Classic Eventing Nation

Friday Video from SmartPak: Out on Course with the Paris 2024 Designer

By on Feb 25, 2022 5:29 pm -

There’s been a major announcement on the airwaves ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will see the equestrian disciplines unfold at the stunning Palace of Versailles. Pierre le Goupil, best known for designing and building tracks at Le Grand Complet at Haras du Pin, will take on the coveted role of course designer at the Games – and that’s been an announcement that’s left more than a few fans of the sport puzzling over where they might have come across this prolific designer.

The former Olympian has designed in a number of developing eventing nations, including Brazil, Bulgaria, Belarus, China, Hungary, India, Japan, Russia and Chile, and he’s also been appointed the role of designer at the 2023 Pan-American Games and European Championships, which will be a brilliant opportunity for all of us to get a better idea of the kind of track he likes to build.

But for those of us who aren’t quite so patient, rejoice: the Nations Cup at Le Grand Complet has been filmed in its entirety by FEI TV/Clip My Horse, and I spent this evening rewatching it with beady eyes to try to get a sense of the man who’ll be at the forefront of everyone’s minds in a couple of short years. Rewind to 2019 (would that we could!) and enjoy wall-to-wall le Goupil action from the heart of Normandy – you can thank us when you’re collecting your medals.

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.

Hagyard Midsouth to Host 2022 CC2*-L National Championships; Maryland 5* to Host CCI3*-L Championships

By on Feb 25, 2022 3:00 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the host locations and dates for the 2022 USEF CCI2*-L and CCI3*-L Eventing National Championships. The CCI2*-L will move to the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event in Lexington, Ky., October 19-23, and the CCI3*-L will return to the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in Elkton, Md., October 12-16.

In addition to the CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship, Hagyard Midsouth will host divisions from Beginner Novice through CCI3*-L, including a Training Three-Day as part of the USEA Classic Series.

“We are very excited to be hosting the USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championships and will do everything we can to make it a memorable competition for the riders,” said Mary Fike, Event Director of Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event and Team Challenge. “We appreciate the opportunity from USEF to offer this championship and are excited to get to work. Our team is looking forward to welcoming everyone to Kentucky this fall.”

Learn more at kyevents.net.

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill made its debut in 2021, and for the second year will host the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship alongside its CCI5*-L.

“On behalf of The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, and our partner Fair Hill International, we are honored to be selected to host the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship as part of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill,” said Jeff Newman, President and CEO of FHOC. “We are proud to showcase the highest caliber of eventing competition across multiple levels in beautiful Cecil County, Maryland, and look forward to again providing the opportunity for three-star athletes and horses to compete on the same grounds as our elite CCI5*-L competitors.”

Learn more at maryland5star.us.

Find out more about the USEF Eventing National Championships here.

Introducing ‘Tailgate on the Turf’ & Other Notes for the Stable View Spring 2/3/4*

By on Feb 25, 2022 11:00 am -

Photo by Shelby Allen.

We here at EN are big fans of tailgating — watching the action at close range with a drink in hand and buffet of snacks within reach is second only to being in the saddle ourselves. With that in mind, Stable View is for the first time devoting areas at the perimeter of its Pavilion to 50 reserved tailgate spots for its big spring event in Aiken, SC (April 1-3, 2022).

Tickets for “Tailgate on the Turf” will go on sale soon, so keep an eye on Stable View’s email and social media (Facebook, Instagram). We’ll be bringing you all the latest previews of Stable View’s Spring 2/3/4* event, for which entries are still open through March 15. Entry info here! Only 350 entries will be accepted; others will be placed on a waiting list.

