other information about the program is available on the T.I.P. website, tjctip.com. Those interested in T.I.P. can follow the program at facebook.com/tjctip.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club, directly or through subsidiaries, provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms. It founded America’s Best Racing (americasbestracing.net), the broad-based fan development initiative for Thoroughbred racing, and in partnership with the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, operates OwnerView (ownerview.com), the ownership resource. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.

Stable View is a top-notch equestrian facility located in Aiken, South Carolina. Established in 2010, Stable View has now developed and diversified its equestrian program to meet the needs of both the discerning amateur and the elite professional across a variety of equestrian disciplines. For more information, visit www.svfequestrian.com/.

Sunday Links

By on Feb 6, 2022 12:01 am -

Photo via NEER North Tack Store on Facebook.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and while I already know what my plans are (drinking a bottle of wine of the couch while watching Olympics — very romantic, I know) I have yet to determine how best to spoil my horse, who is obviously my one true love. These adorable little treat buckets made by my local pony club to benefit a local equine rescue sure look perfect though. I think I’ll grab one for my own horse and a couple for barn friends as well — what a cute idea!

Black History Bit if the Day:

Widely recognized as one of the most diverse colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States, Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) is the only veterinary medical professional program located on the campus of a historically black college in the U.S. and has educated more than 70 percent of the nation’s Black veterinarians. TUCVM was founded in 1944 by Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson, who also founded the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which today is one of the U.S.’s largest minority education organizations.

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

Sporting Days Farm February H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, Fla.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Eventing’s Risk Management Seminar available to view

British Eventing 2022 calendar: New fixtures, a returning favourite, and a cancellation

‘Goody’ is More Than Good Enough to Take Home SmartPak USEA Stallion of the Year Award for 2021

How a Neglected, Broke Quarter Horse Turned Into a Young, Green OTTB Jumper

Study To Help Identify Horses At Risk For Catastrophic Injury Moves Into Third Phase

Sunday Video: Consider this your reminder to practice your halts! I, too, am prone to forgetting this.

 

Giving Upcoming Professionals a Leg Up: The Rising Equestrian Pro

By on Feb 5, 2022 10:00 am -

Countless lesson students have come up to me after their rides, exclaiming how lucky I am to work with horses day in and day out, and how they would one day like to be in the same position.

Of course, working with horses professionally is quite literally a dream come true for me, as it is for many other professionals. However, as many other equine professionals and enthusiasts know, it comes with multiple challenges that require thoughtful and intentional work – just like any job. Navigating business, customer, and skill-based challenges can make it seem overwhelming to jump in. Where do you even start? What skills do you need? What resources or support exist, and how can you utilize those? What business model is right for you?

The Rising Equestrian Pro is a new platform started by New York based professional Emily Urban that helps direct young riders, such as the enthusiastic and passionate ones I teach, to find next steps towards a career with horses by strategically planning to find their role in the industry. Emily, who runs a successful teaching/training operation while pursuing a PhD in Soil and Crop Sciences at Cornell University, noted, “This is the type of resource I wanted when I was figuring out my own career path years ago. By the time I was in my early 20’s, I had worked for some top riders in the US and Europe but still didn’t have a clear sense of how to “make the leap” into the profession. You can be a great rider and horse trainer, but there is a lot more that goes into making an equestrian career successful.”

Identifying why you want to pursue an equine career and focusing your business model to support that passion is one component of developing a strong business. Photo by Robby B Photography.

While existing organizational support for young professionals is super, The Rising Equestrian Pro began to offer similar support to riders just beginning to explore a potential professional equestrian career. “We recognized that many of our young riders who have hopes of going pro someday need more avenues to gain specific knowledge on the business side of things. We offer a 6-week virtual course that brings together experts in law, finances, marketing, etc. and current equine professionals to do just that. We want to give them specific business insight and a community of peer support before they launch into the industry professionally,” Emily explains.

The platform is structured in a way to support interested and potentially future professionals, by offering an expert-taught, module based course that offers technical and social support. Focused towards high school or college aged candidates, riders can sign up for the course and expect weekly live lectures with expert guests, biweekly ‘Meet the Pros’ Mastermind sessions, and weekly assignments and feedback to help them plan their businesses. Students will work through this course with a cohort of other potential equine professionals, allowing the students to connect and begin building a nation-wide network of collaboration and support.

Modules focus on addressing and building skills useful for an equestrian business and career. Some module offerings will include those to evaluate why the students are interested in the industry (identifying passions and creating a written framework and business model to connect those passions), business logistics (such as accounting, insurance, and employee management), and personal well-being (diving into retirement savings, and mental and physical healthcare).

