Classic Eventing Nation

Maryland 5 Star Cross Country Schedule Adjusted Due to Weather Forecast + One 5* Contender Withdraws

By on Oct 16, 2021 8:22 am -

5, 4, 3, 2, 1…have a great ride! Photo by Sally Spickard.

As a precaution due to Saturday’s weather forecast, the following changes have been made for the Cross Country Driven by Land Rover at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill:

  • The CCI3*-L will start at 9:00 a.m. EDT.
  • The CCI5*-L will start at approximately 12:20 p.m. EDT, not its original time of 1:00 p.m.

Schedule remains subject to change due to weather. For updated scheduling and full event results, visit results.hippodata.de.

The entire CCI5* is available via livestream presented by MARS Equestrian. It can be accessed through USEF Network in North America and through Horse & Country outside North America. USEF Network is also providing exclusive coverage of the CCI3*. A link to the livestream is available on the event’s website via the USEF Network player. Additionally, press conferences are being livestreamed through the event’s Facebook page.

Lynn Symansky also posted on her Instagram page that she has withdrawn RF Cool Play.

“Spent a good part of yesterday a bit ill, and with Coolio new to the 5* level and already on the lighter side of fitness and runs, I’ve made the decision to withdraw before cross-country,” Lynn said. “It’s not a decision I take lightly, as he’s a great XC horse sitting in 4th position at his first 5*. While we often thrive in less than ideal circumstances, I feel it’s in the best interest of the horse to reroute to Tryon.”

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: Website, Ultimate Guide, Digital Program, Tickets, Schedule, Live Scores, Entries, Volunteer, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Daily Digest Email Sign-up, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

The Objects on This Course Are Larger Than They Appear: Walking XC With Law Eventing

By on Oct 16, 2021 8:00 am -

EN’s coverage of the Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. KPP is our go-to for all things nutritional when it comes to supporting our horses and their healthier selves. Managing horses is a challenge, but KPP makes it simple — and they treat you like a horse owner, not just a customer. You can learn more about KPP by clicking here.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Photos don’t always do the enormousness of a cross country course justice, even when we stick a small stuffed animal in the shot for scale. So we’re thankful for these videos from Law Eventing, with Leslie Law (who sits 21st after dressage with Voltaire de Tre) marching ahead dutifully while wife Lesley Grant-Law hangs back, offering some hilariously frank armchair commentary.

 

 

Well for those that believe endurance gone from Eventing prepare to b proven wrong. Move over Kentucky. There a bigger…

Posted by Lesley Leslie Grant-Law on Thursday, October 14, 2021

 

At the end the monster corners. They look like the American evil eagle off the muppet show.

Posted by Lesley Leslie Grant-Law on Thursday, October 14, 2021

Check out EN’s preview of Ian Stark’s formidable cross country track here. You can also check out Ian’s guide course preview (with fence-by-fence photos) on CrossCountryApp here. To all of today’s competitors, have a safe and happy ride!

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: Website, Ultimate Guide, Digital Program, Tickets, Schedule, 3* XC Ride Times, 5* XC Ride Times, Live Scores, Entries, Volunteer, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Daily Digest Email Sign-up, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Go Eventing.

Saturday Links

By on Oct 16, 2021 12:01 am -

Fence 27AB Brown Advisory Oriole Bird Water. Photo by Abby Powell.

These orioles, the state bird of Maryland, are ready to welcome the 5* riders home today. We’re all anxious to see how Ian Stark’s course will ride this afternoon and we’ll find out soon enough!

The CCI3*-L division will get things started at 9:15 a.m., followed by the CCI5*-L at 1 p.m. You can find 5* start times here and CCI3* times here.

Did you know we’re running some awesome giveaways and other activities this week at Maryland? A course walk this afternoon with Ema Klugman, a giveaway on Instagram for Fairfax & Favor as well as an Athletux ear bonnet (Frilly Fillies) and jump pad (Fleeceworks) bundle. Click here to learn more!