A few other notes for the upcoming Spring FEI CCI-S 2/3/4* & USEF/USEA H.T.:

  • PLEASE note the new FEI arrivals protocols. Details can be found on the Omnibus, including that riders must download the FEI HorseApp and start monitoring temperatures three days prior to arrival.
  • SV is accepting up to 350 entries, then opening a wait list.
  • Stadium will take place in SV’s “Tree” Arena near the Boyd Martin/ETB XC Schooling Field, and Dressage will be held in the Outdoor and Hunter Arenas.
  • SV’s two Rider Lounges (Hunt Boxes and Springfield Church Road) will be open with snacks and beverages.
  • All paddocks have been reserved. All on-site accommodations are sold out. There is a discounted rate partnership with the Fairfield Inn & Suites Aiken.
  • For those stabling along Springfield Church Road, your stall numbers correspond with your numbered overnight parking. After unloading, PLEASE reverse into your numbered parking spot. Trucks and trailers should NOT park horizontally across parking spots.
  • Stabling Entrance is via Gates 2 or 3.
  • Don’t forget to join SV for its signature Graze & Gaze Thursday through Saturday evenings from 5pm until 7pm in the Pavilion.
  • Early arrivals and late departures can be accommodated by contacting the Stable View Office.
  • SV welcomes veteran Olympic Officials: TD Alec Lochore (Great Britain) and Chairman of the Ground Jury Christian Landolt (Switzerland).
  • All Dressage and Stadium feature Attwood Equestrian Surfaces.
  • Golf Carts are available for rent through The Golf Cart Lady at 706-940-6056.
  • Event photography is provided by GRC Photo.
  • Prize money will be distributed as follows: 4* $30,000, 3* $20,000, and 2* $10,000. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded for all national divisions.

Learn more about Stable View and view its complete 2022 Calendar of Events at the website here.

Pierre Le Goupil Appointed as Paris 2024 Eventing Course Designer

By on Feb 25, 2022 9:00 am -

Pierre Le Goupil appointed Eventing Course Designer for Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Photo © Pierre Le Goupil.

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has confirmed the appointment of Pierre Le Goupil (FRA) as Course Designer for Eventing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

A master in his field and highly respected by his peers in a role that requires enormous skill, Pierre Le Goupil (59) knows the sport from both sides of the fence. Born in a family entirely dedicated to horse sport and breeding, his father Andre Le Goupil had been a member of the French Eventing squad at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City – a memory that Le Goupil still has clear in his mind.

“Taking part in the Olympic Games, somehow or other and whatever your role, can be seen as an absolute dream or the pinnacle in a career. I feel honoured to be appointed for the Paris Olympic Games as the Eventing Course Designer of a cross-country course held in the park of Versailles palace,” Pierre Le Goupil said.

“It is truly something like getting the “job of a life”! But it is also and above all a huge challenge that I am totally aware of. The fabulous opportunity of running the Olympic Equestrian Sports in such an iconic venue also commits all those who will be in charge of the event, to the highest level of responsibility.

“I am extremely thankful to those who trust and support me and I am excited to start racking my brains in that inspirational playground,” Le Goupil concluded.

A former top-level Eventing athlete, he competed up to five star level at international events from 1975 to 2002. He has been involved in organising events since 1995, and with his family created « Le Grand Complet », the biggest equestrian event in Normandy (FRA) and one of the most important in France and Europe. The event moved in 2010 to the Haras National du Pin.

His skill and proficiency in course designing has taken him to many parts of the world, working in ten different countries including Brazil, Bulgaria, Belarus, China, Hungary, India, Japan, Russia and Chile. His appointment for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is an endorsement of his accomplishments and a true reflection of his wealth of experience which has also recently led him to being appointed as Course Designer for the upcoming Pan American Games to be held in Santiago (CHI) in 2023 and the FEI European Championships 2023 which will take place in Haras du Pin (FRA).

Le Goupil continues designing and building courses for international events in France. His expertise in consulting, cross country building and designing for all levels will make equestrian sport shine, not only in his home country, one of the world’s greatest equestrian nations, but to a global audience during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in the most exhilarating and prestigious setting at the Château de Versailles, an iconic symbol recognised worldwide.

“I am very happy that a French representative has been chosen to build the Olympic Cross Country course, in his home country, on a site with such historic value”, David O’Connor Chair of the FEI Eventing Committee said.

“Le Goupil has travelled the world designing courses at top international shows and the Olympics is the pinnacle of any sporting achievement. There is enormous pride in representing your country in a sport and profession you have dedicated your life to, and to be recognised on the greatest sporting international stage.

O’Connor continues, “as a former Olympian myself, I can only reiterate the feeling of pride when competing for your country – it exudes from within. It’s a unique experience for athletes, for fans and everyone involved in the Games. There is nothing that compares to the nostalgia you get when you walk onto the Olympic site knowing all that you have worked for to get there. Your roots, your heritage, your culture, and your place of living all on display to the world, the expectations are high but such an honour is irreplaceable.

