Classic Eventing Nation

Maryland 5 Star Athletes & Horses to Receive 5-Star Treatment

By on Sep 10, 2021 9:00 am -

Tim Bourke and Quality Time at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill’s test event in August 2020. Photo by Amy Dragoo.

Athletes and horses competing in the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill will receive the 5 Star treatment throughout their stay. Special amenities are being provided by many of the Event Partners to ensure the best experience possible for the competitors, starting even before they arrive at Fair Hill!

The new Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is fast approaching, to take place October 14-17 at the newly constructed Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Maryland (Cecil County). In addition to the CCI5*-L, the event will feature a CCI3*-L serving as the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship, and The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland.

The Fair Hill Organizing Committee, in partnership with Fair Hill International, will offer a number of amenities to athletes, thanks to many of the Event’s Sponsors. As previously announced, the Event is proudly offering total prize money of $325,000 with the 1st Place finisher of the CCI5*-L taking home $100,000. There is also a Participatory Bonus where all 5* entries are eligible for a $500 bonus upon completion of the first horse inspection.

Other Event offerings include the following from Event Partners:

The Dutta Corp. – starting with overseas travel to Fair Hill, the event’s Official Air Transport partner (www.timdutta.com) will be assisting athletes with organizing round-trip flights with discounted bookings for their horses from Belgium’s Liège Airport and arrival into New York City’s JFK International Airport along with facilitating all quarantine requirements at The ARK and more.

Brook Ledge Horse Transportation– the Official Ground Transport partner will be providing complimentary ground transport for horses that arrive from The Dutta Corp organized flight referenced above from The ARK to Fair Hill and also serves as the entitlement sponsor of the Athletes’ lounge.

Embassy Suites Newark Wilmington South– Athletes can secure reduced rates through the event organizers between October 10-18 along with complimentary breakfast, parking and wifi.

MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Equine Veterinary Health Center – Supported by twelve boarded equine veterinary specialists and staff from Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center, and powered by Mars, Incorporated’s featured brands ANTECH™ and SOUND® Imaging. Together they will be offering advanced diagnostic services and imaging, along with a variety of other Penn Vet services including anesthesia, cardiology, and emergency and critical care. A full imaging suite, featuring Sound’s Digital Radiography and GE ultrasound, will be available to the veterinary team and all international and domestic competitor teams.

Quarry View Building Group– The Official Design and Construction partner exclusively of Timber Frame Structures, Custom Accessory Buildings, Equestrian Facilities and Event Venues, will be providing five brand-new, custom-built dressage judges huts for the Event along with entitling the Owners’ Hospitality and amenities during the Cross Country Phase.

Attwood Equestrian Surfaces– The Official Manufacturer and Installer of Equestrian Footing has installed the very best surface in the competition arenas to enhance the safety and performance for both the horse and rider. In addition, they will prepare and maintain the footing throughout the competition.

Hippo Data – This world renown timing, scoring, data integration, live scoring and graphics company will handle all aforementioned competition needs.

FEI Stabling – 5 Star and 3 Star horses will experience “the new standard in temporary stabling” on site. Stables will be 10’ x 14’ with a 12’ aisle and a Clearspan® Roof, plus 10′ x 10′ temporary wash racks will be available.

NEOGEN – The Official Manufacturer of Human and Equine Bio-security will be providing products for all stabling needs along with hand sanitizer for designated areas and additional product for athletes.

The Classic Catering People – The Official Caterer of the Event will provide complimentary lunch for athletes and grooms in the athletes lounge.

Alo Yoga – This leading Los Angeles-based activewear and lifestyle brand, will bring an exclusive wellness experience to the Maryland 5 Star, activating on-site with custom Alo Glow massages and gifting suite for all athletes.

Boehringer Ingelheim – An Official Product/Manufacturer, Pharma/Animal Health will be providing athlete gifts and services within the athletes lounge throughout the Event.

Select Event Group – The Official Event Rental Company (Tents, Structures and Flooring provider) will be providing an Athlete and Owner Chalet adjacent to the Main Arena providing a front row seat to watch the action.

Taylor, Harris Insurance Services (THIS) – The Official Equine Insurance provider of the Event is serving as host to the Athlete and Owner Chalet adjacent to the Main Arena and amenities offered.

Guardian Horse Bedding– The Official Horse Bedding provider will be offering the highest quality of shavings complimentary to the athletes for each of their horses.

