Classic Eventing Nation

Red Hills Dressage Round-Up: Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous Dance to CCI4*-S Lead

By on Mar 12, 2021 10:00 pm -

Red Hills International is underway in Tallahassee, Florida! No spectators are permitted and there is no live stream, but you can keep an eye on EN for all the latest. Red Hills continues with show jumping on Saturday followed by cross country on Sunday. Here is your Friday dressage recap.

CCI4*-S

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous lead the CCI4*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, a 16-year-old Oldenburg mare (Carry Gold x Richardia) owned by Jacqueline Mars and Phoebe and Michael Manders, owned the 4*-S sandbox at Red Hills on Friday. The pair scored a 22.4, putting them ahead of second-positioned Tamie Smith who scored 26.6 with En Vogue. In third is Lauren Nicholson with Landmark’s Monte Carlo on 30.0, rounding out a nearly eight-point spread across the top three in the 29-horse field judged by Peter Gray and Jane Hamlin.

“I am so excited for the weekend and so appreciative of the chance to be here with ‘Kitty’ — especially given all that is happening in the world right now!,” Marilyn says. “I cannot be anything other than thrilled with her today. Although the score didn’t necessarily reflect it, she gave me one of the best feelings in the test that she ever has — any mistakes were mine. It’s hard to imagine but even at her age she feels better and better with each competition.”

Red Hills has been a charmed venue for Marilyn and Kitty in the past. They won the four-star here in 2018 and the three-star in 2015, and EN’s “By the Numbers” has the pair earmarked for another victory here this year.

“Last season was disappointing for so many reasons, but ups and downs are part of sports, horses, and life. We have been so lucky to enjoy so many wonderful moments together over the years. I believe there are a few more big ones coming, but perseverance seems to be an interesting combination of ‘getting back in the saddle’ and ‘waiting your turn.’ Like a great sportswoman, Kitty shows up and doesn’t let a disappointment keep her down, she just tries harder the next time. It’s wonderful to feel her step out this season better than she has ever felt, ready to take on whatever comes next. We’re enjoying every minute of it.”

Tamie Smith and En Vogue are 2nd in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Lauren Nicholson and Landmark’s Monte Carlo are 3rd in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Anna Loschiavo and Spartacus Q are tied for 4th in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Clayton Fredericks and FE Coldplay are 4th in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Alexandra Knowles and Ms. Poppins are tied for 7th in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Nilson Da Silva and Rock Phantom are tied for 7th in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes are tied for 7th in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges are 10th in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

CCI3*-S

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California lead the CCI3*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Tamra Smith and Solaguayre California, a 10-year-old Argentine Sport Horse/Holsteiner mare (Casparo x Solaguayre Calandria, by Casall) owned by David and Julianne Guariglia, scored an incredible 20.1 in the CCI3*-S dressage to lead the division heading into jumping.

This pair won the CCI3*-S at Woodside and were 2nd in the CCI3*-S at Twin Rivers last fall, but their Red Hills test was a personal best score. “California was amazing!” Tamie says. “Not certain I could have had any better of a test. She’s so much stronger now and feeling very obedient.”

Tamie thinks the mare will handle east coast terrain well. “She’s an animal on cross country,” she says.

In second is Leslie Law with Lady Chatterly on a score of 25.5. Kurt Martin and D.A. Lifetime scored a 25.8 to sit third in the 37-horse field.

Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley are 2nd in the CCI3*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Kurt Martin and D.A. Lifetime are 3rd in the CCI3*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley HHS Calmaria are 4th in the CCI3*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Devil Munchkin are 5th in the CCI3*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Advanced

Jennie Brannigan leads the Advanced division on 30.2 with FE Lifestyle, an 11-y/o DSP gelding (Leo von Faelz x Berina A, by Brandenburger) owned by Nina and Tim Gardner.

“He’s leading — something I don’t think I’ve ever been able to say!,” Jennie says. “He’s always been really talented, he won the dressage at the AECs in the Intermediate. He’s going through some trials and tribulations with the flat — Erik really helped me crack down during Covid last year. He sat on him and has really helped turn that horse around. He’s really a lovely horse with a ton of ability. I was really happy with how he went at his 4* debut at Tryon. He’s one of the nicest cross country horses I’ve ever ridden, he’s naturally built for that and finds cross country quite, knock on wood, natural. So we plan to take him to Kentucky.”

