Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes Presented by Horse First

By on Jul 16, 2021 12:03 am -

Faudree really leaning in to the local culture in Germany. Photo by Boyd Martin.

You know, I had a whole cute story about a horse I rode yesterday in my mind for this leader paragraph, but then I saw this….delightful photo of Will Faudree on my Facebook feed and literally everything else in my mind dissipated immediately. The lederhosen, the clogs, the knee-high socks, and of course, the hat so you know he’s from Texas, it’s all just pure magic. You’re so, so welcome.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. (Lexington, Ky.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Summer Coconino Western Underground Inc. H.T. (Flagstaff, Az.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Essex H.T. (Fair Hills, Nj.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Full Moon Farms H.T. (Finksburg, Md.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. (Geneseo, Ny.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

In the FEI’s centenary year it is perhaps fitting that this year’s Olympic Games will be staged by one of its founding members, Japan. The Tokyo 2020 host has a long history in equestrian sports, although achievements on the biggest stage have been rare. This year could change that with a talented squad including an Eventing team that challenged for the podium at the most recent FEI World Equestrian Games. [FEI 100 Years]

The world’s tallest horse, who held a Guinness World Record, has died aged 20. “Big Jake” died last month at Smokey Hollow Farm in Wisconsin, United States. The Belgian gelding stood 2.75 inches over 20 hands, without shoes. Jake broke the record for the tallest living horse on 19 January 2010 and first appeared in the 2011 edition of the Guinness World Records book. The record was formerly held by a 20hh Clydesdale in Texas, called Remington. [RIP Big Jake]

Hot on Horse Nation: Why Invoice? What It Means To Your Business

Best of Blogs: Working Hard Isn’t Always Enough

Olympic Beat:

A piece of history was made this week when 36 horses flew into Japan – the first full cargo load of horses ever to land in Haneda, the waterfront airport that serves the greater Tokyo area and which is now welcoming a very different group of Olympic athletes. The four-legged time travellers are all dressage horses and include some Olympic superstars, among them Bella Rose, the mare ridden by Germany’s Isabell Werth, the most decorated Olympic equestrian athlete of all time. [Dressage Horses Land in Tokyo]

Bookmark this page: Tokyo Equestrian Live Streaming Schedule

Want to get all of the latest Olympic eventing news in your inbox? Sign up for our free Olympic Digest newsletter, sent each Monday and then daily beginning July 28. Upon sign-up, you’ll receive a welcome message containing links to any editions that were already released. Sign up here.

Confused about rules with alternates and substitutions for Tokyo? You’re not alone. And Equestrian sports are not the only ones trying it out this year, with artistic swimming, BMX racing and freestyle, track cycling, fencing, handball, hockey, football, rowing, rugby, table tennis and water polo joining the ranks. Learn more about how it all works here [Understanding Alternates & Substitutions for Olympics]

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#RoadToTokyo: A Little Dance, A Little Jump

By on Jul 15, 2021 11:00 am -

This morning, the U.S. team and support staff have been posting in memory of Annie Goodwin, who died yesterday after a cross country schooling accident. It’s a somber mood on the heels of this news, and we wanted to take a moment to share the sentiments of the team. Annie, you will never be forgotten and our hearts are very heavy.

Team USA rehearsed their Olympic tests yesterday to get feedback from eventing judge Martin Plewa, then took on their own interpretation of gymnastics today under the watchful eye of Peter Wylde.

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On Cue and Tsetserleg took to the stadium for gymnastics with Peter Wylde today. The horses are jumping in top form and the team is lucky to have his guidance as we prepare for Tokyo.

Posted by Boyd Martin on Thursday, July 15, 2021

And a couple snaps from Team Canada:

Other teams seem to be settling into quarantine quite happily as their digs in Tokyo get set up:

Well …. MOSTLY happily.

We’ll continue to round up social media posts and other perspectives from the road to Tokyo, so stay tuned right here on EN for all things Olympics.

A Message From Annie: ‘You Gotta Push On’

By on Jul 15, 2021 9:00 am -

Everyone who swings their leg over the back of a horse is aware of risk. We do the best we can to stay safe while understanding that there are variables beyond our control. But as much as we owe ourselves safety, it can be argued, we also owe ourselves happiness.

In 2016 Taggert Vin Zant made this video featuring Annie Goodwin as a promo to invite sponsors to join her team. Upon Annie’s passing yesterday resulting from a cross country schooling accident, her words feel chillingly poignant:

“There are instances where bad things happen. And it can happen to anyone. But that’s not really a way to live your life. You gotta push on … It’s a healthy fear that we have, and it drives us to be better every single day.”

Rest in peace, Annie.