Fair Hill Saddlery– The official on-site provider of hay and straw will provide two complimentary bales of straw per horse for the athletes upon request. As the Official Stabling Vendor, Fair Hill Saddlery will have an array of must-have equipment and supplies for sale to the athletes as well.

KONG Equine – KONG Equine will provide complimentary horse enrichment gifts including its Hanging Kit with Treat Ring for 5 Star horses and winners of the 3 Star and Young Event Horse competitions.

Dubarry of Ireland – The presenting sponsor of the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships will provide athlete gifts.

Hound & Hare – The Official Presenting Sponsor of Wednesday’s Jog will present “The Best Presented” rider following the first horse inspection/jog.

Flair LLC / Achieve Equine– Achieve Equine will provide complimentary event branded FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips for all 5 Star and 3 Star horses.

Shapley’s Superior Equine Grooming Products – Shapley’s will present the “Best Turned Out” award to the Groom of one 5 Star and one 3 Star horse following Sunday’s horse inspection/jog. Additional prize buckets, inclusive of its superior equine grooming products, will be presented to top finishers in the 5 Star and 3 Star competitions.

Mane ‘n Tail / Straight Arrow Products – The Groom of the Winning Horse in the 5 star and 3 Star competition will receive a prize package, including an array of branded products. They will also provide their product at the Mane ‘n Tail Stable Wash Racks to be used by the Grooms. Other amenities include hosting of a Grooms Breakfast.

Additional amenities and athlete gifts will be provided by The Fern Farmer, USET Foundation, Loch Moy Farm, Atlantic Tractor, Emerald Valley Natural Health, Deer Valley Danes, Stübben North America, Stable Feed, Sweet Piggy Baking Company, EquiFit, Equine Healthcare International, HorseTech, Human Touch, Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses, and Sterling Essentials.

The new Fair Hill Special Event Zone, located in beautiful Cecil County, Maryland is centrally located between Philadelphia, PA and Baltimore, MD and right next to the border of the state of Delaware. Its convenient location is easily accessible for those joining the athletes from several major International Airports including Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Newark Liberty (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Dulles (IAD).

Beyond the convenient event venue and location, Cecil County features vibrant small towns, hundreds of miles of waterfront, foodie destinations and scenic countryside. Athletes can experience fabulous local food and beverage with a Chesapeake Bay flair, outdoor recreation, family friendly attractions, and specialty shops, all providing the perfect backdrop for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. Learn more at https://maryland5star.us/cecil-county/.

In addition, reduced rates off of VIP Hospitality offerings are available for owners and athletes by contacting Marissa Melzer, Ticket & Hospitality Manager, at [email protected] for more information.

More details and offerings will be announced soon helping to ensure that those competing in the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill have an unforgettable experience in Cecil County! Further information on the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is available at www.Maryland5Star.us.

Friday News & Notes Presented by Horse First

By on Sep 10, 2021 12:03 am -

Photo via Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials FB.

We are delighted to announce that Burghley 2022 is officially on! Block out your calendar for Thursday September 1st through Sunday September 4th next year, and while you’re at it, enter to win a membership for the 2022 event! Simply by visiting this post on Facebook, and tagging a friend, you can be entered in the drawing. Competition ends on the 16th of September, and the winners will be notified.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Tryon Fall H.T. (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

CDCTA Fall H.T.: (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Chardon Valley H.T. (Decatur, Mi.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Copper Meadows Fall H.T. (Ramona, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. (Medford, Nj.): [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe:

The USEA Foundation is now accepting applications for the Essex Horse Trials Grant, the Seema Sonnad Junior Rider’s Grant, and the Haller Scholarship for Eventing Officials. The Essex Horse Trials Grant is a $10,o00 grant for riders 25-and-under who compete successfully at the CCI3* level or above, and is intended to help young riders transition to senior rider ranks. The Seema Sonnad Junior Rider’s Grant is $5,000 for riders 18 and under competing successfully at the Preliminary and CCI2* level working towards representing their area at the NAYC CCI3* competition. The Haller Scholarship for Eventing officials offers $5,000 of financial assistance to licensed officials who are working towards promotion to the “R”, “S”, or FEI licenses. [Apply for Grants Here]

Are you a perfectionist rider? Do you struggle with your competitive side, and tend to only see the negative parts of each ride, particularly at a show? You’re not alone my friend, and this mental struggle is an ongoing learning process for riders across all sports. A hypercritical mindset is counterproductive to long term success, and learning a positive, growth-oriented way of perceiving your riding is critical to maintaining your sanity and your love of the sport. [Helping the Hypercritical]

Clinic Review: The Magic of Tik Maynard and Andrea Waldo

In an effort to support the owners of equine athletes and other animals visiting Ocala’s new world-class World Equestrian Center, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine has embarked on a strategic alliance with the center to provide leading-edge patient care in a new 40,000-square-foot hospital facility located on center grounds. The new facility will be known as the UF Veterinary Hospital at WEC. Construction of the hospital is currently underway, with the opening estimated to take place next spring. [New Veterinary Hospital next to WEC]

Jane Dotchin set off on her latest expidition on August 31 from her home in Hexham in Northumberland, with her trusty steed, Diamond and her disabled Jack Russell, Dinky, for company. Carrying everything she needs for her seven week adventure including her tent, food and just a few belongings, she is continuing a series of epic journeys which began in 1972. Almost 50 years ago, Ms Dotchin rode the 300 miles to Somerset to see a friend and has been hooked on the open road ever since, completing a yearly pilgrimage to visit friends near Forth Augustus. At the age of 81, and with only partial sight, Jane shows no signs of slowing down. [81-Year-Old Pensioner Goes on 600 Mile Trek]

HORSE FIRST know that finding the right supplement can be difficult. Whether you’re looking for a calmer horse, stronger hooves or supple joints, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for within our product range. Horse First uses only the highest quality active ingredients and are renowned for being some of the most tailored and advanced supplements on the market – “Made by horse people for horse people.” [Learn More About Horse First]

 

Thursday Video: Gemma Tattersall and Chilli Knight Remix

By on Sep 9, 2021 5:47 pm -

Oh wait, are you telling me that you DIDN’T set your alarm for the butt-crack of pre-dawn last Saturday to watch Gemma Tattersall and Chilli Knight demolish cross country at the Chedington Bicton Park Horse Trials five-star? The ONLY British five-star in two years?

You are forgiven. It was really bloody early, and you’d had a long week. Here’s the replay from Harvey Wetdog, with love. Recap all of EN’s Bicton coverage here.

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

By on Sep 9, 2021 1:06 pm -

Th lead photo of this week’s edition of “Volunteer Nation” … I have no words. If you missed volunteering at Carolina Horse Park’s Five Points H.T., its September War Horse Series is still in need of a few good volunteers! Positions include event prep, dressage steward, jump judge and event takedown. Click here for more info.

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.

Here are eight events that could use a helping hand this weekend:

USEA Events

CDCTA Fall Horse Trials (September 11th, 2021 to September 12th, 2021)

Tryon Fall Horse Trials (September 11th, 2021 to September 12th, 2021)

Other Events

September Schooling Dressage (September 8th, 2021)

USEF/USDF “Fall Frenzy” Dressage (September 9th, 2021)

Dunnabeck Mini Event (September 4th, 2021 to September 12th, 2021)

Pine Hill GHCTA Schooling Horse Trials (September 11th, 2021 to September 12th, 2021)

Jackpot Schooling Show (September 10th, 2021 to September 12th, 2021)

September War Horse Event Series (September 8th, 2021 to September 13th, 2021)

Go Eventing Volunteers. Go Eventing!

On Community and Resilience

By on Sep 9, 2021 9:00 am -

Photo by Kimberlyn Beaudoin.

2021 was supposed to be a great year; after last year, we all hoped for it, even expected it. I think I, perhaps more than the average eventer, particularly needed it to be amazing. It started auspiciously with a vaccine and a sense of an end to the very dark time in my career. I had second successful run at Modified in late January, followed by a ribbon at Carolina International in March.

Then the shit hit the fan. Repeatedly. I was technically eliminated at The Fork in April. I was eliminated with two stops in stadium at a schooling show in May. I was eliminated at my first FEI event at Virginia in very early June. And I fell off in my final prep run for the AEC in August.

Photo by Scott Manning.

Resilience is the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity—trauma, tragedy, threats, basic run-of-the-mill stress. We are told that resilience is important. We are supposed to build resilience as if it were wealth, to bank it, to hold it dear, and then use it when we need it. As a physician in a pandemic, my resilience bank account has been drawn upon repeatedly over the last 18 months. It was in danger of overdraft charges filed. Then I had to go and blow up two solid years of forward progress in training and going up the levels. It felt, at the time, like the lights had been turned out, and I couldn’t see the way out, much less forward.

Not to give away the end of the story, but two weeks after I fell off (see picture below), I did go to the AECs, and I did kick ass. I did find the way through that darkness; I didn’t do it alone with some mysterious innate “resilience”.

I think resilience is not something with which a person is born; I think resilience is a result of the love of people around you.

Photo by Kimberlyn Beaudoin.

I go to shows with my community of friends. This is what we do: we meet at horse shows, help each other, and have a party. When I made a stupid mistake and jumped the wrong jump on cross country, they heard me. I called my best friend, who heard me. My coach, she heard me too. They all listened, and then they responded—they knew what I was going through, and encouraged me to try again. I did, and again, and again, and I repeatedly made different mistakes. Every time, they lifted me up with words of encouragement, stories of their own experiences, and promises to be there. They were the base of my continued willingness to put myself out there.

My community had made plans to go to the AEC last year, were crushed when it was cancelled, and promptly rescheduled. We were going, and falling off two weeks before with no injury was not going to be a reason to not go. So I went. We dealt with a hurricane. One of us had to stay
home with a husband with COVID, but was called and Facetimed regularly. One of us drove from New Mexico. But we went, and we went together, as a team.

Photo by Kimberlyn Beaudoin.

The day of cross country, I was so nervous that I had to take a walk, cry actual tears, and give myself permission to not ride. As soon as I said those words out loud to myself in the parking lot, I knew that my community had given me the resilience to try again, and I was not taking
that out. I went to warmup, my coach told me she’d never seen me ride as well, I left the start box yelling “thanks for volunteering,” and we finished on our dressage score. Our community gave each other love, even when we were in the midst of job changes, even when we were worried about our children and the future of our country, especially when our horses weren’t going well. And the entire aisle in our barn, from all over the country, won ribbons and coolers and money. Every single one. Because we have resilience, not coming from some mistic inner source, but from the love we show each other.

Photo by Kimberlyn Beaudoin.

Resilience should be built as if it were wealth, banked, and used when needed. And we need to help each other to make deposits so there are savings when the time comes round.

Thursday News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Sep 9, 2021 12:03 am -

Being the king of the castle is exhausting. Photo by Kate Samuels.

My “retired” advanced horse, Nyls, turned 20 this year, and so I figured it was time to pull his hind shoes and officially try to retire him. However, nobody told him that he is retired and old, and he is rejecting this idea. So, after enduring his escaping escapades for a few months where he runs around the property with his tail in the air, I finally put his hind shoes back on and put him back to work. The level of excitement about wearing tack and going to the ring again was so hilarious and heartwarming. So, we return to work!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Tryon Fall H.T. (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

CDCTA Fall H.T.: (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Chardon Valley H.T. (Decatur, Mi.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Copper Meadows Fall H.T. (Ramona, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. (Medford, Nj.): [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe:

Stable View has instituted a new volunteer rewards system, Very Important Volunteers, in which you can earn points whenever you sign up and help out. We love our eventing volunteers! Click here to learn more.

We all want to know more about On Cue, the surprise success story of 2021. After her impressive performance in Kentucky where she was the dark horse entry for Boyd Martin, she once again exceeded expectations at the AEC just last week. In the barn, Cue isn’t a diva, and isn’t a prissy mare. However, she takes great pleasure in evading capture in the field, to the chagrin of her grooms. [Behind the Stall Door: On Cue]

Sallie Johnson and her Irish Sport Horse gelding, Fernhill DiCaprio were named the reserve champion combination in the Preliminary Rider division at the AEC in which the pair managed to come in only 0.3 points behind the winner. But just in March of this year, Johnson was making an impossible decision – whether or not it was in his best interest to put the gelding to sleep. An aggressive bout of acute enteritis, either having presented bacterially or virally, landed the gelding at the University of Georgia equine medical center for an undetermined amount of time as he was placed in what the clinic deemed to be supportive care. His story of recovery is nothing short of miraculous. [A Modern Day Miracle: One Horse’s Rebound from Near-Death to Near-Champion]

We have a not-so-secret shame in the horse world. Filled with celebrities, and longly considered a sport only for the rich, the backbone of our sports isOur industry is built on the labor of an exploited work force, primarily undocumented immigrants from Central and South America. You see them at every barn and horse show, filling water buckets, wrapping legs, lunging horses in the pre-dawn hours or standing quietly with them as they wait for their rider. While some of these workers are well-paid employees, with compensation befitting their skills and experience, the vast majority are poorly paid, housed in shabby barn apartments, and offered no overtime pay, workman’s comp, paid time off, or health insurance. [The Not-So-Secret Shame of the Horse World]

