Classic Eventing Nation

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Five Eventers to Show You the Ropes

By on Jan 18, 2022 11:00 am -

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.

The words “packer” and “schoolmaster” are music to the ears of event riders seeking an experienced partner who’ll allow them to focus on their own self-improvement. This week we’re featuring five horses recently listed on Sport Horse Nation whose owners describe them as such … could you be their next star student?

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Training level packer

🦄 🚨 Irie is a 7 year old 16.2 Oldenburg gelding by Innverness. Many top placings at Training level with experience at Modified/Prelim and would be happy to show someone the ropes or to continue up the levels. He is exceptional on the flat and very straightforward over fences. Located in Aiken and ready to be tried! Mid five figures starting with a six. Pm or contact 443.821.5193 for more information!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

ULTIMATE EVENTING SCHOOLMASTER/JNR/YR DREAM

16.2hh 13 year old mare by Warrant. Ridden by small girl and placed in all her novice events last season in the UK.

She has beautiful paces & is an absolute double clear machine. She has jumped round intermediates clear with ease and has scope to go on further.

Only for sale due to university commitments.

Can be seen on professional yard where other eventers are available. Edinburgh airport is under an hour away.

Videos available via WhatsApp.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Winning novice packer

UPDATE: Mio competed in Novice at the November Full Gallop Horse Trial and won on a 29!!!

Mio has evented through novice recognized and schooled through prelim unrecognized. He’s steady in the bridle, rhythmical, and comfortable on the flat, and will jump anything you point him at, he loves xc and will always make time.

Mio is not a beginner horse he needs a intermediate to advanced rider, as he can be a spirited athlete, lunging before riding is helpful, and once you know him he’s very predictable.

He has been vetted before and you are welcome to vet him again.

Located in Salisbury, north carolina can also be tried in Aiken, South Carolina

There is a video of Mio on youtube titled “Fernand Mio”. Please contact me for more information.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Competitive and Safe Eventing Packer

Smoky Four lovingly known as ‘Gus’ around the barn is sadly offered for sale due to no fault of his own. Gus has been owned by just two amateur owners since he retired from the track in 2015. He was purchased directly from his track connections and 100% produced by his amateur owner through Novice before being sold to his current junior rider to help her learn to event.

Gus is a been there, done that type of guy. He is a COMPETITIVE Novice level eventer but has also spent plenty of time going for fun trail rides and hacks around the property. He is level-headed, safe, and fun. No vices. Plenty of scope to continue up the levels and fancy on the flat to earn dressage scores in the 20s.

Gus is an honest type that aims to please. Can take a joke (or lots of jokes) if you miss a distance or don’t quite hold the line. Uncomplicated and the same horse both on and off property. Trailers great, alone or with a buddy. Stands for the farrier and vet. Clips, ties, good for mane pulling too.

Currently schooling 3’3″. Confirmed leg yields, counter canter, trot and canter mediums, shoulder in and haunches in. Easy to get round.

Not a hard keeper. Happy to eat what you give him and easy to keep weight on. Has 4 shoes and good feet. Lives mostly inside. PPE welcome at buyer’s expense.

Priced to sell. Price will increase as competition record becomes up to date. Gap in record simply due to owner’s lack of time to ride and compete, which forces sale.

USEA Record: useventing.com/events-competitions/profile?id=176670

Race Record: www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=8871990&registry=T

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Ultimate Training Level Packer

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐤𝐚 “𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧”

⭐️2012 OTTB gelding
⭐️Big-bodied 16.1hh
⭐️Ultimate 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫
⭐️No XC jump penalties in career (BN-Prelim)
⭐️Dream horse ready to go 1* this season
⭐️Single owner for last 5 years

Dean has been carefully produced through the levels since coming off the track by a single rider. He is the ultimate training level packer with talent beyond and lots of years left for his next partner. He has prelim miles, a recent win at Modified in 2021, consistently TIP winner, and never a XC jump penalty throughout his career (BN-Prelim). Ready for 1* and selling with FEI passport and JC papers.