“Working alongside the Paris 2024 Organising Committee and supported by an exceptional team, there is no doubt Le Goupil will pay homage to his great nation through the creation of the cross country course – demanding, technical and spectacular, but always with the horse welfare at the fore, showcasing key features of Versailles as the centre stage of the equestrian competitions”.

Le Goupil was elected a member of the FEI Eventing Committee in 2020 for a four year term.

Friday News & Notes Presented by Zoetis

By on Feb 25, 2022 12:03 am -

Baby season! Photo courtesy of Coldspring Nurse Mares.

Is there anything more heartwarming than a nurse mare saving the life of a young foal? Spring brings baby season, and unfortunately sometimes the first parts of life are hard for foals that lose their moms, so I love following Coldspring Nurse Mares on Facebook to see all the stories of her mares saving lives. Not only is this an incredible service, but the mares are brought into milk using hormones, so there are no rejected foals as a side effect. Keep them in mind for all your breeding friends this year!

Black History Bit of the Day:

In 1984, Patricia Kelly, a US Marine Corp Vietnam-era veteran and African-American cowgirl, founded Ebony Horsewomen (EHI). Horses always had a place in Patricia’s life. From early childhood riding the neighbor’s horses, to adult life, riding with other women as a way to relax. In each case, the horse owners (and horses) were grateful for the time, exercise, and care she and her friends provided.

Her inspiration for starting EHI came from an inner-city child who asked her, “is that a real horse?” Her dream was to level the playing field for inner-city youth, to give them access to the same opportunities, resources, equine-based programming, and equine-assisted therapy as their suburban counterparts. She knew this would be life-altering and enriching for those who became involved. [Learn More about Ebony Horsewomen]

Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Three Lakes Winter II at Caudle Ranch [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Young rider Alexandra Baugh has had a stand-out year by anyone’s account. The 20-year-old athlete is not only competing horses at the two, three, and four-star levels, but she also earned herself the title of 2021 RevitaVet USEA Young Rider of the Year. Baugh is based out of Lexington, Kentucky with her four top mounts and was the runner-up of the same title the year prior, but her successes with this year’s team proved unbeatable. Her string includes Altorac Farm’s 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding Mr. Candyman, her own 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding I Spye, Altorac Farm’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding MHS Fernhill Finale, and Altorac Farm’s 9-year-old Selle Francais gelding Dogano de L’Oiseliere. [Alexandra Baugh Wins 2021 USEA Young Rider of the Year]

As part of their inter-species legislation, which aims to combat animal abuse and strengthen the bond between humans and companion animals, the French Parliament has introduced three laws that affect horse owners. They were published in the Official Journal of the French Republic on December 1, 2021 and include a requirement for all horse owners to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of equine-specific needs; the registration of neurectomies in horse passports; and safeguards for training facilities against unpaid fees. [Knowledge Certificate Required for French Horse Owners]

Fan favorites Emily Hamel and Corvett are hoping to compete abroad this year. With either Badminton and/or Burghley on their horizon, Emily and Barry need your help to get to one or both of these prestigious events. Just imagine the British announcers reactions when they see Barry jump! [Help Emily & Barry Travel Abroad]

Riding anxiety can be crippling. Maybe you have anxiety around doing a scary jump or you’re afraid of your horse misbehaving. Maybe you’re afraid of cantering or afraid to get back on your horse or do a jump after a big fall. If allowed to get the best of you, anxiety can have you saying goodbye to riding forever. You may be told that your anxiety is “all in your head” and that you should “just get over it.” You may be encouraged to do something easier to work your way up, or told to breathe through the exercise as a way of calming your mind. While these solutions may work for some or give temporary relief, it’s important to realize that rider’s anxiety is much deeper than one may originally think. [Overcoming Riding Anxiety]

Video: From Team Australia’s Kevin Mcnab … knees up!