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Ride Along with Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise at #AEC2021

By on Sep 8, 2021 4:00 pm -

We’ve been waiting for this one! Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise absolutely blazed around Derek di Grazia’s cross country track at the USEA American Eventing Championships last week, moving up from sixth place to take the lead after the second phase of Advanced competition. Fylicia and “Sunny” recorded the fastest time of the day with just 2.4 time penalties accumulated on a track that wasn’t giving up double clears. This pair would go on to finish their weekend in sixth overall.

The story of Fylicia and her little mare that could is one for all of us: Fylicia found Galloway Sunrise on Craigslist, and she was rather “feral” at the time, not giving much hint of the future. Luckily, Fylicia stuck with it and in the process unearthed a horse of a lifetime.

And we certainly love cheering for them! Be sure to watch with your sound on to hear Fylicia talking to her mare the whole way around. Enjoy the ride-along, and thanks to Fylicia for sharing!

#AEC2021: Website, Final Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

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5 Reasons to Intern with Athletux

By on Sep 8, 2021 1:30 pm -

Photo courtesy of Athletux.

If you’re looking for a way to dip a toe into working in the horse industry — albeit on a different side of the sport than in the barn, per se — Athletux might just be a great fit for you. You can check out job openings at Athletux by clicking here.

Experience. You will get experience working with the best and most qualified team in the equine marketing industry. Learn the ins and outs of marketing and branding from the people that live and breathe it. You won’t find 50+ years of combined experience anywhere else!

Networking. While working for Athletux, you will have the opportunity to work and network with other professionals throughout the equine industry in all aspects of the business. Meet industry professionals and make connections that are priceless as you pursue a career in the equine industry.

Flexibility. Because these internships are remote, you will have the ability to work anywhere, on your own time. Our team is flexible and understanding and knows that sometimes life gets in the way.

Education and College credit. Use this internship for college credit. We will work with your advisors to be sure they have all the information they need to give you credit hours towards your degree. Many colleges now require an internship as well and this is an easy way

Portfolio. Build your resume and portfolio with projects in every aspect of marketing. You will be working on real-world projects with each member of our team. While you gain experience, you will be able to actually have pieces of work that you can use to demonstrate everything you have done and accomplished in the industry.

Gillian Beale King Makes an Irish Return to Eventing

By on Sep 8, 2021 11:30 am -

Gillian Beale King and Chance Encounter. Photo by Bit-Media.

Just when you think you’ve got everything figured out and all your ducks in a row is typically when life decides to throw you a curveball, for better or worse. The opportunity to ride and compete in Ireland “really came out of the blue” for Gillian Beale King, who as of earlier this year had an established program with about 30 students at Main Line Sporthorses in Chester County, Pa. It was an offer to ride for the Belline Estate, owned by Richard and Tanja Ames in Kilkenny, Ireland — and Gillian knew she wanted to, as they say, seize the day.

It was well-known breeder Richie O’Hara who connected Gillian to the Ames, putting into motion the fulfillment of a dream for Gillian, who had spent the last few years primarily competing in the show jumping ring. In fact, Gillian’s a seventh-generation horsewoman with many lifetimes of experience playing a part in her education. This includes the experience of her father and international Grand Prix show jumper Doug King and her mother, international eventer Susie Beale. Gillian’s half-sister, Amanda Beale Clement, is also a professional upper level eventer, her maternal grandfather, Maj. Jeremy Beale, won Burghley in 1965, and her paternal grandfather Hunter King trained hunter/jumpers and rode as a steeplechase jockey — it’s safe to say Gillian’s grown up and spent the majority of her life in the saddle, and here was an chance to put all those miles to another good use.

“I had always dreamed of getting back into eventing,” Gillian, who previously evented through what is now the three-star level as a young rider, explained. “I’ve done international hunter derbies, grand prix show jumping, eventing through what’s now three-star. And then I graduated from university and went out on my own. That business mostly took me in the show jumping direction.”

Atop the podium at Millstreet. Photo by Bit-Media.

Sometimes, when the opportunity of a lifetime materializes, you have to decide to take a leap. “The timing was right on so many levels, and I decided that this was absolutely something worth exploring,” Gillian said. So she transitioned the majority of her students over to her dad, Doug King, and seemingly before she could blink, she was touching down on Irish soil to begin the next chapter.