Very capable horse quality enough for a professional yet experienced enough to teach an upcoming rider stepping into their next horse. Dean is loyal to his people and has a contagious joyful personality in the barn. He is the type you put your leg on but has the go to easily make prelim time. Dean is solid and requires no maintenance, hacks out alone, and has no vices. A perfect home is very important. Young professional regretfully selling due to career opportunities.

Mid Fives- Available to be tried in Lexington, KY. Please reach out to Harley Heights Eventing/Bennett Adkins for more information, pictures, and video. 219-299-7784

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and not confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

 

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jan 18, 2022 7:51 am -

Is it just me, or is it particularly crisp this week? I know Libby Head can’t be the only person who’s got one finger looped through a neck strap at all times right now. If your horse has also been possessed by the ghosts of raves past, future, and still to come, do please upload the footage to the ‘gram and use the #eventerproblems hashtag so we can all cheer ourselves up as we nurse our own bruises (and chilblains). Happy January!

Events Opening Today: Sporting Days Farm March H.T. II, Chattahoochee Hills H.T., Rocking Horse Winter III H.T., Twin Rivers Winter H.T., Full Gallop Farm March Wednesday H.T.

Events Closing Today: Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch, Sporting Days Farm February Trials H.T. I, Galway Downs 2022 Kickoff H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

Didn’t catch the US Equestrian Annual Meeting Last Week? Here’s what you need to know about the organisation’s plans for 2022 and how they built momentum in 2021.

Ludger Beerbaum’s rapping habit – and no, not the fun kind – is the hot topic of the horse world at the moment. And rightly so; while a zero-tolerance attitude to animal cruelty is unlikely across the industry, we’ve come on in leaps and bounds over the decades. But equine osteopath Alena Jenn shares another interesting perspective: that many of Beerbaum’s detractors are equally guilty, without even realising it.

Even if you’re not a resolution maker, we’d be willing to bet you’ve got some goals in mind for 2022. Check out Daniel Stewart’s handy four-part system for turning those goals from intangible daydreams to actionable plans.

British-based readers, rejoice: Ingrid Klimke will be returning to England for a masterclass at Hampshire’s Wellington Riding, followed by an evening talk, on March 12. You can get your tickets here.

Video Break:

Elisa Wallace shares her latest Mustang desensitisation session — and we reckon this would be a great bit of work to do with any young horse.

Monday Video: A New Perspective on Polework

By on Jan 17, 2022 4:00 pm -

We’ve all heard that working over raised ground poles is great for your horse’s hind end and and top line. Even at the walk, working poles can help build your horse’s strength and flexibility — however, the caveat is that you have to help your horse use their body correctly in order to reap the benefits of the exercise.

Think of this concept as being similar to a human lifting weights in the gym; in the gym, you have to have good form in order to active the correct muscle groups (and keep from injuring yourself!). Your horse also has to have good form when doing polework in order to reap the full benefits of the exercise. This means a stable, strong connection to your hand and a sense that the horse is working over her back.

If you’ve never experienced or internalized the feeling of a horse working over its back, then this short clip from Olympic medalist Andrew Hoy should help. It’s kind of crazy how you can feel each of his horse’s steps right through the screen thanks to this neat perspective and positioning of the camera!

William Fox-Pitt to Compete in 2022 $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

By on Jan 17, 2022 3:35 pm -

William Fox-Pitt and Sandro’s Star. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The Organizers of the 2022 $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services (GPE), are proud to announce that British Olympian and international eventing legend, William Fox-Pitt, will be competing in the 2022 showcase to be held March 4 & 5 at Bruce’s Field, Aiken, SC.

