Classic Eventing Nation

Diamond Deals From Aztec Diamond Equestrian

Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or yourself, finding high quality riding gear that fits well and looks good can be hard. Enter Aztec Diamond Equestrian. This UK-based brand aims to be a fashion-forward equestrian brand that offers stylish, high quality, technical apparel for all disciplines of equestrian sport. So far, they’re nailing it. That’s why we’ve put together this list of some diamond-level riding apparel from Aztec Diamond Equestrian.

Riding Staples (with a bit extra)

Limited Edition Onyx Full Seat Riding Leggings

These awesome leggings are made from recycled fabric and offer full coverage with four-way stretch. The detail I like best: the Aztec Diamond logo grip on the seat. It’s subtle and adds a unique feature that lets everyone know that even in your riding basics, you pay attention to detail.

Black/Neon Colour Block Base Layer

I’ll be honest — I can never have enough base layers. Whether it’s when I’m riding or just working around the barn, these are the foundation of my winter apparel. This color (or colour, for those in the UK) block base layer does not disappoint. It’s sleek, breathable and sweat-wicking. Plus, it just looks cool.

Limited Edition Black Quartz Base Layer

Speaking of base layers and looking cool, check out this Limited Edition Black Quartz Base Layer. Aztec Diamond clearly has the whole looking chic while riding thing down. The detail on this quick drying, breathable base layer makes me want to buy all of them… now. 

Reflective League Bomber Jacket

So, this is one isn’t as much of a riding staple as, say, leggings, but upon reflection (see what I did there?), it’s quite useful for those who hack out regularly. In fact, if there’s one way to insure your visibility on the road, this is it. Normally, the jacket is a deep gray/petrol color; however, it’s fully iridescent and reflective under light. So, this is one way to help keep you and your horse safe when visibility is low. Plus, it’s just freaking rad.

Stocking Stuffers

If you’re shopping for someone else, it can be hard to pick out apparel. That’s why these stocking stuffers are always safe.

Black Soft Shell Riding Gloves

These Black Soft Shell Riding Gloves are water resistant, touch screen compatible and have silicone imprint for grip while riding. Plus, they’re available in youth sizes as well as adult.

Tech Riding Socks

As an equestrian, I literally cannot get enough riding socks. I wear them until they have holes in them. That said, I definitely have favorites. These Tech Riding Socks top that list. They’re tall (always a must for me), sweat-wicking and offer spur strap padding. Plus they come in a variety of colors. How can you go wrong?

Beanie or Head Band

There’s nothing worse than a cold head while you’re tacking up or doing barn chores. That’s why this beanie and head band make for great stocking stuffers. They’re both made with luxurious ribbed fabric and the head ban is lined with faux fur to keep your ears warm.

For Young Riders

As the parent of three young children (two of whom ride), I am always looking for quality gear for them that both fits well and won’t break the bank. Aztec Diamond Equestrian offers a complete line of riding gear for young riders that has the same quality as their adult line and isn’t prohibitively expensive (plus, there are always deals to be had).

Young Riders Beige PC Leggings

These Beige PC Leggings are designed specifically for competitive riding and are Pony Club Approved. They’re made with a double-thick, four-way stretch fabric to keep young riders as comfortable as possible. They feature a secure, removable elastic boot strap, which means no Jodhpur clips required! They’re available in sizes appropriate four young children all the way up to adolescents.

YR Base Layer

This buttery-soft base layer will set the foundation for keeping your young rider warm and comfortable during those winter lessons. Plus, it comes in enough colors to keep even the pickiest riders happy.

Hand Warmer & Charger

One of the biggest issues I notice at the barn with my kids is how hard it is for them to keep warm. The little ones absolutely freezeHand Warmer & Charger as they learn to use their bodies and ride correctly. Their hands suffer the worst. This aims to keep those fingers much warmer while young riders are working around the barn. Not only is this amazing product is pocket size so it can go anywhere, but also it has been designed to lend a helping hand; whether this be warming hands or charging devices. (This product may be a must-have for young riders, but it’s making my list as well.)

YR Puffer Jacket

Another way to keep the kiddos warm is this YR Puffer Jacket. It is water-resistant and offers thick quilting to keep kids from ages four and up warm in the barn. Plus, it’s soft to the touch, which will ward off the complaints of itchiness and discomfort that often accompany layering children for warmth (at least in my household).

This list only scratches the surface of the awesome products available from Aztec Diamond Equestrian. In addition to fashion-forward clothing for riders, they also offer sleek horse wear that corresponds perfectly with their equestrian apparel. Plus, you don’t have to feel guilty about ordering from Aztec Diamond — many of their products are made from recycled material and all of their packaging is biodegradable.

