Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Jan 13, 2022 12:03 am -

Dara Knot! Photo courtesy of Babette Lena.

A familiar field is sporting a new name! Welcome Dara Knot to the Eventing family! Babette Lena has announced the new name for the Aiken venue, and we are all delighted to see where this new chapter takes us all. As Babette explains it, “the Dara Knot is the Celtic symbol for inner strength, and comes from the Gaelic word ‘Doire’, which means ‘Oak Tree’—representing wisdom, power, endurance and strength. This property embodies all of those qualities, and as we take stewardship of and build on the farm’s strong foundation we felt this name was the most respectful direction we could take. It just seems to make sense as the best way to honor and respect the legacy of Paradise Farm.” Also, small note, due to the predicted ice storm in Aiken this weekend, the open house for the farm will be delayed a bit.

U.S. Weekend Preview (woohoo!):

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

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

News From Around the Globe:

Did you know? EN’s News & Notes is always open for news items. Is your facility hosting a clinic? Want to announce a schedule change or other update? You can submit your news item by emailing [email protected] (note: sale ads and working student/groom openings are not permitted — check out Sport Horse Nation for these services — and inclusion in News & Notes is subject to editor discretion).

The Ocala and Aiken migration is well underway, and many eventers are high-tailing it south for warmer temperatures and the opportunity to get a jump start on prep for the upcoming season. Whether it be for a long weekend or a few months, a trip south can be a memorable one that also makes a difference by providing opportunity to focus on and enjoy your horse. If you haven’t made the trek yourself, there are a lot of questions to answer and the process can be overwhelming. So we’re tapping into the think tank that is our EN community. We want to know: what’s your best advice for a first-timer heading south this winter?

Your farrier needs your help. After all, you need his help too! We don’t talk enough about safety in farriery and the necessary precautions required for farriers to work effectively and with the least risk. Farriers should communicate with horse owners and barn managers about safety issues because many of them really do want to improve situations; they just don’t know how. [From the Farrier: 8 Tips for Safer Shoeing]

Attendees of the 2022 USEA ICP Symposium at Barnstaple South Farm in Ocala, Florida on February 8-9 will get a first look at the all-new USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels. This educational tool was developed over the course of two years and is loaded with materials and resources targeted for all levels of eventing professionals, instructors, and coaches. The ICP Symposium has undergone a reboot and will feature an interactive and inclusive format that encourages participation and input from active professionals at all levels through a hands-on live teaching session. While geared towards eventing professionals, the ICP Symposium is open to all who wish to attend and will feature relevant information that all riders and eventing enthusiasts can learn from. [ICP: Be The Best Instructor You Can Be]

Welcome to Myth Buster Monday (even though it’s Thursday whoopsie), where Horse Nation will be diving into different equestrian myths and providing research-based evidence to either bust or confirm those myths. Today’s topic: chiropractic care in young horses. Is it harmful for young horses to have their bones and joints manipulated while growing? Read further to find out! [Chiropractic for Young Horses?]

 

 

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Back to Burghley

By on Jan 12, 2022 5:15 pm -

Badminton has gotten plenty of airtime over the last few weeks, partly because we’re so wildly overexcited about its return this spring and partly because its box office opened today — but there’s another Big B returning to the calendar in 2022, and we’re equally as delighted to return to its iconic grounds. What better way to reacquaint oneself with the Cottesmore Leap and the Leaf Pit than in the company of six-time victor William Fox-Pitt, who was kind enough to take us all along for the ride back in 2015 aboard the excellent Parklane Hawk?

Heels down, eyes up, leg on — let’s jump some big fences, baby.

Fight back against colic and digestive upset.

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The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Have you grabbed your winter running horse stickers?  Check them out at KPPusa.com/winter.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Imports Who May or May Not Whinny with Accents

By on Jan 12, 2022 3:29 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.

This pandemic has been a bit of a bummer for the travel-minded, hasn’t it? Between cancelled flight routes, surprise travel bans, and curfews popping up like rampant moles in the garden of life, it’s been a lot easier — and in many cases, much more sensible — to stay at home. But if you’re pining for foreign shores, perhaps your wanderlust might be temporarily sated by the very best kind of souvenir – an imported event horse. Here’s a selection of European honeys currently advertised on Sport Horse Nation.