Fox-Pitt made the trip across the pond in 2019 to contest the inaugural event. He and the black stallion, Sandro’s Star, owned by Hannah Salazar, took home third place and a $7,500 check. In addition to his own winnings, Fox-Pitt was paired up with Mental Health America of Aiken County, as part of the showcase’s Ride for Charity effort. His third-place finish also earned a check for the charitable organization, and the Olympic veteran could be seen galloping around the showcase cross-country course sporting the blue MHA t-shirt.

Of his first trip to Bruce’s Field in 2019, Fox-Pitt remarked, “The environment you’ve got here; it’s the best place! What a ground! How lucky are you guys?” He went on to comment that the showcase format, “…is a great way of showing what we do in a tighter environment. I think it’s great to keep this as a target; it’s brilliant for sponsors, actually quite good for the horses, good for us to sharpen up, and long may it continue!”

The GPE Organizing committee and the Aiken Horse Park Foundation are thrilled to be welcoming this icon of eventing back to Bruce’s Field. Everyone is invited to come out and see William Fox-Pitt in person, March 4 & 5 at the 2022 $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. Tickets are on sale now at: aikenhorsepark.org/eventing. The event will also be live streamed on Horse & Country.

How Ride iQ is Changing the Landscape of Riding Education

By on Jan 17, 2022 12:00 pm -

McKinsey Lux (Ride iQ Co-Founder) and Leslie Law filming for RideIQ lessons.

Innovation and entrepreneurship have major impacts in the equestrian world.

In 2021, I was approached by two entrepreneurs who asked me to collaborate with them on a new app. Intrigued, I said that I would be happy to help.

I have friends who have worked at start-up companies, and I know that it is often not easy—you have to find your niche in the market, understand what consumers need and want, design a great product, and finally have the organization and management to deliver it. It’s well-known that most start-ups flop—it’s just incredibly hard to get something off the ground. Even a really good idea sometimes doesn’t come to fruition.

Ride iQ is a great idea with an even better team behind it. Since launching over the summer, it has grown considerably and continues to adapt to its riders’ suggestions and needs. My role as a coach has been both fulfilling and educational, and I think Ride iQ has the potential to make a major impact on the quality of education in equestrian sports moving forward. Improving people’s access to quality instruction can be life-changing.

Read on to learn more about the app’s founders, McKinsey and Jessa Lux, and about their vision, motivations, and plans for the future.

What is Ride iQ?

Ride iQ is a mobile app with on-demand, prerecorded audio lessons taught by the world’s best equestrian coaches. As the first audio-focused training platform for equestrians, it offers something completely new to riders: the opportunity to get on-demand instruction while you ride. Lessons cover topics across flatwork and jumping and are organized by level, coach, and duration – all you have to do is tack up and press play.

Here’s how it works: a coach records themselves while they ride a horse, either doing a full training ride or focusing on a specific movement or exercise. Throughout the ride, they talk about what they are doing—whether it be applying left leg through the corner, raising their eyes to the opposite diagonal letter, or giving the inside rein to allow the horse to stretch. Next, Ride iQ publishes this recording on the app, allowing its subscribers to essentially “ride along” with the coach. Riders simply get on their horse, hit the play button, and listen to the coach as they do the same exercise. In effect, they are getting a private lesson with a coach whom they may have never met, and they may live thousands of miles away from.

Ride iQ launched in August of 2021 and is currently focused on English disciplines with coaches who specialize in eventing, hunter/jumpers, and dressage. Ride iQ membership costs $29.99/month or $249/year and includes access to 200+ audio lessons, private podcasts, weekly live Office Hours with a Ride iQ coach (you can ask them any questions you want!), and a private Facebook community. Ride iQ also recently launched its own podcast, “In Stride with Sinead Halpin Maynard”.

Ride iQ provides everyday riders access to an elite level of coaching that is currently only accessible to a small minority of equestrians. By giving broad access to exceptional coaching, Ride iQ raises the standard for safer riding and better performances.

Kyle Carter taking a lesson from Dennis Mitchell for a Ride iQ recording.

Why did you start Ride iQ?

