Classic Eventing Nation

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!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Join the OTTB Journey – UK Style!

By on Feb 23, 2022 5:25 pm -

I am, without apology, a ride-or-die Thoroughbred enthusiast. When I was very small and going to the local riding stable whenever funds allowed, there was one Thoroughbred gelding there, owned and ridden by the stable’s yard manager – and to me, that meant that riding a horse like that meant you’d really earned your stripes in the saddle. My admiration for these special horses only grew when, sometime that summer, I was playing with my model horses in the sunshine outside my house and saw a smiling woman hacking down the road on a leggy, elegant, Munnings-esque stamp of a gelding. Decorum be damned; I dropped my plastic ponies and wandered out into the road, begging to be allowed a golden opportunity to stroke her perfect horse. She did me one better.

“Is your mummy inside?” she asked. I nodded. “Can you go get her?”

I did, dragging her away from something that was likely considerably more important, but thank god: when we got outside, the woman had dismounted from her perfect, wonderful, magical gelding and was letting him pick away at the little pitch of grass in front of our humble abode.

“Would it be okay for your daughter to have a sit on him?” she asked. My mother – who was never able to afford to let me ride, not really, not in the way I know she’d have liked to – gave her blessing. With one quick hoist, I was blissfully high up, my chubby little fists proudly holding the reins correctly between my ring and little fingers, as I’d been taught on those rare trips to the stables, and that kindest of ladies was telling me all about the horse’s previous career as a racehorse as she led me in a little circle around the lane. And you know what? Thoroughbreds – and particularly ex-racehorses – have never lost any of the magic they held for me back then, when one lovely neighbour and one sweet-natured gelding gave me a spark of hope that horses could be a part of my life.

I know I’m not alone in finding something extra-special in ex-racehorses, and so I was delighted to see that British vlogger Lucy Robinson of FootLuce Eventing‘s newest project is a particularly smart stamp of a Flat horse called Ember. I suspect we’ll see him putting some exciting results on the board out eventing pretty soon, but for now, it’s a pleasure to tune in for the early parts of the journey. And yes, it’s totally okay to fall in love.

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A Human On Stall Rest, Vol. I: Send Reserpine

By on Feb 23, 2022 3:13 pm -

The subject of an Amateur’s Corner interview in 2021, Elena Perea is an Emergency Room physician who balances work, family life, and competing in Area II. In her latest blog, she brings some unfortunate chronicles on the trials of being a human on stall rest.

Elena Perea and B.E. Isabella. Photo by Courtney Cooper.

The year 2021 was, in a word, uneven for me when speaking about my horse pursuits. I’ve previously written about the number of times I was eliminated in the spring (three), the number of shoulders I cried on (many), the number of people who lifted me up (the same many), and my triumphant top 10 finish of the American Eventing Championships. I was lucky enough to have a second-place finish at Stable View in September, followed by successful completion of the long format Training Three Day Event at Hagyard Midsouth in October.

We took November off, and I was just getting “Beezie” back jumping in mid-December, with grand thoughts of a Prelim debut in the winter of 2022. My trainers and I had put a sketch of plan together, and were cautiously eyeing a successful season.

In an effort to save some time after finishing a Sunday shift in the emergency department, I took my horse out to the jump field with me to set fences before I got on to ride. In the process of leaning to grab a jump pole, I tripped over my own my own feet, and found myself on the ground. My right shoulder was not where it was supposed to be, I calmly observed. Luckily, I had seen all of the Lethal Weapon movies (and also gone to medical school), so I made the quick decision to reduce the dislocation without too much fuss while my very confused horse watched from above.

I have some pretty lax joints, and had subluxed both shoulders before. This felt different, but I was hoping I would bounce back. Three days later and still unable to sleep at night or raise my right arm, I went to the orthopedist, had an MRI, and was told “We usually see this injury in 80-year-old women.” (I think I heard that three times from three different people, and should be praised for not smacking any of them for inferring I was the equivalent of 80.) “There are large complete tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis muscles. They are fully detached from their insertion. The long head of the biceps is displaced medially.”

Interpretation: big-ass rotator cuff tear and associated badness. No amount of rest or PT would to allow me to lift my arm from my side. Surgical repair would be necessary for any return to function.

Allison Thompson works with Beezie. Photo by Elena Perea.

Four years ago, I broke my wrist, and was back on the horse within a week of having a plate screwed to the pieces of bone; this recovery was not that.The doctor outlined seven weeks in a sling, no driving, 12 weeks not being able to bear any weight or carry anything that weighs over 1 pound in my right arm, 12 weeks more to get back to my original strength. “Maybe you will be able to get on a horse four-and-a-half months postop.”

I spent five years getting ready to move Beezie up to Prelim. This is something that pros do every day with baby horses but something that I haven’t done, and has taken a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (on my and the mare’s part) to approach. And now I found myself on the precipice, and out of the saddle for six months. I was overwhelmed with grief—to have come so close to that goal, and be brought up short at the last minute devastated me.

I’ve spoken before about my Eventing Community, and again, they came to the rescue. My friend/trainer/dressage guru/past winner of the Thoroughbred Makeover with the unforgettable Cactus Willie Allison Thompson lept to my rescue, and took Beezie for the first three weeks I was hurt. She missed no time under saddle, progressed, and I got to watch someone else jump her for the first time ever. Allison goes to Florida for January and February, and I didn’t want Beezie that far away, so I needed to make some decisions about what to do with her.

Allison, my other trainer JM Durr, and I discussed a couple of options. Having her hack with my 12-year-old little boy Teddy and various other catch riders for six months, and both of us come back into real work together, seemed a waste. JM volunteered to have her in his small program and take her to her first Prelim or three. I weighed the options.

JM Durr competing Beezie at Pine Top. Photo by Samantha Drake.

I have significant pride and meaning wrapped up in the fact that I have done all the riding and competing on my horse since she came off the track. I nearly died several times in her 5-6-7-year-old years, but the last three years, we have honed our relationship, and we are a real team. Having someone else take the reins is at once lovely to see, and disappointing. I also know that a positive go from a decidedly non-amateur around a level that neither the mare nor I have done before could be the smartest thing I have ever done for her. So, two weeks ago, in my 3rd week post-op, eight weeks after my injury, I packed her up into my orange trailer and sent her to Tryon. Beez jumped beautifully her last Modified with JM last weekend, and is doing her first Preliminary this weekend.

Now five weeks post-op, I still can’t drive (technically) and am wearing a horrible sling with a pillow holding my arm at an angle from my body to limit pressure on the repair. Taking clothes on and off is the hardest part of my day. Mundane things like feeding myself (did I mention it’s my dominant arm) take a long time. I can’t put my hair in a pony tail. I can’t do anything for exercise except walk. I’m going stir-crazy, am insanely jealous of the people showing in Aiken right now, and lonely missing my friends for our planned VacAiken week. I’m planning my escape from the stall; I’m gonna need to be sedated.

More to come.

Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North LLC Carolina International Partners with Industry Leading Media Sponsors

By on Feb 23, 2022 12:11 pm -

Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

The Carolina International Organizing Committee is delighted to welcome a host of cutting-edge equestrian businesses as media partners for the 2022 event running March 24-27. Ride EquiSafe has joined Carolina International as the Official Media Sponsor, while the CrossCountry App will serve as the Official Mapping Partner. Additionally, Horse & Country returns as the Host Broadcaster for the live stream of international divisions which will once again be supported by data and analytics from EquiRatings.

Offering the broadest selection of equestrian safety equipment in North America, Ride EquiSafe specializes in air vests, body protectors, safety stirrups, MIPS helmets, and air vest compatible clothing. Catherine Winter, owner of Ride EquiSafe, states “our goal is to educate riders about the latest technology and best options to keep them safe in the saddle so they can make the most informed decisions for themselves. We look forward to sharing our safety gear and knowledge at the Carolina International.”

As the Official Mapping Partner, the CrossCountry App will assist riders in reviewing Carolina International cross country course maps on this game-changing app that provides GPS accurate maps, fence photos and timing information. “We are thrilled to be delivering innovative, interactive maps for the Carolina international. They will help riders to prepare, spectators to get the utmost from their visit and fans following online to fully understand the questions posed by Ian Stark,” said CrossCountry App co-founder, Helen Diacono.

In addition to providing insightful data, analytics and competition statistics for the H&C Live Steam and its commentators EquiRatings will once again provide social media updates and infographics to engage eventing fans both onsite and those following online.