She’s certainly come out with a bang since beginning her international eventing career over again, most recently taking home the win in the CCI3*-S at Millstreet last month with Chance Encounter, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Creevagh Grey Rebel out of Camedia. She also picked up a CCI2*-L win — the first international win of her career — at Kilguilkey aboard Derena Super Star (Womanizer – Miss Dallas), an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding.

Having only had the ride on this group of horses — a mix of more experienced horses and young guns moving up the levels — since the spring, Gillian says she’s lucky to have been able to slot right into daily life at Belline Estate, spending time with each horse and forming a partnership. “I really went back to the drawing board with every single horse when I got here,” Gillian explained. “The option was given to compete in the first month and I declined because I wanted to take my time and get to know the horses. Getting back into eventing, I wanted to cross my t’s and dot my i’s. I tried to put my flatwork on them, went cross country schooling, and just tried to put that time into properly getting them ‘on’ with me.”

With this string of talented horses and the ability to have an individual program for each, Gillian says she’s rediscovered her eventing sea legs with increasing comfort. “I will say being a show jumper has really helped my eventing,” she said. “I grew up show jumping and had been focusing mostly on the sport since graduating in 2014. The height and width and technicality of the turns is something that I can feel comfortable with knowing I’ve practiced similar things. Out on cross country I find the jumps out in the open very inviting to ride up to. I think the honing of your jumping skills and your ability to jump and turn and navigate are really valuable in making that transition. And I think making the time often comes down to being accurate. You’re accurate and fast when you’re not having to slow down too much, and I’m very conscientious about tidy turns and ‘walking smart’ to have a good plan.”

Gillian Beale King and Chance Encounter. Photo by Bit-Media.

Gillian expressed her gratitude for Richard and Tanja Ames and the opportunities she’s been afforded multiple times. “(Richard and Tanja) have certainly been behind me every step of the way and believed in me enough to give me this opportunity,” she said. “It’s tremendous to come out and get these results. The horses and Richard and Tanja deserve it so much, and everyone here on the yard works so hard.”

And the horses are showing their strengths as Gillian continues to work with them. “(Chance Encounter) was a horse that was so nervous in dressage and strong on cross country,” she described. “And he’s just done a 180. Maxine, our head groom, has known ‘Harry’ since he was four. He’s definitely her heart horse, and when they told me I won (at Millstreet), I had to wipe away a few tears in warm-up because I just felt like Maxine and Harry and Richard and Tanja deserved it so very much.”

It’s a long time to be away from your family, friends and life at home. But Gillian’s taking it all in with a good dose of gratitude, and a few trips planned to come back to visit. “It’s been what dreams are made of,” she said. “The last thing my dad said to me when he dropped me off at the airport was, ‘you know what you have to do’. I came here for a reason, to find success and develop great partnerships with these horses. And I really feel like we have the system and the team to do just that.”

Get Your Learning On at Barnstaple South’s Next Jackpot Schooling Show

By on Sep 8, 2021 9:00 am -

Photo courtesy of Barnstaple South.

You don’t have to compete in recognized events to be an eventer, and thanks to venues like Barnstaple South, Stable View, Carolina Horse Park, Copper Meadows and many others all over the country, schooling show opportunities are a great option to experience the sport in a more accessible way. Whether you’re new to riding or eventing, you’re showing a young horse the ropes, or you simply want to give your well-stretched wallet a break, finding quality schooling shows is the perfect solution.

Barnstaple South, which began its popular Jackpot Schooling Show series this year, has been hard at work making improvements to its offerings, and the next show on September 12 promises to have plenty of fun for all.

Featuring among these exciting upgrades and improvements are:

  • A clinic with the dressage judge of the show on the Saturday before each of the schooling shows on the fall calendar
  • Videography services from Richard Equine Video in September and November with recorded commentary from the judge
  • Free cross country coursewalks led by local professional each Friday before the schooling show
  • Cross country courses flagged and numbered for schooling the week leading up to the show
  • Use of high-quality show arenas at neighboring HITS Ocala for dressage and show jumping

Each Jackpot Schooling Show promises to be a grand time for all involved — and there is always the opportunity to win some of your entry costs back in these unique classes! To send in your entry for the next show on September 12 or to sign up for any of the other upcoming fall shows, click here.