We grew up riding in Minnesota and then in Florida, where we moved to work with Kyle and Jennifer Carter. Instruction from 5* riders made us much more capable riders. Regardless of who we worked with in person, though, our independent schooling rides often felt unproductive and even frustrating. We weren’t making as much progress as we could have been on those days, and we knew this wasn’t unique to us. We built Ride iQ to give all riders access to quality coaching during their independent schooling and in turn, elevate horse and rider experiences and performances.

With Ride iQ, people’s schooling days are no longer repetitive or stagnant. Instead, those are days to ride with real-time guidance from a top-level coach and have great rides (and even breakthroughs!). The feedback from members has been overwhelmingly positive: they’re having more productive and fun schooling rides, and that’s the goal!

Screenshot via Ride iQ.

Who are some of the coaches on the app?

Ride iQ currently features 14 coaches including Leslie Law (British Olympic gold medalist event rider), Sinead Halpin (5* event rider), Gina Smith (Canadian Olympic dressage rider, “A” Pony Club graduate), Dennis Mitchell (US Grand Prix show jumper), Ema Klugman (5* US event rider, “A” Pony Club graduate), Doug Payne (US Olympic event rider, Grand Prix show jumper, “A” Pony Club graduate), and the list goes on.

Full list:

Kyle Carter – Canadian Olympic Event Rider

Leslie Law – British Olympic Gold Medalist Event Rider

Ema Klugman – 5* US Event Rider, “A” Pony Club Alumni

Doug Payne – US Olympic Event Rider, Grand Prix Jumper Rider, “A” Pony Club Alumni

Jon Holling – 5* US Event Rider, FEI National Safety Officer for the US

Holly Hudspeth – 5* US Event Rider

Sinead Halpin – 5* US Event Rider

Peter Gray – Bermudian Olympic Event Rider, Canadian Olympic Event Coach, 5* Dressage Judge

Gina Smith – Canadian Olympic Dressage Rider, 2024 Colombian Olympic Dressage Team Coach, “A” Pony Club Alumni

Jen Carter – 5* US Event Rider

Lesley Grant Law – 5* Canadian Event Rider

Dennis Mitchell – US Grand Prix Jumper Rider

Michael Pollard – 5* US Event Rider, 2011 Pan American Games Gold Medalist

Hilda Donahue – 5* US Event Rider, World Ranked Endurance Rider

Where are app members based, and what level do they ride at?

We currently have members in 43 states and 10 countries, and we hope to continue to expand our national and international presence. Our members range in age from 7 years old to 80 years old, and we have beginner walk/trot riders to Olympians using the platform.

People have told us that before Ride iQ, their schooling rides lacked guidance and direction; with Ride iQ, those rides can be a source of improved understanding, helpful exercises, new insights, and better experiences for horse and rider.

We also have members who ride professionally. They use the lessons to guide their own schooling as well as for inspiration in the lessons they teach. With the best coaches in the world guiding you in real-time while you ride, there is something every rider could learn on Ride iQ.

What other services or events does Ride IQ offer?

In addition to unlimited access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons, the Ride iQ app includes dressage test read-throughs where tests are read aloud for practice and memorization as well as test playbooks from top riders and judges to help you get your best score at your next competition. Ride iQ also offers members weekly live Office Hours with a Ride iQ coach to ask any and all questions and a private Facebook community for 24/7 interaction with the Ride iQ team, coaches, and fellow members.

Ride iQ also hosts in-person events at major competitions around the US (and soon internationally) throughout the year including Ride iQ coach led course walks and sponsored member parties.

How can I sign up for Ride iQ?

You can sign up for Ride iQ by visiting Ride-iQ.com and following the prompts to start your 7-day free trial. All the membership options (monthly, quarterly, or annual) include a free trial, so it’s completely risk free to try it for yourself!

Still on the fence or feeling skeptical? Amateur eventer Abby Powell took Ride iQ for a spin and shared her thoughts in this review.