Don’t forget to check out our Maryland Form Guide, filled with all the info about every single horse in the 5*, and useful if you’re watching from home, or lucky enough to witness it in person.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries] [Friday 3* Dressage Start Times] [Friday 5* Start Times] [Digital Program] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage] [Daily Digest Email Sign-up] [EN’s Twitter] [EN’s Instagram]

Ocala Fall H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scoring]

Pine Hill Fall H.T. (Bellville, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Gina Jumps to Champion Title in Dutta Corp. USEA YEH East Coast 5-year-old Championships

Research Update: The Effect Of Ground Poles And Elastic Resistance Bands On Equine Muscle Activity

A Guide to Equine Diagnostic Imaging

Hot on Horse Nation: Reader Photo Challenge: Stellar Hairdos

Saturday Video:

Final Day of Preliminary Competition Wraps Up at Thoroughbred ‘Mega-Makeover’

By on Oct 15, 2021 8:27 pm -

One last look: a competitor tackles a fence on cross-country. Photo by CanterClix.

The culmination of ten months — or, for the 2020 horses, almost two years — of hard work came to fruition today at the Kentucky Horse Park as the final day of preliminary competition at the Thoroughbred ‘Mega Makeover’ came to a close. All ten Makeover disciplines have now set their Finale fields: the five top-scoring horses in each discipline will return for one more test in their respective competition years to determine final placings. The winner of each discipline will then be eligible to be named Thoroughbred Makeover Champion, sponsored by Churchill Downs, by a panel of all Makeover judges.

View preliminary round standings and see the Finale fields here. Learn more about the discipline leaders from today’s competition:

Jazz Napravnik and Legend’s Hope. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Eventing Leader: Legend’s Hope, trained by Jazz Napravnik

Legend’s Hope (Not For Love – Lunar’s Legend, by Polish Numbers) is a 2013 17.1 hand chestnut gelding who is a three-time contender in the Maryland Million Classic. He made 45 starts with four wins, earning $156,388 in his career. His last race was in November of 2019, retiring from Laurel Park.

Jazz Napravnik is a professional from Monkton, Maryland.

Hillary Irwin and Fleet Stepper. Photo by CanterClix

2021 Eventing Leader: Fleet Stepper, trained by Hillary Irwin

Fleet Stepper (Midshipman – Raven’s Rockette, by Raven’s Pass) is a 2017 16.2 hand bay mare who made three career starts but never broke her maiden, retiring after her last start in August of 2020. She’s a Kentucky-bred by 81 Gotham LLC.

Hillary Irwin is a professional based in Ocala, Florida.

Lindsey Partridge and Thunderous Affair. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Competitive Trail Leader: Thunderous Affair, trained by Lindsey Partridge

Thunderous Affair (Liaison – Thunder Fan, by Thunder Gulch) is a 2017 16.2 hand gray/roan mare bred in Kentucky by Jim Williams. She never made a start, but did train to race, and last worked in September of 2019. CANTER Michigan aided in her transition.

Lindsey Partridge is a professional based in Pontypool, Ontario.

Abbey Blair and Super Terrific. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Competitive Trail Leader: Super Terrific, trained by Abbey Blair

Super Terrific (Super Saver – Tiz Terrific, by Tiznow) is a 2014 16.2 hand bay gelding bred in Kentucky by T. F. Van Meter & Fanfare. He sold as a weanling at Keeneland November for $110,000, then again as a yearling at Keeneland September for $85,000. He went on to make 19 starts with two wins, earning $60,907 over his career. His last race was in June of 2020 at Belmont Park.

Abbey Blair is a professional from London, Kentucky.

Stephanie Calendrillo and Dispatcher. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2020 Dressage Leader: Dispatcher, trained by Stephanie Calendrillo

Dispatcher (Distorted Humor – Charity Belle, by Empire Maker) is a 2015 16.3 hand chestnut gelding, bred in Kentucky by Godolphin. He made four starts with one win, retiring with $13,145 in earnings. His last start was in June of 2019 at Belmont Park.