Taylor Greene: From the Jumper Ring to an Eventing Euro Tour with Tamie Smith

Taylor Greene, from Nipomo, California unexpectedly found herself grooming for Tamie Smith in Europe at Aachen and Boekelo in the fall of 2021. Follow along as we learn about her journey!

Tamie Smith’s groom, Taylor Greene, takes on horse-whisperer duties. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Originally, grooming wasn’t exactly at the top of Taylor’s list. She was working for a hunter jumper trainer in San Luis Obispo, Ca., but her parents met Tamie at an event since they are photographers for most of the events on the Central Coast through the always popular Marcus Greene Outdoor Photography. “When [Tamie] had posted that she was looking for somebody, my mom had asked me and I was like, ‘no I like the situation I’m in now!'”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @365days_with_tay

Tamie posted seeking a groom again, and after some convincing, Taylor gave it a shot. She felt she had the base of knowledge she’d need for the job at hand through her riding and experience in other disciplines. “I feel like I have learned a lot from riding with her even though eventing isn’t my discipline,” she said.”

Taylor started by helping Tamie, then switched to helping Kaylawna Smith-Cook, Tamie’s daughter. One week, Taylor found herself working fully for Tamie, and a few weeks later, Tamie asked her to travel to Europe and be her groom there. “How do you really say no to all of that?” Taylor said. “So I was just like, ‘okay!’”

When Tamie went back to the U.S. for a few events during the Euro Tour, Taylor enjoyed staying with the horses — the Ahearn family and Eric Markell’s Mai Baum, Ruth Bley’s Danito and Julianna Guariglia’s Solaguayre California — in Europe. “I was able to lesson with Johann Hinnemann and really work on dressage,” she recalled. “And I was able to learn so much more about riding because she was gone and I had to ride the horses.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @365days_with_tay

Grooming in Europe did come with some challenges for Taylor. “I’m kind of a perfectionist, which is very hard to be when I’m trying to learn how to do something,” she explained. “So because I’ve never groomed before, I’m learning how Tamie likes everything done and just how to time manage everything. With those horses, there’s the physio and in Germany I put them on the treadmill daily or twice a day, and then there was the riding and the evening physio. I think just trying to make everything perfect and being the best that I could be was probably the most challenging.”

Taylor got a system going when she groomed for Tamie, with her Notes app on her phone quickly becoming her best friend for keeping track of tasks and staying organized. Taylor would write everything she needed to do in her Notes app and plan out her day from there.

“Whatever the ride time would be, I would have them ready ten minutes before she wanted to be on,” she explained. “I’d start getting ready 45 minutes before that just in case we needed to do a tack swap or something didn’t fit properly or something broke, or I got caught up doing something else.”

After the whirlwind tour and crash course in becoming an eventing groom, Taylor has since returned home and is focusing on her own riding. She has four horses of her own, which makes it difficult to be a full-time groom. She grooms for riders sometimes, and she recently helped her hunter jumper friend at a show. Going forward, Taylor wants to focus on her own four horses, and says she wants to “maybe pursue a different career, but always stay riding.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @365days_with_tay

Go Taylor and Go Eventing.

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #12 – Beware the Flower Monsters

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #12 spot goes to this video, which garnered 1,613 views when it was originally posted on Jan. 18, 2021.

I’m not very good at this whole tiktok thingy but luckily Georgie Newton is! I haven’t laughed this much in forever! It’s a good job we love him ❤️ watch with volume up!

Posted by Jess Roisin Dunn on Saturday, January 16, 2021

Sometimes you’ve just got to wonder what the heck is running though your horse’s head. This video hazards a guess and this hilarious voiceover seems like it could be pretty darn accurate!

British dressage rider Jess Roisin Dunn recounts this ride, which took place about two and half years ago at the Hartpury Festival of Dressage Premier League, by saying “I feel like that day will be engrained in my memory forever! [The horse’s] owner had driven the three hours to come watch. He had never been bothered by flowers up until that day. Unfortunately … he’s had a problem with flowers ever since! He was obviously hugely offended by the wispy ones 🤣🤣

When asked is she has any advice for riding through such moments, Jess told EN: “Mostly try to ignore it! I won’t ever win that battle with him so lots of big pats and scratches seems to lessen the reaction but not eradicate it!”

Thanks for sharing, Jess!

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

 

‘Tis the season — the season for big bucking fits, that is. Even those who ride older, ‘wiser’ horses aren’t safe from a case of five-minute madness, as demonstrated by Tiana Coudray‘s 2012 Olympic mount Ringwood Magister, who’s been busy teaching Morgan Evenett the true meaning of stickability. Ahh, they’re so sweet and sensible when they’re in their 20s, aren’t they?

National Holiday: It’s both National Caroling Day and National Sangria Day, and I fully condone combining the two to create an adrenaline sport I like to call ‘Danger Caroling.’