Jennie is also fourth on Twilightslastgleam. “He’s a little Thoroughbred that Tim and Nina bred and went to the track and never actually ran. He also has a lot of physical things that he overcomes in order to do his job. I always get a bit of a chuckle when he does quite well on the flat, to have him sitting right behind Alyssa’s and Liz’s horses — good job little Thoroughbred! Erik just encourages me to keep ticking away and having someone like that believe in you and put in a lot of time is extremely helpful.”

And she’s sixth on Stella Artois. “We tried a double bridle today for the first time, and even with a loop in the curb rein I don’t think she liked it. The quality of the work was quite good but I felt she was a little fussy. James Burtwell has also helped me so much with my flatwork and we just wanted to give it a try.

“Stella has done five 4*s and she was very good at Tryon and will go to Kentucky along with FE Lifestyle. Cambalda was such a great 4* horse but 5* was a bit beyond his scope. These horses really feel like their strengths are in the long format.

“This is the first outing of the year for FE Lifestyle and Stella. I had talked to Erik and we weren’t going to run much going into Kentucky. So I’m pleased that for the first time out they were good. I don’t run the FEI here because I don’t want to be tempted to run fast on cross country if they go well on the flat. When I’m in FEI I want to go for the rockets and that’s not what this weekend is about.

“I’m just really pleased for the Gardners to have such a nice set of horses moving up to the top now. They’ve been incredible supporters of mine and of the sport.”

More sights and sounds from Red Hills:

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

CCI4*-S Top 10 After Dressage:

CCI3*-S Top 10 After Dressage:

CCI2*-S Top 10 After Dressage:

Advanced After Dressage: 

Red Hills International: Website, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Scores, Course Maps, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

#FlashbackFriday Video from SmartPak: Atlanta ’96 in the Rearview

By on Mar 12, 2021 5:02 pm -

One of my favourite YouTube accounts is that of vintageeventing, an benevolent and anonymous purveyor of, well, exactly what you’d expect – long form vintage eventing videos from deep in the vaults. I don’t know who this person is, but I like to imagine them sitting comfortably atop a throne made of discarded VHS tapes, occasionally deigning to bestow a Horse Trials Review from 1990 upon us ravenous nerds of the internet. Thank you, whoever you are.

This week, the bosom from which we sup has truly yielded the goods, with over 25 minutes of top-notch eventing action from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. (Yes, that does mean that people who were born in 1996 are now halfway to 50, and yes, I’ve already cycled through the appropriate crisis responses to this realisation and am on hand to provide support as you do the same.) Featuring legends of the sport such as Blyth Tait, David O’Connor, and a bevy of misting tents and fans – which you’ll agree were undeniably the true heroes of the day, if you’ve ever been to Atlanta in August.

There’s also a really interesting fall in this video – and I know that’s an odd thing to say, so bear with me. Ian Stark and Stanwick Ghost parted company coming out of the water complex after a stumble up a bank and were extraordinarily lucky not to have a full rotational; but if the mechanics of this type of fall is something that you’re keen to learn more about as the conversation around safety gains in intensity, it’s well worth jumping on the opportunity to study the factors that come into play in this instance. (And – spoiler alert, in case you feel squeamish about watching a fall – both were totally fine and went on to complete the course. The good old days, eh!)

Go (vintage) Eventing!

Retired Racehorse Project Presents $5,000 Highpoint Thoroughbred Award at 2021 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing

By on Mar 12, 2021 1:00 pm -

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration, winners of the Retired Racehorse Project Highpoint Thoroughbred Award at LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing, Bruce’s Field, Aiken, SC. Photo by Chris Quinn.

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) proudly presented the $5,000 Highpoint Thoroughbred Award at the 2021 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC on Saturday, March 6. Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration took top honors as the highest-placed Thoroughbred, with Colleen Rutledge and Confidence Game coming in second.

The Highpoint Thoroughbred Award was first introduced at the 2020 Grand-Prix Eventing, and the Retired Racehorse Project continued the tradition thanks to the contributions of Dr. Kevin Pfiester of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Dr. Stuart E. Brown of Brownstead Farm, Dr. Andy Clark and Kathleen Sullivan, and Dr. Rebecca Newell and William Griffin. The RRP’s board president Carolyn Karlson was on hand to present the award.

RRP board president Carolyn Karlson, Holly Jacks-Smither, Dr. Rebecca Newell. Photo by Chris Quinn.

“Showcasing Thoroughbred competing successfully at the highest levels of equestrian sport goes a long way in increasing demand for them in the equestrian world,” said the RRP’s executive director Jen Roytz. “The RRP was proud to support this year’s Highpoint Thoroughbred Award, along with Dr. Kevin Pfiester, Dr. Stuart Brown, Dr. Andy Clark and Kathleen Sullivan, and Dr. Rebecca Newell and William Griffin. All of us are thrilled to shine a light on More Inspiration, Confidence Game, and their talented riders in this way.”

Holly Jacks-Smither’s More Inspiration is a 16-year-old Ontario-bred gelding bred by Display Farm, by Inspired Prospect out of the Buckley Boy mare Gentle Buck. He made 28 starts in Ontario, winning four for total career earnings of $55,560. With strong ties to the racing industry — Jacks-Smither started galloping racehorses at age 12 and her husband is a racing trainer — it’s fitting that she has taken an off-track Thoroughbred to the highest levels of eventing.

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration, winners of the Retired Racehorse Project Highpoint Thoroughbred Award at LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing, Bruce’s Field, Aiken, SC. Photo by Chris Quinn.

“I grew up riding Thoroughbreds and that’s essentially almost all I’ve ever ridden, so it’s amazing to have the Retired Racehorse Project getting behind these horses!” stated Jacks-Smither. “It’s always special to have one you produced yourself come up through the levels, especially More Inspiration — he’s the horse that made my career.”

Taking home the second prize for the Highpoint Thoroughbred Award, Confidence Game is Jockey Club-registered as Pam’s Luc, an 11-year-old Arkansas-bred stallion bred by Richard Hessee. Confidence Game is by Morluc out of the Brief Ruckus mare Pam’s Ruckus. Colleen Rutledge sourced the horse through Three Plain Bays, a private Thoroughbred reseller based in Maryland.

Colleen Rutledge and Confidence Game (JC: Pam’s Luc), second place in the Retired Racehorse Project Highpoint Thoroughbred Award at LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing, Bruce’s Field, Aiken, SC. Photo by Chris Quinn.

“I’m so proud of Confidence Game and how he handled the weekend,” described Rutledge. “This was the toughest course he’s ever seen from a visual aspect. Thoroughbreds have such great heart, and he gave me everything I could have asked from him on the cross-country and show jumping.”

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization working to increase demand for off-track Thoroughbreds in the equestrian world. In addition to producing the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, the organization also publishes Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine, hosts off-track Thoroughbred retraining clinics and programming at major horse expos and events around the country, and maintains the online Thoroughbred Sport Tracker (the internet’s only user-driven database tracking second career talents and accomplishments of registered Thoroughbreds). Visit the RRP online at TheRRP.org.

FEI Extends Mainland Europe Shutdowns Through April 11

By on Mar 12, 2021 12:03 pm -

Embed from Getty Images

The FEI has imposed a further two-week extension of the shutdown of all international events in mainland Europe until April 11, 2021 due to the ongoing outbreak of the neurological form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1). The FEI had previously announced a 28-day shutdown on March 1.

The move, which aims to minimize the further spread of the very aggressive strain of the virus, was unanimously approved at an emergency FEI Executive Board meeting today. The extended lockdown applies to all FEI disciplines.

The decision is based on detailed scientific risk assessment conducted by world leading epidemiologist Dr. Richard Newton and the FEI Veterinary Department.

The extended lockdown applies to all countries that have international scheduled events in the period to 11 April – Austria, Belgium, Spain, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Sweden. However, the FEI again strongly recommends that all National Federations in mainland Europe cancel their national events in order to minimize horse movement.

The shutdown will mean the cancellation of the FEI World Cup™ Finals for the second consecutive year following the loss of the 2020 Finals in Las Vegas (USA) to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final and the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final were scheduled to be held in Gothenburg (SWE) from March 31 through April 4.

“The extension of the lockdown is difficult for everyone, and the loss of the FEI World Cup Finals for a second year is particularly devastating, especially for the qualified athletes and for our loyal Top Partner Longines,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said. “We know how much work Tomas Torgersen and his incredible team in Gothenburg have put into organizing the 2021 Finals, which would have been part of the 400th birthday anniversary celebrations for the city, so this is a desperately bitter blow.

“We cannot eradicate EHV as it is endemic in many countries, but we need to work together to minimize the transmission of this particular strain, which has already caused the death of 12 horses in Europe. All of the original in-contact horses from Valencia, Vejer de la Frontera and Doha are already blocked on the FEI Database, but the whole community needs to be on the alert and monitoring their horses. We strongly urge all European-based FEI athletes to avoid travel with their horses during this prolonged shutdown, as travel is a very clear risk factor.