Weekend Winners: We’re Back, Baby!

By on Jan 17, 2022 9:00 am -

The off-season seems to get a bit shorter each year, but a large part of my score-stalking self doesn’t complain about this as I eagerly pull up results from the first weekend of the 2022 season. It was a relatively quiet one, but it was just the first of many as the year begins in earnest.

We saw riders competing at one recognized event and several schooling combined tests this weekend. This year during Weekend Winners, we want to do more to recognize the awesome schooling opportunities around the country, so we’ve added a new section below for Instagram features and links from some of the unrecognized events happening each week.

Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): Final Scores

Open Preliminary: Leslie Law and Fupsilon Grande Lande (23.7)
Preliminary Rider: Ella Strote and Karmic Calling (31.1)
Open Training A: Devin Robel and Gilou (27.9)
Open Training B: Catherine Pournelle and MTF Cooley Knight (25.2)
Open Training C: Maya Black and FE Chardonnay (22.4)
Training Rider A: Tawnie Anderson and Gorgeous In Grey (34.5)
Training Rider B: Claire Williams and In Vogue (26.7)
Novice Rider A: Cherye Huber and Sam I Am (28.2)
Novice Rider B: Corey Jarman and Fernhill Joker (28.6)
Open Novice A: Delaney Emerson and Namiro Star (27.5)
Open Novice B: Ariel Grald and HSF Leamore Last Call (21.7)
Open Novice C: Caroline Martin and As Good As Cash (20.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Kristen Ayers and Pack Leader (30.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Emma Miklos and Fernhill Full Throttle (30.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Caroline Martin and Redfield Rolex (22.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: Leah Lang-Gluscic and Kubo Cat (30.6)
Starter-Intro: Brenda Hutton and True Taste (29.9)

Meanwhile, several schooling shows and combined tests also ran at popular venues Stable View (SC), Carolina Horse Park (NC), and Ram Tap (CA). These are excellent ways to compete without so much breaking of the bank. Let’s face it: this sport is costly! Whether you’re a green rider, you have a green horse, or you’re simply saving as much green as you can, consider a well-organized schooling event to stay sharp through the season.

This year, we’ll be featuring more of these unrecognized events right here on EN as we understand their importance in the ecosystem that is our sport. If we want to grow the sport, we have to also support the opportunities that represent lower costs and greater fun — isn’t that what it’s all about?

Be sure to tag us in your public social media posts using #goeventing and/or #weekendwinners so we can feature you in a future edition of this column.

First up, let’s visit our friends at Stable View in Aiken, Sc., where the first combined test of the new year is in the books. Many riders will return later this month and next for the Aiken Open H.T. as well as the start of the 2022 Stable View Eventing Academy.

Next, let’s visit the Pipe Opener CT at Carolina Horse Park — this was the first of many similar events hosted at the popular North Carolina venue, and entries for Pipe Opener II open on January 19. Carolina Horse Park is also home to the War Horse Event Series, a popular unrecognized eventing competition with several dates each season.

And last but certainly not least, we’re sending a very warm welcome back to Ram Tap (which had been known as Fresno County Horse Park for the past few years), which hosted its first combined test under its new-old name in northern California this weekend.

We’re thrilled for new Ram Tap owner Terry Hilst, who has put her heart and soul into the sport and venue — stay tuned for a more in-depth feature on her labor of love coming soon here on EN.

You can view more opportunities happening at Ram Tap in 2022 here.

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Jan 17, 2022 6:11 am -

The Christmas engagement rush is behind us, and we’re now heading into Sunny Florida Wedding Season! Starting us off for 2022 is Hannah Sue Burnett, who married Matthias Hollberg yesterday and displayed absolutely no hint of a farmer’s tan in her stunning sleeveless dress. Congratulations to the happy couple, and Hannah, let us know your secrets when you’re back from your honeymoon!

