Classic Eventing Nation

Tamie Smith Leads Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L/CCI3*-L, Boyd Martin, Dan Kreitl On Top of Short Divisions

By on May 7, 2021 6:49 pm -

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

California-based Tamie Smith put herself into the competitive position we’ve come to anticipate after the conclusion of dressage at Jersey Fresh International, presented by B.W. Furlong and Associates and Zoetis Equine. This one is a force to be reckoned with in the dressage ring, and that skillset showed itself once more as she overtook her Thursday ride, EnVogue, today with the fiery little chestnut, Danito (like, EnVogue, owned by Ruth Bley). After a “completely feral” weekend at Kentucky last month, Tamie and Danito (Dancier – Wie Musik, by Wolkenstein II) bested their score by earning a 23.9 today – good enough for the overnight lead heading into tomorrow’s cross country test.

“Danito was just really amped up in Kentucky,” Tamie recalled. “It was cold and windy and rainy, and so we’ve just been trying to get the lid back on a bit. He’s just super fit and ready to go…everything sort of changes when you get close to a Long format. We had a couple of bobbles in the test, but overall I was really pleased.”

Tamie has been working with dressage coach Johann Hinnemann virtually during her trip to the East coast as well as USEF Eventing High Performance Director Erik Duvander, both of whom have given her some more tools to use to coax the best out of the 12-year-old gelding. “I have just had to spend a little more time working him down – normally, I don’t throw him on the lunge when I ride, so it’s just been about trying to have the right prep,” she said.

Generally speaking, Tamie’s pleased with her rides and in reflection on yesterday’s test with EnVogue, which earned her a 24.3 for second at the conclusion of dressage, said that there was much improvement particularly in the 16-year-old mare’s canter work. “I knew I lost points in the canter work at Kentucky, and if you were going to compare that would be her weaker thing,” Tamie said. “So I did try to push her more and have a bigger step, so I did get some better points on that. Everything was very smooth and she was super.”

Morgan Rowsell’s first crack at designing the CCI4*-L track here (he’s been the “designer in residence” here since the event’s inception, though, so it’s safe to say he knows the lay of the land better than anyone) has set out much to do for the riders tomorrow. The optimum time of 10 minutes, Tamie says, will most likely be challenging to catch. “It’s definitely a fitness test,” she remarked. “There are a lot of things uphill – you’re kind of always going uphill. There’s lots of turning around on the track, so that will be taken into account as far as making the time. Anytime you’re not galloping and you’re turning, the time becomes more tricky. But everything looks reasonable and I think just like with any course you will have to go out and be focused and make sure your horses understand the questions.”

As for her two CCI4*-L rides, they couldn’t be more opposite in terms of style, Tamie says. While EnVogue is more of a go-getter (“she actually really thrives on that type of ride,” Tamie explained), Danito needs a bit more focus to make sure he understands the questions. This is where Tamie says her job is to communicate – and to remember that the horse has only been going at this level for a year or so. “It comes so easy to him, I sometimes forget he’s new-ish to the level,” she said. “So I have to make sure that I do my job and focus and that he understands the job. He can do anything, it’s just a matter of me being on my ‘A’ game.”

The remainder of the CCI4*-L remains mostly unchanged after today’s concluding rides, though we did see Sharon White and the talented Claus 63 pop in to ninth place after earning a score of 30.1. This 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Catoo is making his CCI4*-L debut this weekend and shaves nearly 10 points off his previous four-star mark of 40 earned in his last FEI prep at Pine Top last month. Canada’s Dana Cooke and the FE Mississippi Syndicate’s FE Mississippi, an 11-year-old Württemberger mare by Cassini II, also move into the top 10 on a score of 30.5.

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California Lead CCI3*-L

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

Tamie Smith also put in another consistent and competitive test in the CCI3*-L with Julianne Guariglia’s Solaguayre California to take the overnight lead on a score of 26.7. This 10-year-old Argentinian mare by Casparo started her career show jumping in Argentina before coming to the States and originally training with David Adamo. She’s been with Tamie for about a year now, beginning her FEI eventing career under her tutelage, and she’s been the picture of consistency: she’s finished no worse than third in four international starts, save one withdrawal at Tryon last fall. Nationally, she’s finished outside of the top three just once since beginning her eventing career.

Despite this consistency, Tamie says the partnership between her and the mare is still developing – perhaps the best is still yet to come from this pair. She’s got all the pieces, Tamie says: super athleticism, a careful jumper, a good mover, a great hind leg – all of these key ingredients and the results they’ve been producing makes the fact that she once bucked Tamie off three times in a week easier to stomach! “It’s definitely taken us some time,” Tamie laughed. “I might have a green moment here or there on her because she is so careful, but she’s just been super consistent and she loves the cross country.”