Stephanie Calendrillo is a professional from Georgetown, Kentucky.

Alison O’Dwyer and Kubo Cat. Photo courtesy CanterClix.

2021 Dressage Leader: Kubo Cat, trained by Alison O’Dwyer

Kubo Cat (D’Wildcat – Golden Diva, by Gold Fever) is a 2016 16.0 hand chestnut gelding, bred in Louisiana by Carrol Castille. He made 16 starts, but never broke his maiden, retiring with $24,895 after his last start in December of 2019 at Delta Downs.

Alison O’Dwyer is a professional based in Severn, Maryland.

Cameron Sadler and Zapper. Photo by CanterClix.

 

2020 Field Hunter Leader: Zapper, trained by Cameron Sadler

Zapper (Ghostzapper – Doryphar, by Gone West) sold as a two-year-old through Ocala Breeders’ Sale in April of 2017 for $25,000, and went on to make 15 career starts with one win. He retired with $8,141 in earnings after his last race in August of 2019 at Indiana Grand Race Course. The 2015 15.3 hand bay gelding was bred in Kentucky by Kendall E. Hansen, M.D. Racing, LLC.

Cameron Sadler is an amateur from Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Laura Sloan and Forthegreatergood. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Field Hunter Leader: Forthegreatergood, trained by Laura Sloan

Forthegreatergood (Scipion – No Peeking, by Langfuhr) earned $46,734 in his 22-race career, most recently running at Laurel Park in June of 2020. He raced his entire career for his Maryland-based breeder/owner/trainer Donna B. Lockard. Forthegreatergood is a 2015 16.1 hand gray/roan gelding, bred by Donna Verrilli.

Laura Sloan is a professional from Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Lindsey Partridge and Thunderous Affair. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Freestyle Leader: Thunderous Affair, trained by Lindsey Partridge

Thunderous Affair (Liaison – Thunder Fan, by Thunder Gulch) is a 2017 16.2 hand gray/roan mare bred in Kentucky by Jim Williams. She never made a start, but did train to race, and last worked in September of 2019. CANTER Michigan aided in her transition.

Lindsey Partridge is a professional based in Pontypool, Ontario.

Jody Busch and Papa Al. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Freestyle Leader: Papa Al, trained by Jody Busch

Papa Al (Papa Clem – Morell’s Love, by Cutlass Reality) is a 2012 16.1 hand bay gelding bred in California by Salah Said Al-Mudarris. He made 36 starts with three wins for total career earnings of $26,831. His last start was in September of 2019 at Assiniboia.

Jody Busch is a professional from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Willowbrook Polo and That’s My Bertie. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Polo Leader: That’s My Bertie, trained by the Willowbrook Polo team

That’s My Bertie (Baptistry – Fat Cat Bertie, by Tactical Cat) is a 2017 15.0 hand dark bay/brown mare bred in Ohio by Carol Rettele. She made two lifetime starts and never git the board, retiring with $599 in earnings. Her last race was November of 2019 at Mahoning Valley Race Course.

Willowbrook Polo team is captained by Michael Groubert and based in Canfield, Ohio.

Michael Groubert and Ramses. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Polo Leader: Ramses, trained by Benjamin Lynch

Ramses (Pioneerof the Nile – Dancing House, by Tapit) was bred in Kentucky by Godolphin. The 2018 15.0 hand bay gelding made just two career starts for owner/breeder, failing to hit the board and retiring with $248 in career earnings. His last race was in December of 2020 at Tampa Bay.

Benjamin Lynch is an amateur from Fallston, Maryland.

Charles Hairfield and Still Dreaming. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Show Hunter Leader: Still Dreaming, trained by Charles Hairfield

Still Dreaming (Flatter – Seeking Gabrielle, by Forestry) is a 2016 16.2 hand chestnut gelding bred in Kentucky by Hinkle Farms. He was a $460,000 yearling purchase at Keeneland September in 2017, and went on to make seven starts with two wins. He made two graded stakes starts but failed to place in either. He retired with $63,140 in earnings after his last race, the 2019 Easy Goer Stakes at Belmont Park.