National Holiday: It’s Martin Luther King Jr Day. To celebrate, remind a bigot in your life that they’re wilfully misinterpreting the man of the hour when they say that we should stop talking about the color of people’s skin (and, in fact, if they say that MLK wouldn’t have condoned the actions of BLM, when in fact he ultimately dismissed the notion of peaceful protest as a way of ‘muzzling the voiceless’. Here’s some interesting reading for you.) Meanwhile, the fight against voter suppression rages on.

US Weekend Action:

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (Reddick, Fl.): [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Meet Canadian show jumper Anna Wilks, who began her career as a successful eventer under the watchful eye of Pippa Funnell, becoming the Junior European Champion along the way. Now, she’s globetrotting with her horses – and she’s shared her story so far and the reason she made the switch.

The former riders of 33-year-old Walnut, who launched the competitive careers of five-star riders Laura Collett, Nick Lucey, and Imogen Gloag, have paid tribute to the gelding following his passing last month. A 15.1hh cob who beat all the big guns? We’re huge fans of that.

It’s not uncommon for feelings of fear to materialize out of nowhere – particularly after the birth of a child. But learning to manage those feelings and repurpose them into something more productive is essential, and Margie Sugarman has plenty of advice to help you do just that.

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to improve your knowledge and management skills? Then don’t miss a free, three-part webinar series hosted by Rutgers University next month, which will cover recent advances in veterinary medicine, genetics, and nutrition.

The FutureTrack Follow: 

 

Cornelia Dorr is the latest of our US contingent to head across the pond for a season, and you’ll want to give her a follow to check out what she gets up to while basing with Aussie superstars Kevin and Emma McNab!

Morning Viewing:

Refresh your braiding skills with this foxhunter-approved method that’ll last you through all three phases, if that’s what you’re into:

Your Turn: Advice for Your First Trip South for Winter Training

By on Jan 16, 2022 10:00 am -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

If 2022 marks your first trip south for the winter, we tapped into a few members of the EN hivemind for their best advice for the trek. While not every rider will spend the entire winter (really, if that’s the case you should already be down there!) away from home, many will make a long weekend or spring break work with their schedules. Read on for some advice from your fellow eventers, then join the conversation in the comments with your own experiences!

What topic would you like us to tackle in a future Your Turn? Email [email protected] with your suggestion.

Go Eventing.

Helen B.: Once the horses are loaded and you are driving south, let go of everything happening at home. You’ve made your excellent plans, trust that home will take care of itself, relax, enjoy yourself, learn lots, and take your reinvigorated, renewed zest for eventing, and everything you have learned, home with you. The enthusiasm you share both in the south and at home is infectious and helps your friends and family share in your love of the horse. Whether they are horse people or not, the energy you share uplifts them too. The nice thing then is that everyone is willing to repeat it next year….!

Kathleen B.: Embrace the chaos. It’s a whirlwind and there is so much to do. Pick a few goals and go with it. Plan at least a day to hack around Hitchcock Woods. Gallop around the Vista. Get lunch at New moon. It’s my favorite time of the year

Kaitlyn L.: Bring fly gear with you — we don’t have winter to stop the bugs. Bring a mask with ears and full coverage fly sheet. Even if your horse doesn’t have a problem with flies, we have more bugs to give them a problem like “no see ums” and fire ants. Buy fly spray and Show Sheen by the gallon, as you’ll use a lot of it to prevent blanket rubs and bug bites. Our dirt is different and has swamp cooties in it, leading to high risks of skin issues. Plan to use something like Head & Shoulders or other medicated shampoo if you notice said skin issues or even as preventative (I always wash legs and pasterns extra good after trail riding or cross country, to get all the cooties off). If you are a rider who enjoys trail riding or hacks, you have all kinds of places to ride and fun activities to do outside of the show ring, take advantage of that, mix it up — you’re in horse country! Depending on where you board and how they source their hay, sometimes “local” grown hay is lower quality than what you will be used to further north, be ready for that change unless you are hauling your own stock with you. As a human, you’ll still want to wear summer type riding clothes most days so be sure to pack different fabric weights and outfit options in case we have a weird “cold” day or rain.

