Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday Video: A Few Fresh Fernhills

By on Feb 1, 2022 5:00 pm -

There are now over 200 horses registered with the FEI with the Fernhill Sport Horses prefix. Carol Gee, an experienced Irish eventer with an eye for matching horse and rider, founded the brand back in 2005, catering to all budgets and levels.

A few of my favorite names: Fernhill Check Your Pocket, Fernhill Disco, Fernhill Feel Happy, Fernhill Footsie, Fernhill Friend Request, Fernhill Gump, Fernhill Mr. Cool, Fernhill Playboy, Fernhill Tastic … I could go on and on.

Most of all, I love watching Fernhills making a name for themselves stateside. Here are a few recently spotted in Florida! Many thanks to our good friend, The Horse Pesterer, for most of these videos.

Go eventing.

10 Unique Airbnbs For Your Next Ocala-Area Event

By on Feb 1, 2022 10:47 am -

I’m a big fan of Airbnb and Vrbo. I’ve booked accommodations through these sites everywhere from Rebecca Farm in Montana to Red Hills in Florida, Luhmühlen in Germany to LRK3DE in Kentucky, Badminton in England to Boekelo in The Netherlands, and many many more. 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.

Do I have distinct memories of all of the Motel 6s I’ve stayed in at events since 1993? No. But do I remember that Airbnb tipi at a bison farm I slept in at Rebecca Farm one year? Yes, and I will forever.

Bison aren’t as nice as you think they are.

Anyway, in the spirit of horsey travel adventure, we’re launching a new series on Airbnbs to check out the next time you’re eventing in a well-trafficked horsey area. Since it’s winter, let’s start with Ocala, Florida (next up, Aiken, SC!). Some of these are located within comfy driving distance of eventing venues; others, you might want to tack on as a reward for winning and/or just-not-falling-off at your event. Whatever is your definition of success, there is no judgement here.

I’ve tried to list these in cheapest-to-fanciest order,  because that is who I am as a person. Rates vacillate according to date and demand so check the links. And, enjoy!

Photo via Airbnb.

Beautiful Farmhouse Tiny Home

I’m 5’2″ on a big hair day so maybe it’s just me, but I love Airbnb tiny homes! This one in Citra is in a quiet RV park that includes a community fire pit and free morning coffee. For all you Tiger King fans out there (?), there’s an exotic zoo down the road or you can head over to the springs and enjoy a relaxing, post-horse trial day in the water. More neat-looking tiny houses are available through Homestead Tiny Homes in Williston — here’s a sample Airbnb listing.

Photo via Airbnb.

New Retro style camper with loads of fun built in

How cute is this retro-style RV? The little kitchen and dining area looks like a ’50s diner, there’s a Queen Murphy bed, and the setting is in the owner’s beautiful food and flower laden yard with plenty of privacy and a tranquil view of farmland across the street. But don’t get the wrong idea — there are plenty of modern amenities.

Photo via Airbnb.

Equus Inn

OK, so even though it’s listed on Airbnb this is actually a vintage boutique hotel. The Equus Inn features 152 recently remodeled rooms, all featuring Ocala’s rich equestrian history. Amenities include a self-serve bar with wine and craft beers, a heated swimming pool, a gym, and fast wifi. And, of course, ALL the horsey decor!

Photo via Airbnb.

Blueberry Downs Farm Stay Glamping

This unique country getaway is surrounded by birds singing, farm animals (chickens! cows! and, while not novel, still fun, horses!) and a romantic train whistle in the distance. The roomy Bell Yurt-style team includes a plush king-size bed, AC/heat, lighting and a charming stone campfire pit.

Photo via Airbnb.

Enchanted Oaks Farm Experience (Main house)

This would be a great fit for a small group or family, as it can sleep up to six guests. Enchanted Oaks Farm has all the animals: horses, of course, plus cows, goats and even a zebra and adorable wallaby! Other accommodations are available on the property, including teepees.

Photo via Airbnb.