Charles Hairfield is professional from Johns Island, South Carolina.

Lara Van Der Heiden and Ironic. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Show Hunter Leader: Ironic, trained by Lara Van Der Heiden

Ironic (Five Iron – Only, by Salt Lake) is a 2017 16.2 hand gray/roan gelding bred in Arkansas by Starfish Stable, LLC. He made six starts but never hit the board, retiring with $859 in earnings after his last start in September of 2020 at Louisiana Downs.

Lara Van Der Heiden is an amateur from Carlisle, Kentucky.

Samantha Fawcett and Canton Comet. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Show Jumper Leader: Canton Comet, trained by Samantha Fawcett

Canton Comet (Shanghai Bobby – Katie’s Ten, by Rock Hard Ten) is a 2016 16.3 hand black mare bred in Kentucky by Kirby Chua. She sold for $80,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September in 2017, and went on to make nine starts with one win. Her final start was in August of 2019 at Arlington, where she retired with $20,698 in earnings.

Samantha Fawcett is a professional from Alton, Ontario.

Kamerra Brown Allen and Highest Rank. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Show Jumper Leader: Highest Rank, trained by Kamerra Brown Allen

Highest Rank (Courageous Cat – Hipshootinmomma, by Successful Appeal) is a 2016 16.1 hand bay gelding bred in New York by John T. Behrendt. He made 23 career starts, but never broke his maiden; he retired with $16,893 in career starts after his final race in October of 2020 at Finger Lakes.

Kamerra Brown Allen is a professional from Fulton, Missouri.

Layne Shaffer and Floo Powder. Photo by CanterClix.

Round Two at Makeover Barrel Racing/Thoroughbred Incentive Program Barrel Racing Championships

The final round of the inaugural Thoroughbred Incentive Program Barrel Racing Championships wrapped up the day’s competition. Featuring the Thoroughbred Makeover Barrel Racing competitors from both 2020 and 2021, as well as open horses from all over the country, the TIP Barrel Racing Championships awarded prizes for the fastest times of the evening in a 4D format, including buckles for the winners of the average.

Makeover entrants’ times counted towards their overall standings in the Barrel Racing discipline, and those who opted to enter the championships rolled their times to those standings.

Layne Shaffer, a professional from Thomasville, Pennsylvania with her Floo Powder (Exchange Rate – LA Wildcat, by Forest Wildcat) won the 1D average, as well as round two. Bred by Shaffer’s employer Arrowwood Farm, Floor Powder is a 2011 Pennsylvania-bred gelding who made five starts but never won, earning $8,109.

“It was a really long road, and I had him for three years before I started running him. This really means a lot,” said Shaffer. “It means a lot for me, it means a lot for the farm, because we’ll be able to show what these guys can do. It’s really cool to have a Barrel Racing Championships. There are still people who think they can’t barrel race and be successful, and that’s not the case. The whole atmosphere of this show is a whole other level!”

Tessa Elton and Monba Number Five. Photo by CanterClix.

2020 Barrel Racing Leader: Monba Number Five, trained by Tessa Elton

Tessa Elton and Monba Number Five. Photo by CanterClix
Monba Number Five (Monba – Nice Dilemma, by Silver Deputy) is a 2013 16.2 hand gray/roan mare bred in Pennsylvania by MD Thoroughbreds. She made 39 career starts, including six wins, for total earnings of $51,285. Her last race was in February of this year at Mahoning Valley Race Course.

Tessa Elton is a professional from Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania.

Dakotah Rowel and Tip Top Diva. Photo by CanterClix.

2021 Barrel Racing Leader: Tip Top Diva and Dakotah Rowel

Tip Top Diva (Garnered – Little Tip Top, by Two Smart) made three career starts and never broke her maiden, retiring after her last start at Charles Town in September of 2020 with $1,225 in total earnings. She’s a 2015 15.3 hand chestnut mare, bred in West Virginia by Rene Moore, Rachael Moore and Mary Moore.

