Classic Eventing Nation

EN TRENDS:

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By Sally Spickard on Sep 29, 2021 12:01 am -

I’ve just landed in Kentucky for the first Equitana USA trade fair and exhibition, happening this weekend, October 1-3. Equitana is a bit of a multi-purpose trip for me: it’s a great opportunity to meet our sponsors in person, maybe meet some new ones, and dabble in some event coverage for our sister site, Horse Nation. Horse Nation’s editor, DeAnn Sloan, is joining me in Kentucky this week and we’re looking forward to experiencing Equitana and all of its jam-packed schedule. You can click here to view the happenings and buy your tickets.

One session I’m particularly keen to check out is the “Closing The Gap” panel, featuring Nicole Byrd of Detroit Horse Power, Patricia Kelly of Ebony Horsewomen, and Dr. Anastasia Curwood of Strides for Equality Equestrians. The session will be held on Saturday, October 2 at 2:45 pm on the Shadowfax Main Stage at Kentucky Horse Park. Click here to view more about the panel and here to purchase your tickets.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Fleur de Leap H.T. (Folsom, La.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Jump Start H.T. and Area VIII Championships (Lexington, Ky.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Larkin Hill H.T. (North Chatham, Ny.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm + Area II Championships (Adamstown, Md.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. (Nashville, Tn.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Moqui Meadows H.T. (Greeley, Co.): [Website]

Spokane Sport Horse Seventh Annual Fall H.T. (Spokane, Wa.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Sundance Farm H.T. (Plymouth, Wi.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Willow Draw Charity Show (Weatherford, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Wednesday Reading List:

What does it mean to possess emotional intelligence when it comes to riding? Well, we all know that horses are mirrors of our internal thoughts and emotions — even more so than ourselves, sometimes — so it comes as no surprise that successfully managing emotions will translate to better riding. This piece from the FEI provides some insights on accomplishing this challenge.

What happens when you decide to bring your horse along for the adventure on your overseas military assignment? Well, Chronicle of the Horse Blogger Lindsey Colburn has done just that, relocating with her horse to the UK for her new assignment — and she’s written about her initial impressions here.

Aiming for the Classic Three-Day at Waredaca this fall? Exciting news! The Preliminary Classic Three-Day will be offering jackpot prize money. The Jackpot is currently at $2,000 but is anticipated to rise, and the winning rider will take home 50% of the prize pot. Learn more here.

Heading to Morven Park’s inaugural CCI4*-L? If you plan to apply for media credentials, you can do so here. Registered media will receive a press pass, parking pass, invites to media events, and more — all media reps planning to attend are asked to register.

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Watch This Wednesday:

What’s new on H&C+ this week? If you’re a dressage fan, there is plenty of action to take in from Dressage At Devon, which returns this week to the storied Pennsylvania venue. Catch all of the action, all week long with your H&C+ subscription! Plus, relive Osberton, Blenheim Palace, Bicton and more with on-demand live stream coverage. Click here to subscribe to H&C+.

Wednesday Video Break:

Ride around Stable View’s CCI3*-S with Elisa Wallace and Sharp Decision:

Tuesday Video: Relive Team GB’s Epic Europeans Win

By Sally Spickard on Sep 28, 2021 4:06 pm -

If you missed any of the action from the FEI Longines Eventing European Championships, it’s a good thing there are plenty of highlights floating around from a truly epic weekend in Switzerland. You’ll want to look back at Tilly’s coverage — click here to see all of her reports — and here’s a look back at just the latest in a truly epic run of major wins for the still-surging British team.

Product Review: SmartPak Soft Padded Leather Halter

By DeAnn Long Sloan on Sep 28, 2021 3:00 pm -

SmartPak Soft Leather Padded Halter in Havana/Caramel. Photo courtesy of SmartPak.

So, I’ve been coveting the SmartPak Soft Padded Leather Halter for probably months now. Like most equestrians, I can’t ever have enough halters, and if they’re high quality leather with the option of personalization, I am all in. In the past, I have purchased cheaper leather halters with nameplates for gifts or prizes and was content enough with them for what I paid. However, none of them ever really made me think to myself, “Wow! This halter is awesome! I need one.” Then I saw the SmartPak Soft Padded Leather Halter.