Your Monday Reading List:

Despite considerable backlash from the jumping community in particular, the three-to-a-team rule at the Olympics looks like it’s here to stay. But how did that vote get through — and is horse welfare being negatively impacted by the sway of ‘ghost voters’ in the form of smaller national federations? Pippa Cuckson investigates.

The extraordinary Rachael Blackmore has been named the World Sport Star of the Year at the BBC Sports Personality awards. This comes after an awe-inspiring season that saw her become the first-ever female winner of the Grand National and the first female leading jockey at Cheltenham. My own trainer discovered that the best way to get me to see a stride to a fence is to bellow “PRETEND YOU’RE RACHAEL BLACKMORE” at me as I turn onto the line, so she truly is magical.

After an Olympic Games, there’s always valid concern about what will happen to those expensive, purpose-built venues. Now, we know how Tokyo’s Baji Koen equestrian venue will be utilised going forward, and it’s a huge win for riders with disabilities at the grassroots and competitive levels.

Irish eventer Jonty Evans continues to make great strides in his ongoing recovery from the 2018 fall that left him with a traumatic brain injury. He and Cooley Rorkes Drift have been out showjumping recently, delivering what a round that Jonty describes as his first proud moment in competition since his return.

The FutureTrack Follow:

Travel the world, go behind the scenes at the biggest events, and learn a few useful tips from superstar vet Chris Elliott.

 

Morning Viewing: 

Watch recently retired jump jockey Lizzie Kelly and the Grade One winning Tea For Two tackle their post-track training with a bit of help from Piggy March — it’s perfect OTTB inspo for a gloomy Monday.

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #13 – From the Back Stretch to the Barn with Elisa Wallace

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #13 spot goes to this video, which garnered 1,609 views when it was originally posted on May 28, 2021.

Bringing home a new OTTB? You’re in great company – Elisa Wallace just did the same thing. Whether this is your first or thirtieth ex-racehorse, though, you can almost certainly benefit from a bit of extra advice and guidance, which is exactly what she provides in her new vlog. Meet her new arrival, and find out more about her process of buying and caring for a freshly retired racehorse – our only tip? Don’t watch it if you’ve been trying to talk yourself out of that CANTER cutie you’ve been eyeing up. It’s not going to help your self-control.

(Oh, go on, watch it anyway.)

Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

Jessica Halliday and Devyn Merritt Anderson. Photos via Area 1 on Facebook.

The USEA Area I Adult Rider Program (ARP) has announced a new annual award that honors Jessica Halliday and Devyn Merritt Anderson, who lost their battles with cancer this year after fighting bravely all while remaining active members of Area I eventing family and supporting and cheering on their fellow riders.  The annual Living Courageously Sportsmanship Award will be awarded to an active Area I ARP member who exemplifies their spirit and has “demonstrated support of their eventing community with fairness, integrity, humility, and kindness regardless of competition results and/ or what life might be throwing their way.”

The recipient will be awarded with $200 towards a future USEA Area I sanctioned event or USEA sponsored clinic and a commemorative prize. Nominations for recipients are due by January 15, 2022 to [email protected]

Saturday Links:

2023 Rule Change Proposal Comment Period Now Open

Valerie Pride & the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill

I Am EC: Dreams becoming reality for young eventer ignited by the thrills and challenges of the sport

‘Non Fungible Thoroughbreds’ Are 2021’s Worst Holiday Gift On Purpose

Stem Cell Therapy for Sport Horses

Saturday Video: Trust the retired World Champion event horse to steal the show at the Christmas party.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ros Canter (@ros_canter_eventing)

Fairfax & Favor Fan of the Week:

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Megan Brown (@megan_brown09)

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #14 – FEI Show Jumping Ponies Go ‘Ping’!

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #14 spot goes to this video, which garnered 1,551 views when it was originally posted on Oct. 26, 2021.

I spent far too much of yesterday afternoon trying to convince a wobbly bowl of jello trapped in the body of a 16.3-hand horse, who’d recently disposed of his own rider, that the 1’9″ gate he refused to go anywhere near was well within his ability, training and scope. You’ve got this, Ben! You are the far superior opponent in this game of Horse vs. Tiny Green Gate! You can do it! 

Despite his willingness to leap dramatically over it (so extra) in hand about 40 times in a row, as soon as I climbed back into the saddle Ben’s bravery and self-esteem crumbled. Final score: horse – 1, human – 0. Maybe tomorrow I’ll show him this video as proof, from the FEI Ponies Jumping Trophy presented by Agria which took place October 19 in Hernig, Denmark.

These pocket rockets have serious hops! At 1.30 meters (AKA 4’2″) they ping right off the ground. The winner was Denmark’s own Magdalene Rose Mikkelsen with her pint-size Irish Sport Horse Attyrory Rebel. Their jump-off round, about 53 minutes into the video, is FIERCE.