LakeHouse Villa, Golf 4Springs & Manatees Nearby

Canal-view villa with a jacuzzi tub? If intense training or a long weekend horse trial have you feeling … stiff, make this your mecca. This two-bedroom listing is near Crystal Springs, a shimmering blue winter watering hole for manatees.

Photo via Airbnb.

Entire residential home hosted by Ray

Down for a splurge/party? At $1,000 a night (before fees and taxes) you can nab this 10-bedroom, six-bath home with a waterfront backyard that includes use of a pontoon boat, kayaks and paddle boards.

Photo via Airbnb.

Spacious 4 bedroom house 4 miles from WEC

Location is everything for these prime real estate digs. Amenities include an entertainment-minded floor plan, Florida room off the living room with access to outside and grass backyard for dogs to stretch their legs, laundry, four smart televisions, three walk in closets, two Sonos, and a printer station.

Photo via Airbnb.

The Hawthorne – Close to WEC – Spacious Three Bedroom Home

Are we playing a game of go-big-or-go-home now? I think we are! This swank abode is in a swank gated community with lots of places to chill including a swank club, swank pool and swank spa. The hosts have other properties available as well.

Photo via Airbnb.

Summer Dates Open! Luxury Equestrian Ranch

This four-bedroom, four-bath estate may be booked up during snowbird season but maybe you can book it if you plan ahead. Located at the the Royal Gypsy Vanner Ranch (this is Florida, motherland of Gypsy Vanners, after all) This rustic luxury home is centered in the middle of the 80 acre horse farm and there are also 20 stalls available to rent.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feed

By on Feb 1, 2022 4:48 am -

 

 

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Well, here it is, folks: the first of February has finally graced us with its presence, and that means you’ve survived all 4,824 days of January, you little rockstar. I’m fond of February, actually – not only is it a petite month, a calendrical hors d’oeuvres, it’s also the final month of preparation before the British eventing season gets underway, and so it’s the point at which all those canter sets and chilly days out to local jumping shows feel doubly valuable. On a non-horsey note, it’s also Black History Month in the US, and while all of us here at EN are firm in our stance that Black history should be celebrated year-round, I do really enjoy deep-diving into all the fascinating content that comes out at this time of year and learning more about the world and culture around me. In honour of that, we’re going to be celebrating the ideas, insights, and contributions of Black equestrians in all of our News & Notes round-ups this month, and with bonus content across the site, too. A huge part of allyship is taking the time to learn and sit with your newfound knowledge, and we can’t wait for you to join us on this ongoing journey!

Events Opening Today: Pine Top Spring H.T., Copper Meadows Eventing, LLC H.T., Ocala Winter II H.T.

Events Closing Today: Stable View Young Event Horse Qualifier, Jumping Branch Farm H.T., Rocking Horse Winter II Advanced H.T., Ram Tap Horse Park H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

Often, when you begin a conversation about the lack of coverage of Black equestrian accomplishments, the pushback you’ll hear is that “there just aren’t that many Black people who ride horses.” But we all know that’s not the case – instead, there’s been a long and complex history of erasure in our sport, and it’s one we need to acknowledge before we can build a better, more equitable industry. Author Katherine Mooney sat down with NPR’s Ailsa Chang to discuss this erasure – listen along or read the transcript to find out what she had to say on the matter.

The busy bees at EquiRatings have released their latest metric, and this one’s all about keeping us safe in the saddle. The Horse Form Index (HFI) has been developed in conjunction with the FEI, gives out grades to riders depending on their record, allowing competitors to look beyond whether they’re qualified for a move-up and instead assess whether they’re ready to safely take that step.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, philosophers and artists waxed lyrical about the state of the human condition. Now, in the aftermath of the golden age that spanned through the 1990s and into the early part of the millennium, folks in our industry use their brainpower to ponder the state of US eventing. What’s it getting wrong? What’s it getting right? And at this undeniable crossroads, which turn should we be taking? One person who’s well-situated to consider these questions is Liz Halliday-Sharp, who split the last two decades of her career between the US and the UK, and now resides full time in the States. Her debut column for Sidelines proposes the notion that none of us are focusing enough on the great things we’ve got going for us in the US eventing scene – and as we sprint headlong into a major period of change and rebuilding, I think there’s something to be said for that viewpoint.

Anxiety is a real you-know-what. So many of my friends have been caught up in its clammy little clutches recently, and it’s an insidious thing that seeps into every part of your life unless you get some robust coping mechanisms in place (and we totally recommend seeking help for this, by the way – no man is an island and all that!). This insightful piece shares one rider’s experience of saddling up despite a misbehaving brain.

The USEA Interscholastic Eventing League is back for its sophomore year – and its calendar of team challenge events has just been released! Get those planners out, gang.

Listen to This: The gang at the USEA Podcast are back for the first time in 2022, and they’ve got lots to discuss, from the upcoming ICP Symposium, the year’s 5* calendar, and new developments in safety science. Listen here!

 

Video Break:

Enjoy a history lesson with this look back at the formation of the iconic Badminton Horse Trials. No, you’ve got butterflies.

Monday Video: Meet Australia’s Littlest Biggest Eventing Fan

By on Jan 31, 2022 2:30 pm -

 

Wow what a great start to the 2022 Hallmark Farm XC Derby Day Championship Series.

185 horses out the start box!!
And we ran bang on time.
Huge thank you to our starters
Karen Rose @dougle rose
Finishers Bob Shaeffer @lyndle clark

All my amazing jump judges
Peter Cheryl
Jan
Karyna
Nisha Crust
Fran Pagay Doerflinger
Lisa Stuart

@Hayley Douglas
My chief scorer
Janeth Flowers and super groom Kelly Breuls for both riding and stewarding the warm up and keeping the riders to the starters to keep us on time !! Huge job thank you.

Mitchell for manning the gate.

@eventmedical for your support.

@ little cafe for feeding the masses

And of course James for the running commentary all day long!

And we couldn’t do any of this without the support of my super generous and wonderful sponsors.

Your support is nothing short of exceptional.

And to everyone who enters and has a great day.

See you all Feb 20th!!

For now just enjoy sit back and enjoy Clancy😍

@BARASTOC_HORSE
#TEAMBARASTOC
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@KYEQUINERESEARCH
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@KERTARGETEDNUTRITION
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#teamAUS#ausequestrianteam

#equinesofinstagram ##horseblog #horsesogig #horsegram #equestrianism #horsemanship #horselove #equine #horserider #growmyinsta #equestrianlifestyle #workingwithhorses #bestofequines #warmblood #instahorses #pfred #equineblogger #discoverunder5k #explorepage #horseplanet #bestofequines

Posted by Megan Jones on Sunday, January 30, 2022

While those of us up here in the Northern Hemisphere are trudging through the doldrums of winter, event season in Australia is just getting started. Yesterday, Olympian Megan Jones hosted a cross country derby open to all ages and levels at her and husband James Deacon’s Hallmark Farm in South Australia.

The competition attracted one particularly eager and excited young eventer: Clancy and his pony, Oscar. Enjoy this post-ride interview with Clancy, a few pictures, and a quick clip of their round.

May we all greet the week with the energy and excitement that young Clancy brings to his endeavors.

Up Your Care and Management Game with USEGA and ERA This Winter

By on Jan 31, 2022 11:00 am -

The winter is an optimal time to spend some time learning before competitions fill the schedule, and the newly-formed US Eventing Grooms Association (USEGA) and Eventing Riders Association have teamed up to offer grooming, care, and management seminars in Ocala. The series began earlier this month with sessions on show jumping course design/walking, clipping, icing, braiding, and other useful topics for eventers (or, really, riders of any background) and continues into February with topics including nutrition and massage therapy.

Below you’ll find the upcoming schedule and locations of the next seminars (note: while these sessions are hosted in Ocala, the organizers will post live streams when possible on social media and video content post-seminar):

These sessions are offered free of charge to attendees — if you’d like to support this program, organizers are encouraging donations to the USEA Foundation for the Liz Cochrane Memorial Grooms Award. You can join this private Facebook group for more updates on this series.

