Classic Eventing Nation

Sunday Links

Nothing to see here, just a couple of superstar event horses enjoying their retirement! When anyone talks about moving on to greener pastures, this is honestly always what I envision and frankly it looks wonderful.

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

CDCTA Fall H.T.: (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

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

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

Sunday Links:

Rule Refresher: Understanding Cross-Country Obstacles

Maintaining a Stable, Elastic Seat in Canter

Olympic champ finishes 28-day quarantine

Huge new equine vet hospital under construction in Florida

Just in on Jumper Nation: “Horsemanship” is a Journey

Sunday Video: The FEI Dressage European Championship recently wrapped up. Here’s a recap!

7 Tips for Giving Your Young Horse a Positive Show Experience

Recently, Athletux sat down with Shannon Riley of Infinity Sport Horse to learn more about her tips for showing young horses. With loads of experience riding horses from their first ride off the track all the way up to the FEI levels, she is the perfect person to help give advice about taking your green horse to his or her first show!

Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Do your homework before heading to the show

Make sure this isn’t your horse’s first time off the property and that they’ve seen “all the things” (ie water, ditches, banks, jumps with fillers) without the pressure of the show, or find a schooling show where you can school the day before.

Scout out the schooling options

Try to get out and about at less expensive schooling show venues so you don’t feel pressure to finish for the record or because of the budget. I often take a circle in show jumping on babies, or an extra circle in the dressage test because we’re not there to beat anyone, but to produce a better horse for next time!

Find a quiet place

So often I see people fight their horses for 30 minutes in the chaos of warm-up. Many venues offer other places to warm-up if you take a bit of time to look around, such as the jump area before jumping classes, or even behind trailer parking. I try to eliminate the stress of warm-up until I have my horse’s attention and a bit of relaxation, and even then I may never make it to the actual warm-up area. Even in the jumping portions, I may jump a couple of fences, but we’re not there to teach the horses how to jump, and the chaos of bad steering around you may cause more stress than a couple of extra jumps will help.

Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Remember this is for their education, not a ribbon

If you need to circle an extra time in your dressage so they actually take a breather, do it! If you need to circle in show jumping to get that good balance, do it! Don’t let all your good work and training go out the window just because there’s a score.

Timing is important

You probably don’t ride your 4-year-old at home for an hour. Don’t suddenly change that at the show. The show environment will take more out of them sooner. I love to get a good long walk in, but I’ve had that backfire when we never actually managed to walk, and I was on for an extra 10 mins of anxious jigging.

Don’t be afraid to try something like Nupafeed Magnesium Paste to give them a positive, focused experience

Better living through chemistry and proven formulas! The top riders utilize things like that all the time to get an edge on the competition and score an extra couple of points for relaxation, why wouldn’t you help your youngster take a few extra deep breaths!

Don’t bring your stopwatch on cross country

I am a stickler about this sort of thing. Too often I see riders get so consumed with the time that they forget to ride their horse. I believe you can start using the watch once you’ve developed proficiency at any level, but never for the first one. Focus on finding a good quality canter and focus on finding good easy lines. The time will be there.

Saturday Links

Watch out world, there’s a new Price in the irons! With Scooby Price starting to put him through his paces at such a young age (and you know, with parents like Tim and Jonelle), little Otis is sure to make his way up the FEI rankings quite quickly. Heads up for the 2040 Olympics, I’m going to go ahead and call it.

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

CDCTA Fall H.T.: (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

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

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

Saturday Links:

Life as an AEC Volunteer: The Days are Long but the Smiles Are Worth It

‘Don’t ever think they won’t do it’: Matthew Wright’s wife speaks out on World Suicide Prevention Day

A Thoroughbred’s Subtle Presentations of Kissing Spine (and how I got him back)

Don’t Discount The Older Horse

Study: Majority of Horses Considered ‘Lefties’

Saturday Video: Get up close and personal with the Bicton 5* course before you relive it on demand:

If you missed the live broadcast you’d have missed our Bicton Arena 5* course flyover with insights from Team Price. All phases are now available to watch on-demand via Horse & Country TV head towww.horseandcountry.tv/eliteeventing to secure your access.