I was working at one of my three jobs (because, you know, horses) and was holding a hold for my boss. The horse was a lovely Thoroughbred wearing a quite fetching halter. Normally I don’t notice a horse’s tack while I’m on the job unless it is particularly worn out (translation: likely to break if the horse goes haywire) or particularly nice. In this case, it was particularly nice. I believe I had my hand on the cheek piece to direct the horse’s head away from my boss. In the process, I found myself fondling the supple leather. Upon closer inspection, I was impressed by the contrasting colors (because, let’s get honest, I like pretty) and the quality of the leather. I actually found myself thinking, “Wow! This halter is awesome! I need one.” I made a point to look up the brand so I could go home and drool over the halter from the comfort of my computer screen. I was pleasantly surprised to read the SmartPak stamped in the brass buckles.

I have a general rule (more of a guideline, really) that I can’t buy fancy new tack unless I really, really need it (like a correctly fitting saddle, a new girth, etc.) or my horse and I earn it (this mostly applies to me — my horse earns it daily by putting up with me). I’ve been trying to be diligent about adhering to this guideline because, let’s be honest, I really do have enough tack and I really don’t have enough money (because, you know, horses). So, this halter has been sitting in my SmartPak shopping cart for months. I would even get emails from SmartPak asking me if I’d forgotten something. No, SmartPak. I didn’t forget anything. I just can’t justify another halter right now. Sigh.

SmartPak Soft Leather Padded Halter in Black/Purple. Photo courtesy of SmartPak.

Finally, I decided to pull the trigger. I broke my own rule, ignored my guidelines, threw caution to the wind and ordered the halter. After all, my birthday was rolling around and I decided to get myself a gift. Boy, am I glad I did.

I ordered the Havana/Blue combination because, really, I can’t get enough blue. The halter was on backorder, but that was fine. I had been sitting on it for months anyway, what was the rush now? When it arrived, it clearly was worth the wait.

The same quality craftsmanship and leather that I remembered from my first encounter with the halter are apparent in my own. The padding is soft, the leather is supple and the stitching is even and secure. I chose to have my halter customized because, after all, I was treating myself and my horse, so why not go all the way? I am impressed with the quality of the nameplate and the clarity of the engraving.

Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan

It’s not just the leather that is high quality. The hardware on the halter is solid. The weight is perfect, and in adjusting the halter, the durability is apparent. Plus, SmartPak made a point to go the extra mile to keep horses looking snazzy no matter which color combination the owner chooses (and there are a number from which to choose!). Havana halters come with solid brass hardware and nameplates, and black halters come with stainless steel. Between the color combinations, the hardware and the nameplates, these halters are fully customizable. Plus, both the crown piece and chin strap are adjustable to ensure a good fit (I still need to tweak mine a bit).

Mac wasn’t interested in cooperating for photos, so this is the best we have. The halter still looks great, though. Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan

I really don’t ohh and ahh over halters very often, but I’m pretty smitten with this one. It looks sharp and the quality is quite clear. I’ll likely be adding one of these to the rotation for all my horses… eventually.

You can learn more about the SmartPak Soft Padded Leather Halter here.

Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan

Go SmartPak and Go Eventing!

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Ireland Fresh

By Leslie Wylie on Sep 28, 2021 1:00 pm -

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

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.

Get your next Irish Sport Horse straight from the source! Three of this week’s featured sale horses are still in Ireland, waiting for some lucky eventer to punch their plane ticket to the U.S. The fourth is fresh off the boat, already up and running in Pennsylvania.

Check out these and more at Sport Horse Nation!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

DSL Tarquin

16.2 hands (167.5cm)
ISH by Puissance x Aquila (Quiletto, SF)
Bay Gelding
Temperament 5/10

2012 Irish Sport horse Gelding

Quin has all the style, scope and rideability to excel in the North American show ring. With a history in eventing, you will not find a question that he cannot answer. Quin has recently made the move to the jumper ring and shows scope for 1.30m ++ He has a very straightforward way of going and is very forgiving, so he would be ideally suited for a junior or an amateur looking for a great trustworthy partner for the jumper ring. He would also take care of a rider to come up the eventing ranks, with a long show record in Ireland at intermediate and 2* level.

When you buy a horse from us you are not dealing with a brokerage or agency, listing as many horses as we can get the authority to list. Instead, we select talented young Irish horses and develop them in a slow and thoughtful program to bring out their true potential and foster trusting relationships with their riders.

Quin is located in Ireland with Canadian representation. Our knowledgeable team can help facilitate a smooth and easy purchase process and delivery to your farm.