Founder Emily Urban plans to bring in expert advice on how to plan and manage an equine business for a successful professional career. Photo by Stelladorables LLC.

This course is meant to provide a broad sweep of what it looks like to be a professional, introduce existing resources, and explore potential career paths (not all business models look the same!). With the opportunity to center your “why” in your plan, develop tangible skills necessary for an equine business, and connect with experts in the field and peers in a cohort setting, The Rising Equestrian Pro aims to set up up-and-coming equestrian professionals for success.

Course registration is now open for the Spring 2022 session scheduled for March 28- May 6. For more information on how to get involved and sign up for a course, visit The Rising Equestrian Pro’s website. Additionally, take a look at their Facebook and Instagram pages (@risingequestrianpro) for more information and to stay up to date!

Saturday Links

By on Feb 5, 2022 12:01 am -

 

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Cool news! There’s going to be some extra equestrian excitement to watch at the Kentucky Three-Day Event this year in the form of Para Dressage and Para Show Jumping demonstrations. You may not have know that Para Show Jumping was even a thing — it has yet to be recognized discipline in North America but with some increased recognition and visibility gained through demonstrations like this — maybe we could see it at the Paralympics in the future. Let’s hope!

Black History Bit of the Day:

During the 1860s, the African American population of Lexington, Kentucky increased by 133 percent as many newly freed African Americans began to occupy the East End, which was also home to also home to the Kentucky Association racetrack. The racetrack offered steady employment to men, leaving women at home to manage the family’s finance and properties. Though it was technically illegal, a couple Black women opened bank accounts and purchased homes. The names of four Black women — Margaret Allen, Lucy Brown, Bettie Colston, and Clara Perry — appear in the City of Lexington’s deed books during this time period.

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

Sporting Days Farm February H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, Fla.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

1 person killed in horse barn fire near Bennington; 9 horses also die

Eventing Olympic gold medallist, Julia Krajewski, on equality, setbacks and her special story

Meet Laura Collett’s H&H cover star Moonlight Charmer: ‘He’s flourished from going hunting’

Feeling stiff in the saddle? These two tips could help

Rule Refresher: How Can I Be Disqualified?

Saturday Video: Meet Wren Blae Zimmerman, a legally blind show jumper with dreams of competing Grand Prix:

Friday Video from SmartPak: Behind the Scenes with Lauren Billys

By on Feb 4, 2022 5:30 pm -

Behind every bad-ass eventer is a couldn’t-write-this-thang story of resilience, determination, and a little bit of kismet – and Lauren Billys has plenty of the above in her corner. The West Coast-based eventer, who rides for Puerto Rico, recently welcomed a camera crew to her farm to share her fascinating backstory and an insight into her life as a top-level athlete, and it makes for some pretty inspiring viewing. Oh, and if you’re trying to balance college and horses? Consider it a must-watch!

10 Unique Airbnbs For Your Next Aiken-Area Event

By on Feb 4, 2022 3:00 pm -

I’m a big fan of Airbnb and Vrbo. I’ve booked accommodations through these sites everywhere from Rebecca Farm to Red Hills, Luhmühlen to LRK3DE, Badminton to Boekelo. Not only can they be cheaper than a hotel (always a plus for EN, on our quest to cover every important event in the world with a budget of literally zero dollars), they often have character and help create memories in a way that cookie cutter chain hotels just can’t.

In a new series, we are combing Airbnb listings for unique places to stay in some of the most popular eventing destinations. Previous editions: Ocala. Today we head to Aiken, South Carolina:

Photo via Airbnb.

Adorable “Tiny Dollhouse” Shipping Container

“Shipping container” may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine overnighting in Aiken, but these converted one-bedrooms are totally cute! Originally built in the Netherlands, these sweet, charming abodes (the host has multiple — “Green Nest” and “Blue Jewel” are pictured above) traveled many ocean miles to get here. New, clean and private!

Photo via Airbnb.

Stable View — Hunt Box

One of the many beautiful things about competing at Stable View is that you can stay right on the grounds! The Hunt Boxes (eight apartments total) are one-bed/one-bath apartments with two queen beds and one pull-out couch. They also have their own kitchenettes, with access to a fully equipped kitchen located near by. And, most importantly, stalls and paddocks are available — contact them for additional pricing and details.

Photo via Airbnb.

Blueberry Bungalow – Equestrian friendly/CLEAN!