Want to see what’s been discussed so far? Keep scrolling:

Course Design 101 with Chris Barnard: Why design from Advanced down?

Forelock Braiding 101: The legend herself, Max Corcoran, shows us how:

Icing 101: Why ice young horses?

Be sure to follow USEGA on Instagram for more updates.

Weekend Winners: Full Gallop, Rocking Horse

By on Jan 31, 2022 9:00 am -

We’ve got a special shout-out this week: you may recall the brilliant pink colors of Charlotte Collier as she swarmed around cross country courses with her longtime Advanced partner, Clifford M. But after Clifford M presented with severe respiratory symptoms last fall, Charlotte thought her heart horse’s career was done for. As it turned out, Clifford M was suffering from a rare and mysterious condition that involved him inhaling his own saliva, essentially drowning himself over time. Surgery was successful in reducing symptoms, but he was still experiencing discomfort.

It was here that Charlotte became connected to Pinpoint Equine, which uses hair follicle analysis to formulate supplementation for each individual horse — and Charlotte says this has made all the difference for “Nils”, who was soon enough back to bucking, squealing, and yes even jumping! We’re thrilled to see Charlotte and Nils make their competition return this weekend at Rocking Horse, where they enjoyed an easy romp around the Training level. Here’s to what we hope will be many more such adventures together! To read Charlotte’s full experience, check out the comments on the post above.

Full Gallop Farm January H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Final Results]

Preliminary: Kristi Foresman and KDR Kingston (64.4)
Training: Jennifer Helgren and Del Rio (29.0)
Novice: Alexander Conrad and Ricky (26.8)
Training/Novice: Erin Pullen and Fibonacci (40.3)
Beginner Novice A: Rosary Murphy and Fiji (24.7)
Beginner Novice B: Erin Pullen and Garvey (25.6)
Starter: Nick Olijslager and Northern Quest Lionheart (26.7)

 

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Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (Altoona, Fla.): [Final Results]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Jamie McAllister and Army Ranger (39.1)
Open Intermediate A: Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley (27.9)
Open Intermediate B: Buck Davidson and Carlevo (23.9)
Open Intermediate One Day: Natalia Neneman and Electric Lux (33.9)
Open Preliminary: Lucienne Bellissimo and Tremanton (24.3)
Open Preliminary One Day: Sharon White and Cooley Kildaire (29.1)
Preliminary Horse: Leslie Law and Fupsilon Grande Lande (24.4)
Preliminary Rider: Darcy Drury and Ardeo Illusion (27.2)
Jr. Training Rider: Audrey Littlefield and Prince Renan (32.1)
Open Training A: Anna Loschiavo and I’m Special VG (27.1)
Open Training B: Katie Malensek and FE Cheerio (26.0)
Open Training C: Stephanie Jackson and Drumloman Lad (23.3)
Preliminary/Training: Catherine Pournelle and MTF Cooley Knight (35.0)
Sr. Training Rider: Amelia Ebhardt and Fernhill In Motion (28.1)
Training Horse A: Elinor O’Neal and FE Lions Darco (31.4)
Training Horse B: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Sky Watch (25.7)
Jr. Novice Rider: Molly McLaughlin and Fernhill Sinatra (25.8)
Novice Horse A: Chelsea Canedy and Little Einstein (29.7)
Novice Horse B: Alex Green Kerby and Lanikai (26.7)
Open Novice A: Mike Huber and Fernhill Liverpool (22.8)
Open Novice B: Delaney Emerson and Namiro Star (30.0)
Sr. Novice Rider: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (33.7)
Beginner Novice Rider A: River Rogers and Redfield Jim (25.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Maura Tierney and Ballytarsna Dunne Waiting (24.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Angela Bowles and Sybil AB (31.6)

 

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Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Jan 31, 2022 6:55 am -

 

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Huge congratulations to Irish eventer Camilla Speirs and her partner, show jumper Ethen Ahearne, who welcomed their first child, baby Tilly (great name), into the world on January 19th. We’re not sure which discipline baby Tilly will end up choosing when she’s older, but we’re ready and waiting to coax her over to the fun side. One of us! One of us!