“Sadly this additional lockdown is crucial to slow down the spread of the virus so that we can preserve the rest of the season, get our athletes and horses back competing safely and allow as long a period as possible for those aiming for Tokyo to earn their Minimum Eligibility Requirements and confirmation results, and of course to prepare their horses for the Games.

“Nobody wants to see an outbreak like this ever again. There will be a comprehensive and fully transparent investigation into every aspect of this outbreak and the way it has been handled, and the findings will be published so that, together with our community, we can all learn from this.

“We will be putting in place enhanced protocols to allow for a safe return to play once this outbreak is under control, and we will advise our community on those well in advance of the resumption of international events, but the priority right now has to be the treatment of sick horses and getting healthy horses back to their home countries in a safe and biosecure way. We all need to focus on safeguarding not just FEI horses, but the wider European horse community.”

Work on identifying the gene sequencing of this strain of the virus is already underway, and the FEI is continuing to monitor the evolution of the virus through the FEI Veterinary Epidemiology Working Group, which was formalized this week. The Group is composed of world-leading EHV specialists, the FEI Veterinary Director and FEI Senior Veterinary Advisor, supported by the Chair of the FEI Veterinary Committee. Reports and recommendations from this Group will be published on a weekly basis.

The FEI is also publishing daily updates on the dedicated EHV-1 hub. You can read more updates on EHV-1 cases in the U.S. (which at this time have not been linked to the European outbreak) here.

CHIO Aachen Confirms Postponement to September

By on Mar 12, 2021 9:00 am -

Ingrid Klimke takes victory at Aachen 2019. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The World Equestrian Festival at CHIO Aachen has announced confirmation of its postponement from late June. The multi-discipline competition will now take place from September 10–19, 2021, a move that organisers hope will allow the best chance for spectator access to the show.

Aachen, which is situated near Germany’s border with the Netherlands and was launched in 1924, is one of the most hotly-anticipated equestrian events in the global calendar, with Nations Cup competitions across the CCI4*-S eventing competition, a leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping, Grand Prix dressage, the Sparkasse vaulting prize, and combined driving occupying spots on the roster alongside fan favourites such as the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies and the Ride and Drive competition, perhaps the only evening in which one can pay to see Michael Jung attempt to sprint across an arena. In short, it’s rather akin to Disneyland for horse people – and that’s before we’ve even addressed the expansive shopping village (with its apparently endless variety of sausages on offer) the glitzy Champions’ Circle with its free bar, and the €2.7 million in prize money distributed through the show.

Michael Jung and Star Connection at Aachen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

But intrinsic to the success of a show like this – which is just as much a celebration of equestrian sport and culture as it is a top-level line-up of competitions – is the spectators, of which there are ordinarily more than 350,000. Though COVID regulations continue to gently ease throughout Europe, the show’s organisers feared that their original dates would see too many restrictions still in place in Germany.

This isn’t, of course, the first time we’ve seen this happen. In 2020, the CHIO was ultimately cancelled after an initial postponement – and although the pandemic is in a very different place now, much of Europe is grappling with missed vaccination deadlines, shortages, and roll-out issues. Still, Aachen’s team is optimistic about hosting the show in its temporary autumn slot.

“Everyone is extremely looking forward to the CHIO Aachen 2021, whereby health and safety are of course priority number one,” said Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Managing Board of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV), which organises the event. “The CHIO Aachen 2021 is going to be a top show, just like we are accustomed to, with all five disciplines and the best horses and riders.”

A return to the buzz and camaraderie of a pre-COVID world is Aachen’s biggest hope for their new dates. Photo courtesy of CHIO Aachen/Andreas Steindl.

Though the delay has been necessitated to accommodate spectators, Kemperman emphasises that no one yet knows what COVID restrictions will look like in September. Because of this, the competition is allowing some flexibility for ticketholders who had rolled over their 2020 passes: they can wait, seek a refund, or roll their tickets over to 2022 – or, if in a particularly philanthropic mood – they can donate the sum paid to the show. Ticketholders can fill out a form here to make their choice, and will receive communication from the show in the next few days.

“We expect that we will know which spectator capacities are possibly going to be allowed by mid-June,” said Kemperman, who plans to open the box office for this year’s competition then.

Head to the Aachen website to keep an eye on the box office – and, of course, to whet your appetite for the best trip any equestrian could ever hope to make.