This fun, contemporary and lil-bit-funky bungalow has its own private entrance and is “equestrian friendly” (which we think means that, being on five acres, there’s plenty of room for turnaround in our big trucks!) It’s a mile from the Whiskey Road/Chukker Creek Road intersection.

Photo via Airbnb.

Dreamcatcher Cottage

Rainbow sold separately. Yet, this one-bedroom/two-bed/two-bath cottage on the privately owned 26-acre farm has plenty of allure: massive windows, an open floor plan, and shared large in-ground saltwater pool. There’s also generous parking and room to roam on 26-acres. Stalls are available — please inquire for rates.

Photo via Airbnb.

Aiken Apartment on Quiet Horse Farm

In addition to Stable View, there are a few other Aiken-area listings where you and your horse can bunk up on the same property — or even under the same roof. Here’s another one, located in the picturesque Montmorenci area of Aiken.  The footing looks nice!

Photo via Airbnb.

Virtue Farm

This pristine, modern gated farm has two-bedrooms and two-baths. Inquire about bringing horses, as there are four stalls, a private arena, tack room, and walk-out paddocks also available. We love the monochromatic color scheme and horsey decor!

Photo via Airbnb.

“Batchelor’s Hall” Hip, Luxurious & IN TOWN

I don’t know what it is about big, loud wallpaper prints and clawfoot tubs in bedrooms, but it’s like this house just GETS me. Owned by a designer, this newly renovated playhouse is “playful, witty, sexy and luxurious,” not to mention a short walk to Bruce’s field. There’s also a fenced yard for dogs, which I know you know is a siren song for horse people.

Photo via Airbnb.

Stunning Downtown Aiken Home

One cannot speak of this home without first acknowledging its heated saltwater pool and … #bathroomgoals. It manages to combine traditional Southern charm (porch ceiling fans, swoon) with a downtown urban quirkiness that will appease the aesthetic appetites of eventers with both city mouse and country mouse tendencies.

Photo via Airbnb.

The Guest House & Stables at Quiet Oak Farm

This ” little space with big style” is located at the end of a long gravel drive on the 5.5 acre Quiet Oak Farm. This small space has been carefully crafted using performance fabrics, designer wall coverings, and luxurious custom finishes, and is just five minutes from downtown Aiken. Overnight stabling can be arranged on the property in one of five matted 12×12 stalls with access to a Grand Prix size arena with synthetic footing.

Photo via Airbnb.

Cottage With Horse Paddock Near Aiken Horse Park

Stay in a modern, relaxed private home on a 2.3-acre estate complete with a horse run-in shed with turnout. A nature trail through a pine forest is accessible right off the front deck. Enjoy a peaceful country setting with modern amenities.

Equestrian Sport Confirmed in Initial Program For Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games

By on Feb 4, 2022 11:00 am -

Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.

The FEI President has welcomed the announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that Equestrian sport is officially confirmed in the Initial Sports Programme for Los Angeles 2028.

The confirmation for inclusion in the LA 2028 Initial Sports Programme took place yesterday during the IOC session in Beijing (CHN), and followed the announcement by the IOC in December 2021 that equestrian sport was amongst the 28 sports proposed.

“We are delighted with this confirmation, which is a glowing endorsement of the valuable contribution and legacy that equestrian sport brings to the Olympic movement” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“However, this is only a first step. The Equestrian Disciplines for LA 2028 will be decided mid-2023 and the Equestrian Events and the Quota for LA will only be decided after Paris 2024”.

Universality, integrity and fairness, gender equality and popularity were highlighted as key requirements of the evaluation criteria to determine the Disciplines and Events for the programme, in line with the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020+5. Athlete safety, environmental sustainability and keeping the sport relevant to youth were also reiterated as significant factors in the decision making process.

“We are committed to deliver successful sport at the Olympics and are passionate about universality and growing our sport to reach new audiences and develop talent around the world” FEI President Ingmar De Vos continued.

“Youth participation and development play a key role in this process, and will ensure we have a diverse and inclusive equestrian community for young people to grow, progress and strive for Olympic greatness.

“The youth are the future and with equestrian sport in the LA2028 programme, a youth focused Games, it’s an added incentive for our ambitious young athletes to prepare to showcase their talent on the biggest world stage.

“Consolidation of our place in the LA 2028 Olympic programme will keep the equestrian community strong and resilient in this competitive sporting landscape.”