Dakotah Rowel is professional trainer from Eighty Four, Pennsylvania.

TIP Championships Round Two Winners:
1D: Layne Shaffer and Floo Powder
2D: Jessica Frederick and Czraina Maria (2020 Thoroughbred Makeover entrant)
3D: Christy Drent and Justa Jester
4D: Stacey Stephens and In the Kisser (2021 Thoroughbred Makeover entrant)

TIP Championships Average Results:
1D: Layne Shaffer and Floor Powder
2D: Hadley Jumps and Just in Flash (2019 Thoroughbred Makeover graduate)
3D: Megan Hems and Nucks (2020 Thoroughbred Makeover entrant)
4D: Christy Drent and Justa Jester

Polo preliminary competition on the Secretariat Field. Photo courtesy Bethany P Photography.

Congrats to all. Go Thoroughbreds!

Thoroughbred Makeover: Entry List, Scores, ASPCA Makeover Marketplace, Vendor Fair, Silent Auction, Master Class, Seminar Series, Ticketing Information

Friday Video from SmartPak: What’s the Buzz About the Maryland 5 Star Cross Country?

By on Oct 15, 2021 8:00 pm -

Ian Stark’s first CCI5* design has everyone buzzing here at the Maryland 5 Star — and for good reason. We’ve talked a lot about the course — you can take a closer look here — and we’re looking forward to following along tomorrow as the riders tackle it for the very first time. We caught up with Oliver Townend, Tim Price, Will Coleman, Buck Davidson, Fylicia Barr, Jessica Phoenix, Meghan O’Donoghue, Clayton Fredericks and Lynn Symansky to ask their thoughts on what they were expecting:

We also had the pleasure of getting to know course builder Eric Bull today, and you can watch his interview below. Spoiler alert: he’s been involved with this event nearly since day one, and says his favorite part of building is seeing all of the moving parts come together in the end.

Many, many people are involved in creating a cross country course. Eric Bull of ETB Equine Construction, LLC has been involved with the Maryland 5 Star since the beginning, helping bring Ian Stark’s vision into reality. He’s thrilled to be here for his first 5* build.

Edit: Apologies for the video cutting off near the end! Technical difficulties.

Posted by Eventing Nation on Friday, October 15, 2021

Friday Instagram Round Up: Dressage Done and Dusted

By on Oct 15, 2021 6:54 pm -

EN’s coverage of the Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. KPP is our go-to for all things nutritional when it comes to supporting our horses and their healthier selves. Managing horses is a challenge, but KPP makes it simple — and they treat you like a horse owner, not just a customer. You can learn more about KPP by clicking here.

It’s the calm before the storm. Competitors have the first phase behind them, and now it’s time to get serious about the cross country challenge ahead. See what’s been going on behind the scenes of the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill.

Tag your own photos at Maryland 5 Star or Fair Hill, Maryland for inclusion in our next Instagram roundup!

 

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Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: Website, Ultimate Guide, Digital Program, Tickets, Schedule, Thursday 3* Ride Times + Leaderboard, Thursday 5* Ride Times + Leaderboard, Entries, Volunteer, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Daily Digest Email Sign-up, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Five Newcomers to the Top 10 to Wrap Up Dressage at Maryland 5 Star

By on Oct 15, 2021 6:27 pm -

EN’s coverage of the Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. KPP is our go-to for all things nutritional when it comes to supporting our horses and their healthier selves. Managing horses is a challenge, but KPP makes it simple — and they treat you like a horse owner, not just a customer. You can learn more about KPP by clicking here.

Tim Price and Xavier Faer. Photo by Abby Powell.

We knew we’d see some heavy hitters coming in to take their swing at the CCI5* dressage on day two at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. No one would quite make it to challenge the top of the board, which will still be occupied by Great Britain’s Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class on a score of 21.1, but New Zealand’s Tim Price was good for second place with Trisha Rickards’ Xavier Faer (Catherston Liberator – Faerie Dazzler, by Catherston Dazzler). Tim and “Hugo” collected one of a handful of 5* personal bests given out this afternoon, earning a 24.3 from the judging panel of Angela Tucker, Mark Weissbecker and Martin Plewa to tick a few marks off his previous best score of 28.2.

