Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Dec 28, 2021 7:39 am -

 

 

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I know I need to wind down the festive content, and I will, but only after I’ve shared these naughty little elves with you. This is the only kind of content my cheese-brain can process at the moment, and I suspect you’re all feeling much the same, so you’re welcome.

Events Opening Today: Pine Top Intermediate H.T., Ocala Winter I Horse Trials, Full Gallop Farm February I H.T.

Events Closing Today: Fresno County Horse Park Combined Test, Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks

Tuesday News and Notes from Around the World:

The points have been tallied, the honours have been distributed, and these are your 2021 USEA Intercollegiate Riders of the Year! This super program continues to grow and gain in strength and popularity, and we can’t wait to see what’s on the cards for 2022.

A partially-sighted teenager hopes to inspire others to jump and compete after taking 11th place at a Pony Club regional championship. Even more impressively, he did so without the aid of a guide rider, which he ordinarily uses to find his way to the next fence, because his guide’s horse pulled up lame partway around the course. 

A contentious rule-change in the UK now means that many drivers can legally tow a trailer without additional training and qualifications. The British Horse Society has provided some useful advice to motorists to help prepare them to do so safely and sensibly.

Sick of throwing marks away in your reinback? Steal some tips from the dressage world with this guide for laying the foundations for success from the ground first. Let 2022 be the year of straight lines and diagonal pairs of legs taking clear, confident steps, you dressage diva, you.

 

Video Break:

Relive one of the rounds of the year, as Great Britain’s Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin made a major move towards taking the European Championship back in September.

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #5 – Ride the Lexington 4*-S with Elisa Wallace

By on Dec 27, 2021 9:00 am -

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #5 spot goes to this video, which garnered 2,922 views when it was originally posted on April 26, 2021.

Normally, if there’s a live stream of a four-star event I’d be glued to my phone or computer during the cross country phase, but after having experienced an emotional roller coaster (from the comfort of my couch) while watching the 5* that morning I have to admit that I only very casually watched the cross country for the inaugural Lexington CCI4*-S as I booted myself out of my house and out to the barn to muck some stalls. I propped my phone up against the stall dividers as I mucked so I could at least hear the action while I did chores.

I’m sort of mad at myself for not paying more attention to it. From the glimpses I caught and from what I could hear it was a really tough track (multiple riders were jokingly calling it a 5*-S) and the gnarly wet conditions made the going even tougher. I mean, does this cover photo not give you major Burghley Leaf Pit vibes?! Derek di Grazia, who designed the Kentucky courses for both divisions, was not messing around.

I’m anxiously awaiting the on-demand reply of the whole division on USEF Network, but in the meantime Elisa Wallace has come through with a helmet came as usual! Elisa rode two horses in the division, Let It Be Lee (who is featured in this helmet cam and finished the course with one stop, which you’ll see) and Riot Gear who Elisa elected to retire on course. Enjoy the ride with Elisa and Lee and make sure you keep listening after they’ve completed the course — it’s always so interesting and educational to hear how Elisa analyses her rides afterwards!

#LRK3DE21: Website, EN’s Ultimate Form Guide, CCI4*-S Results, CCI5* Results, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Dec 27, 2021 8:29 am -

 

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Happy Monday (I think? Right??) folks! I don’t know about you, but I’ve fully disintegrated into a blob of a human being now. I’m 90% cheese; I’ve just eaten panettone in bed and got marmalade on the sheets, and I feel like I’m relearning the alphabet while typing this desperate little missive. But isn’t that what this time of year is all about? I know us horsey people aren’t very good at the whole ‘time off’ thing, and truly, it’s taken me my entire life to learn how to just relax without guilt, but I really do recommend leaning into your ‘you-time’ as much as you can over the next couple of days. Spend some quality time with your horse, just having a bit of no-pressure fun, and then head home to complete Netflix in your pajamas. Soon, we’ll all be soldiering on through a bleak January, wondering how on earth to get into selling feet pics on the dark web, but for now, we can give ourselves a bit of room to flourish. And by flourish, I mostly mean ‘scroll through Instagram marvelling at the fact that it’s suddenly entirely positive Covid tests and engagement announcements.’