Volunteer Nation: Two Events That Could Use Your Help This Weekend

By on Feb 4, 2022 9:00 am -

Did you know that Eventing Volunteers has a free mobile app? Download it today for iPhone & iPad or Android — it allows you to:

  • Sign up for events
  • Check-in at events
  • Check-out at events
  • Review announcements
  • Review your rankings
  • Access training videos

Coordinator features:

  • Manage volunteers
  • Approve sign-ups
  • Message volunteers

All very handy for on-the-go volunteers, or for when you’re already at the show.

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.

Here are two USEA events that could us a helping hand this weekend (a third schooling event listed on EventingVolunteers.com, Meadowcreek Park’s Superbowl Schooling H.T. in Kosse, TX, was canceled due to inclement weather).

USEA Events

Sporting Days Farm Horse Trials I (Aiken, SC)

February 4th, 2022 to February 5th, 2022

Positions available: SJ in-gate, SJ jump crew

Three Lakes Winter I (Groveland, FL)

February 5th, 2022 to February 6th, 2022

Positions available: XC jump judge, dressage arena steward, dressage bit check, SJ jump crew

Go volunteer!

Friday News & Notes Presented by Zoetis

By on Feb 4, 2022 12:03 am -

This may be a flashback, but it’s worth it. Who can recognize this 5* horse?! Photo courtesy of Lindsay Hall.

I don’t know if I’m just getting old, but I just don’t have it in me to grind through riding when it’s cold and raining and everything is covered in snow. I mean, I’ll do it so my horses don’t go crazy, but if there are some horses in the barn that can take it easy in January and February, you’ll see them enjoy their vacation then instead of in the fall. My 20-year-old horse still thinks it’s a blast to trot down the dirt road in the worst weather ever because he’s a workaholic, but I think I’ll stay inside with some tea if I can choose.

Black History Bit of the Day:

On June 15th, 1971, Cheryl White became the first black female jockey in the United States, riding her father’s thoroughbred Ace Reward in the fifth race at Cleveland’s Thistledown Race Track. Her plan was just to ride racehorses for a year, and then go to college and become a math teacher.

White never got a chance to ride in the Triple Crown races, but she finished her 21-year career with 750 races won and approximately $762,624 in earnings. White was one of 18 people honored at the Bluegrass Black Business Association’s African-Americans in Thoroughbred Racing Industry Awards in 1994.

She was the first female jockey to win two races in the same day in different states: Thistledown in the afternoon and Waterford Park in the evening. And on Oct. 19, 1983, White became the first woman in California to ride five winners in the same day, as well as the first woman to become a steward in the state in 1992.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Sporting Days Farm February H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, Fla.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

News From Around the Globe:

In a real life Black Beauty tale, Grasp The Laurel was a striking gelding who had a storied past, and was unsuccessful at many careers before he landed his perfect situation and became a legend. Everybody loves a rescue to ribbons story, right? [Grasp the Lauren Went Full Circle]

Age is just a number for Wishful Thinking, who at age 30 is still actively competing in the hunter ring. Hadley Zeavin got the 15.1 hand Westphalian gelding as a thirteen-year-old, and despite her attempts to retire him at the age of 20, he has preferred to keep doing his job, and teaching kids how to enjoy the ride. [30-Year-Old Showhorse Loves It Still]

This week we said goodbye to the beloved Popcorn Deelites, one of several horses who played the title role in the 2003 best picture nominee “Seabiscuit,” based on my book, “Seabiscuit: An American Legend.” Coincidentally sharing a nickname with Seabiscuit, “Pops” had the honor of playing the famed horse in the movie’s supreme moment, in which Seabiscuit defeated Triple Crown winner War Admiral in their epic 1938 Pimlico match race. [Relive Seabiscuit’s Race]

Is your horse fiddly while being groomed? Most horses appreciate a vigorous grooming, while some jump and flinch at the slightest touch. If your horse doesn’t seem to like being touched, he could be just naturally ticklish or sensitive, but it might also be a sign of something more serious. Here are some questions that can help you distinguish the difference. [Just Ticklish Or Something Serious]

 

Thursday Video: Dabbling in Grand Prix Dressage

By on Feb 3, 2022 5:00 pm -

Doug Payne, wearer of many upper-level hats, has been dabbling in Grand Prix dressage with his 2019 Pan Am Games partner Starr Witness. This 11-year-old Dutch mare (Chello III VDR x Carmen, by Veneur) is already hard enough to beat in the sandbox — thank goodness tempi changes, passage and piaffe aren’t included in eventing dressage tests!

“The Ginj is gettin real!! Grand Prix here we come, throw in another 4*L this spring for good measure if all goes to plan!” 

Best of luck to this multi-talented pair.