Friday News & Notes

By on Mar 12, 2021 12:03 am -

Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

You all remember that time that Allison Springer showed up at Kentucky, and trotted down the center line with a helmet instead of a top hat? Everybody really freaked out, but now look at us! Effective January 1st of this year, every single FEI rider will be wearing a helmet in dressage thanks to a new rule.

Article 140 – Protection of Athletes and Participating Support Personnel

“While riding anywhere on the show grounds, and for Driving Athletes and Grooms in the Marathon phase, the use of a properly fastened Protective Headgear is mandatory. The applicable Sports Rules may provide for an exception to this rule by permitting Athletes to remove their Protective Headgear while accepting prizes, during the playing of the National Anthem and any other ceremonial protocol. Failure to wear such Protective Headgear where and when required shall result in a Yellow Warning Card, being issued to the Athlete or Participating Support Personnel (as applicable) unless exceptional circumstances apply. The use of cameras on Athletes or Participating Support Personnel (as applicable) or equipment (such as on Protective Headgear, head covering or carriage) shall not be permitted, unless otherwise specifically agreed by the FEI. An Athlete’s decision to wear a camera while competing shall always be voluntary and at their own risk.”

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Red Hills International H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer] [EHV-1 Precautions]

Copper Meadows H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [EHV-1 Precautions] [Volunteer]

Full Gallop Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

MeadowCreek Park Spring Social Event: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

News From Around the Globe:

The first FEI competition of the 2021 U.S. eventing season is upon us at Elinor Klapp Phipps Park in Tallahassee Florida at the 23rd annual Red Hills International Horse Trials. As in years past, the event will offer CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S, and CCI4*-S international divisions and Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced horse trials divisions. Ready for some fast facts about the event? [Red Hills Fast Facts]

In an effort to compile as much information concerning the European EHV-1 outbreak and the crop of cases scattered about the U.S., we’ll be continuously updating this post with new cases, updates from the FEI and USEF, and biosecurity measures that have been implemented at events around the country. We’ll make every effort to keep tabs on this important information but can always use help; please email [email protected] with any verified information that we may have missed.[EHV-1 Updates]

Horse people aren’t always great business people, but it’s necessary. Our impetus for joining this world came from a love of riding horses, not doing taxes. The Plaid Horse made this great guide to writing a business plan that all you young riders (and some older riders) should check out as you endeavor to make a living in the horse world. [5 Tips To Writing a Great Business Plan]

Eventers are nothing if not specialists in transforming racehorses into sporthorses. FEI “I” dressage and eventing Judge Christoph Hess lends his particularly talented voice to this cause, giving advice on how to get the best dressage out of a horse that was bred to do literally anything but that. [Training a Racehorse to Do Dressage]

Thursday Video from Cambox: Mounted Archery…and Cross Country?

By on Mar 11, 2021 5:30 pm -

Now here’s a cool twist on equine sports: what do you get when you combine mounted archery with a bit of cross country? Arnaud Flour donned his Cambox Isi3 helmet cam to take us along for the ride during a Polish Elite Event in 2019. Mentioned on Arnaud’s YouTube channel is Yoseikan Budo Bajutsu Archery, a Japanese form of archery involving shooting targets on horseback. This certainly looks like it’s plenty challenging for any rider, and the helmet cam makes for a cool perspective. Would you try this sport?

Cambox is currently having a sale! To view what deals are currently available, click here.

EHV-1 Updates: Latest Reported Cases, Biosecurity Measures at Events [Updated 3/18]

By on Mar 11, 2021 4:27 pm -

Stock image.

In an effort to compile as much information concerning the European EHV-1 outbreak and the crop of cases scattered about the U.S., we’ll be continuously updating this post with new cases, updates from the FEI and USEF, and biosecurity measures that have been implemented at events around the country. We’ll make every effort to keep tabs on this important information but can always use help; please email [email protected] with any verified information that we may have missed.

While there has not been a mass lockdown at most facilities that have seen cases, we encourage all owners to carefully consider their horses’ movements. EHV-1 is a highly transmissible and aggressive virus, and the incubation period of anywhere from 2 to 10 days means a traveling horse may be a carrier, unbeknownst to the owner.

CURRENT CASES:

The Equine Disease Communication Center is providing updates on reported cases on a regular basis. You will need to select the form of EHV you want to search for in order to run the locator. At this time, there has been no connection made to the outbreak stemming from Spain that has shut down FEI competitions in Europe.