US Equestrian Announces Athletes for the 2022 Eventing Development Athlete Program

By on Feb 24, 2022 3:42 pm -

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

US Equestrian has announced the athletes selected for the 2022 Eventing Development Athlete Program. The Development Program is a step in the eventing pathway with the objective of supporting athletes with the potential to reach Elite or Pre-Elite status within the next two to three years.

The Development Program is for athletes of any age who have achieved benchmark results at the CCI3*-L or CCI4*-L level(s) within the last 12 months and have not previously competed on an Olympic Games, World Championship, or Pan American Games team for eventing. Click here to view the full Development Training List Criteria.

Upon the completion of the Eventing Elite Program Task Force’s work, a review of the Development Program selection and retention criteria and processes will be conducted to ensure the Program is cohesive with the restructured Elite/Pre-Elite Programs.

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Athletes named to the Development Program will work with U.S. Eventing Development and Emerging Coach, Leslie Law, in order to further advance the skills needed to progress up the pathway and ultimately be prepared to represent the U.S. in international competition.

“The Development list for 2022 certainly does not disappoint,” said Law. “This is a great group of riders with some fantastic horses. I’m very much looking forward to helping this group achieve the results they are capable of. America has much to be proud of in this program.”

The following athlete/horse combinations have been named to the 2022 Eventing Development Athlete Program, in alphabetical order:

  • Woods Baughman (Lexington, Ky) and C’est La Vie 135, a 2008 Hanoverian gelding owned by Woods, Kim, and James Baughman Jr.
  • Ariel Grald (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Forrest Gump 124, a 2011 Hanoverian gelding; Diara, a 2014 Hanoverian mare; and Isla de Coco, a 2014 Holsteiner gelding, all owned by Annie Eldridge
  • Lillian Heard (Cochranville, Pa.) and Dassett Olympus, her own and Deborah Greenspan’s 2013 Irish Sport Horse gelding
  • Kurt Martin (Marshall, Va.) and D.A. Lifetime, a 2012 Holsteiner mare owned by Debbie Adams
  • Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.) and Redfield Champion, a 2014 Hanoverian gelding; and HSH Vamonos, both owned by Caroline and Sherrie Martin
  • Andrew McConnon (Vass, N.C.) and Ferrie’s Cello, a 2012 Warmblood gelding owned by Caroline Martin and Jeanne Shigo
  • Caitlin Silliman (Kennett Square, Pa.) and Ally KGO, a 2011 Trakehner mare owned by Caitlin Silliman and the Ally KGO Syndicate, LLC
  • Alyssa Phillips (Fort Worth, Texas) and Oskar, a 2009 Holsteiner gelding owned by Alyssa and June Phillips

To learn more about the Eventing Pathway Program, please contact Christina Vaughn, Director of Eventing Programs and Program Support, at [email protected].

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

By on Feb 24, 2022 11:41 am -

IMO this photo from Majestic Oaks won Instagram last week. Can you imagine being jumpside, cheering her on?!? I would lose my mind, probably break out some color-coordinate pom-poms (well after she was past the jump, of course, as not to spook her horse).

I’ve run a few marathons and I can assure you, the only thing that ever got me to the finish line was the cheer of folks urging me and other runners along on the way. Jump judges can double as those cheer stations, little bubbles of support along the ups and downs of any cross country run.

Can you help with any of these events taking place this weekend?

USEA Events

Full Gallop Farm Mid February HT

February 23rd, 2022

Three Lakes Winter II

February 26th, 2022 to February 27th, 2022

Pine Top Advanced H.T.

February 24th, 2022 to February 27th, 2022

Other Events

Majestic Oaks Schooling

February 23rd, 2022

Go Eventing!

 

Horse & Country Announces 2022 Eventing Live Stream Schedule

By on Feb 24, 2022 9:00 am -

2021 Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field winners Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. The event will be live streamed this year on H&C+. Photo by Christine Quin Photography.

Whatever did we do before live streams? We’re more thankful now than ever for the broadcast networks that are committed to bringing fans all the action live, and that includes Horse & Country.

H&C’s members-only streaming service, H&C+, will provide exclusive live coverage from at least 11 major international events throughout the year. Among them: North America’s March events Carolina International as well as Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field, and two of the world’s five-star events: Pau and Luhmühlen (both the four- and five-star divisions will be streamed at the latter).