Despite one bobble in the flying change work, Tim says he was very pleased with the 15-year-old British Sport Horse gelding’s work in the ring today.

“He struggles with this dressage job where he’s got to put his body together the whole time repackage step under,” Tim said. “And if I don’t quite get that mastered in time for something quite difficult like a change he just gets a bit discombobulated and that’s what happened. That’s improved when he started at this level. I think I was lucky to get one of the four changes and now we’re getting three of the four and the rest of the quality is up, so I’ve got to be pleased. Every horse has strengths and weaknesses and you sit them on.”

 

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Both Tim and Jonelle Price’s horses this week are owned by Trisha Rickards, and it was thanks to her unwavering support that they opted to hop on a plane to the U.S. rather than the much logistically simpler trip to Pau, happening later this month. The big and open nature of this track, they said, is something they felt suited their horses better than the twists and turns of Pau, not to mention the fact that this was a supreme opportunity to experience and test out a brand-new five-star. Jonelle and Classic Moet also did their dressage today, and though “Molly’s” preference wouldn’t exactly be the first phase, but they earned a respectable 30.6 to sit 16th.

Boyd Martin and On Cue. Photo by Abby Powell.

Boyd Martin has had Christine Turner’s On Cue fit and raring to go all summer, as she was designated as his alternate ride for the Tokyo Olympics. The 15-year-old Anglo European mare (Cabri d’Elle – On High, by Primitive Rising) traveled to the training came held at Aachen with the team, but ultimately was not called up. So after a couple of weeks of downtime upon return to the States, Boyd began legging her back up for this weekend. On Cue beat her 4* and 5* personal bests with her score, earning a 25.0 to slot into third place overnight.

“A lot of preparation and practice and hard work goes into performing this dressage test,” Boyd commented. “Even though it’s only seven minutes long, there’s hundreds and thousands of hours of practice to get to that point. I was obviously thrilled with On Cue, she’s just a fantastic horse I love her. She’s flamboyant, she’s a mover, she’s really smart and tries hard. You stay up late at night worrying that little things are going to go wrong and I was just really, really pleased with the way she performed.”

Lauren Nicholson and Landmark’s Monte Carlo. Photo by Abby Powell.

Lauren Nicholson is here this weekend with Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Landmark’s Monte Carlo (Formula One – Glamour), who also earned a personal best with a 28.5 as one of the final pairs to see in the ring today. It’s always a special weekend for Lauren, but with Hannah Sue Burnett’s Harbour Pilot also competing, we have two among the original homebreds produced out of Ms. Mars’ breeding program.

“He’s not the most flashy mover, but if you have him where he’s relaxed and quiet he’ll go in there and just knock off the movements,” Lauren said. “Especially in an atmosphere like this being accurate and just going through the movements without having any tension will get you up the leaderboard.”

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore. Photo by Abby Powell.

Phillip Dutton was also among the last to go today to wrap up the dressage with Ann Jones, Tom Tierney and David Vos’ Fernhill Singapore (Singapore – Riedellia, by Animo), who improved on his debut 5* score of 35.0, earned at Kentucky, with a 29.0 to end the first phase in ninth place. Phillip is here with two younger horses this weekend; the Sea of Clouds Partnership’s Sea of Clouds did his test yesterday in his 5* debut and earned a 31.5 for 20th place overnight.

Harry Meade and Superstition. Photo by Abby Powell.