Jennifer R.: I have been making the trek to Aiken from the Chicago area for the last 20 years. (I can’t believe it’s been that long!) I am a career Lieutenant with the Fire Service so scheduling can be tricky. The number one piece of advice I can give is allow yourself some flexibility in your travel plans to avoid severe weather. Nothing can make an already stressful trip (particularly for first timers) more daunting then encountering hazardous conditions while hauling your treasured cargo. Last year we did two trips in three days to facilitate shipping seven horses and LOTS of hay. We still allowed the flexibility in our dates to adjust if needed. If it is your first time and you are intimidated by the thought of the long haul and mountain roads, consider hiring a professional shipper. There are trips headed to South Carolina and Florida on a regular basis. This will allow you to pack your personal trailer with all the amenities from home as well as hay and feed. Happy travels!

Nan S.: Build in flexibiltiy with your departure dates. An unexpected snow storm may necessitate a change in travel.

Courtenay T.: I have some Florida tips that could be useful to some…

  • If you’re storing several bales at once, put an old sheet or towel over your hay to save them from getting moldy when low fog rolls in.
  • Speaking of hay, don’t feel like you need an open-bed truck to buy your hay at Larsen’s, they are adept with the forklifts there!
  • Wash between your horse’s legs religiously after each ride to avoid tail rubbing
  • Hose your horse after each ride/before turning out, even if you ride early and have to wait a few hours for it to be warm enough to hose. Otherwise you will quickly wind up with a very tidy saddle-shaped sun bleach mark. It’s called the sunshine state for a reason!
  • If you work a full time remote job and ride in the early mornings, don’t be embarrassed/lazy about throwing studs in for your trot sets, it can be slippery here.
  • Non-chlorine bleach is good for daily bucket and feed tub scrubbing (which is essential), and it won’t endanger your #ROOTD.
  • If you don’t already own a 100g turnout, it’s a very versatile weight for this climate.
  • The further away from Ocala you do your grocery shopping, the less likely you are to find large bags of carrots!

Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on Jan 16, 2022 12:01 am -

Photo courtesy of Melissa Mayo.

Lookey lookey what recently came in the mail for the winner of our Fairfax & Favor Wardrobe Malfunction Contest, Melissa Mayo! While Melissa’s jog strip mishap may have earned her a laughable (though winning!) memory, next time she sets foot on the job strip she’ll be in the running for best shod with her gorgeous new Fairfax & Favor Regina boots. We can’t wait to see you rock these, Melissa!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (Reddick, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Additional Volunteering Opportunities: [Ram Tap January Combined Test – Fresno, Ca.]

Sunday Links:

Event Organizers Recognized on 2021 USEA Organizers Appreciation Honor Roll of Names

Relax With These Perfect Barn Organization Photos

Model: Traditional Deworming Doubles Speed of Drug Resistance

Showjumpers present special challenges in assessing their fitness, say researchers

Horse-human cooperation is a neurobiological miracle

Sunday Video: Look who’s back in action!

Fairfax & Favor Fan on the Week:

#GoEventing ‘Grams of the Week: Raring to Go

By on Jan 15, 2022 10:00 am -

I find that perusing the #goeventing hashtag on Instagram provides a cool microcosm of eventing culture, and typically there’s a theme. This time of year, we’re eagerly anticipating the start of a new competition season. Everything feels fresh and possible (and our horses haven’t broken our hearts yet!), we’ve memorized our new dressage tests, and we’re raring to get out there! If this describes you, you’re definitely part of the insanity. Let’s take a look at what you all have been up to this week:

And finally, well if it isn’t the best sales ad we’ve seen all year:

Don’t forget to tag your public social media posts with #goeventing for a chance to be featured right here on EN!

Go Eventing.