Posted by Elite Eventing on Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Friday Video from SmartPak: Behind the Scenes at Bicton

 

We’ve all sung the praises of Bicton’s organising team for putting together Britain’s first CCI5* since 2019 in just 11 weeks — and rightly so! But just as worthy of praise are the grooms working tirelessly behind the scenes, who’ve ensured their horses are kept in the best of condition despite some seriously tricky circumstances and disrupted seasons. Head behind the scenes with the Elite Eventing TV production team to meet some of the unsung superstars of the sport — we couldn’t be without them!

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 6 Lovely Young ISH Geldings

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

This week we’re spotlighting six Irish Sport Horse geldings, all of them between the ages of four and six, all professionally produced and ready for your custom finishing. Come and get ’em!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Talented, imported gelding

Ozzie is a talented 4 year old gelding recently imported from Ireland. Standing at 16.1h, he has a lovely disposition and exceptional gaits. He has been carefully produced in a professional program. Ozzie would suit anyone looking to develop a quality horse for the top levels of the sport. He has the talent for a professional while still having the temperament for an amateur rider. He is is exceptionally quick to learn.

Royale High Silver, New Import!!! Ricardo Z line

This lovely 5 yr old has all the bloodlines to make a top eventer. Sired by Ricardo Royale, grand sire Ricardo Z. He is a registered Irish sporthorse measuring 16.1 1/2 . He has hunted in Ireland and very brave to the fences. He is XC schooling novice/training level. He is suitable for any level rider as he is a true gentleman, same horse at home as he is at the shows. Get him while his price is low, he will begin recognized Eventing soon and price tag will increase.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

2 Lovely 4-year-old Imported Irish Sport Horse Geldings by Future Trend

Athletic, Elastic, and Easy to Ride. 5* Prospects with that would also suit a Junior or Amateur at the Lower Levels.

Excel Star Future Hero – Bay, 16.1h, Winner at Novice, Ready for Training in the Fall, Qualified for Young Event Horse Championships.

Excel Star American Pie – Chestnut, 16.2h, Horse showed and schooled cross country in Ireland, Schooling cross country in the US and Ready to Start Competing

Fully vetted with over 45+ xrays, more information and others available on ExcelStarSportHorses.com

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Top Quality 5 YO Irish Sport Horse

Global Hype – “Hype” is a young athletic gelding that is an absolute blast to ride with wonderful breeding. Hype gives a great feeling under saddle with incredible big movement as this 5 year old is already 17 hands tall! He is brave with anything you put in front of him. His large gaits are matched with his kind, forgiving attitude making him a horse for the future. Easy to navigate around a course. Hype is ready to step into the show ring with his next partner!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Top Quality 6 YO Irish Sport Horse

Spotted Chap – “Chappy” known for his spots is sure to get you noticed in the show ring! He is a very talented careful horse with the ability for the top level of sport. His incredible movement matched with his sweet nature has secured a special place in my heart. He has successfully competed through training level eventing and has plenty of potential to do more. Chappy is a blood type that would best suit a professional, or experienced YR/AA in a program. Could continue in eventing, jumpers, or dressage.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and not confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

#EventerProblems Vol. 275 from Ecovet: Horse Show Dogs Vs. Dog Show Dogs

There were two types of dogs at the Kentucky Horse Park last weekend. The eventers’ dogs, easily identified by their devil-may-care “I may or may not have just eaten horse manure” grins, adventurous spirits and general disregard for personal hygiene.

And then … there were the dogs competing in the Bluegrass Classic Dog Show, which was taking place across the street from the American Eventing Championships in the Alltech Arena.

A few of them did, however, have something in common with our horses.

Pretty cool!

Looking for a proper #EventerSolution? Look no further than Ecovet!

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

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

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 Facebookand 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 OfficialsThe 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

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

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!