The full eventing lineup is as follows, with more announcements expected soon:

MARCH
Oasby (GBR)
Carolina International (Raeford, NC)
Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC)

APRIL
Burnham Market (GBR)

MAY
Chatsworth (GBR)
Marbach International (GER)

JUNE
Bramham (GBR)
Luhmühlen (GER)

JULY
Barbury (GBR)

AUGUST
Festival of British Eventing – Gatcombe (GBR)

OCTOBER
Les 5 Étoiles de Pau (FRA)

H&C will stream the cross country from all events and deliver full coverage of all three phases from the two five-stars.

Sign up now for an Annual H&C+ Membership in time to catch all the events streaming throughout the season. In addition to live sport, H&C+ Membership includes access to a wealth of Training and Learning content for riders of all levels, Masterclasses from Will Faudree and Will Coleman, as well as episodes of H&C’s Barn Talk series featuring profiles of both Wills, Liz Halliday-Sharp and much more.

Annual H&C+ Membership is $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year (a savings of 16%). Members can watch online or with H&C’s mobile apps, as well as on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire. Full details on how to join can be found at horseandcountry.tv.

Thursday News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Feb 24, 2022 12:03 am -

A future Eventer’s first jump! Photo courtesy of Jules Ennis Batters.

My miniature donkey, Pepe, decided that yesterday was such fine weather he would break free and bomb my lunging session with my usually very excitable thoroughbred. The funny thing about Turkey is though, he will get super worked up about something really random, but the donkey tearing around the arena while he works was completely chill and acceptable. The good news is that if any type of animal gets loose and runs around while I’m at a show, he won’t care one little bit.

Black History Bit of the Day:

Before 1865, the horse industry relied on the mental acuity and physical labor of enslaved African Americans. They were valuable assets to their enslavers; so too were their racehorses. In the South, success on the track brought prestige. Often, the hard work and expertise of African American horsemen enabled that success.

Enslaved boys and young men assigned to the horse barn would begin as stable hands and general laborers. They then worked as exercisers, hot walkers, or jockeys. With yet more experience, these enslaved horsemen might become grooms, trainers, or stable managers. [Read More About Exploited Expertise from Black Equestrians Here]

Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. [Website]

Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Three Lakes Winter II at Caudle Ranch [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Get excited for the upcoming Stable View CCI4*-S, happening April 1-3 in Aiken, Sc. For the first time, Stable View is devoting areas at the perimeter of the Pavilion for spectators to follow all of the action by tailgate! Tickets for “Tailgate on the Turf” (50 reserved spots with an option for food & beverage) will go on sale soon, so keep an eye on Stable View’s channels for more information!

From ranging on federal lands to the Northern Nevada Correctional Center, some horses in the state are trained by inmates and then adopted and eventually paid for by private owners. Hank Curry, the head horse trainer for NNCC, said you cannot lie to a horse because “they are almost like a lie detector”.”It teaches these guys to be humane, patient, persistent but also steady,” said Curry. NNCC said the horse program is 13% more likely to prevent re-offending than those not in the program. The inmates say the tough part now is saying goodbye to a bond they cultivated right up until auction day. [Nevada Inmates Help Horses Find Forever Homes]

The Area III council met last night and voted unanimously on their coach and selectors for 2022. The Area III Coach for 2022 is Ashley Johnson and the Area III Selectors are Hilda Donahue, Lauren Eckardt, Michael Pollard, and Sarah Dunkerton Sizemore.  Just a reminder if you want Area III Young Rider swag the fundraiser closes tonight (the 24th)! [Area III Fundraiser]

If your horse is falling in and drifting all over the place, it’s probably driving you up the wall (maybe even literally, if they’re drifting outwards towards the wall!) and you might be left wondering what you’re doing wrong. Having a horse who drifts and falls in or out can make it really difficult to ride even basic figures like circles and centre lines. And it can also be problematic when jumping or even hacking or going on a trail ride. [How To Fix Your Drifting Horse]

An EHV-1 outbreak in California worsened over the weekend, with one horse euthanized and eight total cases now confirmed at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, including three horses with neurological symptoms. Two shows planned for this week, at DIHP and at Los Angeles Equestrian Center, have been canceled in response. [EHV-1 Outbreak Worsens]

Video: Unique perspective!