National Holiday: It’s National Fruitcake Day! I’m all for snacking, but I’m over fruitcake, if I’m honest.

Your Monday Reading List:

Former FEI President Princess Haya is on the receiving end of the highest-ever divorce settlement awarded in a British court. The settlement — which could wind up at over half a billion pounds — will help to protect Princess Haya and her children from the ongoing threat posed by her soon-to-be ex-husband, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who has previously abducted both children and tapped Princess Haya’s phones.

British eventer Imogen Murray and her top horse Ivar Gooden are preparing for their return to competition, after an injury picked up at Bicton CCI4*-L early in the summer looked as though it could rule the superstar gelding out of upper-level eventing permanently. Now, the lanky chap is back under saddle and making great progress, so expect to see him storming around the big Bs before you know it. 

Further research has been done into the effects of leg protection on tendon health. The findings add further support to the idea that wrapping and booting increases heat, which in turn has a detrimental effect on tendons — so before you boot your horse up on autopilot, ask yourself if the day’s activities really require a full arsenal of protective gear.

Fancy a little cry this morning to break up all that snacking and television? Cookie McClung’s story of a fox, a fulfilled Christmas wish, and the magic of the hunt will melt even the most hardened of hearts today.

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

Want to feel consistently outperformed by the under-10s? These kiddos will entertain, inspire…and maybe make you feel a bit old and wimpy. It’s fine

Morning Viewing:

This fascinating footage of police horses undergoing training in the ’60s has completely inspired me to try some new desensitisation tricks — and give long-reining a go for the first time.

 

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #6 – This Helmet Cam is Literally All of Us on XC

By on Dec 26, 2021 1:00 pm -

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #6 spot goes to this video, which garnered 2,838 views when it was originally posted on May 27, 2021.

“Sorry, I can’t ride right now.” “Slow down!” “I’m scared.” “Holy sh*t!” “You’re going too fast!” “Good boy!” “I’m tired!” “Don’t jump the Prelim!”

If these exclamations sound relatable, then you’ll want to tune in to ride around the Beginner Novice at Ohio’s Winona Horse Trials with first-time eventer Heather Terdan and her Thoroughbred gelding, Dermontti, who was registered to race but never actually made a start on the track. This pair has been partnered together for 10 years – Heather first got “Monty” when he was eight and they’ve done a bit of everything together. This video comes from Heather and Monty’s very first foray into recognized eventing!

“I got him when he was 8, so he is 18 now,” Heather told EN. “We’ve done everything together all the way from hunters, equitation and then jumpers for awhile. He was very successful in the jumpers and I wanted to try something different. He started out as a timid horse and throughout the years we have grown together and his confidence really shown through! I did a few mini trials last year so wanted to try a horse trial and my goal is to qualify for finals in Novice.”

Heather Terdan and Dermonnti. Photo by Photography In Stride.

“I was so proud of Monty at his first horse trial,” she continued. “I expected him to be nervous and he exceeded my expectations and was a machine out there on cross country! We have our second competition at May Daze this weekend and I can’t wait!”

Best of luck in your next event, Heather, and welcome to the dark side! Enjoy the ride:

 

Posted by Heather Terdan on Sunday, May 16, 2021

Boxing Day Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on Dec 26, 2021 12:01 am -


Happy Boxing Day! Though as an American I must be honest that I still don’t exactly understand what Boxing Day is, but I do know there are always a lot Premier League matches on. Whatever your fancy, whether it’s watching soccer (sorry — football) or getting to the barn for a post-Christmas hack we hope you have a wonderful day!

Sunday Links:

Help at hand for Kentucky’s tornado-stricken horse farms

Teach Your Horse to Rein Back

Shoes And Hoof Circulation: Is There A Connection?

Six Things Your Horse Really Wants for Christmas

All About the Pre-Purchase Exam

Sunday Video: Just some idyllic ponies in a winter wonderland.

Fairfax & Favor Fan of the Week:

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #7 – Watch Tamie Smith & Mai Baum Score a 21.4

By on Dec 25, 2021 1:00 pm -

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #7 spot goes to this video, which garnered 2,547 views when it was originally posted on July 1, 2021.

While official scores were not handed out in yesterday’s dressage practice at the US Equestrian Mandatory Outing, held at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va., Tamie Smith has shared video of her test that earned a 21.4 from the judges.

Riding the new Olympic Games test before Mark Weissbecker and Debbie Adams, the Tokyo-bound combinations and the alternates were able to get some valuable feedback on what to perfect in this short and intense test. You can follow along with the movements using this link.

Want to see some other pairs practicing the Olympic test? Click here to see our round-up from yesterday, and catch up on today’s Mandatory Outing action in Kate Samuels’ report here.

Christmas Saturday Links

By on Dec 25, 2021 12:01 am -

Photo via the vast internet.

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals! We hope you give your horses heaps of carrots and peppermints today and bring a six pack of your barn manager’s favorite beverage and a piping hot coffee to them if you haven’t already. May everyone find some peace and relaxation this holiday season.

Saturday Links:

‘Good to be back’: five-star eventer has first ridden work since leg injury

Improve your jumping accuracy in just 30 minutes: 3 exercises from top eventer Sam Griffiths

Rule Refresher: How to Handle Inquiries, Protests, and Appeals

Can Moderate Exercise Build Better Bones in Baby Horses?

Saturday Video: Happy Christmas from Piggy March! Her gift to us? Training videos coming next year!

Friday Video from SmartPak: Behind the Scenes at the London International Horse Show

By on Dec 24, 2021 6:21 pm -

 

I’m still not quite over all the festive buzz and excitement at the London International Horse Show, which wrapped up on Monday evening, and if you’re not either — or you’d like your first taste of this delectable little nibble of equestrian excellence, this new video from the FEI in conjunction with a slew of horsey vloggers will certainly whet your whistle. Catch a few vibes, check out the shopping, and get the spectator experience in this great round-up — and then dive headlong into the happiest of holidays!

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #8 – A Day in the Life at the World Equestrian Center Ocala

By on Dec 24, 2021 1:00 pm -

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #8 spot goes to this video, which garnered 2,460 views when it was originally posted on February 11, 2021.

If you’ve been experiencing some FOMO ever since the new World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fl. opened, you’re not alone. I’ve been green with envy watching all of my friends competing at WEC Ocala, with its spacious arenas, great footing, and – perhaps most importantly – affordable pricing. Maybe one day I’ll experience it! In the meantime, this video tour gives us a glimpse at life inside this little slice of equestrian paradise.

 

Christmas Eve News & Notes Presented by Zoetis

By on Dec 24, 2021 12:03 am -

Holiday pony! Photo by Captivation Photography.

Today is a day for half horses, half baking. I’m making classic mince pies, and some super fluffy parker house rolls. I meant to get really festive this year and actually make a ton of proper holiday cookies, but alas, the time never appeared on my schedule to get really into it. The weather has been too nice to stay inside and bake!

News From Around the Globe:

Tis the day to look at cute photos of horses and dogs in holiday festive wear! Luckily for you, we have not one, but TWO different links with reader submitted photos that are just too adorable for words. [Holiday Horse Photos] [Holiday Pets Gallery]

Struggling with controlling your hip angle over fences? Every rider has a different style over jumps, but some positions are more functional than others. Beezie Madden gives advice on how to correct a too-closed hip angle over jumps, and why it happens. [Jumping Clinic with Beezie Madden]

The rider/trainer relationship is a crucial relationship in the enjoyment and success of riding horses. So what happens when it’s just not working?Sometimes problems arise when riders rely on their trainers more than they should. While a trainer serves as the ultimate supporter, teacher and mentor (and should be appreciated as such), when is it time to consider alternative options? [Alternatives to Having a Trainer?]

The mystery of breeding horses has long been the subject of study. New research shows that a mare’s attraction to a stallion—specifically, to his body odors, or “MHC”—affects pregnancy success rates. And, researchers found, mares appear to prefer stallions with MHCs that differ from their own. So in other words, opposites attract, even in the horse world. [Equine Opposites Attract]

And in closing this Christmas Eve, I don’t even know how to explain this video, but here you go: