Classic Eventing Nation

Meet Thiandro Equestrian: Your New Favorite Equestrian Brand for Every Body

As the equestrian world increasingly recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity, Thiandro Equestrian emerges as a new brand committed to serving a broader range of body types. Founded in 2023 by a passionate equestrian with a background in marketing communications, Thiandro Equestrian seeks to address the substantial gap in the equestrian apparel market by providing sizes from XS to 3XL. With a focus on inclusivity, the brand aims to create high-quality riding apparel that empowers all riders to feel confident and comfortable in their gear.

Holly, the founder of Thiandro Equestrian, shared her inspiration for the brand: “The landscape of the fashion industry has changed so much in recent years, and we’re finally scratching the surface of embracing different body types. I have friends who have personally told me their struggles in finding appropriate riding clothes because of the lack of size inclusivity, so it’s always been a priority from the start.”

While many equestrian brands only offer a handful of traditional sizes, Thiandro Equestrian aims to provide more options for a variety of body types. Holly noted, “We’ve received a lot of feedback through our social media platforms, and we take that seriously in the direction and development of our lines. I have had so many people message me saying, ‘I love your designs, but are you going to carry my size?”

The equestrian industry has historically overlooked larger size options, which Holly finds puzzling. “I don’t know if there’s some kind of notion that curvier people don’t ride, but anyone who’s an equestrian knows that’s not true.” This commitment to inclusivity sets Thiandro Equestrian apart from its competitors, pushing for representation across all sizes.

One of the brand’s unique selling points is its focus on flattering designs for various body types. Holly explained, “We use a variety of design techniques to ensure that our pieces are flattering on different body types. This ranges from the fabric we select, which is often stretchy yet slightly compressive materials, to the actual design.” For example, the Essential Riding Tights feature a super high waistband with a vee shape on the backside, offering a flattering look for numerous figures.

The brand also incorporates technical innovations into their designs that enhance both functionality and performance. For example, the Essential Riding Tights as well as an upcoming suede breech design both include zipper pockets on both sides for secure storage. This was something Holly struggled to find in breeches prior to designing her own. The company’s breeches and base layers also offer UPF 50 protection and are made from recycled fabric, allowing riders to enjoy high-performance apparel while being environmentally conscious.

The initial feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the size range. “Customers have responded so kindly to our size range. This does make me a bit sad though, as I really feel it should just be the norm at this point,” Holly remarked. The brand is also committed to ongoing education regarding size inclusivity, addressing these topics openly on social media platforms.

Holly hopes that her efforts will inspire other brands to expand their size offerings. “I’ve heard of some brands using the excuse that it’s too expensive to include that many sizes, but we haven’t found that to be the case. My suggestion is to find a good designer and a trustworthy manufacturer that will work with you to make the product your audience is asking for.”

To ensure quality and consistency across all sizes, the brand collaborates closely with its manufacturer. “Our manufacturer has an in-house quality control team, and we also use a third-party inspection service. Quality is hugely important to us, especially being a new brand,” Holly stated.

As for future plans, Holly is eager to expand Thiandro Equestrian’s offerings further. “I’m really itching to get into menswear. It’s an intimidating sector for me, since it’s not like I can just order samples and try them myself, and also the sizing is a bit different. But I’m hoping we can add some inclusivity in that sector later on.”

For customers looking to support inclusivity in equestrian sports, Holly emphasizes the importance of choosing brands that align with these values. “I myself am more of a standard size, but I’ve still found myself in more recent years gravitating towards companies that are innovating and on the pulse of important issues like this.”

Readers can explore the latest collections from Thiandro Equestrian at thiandroequestrian.com and stay updated on the brand’s developments and initiatives by following on TikTok and Instagram. The launch of the fall/winter collection is just around the corner, Thiandro Equestrian’s commitment to inclusivity promises to make a significant impact in the equestrian apparel market.

EN will also be teaming up with Thiandro Equestrian for a winter giveaway coming your way soon, so keep an eye out for more!

