Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Riding with William

By on Jun 2, 2021 5:39 pm -

Missed out on William Fox-Pitt‘s recent clinic while he was Stateside? Thanks to the vlogging skills of attendee Anna Pierce, you’ll get to live vicariously through the experience, check out her rides, and hear all about the advice that Long Tall William bestowed upon her. And if we know Will? It’ll have been jam-packed with nuggets of gold. Get comfy, tune in, and start planning your entry for the next time he returns to US. We know you want to!

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Support Puerto Rico’s Lauren Billys in ‘Take Me to Tokyo’ Olympic Fundraiser

By on Jun 2, 2021 2:00 pm -

In 2016, Lauren Billys became the first eventer from Puerto Rico to compete in the Olympics with her longtime partner, Castle Larchfield Purdy, since 1988. It’s been a whirlwind of a cycle since the Rio de Janeiro Games, and now Lauren is preparing to head to Tokyo for her second go at the Olympics with “Purdy”. You can read her reflections from Rio here – and read on for more on how you can support this trailblazing, hardworking woman on her quest for a second Olympics:

Lauren’s best friend, Amy, cheers hard on cross country. Photo courtesy of FEI.

After two years of waiting, the Tokyo Olympics are happening at the end of July and Purdy and I are going! Two years ago, in 2019, I planned the year full of competitions to qualify and win a seat to compete in the 2020 Olympic Games for Puerto Rico. 2019 was a year full of competitive placings and education that firmly planted me as one of the top two individual riders in the Western Hemisphere and secured us a place in the Olympic Games for a second time.

In March of last year when our worlds were rocked, Purdy and I hunkered down for a year of “patience training”. After much anticipation, the Olympics are actually happening this year, and we are just a few short weeks away from leaving on our trip around the world.

On Saturday, June 12 from 5-8pm at Folktale Rose Garden and Barrel Room in Carmel, Ca., we will be hosting a fundraiser to support the upcoming travels for my team. We would love for you to attend with you and all of your friends. The community as a whole is welcome and the event is open to all ages. There will be appetizers, paella, and dessert provided by Jerome’s Market and Chef Todd of Folktale, as well as a cash bar. Music will be played by local country singer/songwriter, Chris Bailey.

We will be joined by Jessie Deeter, a filmmaker who was most recently was nominated for an Emmy for her production of “The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley.” Over the past three years, Jessie and her team have been following female eventing equestrians in pursuit of the Olympic games. She has been creating a documentary about being a woman in the only sport where men and women compete equally vying for a chance on the world’s greatest stage.

Jessie has created a short video about our team’s journey to the Olympics that she will share. There will be a chance for questions and answers with Jessie and me about the process in getting the games as well as an opportunity to financially support the upcoming push to Tokyo.

If you would like to attend the event, please purchase tickets online at https://takemetotokyo.eventbrite.com. If you cannot attend the event but would like to donate, please visit http://laurenbillys.com/fundraiser and click on the donate button. If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation, this opportunity will be available at the event or by contacting me directly for information about how to make these donations.

Land Rover Rookie Reflections: Emily Hamel and Corvett

By on Jun 2, 2021 11:30 am -

We’re still reliving the action at this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, and one of this year’s “rookie” five-star riders, Emily Hamel, shares her thoughts on a weekend she’d been dreaming of and planning for her entire career. Emily and her high-jumping Corvett finished in 21st place for their Kentucky debut. You can also take a look back with fellow first-timer Ema Klugman here. Many thanks to Emily for writing!

Emily Hamel and Corvette. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Reflecting on Kentucky is simultaneously wonderful and strange. Wonderful in the way that I finally achieved a goal that I have been working towards for my whole adult life. Strange in the way that I reached it, and nothing really changed. Sure, I was extremely proud of myself and Barry, but daily life continues, and planning for what’s next is inevitable.

Cross country day was a whirlwind of activities and emotions. Since I was lucky #13, I got to ride early in the morning, around 9. This suited me well because I prefer to get it done before I have too much time to second guess my plan and get nervous. I arrived at the barn early and was out walking my course as soon as it was light enough to see where I was going. On my last walk on any course, I always go alone, walk my exact lines, and visualize me and Barry going over the fences. This was the most significant and challenging course I had ever ridden, so I was 100% focused, and I apologize if I ignored anyone who may have seen me walking. I was in the zone…nothing personal.

The closer it got to the time I had to get on, the more nervous I started to become; however, as soon as I got on Barry, I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew we had done everything we could do at this point, and it was our time to put all of our hard work to the test. As soon as I got to warm up, I could feel Barry knew what was up, and he was going to bring his A-Game. All I had to do was not mess up…no pressure.

Emily Hamel and Corvette. Photo by Shelby Allen.

We were almost late getting to the start box because I was being held on the other side of the ropes since a horse was about to cross the finish. So as soon as they let me go, the starter told me I had 15 seconds, and I was still a little ways away. It worked out well because I didn’t have time to get nervous; I just trotted over, galloped out of the box, and off we went!

Once on course, all I could keep thinking was, omg, we are doing it! Barry was on it from the beginning, but I felt like he gained confidence with each fence and got better as the course went on. I was the most nervous about the hollow because I had never jumped anything quite like it. After we flew (quite literally because he massively jumped the brushes) through that, I knew that we were going to finish as long as I didn’t make any serious mistakes.

Crossing the finish line was an unbelievable feeling and then being greeted by my very excited support crew was the icing on the cake. It was all kind of a blur, but I remember lots of hugs, tears of joy, and loving on Barry. If anyone has pictures of these interactions, I would love to see them because at the end of the day that’s what it’s all about. The love of the sport, the horse, and all of the people who help make it happen!

Watch Emily and Corvett’s awesome cross country round:

Emily is currently making herself available for clinics and lessons if you’re local to the Chester County, Pa. area. To contact her for booking, visit the Emily Hamel Eventing Facebook page.

Tokyo Is the Talk of the FEI Online Sports Forum’s Session 1

By on Jun 2, 2021 9:00 am -

Photo courtesy of the FEI.

Well, it looks like the Olympics are really going to happen. The U.S. named its eventing squad last week, and the first session of the FEI Online Sports Forum 2021, taking place online this week, focused heavily on preparations for Tokyo.

The session included discussions on the latest climate mitigation measures for the Games, Clean Sport Regulations, and key logistical arrangements in place to meet Covid-19 requirements. Competition will begin July 30 and continue through August 2, 2021, at the Equestrian Park and Sea Forest cross country course venues.

You can read the complete report and watch upcoming sessions live here. Here are notes as they pertain to eventing.

Tokyo 2020 Final Update & Logistics

The FEI Director of Games Operations Tim Hadaway provided an update on the Bajikoen Equestrian Park (EQP) and Sea Forest (SFC) venues, horse health certification and quarantine requirements for Tokyo 2020. He also outlined the requirements for shipping feed, veterinary supplies and equipment as well as the on-venue services in place for feed, hay and bedding.

  • The SFC cross country course has been shortened and a new start area created. There is now a second stabling tent, additional cooling facilities and the warm-up area extended. At EQP the final warm-up arena has been installed and footing on the gallop track has been changed since the Ready Steady Tokyo Test Event in 2019.
  • 60-day surveillance period, movement papers and pre-export testing will be required for horses prior to entering seven-day Pre-Export Quarantine (PEQ). Negative PCR tests (nasopharyngeal swab) for EHV 1 & 4 and Equine Influenza will be required for horses prior to entering PEQ.
  • Plans and timelines for private quarantines should already be completed and signed off by local Ministry vets.
  • The Covid-19 mitigation plan for the Aachen PEQ site, as well as the operational plan will be shared soon. The operational plan will include details regarding arrivals, lorry parking, stabling and training times.
  • The packing list template is currently being finalised and an updated list of feeds permitted for import to Japan will be published on Inside.FEI.org shortly.
  • Veterinary supplements cannot travel with horse equipment. They must be listed as part of a vet kit on Annex D (Peden Bloodstock memo April 2021) and must be submitted prior to June 18 to the Tokyo 2020 Veterinary Services Manager.

Covid-19 Countermeasures 

FEI Director of Olympic Games Catrin Norinder highlighted key points:

  • The Playbooks, which include Covid-19 counter measures, have been developed by the Japanese government, the Tokyo Organising Committee, International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to ensure safe Games for all stakeholders.
  • Only accredited individuals with essential and operational roles can attend the Games. No guests, accompanying persons for IOC, IPC, National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs) will be allowed.
  • There will be no foreign spectators at the Games and domestic spectator attendance will be decided at a later date.
  • In line with the bubble-to-bubble regulations, everyone attending will be limited to their accommodation and their respective competition venues. No foreign persons involved in the Games will be allowed to use public transport. Stakeholder groups will be kept separated. Horse owners are part of their NOC delegation and the FEI expects confirmation from the IOC on the status of horse owners.
  • Two tests (saliva or nasopharyngeal swab) will be required before departure for Tokyo.
  • Testing will be required daily for everyone attending the Games for the first three days, instead of isolation. Then every four days as per the defined protocol for each stakeholder group (other than athletes).
  • Athletes will be tested daily in the presence of an official (not on competition days).
  • The FEI is monitoring the sports rules and reviewing solutions to ensure that competitions can be completed and medals awarded if a team athlete or essential official tests positive for Covid-19 during competition.
  • Covid Liaison Officers (CLOs) will be appointed to each stakeholder group. CLOs will be responsible for ensuring Covid-19 countermeasures are fully complied with. CLOs will report to the Japanese Government authorities.
  • The Tokyo 2020 Playbooks apply to all stakeholders regardless of whether individuals are vaccinated or not. Vaccination is strongly encouraged but is not a requirement. A third version of these Playbooks will be released later in June.

Substitution Rules 

Catrin Norinder outlined pre-competition changes and substitution rules for the Games:

  • A pre-competition change of athlete/horse combination can be made several times within the respective national team between June 21 (the date of the FEI nominated entries) up to two hours before the start of the eventing competition. A Medical or Veterinary Certificate will not be required.
  • Substitutions can be done once per discipline, up to two hours before the start of competition for Team classification. The Late Athlete Replacement (LAR) will need either Medical or Veterinary approval for substitutions before cross country (up to 5:45 a.m. on the morning of the start of cross country).

Climate Mitigation for Humans & Equines

FEI Athletes Services & Human Anti-Doping Advisor Catherine Bollon and FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström stressed the necessity to begin climate preparation and mitigation practices well before the start of competition in Tokyo. Horses and humans need to be fully prepared to work and compete safely in Tokyo’s hot and humid environment.

Catherine Bollon emphasised a number of key points for human acclimatisation:

  • Heat and humidity preparation must begin many weeks before travel and includes training the body to cope with a hot and humid climate, and putting into place an appropriate cooling and hydration routine.
  • Travel should be carefully planned to reduce jet lag and travel strain in order to arrive onsite in good shape and transition smoothly into the local climate.
  • Appropriate hydration and cooling is crucial at all times.
  • Preparations also include learning to recognise heat stress symptoms and deal with them immediately to prevent them from becoming a heat-related emergency.
  • The FEI has developed resources covering the above points in detail.

For the horses, Göran Åkerström stated that there will be extensive air conditioning in stables and transportation for the horses in Tokyo. There will also be cooling facilities in all training and competition areas, including regularly refilled supplies of water and ice for horses.

There will be robust mitigation protocols in place during training and competition, climate monitoring at both venues (EQP and SFC) and on the field of play, horse monitoring by specialist veterinarians and physiologists, emergency care facilities and protocols, enhanced decision-making processes to support Ground Juries, and climate protocols put in place by specially trained and very experienced personnel.

Dr Åkerström stressed the need to practice training techniques for hot and humid climates in advance of traveling.

Equine & Human Anti-Doping

FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström informed that extensive testing and analysis of equine samples will be carried out as per all FEI Events. Sample analysis will be carried out at the Laboratory of Racing Chemistry in Tokyo and Persons Responsible will receive ongoing Clean Sport communiques from the FEI.

He stressed the importance of educating Athletes, grooms and team veterinarians on Clean Sport requirements prior to the Games and reminded stakeholders of the opportunity to screen horses in advance through Pre-Arrival Testing (PAT). “This is an outstanding service and covers all substances on the Equine Prohibited Substances List, so please use it”, he said.

Catherine Bollon spoke about human anti-doping:

  • The IOC has testing jurisdiction over all athletes competing at the Olympic Games and the IPC over all para athletes competing at the Paralympic Games.
  • All athletes registered to compete at the Games must obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) in advance of taking any treatment that contains a substance or method on WADA’s Prohibited List 2021. TUEs for regular treatments must be obtained well before the start of the Games.
  • Bringing medication into Japan for personal or team use is strictly regulated and must be in line with Japanese law ahead of travel. Details and essential links are provided in the FEI Doping & Medication Control Guide for Tokyo 2020.
  • Athletes should do a full medication check with their team doctor, including for supplements.
  • As equestrian is considered a low risk sport for doping in human athletes, there is a tendency for anti-doping not to be taken seriously. Athletes should prepare themselves well in advance and make sure to arrive at the Games well informed.
  • All the relevant information about anti-doping at the Tokyo Games is explained in the FEI Doping & Medication Control Guide for Tokyo 2020 and in free e-learning resources made available by WADA on the ADEL platform.
  • An FEI Clean Sport emailer campaign for both human and equine athletes attending the Olympic Games began in May 2021, and a similar campaign for Paralympic Games athletes will get underway later in June.

Q&A Session

The FEI Secretary General moderated a Q&A session at the end of the presentations, with questions received regarding on-venue Covid-19 testing for Athletes, including P accredited (replacement) Athletes; contingency planning for eventing cross country; substitutions; transport – particularly for NOC delegates that do not normally have access to the official Games transport system; Covid-19 mitigation in the Grooms Village; and on-venue food entitlements for TAP and P accredited persons.

Catrin Norinder updated that competition postponement contingency plans are in place for eventing cross country and options in place depending on climatic conditions and weather forecasts at the time.

The FEI is awaiting formal confirmation that all athletes, including those accommodated outside of the Athletes’ Village, P accredited Athletes and grooms can be Covid-19 tested on venue.

It was confirmed that the use of public transportation will not be permitted, but that the Tokyo Organising Committee has committed to organise transportation, including for persons that do not have transport entitlements with their accreditation. National Federations were urged to also raise this issue with the NOCs, as it affects all sports.

FEI Medical Committee Chair Mark Hart is in contact with the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee about the Covid-19 mitigation plan for the Grooms Village and for dealing with any positive cases. The FEI will make this information available to all stakeholders as soon as it becomes available.

While there has been no change to the food entitlement for those holding P and TAP (Training Access Pass) accreditations, provisions have been made for a café adjacent to the stables that will be available to all Zone 2 accredited personnel.

Key links:
Tokyo 2020 Hub
Beat the Heat videos on FEI Campus
FEI Clean Sport Hub

[FEI Online Sports Forum 2021]

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Jun 2, 2021 12:01 am -

"As an equestrian, I am very curious. I always have a lot of questions. It has definitely annoyed people in the past,…

Posted by Equestrians of Color Photography Project on Monday, May 31, 2021

Chloe Bates, one of the latest features on the Equestrians of Color Photography Project (which you really should check out – the photo essays and stories about riders from all walks of life are really incredible), is also one of my colleagues at Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE), and I felt this was the perfect spot to give her a bit of a shout. Chloe, who recently purchased her first horse (AND took her to her first event, because that’s how cool kids roll) has spent countless hours perfecting the SEE website and moving the organization forward in a creative and determined manner. I’m really proud to call Chloe a peer and a fellow eventer, and her story on the Equestrians of Color Photography Project is well worth checking out – you can do so here.

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]

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]

Wednesday Reading List:

Some new rule changes have gone into effect as of yesterday (June 1), so be sure to read up so you’re up to speed. These rule changes include the designation of the Course Designer with the authority to stop a rider for Dangerous Riding as well as a Compulsory Retirement provision for riders incurring 20 or more show jumping penalties at Training level and above. For more on these rule changes, click here.

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.

This year’s Belmont Stakes will host one of the smallest fields to take to the track in several years. The field includes Preakness winner Rombauer but will not include Bob Baffert-trained Medina Spirit after the New York Racing Association announced it was banning the trainer while he is investigated for a positive drug test on the Kentucky Derby winner.

Are you planning to compete in a Classic Series Three-Day this year? There are a few different elements to a classic three-day versus its modern counterparts, and Michael Willham is here to help outline what you can expect. Click here to watch the video.

As the Olympics draw near, all three major equestrian disciplines are looking ahead to Tokyo. This includes legendary show jumper McLain Ward, who thanks to Haygain has strong faith in one of his short-listed horses, Contagious, who took a minute to really hit his stride after joining McLain’s program. Read about the talented 12-year-old gelding – and how Haygain has helped make the difference for his success in the ring – here.

Wednesday Video Break:

Why steam hay? Well, for starters, it makes your barn smell AH-mazing. But if you’re looking for some more practical and health-related reasons, watch this:

Tuesday Video: FEI Eventing Nations Cup … It’s Back!

By on Jun 1, 2021 5:24 pm -

The 2021 FEI Eventing Nations cup series is officially off and running, with the first leg having taken place over the weekend at Houghton Hall and Team Great Britain earning the win. The Nations Cup rules have been adapted to 2021 — you can read up on them here.

From the FEI event report of Nations Cup Eventing at Houghton Hall:

Great Britain made a dream start to the 2021 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ series with a home win at Houghton Hall.

The British team of Tom McEwen, Mollie Summerland and Georgie Spence, who had led after dressage and jumping, took first place overall ahead of Ireland in second and third-placed Australia following three clear and fast rounds on the cross country course on Sunday. The British finished well clear on 98.5 points, with Ireland’s Joseph Murphy, Susie Berry and Austin O’Connor on a combined 115.0, and Australia’s Kevin McNab, Sam Griffiths and Sophie Adams on 136.8.

The win means GM takes 100 points for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ series, with Ireland on 90 and Australia on 80.

McNab and horse Willunga had given Australia a strong start in the dressage phase, finishing just ahead of Summerland with Charly Van Ter Heiden and McEwen with Class Affair. Berry and Ringwood LB top-scored for Ireland.

Indeed, McNab and Willunga incurred no jumping penalties throughout the entire competition and only 1.2 time penalties cross country to finish on a score of 31.7, claiming sixth place from a competitive field of 102 combinations. Griffiths — who celebrated his birthday just ahead of the start of the competition — was further back with Gurtera Cher, with Adams and Ridire Dorcha in third for the Aussies.

Murphy and Cesar V delivered a strong dressage display for Ireland, but while they went clear in jumping they added 9.2 time penalties in cross country to finish 29th overall. Berry and Ringwood added just 1.6 time penalties in the cross country to finish first for Ireland and 14th overall, while O’Connor and Colorado Blue were 30th.

Summerland finished first for the GB team, and eighth overall, with a brilliant jumping performance as they flew around the cross country course with one of the fastest times and no penalties. McEwen matched that feat and was ninth overall, while Spence and Halltown Harley made it a hat-trick of clean rounds and came 12th.

Those brilliant rounds over the Houghton Hall course were enough to take the Britons ahead of their rivals and clinch first place.

There was further glory for Britain as William Fox-Pitt won the individual prize with a home nation 1-2-3 on the podium. Fox-Pitt and Little Fire finished ahead of Selina Milnes with Iron IV and Bubby Upton with Magic Roundabout IV. Alex Hua Tian was fourth on Jilsonne Van Bareelhof.

The next FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2021 event is in Strzegom, Poland in June and resumes after the Olympics in Le Pin au Haras in France, Bromont in Canada and Arville in Belgium.

Here’s the rest of the 2021 Nations Cup calendar. Click here to learn more.

Want to Win a Cambox Helmet Cam? Here’s Your Chance!

By on Jun 1, 2021 3:00 pm -

Exciting news, EN! To kick off June and all of the summer fun that comes with it, we’re teaming up with our friends at Cambox to giveaway a Cambox V4 Pro helmet cam to one lucky winner! We’re running this giveaway on our social media channels, and there are ways to enter using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Whether you’re tackling a cross country track…

Or just taking a casual, galloping jaunt…

Or exploring new trails with your best friend…

A helmet cam is the perfect companion for all adventures, and Cambox’s unique design allows the camera to slot in under your helmet’s visor, adding very little weight and no bulk. And at a value of $475, this giveaway to win a Cambox V4 Pro of your own is sure to be a popular one – so don’t wait to enter! To enter, follow us on social media (Facebook | Instagram | Twitter) where you’ll be able to enter on our posts and by sharing the post on your own page.

Entries will close on Friday, June 11 with the winner being selected at random from all entries and announced on Tuesday, June 15. Good luck!

Alliston, Greengard, Baxter & Billys Top a Full House at Woodside

By on Jun 1, 2021 12:00 pm -

James Alliston & Gabriella Ringer’s Get Wild. Photography, complements of Kellerhouse Presents.

With 400 horses accepted and 100 on the waitlist, there were enough exhibitors and support team members at The Spring Event at Woodside to make it seem that spectators were once again fully allowed to come. Especially for the Preliminary Challenge, a popular West Coast tradition that draws all to the Grand Prix ring Saturday evening. But the spectator who mattered most to Preliminary Challenge Horse division leader, James Alliston, wasn’t there for the show jumping finalé.

Having sustained a broken pelvis in an Advanced division cross-country fall earlier, James’ wife and Alliston Eventing partner, Helen, was at the Stanford University hospital nearby. James withdrew his Advanced mount, Paper Jam, and three horses from Open Intermediate. Helen, however, was having none of the idea that James would also withdraw Get Wild, the client-owned horse on whom he was leading the Preliminary Challenge Horse division after dressage Friday and a clear go on cross-country that morning.

“Helen said ‘Go do it!’ and I do as I’m told,” explained James, who represents Great Britain and is based in the East Bay Area. Event organizer Robert Kellerhouse Facetimed James and Get Wild’s winning show jump so Helen could watch from the hospital.

Found and competed through YEH by Matt Flynn, and owned by young rider Gabriella Ringer, the 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood had been handed to James for a little fine tuning in competition. Riding last in front of enthusiastic VIP tents and a berm filled with cheering exhibitors, James and Get Wild continued their fault free jumping. That enabled a finish on their 28.3 dressage score awarded by Robert Stevenson and Vicky Matisi-Stasuk.

“He’s an incredibly sweet horse,” said James, who started riding Get Wild on the recommendation of his owner’s trainer, Adrienne Hillas. “He’s quite sound sensitive. When there is a lot going on, noises, traffic, etc., he gets a bit nervous. LIke all the good ones, he’s a bit sharper, so I just tried to put him in a situation where he could relax more.”

Helen Alliston’s Advanced horse, Ebay, had a big lead over that field after their 26.3 dressage performance. Her partner in Galway Downs CCI4*-S reserve in March, Ebay emerged unscathed from the Woodside fall. She is scheduled for surgery Monday and James anticipates he’ll be riding her horses for a while. “I’ll just try not to break them!”

“Everyone was awesome,” he said of the crew at Alliston Eventing who stepped up in many ways. “It’s the benefit of having such a big family barn. We have the good will of all the clients and friends, and people to help pick up the slack and give Helen time to mend.”

Marc Grandia and Sunsprite Seryndipity had just 1.2 time faults in their show jumping to move up into reserve on a 32.7. Josey Thompson and Pistol Annie were third on a 35.4. Below James and Get Wild’s consistent lead, there was a lot of movement in the standings for the 11-horse field.

Tommy Greengard & Joshuay MBF. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography, complements of Kellerhouse Presents.

            Greengard Notches Another Goal

In the Preliminary Challenge Rider division, young professional Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF fulfilled a goal they’d set for themselves early in the year. “Andrea Pfeiffer (of Chocolate Horse Farm) and I joked about coming here to win it, but really we just wanted to have a good round and continue our strong spring,” Tommy explained. They had three “good rounds” to maintain their dressage lead on a 30.2 throughout.

One year into his partnership with the 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Tommy praised the Preliminary Challenge’s unique format of having cross-country and show jumping on the same day. “Especially for a young horse and, as a developing rider myself, to show jump at the end of the day, when you’re a little bit tired and it’s unfamiliar, is a great opportunity.”

The electric Saturday evening atmosphere was new, too. “He really lit up in the best possible way. He jumped his heart out for me and I think he liked the crowd: I think it made him a little bit sharper.” They didn’t have a rail to spare and Tommy was happy about rising to the pressure that comes with that. It helped that he rode client Brooklyn Reis’s FE Nikki Beach first over Chris Barnard and Kelly James’ track. “He was phenomenal, and it allowed me to take a deep breath before coming back in with Josh.” Finishing with just one rail, Tommy was fourth with the 10-year-old German Sporthorse on a 38.6.

In between Tommy’s first and fourth finishes, Haley Dwight and WS Radagast were second on 34.9 and Taylor McFall and High Times were third on a 37.5.

Andrea Baxter & Indy 500 & Laguna Seca. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography, complements of Kellerhouse Presents.

Mother & Son 1st & 5th in Advanced

The 16-year-old Thoroughbred Indy 500 has been going Advanced for nine years, but “Advanced never gets old,” reports her owner and teammate in acquiring that mileage, Andrea Baxter. The pair topped the division after coming back from a COVID-related break. The “old pro” put in one of “her top cross-country performances” over an Ian Stark and Bert Wood track that “rode a little tougher than I thought it would,” reflected Andrea. “Some of the drops and spreads were impressively big.” They started in third after a 30.5 dressage score in the Advanced Eventing Test B judged by Amanda Miller. Cross-country added 2.4 time penalties, followed by the division’s only double clear show jump for a 32.9 win.

Far less experienced at the level is Indy 500’s son, Laguna Seca, the 17.1 hand, 11-year-old Holsteiner. Fresh from winning the CCI4*-S at the Baxter family’s Twin Rivers Ranch in April, “Junior” brought his best mental game to the challenging dressage test. “For a green Advanced horse, this test is a big ask,” Andrea commented. “It has two counter canters, four lead changes, a half pass, etc. It’s the prep for the 5* test.” While Junior’s lead changes came a little late, the rider was thrilled that “he stayed relaxed and listening to me.” A single rail in show jumping landed Laguna Seca four rungs below his mom, in fifth.

For second place finisher Lauren Billys, Woodside was a critical comeback before the Tokyo Olympics. The Carmel, California-based pro and Castle Larchfield Purdy will make their second Olympic appearance for Puerto Rico in August.

They had intended the CCI4*-S at the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day in April as their last major outing, but on that rainy cross-country, things did not go as hoped. “It was the first time I had to walk off the course with Purdy, and it was an eye opener for me.” The realization that “I should not be relieved to be done, I should be excited to go out” triggered a renewed commitment to bolder riding and a tougher mentality on course. “I really put the pressure on myself and I’m glad I did. It turned out to be a great weekend.”

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve had a happier outing at the Kentucky CCI4* and they continued their long string of progressive successes with a third place finish in the Woodside Advanced.

Open Intermediate

Lauren Billys was also thrilled to top the Open Intermediate leaderboard with Can Be Sweet, a 9-year-old German Sporthorse. “We were always the second and third placed pair last year, and with this and winning the CCI2* at Galway Downs it seems like we have broken that curse.”

She had high praise for all aspects of the show. “In both divisions, the courses were really good, the ground was well prepared, it was well organized and everything was really spot-on.” The cross-country courses were just what was needed. “At Intermediate and Advanced, they were enough of a challenge that you really had to put your leg on and make things happen. The horses gave positive feedback to that and both came off more confident. I’m really happy about everything.”

Can Be Sweet finished dressage with a 27.1, second only to James Alliston and Nemesis’ 24.5, which led the 27-pair division on Friday in front of judge Amanda Miller. James maintained the lead with Nemesis after fault-free cross-country before withdrawing to accompany his wife after her fall. A few cross-country time penalties and .4 in show jumping resulted in a Can Be Sweet’s 33.5 to top the day.

One of Lauren’s coaches, Bea DiGrazia, finished second on Ringwood Isabell, on a 35.2, and amateur Lauren Burnell and Counterpoint made big move ups after dressage to stand third on a 38.

A Full House

Like the riders of 400-plus horses competing over the holiday weekend, organizer Robert Kellerhouse was happy to be back at the beautiful Horse Park at Woodside with his Kellerhouse Presents crew. The hub of Northern California equestrian activity for many years, the venue has undergone continual upgrades in footing, stabling and other areas. It continues to be an in-demand destination for eventers throughout the West.

Exhibitors and members of their support teams made it feel like there were more spectators on hand than COVID has allowed over the last 14 months. “We are really looking forward to inviting spectators to our events here in August and October, if all goes well with the pandemic,” Kellerhouse said. “Meanwhile, we are very appreciative of the support of our riders and we are very happy to have put on a great event.”

As The Spring Events sponsors, Uvex, Voltaire, Equine Insurance and APF are equally important and much appreciated.

Next Up for Kellerhouse Presents

Aug. 12-15: The Summer Event at Woodside

October 7-10: The International Event at Woodside

Nov. 3-7: Galway Downs International CCI4*-L at Galway Downs in Temecula

For more information on eventing competitions at The Horse Park at Woodside, visit www.horsepark.org. For more information on eventing competition at Galway Downs in Temecula, visit www.galwaydowns.net.

 

Ingrid Klimke Undergoes Surgery for Injury Sustained at Baborówko, Will Miss Tokyo Olympics

By on Jun 1, 2021 9:30 am -

Ingrid Klimke competing SAP Hale Bob at Baborówko. Photo by M&R Photo.

Ingrid Klimke has reported that she sustained a rib/chest injury after a fall in Poland while competing at the Equestrian Festival of Baborówko and will unfortunately be sidelined from what would have been her sixth Olympic appearance in Tokyo this July. She was competing Cascamara in the CCI3*-S division when the horse fell on cross country.

“After my fall in the @eventing_baborowko area, I sustained a serious chest injury!” Ingrid wrote on her Instagram (translated from German). “The operation in Münster went well and now I need rest and time to heal! I am very sad that my greatest dream – to take part in my 6th Olympic Games – has come to an end! Defending our title at the European Championship in September is our next big goal!”

After qualifying for both the eventing and dressage squads representing Germany, Ingrid experienced some bad luck that would see her dressage partner, Franziskus, sidelined due to injury earlier this year. Her other top eventer, SAP Asha P, was also sidelined after sustaining an injury during training in April.

Please join us in wishing Ingrid a speedy recovery – we’ve no doubt she’ll be back in fighting form soon but are sad to see that she’ll be missing the Olympics. Get well soon, Queen Klimke!

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jun 1, 2021 12:01 am -

A comic book-esque graphic caught my eye while scrolling through Instagram the other day and I was led to an awesome article about British Jamaican eventer Lydia Heywood, who was recently featured by Glorious, an online platform designed to elevate women in sport using art and culture as a medium. After the launch of her Cool Ridings access program last year, Lydia has worked to bring her mission of expanding the demographics found within equestrian sport – and it’s working. Lydia is adamant that there are many paths to follow with horses, and she just wants to do her part to open those doors for others. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know, and if people have a connection to Cool Ridings, you might be able to progress,” she said. Don’t miss the full – and beautifully illustrated – feature here.

National Holiday: It’s the first day of LGBTQ Pride Month! If you’re wanting to read up on some of the different facets of the LGBTQ community, here’s one place to start. A list of events happening near you can be found in many places, including on social media, but here’s another to get you started.

Events Opening This Week:

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T., Essex H.T., Full Moon Farm H.T., Champagne Run at the Park H.T.

Events Closing This Week:

Kent School Spring H.T., Horse Park of New Jersey H.T., Flora Lea Farm YEH & Mini Event, Full Gallop Farm H.T., Silverwood Farm Spring H.T., Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T., Honey Run H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes:

Some new rule changes have gone into effect as of today, June 1, so be sure to read up so you’re up to speed. These rule changes include the designation of the Course Designer with the authority to stop a rider for Dangerous Riding as well as a Compulsory Retirement provision for riders incurring 20 or more show jumping penalties at Training level and above. For more on these rule changes, click here.

The FEI is celebrating its 100 year anniversary, and they’re recognizing the efforts made by countless women throughout that time period. Take a look back at 100 years of “females at the fore” here.

Guess what: your ego is not your amigo. Don’t take it from me, take it from Coach Daniel Stewart – and he’s got some tips on how to incorporate some self-awareness in combating your ego’s more irritating characteristics.

Reading labels is important, and this handy video from Legends Horse Feed dissects the design process of creating feed bags that market their line of horse feeds and supplements while also educating consumers about what they’re feeding their horses.

Best of the blogs: Feeling burned out? We all hit it at some point. The Anxious Eventer checks in with some thoughts on the concept of burnout and how it affects riders.

Is it possible to make progress with no horse and/or limited time? Dressage trainer Lauren Spreiser shares her thoughts on how this can be possible in her latest column for NoelleFloyd.com.

Tuesday Video:

Get to know more about Lydia Heywood on this feature episode from Young Black Equestrians.