For those who miss the Emerald Isle and its dusky-brogued gents, try:

TOP CLASS AMATEUR WINNER

Ballybolger Anchorman
Lovely JOEY 16.3HH DARK BROWN 8 year old homebred gelding by Puissance hoping to find his forever home. He is a 90/100 winning machine having super form at this
level, he has completed 2 novices and is now ready to be a Superstar grassroots winner.
His 100 results include:
1st lisgarvan 27.3
5th Frankfort 30
6th kilguilkey 27.3
3rd Blackstairs 31.5
1st Tattersals 14.9
He has the sweetest temperament, easy to do in all ways, lives in or out, hacks in company or on his own and doesn’t have to be ridden everyday. Super on the flat, moves really
well and easy to ride , very unflappable jumping with plenty of scope. He is snaffle mouth and would suit a tall child coming off ponies or competitive amateur who wants to win.He is 100 % to clip , shoe, load and travels well, incredibly chilled to deal with . Joey has had very easy to manage very mild sweet itch under his mane which we just shampoo regularly and keep a DustBuster / sweet itch hoody on during spring and summer. Never an issue or problem just a little TLC needed.
Plenty of videos on request
Special home wanted for this lovely boy.
Based co Carlow. Ireland
00353872211041

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.

Contact Information
Angela Bowles 817-944-2535 [email protected]
Adjectives
Beautiful sweet talented
Price
$45,000
Youtube Video
Visit Link Here
Location
Citra FL
Connemara super star!

🦄 ☘️ Gentry Irish Clover- (Fortrane Stuart CP x Rantis Diamond ISH ). Coming 6 year old 15.3hh imported Irish Sport Horse mare. “Trish” is a beautiful, talented and super forgiving mare that is wise beyond her years! If you’re looking for something with a packer mentality to quickly move you up the levels with confidence, Trish is your ride! She is easy, sweet, and the type of horse every trainer wants in their barn.

Have a grudge against owning a girl? She will change that. This mare is zero drama and with her adorable personality, will make you the center of her whole world! That’s right, she will whinny when she sees you. It’s like owning a little squeaky toy that lights up when you’re around. You can’t say no to that! ❤️ 🧸

Trish is so good she won her first horse trials in the USA out of a large division! She has competed in Ireland through the Novice level and schools cross country through the Training level! She is brave, scopey, and will jump anything from any distance with very little input needed from her rider. She’s quiet enough to be a hunter, but forward enough to do the jumpers. This horse could do multiple jobs for you!

Here is another unicorn. These horses don’t come by very often! Trish is UTD on everything and has zero vices. This is the first horse I’ve had in my barn that I can’t give you a single bad thing to say about her…and we have some nice horses! Trish can be ridden every day or pulled out of her stall with a week off and is the same horse. She walks off the trailer at a show as the same horse you put on, easy and quiet.

Serious inquiries only. Yes, seriously…please. Budget suits the quality of horse. Priced in the mid-five figures. Located at Gentry Sport Horses in Spring City, PA.

Contact us privately for more information and videos.

If you’re aching to pop on your dirndl and head to Germany, these options are sehr gut…

Peddersson

“Peddersson” 16.2 hand 2015 imported gelding from Germany. Ended his 2021 season at preliminary level. Always very competitive with eye catching movement and jump. Great show temperament, never buzzy or tense in the ring, fantastic galloper on cross country and careful show jumper. Ready for 2 star this spring. Available to try in Bay Area California. Lots of videos on RideOnVideo.

Top quality with an outstanding temperament

RHS Temptation 50 (Potato)

Age: 6
Breed: Westphalian
Height: 16.2
Gelding
Sire: Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve (1.60m show jumper)

Dam: Tinette (1.55m show jumper)

Show videos available upon request

Temptation 50 is a 6 yr old, 16.2 Westphalian gelding. He has competed through 1.30 both in Europe, and the States.
He truly has an outstanding character both under saddle, and to be around in the barn. He is instantly a favorite of anyone upon first meeting with his sweet, and kind nature, and fun to ride in every way. Safe and suitable for a wide variety of riders.
Three good paces, that are comfortable to ride, with a solid education both on the flat and over jumps.
Currently competing successfully at 1.30m, with scope and ability for more.
Very easy and comfortable to ride, truly automatic lead changes, point and shoot jumping.
His Sire was a successful 1.60m jumper, and has been a prolific sire of highly successful elite sport horses. His dam herself competed successfully through 1.55m.

Ready to don your clogs and get down with the freaky-deaky Dutch? Meet…

Top quality 4 year old

Lots of video available upon request!

RHS Mandiamo.
4 yrs old, KWPN 17.0 gelding.

The best 4 yr old I have ever sat on! Has competed 1.0m to 1.05m prior to import. We have done xc on a line with him, and he does all the things without batting an eye. Brave, has incredible movement, and is extremely easy on the ground, and to ride. He has all the star quality for upper level for a pro, but also has an A/A or YR friendly disposition.

And finally, missed flag-watching outside Buckingham Palace and kilt-shopping in the Highlands? You’ll have plenty to chat about with…

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

17.1 2013 Irish Gelding

The Nobleman a.k.a. Norman, was imported from the U.K. In May of 2021. He loves cross country and fox hunting, and is in a dressage program 4-5 days a week. He has a wonderful attitude, and very nice work ethic. He hacks out alone or in company, and is happy living out or in.
Norman is the whole package, he has beautiful uphill gaits, not spooky or silly, and has the cutest personality. He is wonderful with hounds and stands quietly at meets. He prefers first or second field, but can be easily managed hill topping.
Norman is patient for vet, farrier, dentist. Easy to ship and clip.
He passed a 5 stage vetting in May and has had no soundness issues. Radiographs available.

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.

Badminton’s BACK, Baby, and the Box Office is Open for Business

By on Jan 12, 2022 12:24 pm -

Piggy French and Vanir Kamira win Badminton 2019. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Think back to the last time the Badminton box office opened. Who were you back then, in early 2019? A baby-faced, bright-eyed cherub, unencumbered by the emotional burden of two years of lockdowns and cancellations and border closures? Yeah, us too. But the fantastic news? The box office has finally reopened once again, like a jollier version of Pandora’s box that releases our jollier and more youthful selves back out into the world. Or something like that, anyway.

Enough about what we’ve all been through, anyway — let’s talk about what you’ve got to do if you want to catch the action at Badminton this spring (May 4-8). The box office opened for general sales today after a week of priority access, and there are plenty of options: you can book daily passes for any of the days, or a weeklong season pass that’ll get you in on all three days. You’ll also be able to prebook your parking, campsite spot, and members’ passes, lunches and boozy brunches as needed, plus get your hands on a Badminton radio access voucher – highly recommended if you want extra insights from expert commentators and interviews with the riders, too.

One major change that’s been brought in this year is the lack of on-the-gate ticket sales. That means that you’ll need to book your tickets in advance – but on the plus side, it should speed up the notorious queues through Little Badminton village, which means more time perusing the trade stands and scoffing pheasant goujons. A win-win, really.

Until March 31, Badminton’s box office will be offering Early Bird prices, which can notch you up some decent savings – for example, a weeklong parking pass is £10 cheaper. You can check out all the options and book all your passes here (and yeah, we really do recommend a Bellini breakfast on cross-country day. You’re worth it.)

Not going to make it to the Cotswolds in person this year? You can also purchase access to Badminton’s own livestream service, Badminton TV, which will produce top-quality coverage throughout the event in a pay-per-view package. Currently, the package is priced at just £14.99, which will increase to £19.99 from April 1. Both horse inspections will be included. More information can be found here.

Are you planning a Badminton trip — or a top-notch viewing party — this year? Let us know what you’re most excited for in the comments. Go Eventing, and Go Badminton!

Meet #Supergroom Steph Simpson

By on Jan 12, 2022 9:00 am -

Boyd Martin’s Tsetserleg and his groom Stephanie Simpson. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Steph Simpson from Sutton, Vermont didn’t grow up with horses at all. Rather, she grew up on a dairy farm but was interested in horses, so she went to the University of Vermont for animal science with a focus on equine science. After graduating, Steph moved to Pennsylvania and started her working student experience — but little did she know that she would travel across the world and meet many people and horses in the years to come.

Steph began her career working for accomplished 5* rider Jane Sleeper, then a few months later joined the team assisting Dom and Jimmie Schramm. “I was with them for nearly five years and started as a working student, and then transitioned to their barn manager and groom,” she recalled.

After working for the Schramms, Steph freelanced for a year, taking on roles like working alongside a local vet and spending the winter with Liz Halliday-Sharp. Then, the phone rang. Boyd Martin was calling and wanted to offer the hardworking groom a position at his Windurra facility in Pennsylvania.

Boyd Martin celebrates with Steph on the podium at the Maryland 5 Star. Photo by Abby Powell.

When working with Boyd there’s always something to do, Steph explains. But the bustling environment at Windurra is fitting for an active person like Steph, who enjoys the variety and intensity. “I like that there’s not a ton of standing around or doing the same thing every day,” she explained. “We’re always running around and horses are coming and going.”