Maxime Livio Announces Temporary Step Back from Top Sport

Maxime Livio and Carouzo Bois Marotin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

French 5* and World Championships rider Maxime Livio has announced a temporary break from sport and competition, emphasizing that it’s not a retirement, but rather an opportunity to step back from the intensity entailed with being a high-performance rider and engage in other projects freely.

“At the end of the season 2024, there’s still a month of competition left; I will be hanging up my boots a little bit,” Maxime announced in a video released this week. “It’s not a retirement, it’s a break. The idea is to take a bit of distance from the intensity of life as a high level rider and have some time to dedicate myself to many other projects that are currently happening at the stables. And to ask myself the right questions about how I want to continue.”

C’est le moment de vous annoncer une décision arrivée à maturité.

🔜 Plus de précisions dans le prochain numéro de Grand Prix.

Ecurie Livio
Equiwell Lambey SA Ohlala Sellerie Carrosserie Paillard Tacante Emilie Aulbach Masseur Équin et Canin Alogo Analysis Cavalassur Cheval Liberté Horse Pilot Antarès Sellier Freejump Dixit Energie

Posted by Maxime Livio Athlète on Monday, November 11, 2024

“I don’t have a clear idea of how long the break will last,” Maxime continued. “For me this is definitely not the end of an era, rather, it’s the start. The luxury of having time, regaining the freedom of speech and action that will allow me to move foward to share a lot of thoughts I have about the sport, animal welfare and ecology…it’s very exciting for me to get involved in all these areas.”

Maxime has indicated he will share more about the new projects he is working on, as well as happenings as his home base which plays host to multiple riders for training and competition prep, in the coming months.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

William Fox-Pitt is coming back to the U.S. for more clinics in 2025! The British Olympian and eventing legend will be back in Ocala teaching from March 5-8, and participants at all levels are invited to join. For more information, please email [email protected].

Events Closing Today

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. (GA)

News & Reading

A crazy story out of the show jumping world today as the U.S. Olympian Laura Kraut suffered a helmet malfunction midway through her round at the CSI4* Grand Prix of Maastricht in the Netherlands this weekend. After Laura’s helmet dislodged during her ride, she nearly lost it off the back of her head and instead caught the chin strap between her teeth to hold it in place so she could clear the final few fences without being eliminated. Talk about hanging onto your hat! See the video and the full story here.

British Eventing has announced a new initiative to enhance training for its members by appointing eight Lead Regional Coaches across various regions, including Scotland, North, East Midlands, East, Southeast, Southwest, Central, and Wales and West Midlands. These coaches will collaborate closely with Youth Regional Coordinators to deliver comprehensive training programs aimed at elevating the skills of riders nationwide. Applications for these positions are open until November 22, 2024, with interviews scheduled to begin the week of November 25. Find more information here.

From the U.S. Dressage Finals comes a story capturing hearts: Man of Mystery, aka “Harold,” a Gypsy Vanner, has defied expectations on his journey to the national stage. Known for their striking appearance rather than dressage finesse, Harold’s breed didn’t stop him from proving his talent in the arena. This unique partnership has highlighted the versatility and charm of Gypsy Vanners, showing that dressage success comes in all shapes and sizes. Read more about Harold’s inspiring road to the Finals on The Chronicle of the Horse here.

In early November, key dressage organizations convened to address pressing issues concerning equine welfare and public trust in the sport. The International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC), International Dressage Trainers Club (IDTC), International Dressage Officials Club, and Dressage Organisers held their annual meeting on November 5-6. The agenda included a review of the Paris Olympics, discussions on integrating artificial intelligence in judging, updates on the FEI’s dressage strategy, and challenges faced by CDI organizers. A spokesperson highlighted the “excellent collaboration” among stakeholders, emphasizing a collective commitment to the sport’s long-term health. While media access was restricted during the meeting, a subsequent press conference featured insights from IDTC Secretary General Linda Keenan and IDRC Secretary General Klaus Roeser. They addressed the timeline for restoring public confidence in dressage, acknowledging that while the process may be gradual, the sport is actively implementing measures to enhance transparency and uphold the highest standards of equine welfare. Read more about this conversation here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

What’s inside Equi-Jewel?