National Holiday: It’s National Hot Chocolate Day. Bonus points if you add a dash of amaretto.

US Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (Altoona, Fl.): [Website] [Results]

Full Gallop Farm January H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

A new leading rider prize from Animalintex, awarded to the rider who accrues the most points throughout the event, will be among the prize pot on offer at this spring’s Thoresby International Horse Trials. The new British fixture, which got a trial run as the temporary home of the British Young Horse Championships last season, replaces the much-loved international season opener at Belton House, which closed its doors to eventing after the 2019 renewal of the event.

Speaking of Britain and its horses, an official update has been made to the Highway Code, which should make a major difference for riders hacking on roads. Though common sense has always dictated a ‘pass wide and slow’ approach to cars and horses, the new rule adds in some specificity – cars will need to leave a 2 meter gap and pass at no more than 10mph. With four horse deaths already recorded on British roads in 2022, this modification is widely welcomed.

Half my friends are in sunny Ocala at the moment (and, okay, I do feel a little bit smug that the state has seen record low temps this month!), while the rest of us are here just trying to survive the worst of the winter weather. I’ll be real with you: I’m feeling a wee bit better about the gale blowing outside while I sit here with a steaming cuppa, reading about a serious set of winter woes.

Mind you, if you’re having a similar winter to the one depicted in the above blog, you might have been considering heating your horses’ water troughs. But how can you do so safely, without risking a rogue electrical current? Here’s everything you need to know.

Finally, if your coping mechanism is simply a bit of escapism, join dressage rider Kasey Cannon as she embarks on the trip of a lifetime to train in Germany. Though I must tell you that I was in Germany just last week, and it’s not warm there, either.

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

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Okay, okay, I know you’re all already following British team gold medallist Laura Collett. But in case you missed her recent hunting excursions with youngster Moonlight Charmer, they’re so worth revisiting – and her write-up in Horse&Hound is super stuff, too. (By the by, if you’re hankering after some H&H in the US, you can find it on the Readly app – you’re welcome!)

Morning Viewing:

How great is it to see Will Coleman and Off The Record back in the ring for the first time since that incredible Aachen win in September? They popped around the 1.35m at Split Rock like it ain’t no thang – what a way to start the year!

Popular Painted Ponies Art Walk Returns to Southern Pines

By on Jan 30, 2022 10:00 am -

Photo courtesy of Carolina Horse Park.

Soon, the Painted Ponies will roam the streets of downtown Southern Pines! The third annual Painted Ponies Art Walk runs from January 29 through the end of March as 15 fiberglass Ponies line Broad Street for visitors to enjoy as they stroll through downtown. The ponies include 9 large horse sculptures along with 6 smaller colts. After the Art Walk is over, the ponies will be auctioned off on Saturday, April 9, with the proceeds benefitting the Carolina Horse Park Foundation.

“The Carolina Horse Park is proud to once again bring the Painted Ponies Art Walk to downtown Southern Pines. It demonstrates our commitment to our local businesses and artists while also highlighting our equestrian heritage and community,” said Bryan Rosenberg, chairman of the board for the Carolina Horse Park. “The Art Walk has been a phenomenal community effort. We look forward to visitors and residents enjoying the Painted Ponies while they line Broad Street and generously supporting the online auction on April 9.”

Local businesses coordinated to sponsor the Painted Ponies that will be placed at 15 locations in downtown Southern Pines. Artists from the region donated their time and talent to transform the ponies into exquisite works of art. Once the display ends, the Painted Ponies will be removed and auctioned off through an online auction on Saturday, April 9.

Photo courtesy of Carolina Horse Park.