Tamie’s giving the field a run for their money in terms of busiest rider; she’s also got two other rides – “really great Thoroughbreds” – this weekend, Linda and Terry Paine’s Cheers in the CCI4*-S (28th – 36.0) and Tamie’s own No App For That (48th – 38.7) in the CCI4*-L. “They maybe aren’t going to be low-20s horses, but they sure are going to zip around some cross country easily!” she commented, noting that she was particularly pleased with Cheers’ efforts despite the higher score than she anticipated.

The remainder of the CCI3*-L top 10 also remains relatively unchanged with one other pair – Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley HHS Calmaria, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare making her CCI3*-L debut – moving into position, taking a 31.2 and seventh place going into the next phase of competition.

Boyd Martin Back On Top with Long Island T in the CCI4*-S

Boyd Martin and Long Island T. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

After an unfortunate parting of ways at the Head of the Lake at Kentucky last month, Boyd Martin brought a fit and fresh Long Island T (Ludwig von Bayern – Highlight, by Heraldik) back to Pennsylvania, where he went for a cross country school and set about making a plan B. “I was actually really happy with him at Kentucky even though we had a fall,” Boyd said. “He was being a good boy around the cross country, so I sort of held my head high knowing that we had sort of just tripped over the direct route on a forward distance. We came home and schooled and he was great, fit and confident.”

He certainly came out ready to work today, earning a 23.8 for a personal best at the four-star level for this horse.

The truth with event horses is: you have to strike while the iron is hot. So, Boyd saw fit to bring “Ludwig”, who is owned by the Long Island T Syndicate, here for a crack at the Short. Depending on how the weekend goes, maybe a trip to Germany for the Luhmühlen CCI5* in June might be in order, but first things first: “I’ll see how he feels around the track tomorrow.” The Short format horses will show jump first, a format that Boyd says he tends to prefer in terms of how it works for the horses.

“I generally much prefer to show jump first,” he said. “The horses are happier and healthier and feeling good – often after cross country they’re a bit sore and tired, so when possible I like to show jump first as I think they’ll enjoy it a bit more.” For Long Island T, show jumping first might also be useful in terms of containing energy: “He can be a bit strong and fast and furious at the beginning of cross country and so I’m hoping that doing show jumping before might take a bit of the zip out of him.”

Sitting second in the CCI4*-S are Liz Halliday-Sharp and the Monster Partnership’s Cooley Moonshine (Cobra – Kilpatrick Duchess, by Kings Master), who seriously impressed us all weekend at Kentucky where he finished third in tough and testing conditions in the CCI4*-S. Keeping with the trend of improving on Kentucky scores, this pair bested their score today by earning a 25.6, a 2.5 point improvement from their last start and a personal best at the level.

Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

Third in the CCI4*-S are Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing LLC’s CharmKing, who earned a 28.4 in their third start together since Holly’s return from maternity leave. CharmKing was kept busy by Lillian Heard while Holly was pregnant, and now they’re reunited and got off to a rocking start with an Intermediate win at Carolina earlier this spring.

Dan Kreitl Best of Day One in CCI3*-S

If you haven’t read the story Kate Samuels wrote on Dan Kreitl and his longtime supporter, Kay Dixon, earlier this year, you’ll definitely want to have a look – trust me, you’ll become a fan. Dan has focused on confidence in all of his horses, and he says both his CCI3*-S rides, Carmango and Horales, have great attitudes and blooming confidence as they look ahead to tomorrow’s test.

But the morning started off with a bit of frustration: Dan’s first ride, Horales, didn’t really go to plan, he said (they scored a 38.7 for a tie in 21st). “I just didn’t have a great warm-up so I was a bit frustrated,” he said. “He’s a super horse if I ride him well and he’s just much tougher to get through.”

Lucky for Dan, he’s got Ms. Miyagi Sharon White in his corner as the coach, and after a pep talk she sent Dan several of her go-to meditations to ponder before he got on Carmango (Chirivell – Taramanga, by Templer GL xx). Meditation, it seems, is a bit of a “try it once and you’ll see” type of practice, and that’s exactly what happened when Dan did his first session. Afterward, he texted Sharon and said it was time to go and win – and win the dressage he did, scoring a 26.7 to take the overnight lead.

“He felt awesome,” Dan told me after his ride. “He’s eight and has the best mind. He gives 100 percent every single day. My other horses try hard too, but this one is just easy and gives it all he’s got. I was super proud.”

Mastering the mind might be something we don’t talk about a lot (or, really, nearly enough), but it’s indeed half the battle when it comes to competition, and that’s a lesson Dan really began to embrace today. “I was way more focused (after the meditation session),” Dan said. “Sharon is all about the details and the horses being trained well, and so I have to show up on competition day. I think the horses are ready to do well and now it’s the mental part about showing up to deliver.”

Meditation is sometimes met with skepticism but, as Dan puts it, “I’m willing to try anything if it works!”

Dan says his personal weak phase is show jumping, so he’s keen to get a clean round under his belt before tackling the cross country track, which he says he’s feeling confident about for both of his rides. “They’re both fit and ready and if I can do well in show jumping I’ll feel pretty good about going around cross country.”

Elizabeth Bortuzzo and John Witte’s Belongs To Teufer will be second placed in the CCI3*-S after earning a three-star personal best score of 27.5. Belongs To Teufer is a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding by Teuflesberg who began his FEI career in 2018 with Elizabeth in the irons. This is the third season at the level for this pair, who capped off 2020 with a second place finish in the CCI2*-L at Tryon after completing the season at the Intermediate and three-star level.

Third in the CCI3*-S are Cosby Green and Edie Green’s Copper Beach, who won the then-CCI3* here at Jersey Fresh in 2014 with former rider Buck Davidson. Cosby acquired the ride in 2020 and moved up to the Intermediate and three-star level with Copper Beach this year. Their dressage mark of 28.0 is the best they’ve earned in their blooming partnership, putting them into excellent position ahead of the jumping phases.

Tomorrow, we’ll see the CCI3*-L on cross country first at 8 a.m. EST, followed by the CCI4*-L at 11:15 a.m. The CCI4*-S/CCI3*-S will show jump first beginning at 9:30 a.m. EST, followed by cross country in the afternoon. You can view the full schedule here. And, if you’re in the area, Jersey Fresh is pleased to welcome spectators this weekend! To view the USEF’s current Covid-19 regulations concerning spectator capacity, click here.

Many thanks to those on the ground at Jersey helping us keep up with the action. We sorely miss being there in person but hope to be there again soon. Enjoy a few more social media tidbits from the day – and Go Eventing!

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [XC Ride Times/Order of Go] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Preview Morgan Rowsell’s Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L Cross Country Course

By on May 7, 2021 2:27 pm -

The three- and four-star tracks at Jersey Fresh International will boast a “new” course designer as longtime builder Morgan Rowsell has taken the reins with former head designer Capt. Mark Phillips staying on as the Cross Country Course Advisor. The course builder here since the event’s inception in 2003, Morgan now takes on the exciting task of making the track his own. His course design can also be found at Rocking Horse, Seneca Valley and ESDCTA, among others. You can read more about Morgan’s career here. He’s a busy guy and his dedication to Jersey Fresh is evident in his involvement – he’s also co-organizer this weekend alongside the hardworking Jane Cory.

Cross country will kick off this morning at 8 a.m. EST with the CCI3*-L division, followed by the CCI4*-L starting at 11:15 a.m. EST. The Short format horses will show jump this morning before tackling cross country later this afternoon. To view today’s schedule, click here.

Many thanks to Elisa Wallace as well as Zach Brandt and Audrie Stanka for providing a glimpse at Capt. Mark Phillip’s CCI4*-L track at Jersey Fresh this weekend. Take a look in Elisa’s latest vlog – she narrates the walk with some insight on how she plans to ride the questions and you’ll also be able to see her minute marker placings:

And here are some fence photos (many thanks to Zach, Audrie and Elisa for supplying!) to get more of a feel for what Capt. Phillips is asking of horses and riders tomorrow:

Lastly, here’s a map of the track the riders will be running tomorrow. It’s a 5700 meter track with an optimum time of 10 minutes even. You can also view course maps for the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L and CCI3*-S here.

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [Drawn Order] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

William Fox-Pitt Visits Texas, Part Two: Teaching Horses to Think for Themselves on Cross Country

By on May 7, 2021 1:00 pm -

When I found that immediately after LRK3DE William Fox-Pitt was coming to the incredible RockGate Equestrian Center in Texas to offer a three-day clinic: a day of semi-private dressage lessons, a day of cross country schooling, and a day of stadium jumping. I opted to audit all three days, and what follows are my notes put into consumable form. This is the second of three parts in this series — to read part one, click here.

Welcome to Texas, William! Photo courtesy of Rhonda Sexton.

Cross Country: Teaching Horses to Think for Themselves

The second day of the William Fox-Pitt clinic at the incredible RockGate Equestrian Center in Texas dawned grey and windy, so the organizers flipped cross country and stadium days since some really nasty weather was heading our way for day three. The rain held off, and the cross country riders enjoyed a cool, breezy, cloudy day. Here’s what I learned:

It’s important to teach our horses to think for themselves on cross country. After all, as William says, they may have to save our bacon one day. He also is a huge believer in a good neck strap, and by the end of the day, most riders had procured one. He says he uses it in all phases — it helps him not grab the reins, it helps him keep his hands still (he said he tied his hands to one when schooling dressage!), and, of course, it helps him stay on.

William believes in a “no second go” sport. Horses are NOT allowed to stop. They can jump from a standstill, or back up a few steps and jump, but stopping is not an option. He noted that other famous riders, like Lucinda Green, don’t mind stopping as much, because they like to find out what horses can’t do and then address it, so he realizes his mantra of “no stopping” isn’t necessarily for everyone.

The focus of day two built on day one: rhythm, connection, straightness. After each group of riders had warmed up, he asked them to jump a few things they felt comfortable popping over at either a trot or canter. He encouraged them to start out at a trot, too, since jumping from a trot often highlighted issues that the riders could identify and then address. He doesn’t like to warm up for cross country with a lot of jumps, but just enough to get the horse thinking about going forward.

Someone asked him what the difference was between how U.S. riders and British riders approached eventing, and William said that U.S. riders “overcomplicate things”. We like to learn (he was amazed that some U.S. riders ride in clinics, but don’t compete), but we think too much; Brits go out and DO it. This attitude foregrounded the cross country session: he asked the riders to do a series of fences from the start, rather than focusing on one or two fences at a time. He used the great topography and put together a series of jumps that included up/down banks, roll tops, tables, related distances, a few corners, brushes, water, and some accuracy fences/lines.

He noted that he likes a full-cheek snaffle (a fulmar) for jumping, because it gives the rider more control when turning. A D-ring or eggbutt is good, too.

William believes that we have to start schooling water correctly early on. Many of the riders let their horses get long/strung out in the water, and he made them go again with a shorter, choppier canter stride in the water. If a horse is going to jump out, he needs to have access to his back legs.

He encouraged riders to “get it done” before fences — and that means using LEG, even if it means a good old-fashioned pony club kick. No hand without leg!

If a rider had difficulty with a fence or a line, it usually came back to his original mantra: rhythm, connection, and straightness. A few of the riders were having confidence issues, and he simply directed them to go out and get over it….literally! It was fantastic to see riders focus and ride through their fear, ecstatic at conquering their demons. The mighty auditing crowd (and the other riders) all served as an enthusiastic cheering section.

Photo courtesy of Rhonda Sexton.

At the end of the first day, we held a reception for William, indoctrinating him – making him an honorary Texas, complete with cowboy hat. After cross country, we had a dinner in the barn aisle, and William gave us a talk about a typical day for him, and he answered questions (which were often punctuated by the horses snorting or sighing). It was a fantastic two days.

Best line of the day:

“The best event riders are probably a bit thick — they don’t overthink things. They have a plan, and they stick to it. Then, when things go wrong, they deal with it.”

Come back tomorrow for the final piece in this series!

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2021 Canceled Due To Continued Covid-19 Uncertainty

By on May 7, 2021 9:59 am -

Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street take top honours at Burghley’s last running in 2019. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will not run for the second year in a row, the event announced this morning.

From the website:

It is with immense sadness that we announce the cancellation of Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2021 which was due to be held later this year from 2nd- 5th September.

Despite the continued easing of lockdown measures, the nationwide vaccination programme and the hope within the Government Roadmap for unlocking the country, there have been and remain too many variables and uncertainties due to the Covid-19 pandemic to deliver this much-loved international event.

We have, throughout the last six months, striven to find an event scenario which would allow our competitors, followers, exhibitors and contractors to enjoy this annual sporting highlight. However, the Event runs on a greenfield site; the lead time and strategic infrastructure planning all require significant investment and expenditure year on year. Staging the competition element is ongoing 365 days a year, from one year’s event to the next and the contractual cancellation procedures mean that even though restrictions are easing across the country, we have to make difficult decisions many months ahead of the event. The severe financial implications of a potential cancellation of an event of this scale and magnitude at a late stage, without available pandemic insurance, are too great to risk for all involved .

We are desperately sad for the sport of Eventing; our riders, owners and their sponsors who have been so affected by the large-scale cancellation of events over the last 12 months. Whilst this year we will not see CCI 5*L competition at Land Rover Burghley, we remain steadfast in our commitment that the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials will endure. We are particularly grateful to Land Rover, our title sponsor, who together with our other sponsors, have been so understanding and supportive throughout this period.

Miranda Rock, President of Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, commented: “It is with a very heavy heart that we have come to the extremely difficult decision to cancel The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials this year. The Horse Trials is an incredibly important part of what we do here at Burghley and is the highlight of the year for all those who live and work here. I am deeply sorry for everyone whose hopes have been dashed – from the equestrian world internationally to the pony clubs nationally, for the people of Stamford and our neighbouring communities, as well as our wonderful suppliers, supporters, retailers, staff and visitors who will not be able to enjoy this glorious event in September. Next year marks our 60th Anniversary and, despite the challenges ahead, we will be focusing all our efforts on delivering a spectacular event in 2022.”

Next year’s event will take place from Thursday 1st September to Sunday 4th September. Tickets will be on sale from April 2022.

Requirements Announced to Allow U.S.-based Athletes & Team Members to Attend Bromont

By on May 7, 2021 9:00 am -

Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit at Bromont.
Photo by Cealy Tetley.

The organizing committee of the MARS Bromont CCI has announced the first set of requirements which will allow United States based athletes and their support team members to enter Canada for the duration of competition scheduled for June 2-6, 2021. This is exciting news for the many riders who have flocked to this popular top destination for some of the best eventing has to offer in North America year after year.

Plans for travelers from the United States will include several required elements. Those that attend will be required to present proof of completed vaccinations for all people traveling to the event, and a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving at the border. Additional requirements will be announced as released by the local and federal government. Competitors and support staff must book lodging accommodations directly with Domaine Château Bromont. The hotel has already confirmed plans with the organizers to provide both local restaurant and grocery store deliveries directly to your accommodations.  A special rate for all competitors at the hotel will be available.

It is important to note that all entries to the MARS Bromont CCI will be 100% refundable.

For those riders who have yet to experience competition at Bromont, you’re in for a treat. Derek Di Grazia of Carmel Valley, California, FEI cross-country course designer at Bromont since 2009 and the course designer for the Tokyo Olympic Games, will set a challenging track with the help of Canadian course builder Jay Hambly and his team, utilizing the spectacular hills and natural water features Bromont has to offer.

The MARS Bromont CCI is made possible in part through a contribution from Sport Canada. The Bromont organizing committee also wishes to thank the Government of Quebec, and the City of Bromont for their support.

Mark your calendar for these other 2021 Bromont Dates: June 12, 2021 – Little Bromont Horse Trials, Aug. 13- 15, 2021 – FEI Eventing Nations Cup Bromont, and Sept. 17- 19, 2021 – Bromont Autumn CCI-S Three Day Event

About Bromont CCI
Bromont has featured top competition for three decades, will be welcoming some of the best horse-and-rider combinations from all over North America in CCI4-L, CCI4-S, CCI3-L, CCI2-L, CCIU252* – L, CCIU253* -L divisions.

About MARS Equestrian™ 
MARS Equestrian™ Sponsorship by Mars, Incorporated is the link between our iconic brands and the equestrian community. For generations, Mars has celebrated a rich equestrian heritage, and through purposeful partnerships, MARS Equestrian™ is committed to the sport and building an enduring legacy. From world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines, to stewarding the power of horses on society and sustainability, MARS Equestrian™ is dedicated to our purpose to improve the lives of horses, pets, and the people who love them. For more information please visit our website at www.marsequestrian.com and social media @marsequestrian. MARS Equestrian is proud to support the Bromont CCI Three Day Event.

Information regarding further details including the COVID-19 plan will be posted on our website at https://bromontcci.com and linked to our social media. Contact the event at [email protected].

 

Friday News & Notes

By on May 7, 2021 12:03 am -

Horses! I swear! Photo by Brit Gegenbach

Horses just have a special way of finding the one way to do something ridiculous. You could turn a horse out in the most perfect paddock with no danger, and they would still climb their way halfway over the fence, like this horse belonging to Brit Gegenbach. Enjoying her vacation in Mexico, her husband sends her this photo of a new horse at the farm. Don’t worry, the horse was fine. The fence, however, was not.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [Drawn Order] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Apple Knoll Farm H.T.: [Website]

The Event at Skyline: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Show Photographer]

Miami Valley H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entries] [Live Scores] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Unionville H.T.: [Website] [Entries] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

WindRidge Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entries]

News From Around the Globe:

Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride didn’t plan to be at Jersey Fresh this weekend. She and her horse Favian were supposed to be on vacation following Kentucky, but unfortunately the pair had a fall on cross country at their first 5* together. Favian is her only Advanced horse – something which is vanishingly rare among CCI5* competitors these days. It is of great benefit to Vizcarrondo Pride, therefore, that riding isn’t the only string to her eventing bow. She is also an FEI judge at the CCI4* level and is seeking promotion to Level 3, which would enable her to officiate at the CCI5* level. [Humbled by Horses]

In eventing, we love a good thoroughbred. No discipline understands the versatility and tenacity of OTTBs better than eventers. Perhaps it’s because they appreciate a scrappy horse, but regardless of the reason OTTBs are plentiful throughout the levels. This is even true at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day 5*, one of the toughest and most prestigious events in the world. [OTTBs Can]

Best of Blogs: Make Showing More Accessible to Make it More Affordable 

Grand Prix show jumper Dani Waldman is no stranger to controversy. With her flying feathered hair, Dani is well known across disciplines for her flamboyant style. However, she recently sparked a new flurry of comments on social media with her post on Instagram about never turning her horses out. What’s your take on this issue? [To Turn Out or Not to Turn Out?]

 

Horse girls for life!

Tamie Smith and Phillip Dutton In Early Control of CCI4*-L/CCI3*-L at Jersey Fresh

By on May 6, 2021 6:20 pm -

Tamie Smith and EN Vogue competing in Kentucky last month. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Not many surprises to be found at the top of the early leaderboards at Jersey Fresh International, presented by B.W. Furlong and Associates and Zoetis Equine, where the CCI4*-L and CCI3*-L kicked off their dressage phase today. With a little over half of each division riding their dressage tests today, it’s Tamie Smith and Ruth Bley’s EnVogue in charge of the CCI4*-L with a score of 24.3 while Phillip Dutton and Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool will take the early lead in the CCI3*-L on a score of 27.4.

Fresh off of a second place finish in the CCI4*-S at Kentucky last month, EnVogue (Earl – Laurena, by Laurie’s Crusador) was originally penciled in for her CCI5* debut in Lexington before Tamie elected to do one more CCI4*-L instead. After a gutsy performance over a testing (to say the least) cross country, Tamie said she was maybe kicking herself a bit for dropping down a level – but without a doubt this weekend will still be a great challenge for the 16-year-old Hanoverian mare’s spring season finale. It’s likely to be a bit different of a track than the mare saw in Kentucky; Jersey Fresh is known for its twisting and turning nature, but a heavy downpour yesterday should make for some excellent ground for those looking to make a crack at the time.

Today Tamie and EnVogue shaved 1.1 penalties off their Kentucky score, picking up a few extra marks in their walk and canter work, among other movements, compared to their Kentucky effort.

Boyd Martin and Luke 140 at Galway Downs in 2020. Photo by Kim Miller.

Boyd Martin missed his last prep for this weekend with Luke 140 after two rather spectacular crashes on cross country at Kentucky (he opted to withdraw Luke 140 ahead of cross country to give himself time to mend), but he says it may have worked out just fine after all. “To be honest, I wasn’t too keen to run him at Kentucky as I don’t really like to run them two weeks apart,” Boyd said. “I think it’s a bit tough on their bodies. So it was actually good taking him to Kentucky and having that intense week of building up to a dressage test.”

Boyd and Luke 140 (Landos – Omega VI, by Limbus), who is owned by the Luke 140 Syndicate, shaved 5.5 points off of their Kentucky score, solidifying Boyd’s thought that the abbreviated trip to the Bluegrass at least helped him pinpoint the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding’s weaknesses. But, he says, there aren’t many weaknesses to list on this one.

“He’s just a horse that oozes with class,” Boyd said. “He’s one of the only horses in the stable that really doesn’t have a weakness. He’s a mover, he’s a galloper, he’s young and fit and sound.” Despite some early growing pains – Boyd says it’s really about a two year period that it takes to really build a partnership, and this one took some patience – the pair has begun to gel, he says. Their trip to Galway last fall, where they notched their first 4*-L win together, was proof that things were coming together. “For sure at the beginning we butted heads a bit…little did I know that an overenthusiastic, feisty horse was my cup of tea!,” Boyd reflected.

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Another pair who saw great success in their final run before Jersey, Kentucky CCI4*-S winners Alyssa Phillips and Oskar (Coriando – Nicole, by Marlo) will take early third place thanks to a score of 28.1. This is another pair that shaved some points off of their Kentucky score and Alyssa improved her score by 4.2 penalties. This weekend’s dressage score is the best the pair has earned at the 4* level – but it didn’t come without a bit of drama on the front end.

After returning home from Kentucky, Oskar came in from turnout with a swollen face. Alyssa was initially worried that his pasture mate may have kicked him and broken a tooth or a cheekbone, but after investigation by her veterinary team Oskar was found to be no worse for the wear. To avoid causing additional discomfort, Alyssa found herself doing some of her final flatwork preps in a halter – but hey, it seems to have paid off it its own way today!

“He’s a really chill horse, so it works out fine for him,” Alyssa commented. “And he was really good today. He was definitely more put together than he was in Kentucky. He’s pretty strong, so we’re always working on putting the pieces together and keeping the energy.”

Laughing when asked where she was able to get some points back today, Alyssa remarked that she was relieved to have done her extended trot in the right place this time. “At Kentucky he was a bit fresh, so it’s a little hard because he does get pretty strong. But he was in a great frame today and I could really ride him and that’s what we’re always working toward.”

The top five is completed by Clayton Fredericks and FE Coldplay (4th – 29.5) and a two-way tie for fifth between Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill and Canadian rider Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes, each sitting on a score of 29.6.

It’s also an emotional weekend for Canada’s Kyle Carter, who brings forth Christy and Ward Edwards’ Reddy or Not for her second go at the CCI4*-L level. It was three years ago today that Christy Edwards was tragically killed in a car accident, and thanks to the ongoing support of her husband, Ward, Kyle and “Reddy’s” partnership has continued in her honor – and this mare has, like a fine wine, just continued to get stronger and better. Despite an early end to their weekend in the Kentucky CCI4*-S at the final water, Reddy made all of the hard things on the cross country look easy and turned in a big score improvement on the flat in today’s test. Kyle and Reddy or Not earned a 29.9 for early seventh place.

 

3 years ago today we lost Reddys breeder owner and biggest fan to a tragic accident. So many people miss her and the joy she brought to us all. This is for all of those who have been watching and supporting the dream Christy Edwards had of seeing her favorite homebred at these competitions. ❤️❤️ to you all. Mikki Johansen
Ward Edwards and so many that she touched

The goal has been to get into the 20s and today we did!! First time at this level for that but she’s been developing to it for a bout 6 months. After Kentucky where we got a 36 I said to somebody she’s is so good 4 out of 5 times I’m not going to worry about it so I did what we had been doing and had Jen keep helping me chip away the problems. As usual it worked. Thanks Jennifer Carter lots to do but great way to start.

Posted by Kyle Carter on Thursday, May 6, 2021

Riding in honor of the late and legendary Anissa Cottongin this weekend is Jon Holling, who pilots Prophet – who was bred by Anissa – in his CCI4*-L debut. The 9-year-old Trakehner gelding by Tatendrang has been with Jon since his 4-year-old year, and it was always Anissa’s pleasure to follow the gelding as his career progressed. “I didn’t know her well before Prophet at all, and I got to know her very well,” Jon told The Chronicle of the Horse last month. “She was a friend. She would show up to any of the events she could show up to, but in the last year or so that got harder for her. She would do everything she could do to be there. I would send her videos on Facebook of him working, and she would get videos of him when she was in the hospital.”

Jon and Prophet, who is owned by Jon and Chuck McGrath, are just behind fellow Floridian Kyle Carter in eighth place on a score of 30.9.

We’re likely to see a few pairs come up to challenge the leaders in the final day of dressage tomorrow; notably, Tamie Smith will likely be in a duel with herself aboard another Ruth Bley-owned horse, Danito. Canada’s Colleen Loach and Vermont, who impressed more than a few with his performance in the Kentucky CCI4*-S, will also be ones to watch tomorrow.

Phillip Dutton Tops CCI3*-L After Day One

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.

Phillip Dutton has another young horse to keep an eye on this weekend in Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool (Quo Vados – B-Estelle, by Lord), a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding formerly campaigned by Dirk Schrade, Sabrina Mertens and Ben Leuwer. After importing the gelding in 2019, Phillip wasted no time getting acclimated and is now poised to navigate the gelding’s CCI3*-L debut this weekend. A dressage mark of 27.4 will be enough for the early lead – though Phillip is well aware that more potential is yet to come as the young gelding’s career progresses.

“I’m really excited about Quasi’s future,” Phillip commented. “He’s such an athlete with an incredible temperament. Today was certainly not a perfect test, so there’s plenty of room to improve as he matures and gets stronger.”

Caitlin Silliman and Ally KGO at Fair Hill. Photo by Abby Powell.

It’s been fantastic to see Caitlin Silliman and Ally KGO‘s (Hirtentanz 2 – Annabel Lee, by Butow) partnership solidify over the past seasons, and this weekend marks the second start at the CCI3*-L level for the pair. Ally KGO, who is 10 this year, was found at auction in Wisconsin by the McCue family and originally produced through Training level by Morgan McCue before going to Caitlin. Earlier this year, Caitlin formed the Ally KGO Syndicate to secure the ride on the mare long term, and their dressage score of 27.5 is good for second place after day one.

Daniel Clasing, fresh off of a great weekend with his CCI5* ride MW Gangster’s Game, will be in early third place in the 3*-L aboard Jennifer Larkin’s Olney Uncle Sam on a score of 28.0. You may recall seeing Olney Uncle Sam out with Emily Beshear before going to Daniel’s program this season. They’re coming off a final prep at Fair Hill last month, where they contested the CCI3*-S.

We’ll see the remainder of the Long division horses do their dressage tests tomorrow as well as the Short format divisions – both a CCI4*-S and a CCI3*-S are running this weekend, too. I’ll be back tomorrow with a CCI4*-L cross country preview courtesy of Zach Brandt and Audrie Stanka.

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Enjoy a few more social media updates from #JFI3D thus far:

Dressage day for #LetitbeLee. He is number 81. #RiotGeartheOldenburg goes Friday at 11:32 and is number 136….

Posted by Elisa Wallace Eventing on Thursday, May 6, 2021

Ingrid Klimke, Michael Jung, Sandra Auffarth, Oh My! How to Watch the Marbach CCI4* on H&C+

By on May 6, 2021 5:30 pm -

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD competing at Aachen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Think Jersey Fresh is the only FEI event you should be paying attention to? Think again – this weekend’s four-star competition at Marbach in southern Germany is certainly one to watch, and even better, it’s the first European event that we’ll get to live-stream in full this year.  If you’re a H&C+ subscriber (which, you really should be!), you can tune in for the conclusion of dressage as well as stadium jumping and cross country phases tomorrow and Saturday.

Here’s a look at the broadcast schedule on H&C+:

It’s no surprise to see Ingrid Klimke and SAP Horseware Hale Bob OLD out in front after day one, earning a score of 24.6 from judges Dr. Helmut Mett and Hanna Rogge. Sweden’s Katrin Norling and Fernando-Ukato are in early second place on a score of 26.6, followed by 2014 World Equestrian Games gold medalist Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz in third on a score of 26.7. Not far behind in fourth are Michael Jung and fischerWild Wave, earning a score of 27.0. The defending Olympic gold medalist has three rides in the CCI4*-S this weekend: Highlighter, fisherWild Wave and fischerChipmunk, who we’ll see tomorrow.

To view the full dressage standings, click here. Ride times can be found here, and results for the coming phases will be found here.

You can catch the conclusion of dressage as well as show jumping tomorrow and the cross country test on Saturday. If you haven’t checked out all of the incredible on-demand content available on H&C+, you definitely should give it a look – and additional features such as live streaming from all over the world make the $9.99 per month cost well worthwhile! Click here to check it out.

Thursday Video from Cambox: Ride Around Badminton 2019 With Michael Ryan

By on May 6, 2021 5:00 pm -

Michael Ryan and Dunlough Striker at Badminton. Photo courtesy of Kit Houghton/Mitsubishi Motors.

In lieu of a Badminton this year, we’ve all got to use our imaginations to get our fix. Helmet cams help with that — like this one from Ireland’s Michael Ryan and Dunlough Striker at Badminton 2019. That year, Michael and the now 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Maltstriker x Beau Rud, by Beau Royal) finished 17th, clocking 13.6 time faults around the course.

Go Eventing.

Cambox is currently on sale for up to 30% off! Click here to score a deal.

The Jon & Rick Show’s ‘Trek to Jersey Fresh’ Is a Real Trip

By on May 6, 2021 1:00 pm -

The Ocala contingent is out in force at Jersey Fresh International this week — and they’re doing plenty well for themselves. At a glance as of midday Thursday, the CCI4*-L scoreboard has Clayton Fredericks‘ sitting in second with FE Coldplay, Jon Holling is 3rd with Prophet, and Leslie Law in 5th with QC First Class.

Without going into too much unnecessary detail, I feel like the provinces of New Jersey and Florida have a lot in common culturally and so it makes a lot of sense that Ocalians would thrive here — they probably feel right at home. It’s like, the way Tiger King and Jersey Shore are very different but also a lot the same on some level? Jon, I too have experienced “terror that I was about to get attacked and mugged in my hotel room” by a cracked out rando (see: Wednesday video) only it was at a Motel 6 in your hometown. Anyway, have fun this week, all of you, keep the updates coming, and remember to lock that deadbolt.

The Jon & Rick Show has been documenting their “Trek” on their YouTube channel — be sure to subscribe here.

Best of luck to all this week!

Jersey Fresh International: [Website] [Entries] [Drawn Order] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]