Recent xrays available to serious buyers.

Located in Co. Kildare, Ireland.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Super Irish Gelding

Fresh off the boat! We have a 4-year-old gelding by renowned eventing producer Obos Quality landing this week. The 16.2h bay is out of a full thoroughbred dam. He is the caliber of horse to be successful internationally and is quiet and kind enough for a junior or amateur as an eventer or show jumper. This top quality boy has been cubbing, eventing and horse showed.

Located in Nottingham, PA.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Top Class Connemara 15.1hh

The ultimate Allrounder.
Ardnehue Crystal Rock.

-A 7 y/o, 15.1hh, Connemara performance mare.
-Top pedigree sire by Blackwoodland Rock.
-Has the most beautiful loving temperament.
-Is a dream to ride, obedient and adjustable goes at the riders pace.
-Loves jumping and has tremendous scope.
-Super mover, elegant floating paces.
-Is fantastic cross country, extremely brave and jumps everything in her path.
-Has competed in all disciplines.
-Will compete at a high level.
-Excellent to handle in all situations. Is good to trailer, shoe, clip, bath, groom, hack alone or in company.
HWSD status N/Hwsd

This mare is one in a million.

Located in Co. Carlow Ireland.

EXCEPTIONAL EVENT HORSE

CHESTERFIELD WILLPOWER
16hh 7 year old dark brown gelding
By Puissance
This absolutely stunning horse Is a star in the making , he is a serious jumping machine with the flash , look at me attitude on the flat . He jumped double clear for 5th place in his first EI 115 ( intermediate ), he has 6 double clears at EI110 (Novice) with multiple wins, including the special 6 year old class at Punchestown, where he was the only horse to finish on his 20s dressage score, and again winning at Tattersalls finishing on his dressage score .
This seriously talented horse has the wow factor, he is very attractive to watch with real presence.He has an incredible engine, gallops easily with a great jump, scope and athleticism .
He absolutely adores his job is brave and bold with the heart of a lion and he has proven himself as a top class eventer for the future. 100% to shoe, clip, load, travel.
Genuine enquiries only please.
Based Southern Ireland
00353 879526265
Videos available on request

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.

Maryland 5 Star Entry Update: An International Smorgasbord

By Sally Spickard on Sep 28, 2021 10:51 am -

Astier Nicolas and Babylon de Gamma. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Entries are still filing in for the Maryland 5 Star as more and more riders get wind of what to expect at the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in Elkton, Md. — and now we’ve got a handful more international entries whom we’ll be welcoming to the States, many of which will be making their first trek across the pond.

A total of 51 entries are now slotted in for the CCI5*, with a full-capacity CCI3*L championship and East Coast Young Event Horse Championship roster to boot. Here’s a look at some of the newcomers to the CCI5* entry list:

Maxime Livio (FRA) and Vitorio du Montet (12-year-old Selle Francais stallion by Lando, 8th at Pau in 2020)
Astier Nicolas (FRA) and Babylon de Gamma (10-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Mylord Carthago, making his CCI5* debut)
Zara Tindall (GBR) and Class Affair (12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by OBOS Quality 004 looking for his first CCI5* completion)

Zara Tindall and Class Affair. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Buck Davidson has thrown a fourth potential ride, the 10-year-old Thoroughbred Sorocaima, into the mix but will have to whittle his entries down come jog day (he’s already entered with Carlevo, Erroll Gobey and Jak My Style).

Lynn Symansky will bring forward her 2019 Pan American Games partner, the Donner Syndicate’s RF Cool Play (a 13-year-old German Sporthorse gelding by Condors Champion) for his CCI5* debut.

Great Britain’s Oliver Townend, entered in the CCI5* with Kentucky winner Cooley Master Class, will also contest the CCI3*L with Juli Sebring’s Ulises, a former ride of his before Juli acquired the ride earlier this year. Ulises campaigned through the CCI4* level with Oliver and was also formerly ridden in his earlier days by Andrew Nicholson. More on this cool story to come!

Lynn Symansky and RF Cool Play (USA). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

FEI Definite Entries for the Maryland 5 Star close this week, so we may yet see a few more latecomers join the party. But for now, we’ve got one of the most exciting U.S. five-star entry lists (and heck, one of the most exciting five-star lists, period) we’ve ever seen to look forward to in less than a month’s time. We hope you’ll be joining us in Maryland — click here to purchase your tickets! Stay tuned for much more to come. Go Eventing!

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill: [Website] [Entries] [Tickets] [Volunteer]

Who Jumped It Best: The European Championships Edition

By Tilly Berendt on Sep 28, 2021 9:00 am -

EN’s coverage of the 2021 FEI Longines European Eventing Championships is brought to you in part by Kentucky Performance Products. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products and its wide array of supplements available for your horse.

We’ve got a monster (in terms of fence dimensions, at least) edition of Who Jumped It Best? coming in hot from the FEI Longines European Eventing Championships, situated in Switzerland at one of the most gorgeous venues we’ve laid eyes on.

Fence 26 and 27 on course acted as a single question with a double numbered long route. The question featured a solid corner over a yawning ditch that would be enough to frighten the pants off even the best riders. The question came after riders traveled through a water combination, turning back on themselves over a table, followed by a single fence that would lead them right into this question. Despite its size, as with most “rider frightener” fences, no combinations incurred penalties here. The majority of riders elected to do the direct line here.

Take a look at our selection of pairs and vote in the poll at the bottom of this post for the horse and rider who present the most harmonious overall picture. Good luck and Go Eventing!

Aleksandr Markov and Leader (RUS). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Anna Siemer and FRH Butts Avondale (GER). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Esteban Benitez Valle and Milana 23 (ESP). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Jean Lou Bigot and Utrillo du Halage (FRA). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati and Oklahoma 2 (AUT). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Kris Vervaecke and Guantanamo Van Alsingen (BEL). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Patrick Rüegg and Fifty Fifty (SUI). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Pietro Sandei and Rubis du Prere (ITA). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Piggy March and Brookfield Inocent (GBR). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Cast your vote for Who Jumped It Best:

The 2021 FEI Longines European Championships: [Website] [Schedule and Scoring] [Entries] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feed

By Sally Spickard on Sep 28, 2021 12:01 am -

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Have you entered The Event at TerraNova yet? It promises to be an all-star weekend for all levels down in west Florida, and you still have until October 5 to get your entry in. Click here to view the Omnibus listing and sort out your entry!

Events Opening This Week:

Tryon International Three-Day Event, River Glen Fall H.T., Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks

Events Closing This Week:

Ocala Fall H.T.

Tuesday News:

Have you entered Legends Horse Feeds’ sweepstakes yet? Five lucky winners will take home 10 bags of Legends Horse Feed, and all you have to do is enter by September 30 to have your chance. Click here to enter!

Did you know the USEA has several Young Rider programs available for you? Whether you’re in high school or college or taking a different path, there is likely a program that fits your educational/competitive needs. Check out the range of programs available here.

You know you love a good Hallmark move, don’t you? We’ve got a new one coming your way, and this past weekend the new movie Taking The Reins premiered and has plenty of horse life to satiate your TV-movie cravings. Fran Jurga breaks down the equestrian elements of the film, including the location, in her latest article.

Eventing Nation is proud to partner with the Maryland 5 Star to produce the official Digital Program & Form Guide that will feature all the information you need to know, right at your fingertips and free to access. We’ll also be including a Deal Book with discounts and deals from both on-site vendors as well as other brands. Do you want to include your brand or product? Email me at [email protected].

Tuesday Video Break:

Take a look back at Nicola Wilson’s historic Europeans win with the smashing JL Dublin:

Monday Video: Go for a Wild Ride in the Aachen Jump and Drive

By Abby Powell on Sep 27, 2021 4:00 pm -

I’m truly obsessed with the Jump and Drive: a special class that combines eventing, show jumping and combined driving in a relay race type competition which sees the event riders jump a showcase style cross country course before hoping on the back of their teammates carriage and going for a wild ride. Of course we only get to see this class at special, big events where all of these disciplines converge, but it’s great fun when that happens!

The Jump and Drive at Aachen is always an extra enjoyable time thanks to the pumping party music and roaring crowds. This year a combined team of Australian and American athletes took home the top honors. U.S. show jumper Lillie Keenan was partnered with Australians Boyd Exell, a superstar in combined driving, and Tokyo 2020 individual eventing bronze medalist Andrew Hoy, who rode Odaria Finemore’s Bloom des Hauts Crets. Andrew wore his trusty helmet cam during his round, so lucky us — we get a competitor’s perspective from this unique class!