The 2022 Painted Ponies Sponsors are:

  • Aberdeen Supply Company

     

  • Ashten’s Restaurant and Bar

     

  • Assertive Professionals

     

  • Audrey Wiggins

     

  • BHGRE Lifestyle Property Partners

     

  • Cabin Branch Tack Shop

     

  • Casino Guitars

     

  • DAHR

     

  • Dreher Financial Partners

     

  • Duncraig Manor & Gardens

     

  • English Riding Supply

     

  • FirstHealth of the Carolinas

     

  • Front Runner Realty Group

     

  • Glenda Kirby, The Amazing Grace Farm

     

  • Moore Exposure

     

  • NC State College of Veterinary Medicine

     

  • NorthState Insurance & Advisors

     

  • Opulence & DUXIANA of Southern Pines

     

  • Phreestyle Equestrian Artwork

     

  • Railhouse Brewery

     

  • Southern Pines Equine Associates

     

  • Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique

     

  • The Neon Rooster

     

  • Truist

     

  • Twin Gates Farm

     

  • Valkyrie Sporthorses

     

  • Windy Hill Creative

Visitors viewing the Painted Ponies Art Walk are invited to use the hashtag #PaintedPoniesCHP when taking pictures and posting them to social media.
The Carolina Horse Park (CHP) Foundation was established to support a 315-acre, nationally recognized premier equine competition venue and land preserve located in Hoke County, NC.

Founded in 1998 as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization by equestrian enthusiasts, CHP is dedicated to the preservation of open space for equestrian events, as well as educational and recreational purposes.

For more information about the Painted Ponies Art Walk and Auction, visit www.CarolinaHorsePark.com.

Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on Jan 30, 2022 12:01 am -

The calm before the storm at Windrush Farm in North Andover, MA. Photo via Facebook.

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned how it seemed like everywhere else in the country had been getting more snow than my area of the the North East. Well … I think we’ve caught now. Our horses spent their day munching hay in their warm stalls while a “bombogenesis” snow storm dumped up to 30″ of accumulation, depending upon location. It’s going to be a long day of cleanup today!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (Altoona, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Sunday Links:

Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian Organizer EEI Selects Mike Cooper as Interim Executive Director

When Do Heart Murmurs Affect Horse Performance?

What’s It Like To Be… a Mindset Coach?

An Intro to the Midwest’s New, Inclusive Field Hunt

New “smart saddle” has tech to improve horse riding skills

Sunday Video: A moment of horse swimming zen courtesy of Tamie Smith’s stable.

 

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Fairfax & Favor Fan of the Week:

 

 

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Groton House H.T. Draws Its Historic Run to a Close

By on Jan 29, 2022 3:56 pm -

Anna Loschiavo and Prince Renan at Groton House Farm HT 2017. Photo by Abby Powell.

Groton House Farm in Hamilton, Massachusetts, owned by the Winthrop family, has been an eventing institution since the late ’50s, pre-dating even the United States Combined Training Association (USCTA, now USEA). It has loyally served the full spectrum of the eventing community, from young riders tackling their first event to international competitors.

We have nothing but eternal gratitude and well wishes to Ann Getchell, the organizing team, devoted volunteers and all those who made Groton House H.T. such a special one, as they announced yesterday that the USEA sanctioned event will be drawing to a close:

“Sadly, having had to cancel twice in the past two years due to the pandemic, and facing an uncertain (and in any case limited) future, we have concluded that the time has come for Groton House to call it a day.

“It is something we haven’t contemplated until fairly recently, but the pandemic has only hastened the inevitable. None of us is getting any younger, and nothing lasts forever.

“We have had a great run, thanks to all the people including volunteers, competitors, officials and farm and logistic support personnel who have made it happen for so long.

“The game may have changed over the years and we may have been old-fashioned, but we like to think we always did it right: the phases in the right order, courses that actually went across the country, and that glorious victory gallop at the end. We will miss it.

“Thanks, everybody, for your loyalty, your help, and your friendship.”

We are happy to hear, however, that the Summer and Fall Classics will continue to run. These unsanctioned three-phase events are held for Beginner Novice and Elementary riders and horses, as well as hosting Elementary through Preliminary dressage. You can learn more here.

Thank you, Groton House, for your past and continuing contributions to the sport of eventing in the U.S. .

Read more here.