At Kentucky Performance Products, you can trust what’s been put into each bag, backed by research and development to ensure the best quality and nutritional supplementation for your horse.

Equi-Jewel contains all-natural ingredients that provide the calories your horse needs to thrive, and its high-fat formula reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, and sustains a calm, cool attitude.

Equi-Jewel is recommended for:

  • Performance and show horses
  • Racehorses
  • Hard keepers
  • Seniors
  • Growing horses
  • Broodmares
  • Stallions
  • Sales horses
  • Horses on restricted diets
  • Horses on low-starch diets

Learn more about each ingredient found in Equi-Jewel here.

Video Break

Just a lunging hack, if you needed one…

FEI Eventing World Ranking November Update: McEwen Holds #1, Julia Krajewski Into Top 5

Julia Krajewski and Nickel 21. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The November FEI World Athlete Rankings have been updated, and for the eventers, Great Britain’s Tom McEwen will hold onto his #1 designation for another month. This month, New Zealand’s Tim Price has moved up to obtain the #2 spot, overtaking former #1 Ros Canter as she moves into third overall. Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier retains her #4 spot, and we now welcome Germany’s Julia Krajewski into the global top 5, moving up from 12th thanks to a hefty win in the Boekelo CCIO4*-L last month with Nickel 21.

British riders Yasmin Ingham, Laura Collett, Tom Jackson, Harry Meade, and Oliver Townend now make up the remainder of the global top 10. Our sole U.S. representative in the top 10 has now fallen out as Boyd Martin moves down to #12 from #6 last month.

You can view the full world ranking list here.

Weekend Winners: Virginia, River Glen, & Majestic Oaks

Happy Monday, Eventing Nation! We’re here to celebrate our Weekend Winners – from Starter to 3*, we have plenty to catch up on this week!

Congrats to all on successful outings at Virginia, River Glen, and Majestic Oaks, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Erin Murphy and Haslemere Jacamo, who won the Open Training at Virginia on their dressage score of 20.6!

Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall H.T & International (VA): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 3*S: Ali Kuhn and Little Hail (45.4)
CCI 2*L: Sharon White and Arden Augustus (34.2)
CCI 2*S: Tim Bourke and Sing To Me Cooley (41.5)
CCI 1*L: Ruth Rosendaul and Bonhunt Bertie (31.8)
Open Intermediate: Phillip Dutton and Cooley Starship (29.4)
Open Preliminary A: Ryan Wood and Woodstock Indy (35.5)
Open Preliminary B: Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi (50.4)
Preliminary Rider: Devon Sutherland and Mega Bucks (52.6)
Modified Rider: Kathleen Fitzgerald and Spotted Chap (31.3)
Open Modified A: Alex Reed and Kayan (30.5)
Open Modified B: Kirsten Schuitema and McCovey Cove (35.0)
Junior Training Rider: Liana Anson and Biscuit Snatcher (40.6)
Open Training: Erin Murphy and Haslemere Jacamo (20.6)
Senior Training Rider A: Kaleigh Barkaszi and Golightly (36.6)
Senior Training Rider B: Jaelyn Comer and Uvera Z (32.1)
Training Horse: Abigail McGowan and Mystic Serenade (33.6)
Junior Novice Rider: Madeline Riley and Bobbie Burns (29.4)
Novice Horse: Hannah Brandt and Fernhill Emerald (26.4)
Open Novice: Marilyn Payne and Rock Me Mama (30.0)
Senior Novice Rider: Amanda Brady and Cooley For Keeps (28.6)
Beginner Novice Horse: Hannah Taylor and Rippa (32.4)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Madeleine Betzer and Kenny (Nicas Last Laugh) (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Kylie Stangle and Redfield Mikke (25.6)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Gina Keller and Snack Attack (24.1)
Starter: Linda Jimenez and Cheeky Girl (27.0)