Another visitor from Great Britain, Harry Meade, was tickled with his ride about Superstition, a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Satisfaction FRH. This pair earned a 29.1 to complete the top 10. “Slinky” (who got his nickname because he originally came in with the barn name “Stinky”, but he didn’t want to call him that so they took the cross of the t and went with “Slinky” instead) is one who Harry says get a bit of “stage fright”, and so he’s tried to come up with empathetic ways to encourage him to breathe and engage his diaphragm. Listen to him explain it:

 

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“In some ways he exceeded my expectations,” Harry continued. “The trot work like he was on air. He’s a horse that you can’t practice the test too much on. He hasn’t been in a dressage saddle in a week. I’ve galloped him every day. I did some pole work before my test and then ran through a three-star test. Got off him for 5 minutes, got back on him two minutes before, and went in. I had to run through the test a million times in my head because I couldn’t work him through it. He executed everything I wanted and actually to a higher level than I’d hoped for. It was just the changes, he got a little bit tight.”

As we look ahead to tomorrow’s challenge, 40 out of the 45 starters are separated by just 20 penalties. We know with certainty that the dressage scores won’t quite matter so much come tomorrow evening, but we have a unique circumstance in that there is no precedent at this event. We don’t know how the track will end up in terms of average completion rate or average number to make the time. Speaking with the riders throughout the week, the general sentiment is that the track is to be respected and the terrain will be influential. You can check out our preview of the 5* track here.

We will kick things off in the morning with the CCI3*-L cross country at 9:15 a.m., followed by the CCI5*-L at 1 p.m.. You can find 5* start times here and CCI3* times here. The weather forecast is calling for rain, with scattered storms forecasted to begin around 2 p.m. and lasting through the afternoon, so that adds another layer of challenge to the track. We can’t wait to get out there — and thank you to everyone who joined Ema Klugman and Kate Samuels for our course walk this afternoon in partnership with RideiQ!

Until tomorrow — Go Eventing!

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: Website, Ultimate Guide, Digital Program, Tickets, Schedule, 5* XC Start List, 3* XC Start Times, Leaderboard, Entries, Volunteer, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Daily Digest Email Sign-up, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Maryland Friday Lunch Break Look Around: Young Horses, Mustangs, and 3* Wraps Dressage

By on Oct 15, 2021 1:02 pm -

EN’s coverage of the Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products. KPP is our go-to for all things nutritional when it comes to supporting our horses and their healthier selves. Managing horses is a challenge, but KPP makes it simple — and they treat you like a horse owner, not just a customer. You can learn more about KPP by clicking here.

Mia Farley and Invictus. Photo by Abby Powell.

We’re well into Friday already here at The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. It’s been a relative quiet morning, but the bustle is picking up as we creep towards the afternoon session of dressage where we’ll watch the second half of the 5* division finish out the first phase.

The top three competitors remain the same at the conclusion of dressage for the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship, which is led by Kurt Martin and D.A. Lifetime. Daniel Clasing turned in the top ride of the day on Olney Uncle Sam, earning a 26.0 and slotting into 4th place.

Daniel Clasing and Olney Uncle Sam. Photo by Abby Powell.

The YEH jumping ring was bustling with activity this morning, as a number of spectators made the trek out to the Sawmill Field to watch the jumping portion of the 5-year-old championship. The crowd got into it too — hooting and cheering as the riders demonstrated their horses’ gallop. At the time of writing this report there are a brand new top three in podium position, with half the division still to go after lunch.

Mia Farley and Invictus, an American Warmblood gelding (Diarado — Sunset Paradise) owned and bred by Karen O’Connor are leading the pack thanks to perfect scores across the board for cross country efforts, overall jump impression, and general impression. They’re closely followed by Phillip Dutton and Lincoln’s Address, a off-the-track Thoroughbred gelding (Union Rags — Sincerely) owned by wide Evie Dutton, and then Tim Bourke and Kung Fu Quality, a Thoroughbred/Warmblood gelding (Imothep — Rose and Crown) owned by himself, wife Marley Stone Bourke, and Sharon Church. All the horses earned a perfect 10 score for their general impression. You can view the 5 Year Old scores here.

We’re headed back out to the arena for the start of the five-star dressage now! Stay tuned for much more to come, but in the meantime enjoy a gallery from my walk around this morning.