While it’s a dream for many, Steph wasn’t expecting a trip to the Olympics when she first started grooming. “Obviously, it was always a dream, but I didn’t really think I would ever get there,” she said. “Being able to go to Tokyo and with one of my favorite horses [Boyd Martin’s Tsetserleg TSF, owned by Christine, Thomas and Tommie Turner] was really huge — being able to be part of something that’s so much bigger than anything you could ever imagine.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Boyd Martin (@boydmartineventing)

With her high level of experience and years on the job, Steph has valuable advice for those wanting to become a groom or barn manager: “If you are unsure of how to do something, whether it’s wrapping or giving injections, seek out people in your life that know what you don’t.” Indeed, when it comes to proper horse management — at the five-star level or the Starter level — is a continuing education. You truly don’t know what you don’t know, which is why it’s always better to ask for help than assume, Steph says.

Not only is asking questions useful, but going the extra mile will also set you apart. “If you want to be in a position where you are one of the best in the industry then you have to be able to rise to the occasion and go above and beyond,” Steph advised. “Stay late and come early.”

Steph plans to continue grooming in the future and possibly become a part of committees and help other grooms along the way. Grooming has become a larger topic of much-needed conversation in recent months, with grooms mobilizing to have greater representation within governing bodies and protections on the job. “Whether that’s in a formal type situation or not, I want to be a resource for people while continuing to be able to travel,” Steph said.

Go Steph and Go Eventing.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Jan 12, 2022 12:01 am -

Have you followed Cool Ridings on Instagram yet? The program, founded by eventer Lydia Heywood, celebrates riders from diverse backgrounds with the goal of improving access to horses and the doors they can open as well as helping riders from developing nations. The social channels for Cool Ridings are always introducing me to new riders who have fascinating stories and backgrounds (and a whole mass of talent!) to share. Most recently, I’ve begun following Pradyumna Dhumal, an Irish-based Indian eventer who aspires to represent his country at the Asian Games and the Olympics. Coupled with the recent rise of Fouaad Mirza, who finished his first Olympic Games in Tokyo last summer, could there be an Indian Olympic eventing team in the future? Time will tell — but in the meantime, give both Pradyumna and Fouaad a follow!

U.S. Weekend Preview (yes, it’s time for those again!):

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

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

Wednesday News & Reading:

Did you know? EN’s News & Notes is always open for news items. Is your facility hosting a clinic? Want to announce a schedule change or other update? You can submit your news item by emailing [email protected] (note: sale ads and working student/groom openings are not permitted — check out Sport Horse Nation for these services — and inclusion in News & Notes is subject to editor discretion).

The USEA’s Instructor Certification Program is getting an update for the new season. The changes and the breadth of the program were discussed in an ICP Open Forum during last month’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention — catch up here.

Don’t forget: you can comment on the proposed changes to the USEF Rules for Eventing, which are slated to go into effect in 2023, through January 17. The proposals will still be subject to further discussion and review by both the USEA and USEF before finalization, but it’s important that the governing bodies hear from the stakeholders themselves — you! Click here to add your comments.

What should be on your winter horse care checklist? Depending on where you live, care in the winter can be quite different than any other time of year. What’s most important during the big chill? SmartPak has some insights here.

And now, over to you: what’s your best advice for heading south for a winter of training? What do you wish you’d known the first time you went sun-chasing? Let us know, and your words of wisdom could be featured in a forthcoming article.

Watch This:

If you missed the action at this year’s London Horse Show — an annual spectacle that made a return after a 2020 cancelation — the highlights show is now up and available for H&C+ subscribers! Click here to tune in.

Tuesday Video: Gentle Reminder(s) to Keep Your Dog on a Leash

By on Jan 11, 2022 4:00 pm -

Since Tilly posted this 25-year throwback video of British Pony Club Championships in News & Notes this morning, I’ve been going down the rabbit hole of Total Recall Video’s YouTube channel. It’s equal parts thrill and spill (perhaps, OK, definitely erring on the side of “spill”) with such classic eventing subgenres as “riders sometimes fall and disappear,” “can a horse jump over a car?,” “face plant from on high!,” “horse leaves course with rider over 7 bar gate,” “horsefall headspring,” “big muddy crash splash!!!,” “is this the world’s best dismount?,” “is this cross country fence even possible?,” “horse and rider jump at camera man,” “there’s nothing worse than falling in the water!,”  “horses and riders getting wet!,” “horse bolts 3!” and … you get the picture.

It’s not great etiquette to have your dog chase someone the entire way around a cross country course. Which happens in not one but two of this cameraman’s videos, and I think it might actually be the same dog?

Please keep those pups on a string, folks. Go Eventing.

Bookmark This! 2022 Calendar of North American FEI Events & Advanced H.T. + Notable Changes

By on Jan 11, 2022 1:00 pm -

Jumping into the New Year like … !!!! Will Coleman and DonDante. Photo by Abby Powell.

2022 is underway! Time to pull out that fresh clean slate of a calendar and start mapping out your eventing plans for the year ahead. For your convenience, here is a provisional calendar of North American CCIs and Advanced H.T. for the upcoming year. If the spreadsheet is not well-formatted on your device, here is a direct link.

Scroll down for notes on a few key changes.

Useful links:
USEA Calendar of Events
USEF Competition Search
Equestrian Canada Calendar of Events
FEI Calendar Search

Key changes:

  • Events still “Pending USEF Approval” are designated by italics (there are seven to date)– US Equestrian has advised to check back weekly for updates.
  • There are 57 FEI/Advanced events in 2022, down from 62 in 2021 and 58 in 2020.
  • Carolina International added CCI1*S and Advanced divisions.
  • Tryon International May 3-Day Event and Tryon Fall Horse Trials are new additions to the calendar. Tryon International added 1*.
  • Horse Park of New Jersey will not host FEI events, including Jersey Fresh.
  • Morven Park International will not offer Advanced.
  • Foshay International will not offer FEI divisions.
  • Virginia International will offer a 3*L.
  • Ocala Winter II H.T. added FEI divisions.
  • Stable View Spring added Advanced and will no longer offer 1*.
  • The Event at Terra Nova added 4*S and removed 2*L.
  • The Event at Rebecca Farm added a 3*S and will host the 2022 AEC.

If I made in any errors in this compilation (there are a lot of moving pieces!), please let me know at [email protected] and I’ll make a correction. Thanks, and best of luck to you all in 2022!

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jan 11, 2022 6:55 am -

It’s a jolly good week to be British eventer Bubby Upton! The talented young rider, who made her five-star debut at Pau and is currently finishing her final year of university, has been given three exciting new rides. Two of them come from the string of Australia’s Chris Burton, who she shares a yard with at the Chedington Estate, owned by the Guy family. Their horses Jefferson and Clever Louis, the latter of which won the 2019 Blenheim eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S in 2019, will now be campaigned by Bubby, as will the former Sam Griffiths ride Billy Liffy, who was produced to the upper levels by Liv Craddock. Expect big things to come from Team Upton this season!

Events Opening Today: Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch, Pine Top Advanced H.T.

Events Closing Today: Full Gallop Farm January H.T, Rocking Horse Winter I H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

A tack trunk injury, a comically misplaced marching band, and perhaps the most fortuitous auction win ever – these are just some of the plot points that form the incredible story of Beth Perkins, who finished sixth in the 1974 World Championships with Furtive. Read all about her adventures at Burghley here.

If you’re anything like me, you spend the winter months guzzling iron supplements, hoping for a little bit more get-up-and-go as a result. But can feeding iron have similarly beneficial effects for your horse, or is it a potentially harmful minefield? Horse Sport explains it all.

Kiwi superstar Clarke Johnstone is heading to the UK for the 2022 season. This adds a formidable string to the Kiwi squad’s bow ahead of this year’s World Championships, though the team currently remains without a chef d’equipe after Graeme Thom stepped down at the end of 2021.

OTTB fans in the south-east, rejoice: New Vocations is officially opening an Ocala base, which will be located at Trillium Sport Horses in Anthony, and spearheaded by eventer Erin MacDonald.

And now, over to you: what’s your best advice for heading south for a winter of training? What do you wish you’d known the first time you went sun-chasing? Let us know, and your words of wisdom could be featured in a forthcoming article.

Video Break:

Relive 25 years of Pony Club Championships in Great Britain– and some fences that are a real throwback to another era! — with Total Recall.

Monday Video: A European Horse Shopping Trip with Elisa Wallace

By on Jan 10, 2022 4:30 pm -

Horse shopping in Europe is still a hot ticket for eventers seeking their next top ride. Elisa Wallace and her crew made a recent trip to find some news horses for the Wallace Eventing string, and she brought us along for the ride in her latest video vlog. Find out who’s catching a plane back to the States in the video above!