River Glen Fall H.T. (TN): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Makenzie Lowe and BT Jump the Gun (35.6)
Open Modified: Anabelle Friend and Tater’CZalad (37.8)
Open Training: Brad Hall and Montauk Blue (36.0)
Training Rider: Abigail Walker and Galway Bay Cooley (30.0)
Training/Novice: Alexis Anderson and Bourbon Treaty (43.3)
Novice Rider Jr: Willa Newell and Excel Star Wildwood (24.7)
Novice Rider Sr: Samantha McLean and Roses Are Red (36.4)
Open Novice: Brad Hall and Lux Hero (35.3)
BNovice Rider Sr: Kate Bickerstaff and Just Like Ike (37.3)
BNovice Rider Jr: Katherine Naselsker and Foudroyant de Bellerose (30.0)
Open BNovice: Sarah Younger and Cody’s Legacy (37.4)
Open Starter Jr: Wren Willcox and Zephyr (28.7)
Open Starter Sr: Molly DePerna and Mannulus (34.3)

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Kiersten Miller and Mama Mia (27.1)
Preliminary Rider: Janna Scholtz and Fernhill Locklann (39.8)
Open Modified: Cindy Rawson and Fourfields Classek (26.4)
Open Training: Ainsley Hagen and Ardeo Hennessy (29.8)
Training Rider: Brie Murray and Fernhill Ranga Tanga (26.9)
Novice Rider A: Jill Lance and Always A Wiseguy (30.3)
Novice Rider B: London Roberts-Shipway and Goldmark (26.4)
Open Novice A: Kyle Carter and Reddy for Royalty (25.0)
Open Novice B: Ashlynn Meuchel and NW Limon (23.1)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Lucy Walter and Charge the Harbor (27.2)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Holly Usiak and Nunez WTW (29.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Anna Kjellstrom and Cooley Doublmax (25.9)
Starter-Intro: Margaret Stocker and Vabusa (28.0)

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

It’s time to kick off the annual Goresbridge Go For Gold Select Event Horse Sale! Happening over three days and culminating in a live sale on November 13, this sale, held at Barnadown and The Amber Springs Hotel in Co. Wexford, Ireland, features a bursting catalog this year absolutely of promising event horses. If you’ve not experienced this format before, never fear! Event director Ed Donahoe is here to answer some commonly asked questions in the video above. You can also view the catalog and more information on the sale here (as well as view the live stream of the horses being shown over the next two days). Lastly, you can view Tilly’s wishlist here.

U.S. Weekend Results

Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall H.T & International (VA): [Website] [Scores]

River Glen Fall H.T. (TN): [Website] [Scores]

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL): [Website] [Scores]
News & Reading

News & Reading

A recently rediscovered poem from 1914 poignantly captures the heartbreak of horses lost during the First World War. Horse & Hound shares this touching tribute, written over a century ago, which reflects on the sacrifices made by equine companions who served alongside soldiers. This piece serves as a powerful reminder today on Veteran’s Day of the bond between humans and horses and the enduring impact of war on these loyal animals. Read the full story for a look into this moving piece of equestrian history.

The USEA has published a piece honoring the military veterans and active duty members who also ride. Don’t miss it here.

Want to win a copy of Kareem Rosser’s upcoming second book, When You’re Ready? He’s hosting a giveaway ahead of the book’s release date in February via Goodreads here.

French rider Maxime Livio has announced the transition of three of his horses, including his 5* partner Carouzo Bois Marotin, to new riders in the 2025 season. One horse, a 4* winner called Api Du Libaire, will be campaigned by U.S. rider Alexa Thompson, while two others will move to Thai riders. Read more here.

The USEA is gearing up for its 2024 Annual Meeting & Convention, scheduled for December 12-15 at The Westin Seattle in Seattle, WA. This event offers a unique opportunity for members to engage in educational seminars, committee meetings, and open forums, all aimed at enhancing the sport of eventing. Highlights include a keynote address by renowned horseman Tik Maynard and a show jumping course design seminar led by experts Chris Barnard and Marc Donovan. Attendees can also look forward to networking opportunities and exploring Seattle’s iconic landmarks. Registration is now open, with early-bird rates available until December 11. Click here for more information.

Scholarships, awarding five high school seniors $1,000 each to support their equestrian pursuits during college. Among the honorees is Emily Arriaga from Bahama, N.C., who is attending the Savannah College of Art and Design to study Equestrian Studies and continue her show jumping career. Arriaga, who graduated at the top of her high school class and earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Durham Technical Community College, has extensive experience in all aspects of horse care and training. She aspires to establish a horse sale, training, and showing facility with her brother, aiming to positively impact the equestrian industry. Read more about the recipients here.

Video Break

That’s a wrap on a great weekend of eventing at VHC Eventing, hosted at Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA. Have a look at what makes this venue so special to locals from presenting sponsor, Capital Square, CEO and amateur eventer Louis Rogers:

Putting the Bow on Top of a Great Weekend at VHC Eventing, Presented by Capital Square

Sharon White & Arden Augustus. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott Sharon White & Arden Augustus. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

Lexington, Va.– Whether competing on a U25 team or riding in a senior division, an exciting weekend of sport was had by all at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square. With over 450 riders flocking to the historic venue, all three phases ran concurrently with both sides of the cross country course in use and multiple rings in session. This weekend’s winners rose above the fray to take home well-earned blue ribbons.

Having won the CCI2*-S at VHC Eventing in May, Sharon White and Arden Augustus, owned by Anita Antenucci, bookended their season with nearly identical wins, however this weekend marked “Gus’s” first long-format event. 2024 also marked the pair’s first full season at the FEI level. Entering the show jumping phase on a score of 30.2, one rail wasn’t enough to knock the pair out of the lead.

“I was really pleased with him,” White said. “I had the rail and thought I’d lost it, but he was jumping well and it was just that I needed to help him a bit more– and don’t have another one.”

White is well-known for producing her own horses from the ground up and Gus is no different. The five-star eventer planned her season with an eye to Gus’s future and chose to enter the CCI2*-L at the Virginia Horse Center to help build the 6-year-old gelding’s base of fitness. “My whole year has been just about letting his body mature and letting him get stronger. And I debated whether he needed to do the two long or not. But then the hills of Virginia are so intense– I think it’s a really useful base for a horse. So that’s why he was here in Virginia, specifically for the hills, which, again, you’re always looking to put a good, solid base, or foundation of fitness on an event horse.”

Local to Summit Point, West Virginia, White travels to the Virginia Horse Center relatively often. She believes that competing at the venue is educational for horses and riders. “The horses have to learn about competing on terrain. Riders have to learn about competing on terrain. So I was here to give my horses an education on that, because everywhere else the hills are easier, right?” White said, laughing. “The Virginia Horse Center Foundation is just doing such a good job. I really appreciate anyone who puts on events and does their best.”

Hyperion Stud U25 Teams Award

The winning U25 teams in the CCI2*-L. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

While the Virginia Horse Center is a popular stomping ground for upper level riders, this weekend also proved to be a big event for a large contingent of youth competitors. Area II coordinator Chris Donovan organized the U25 Team Challenge, sponsored by Hyperion Stud. Consisting of a total of 21 competitors, there were three teams in the CCI2*-L and two teams in the CCI1*-L, with two riders competing in the CCI3*-S division. Each winning team received the Hyperion Stud U25 Team Award.

The winning CCI2*-L team with a total score of 128.2, consisted of Katherine Maroko & Redfield Champion, Riley Zgrebnak & Cooley Criminal Mind, Megan Hopkins & Altaskin Jack, and Megan Loughnane & Lynton.

In the CCI1*-L division, with a score of 123.60, the winning team consisted of Ruth Rosendaul & Bonhunt Bertie, Mandolin Whitten & Bossanova, Jaelyn Corner & Loughnatousa Yours, and Lea-Claude Pelletier & Golden Nugget.

The CCI3*-S U25 winner was Audrey Ogan and Always Cooley, with a score of 65.7. The pair came in 5th in the division overall.

Area II coordinator Chris Donovan has a long history of involvement with the U25 program and is no stranger to organizing events at the Virginia Horse Center. “I firmly believe they are the future of the sport, whether they go on to be on a team, like at the Pan-American Games or something, or whether they become future trainers,” Donovan said. “Helping develop and build that camaraderie between them is so important, which is why we give U25 riders teams and encourage them to get to know each other and build a network to support them.”

Donovan believes that the U25 riders can learn a lot from competing at the Virginia Horse Center specifically because of the local community of riders. “We have a lot of the upper level riders who are here, and these kids have an opportunity to go on to become grooms or working students for those riders. They can make those connections while they’re here,” Donovan said.

Wrapping Up the National Divisions

The National divisions also wrapped up the weekend today, with the last rider crossing the finish line on cross country with perfect timing, as a cold drizzle had just started to come down over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In the only Intermediate division, Olympian Phillip Dutton and Leonie Padgett’s Cooley Starship won with a score of 29.4.

Ryan Wood took home the blue in the Open Preliminary A division with his own Woodstock Indy on a score of 35.5. In Open Preliminary B, Dana Cooke and the FE Mississippi Syndicate LLC’s FE Mississippi came in first with a score of 50.4. Preliminary Rider was won by Devon Sutherland with her own Mega Bucks on a score of 52.6.

Kathleen Fitzgerald won Modified Rider aboard Michael Fitzgerald’s Spotted Chap, with a score of 31.3. Open Modified A crowned Alex Reed and Susan Southard’s Kayan winner with a score of 30.5. Meanwhile, Kirsten Schuitema and her own McCovey Cove claimed the blue ribbon with a score of 35.0 in the Open Modified B division.

There were a total of five Training divisions this weekend at VHC Eventing. A score of 40.6 gave Liana Anson and her own Biscuit Snatcher the win in the Junior Training Rider division. Erin Murphy and Haslemere Jacamo, owned by Rae Stone, laid down the lowest score of the weekend, a 20.6, to take home the blue ribbon in the Open Training division. Training Rider A was won by Kaleigh Barkaszi and her own Golightly with a score of 36.6. Meanwhile, Jaelyn Comer claimed the win with Uvera Z in the Training Rider B division with a score of 32.1. Finally, the last Training division, Training Horse, Abigail McGowan and her own Mystic Serenade achieved the winning score of 32.1.

In Junior Novice Rider, Madeline Riley and Alexandra Tatham’s Bobbie Burns won with a score of 29.4. With a score of 26.4, Hannah Brandt took home a blue ribbon with her horse, Fernhill Emerald, in the Novice Horse division. The blue ribbon in the Open Novice division was claimed by Marilyn Payne and her mare, Rock Me Mama, with a score of 30 even. Amanda Brady took home the title of Senior Novice Rider champion with Dante’s Haven LLC’s Cooley For Keeps with a score of 28.6.

Hannah Taylor and her mare Rippa won the Beginner Novice Horse division with a score of 32.4. With a score of 30, Madeleine Betzer and Domenica Kujawa’s Kenny (Nicas Last Laugh), brought home the blue in Junior Beginner Novice Rider. In Open Beginner Novice, Kylie Stangle and Janina Parmelee’s Redfield Mikke claimed the blue ribbon with a score of 25.6. Finally, it’s deja vu in the Senior Beginner Novice Rider division– Gina Keller and her gelding Snack Attack repeat their May performance to win again.

Last but certainly not least, Linda Jimenez won the Starter division with Ingrid Patel’s Cheeky Girl on a score of 27.

The Virginia Horse Center Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers who made this weekend possible. Without the hard work of volunteers at every possible turn, competitors would not have been able to enjoy a great weekend of eventing.

Capital Square Tip

Competing on an 1,100-pound animal with a mind of its own is incredibly challenging. Running a horse farm day in and out takes skill and hard work. However, investing in tax-advantaged real estate opportunities can be simple and straightforward, provided you are working with the right partner. Learn more about the Virginia Horse Center’s sponsor, Capital Square.

Sharon White and Capital Square co-CEO Louis Rogers. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

A New Documentary for Your Weekend Viewing: Beyond the Arena with Jon Holling

We all know Jon Holling as a 5* rider, but he’s also been a huge advocate for safety and welfare in our sport, helping to pioneer the frangible fence movement in eventing that now sees collapsible fences on nearly every cross country course in the country (and beyond). This passion for safety is personal for Jon, and his story has been told in visual form through a new documentary now available in full, at no cost, on YouTube.

Directed by Peter Velasquez, the documentary was filmed over a span of four months behind the scenes with Jon, yielding a story of his resilience and dedication to the sport. You won’t want to miss it!

Sunday Links

Many congratulations to Canadian Olympian Mike Winter on his receipt of the Jordan McDonald Memorial Cup at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair & Horse Show in Toronto last week. This trophy, given in honor of Jordan, who passed away in a competition accident in 2014, honors the recipient for their exceptional contribution to Canadian eventing.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall H.T & International (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

River Glen Fall H.T. (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Identifying Fatigue in Horses During Cross-Country

‘There’s pressure to produce young horses a certain way to get the big bucks’ says rider, who is going against the grain

Aharoni’s Notorious is Carrying on His Five-Star Brother’s Legacy ‘in a Golden Jacket’

Alfalfa or Grass Hay: Which Is Better for Winter Warmth?

Video Break

Get some cross country tip from Sharon White as she walks with her students at VHC Eventing this weekend:

Autumn Hues While Eventing with a View: VHC Eventing Presented by Capital Square

Ali Kuhn and Little Hail. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

Lexington, Va. – After an unseasonably warm weekend, competitors across all divisions took advantage of the crisp fall weather to add some extra energy to their mounts today at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square. While three FEI divisions announced their winners, the CCI2*-L will wrap up tomorrow, along with the remaining 14 National divisions.

The winner of the CCI3*-S traveled a long way to accomplish her first place finish with a score of 45.4. Native to Wisconsin, Ali Kuhn and Little Hail, owned by John Crowell, were on the road for more than 15 hours to get to the Virginia Horse Center and had to stay overnight in Dayton, Ohio. According to Kuhn, “Hail” laid down a great performance despite a rocky start, making it well worth the trip.

“He was really lazy in warm-up, so that was kind of alarming. I thought, ‘If he wants to pull up because he’s tired, that’s what we’ll do,’” Kuhn said. “Then, we had to have a lead out of the startbox because he was on his hind legs. But then, he came out of the startbox really strong. He came out like fire. If it were up to him, he would steeplechase everything. It took him a bit to settle down, but then he felt awesome. It was my job at that point to just stay out of the way. He jumped right into the second water and he was so awesome. At that point I was like, ‘This is going to be an awesome ride today.’ He came across the finish line and felt like he still had a lot of energy left.”

While Kuhn says she would never leave Area IV, she’s no stranger to long hauls to compete. She attempts to go to a new event every season and is contemplating riding at Rebecca Farm next year. This year, she chose VHC Eventing.

“I’ve never been here before and it’s really cool. Every year I try to go to a new place, I want to see other places. The season is so short in Area IV, but they try really hard to offer great events,” Kuhn said. “I love that it’s still nice fall here. By us, we’re getting ready for winter. Conditioning this late in the season by us is hard. Coming out here and knowing that it’s going to be nice and dry was really great. It’s nice to come out here and show with other people who are doing this level. It’s nice to meet other people and see how other people do things– other ideas, other ways of doing things, and walking courses with people I’ve never walked with before. It’s been really helpful to get that variety and learn how other people do it.”

Sharon White and Arden Augustus. Photo by Haley Boothe

Spectators could be excused for experiencing some deja vu when they looked at the scores for the CCI2*-L. The winner of May’s CCI2*-S, Sharon White and Arden Augustus, are once again in the lead with a score of 30.2. Owned by Anita Antenucci, White has had a hand in “Gus’s” development since before birth.

“I bred him with Anita– we bred him together. I competed his mother, Juneau, so I’ve been there from the beginning. Mel, who works for Anita, started him in the beginning, which she always does, and she does a great job,” White said. “When it came to me, it was really just so easy. All the hard work was done. He’s a trier, and he’s solid in his mind. And he just always says, ‘Yes.’”

White credits Gus’s excellent work ethic with today’s result. “He’s been just a little rock star. He’s like a young teenage boy who just tries really hard,” White said. “I was really proud of him. He does not consider it to be a big deal, right? I thought it was a bigger deal because I think the hills here are impressive. But he was like, it’s fine.”

As the last FEI division to wrap-up, the two-star competitors still have to face the challenge of show jumping at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. While she’s thrilled to be in the lead, White is trying not to dwell on her position prior to heading into the ring tomorrow morning.

“I’m really excited to be in the position of getting the challenge of going in there in the lead, which I don’t enjoy,” White said, laughing. “I prefer working my way up. Whatever happens, I’m so proud of him, and this weekend was really about developing his base, right? I do think that these hills will put a base on a horse, and that’s really what I wanted to do.”

Tim Bourke and Sing to Me Cooley. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

Virginia native Tim Bourke and Sing to Me Cooley were crowned champion in the CCI2*-S division today on a score of 41.5. Owned by Hedgerow Farm, “Melody” was one of five horses Bourke rode this weekend and is new to his string.

“She’s awesome,” Bourke said. “I have only had the ride on her since earlier this year and we’ve gotten along well. She has really good owners. She ran around a pretty tough track there today. The hill at the end always, always comes into play with the fitness and it’s a bit of a step up. But yeah, she was great. I was really happy with her.”

While their partnership is still developing, Bourke says that Melody has an easygoing personality that’s making her a barn favorite. “She’s very easy. She’s simple to do everything with,” Bourke said. “Like the girls clipped her during the week and she just stands there eating hay out of the wheelbarrow while they’re clipping her from her toes up. She’s so chilled out about everything.”

Located two hours north of the Virginia Horse Center, Bourke has become a regular face at VHC Eventing and an avid supporter of the facility. “We’ve always tried to support the Virginia Horse Trials,” Bourke said. “With the new management and everything that’s done there, I think they’ve done a fantastic job of just making it more rider friendly and more all about the horses. And it’s showing– they had a big waitlist to get into the show. I think that that bodes well for what’s to come in the future. Every time you go there, they’re trying to do something new. They’re trying to make something a little bit better. It’s always on our calendar twice a year.”

In the CCI1*-L, Ruth Rosendaul and Bonhunt Bertie were able to celebrate a big achievement. Not only riding a new partner, this weekend also marked Rosendaul’s first completion at the FEI level. Together, the pair has steadily moved up the leaderboard over the weekend after starting in seventh place. Rosendaul has only had the ride on Christa Schmidt’s 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse/Dutch Warmblood for the last year. With Bonhunt Bertie showing her the ropes, Rosendaul crossed the finish timers in first place with a score of 31.8.

The show jumping round proved extremely influential in the one-star division. Only three riders (Rosendaul, Claudia Iannuccilli & Ready Freddy, and Jennifer Duelfer & Cocky Kianna) managed to finish inside the time with no rails down. While finishing inside the time wasn’t much of an issue for many riders, even after the judges dropped the optimum time to 80 seconds, keeping all the rails in the cups proved to be a challenge for many. Rails fell across the course with no particular fence causing more problems than others.

While the FEI levels have nearly wrapped up, the CCI2*-L will finish tomorrow morning with the first rider entering the show jumping ring at 9:30 a.m. After that, all attention will turn to the National divisions, as they tackle a full day of show jumping and cross country.

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