Eventer Maggie Sheehan Awarded USEF Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship

By Leslie Wylie on Sep 27, 2021 2:00 pm -

Maggie Sheehan and Absoroka in 2020. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

One of the five USEF Higher Education Equestrian Scholarships awarded for 2121 went to a eventer, Maggie Sheehan. Earmarked for graduating high school seniors, the scholarships were created to support students who are committed to continuing their involvement in equestrian sport while in college through an equestrian-related degree, volunteerism, or internship; riding on an intercollege equestrian team; or other equestrian-related activity. The scholarship awards a $1,000 grant to each recipient to be used towards education expenses at their college or university.

Maggie, of Perkinsville, Vermont, plans to attend the University of Vermont, pursuing a major in Animal Science with a pre-equine veterinarian track. She has loved everything about horses and riding from the very beginning, and said pursuing a career to give back to the animals who gave her so much was a no-brainer.

“I went from a shy, unconfident little rider to a well-rounded person who’s able to speak for myself, solve problems, think ahead, and keep pushing no matter the circumstances. Now, I navigate new life challenges with a steady demeanor, patience, and grit,” says Maggie.

“Every day I’m reminded of everything my trainer and each horse that comes in and out of my life has taught me. So I wasn’t really surprised when at the end of one day, sweeping the aisle while the late afternoon summer light danced through the barn, the thought crossed my mind: I could do this for the rest of my life. I want to help each horse as much as they’ve helped me. So, I’m pursuing a career in equine veterinary medicine.”

Maggie has been riding for about 11 years and eventing for the past five or six. As a working student at Greylock Farm/Sue Berrill Eventing, she was able to learn the sport of eventing on several horses, a couple of which she competed for a notable amount of time.

Maggie Sheehan and Practically Perfect in 2019. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.com.

The first was Practically Perfect (“Hobbes,”) whom is owned and was competed through Intermediate with Ariel Grald. “He taught me the ropes and helped me gain a lot of confidence back that I’d lost from previous experiences, and took me from Beginner Novice up through my first Training.”

Hobbes came up unsound a couple years ago, and while Maggie rehabbed him for a year she rode Sue Berrill’s homebred Absoroka (“Phoebe.”)

“She was so much fun, one of the smartest and funniest horses personality wise I’ll probably ever meet!,” Maggie says. “I think she really helped me evolve as a cross country rider, and I rode her for a season at Novice.”

When Hobbes went back to Ariel last fall because he’d developed arthritis in his stifles, Maggie began leasing her current ride Chequers Superstar (“Chequers”), who belongs to a long-time boarder of Sue’s, Nicole Diana.

“He’s pretty much the quintessential perfect horse, super sweet, well behaved, looks to please, no drama kind of guy,” Maggie says. “Denney Emerson actually said everybody deserves to have a Chequers at some point in their life!, so I’m super lucky to have the opportunity to lease him! We’re currently competing at Training level, and headed to GMHA for the Area 1 Training Level Championships this weekend.”

Looking ahead to her first year of college, she says, “I’m aiming to take him to school with me second semester, and I’m hoping as long everything goes accordingly to take him Prelim maybe next season or the one after! I would like to continue working with horses through school. I’ll just keep an eye out for opportunities, whether it be riding, school programs, internships, or just working around a barn. I think there’s always more to learn with horses!”

Best of luck to you, Maggie! Additional scholarships were awarded to hunter/jumpers Samantha Adamczyk of Loxahatchee, Fla. and Caroline Johnston of Upper Saddle River, N.J. and dressage riders Gracie Lynch of Berea, Ky. and Emma Teff of Renfrew, Pa. Learn more about the scholarship here.

Who Jumped It Best? Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S

By Shelby Allen on Sep 27, 2021 11:35 am -

Eventing Nation’s coverage of Stable View Oktoberfest is presented by Kentucky Performance products. The horse that matters to you, matters to Kentucky Performance Products, and they’ve designed a time-tested line of supportive products that will help your horse live his or her best life. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.

EN, it’s time for another round of Who Jumped It Best? This edition takes us between the picturesque pines of Stable View in Aiken, S.C. You be the judge of these seven CCI4*-S competitors as they tackle fence six, the Blanchard Table. You’ll notice this element is full height and width for the level. Choose which pair you think presents the best picture and vote for your pick in the poll below.

ETA 9/28: We apologize for the poll malfunction! We’ve reset it so that it should be collecting your votes now!

Stable View Oktoberfest 2/3/4* and H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Results]