“The Carolina International is a feature event at the start of the US eventing season, regularly bringing together one of the most-competitive CCI4*-S classes on US soil. EquiRatings is delighted to support the event’s media coverage again this year,” said Diarm Byrne, EquiRatings Managing Director. “The 2022 Carolina International Preview episode will be live on March 23 and fans can listen for free via all podcast platforms.”

For competition information and a complete list of the 2022 Carolina International sponsors, please visit www.carolinainternationalcci.com.

Getting To the Playing Field: Increasing Diversity in Horse Sports

By on Feb 23, 2022 9:00 am -

Photo courtesy Georgina Hannay / EQuerry Consulting.

When you arrive at a horse show and look around, you mostly see white faces. There are relatively few people of color competing in horse sports. According to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the U.S., the member profile of a USEF member is:

  • 85% Female
  • 66% college-educated
  • Average income of $185,000
  • Average net worth of $955,000
  • Own an average of four horses
  • 40% own a farm; 66% of those are 10 acres or more

USEF does not mention a breakdown by race. The United States Eventing Association (USEA) only just began tracking race and ethnicity demographics of its membership this year. But the USEF member profile is proof that equestrian sports are inaccessible to the average American child since the median American household income is just over $31,000, about one-sixth of the average income of a member of the USEF. This inaccessibility is further exacerbated for children of color, whose representation within the sport is so low that most governing bodies aren’t keeping track of it.

China’s Yingfeng Bao talks with reporters at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Horse sports have made strides in diversity and inclusion – but not enough. 

“We like to think that sports is this great meritocracy, in which winning is the only thing.” Those are the words of Chris Rider, an associate professor of strategy at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business who has studied diversity in sport.

One of the things people love about sports is that once you’re out on the playing field, it doesn’t matter who you are: you compete equally with your opponents, whether it’s a tennis match or a show jumping class. The rules are the rules, and the winner is based on points scored or fastest time. The measurements of winning are almost always objective, making sport a model of meritocracy. We are, after all, one of the only sports in which women and men compete on equal grounds, and old and young compete against each other as well. The problem, of course, is getting to the playing field.

Horse sports are not alone. Almost every sport has issues with inclusion. There has been tremendous progress, but the Women’s World Cup hasn’t reached nearly the same heights as the Men’s, and the Paralympics does not come close to creating the same number of viewers as the Olympics. We think of horse sports as different –- but it was not that long ago that women were not allowed to compete at the top level of the sport. Lana du Pont Wright was the first woman to compete on an Olympic eventing team, in Tokyo in 1964. But even after women were technically allowed to compete, systemic biases persisted, and it wasn’t as though suddenly women became included on championship teams. For example, it would be nearly twenty years later that Bettina Hoy would become the first woman to compete on a German championship team in eventing, in 1982 (and she would also go on to become the first woman to top the Olympic podium in eventing, followed nearly two decades later by the second female to earn the accolade in fellow German Julia Krajewski).

We’ve seen progress in diversity and inclusion, particularly in terms of gender. Women often make up half or more of the equestrian Olympic teams, and most amateur riders are women now. But they are still mostly white. There has been very little progress in improving racial diversity, and this is because there has been too little focus on the other pieces of the puzzle.

Strides for Equality Equestrians Ever So Sweet Scholarship recipient Sierra Lesny. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Accessibility is an issue in horse sports because horses are inherently expensive.

The issue of accessibility is multilayered and complex, but one of the largest barriers to participation in horse sports is cost. Horses are not tennis rackets or soccer balls. They have to be fed, watered, blanketed, fitted with tack, provided with veterinary care, and shod. We are not going to magically reduce the costs of keeping and riding horses: there are fixed costs associated with horses that just cannot be avoided.

This reality of cost means that increasing diversity in horse sports has to be about finding ways to make the sport more affordable, whether that be through scholarships for horse riding camps and lessons, or efforts to keep unrecognized schooling shows alive so that the costs of competing are not prohibitive for those who want to try their hand at competitions.

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics winners of the team competition. L to R: Rixt van der Horst – Findsley, Sanne Voets – Demantur, Frank Hosmar – Alphavile (NED) Silver medalists; Lee Pearson – Breezer, Sophie Wells – Don Cara M, Natasha Baker – Keystone Dawn Chorus (GBR) Gold medalists; Kate Shoemaker – Solitaer 40, Roxanne Trunnell – Dolton, Rebecca Hart – El Corona Texel (USA) Bronze medallists. (FEI/Liz Gregg)

But it’s not only about money.

Let’s return to that scene when you arrive at a horse show, and you look around to see almost all white faces. If you are a person of color, you may feel as though you don’t belong there. And it’s not only at competitions where the lack of diversity is obvious: it’s at almost every barn, competitor’s party, clinic, and usually in almost every magazine.

There is so little representation in our sport, in every area. Even if someone has the means to participate, they may not feel welcome. Furthermore, the horse world doesn’t come with a playbook; people learn as they go, and often lack mentorship opportunities. Having a mentor who looks like you is important. Seeing people who look like you riding at a high level is important, and it’s something that’s easy to overlook if you’ve been surrounded by people who look like you throughout your life in the sport.

Lots of horse kids grow up in barns. They learn important life lessons, like how to work hard, how to learn from mistakes, and how to be diligent and detail-oriented. Kids should also be learning that people from all backgrounds and walks of life can be riders. When people of different races and backgrounds compete in sports together, they learn to accept each other as their equals. Inclusion through sports can have a huge social impact.

There’s also the economic impact to consider: including a more diverse population in horse sports expands the overall number of people in horse sports, which contributes to the growth of the sport.

Fouaad Mirza (IND) and Siegneur. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Change is possible –- but change requires action.

Stakeholders in the industry need to support programs that aim to improve diversity and inclusion. One such program is the Opportunity Fund, which is a grant-making resource dedicated to supporting grassroots organizations with a mission to increase access to horses, horse sports, and equine-based learning opportunities among under-represented and/or under-served communities.

There are several grassroots organizations already doing good work on the ground, but expanding their reach requires more resources. The Opportunity Fund provides grants to eligible organizations for the purposes of endowments (like establishing an investment fund or a permanent, self-sustaining source of funding), events (such as fundraisers, conferences, or workshops), and individual assistance (such as tuition, financial support, or emergency aid).

USEF has announced Equerry / Co, an equestrian marketing and website design agency, as a USEF Opportunity Fund Partner. Equerry / Co believes strongly in the mission of the USEF Opportunity Fund and has committed to pay a royalty fee to US Equestrian’s Opportunity Fund for each completed website project in 2022 to support the Fund. Equerry / Co has also committed to offering its services at a discounted rate to recognized USEF Community Outreach Organizations.

For Christine Bjerkan, founder of Equerry / Co, “encouraging participation from those who for a long time have felt excluded is difficult.” The Opportunity Fund supports under-represented and under-served communities in equestrian sport, including but not limited to:

  • BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals/communities
  • Veterans and active military personnel
  • Persons with disabilities
  • LGBTQ+ community
  • Low-income individuals and families
  • Geographical diversity (state/national region, urban areas, rural areas)

In efforts to help create opportunities, Equerry / Co also offers free websites for equestrian charities. Organizations doing good work need their voices amplified, and social media and other forms of web-based communications are their microphones in the modern world. More information on this can be found here.

Anyone who has worked with or ridden horses can attest to how magical the experience can be. Whether it’s a quiet moment with our horse in its stall, the adrenaline of tackling a show jumping course, or the happiness and pride we feel when crossing the finish line, there are amazing moments of magic that horses afford us. Increasing people’s access to horse sports allows everyone to be able to enjoy these amazing animals.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Feb 23, 2022 12:01 am -

Brenda Meyers and Justice For All. Photo by Christine Quinn.

Last weekend Aiken riders celebrated the return of recognized horse trials at Jumping Branch Farm. The shady 100+ acre farm welcomed riders from Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels across Saturday and Sunday. If you missed the competition — you’re still in luck! The Jumping Branch team has left the entire course flagged and decorated for open schooling through Thursday. Visit their website for more information.

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]



Wednesday News:

Eight cases of EHV-1 have been confirmed at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal. One horse was euthanized this weekend. The LA Horse Show was slated to run an extra week of competition, but that’s now been cancelled. [One Horse Euthanized, Shows Canceled In California EHV-1 Outbreak]

There’s nothing worse than your horse jigging at the walk in the middle of your dressage test. Silva Martin is here to help with what to try and what to avoid. [3 of Your Biggest Flatwork Woes, with Silva Martin]

KK Brown’s love for horses was born on the back of a feral pony named Sugar, but before long she was qualified for Pony Finals. Now she takes pride in her role as an Assistant Professor and hunter/jumper instructor at William Woods University. Learn more about this accomplished rider and educator. [KK Brown’s Equestrian Journey Took a Village (and hard work!)]

The USEA and it’s many generous donors work diligently to offer opportunities to all levels of rider. Do your homework to see if any of these grants may be appropriate for you. [Get to Know the USEA Foundation Grants: The Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant]

Wednesday Video Break: The latest footage from our friend David Frechette

Tuesday Video: Congrats to EN Alum Lila Gendal on Her First Advanced!

By on Feb 22, 2022 5:00 pm -

Lila Gendal is one of the most determined and talented up-and-coming riders in U.S. eventing sport. The earmark of her blogs for EN a few years back was a cerebral processing of the training process, and its ups and downs. We’re excited and proud to see her now reaching the higher-most levels of the sport, having completed her first Advanced horse trial last weekend at Rocking Horse II Winter H.T. Congrats, Lila and BT Just a Rebel! They finished 11th in the 21-horse Advanced Test B division, which was largely populated by five-star riders.

Hope we aren’t making you blush too much, Lila, in sharing these videos from The Horse Pester!

Go Eventing.

Lightbulb Moments with Bettina Hoy

By on Feb 22, 2022 3:00 pm -

We brought you one report from on the sidelines of a clinic stop on Bettina Hoy’s January tour, and now we’ve got perspective from the rider’s eye. Ema Klugman checks in with her clinic report below.

EN always welcomes reader-submitted clinic reports! Please send yours to [email protected].

Neko Duvall jumps with Bettina during a lesson in Florida. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Riding with someone new can be like a fresh snowfall: if you’ve been skiing down the same slopes for a long time, you get stuck going down the same tracks. You find your groove in these familiar tracks, and it feels smooth and comfortable. But a new coach puts down a fresh coat of snow, giving you freedom to try new things and to forge new tracks.

I was very lucky to organize and ride in a clinic with Bettina Hoy in January. The three-time Olympian is as clever and witty as she is tough. You can sense her work ethic just from being in her presence.

I was worried, at first, that I would not be ready to ride with Bettina by the time she came. My horses had been in full work for only three weeks, and we certainly hadn’t been to any shows or clinics yet this year.

It turned out to be perfect timing. What we worked on with Bettina was training — old-fashioned, back-to-basics, daily work. We were not riding millions of movements or running through tests. I spent the majority of my lessons with my Intermediate and Advanced horses on a 20-meter circle. I had been worried that we weren’t ready to “perform” for the clinic, but that concern was misplaced. Bettina taught me how to school my horses day-in and day-out, and as I’ve been putting those tools to work in earnest over the last couple of weeks, I am seeing the value of her system.

 

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Here are some of my lightbulb moments from my weekend with Bettina, both quoted and paraphrased:

“Build a bridge for your horse.”

I loved this one. Bettina insisted that we communicate fairly with our horses. If the work was getting hard and the horse was struggling, she said “build a bridge.” It is a nice gesture: to meet the horse halfway. It felt like reaching out a hand.

“Don’t chase her; connect her.”

Bettina had me ride one of my horses more forward than I had ever dared to ride her. It was not a charging around the ring, however; it was a push into looseness. She insisted that the leg build the connection, and we got some of the best work out of that horse than I ever have.

“What’s happening behind you has to stay on line.”

What she meant was to think of putting the shoulders in front of the haunches, not the other way around. The mobility and control of the shoulder was a major theme in every lesson.

(Paraphrased): “The hard part is getting the horse truly through and supple. You need to be working the whole body. This way you are preparing the whole body for the cross country, for the running and jumping. All of the dressage work is really about keeping the horses sound in the long-term.”

It makes sense that riding a horse straight is important so you can get an 8 or a 9 on your centerline. But Bettina also pointed out that straightness is vital for long-term soundness: if your horse is always leaning on one side, they are going to put uneven pressure on different parts of their body and legs. Making them truly balanced carries over to the intensity of jumping and galloping.

“Open the door, and let her get on with it.”

I liked this visualization because it was similar to the bridge idea. It was a way of allowing the horse to perform rather than forcing them to do anything. “Open the door” means giving the horse freedom; often, this was by moving the hand forward or out, but never back. On one of my horses, in particular, I could feel how opening the door gave her an outlet to release tension and express herself more.

“The movements are just tricks.”

Related to the previous point, this idea was essential for understanding Bettina’s system. The point was that you have to have the horse working properly through the whole body; after that, the movements should be easy. They are just tricks to teach the horse once the basics are established. I had never thought of dressage in this way before. But it made sense: after spending two lessons doing 20-meter circles on my 4* mare focusing on the connection from the hind leg that weekend, I rode a few test movements the following week after warming her up the same way and they felt easy.

“It’s shoulder in, not ass out!”

(I think this one is self-explanatory, and too funny not to include.)

 

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A post shared by Ema Klugman (@ema.klugman)

I was also lucky to talk to Bettina in between lessons and over meals. My experience with her reminded me of what it feels like to talk to someone who really loves their job: she had endless fascination with the sport and with the horse. For as much as we get wrapped up in the details of our craft, it is important to remember that we are learning an artform.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Six Mares to Check Out in Ocala

By on Feb 22, 2022 1:00 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Are you a mare person? Are you in or heading to Ocala soon, and in search of your next dream horse? Well, we’ve got quite the eventer candy shop for you here at EN today — line up some appointments to check them out!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

OLDCOURT GRAFEN DANCE “BEAN” OFFERED FOR SALE

Winning One Star mare proudly offered for sale. Imported 2010 Irish Sport Horse Mare by champion sire Grafenstolz (TRAK) out of Wyndham Gentle Annie (ISH) by Touchdown (ISH).

Bean is very straightforward on the flat, a careful show jumper and brave cross country. She is a super talented horse who has minimum 3 * potential. She would suit a young rider, professional or an experience amateur.

Has the talent to move up the levels with the right person. She is a sweetheart on the ground and a favorite around the barn.

– Win at Terra Nova One Star on a 27.2
– Second place at Stable View on a 27.9
– Multiple winner at Chatt Hills on a 26.2

$65K
Ocala, FL
Contact Sinead Maynard
[email protected] or (704)438-0532

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Quality 6 YO Irish Sport Horse Mare

Global Chanel – “Chanel” is a young athletic mare that has been recently imported from Denmark. Chanel has an unbelievable set of gaits with a powerful, strong jump. She not only had a gorgeous appearance but is one of the sweetest personalities in a mare that we have met. Chanel is brave and adjustable to fences.

Her presence and ability make her a top-class horse for the future. If you are looking for a rewarding mare to develop, she is an absolute dream!
More videos to come!
Age: 6
Height: 16 hands
Breed: Irish Sport Horse
Price: $60,000

Located in Ocala, FL.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Talented, Kind, Sporty Mare

Miss Florida: 2012 16h Argentine TB mare. “Rue” is a super sweet, adorable, and fun little athlete! She has evented through training level with ability for more, and would also make a super Child/Adult show jumper for someone who likes to ride a game and forward type. Currently schooling 1.10m confidently. She is a pleasure to handle around the barn and is ready to make her next owner very happy! Located in Ocala, FL. Asking low fives.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Classy Dutch Wb/Trakehner Mare. Suitable for any direction.

Zenith Vayda is classically beautiful and an elegant mover. She stands a stocky 16hh, and is wonderful to handle on the ground. In your pocket type of personality, always looking for treats. She enjoys being groomed and handled. Vayda is a low mileage model – originally purchased from her breeder as a 3 yo for a high school student to be a ‘second horse,’ Vayda never moved into ‘first horse’ position before her owner outgrew horses and moved to college. She was ridden inconsistently throughout the years by her young rider before joining our professional program. She has been in our full training since October of 2021 and has been a pleasure.

Vayda is trainable, and willing to work, with powerful gaits and a big scopey jump. She is forward but not particularly hot, and will jump anything you point her at. Can have a little bit of a mare-tude exhibited by dancing in the cross ties when girthed and being inconsistent in the bridle at times. All of Vayda’s personality speaks to her current green state of training, but it is clear that this is a horse for the future! She would be best suited to someone with some experience that understands this star has so much to offer. Beginners need not apply, as we feel this horse deserves to be correctly developed into the winner we know she will be.

Her sire is the notable Rubin O, a dutch stallion well known to produce talented and competitive jumpers. Her dam, Hillary, was a Trakehner that evented through the Intermediate level. Between this lineage and her obvious talent, we know that Vayda has a big future ahead of her.

Easy keeper. No vices. 4 flat steel shoes. Currently turned out alone. Good for vet and farrier. No soundness or health history. PPE from 10/21 available with lots of beautiful x-rays.

Located in Ocala, FL.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Sybil AB- beautiful talent and temperament in this imported ISH

Sybil AB- 2017 16.3 hand gray imported ISH mare by Nazar out of a Kings Master mare. This horse is the total package of brains and talent and it doesn’t hurt she’s beautiful too. She’s ready to continue her education with a jr or AA in a program. She will go far. She’s done two A rated hunter shows with an ammie and is entered at Majestic Oaks. No soundness or health issues or any special care requirements.

Located in Citra, FL.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Aura CF- winning training level horse competitive 1/2* for right rider

Aura CF is a 2010, 16 hand premium Oldenburg mare. Aura is phenomenally talented on the flat and a lovely jumper. She has many miles at training level including a win at the AECs. With the right rider she will be a winning 1/2* horse. She has not had any health or soundness issues and requires no special care. Not spooky, easy on the ground, beautiful to look at. Motivated seller as rider as stepped onto her big sister’s horse.

Located in Citra, FL.

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Ocala Horse Properties Announces Rebecca Farm Flight Grant

By on Feb 22, 2022 1:00 pm -

Ocala Horse Properties has announced a new opportunity for riders hailing from Areas I, II, III and VIII who are hoping to compete at the picturesque Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Mt. in the form of the Ocala Horse Properties Rebecca Farm Flight Grant. The 2022 event is scheduled for July 20-24, 2022.

“In 2021 the team from Ocala Horse Properties, led by Rob and Chris Desino, visited “The Event at Rebecca Farm” for the first time,” the grant announcement states. “In awe of the quality of the event, they felt that the entire eventing community, especially those on the East Coast of the United States, needed to make this event a part of their yearly competition plans. Inspired to take action, Ocala Horse Properties announced during the 2021 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention that they would step up to provide two grants to make the trip possible for horse and rider combinations at the CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L levels.”

Ocala Horse Properties has a long history of supporting and sponsoring 3-day-Eventing, but this is the first time that they have established a grant through the USEA Foundation.

The Ocala Horse Properties Rebecca Farm Flight Grant is intended to be an annual award given to two horse and rider combinations, one competing in the 3*-L and one competing in the 4*-L. Riders must be USEA members and reside in Areas I, II, III or VIII at the time of application. The winners of the grant will be drawn during the a live stream on Kentucky 5* weekend (April 27-May 1). Applications will close on April 20 at midnight Eastern time.

Some additional information concerning the Ocala Horse Properties Flight Grant:

  • Each horse and rider combination will get round trip airfare to and from The Event at Rebecca Farm from a location on the East Coast determined by Ocala Horse Properties.
  • Excludes all other expenses such as hotel or local transportation, i.e. rental car, etc.
  • Entry into the event will be the responsibility of the grant recipient, and due to the popularity of the event, it is recommended that entries be submitted when registration opens on June 7th.
  • The CCI4*-L opportunity is targeted at Advanced level riders. The rider must have completed two (2) CCI4*-S in the past twelve (12) months.
  • The CCI3*-L opportunity is targeted more broadly to include rising stars. The rider cannot have competed above the CCI4*-S level. The rider must have completed two (2) CCI3*-S in the past twelve (12) months. The horse must have done two (2) CCI3*-S events at a minimum.
  • Grant recipients are ineligible to reapply for the grant for five years following selection.
  • If the horse intended for competition becomes unable to compete leading up to The Event at Rebecca Farm the rider can sub in another horse who meets qualifications in a timely manner. If that is not feasible then an alternate horse and rider combination, selected through a random drawing may receive the award. If neither of these combinations can compete then the money will remain in the grant fund until the following year.
  • Applications for the Ocala Horse Properties Rebecca Farm Flight Grant are due by midnight eastern time on April 20, 2022. Recipients will be selected by a random drawing held by the Ocala Horse Properties Team assisted by representatives of The Event at Rebecca Farm and the USEA Foundation during the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Rebecca Farm remains one of EN’s favorite events and we’re pleased to see additional support coming in for this epic venue. Go Eventing!