Oh, and Ben? I think you can try harder.

 

Saturday Links

Well, we’ve finally reached that time of the year where we have exactly zero recognized events running over the weekend. It feels oddly quiet and our daily News & Notes look weirdly truncated. I personally had a very light year in terms of showing, but had a great year for lessons and training, so as much as I am going to enjoy the winter down time, I’m already looking forward to things kicking back up next year!

Saturday Links:

Amateur Dressage Grant Established In Memory Of Jane Savoie

FEI Board makes key Series allocations for 2022 & 2023

Study: Spinal Column Anatomy Differs Between Breeds and Horses

Inclusion, Accessibility Will Be The Legacy Of Tokyo Games

A Step-by-Step Body Clipping Guide for Adult Amateurs

Saturday Video: Brining along an OTTB? Amelia Newcomb Dressage has some tips for improving canter transitions:

12 Days of Giveaways Day 12: Win 6 Free Months of Ride iQ

It’s hard to believe we’re already winding this giveaway spree down, but we hope you’ve enjoyed playing along and a few of you have some new goodies coming your way! Ready to wrap things up? We’re closing out our 12 Days of Giveaways by giving out a FREE 6-month subscription of the new guided coaching app, Ride iQ.

Not familiar with Ride iQ? You can read Abby Powell’s review here. In the app, you’ll find hundreds of audio lessons organized by type, level, horse temperament, and coach. Get on your horse, press play, and experience the best coaches in the world as ‘the voice inside your head’!

To enter, use the form below or click here to enter by midnight tonight and we’ll draw a winner at random and announce them in tomorrow’s giveaway. We will not share your email address with third parties, but you will opt-in for emails from us (don’t worry, we won’t overwhelm you and you can opt-out at any time!). Good luck!

And congratulations to Amanda K., the winner of yesterday’s giveaway with Haygain!

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #15 – Hacking Tips from Piggy March

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #15 spot goes to this video, which garnered 1,505 views when it was originally posted on Jan. 19, 2021.

Happy Hacking | Episode 4 | #PiggyVlog 2021 | Piggy March

❄️🐴🥶HAPPY HACKING!❄️🐴🥶

We do a lot of hacking at this time of year with all the horses coming back into work ahead of the new event season. Hacking is often thought of as ‘boring’ but it really shouldn’t be. It’s an essential part of my preparation and fitness work and I really focus on making the best possible use of all the ‘facilities’ that I have. I’m lucky to have a great set-up here at Maidwell (arena, gallop, etc) but you really don’t need much, or even anything really, to achieve an awful lot. I hope this video can give you all a few tips to take your happy hacking to the next level!💪🤞🤗

✅ Using hills (if you have them)
✅ Riding on different surfaces
✅ Trotting up (and maybe down) hills
✅ Working on flatwork basics
✅ Practising your transitions
✅ Getting your horse fit without ‘galloping’
✅ Stay warm🥶
✅ And don’t fall off!🐎💨🙈

#PiggyMarch #TeamPiggy #PiggyVlog

Dodson & Horrell
Devoucoux
Lincoln Horse Care
Protexin Equine Premium
Animalife Vetro Collection – Feel The Difference
TruckEast Ltd.
Parlanti Roma

Posted by Piggy March on Friday, January 8, 2021

Piggy March certainly needs no introduction as a senior member of the British Eventing team and the reigning Badminton winner. This winter, Piggy’s begun vlogging and we’re going back a few episodes to one full of her best practices for hacking out.

It’s no secret that hacking is a key ingredient to event horse fitness – indeed, in the absence of firm footing during the wet winter, most British riders make good use of the road systems to bring their horses back to peak form over time.

“Hacking sounds like it’s pretty simple, but I really don’t think it is,” Piggy explains in this episode. “Especially this time of year, when the horses have had a month to six weeks off. This to me is a really important time of their building up for the season.”

Hacking should be done with intention, however, and attention to detail must be paid. Was that transition nice enough, or should you try it again? While Piggy says hacking for her team is low-stress and low impact, the fact is that attention to the foundational basics will pay off when it comes time to get into proper schooling.

The benefit of the miles and miles of slow walking and trotting is that come March, “our horses are pretty fit, and it’s not by galloping them hard at all. It’s a lot of slow conditioning and build-up work.”

Long, slow distance is indeed a well-known manner for bringing a horse into fitness. Done correctly, this time put in over the off-season can reap benefits such as less lameness issues, more stamina on cross country, and more relaxation/less tightness. Of course, Piggy says, this is her system – every program, every horse, every rider is different. Nonetheless, there are still some beneficial nuggets of wisdom to be learned from these top riders and integrated into our own programs.

Happy Hacking, and don’t forget to follow Piggy on Facebook to watch her new vlogs as they are released.