Classic Eventing Nation

Saturday Links

By on Jun 5, 2021 12:01 am -

The Prices are continuing their tour of world eventing domination this weekend with NINE total horses contesting three divisions at the Millstreet International Horse Trials this weekend, and of course they’re leading those three divisions. After dressage, Jonelle leads the 3*-L with Faerie Magnifico while Tim is out front in the 4*-L and 4*-S with Falco and Ascona M, respectively. His score of 20.1 with Ascona M is a new career best dressage score. Cross country kicks off at 11:30 AM local time/ 6:30 AM Eastern and you should be able to catch some live stream action on the Millstreet Facebook page.

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

IEA H.T. (Edinburgh, In.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Live Scores]

The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, Wa.) : [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

GMHA H.T. (South Woodstock, Vt.) : [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

The Middleburg H.T. (The Plains, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

New Jersey Region’s H.T. (Allentown, Nj.): [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala Summer I H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Poplar Place June H.T. (Hamilton, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Unionville H.T. (Unionville, Pa.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Are You Interested in Joining a USEA Committee? Here’s How!

Dealing With Equine Colic: Here are 33 Do’s and Don’ts

Transport-related stress shows in the faces of horses, findings suggest

The Haiku Handicapper: 2021 Belmont Stakes

Just in on Jumper Nation: Horse People Are—and Have To Be—Relentlessly Optimistic

We’re giving away a Cambox V4 Pro helmet cam! In partnership with our friends at Cambox, we’re doing a social media giveaway for one lucky winner – to learn more, visit this Instagram post.

And while you’re in the contest mood, be sure to vote for the winner of our SmartPak #MudMadnessGiveaway winner by hitting the “like” button on your top photo – click here to view the album on Facebook.

Saturday Video: Valuable cargo heading to Luhmühlen!

Friday Video from SmartPak: Snoop Around Lucinda Fredericks’s Yard

By on Jun 4, 2021 4:07 pm -

One of the very best parts of being an equestrian journalist is having a tailor-made excuse to check out top riders’ barns, see how their systems work, and, of course, do some serious pony-patting in the process. The next best thing? Living vicariously through someone else doing exactly that. Vlogger Megan Elphick recently got the chance to tour the yard of the great Lucinda Fredericks and meet some of her current string of horses, and honestly, just the sight of all those event plagues on the wall is enough to give that indelibly nosy side of me the shivers. Dive in and enjoy your own VIP snooping session.

#EventerProblems Vol. 255 from Ecovet: Secret Special Skills

By on Jun 4, 2021 12:00 pm -

I mean, let’s be honest, how many baby carrots can YOU fit in your lower lip?

There’s no denying the fact that horses can be gifted in some very secret special ways. The next time your horse displays his or her, em, “unique talent,” be sure to tag it on social with #EventerProblems!

We are glad to welcome Ecovet as the sponsor of EN’s longest running and most popular series!

 

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One More Reason Why We Heart SmartPak: Ride With Pride!

By on Jun 4, 2021 9:00 am -

When it comes to diversity and inclusivity, SmartPak has been blazing new trails toward making sure that EVERYONE feels welcome in our sport. With June being Pride Month, SmartPak is proud to support all the riders in the communities they serve — and as a part of their mission to give back to these communities, they’ve partnered with Nature Heals to donate 5% of all Piper Apparel sales throughout the month of June!

Nature Heals is a service organization that provides nature-based therapies in order to improve the mental and emotional well-being of children and/or adults who would not usually be able to afford these therapies. Their “Becoming a Herd” program supports members of the LGBTQ community.

From the Nature Heals website:

“LGBTQ youth are twice as likely as their straight peers to be physically assaulted or harassed at school. They are four times as likely as their straight peers to attempt suicide. However, for LGBTQ youth with supportive parents or mentors, the suicide rate drops from 57% to 4%. Because of this, we provide an equine therapy group for LGBTQ youth and allies, focusing on building a community, finding support, and encouraging empowerment in a safe and secure environment.”

Want to learn more about what Nature Heals is doing with LGBTQ youth and horses? Read more from Liese Foust, Executive Director of Nature Heals, in SmartPak’s blog here.

Want to shop Piper to help support the amazing programs, people, and horses at Nature Heals? Check out all the awesome Piper gear at SmartPak by clicking here.

Friday News & Notes

By on Jun 4, 2021 12:03 am -

I have literally no words. Photo courtesy of Chip the Lamb.

More happy Pride Month from Chip the Lamb! Here at EN we’ve been championing diversity and inclusion from all angles for some time now, and we are delighted to be able to celebrate Pride during this month of June, and beyond. Also, does anybody have this outfit in a horse size? Because I would pay money to see that.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

IEA H.T. (Edinburgh, In.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, Wa.) : [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

GMHA H.T. (South Woodstock, Vt.) : [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

The Middleburg H.T. (The Plains, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

New Jersey Region’s H.T. (Allentown, Nj.): [Website]

Ocala Summer I H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place June H.T. (Hamilton, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Unionville H.T. (Unionville, Pa.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

News From Around the Globe:

Will the postponed Tokyo Olympics open despite rising opposition and the pandemic? The answer is almost certainly “yes.” Tokyo is under a COVID-19 state of emergency, but IOC Vice President John Coates has said the games will open on July 23 — state of emergency, or no state of emergency. But why? What’s at stake, and what are the considerations preventing cancellation? [Tokyo Olympics a Go Despite Opposition]

A celebration of life will be held for the late Patrick “Packy” G. McGaughan on Saturday, June 19, at 4 p.m. EST. The celebration will be held in the jump field of Banbury Cross Farm, 26315 Haines Rd, Clarksburg, MD 20871. All who wish to honor Packy’s life are invited to attend to tell their stories, pat Bandit, and toast a well-lived life. [Celebrate Packy]

As equestrians, we all know we’re suckers for a good horse movie. For us, they’re all tear-jerkers, but they also remind a lot of us about what made us fall in love with horses in the first place. After all, if it weren’t for some of these scenes, we may not have begged our parents to let us ride. So here it is, Horse Nation — a compilation of 12 of the greatest horse movie scenes that we just can’t stop watching. [Hot On Horse Nation]

It’s common for defense mechanisms and coping strategies to be used interchangeably, but they’re actually quite different. Coping mechanisms are mental strategies that resolve stressful thoughts and feelings, while defense mechanisms are behaviors that attempt  to avoid or hide from them. Learn four coping mechanisms from Coach Daniel Stewart in this impeccable article. [Your Ego Still Isn’t Your Amigo]

Best of Blogs: Why Are So Many American Owned Young Horses Growing Up Abroad?

Video: So cool to see Rosie Napravnik, who broke gender barriers as a jockey and has done some much to champion OTTBs, out and about and crushing it.

Thursday Video: How to Change the Look of a Jump With Cathy Wieschhoff

By on Jun 3, 2021 5:00 pm -

I love life hacks that can be done with a few bucks and a trip to your local home improvement store. In her latest “One Minute With Cathy” video, five-star rider/course designer/my write-in vote for the 2020 presidential race Cathy Wieschhoff shows us a way to dupe your horse into thinking there’s a brand new cross country jump in the field.

For more true strokes of genius, visit Cathy’s YouTube channel here.

 

Addressing Toxic Positivity: Why Riding At Your Comfort Level Is Perfectly Acceptable

By on Jun 3, 2021 2:00 pm -

At Eventing Nation, we love competition but also fiercely believe that equestrian sport can be embraced from a number of non-competitive perspectives — it’s OK to “just ride,” or even just enjoy the ride vicariously! This essay by returning adult equestrian/blogger/podcaster/author Heather Wallace, kindly re-published from her Timid Rider blog, has a lot of relevance for those who feel they have to move up a level because that is what everyone around them wants to do, or even that they have to compete at all. You can follow Heather on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and learn more about her many projects at her website here. 

When it comes to performance, mindset is everything. There are a lot of memes out there and accounts perpetuating toxic positivity. Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how dire or difficult a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. It’s a “good vibes only” approach to life.

The trouble with that is, when you have anxiety, depression, or tend to be an over-thinker, being positive is easier said than done. Sometimes you just can’t get out of your own way then feel like you are a failure because you think you should think positively. It’s a vicious circle.

Truthfully, sometimes we feel nervous or we don’t want to challenge ourselves. Case in point, while riding in Arizona this past January I came to the hard truth that I don’t WANT to gallop across the desert chasing after my friends. I was much happier and relaxed, walking along peacefully and viewing the saguaro cacti. Sure, a canter here and there is fun but that isn’t why I like trail rides.

Most of my friends feel differently and crave the adrenaline rush and wind through their hair.

After our trip a close friend of mine offered some advice and it was wise and well-intentioned. She says that I need to do something more to feel comfortable with it, and wouldn’t it be great to all go to hunter paces together and gallop?

The problem with that is my goals are not her goals. She is competitive while I am not. I appreciate her support and sometimes, tough love, I think it’s important to note that there are many others who prefer a relaxed hack to connect with their horse and meditate in a way rather than seek the adrenaline rush.

I certainly have goals and areas where I’d like to improve. My journey has been one of learning horsemanship and building my relationship with Ferrous, and Delight also who is more challenging, to build our confidence and communication. That certainly translates from the ground to the saddle.

Ferrous and I have been focusing on trailer loading and going off property again, something we haven’t done since we moved barns. I’m very nervous but miss trail riding with him and look forward to the freedom we will have once we accomplish our goal. Of course, my daughter would also love to show him in competition and we definitely want a calm, focused pony for that!

I am taking Delight back to basics after he was deemed “unrideable” by his previous owner, trainer, and vet. He is my project horse and because he is more sensitive than Ferrous, he is much more challenging as well — often a mirror for my emotions that I’d rather not face. I have no timeline in mind, our only goal to build a strong bond of mutual respect and enjoy trail riding together.

My goals are different from my friends. That does not make me less in any way. Will I someday feel more confident galloping the woods with them on a hunter pace? I’m sure I will at some point. But there are a lot of steps in between that will result in my enjoying that rather than dreading it.

I am perfectly happy riding at my comfort level. I set personal goals and challenges for myself that may be different from others. Not everyone wants to compete, race, or push themselves to constantly grow. I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. This is your reminder that no matter what your goals or comfort level, you have to WANT it for yourself, not for what others might expect.

Volunteer Nation: Five USEA Events That Could Use a Hand This Weekend

By on Jun 3, 2021 11:00 am -

Did you know that it takes over 2,000 volunteers to run the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Volunteering at a five-star event is a huge honor, and many volunteers you see have held fast to their posts for years or even decades! That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply, though — you can fill out a Volunteer Profile and get on Kentucky’s volunteer waiting list here. Many thanks, as always, to all of our sport’s hardworking and passionate volunteers.

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 five USEA events that could use a helping hand this week:

USEA Events

Middleburg Horse Trials 2021- at Great Meadow (June 3rd, 2021 to June 7th, 2021)

A note from the organizer: Middleburg Orange Pony Club HT at Great Meadow still needs volunteers for this weekend. We even have a number of local U.S. high performance riders volunteering  but we need still need more people to ensure we can put on a great event.  All volunteers get a XC schooling pass to use on Tuesday, June 8th from 8:00AM – 1:00 pm at Great Meadow. You may give your pass to a friend if you cannot make it.

Ocala Summer I Horse Trials (June 5th, 2021)

2021 IEA Horse Trials and Three Day Event (May 31st, 2021 to June 6th, 2021)

GMHA June Horse Trials & Area 1 Championships (June 4th, 2021 to June 6th, 2021)

Poplar Place Farm Summer Horse Trials (June 5th, 2021 to June 6th, 2021)

Luhmühlen Will Run Without Spectators

By on Jun 3, 2021 9:00 am -

2019 CCI5* victors Tim Price and Ascona M at Luhmühlen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

After last year’s cancellation due to COVID-19, Luhmühlen has confirmed that it plans to go ahead with this year’s event (June 17-20) sans spectators. In addition to a CCI5* and CCI4*-S, the event will incorporate the German National Championship. You can check out EN’s preview of the entry list here, and we’ll have Tilly Berendt as our boots on the ground at the event next month so keep it locked here for live coverage!

From an announcement released by Luhmühlen:

In the second year of the pandemic, the organizing company TGL Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen mbH faces the challenge of adjusting the event to the COVID-19 reality.

“Organizing an event like Luhmühlen always comes with a great deal of responsibility. The pandemic magnifies the challenge, as everyone’s health is our absolute priority. Running the event wouldn’t be feasible without our long-term partners and we’re immensely grateful for their ongoing support,” explains event director Julia Otto.

The event is currently planned to go ahead without spectators: “We’re all going to miss the atmosphere created by audience and fans. Especially after the wonderful year we had in 2019, with the classic June event and the European Championships in August in front of a large crowd, you can hardly imagine Luhmühlen without spectators. The trade stands, which usually provide a special backdrop, will also be missing this year, but we are doing our best create a nice atmosphere for the riders on site,” says Julia Otto.

For event director Julia Otto the additional challenges are worth it as the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials offer riders and their horses a top-class sporting event, a chance to prepare for the Olympic Games and the European Championships.

The impressive entries promise exciting sport. Bringing this sport to people’s living rooms is a main focus. German TV broadcaster NDR will report live from Luhmühlen on Saturday and Sunday. A daily live stream will be provided by Horse&CountryTV+ (behind the paywall), short interviews and glances behind the scenes by Luhmühlen’s social media channels.

For further information and any current changes or adjustments, please check tgl.luhmuehlen.de or follow Luhmühlen on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thursday News & Notes from Ecovet

By on Jun 3, 2021 12:03 am -

Guys, a pro tip here: never ever ever dislocate your ankle. I thought I was the ankle sprain champion of the world, and I’ve sprained my right ankle about a million times at this point and I don’t even know how it’s still functional. However, two months ago I dislocated my GOOD ankle (the left one), and did some damage to my achilles tendon and some other fun tendons, and I’ve never felt so much sympathy for a horse on stall rest with a suspensory before in my life. WHY. Just heal already!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

IEA H.T. (Edinburgh, In.): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, Wa.) : [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

GMHA H.T. (South Woodstock, Vt.) : [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

The Middleburg H.T. (The Plains, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

New Jersey Region’s H.T. (Allentown, Nj.): [Website]

Ocala Summer I H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place June H.T. (Hamilton, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Unionville H.T. (Unionville, Pa.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

News From Around the Globe:

Wondering what an average day in the life of Boyd Martin looks like? Starting at 5:15 in the morning and finishing work around 7:30 at night, it’s surely not a life for the faint of heart. Coffee, foam rolling, flatwork, more coffee, lessons, more riding, child wrangling, tractor driving, more coffee, and passing out on the couch. Riding is glamorous. [A Day In The Life: Boyd Martin]

We’re giving away a Cambox V4 Pro helmet cam! In partnership with our friends at Cambox, we’re doing a social media giveaway for one lucky winner – to learn more, visit this Instagram post.

And while you’re in the contest mood, be sure to vote for the winner of our SmartPak #MudMadnessGiveaway winner by hitting the “like” button on your top photo – click here to view the album on Facebook.

Following the second positive test result from Medina Spirit, Churchill Downs has banned Bob Baffert for two years. The suspension prohibits Baffert, or any trainer directly or indirectly employed by Bob Baffert Racing Stables, from entering horses in races or applying for stall occupancy at all CDI-owned racetracks. “Reckless practices and substance violations that jeopardize the safety of our equine and human athletes or compromise the integrity of our sport are not acceptable and as a company we must take measures to demonstrate that they will not be tolerated. Mr. Baffert’s record of testing failures threatens public confidence in Thoroughbred racing and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby.”  [Bob Baffert Banned from Churchill Downs]

Popular Brazilian rider Ruy Fonseca has officially withdrawn from Olympic contention. He announced yesterday on Instagram that he will not be participating in Olympic selection trials for what would be his 4th Olympics. “With the recent personal private events and my focus is completely in support my family brothers and sisters , we decided to withdraw from targeting the Tokyo Olympic Games qualification and selection process.” [No Olympics for Ruy Fonseca]