Thursday News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Jul 15, 2021 12:03 am -

When your 4-year-old really loves the water complex. Photo courtesy of Mikayla Mather Carlton

With a whole week of continuous brutal hot Virginia weather, I finally cracked and decided to ride my last horse in a bareback pad, shorts, and flip flops. We went for a happy little jaunt through the woods and down into the river for some splashing, which is honestly the only respectable choice in July in Virginia. However, luckily my horse did not make the choice that Mikayla’s did when she tried to school the water complex!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. (Lexington, Ky.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Summer Coconino Western Underground Inc. H.T. (Flagstaff, Az.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Essex H.T. (Fair Hills, Nj.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Full Moon Farms H.T. (Finksburg, Md.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. (Geneseo, Ny.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Tina Cook is one of Britain’s most successful event riders, with a numerous wins, placings and team call-ups to her name, including individual and team bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, followed by team silver at the London 2012 Olympics. Looking back to 2008, Tina remembers being a late call up to represent her country in Hong Kong aboard Miners Frolic. Doing dressage at 10pm due to the heat, completing a tricky cross country course, and jumping her way up the leaderboard to individual bronze, Tina and Henry had a magical trip. [Tina Cook Reminisces]

Hot Take: Why Dressage Is Like The Great British Bake Off

Allyson Felix, one of the most decorated athletes in women’s track and field, has announced plans to pay it forward with a new partnership that will cover childcare costs for mothers participating in the Summer Games. The mother has teamed with her primary sponsor, Athleta, and the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) to launch The Power of She Fund: Child Care Grants. The program will commit $200,000 to childcare costs for nine mom-athletes competing and participating in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. [Girl Power]

International equestrian judge Helen Christie, of Waikaia, is off to her sixth Olympics, where she’ll officiate as the chief steward at the eventing for the first time. She previously worked Sydney, Athens, Hong Kong, London, and Rio, but being the chief steward is the highest you can go, and she’s positively delighted despite the year delay. [Six Olympics for Helen Christie]

An online public-awareness campaign launched this week takes aim at sexual misconduct and abuse in equestrian sport, and changing how these issues often are ignored, minimized or wrongly blamed on the victim. Announced Monday, the collaboration among Horse Network, the Wrigley Media Group and the Kehring family, who are involved in SafeSport and criminal allegations against show jumper Rich Fellers, has launched #WeRideTogether, a  series of  digital PSAs and an in-depth microsite designed to empower, inform, and unite the equestrian community. [We Ride Together]

Annie Goodwin Passes Away After Cross Country Schooling Accident

By on Jul 14, 2021 7:32 pm -

Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B. Photo by Shelby Allen.

We are heartbroken to report that Annie Goodwin, a professional rider who competed through the CCI4* level and based in Aiken, Sc., has passed away after a cross country schooling accident at Stable View Farm at the age of 32. Stable View released the following statement to the USEA:

We at Stable View are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Annie Goodwin, a beloved local rider. She was an exceptional Eventer.

The tragic accident happened on Wednesday afternoon while schooling over a Training level obstacle. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injury shortly thereafter at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The horse was not injured in the accident.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Annie’s family and loved ones. Please have consideration and respect for all involved during this difficult time.

Stable View will be closed for the next two weeks while our community grieves.

Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to Annie’s family and loved ones.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Laura Collett’s Olympic Dream

By on Jul 14, 2021 5:28 pm -

Every Olympian has a story – but some have a few more unexpected twists and turns than others. For Great Britain’s Laura Collett, her Olympic debut in Tokyo comes after some extraordinary highs: she won the CCI5* at France’s Les Etoiles de Pau last year, has represented her country since her childhood, and has featured near – or at – the top of the leaderboard in countless illustrious internationals. It also comes after some catastrophic lows: a fall that nearly ended her career, for example, and grappling with online abuse from strangers.

But now, all of the threads of her life and career are being woven into a colourful tapestry as she heads to the biggest competition of her life as one of the hot favourites for an individual medal. Can she become the first woman ever to win Olympic eventing individual gold? Before she starts her fight for the top spot, though, there’s plenty of logistics to organise. In this interview, you’ll learn more about the quarantine process, how the trip to Tokyo will work – and what it’s actually like to get the phone call confirming that you’ve been selected.

(And no, it’s not too early to cry about the Olympics. This is a safe space.)

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Olympic Eventing History in Review: Stockholm 1912

By on Jul 14, 2021 1:00 pm -

Olympic eventing has shape-shifted quite dramatically over the years, with early editions being nearly unrecognizable side-by-side with the modern sport. As we approach this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, which is adopting yet another format, we’ll be taking a look back at its evolution over the past century.

We’ll start with the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games, the first year an eventing-type competition was first introduced. Imagine completing three days of jumping competition spanning 35+ miles BEFORE you did your dressage test … it would take the edge off, at least!

Stockholm’s Field Riding Club, which hosted the 1916 Olympic equestrian events. Photo: Public Domain/IOC.

Equestrian events were first held at the 1900 Paris Olympic Games and included four contests: polo, grand prix jumping, high jump and long jump. Equestrian was cut in 1904, and in 1908 only polo was held. But for 1912 the IOC approved the inclusion of the three equestrian disciplines that have been held at every summer games since: eventing, show jumping and dressage … or at least some vaguely related ancestor of their modern versions.

There were still only a handful of Olympic sports at that point, including a few like tug-of-war and lawn tennis that are now retired. Eventing was called “Military” and, as advertised, was open only to servicemen and army horses. Twenty-seven riders representing seven countries took part in the event: Denmark, Germany, Sweden, France, Belgium, Great Britain and the U.S., with all the countries except Denmark fielding a full team of four riders.

Photo: Public Domain/IOC

Photo: Public Domain/IOC.

All the components of modern three-day eventing — dressage, cross-country and show jumping — were intact. The order was just a little… different.

Day 1: the Endurance Test, consisting of a 50 km (31 mile) long-distance road ride at a speed of 230 meters per minute  immediately followed by a 5 km  (3 mile) cross-country course at a speed of 333 meters per minute.

The course was marked by red flags but — not surprisingly, considering the map below — three riders were eliminated for going off course. Only one rider exceeded the time limit (4 hours for endurance and 15 minutes for cross-country) on account of his watch being slow.

The cross-country obstacles were described as not difficult, consisting chiefly of fences, with or without ditches, and streams. Points were subtracted for refusals and falls of horse and/or rider.

The ground was hard and the weather was less than ideal, according to the IOC report: “The heat was oppressive and most of the competitors lost weight during the ride, some as much as 4 1/2 lbs., or more, while the saddles grew considerably heavier, by absorption of sweat from the horses.”

To mimic the weight of military field accouterments, the horses were required to carry a minimum of 80 kg (176 lbs.) during the jumping phases. A double bridle was required in all phases except steeplechase.

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Cross-country course maps have come a long way since 1912. Image: Public Domain/IOC.

Day 2: Rest Day!

Day 3: Speed Test, held over a 3.5 km (2 mile) steeplechase course with 10 plain obstacles at a speed of 600 meters per minute.

There were 22 starters/Endurance Day survivors, most of whom made it around alright. According to the IOC report: “Of these, two rode the wrong way and retired, one of them, Lieutenant Lawrence (Great Britain) falling at a grass-covered ditch outside the course, the accident causing a slight concussion of the brain, from which the rider soon recovered, however.”

Day 4: the Jumping Test (“Prize Jumping”), which included 15 obstacles set to a maximum height of 1.3 meters (4’2″) and width of 3 meters (9’8″) wide.

Only two of the 19 starters had jumping penalties and 12 had time faults.

Day 5: the Dressage Test (“Prize Riding”).

From the IOC report: “With respect to the order in which the various tests should be executed, it was thought best to place the prize riding last, as the clearest obedience-test could thereby be obtained. A well-trained horse that has been severely taxed should, even after taking part in the previous tests, be able to do itself justice in the final one too.”

Photo: Public Domain/IOC

Photo: Public Domain/IOC

Riders were required to enter the ring at a gallop, halt/salute, and then use the next 10 minutes to demonstrate figures at the walk, trot and gallop at both “collected” and “fast” speeds. Extra points were awarded for various exhibitions of showboatery, such as riding with both reins in one hand. I can’t tell from the IOC report if it was for eventing as well or just straight dressage, but early tests included jumping obstacles and an “obedience test,” which “consisted of the rolling towards the horse of a wooden cylinder, 80 cm. diameter and c:a 1,50 meters long, and painted with stripes in 3 colours.” Can’t imagine too many modern sport horses would be too keen on that!

 

Image: Public Domain/Official IOC Report

Image: Public Domain/IOC

In the end Sweden took Team Gold, led by Individual Gold Medalist Lieutenant Axel Nordlander. Germany followed in Silver position and the U.S. claimed Bronze.

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Photo: Public Domain/IOC

Check out the full 1912 IOC report here, and stay tuned for our next edition of “Olympic Eventing History in Review” in which the organizers decide to get rid of dressage completely! If only that one had stuck….

Go Eventing.

 

#EventerProblems Vol. 70 from Ecovet: Hump Day Jump Day

By on Jul 14, 2021 9:00 am -

Hump day? More like, jump day! Here’s hoping the trajectory of your week is resembling the bascule of the horse in this first #EventerProblems photo — you put a lot of effort (maybe too much?) into the takeoff (Monday – Tuesday) and by Wednesday you’re just catching air, floating in the breeze. Now you’ve just gotta stick the landing. You can do it, we believe in you!

Here’s a fresh batch of strugglebus. Enjoy!

Go Eventing.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Jul 14, 2021 12:01 am -

We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to let you know that if you don’t have a Haygain hay steamer in your barn, you are truly missing out on not just endless respiratory benefits but also the best smell in the world. If you see me with my head stuck in a Haygain at any point, just go about your business.

As the athletes heading to Tokyo hit the road, one essential part of the packing for many was a High-Temperature Haygain Hay Steamer. A gold standard indeed!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. (Lexington, Ky.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Summer Coconino Western Underground Inc. H.T. (Flagstaff, Az.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Essex H.T. (Fair Hills, Nj.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Full Moon Farms H.T. (Finksburg, Md.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. (Geneseo, Ny.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Wednesday Reading List:

Cool (and impactful) job alert! Mulatto Meadows, the home ranch of Brianna Noble and the Humble access program, has moved to a new, sustainable ranch in Castro Valley, Ca. This move brings about a need for a Program Manager/Instructor to help run a growing program. Click here to see the full job description.

Not super familiar with Brianna or Mulatto Meadows? You can learn more about this awesome program here. You can also read about the new facility here.

We are pleased to support Strides for Equality Equestrians and the access programs/equestrian nonprofits that are listed within its Access Directory. All throughout the Olympics – one of our peak traffic periods – we’ll be sharing tidbits about each program in the Directory on our platforms, so stay tuned for more!

Kim Walnes sits down with Glenn the Geek on the latest episode of the Stable Scoop podcast to reflect on grief. Kim, who competed as a member of the U.S. team in the 1980s with her legendary partner, The Grey Goose, lost her daughter 30 years ago to murder. It’s a frank and open conversation you won’t want to miss.

Olympic Beat:

Alex Hua Tian writes about the countdown to the Olympics, the magnitude of riding as a part of Team China, and the pre-travel quarantine protocol each member is following in this blog for Equestrian Surfaces.

An “unprecedented” amount of broadcast coverage is expected for the Tokyo Olympics, which open on July 23. A forecasted increase of 30% over the amount of broadcast content produced in Rio in 2016 is expected to cover multiple channels the world over. With no spectators, foreign or domestic, allowed to take in the Games, the broadcast now becomes even more critical for the success of the Games. Where will you be watching from?

What does U.S. Chef d’Equipe Erik Duvander have to say about all of the Tokyo preparations and lead-up? Practical Horseman‘s Julia Murphy sat down to chat with Erik about what he’s been working on with the riders heading to the Olympics, what trajectory the team is on in the final lead-up and more in this article.

Want to get all of the latest Olympic eventing news in your inbox? Sign up for our free Olympic Digest newsletter, sent each Monday and then daily beginning July 28. Upon sign-up, you’ll receive a welcome message containing links to any editions that were already released. Sign up here.

Wednesday Video Break: “Historians estimate that one in four cowboys were African American, though you’d never guess because the conventional Hollywood image of a cowboy is a white man. Black cowboys have been written out of history, along with the original cattle-raising Native Americans and Mexican vaqueros who taught them. So what are the real origins of cowboy culture in the US? And is there more to modern black cowboy culture than Old Town Road and Lil Nas X? The Guardian‘s Josh Toussaint-Strauss talks to some of the Black riders who are keeping the history of Black cowboy culture alive.”

Tuesday Video: Go Breezing with Bobbie Jones

By on Jul 13, 2021 4:30 pm -

We’ve shared many a Bobbie Jones helmet cam here on EN in the past, and now Bobbie, who is based in Kentucky, has shared with us some rider’s eye views from her side gig galloping racehorses.

“I started (galloping) in November of 2019,” Bobbie told EN. “Galloping racehorses was something always wanted to do ever since I saw The Black Stallion when I was three, so when a good friend of mine offered me the opportunity I jumped on it!”

Bobbie, who also works as a vet tech in addition to eventing, says she tries to get out on the track as often as she can. “It’s a lot harder than I originally thought,” she said. “I figured since I can do 30-40 minute trot sets and gallop cross country courses that it would be a breeze…I was greatly mistaken! Galloping racers make you use muscles you didn’t know you had!”

Despite the challenges, Bobbie says galloping has made her physically stronger and given her a better understanding of off-track Thoroughbreds. A regular face in Thoroughbred Incentive Program competitions, Bobbie says this experience will only help her in her retraining process. “I wish more people would come to the backside of tracks and see what goes on behind the scenes,” she said. “These horses are so well loved by their owners, trainers, grooms and riders.”

Take a spin with Bobbie and hang on! Thanks for sharing!