Maryland 5 Star: Website, Ultimate Guide, Digital Program, Tickets, Schedule, Friday 3* Ride Times, Friday 5* Ride Times, Live Scores, Entries, Volunteer, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, Daily Digest Email Sign-up, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

A Familiar British Face in the 3*-L at Maryland: Oliver Reunites with Juli Sebring’s Ulises for a Catch-Ride

By on Oct 15, 2021 9:45 am -

Oliver Townend and Ulises after their Maryland test. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Scanning the CCI3*-L entry list at the Maryland 5 Star, a familiar British face appears, entered on an American (and a local one, at that) horse. That’s right: Oliver Townend is catch-riding Juli Sebring’s Ulises, who is a former ride of his that he competed up through the CCI4* level in England.

Juli purchased Ulises earlier this year and set about forming a partnership with him. She worked hard to get her qualifications in order for the 3*L, but “there just came a point in time where I knew we weren’t going to make it,” she explained. “I was having to run him so much, and I didn’t want to break him in the process.”

Oliver Townend and Ulises. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

So, on a whim, she sent an email across the pond.

Ulises got his competitive start with Andrew Nicholson back in 2012, eventually moving up through the Advanced and former 3* level before the ride went to Oliver in 2016. He would continue gaining Advanced mileage with Oliver, picking up a fourth place finish in the CCI4*-L at Ballendenisk in 2019, qualifying for the CCI5* level as well.

Juli Sebring and Ulises. Photo by Amy Dragoo.

But Oliver hadn’t seen Ulises for two years, and Juli had purchased Ulises through Andrew Williams after he’d been back with his former owner, Corrina Bithell, since 2020. “I wasn’t sure what he’d say, seeing how I’d never talked to him before,” Juli laughed.

Oliver was quick to respond though, saying he’d love to take a spin around on his former pal and even agreeing to teach a couple of lessons while he was at Juli Sebring’s Appleton Equestrian, which essentially backs right up to the Fair Hill property. Below are some tidbits and tips from Oliver’s lessons, as told by Juli:

  • Riders began on the flat. Oliver said it’s good to leave the horse alone for the first five minutes then begin encouraging them to move forward. He had them build into the trot, telling them that it doesn’t matter if they canter, the horse just has to respond positively by going forward. The reason? More power will help the horses carry themselves, so that the rider can then be quieter.
  • “Try to be quicker in your mind, gentler with your reaction” was a good quote from the jumping phase. Oliver wanted horses forward to the fences with balancing before the fence. He encouraged riders to plan ahead, turn their heads and always be thinking what’s next.
  • He was very encouraging, and very communicative with the audience of about 30 people.

You can catch Juli and her team cheering on their hometown hero all weekend long in these adorable matching shirts:

This morning, Oliver and Ulises scored a 29.4 in their dressage test, putting them into 10th place provisionally with the last third or so of the CCI3*-L yet to see.

Oliver Townend and Ulises. Photo by Sally Spickard.

We’ll be cheering on, too! Go Eventing.

Volunteer Nation: Six Events That Could Use a Helping Hand This Weekend

By on Oct 15, 2021 9:00 am -

 

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Live in the Fair Hill area-ish? Or in the mood for a road trip? The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill still has a few volunteer spots open! I’m seeing some general help, cross country crew, trade fair, crossing guard, cross country decorator, videographer and awards committee positions available. Click here to check ’em out and get a front row seat to what promises to be history in the making.

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

USEA Events

Pine Hill USEA Fall Horse Trials (October 15th, 2021 to October 16th, 2021)

Ocala Fall Horse Trials (October 13th, 2021 to October 16th, 2021)

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill (October 2nd, 2021 to October 21st, 2021)

The Event at TerraNova (October 15th, 2021 to October 24th, 2021)

Other Events

Eventing for the Cure (October 14th, 2021 to October 16th, 2021)

Stable View October Eventing Academy (October 12th, 2021 to October 17th, 2021)

Go Volunteers. Go Eventing!