March 18: The Equine Disease Communication Center has reported two neurologic cases of EHV-1 in California; a 21-year-old warmblood mare in Sonoma County at a boarding facility (40 horses are listed as exposed and have been quarantined) and a 10-year-old Arabian gelding at a private facility in San Bernardino county. At this time, no connections to the outbreak in Europe have been made.

March 12: Seven confirmed cases of EHV-1 (respiratory) have prompted an official quarantine at a boarding facility in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

On March 11, new cases have been reported in New York and Kentucky.

On March 10, a new case with 45 potential exposures was reported in Los Angeles, Ca. Previous reported cases are from the states of Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ontario, and Quebec.

FEI AND USEF UPDATES:

March 17: The FEI reports a total of 17 equine fatalities connected to the European outbreak. Two horses have died on venue in Valencia, six in hospital in Valencia, two in Barcelona, five in Germany and two in Belgium.

March 12: The FEI has extended its previously announced shutdown of international competition on the European mainland through April 11, 2021. This will also signal the cancellation of the Longines FEI World Cup Finals for jumping and dressage, which were scheduled for March 31 through April 4 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The latest timeline updates and figures from the FEI can be found here. As of March 11, there have been 12 confirmed deaths from EHV-1 in Europe. Meanwhile, horses are set to begin leaving the venue in Valencia, where they have been quarantined since February.

US Equestrian held an informational webinar on March 5 to educate members on the EHV-1 virus and biosecurity precautions to take. It can be viewed here.

A previous US Equestrian press release outlines biosecurity measures horse owners and riders can take. You can view the release here.

HORSE TRIALS & VENUE BIOSECURITY MEASURES:

Carolina International H.T. – March 18-21

  • Competitors have been advised that a 72-hour health certificate will be required on entrance to Carolina Horse Park

Tryon International Equestrian Center

  • Equine arrival and departure protocol have been established, effective as of Monday, March 15

OTHER EVENTING NATION LINKS:

FEI Extends European Shutdowns Through April 11

French Equestrian Federation Suspends All Competition in Response to EHV Outbreak

FEI Cancels All Competition on European Mainland Through 3/28 Due to EHV-1 Outbreak

Updates on EHV-1 European Outbreak + One Case Reported in Ocala

Update on Venturing Hills Farm EHV-1 Outbreak & How You Can Help

EHV-1 Death Reported at New Bolton in Chester County, PA [Updated March 6]

EHV-1 Updates: Ocala Has Two Confirmed Cases, FEI Continues to Monitor European Outbreak

WHAT IS EHV-1?
Equine herpesvirus type 1, or rhinopneumonia, is a relatively common respiratory condition that’s spread through horse-to-horse contact. But this doesn’t necessary mean the horses need to be in close enough proximity to touch noses – aerosol droplets or nasal discharge can contaminate surfaces, such as grooming tools, buckets, and even clothing and hands, spreading the virus quickly and efficiently among a number of horses. For this reason, it can become hard to control very swiftly – particularly as carriers may not show any symptoms while actively spreading the virus over its 2–10 day incubation period.
Although EHV-1 can lead to abortion in pregnant mares or ongoing respiratory issues, it’s a largely innocuous virus that an enormous amount of horses will come into contact with at some point or another. So what makes this outbreak different? Simple: it’s the progression into a neurological form of the disease, known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy, or EHM. This progression happens when EHV-1 progresses into the bloodstream, causing inflammation in the microvasculature. This, in turn, can restrict blood flow to areas of the spinal cord, leading to neurologic disease.
EHM is a very rare and incurable form of EHV-1, which can show up in a multitude of ways: some horses may experience a biphasic fever, which has two ‘spikes’, a sudden lack of coordination, limb weakness, loss of balance and inability to stand normally, inability to urinate effectively, or depression. Though there’s no cure, EHM-positive horses can be administered NSAIDs such as bute or banamine to reduce fever and pain. Some horses do go on to recover from EHM – often with lingering neurological deficits – but the fatality rate is high at 30%.
Though there’s no vaccine for EHM, it’s most often caused by EHV-1, so ensuring your horses’ vaccinations are up to date is the most effective way of protecting them against an outbreak. Implementing a robust quarantine strategy when introducing a new horse to your property, too, is essential: keep the new horse separate for ten to fourteen days, limiting the number of people who have access to it and ensuring that all tools and clothing are thoroughly disinfected, and hands washed, before coming into contact with another horse.

Volunteer Nation: Four Events Needing Help This Weekend

By on Mar 11, 2021 3:30 pm -

Volunteers in training at Red Hills. Photo via Red Hills on Facebook.

It’s that time of the week again! Events are run on the power and goodwill of volunteers, and especially this year with no spectators to pull from on-site, it’s particularly essential to have volunteer sign-ups done ahead of time. Each Thursday, we provide a list of still-open volunteer positions at each event happening over the weekend. Get out and enjoy the warming weather and help out your local event this weekend!

We’ve compiled some resources on volunteering with COVID-19 regulations in mind. We’ll reference this list each week in Volunteer Nation, so take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what’s new and different.

COVID-19 Resources for Eventers
Volunteers Adapt to the New Normal
Volunteers Weigh In on New COVID-19 Protocols

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Event: Copper Meadows H.T.
Dates: Thursday, March 11 through Sunday, March 14
Address: 633 Montecito Way, Ramona, CA, 92067
Positions Available: Office Help, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, Event Prep – General, Hospitality Helper, XC Cart Runner, XC Control Assistant, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, XC Start Timer, XC Steward, SJ Score Runner, SJ Scribe, SJ Steward

Event: Full Gallop Farm March II H.T.
Dates: Sunday, March 14
Address: 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken, SC, 29805
Positions Available: XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, Hospitality Helper, Floater, SJ In-Gate, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Steward

Event: MeadowCreek Park Spring Social Event
Dates: Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14
Address: 1342 Hwy. 14 , Kosse, TX, 76653
Positions Available: Event Prep – General, Parking Steward, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Warm-up, SJ Jump Crew, XC Jump Judge

Event: Red Hills International H.T.
Dates: Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14
Address: 4000 N Meridian Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Positions Available: See Volunteer Overview info here.

By the Numbers: Red Hills CCI4*-S

By on Mar 11, 2021 12:30 pm -

It’s a bit surreal to sit here and type this, as Red Hills was the final event in 2020 where things were still “normal”. A scant 10 days later, things shut down all over the world and with it a proper event season. This year we balance carefully the need to keep functioning and the reality that the virus is not yet gone, so our thanks to all the dedicated show organizers who have gone above and beyond in figuring out a way to run these valuable prep events while balancing finances without spectators.

As the first 4* start of the year for North America, Red Hills provides a true test with a notoriously tight cross-country track. Mike Etherington-Smith enters his sixth year as course designer for the venue, long enough to have established his stamp on the track. Chris Barnard also returns this year to design the stadium courses.

While time is a factor here, the dressage is equally important at this venue; the winner of the CCI4*-S division has been no worse than second after the dressage phase for the last six consecutive years. With a handful of strong dressage performers here this weekend, this is unlikely to be the year that streak is broken. In particular, keep an eye on Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, who won this division back in 2018.

DRESSAGE

Regardless of whether she goes first or last in the order of go, Marilyn Little and her longtime partner RF Scandalous are about as close as it gets as a sure thing to lead the dressage after day one. They’ve led the field after the first phase in their last ten consecutive A/4*/5* starts dating back to this very venue in 2018, averaging a jaw-dropping 21.9 penalties over the 2020/2021 seasons.

Tamie Smith and EnVogue. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Battling it out for second position will be the mother and daughter pair of Tamie Smith and Kaylawna Cook mounted on EnVogue and Passepartout respectively. Tamie may have made waves by taking second place at the Galway Downs 4*-L on Passepartout last fall, but Kaylawna had a strong record herself with the horse last year before taking the fall off for maternity leave. In three Advanced starts, this pair averaged a mere 27.6 penalties and broke the 75% barrier on one occasion. Meanwhile Tamie kept the heat up with EnVogue, scoring above 70% in six of the mare’s seven starts at A/4* level.
Although their experience is thin, Colleen Loach has a pair of promising horses to keep an eye on; both Vermont and FE Golden Eye have broken the 70% mark in one of their two career A/4* starts. Another FE horse could also make his mark on the leaderboard, with Clayton Fredericks bringing FE Coldplay back out for a second crack at the level after scoring a 26.6 in his first 4* start at Great Meadow last summer.

SHOW JUMPING

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye. Photo by Lisa Madren.

After phase two, we are unlikely to see our leader change hands. RF Scandalous often competes with Marilyn Little in the jumpers and it shows; the pair has only had two rails in 17 rounds at the A/4/5* level. Colleen Loach‘s pair of Vermont and FE Golden Eye are also clear in two for two stadium rounds at the level, while FE Coldplay incurred one rail with Clayton Fredericks at Great Meadow. Similar performances from these young horses would scramble but leave most of the top five intact.

Passepartout has incurred only two rails in his career in five rounds at this level, but under Kaylawna Cook, he has jumped two clear rounds out of three. A single rail would likely help this young rider maintain a spot on the leaderboard. However, we may see EnVogue take a bit of a tumble, with stadium as her weakest phase; despite a strong ride from Tamie Smith, this mare has had two rails down in five of her seven rounds at the A/4* levels.

Keep a sharp eye on Colleen Loach‘s experienced horse Qorry Blue d’Argouges, as well as her fellow Canadian Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes. Along with Kim Cecere with Landmark’s Monaco, these pairs all have the ability to score sub-35 and follow it up with a likely clear stadium round; doing so will put these pairs all within striking distance to make a big move on cross-country day.

CROSS COUNTRY

RF Scandalous is not known for her pace across the country and Marilyn Little will need to work hard if she intends to maintain her placing at the top of the leaderboard. This mare’s performance in the first two phases to provide a good bit of buffer to allow for some time penalties but too many will open the door for a quicker pair.

Tamie Smith and En Vogue. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

That pair could very well come in the form of Tamie Smith and EnVogue, who will have put their weak phase of stadium behind them and be ready to capitalize on the mare’s blinding pace across the country. In five clear A/4* cross country rounds, EnVogue has been the fastest time of the field in four of them, a remarkable feat that few can match. Although the East Coast turf paired with the twisty track will be a first for the mare, Tamie is always a competitive force.
FE Golden Eye will likely fall well down the order in this phase and with FE Coldplay retiring due to fitness in his only start at the level, he is likely to accrue substantial time penalties that will knock him out of a top placing.
In the meantime, Kim Cecere will use Landmark’s Monaco’s blazing pace across the country to get within competitive eyeshot on the leaders; these two tend to either make the time or set the pace at this level and format. If the time is hard enough to get, this will be a real advantage to them and could allow them to compete for the pole position at the end of the weekend.
Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes will also be using their prowess in the stadium phase to get within eyeshot of the leaders. On cross country day, their average pace would put them in single digit time penalties, allowing them to climb up into a top five finish if things go their way. Fellow Canadian Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges will be in a similar situation, but with slightly less turn of foot while Lauren Nicholson and Landmark’s Monte Carlo will be nipping at their heels.

PREDICTIONS:

WINNER

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Despite RF Scandalous‘ weakness on cross country pace, her dressage abilities are strong enough that it’s likely she’ll be able to hold onto the win at the end of the day. She’ll have about 20 to 25 seconds to spot to her nearest competitor; based on the recent history of the track at Red Hills, that is probably sufficient to maintain the lead.

FASTEST CROSS-COUNTRY ROUNDS

Kimmy Cecere and Landmark’s Monaco. Photo by Abby Powell.

As mentioned above, Landmark’s Monaco has blazing speed in this phase; in his three clear A/4*S rounds under Kim Cecere, he has either made the time or set the pace for the day.

NEW TO THE LEVEL

Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Abby Powell.

Colleen Loach has a pair of young horses at the level, and Vermont is the one to keep an eye on this weekend. In two A/4* starts, this horse as averaged sub-thirty on the flat, put in two clear jumping rounds, and averaged less than 30 seconds for their cross-country speed rating.

EXTENDING CLEAR JUMPING STREAKS

Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Fernhill Wishes and Karl Slezak currently own the longest clear stadium streak in the field. These two have put in seven consecutive clear stadium rounds, including two at the 4*-L level. The last time they incurred a rail was in September of 2018.

BIGGEST MOVER

Joe Meyer and Clip Clop. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The experienced Clip Clop is a bit too aware of what is coming on subsequent days to put in a relaxed test on day one, but under the tutelage of Joe Meyer, he’s become quite reliable in the jumping phases. In his return to the level in 2020 after a 2019 hiatus, he’s had only one rail in three A/4*S rounds and has averaged a speed rating of less than 20 seconds off the pace. A similar move will shoot him up the ranks to put this pair within the top ten on the final day.

OTHER DIVISIONS

  • The Advanced division of course sports a plethora of stellar horses to watch, including a trio from Jennie Brannigan, Kurt Martin‘s ride DeLux Z who returns to the level after a long hiatus,
  • Former 5* horses OBOS O’Reilly, Fly Me Courageous, Cisko A are all getting to stretch their legs in the CCI2*-S with young riders.
  • Former 4* mare Catalina is entered in the Prelim division as well.

Dressage takes place on Friday. Keep your eyes locked here for all of our coverage!

Red Hills International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores