Classic Eventing Nation

The Fork Farm and Stables is For Sale: Take a Look Around

By on Mar 7, 2021 12:00 pm -

As an eventer, I always regarded The Fork as a top-class facility where the best event riders would compete at the spring event. Though it hasn’t run at that facility for a number of years, the farm itself still exists and is just as beautiful. This property is about as nice as you can get.

A beautiful sunrise at The Fork. Photo by Mollie Staretorp.

Here’s the description:

The Fork Farm is an exceptional sporting property and working farm located one-hour east of Charlotte, NC. The 1,460± acre farm is a very private landholding that sits at the end of a state-maintained road. It is flanked by the Rocky and Pee Dee Rivers, which join at the southern tip of the property to create the eponymous “Fork”.

A tribute to classic European field sport estates, The Fork’s multiple land uses and best-in-class components overlap effortlessly. No single pursuit defines the farm, although among the standouts are world-class equestrian facilities, highly productive quail and waterfowl programs, and multiple sporting clay and shooting courses. The quality of the operations and flexible land uses are a testament to the management and planning of the current ownership. In addition to its enviable sporting reputation, the farm has been routinely recognized for its outstanding conservation efforts. Extensive improvements are spread throughout the farm, including a main house, guest lodge, farm buildings, and phenomenal stable. The Fork proves the sum is greater than any one of its parts and represents a real estate offering of the highest caliber.

The Facts:

  • 1,460± acres
  • 12,100± square foot, 15-stall stable with numerous amenities
  • Extensive equestrian improvements, including 4 outdoor riding arenas (2 with all-weather footing) and cross-country course
  • Exceptional hunting and wildlife, including intensively managed upland habitat, timber, shallow water impoundments, and dove field.
  • Two 14-station sporting clay courses, five-stand course, 65-foot tower, and accompanying gun lodge
  • 1.9 miles of Pee Dee River frontage
  • 1.4 miles of Rocky River frontage
  • Main house with connected three-bedroom guest cottage
  • The Fork Lodge, a nine-bedroom guest lodge
  • The Carriage House, a two-bedroom guest cottage
  • Miles of trails and farm roads
  • Farm office, kennels, and multiple farm buildings, including a 6,000± square foot heated building
  • One-hour east of Charlotte

This property is listed for $20,000,000. To view the full listing, click here.

Sunday Links

By on Mar 7, 2021 12:01 am -

Look, look, look! Chattahoochee Hills has some gorgeous new cross country fences on display this weekend — outfitted with frangible technology. These beauties were made possible because of the frangible technology fund. This purse reached it’s $500,000 goal earlier this year, but we can build even more safe tables, oxers and gates with your generosity. Click here to donate.

U.S. Weekend Action:

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: [Website] [Entry Status] [Course Preview] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Stabling] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sporting Days Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Southern Pines H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links

RuleGate from Bad Eventer

Why Are So Many Veterinarians in America Being Pushed to the Point of Suicide?

Is It My Horse, or Is It Me?

A Few Of My Least Favorite Things

‘We were getting faster and faster… I had to address this braking problem’: Nicola Wilson on building a partnership with Bulana

Sunday Video: Watch Tamie Smith win in Aiken this weekend:

Tamie Smith Next Level Eventing with Mai Baum win the 2021 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce's Field

Posted by Horse & Country TV on Saturday, March 6, 2021

 

 

 

 

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum Clinch Win in Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Mar 6, 2021 6:41 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

It came down to six seconds when all was said and done. A thrilling day of shortened cross country at the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field brought us down the order in reverse order of standing, building pressure on overnight leaders Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. After second-placed Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z collected a handy clear round, Tamie Smith – who has been working out of Ocala this off-season – had six seconds of time in hand to seal the victory.

And she may have needed it – the 15-year-old jet black German Sport Horse gelding Mai Baum, owned by the Ahearn family and Eric Markell and first discovered by Michelle Pestl, was impressed by the twisting, technical track set by Captain Mark Phillips early on. “Wild” was the term Tamie used to describe “Lexus”, whose answer to a question he’s unsure about is to just try harder. But Tamie knows the gelding like the back of her hand, and as they continued to tick off the questions you could see the horse responding in kind to her quiet insistence that he just keep going. In the end, they wouldn’t need the six seconds, finishing inside the time allotted of 3 minutes and 49 seconds to officially win the event on a final score of 23.3.

It’s been a long road with Mai Baum, who splashed onto the East coast scene in commanding fashion to win the then-CCI3* USEF National Championship at Fair Hill in 2015. All was set to make a bid for the U.S. team traveling to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, but it was not to be as the gelding suffered a tendon injury that took him out of contention. He would make his way back under the careful care of the Next Level Eventing team out of Temecula, Ca., eventually partnering with Tamie at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and finishing 11th at Boekelo later that year.

We’ve long been waiting for “the black stallion” to make his CCI5* debut and we very well may get our wish this year: Tamie says Mai Baum is slated to head to Kentucky, along with stablemate En Vogue, owned by Ruth Bley.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Finishing second, third, and fifth and pleased with all of her rides today was Liz Halliday-Sharp, who won this event twice in a row in 2019 and 2020. “I’m not disappointed to finish all my horses in the top five,” she told Frankie Thieriot Stutes after her ride aboard Deniro Z. “I’m happy for Tamie that she came over here and had a great run.”

Liz ends her weekend with Ocala Horse Properties’ Deniro Z in second on a 25.8, Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night in third on a 28.4, and Ocala Horse Properties’ Cooley Quicksilver in fifth on a 30.0. Splitting the difference in fourth place is Boyd Martin with The Long Island T Syndicate’s Long Island T, who cruised around with three seconds of time to finish on a score of 29.5. “I was thrilled with all three of my guys today. It’s a twisty, turny course with a few accuracy courses and the first run of the year and I’m pleased with all three of them,” Boyd reflected after his last ride. Boyd also finished Luke 140 inside the top 10, ending the weekend in ninth with a score of 31.5.

Buck Davidson told Frankie Thieriot Stutes that his last trip to the Grand Prix Eventing with Cassie Segal, Lisa Darden, and Natalie Sandler’s Erroll Gobey, a Holsteiner gelding who is 11 this year, was tougher and says the horse has really grown into himself to feel much more confident for this attempt. “He’s really growing up and did it easily,” he said. This pair ends their weekend in sixth place on a 30.6.

Doug Payne also enjoyed a fruitful weekend, collecting just one second of time among his three rides. Doug and Jessica Payne’s Quantum Leap ends the weekend as the highest placed Payne horse, finishing seventh on a 31.1. He’s closely followed by stable mate Starr Witness, owned by Laurie McRee and Catherine Winter, in eighth on a score of 31.2. Debi Crowley’s Vandiver finished his weekend on a double clear cross country, in 12th on a 33.2.

In all, we only saw a couple of issues pop up on course: Clayton Fredericks parted ways from FE Stormtrooper at the big Aiken Post Office corner, fence 9, and Tamie Smith popped off her first ride, Danito, at fence 11, the Battle of Aiken Cannon. Both horses and riders looked to be no worse for the wear after the mishaps.

The time proved to be a formidable test, and riders who didn’t set out with the rockets burning weren’t likely to catch up on the clock by the end. Generally speaking, the course rewarded really positive riding – second-guessing a distance could prove consequential on the leaderboard as a few pairs found out. A total of nine riders collected double clear efforts, making for a 27% double clear rate for this year’s course. This makes for a tougher track on paper than years past: 2020’s Grand Prix saw a 54% double clear rate and 2019’s had 63% of cross country starters jump double clear.

You can view the complete listing of final scores here and catch up on our live updates from cross country here. We’ve really enjoyed following along with this exciting showcase of eventing each year and thank you for being here with us. Our gratitude goes out to all the organizers, officials, volunteers, grooms, and riders who make these events possible – it’s truly a team effort! Go Eventing.

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Entries, Live Scores, XC Course Preview, H&C TV, USEF Network, EN’s Coverage

Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field Cross Country Live Updates: Tamie Smith Seals the Deal

By on Mar 6, 2021 2:15 pm -

Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park.

Welcome to what is sure to be a thrilling finale of the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, Sc. We’ve been treated to some exciting action over the first two phases from which West coast rider Tamie Smith and Mai Baum have emerged as overnight leaders on a score of 23.3.

We’ll see a total of 35 combinations leaving the startbox to context Capt. Mark Phillips’ cross country today beginning at 2:30 p.m. EST. You can follow along with a Horse & Country TV subscription (which is well worth the low monthly cost and also comes with no obligation) by clicking here. Refresh this page periodically for the latest updates from the last phase of competition.

Optimum time for the track, which consists of 22 jumping efforts, will be 3 minutes and 49 seconds.

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Entries, Live Scores, XC Course Preview, H&C TV, USEF Network, EN’s Coverage

5:36 p.m. EST: Tamie says Lexus was a bit “wild” at the beginning – “I’m not sure that was a ride you’d want to copy!” she tells Frankie – but what an accomplishment for the German Sport Horse gelding who will head to Kentucky in April if all goes to plan. Here’s a look at your final top 10 (view full scores here) – stay tuned for more from Bruce’s Field! Thanks for following along with us.

5:27 p.m. EST: She did it!! Tamie stuck to her guns and got Mai Baum’s confidence blooming the farther she went. Tamie comes all the way from California to WIN the third annual $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field!

GIF via H&C TV.

5:26 p.m. EST: Over the Carolina Bay Flower Box to the corner:

GIF via H&C TV.

5:24 p.m. EST: Lexus stands wayyy off from the fence 2, the Palmetto Golf Club but they’re clear.

5:23 p.m. EST: Tamie has six seconds of time in hand.

5:22 p.m. EST: Pressure’s on! Liz comes home handily inside the time. Can Tamie and Mai Baum hang on?

GIF via H&C TV.

5:20 p.m. EST: Deniro Z and Liz take out the right flag at the big open corner at fence 9 – hard to tell from the camera angle but he looked to be safe from my view.

5:18 p.m. EST: Boyd could not afford a second of time to take the lead, he’ll instead pick up about 1.2 time penalties to finish on a provisional score of 29.5. We’ll now see Liz Halliday Sharp and Deniro Z, currently in second on a 25.8.

5:16 p.m. EST: Boyd hangs out for five strides to the big corner:

GIF via H&C TV.

5:14 p.m. EST: Boyd Martin and Long Island T are our next to go, with just three more to see. This pair is currently on a 28.3.

5:12 p.m. EST: Sara and Rubens d’Ysieux are clear! She picks up about 2.4 time.

5:11 p.m. EST: Sara and Rubens clear through the Banksia Bank at 10 and 11.

GIF via H&C TV.

5:07 p.m. EST: Clayton is home with 9 seconds of time. Next in will be Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens d’Ysieux, on a score of 29.7.

5:05 p.m. EST: Buck says he brought Erroll Gobey here a couple years ago and had some trouble, so he’s really pleased with the 11-year-old’s performance here this weekend. “He’s definitely grown up and he was good in all three phases so I’m really happy,” he tells Frankie.

5:03 p.m. EST: Now away are Clayton Fredericks and FE Always In Time, coming in on a score of 30.6.

5:02 p.m. EST: Buck and Erroll Gobey over the Carolina Bay Flower Box to the Triple Brush at 15 and 16. Buck has finished just under the time!

GIF via H&C TV.

5:00 p.m. EST: “I really can’t complain, one second cumulative for all three is pretty awesome.” – Doug after his ride with Quantum Leap.

4:58 p.m. EST: We’ll next see Buck Davidson with Erroll Gobey, coming in on a score of 30.6.

4:57 p.m. EST: Another great run for Doug, and they come home one second over to add .4 time. Overall a great showing from the Payne team this weekend!

4:55 p.m. EST: A nice shot over the Hitchcock Woods Fox Squirrel at fence 6 for Quantum Leap:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:53 p.m. EST: And we’re off with Doug and Quantum Leap!

4:50 p.m. EST: We’re just on a slight hold while the crew fixes the ground line at the Banksia Bank. We’ll see Doug Payne with Quantum Leap next, currently on a score of 30.7.

4:47 p.m. EST: Bummer, Tamie hits the deck at the bounce of the Banksia Bank, when Danito peeked and ducked to the left. They look to be ok, and we’ll see Tamie back shortly with overnight leader Mai Baum.

4:44 p.m. EST: “Blackie” slips on landing coming back down the Banksia Bank, and she comes home about 4 seconds over time. Next out are Tamie Smith and Danito, in sixth currently on a score of 29.2.

GIF via H&C TV.

4:40 p.m. EST: We’ll now see Liz back on her second of three rides, Fernhill By Night, currently on a score of 26.4.

4:39 p.m. EST: Boyd and Luke 140 are home 7 seconds over time to finish the weekend on a 31.1.

GIF via H&C TV.

4:34 p.m. EST: We’re moving now into the top 10, and it’s really anyone’s game at this point given the challenges of the time. We’ll see Boyd and Luke 140 shortly.

4:33 p.m. EST: Lillian says this was good practice for her – she actually calls herself not the fastest rider so this was good for her to go out and get the time.

4:30 p.m. EST: We’ll have about five minutes before we see Boyd Martin back with Luke 140, coming forward on a score of 28.3.

4:29 p.m. EST: Lillian comes home easily inside the time with LCC Barnaby, the second fastest time of the day – I believe I heard 3 minutes, 42 seconds.

4:25 p.m. EST: Next out are Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby, currently in 13th on a score of 33.1. This pair is quick across the country so this should be fun!

4:24 p.m. EST: 10 seconds over for Annie and Fedarman B – a different camera angle of the Bruce’s Field Logs:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:22 p.m. EST: “The cross country is pretty quick and fast and you’ve got to react quickly and the horses have to be looking for the next jump pretty early on. I think it is educational for everyone.” – Phillip after his ride on Fernhill Singapore.

4:20 p.m. EST: Next out are Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B on a score of 34.4.

4:19 p.m. EST: Phillip sees a good one and pushes Singapore to meet him there. They’re home now easily inside the time!

GIF via H&C TV.

4:18 p.m. EST: Phillip goes around the chevron to get to the Carolina Bay Flower Box, which sets him up on a really nice line to walk down to the corner in four:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:14 p.m. EST: Doug comes home one second inside the time for Doug’s second double clear of the day. Phillip Dutton is back now with Fernhill Singapore, currently in 15th on a score of 33.9.

4:12 p.m. EST: A good shot over the Banksia Bank for Doug and Starr Witness:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:07 p.m. EST: Bummer! Clayton parts ways from FE Stormtrooper after a bit of a miscommunication heading to the big Aiken Post Office corner. They got a bit off their line and FE Stormtrooper ended up jumping too wide, jostling Clayton. He’s right up on his feet and looks no worse for the wear, as does his horse. We’ll next see Doug Payne with his Pan American Games partner Starr Witness, currently in 12th on a score of 31.2.

4:06 p.m. EST: “It’s great to know that we can get it done and be a good bit inside and not feel like I took any huge risks. The horse was brilliant, it’s his first run of the year and I couldn’t ask for more.” – Liz with Frankie on her ride aboard Cooley Quicksilver.

4:04 p.m. EST: Liz gets a shot of confidence with a double clear and the fastest of the day so far! She’ll feel great about that as she looks ahead to her higher placed rides. Clayton Fredericks is back now with FE Stormtrooper, on a score of 33.9.

4:02 p.m. EST: A pat for Cooley Quicksilver after a great shot over fence 7, The Willcox.

GIF via H&C TV.

p.m. EST:

3:56 p.m. EST: We’ll see Liz Halliday-Sharp riding out of order next with her first of three rides, Cooley Quicksilver, currently on a score of 30.0.

3:55 p.m. EST: The best moments:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:54 p.m. EST: Sharon and Cooley On Show pick up just one second of time, so close! A great ride from these two.

3:53 p.m. EST: Sharon and Cooley On Show elect for the inside turn here to the Carolina Bay Flower Box to the big corner:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:49 p.m. EST: Dana comes home with 3.6 time penalties to finish on a 39.5. Next out will be Sharon White with Cooley On Show, coming forward on a score of 34.6. “Louie” is ready to go!

GIF via H&C TV.

3:46 p.m. EST: A look at the big open oxer, The Aiken, at fence three:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:45 p.m. EST: Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi are next out of the box on a score of 35.9.

3:44 p.m. EST: Phillip has Z in a nice rhythm and makes quick work of 15 and 16, the Carolina Flower Box to the Triple Brush. This pair adds two seconds of time.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:41 p.m. EST: Fun fact: Doug forgot to start his watch at the start! He credits a strong partnership with “Quinn” and the 17-year-old’s adjustability for making the intensity of this type of track much more doable. “There’s not much that compares to it,” he tells Frankie.

3:39 p.m EST: 3 minutes, 46 seconds for Doug and Vandiver, the second double clear and fastest time of the day so far. Phillip Dutton and Z are next out on a score of 34.1.

3:38 p.m. EST: Doug illustrates the inside turn at the chevron here. This is en route to fences 8 and 9, the Carolina Bay Flower Box and the Aiken Post Office corner.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:35 p.m EST: Clayton and FE Ophelia add a handful of time (apologies, I missed the exact time!). Next out will be Doug Payne with his old campaigner, Vandiver. Look for this pair to be quick and nippy!

GIF via H&C TV.

3:30 p.m. EST: Sydney is the first one inside the time! 5 seconds inside the time for this pair, putting them on a finishing score of 37.5. “He was super! This course is made for him, just tight turns and just keep moving. He’s fantastic,” she tells Frankie at the end. Clayton Fredericks and FE Ophelia are next out on a score of 34.2.

3:28 p.m. EST: Sydney shows us the flower box to the corner that comes after the aforementioned turn:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:26 p.m. EST: Next out are Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire on a score of 37.5.

3:25 p.m. EST: Emily and Corvett come home 12 or 13 seconds over time. “This horse is jumping his eyeballs out!” comes over the loudspeaker.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:22 p.m. EST: Nilson says Rock Phantom was pretty strong the whole way around, and had he been able to ride a bit more the beginning he may have made the time. We’re getting closer to that elusive double clear!

3:20 p.m. EST: Nilson and Rock Phantom come home with a clear round, quite quick looking. He’ll hold the quickest round of the bunch so far with 3 minutes, 56 seconds. Next out will be Emily Hamel with Corvett – this one is always fun to watch with his unorthodox jumping style!

3:15 p.m. EST: Colleen and “CR” are home with 9.2 time penalties. “What a good man!”, she tells him at the finish. Next out will be Brazil’s Nilson Da Dilva and Rock Phantom, on a score of 38.6.

3:12 p.m. EST: This GIF illustrates a turn that may end up being somewhat influential, depending on whether you elect to go inside or outside of the chevron. You’re setting up a line to a flower box to a big corner that I’ll capture next.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:10 p.m. EST: Missy Miller and Quinn are also home clear, with 7.2 time penalties added. Colleen is back now with a quick turnaround for her second ride, Covert Rights, currently on a score of 47.2.

3:08 p.m. EST: In case you guys thought that remote event reporting was glamorous, allow me to dissuade you. But – at least I have a desk dog?

3:06 p.m. EST: Buck Davidson will not be running Carlevo, and Holly Jacks Smither has also withdrawn her second ride, Candy King.

3:05 p.m. EST: Boyd picks up 10.4 time penalties, also on a very smooth-looking ride. We’ll have to see what he takes from this ride to modify in his next two. Next out is Missy Miller with Quinn on a score of 40.0.

3:04 p.m. EST:

3:02 p.m. EST: Thomas shows off his skinny skillz:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:00 p.m. EST: Karl Slezak comes home in 4 minutes, 5 seconds. Next out will be Boyd Martin with Pan American Games gold medal winner Tsetserleg.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:57 p.m. EST: I apologize for not catching it on GIF, but Karl Slezak is the first to get more bold with his lines – we’ll likely start seeing more of these decisions as it becomes more apparent that the time requires some extra gumption. Holly Jacks Smither muses that the time is definitely possible, noting a couple places where she added too much.

2:56 p.m. EST: Another Canadian rider, Karl Slezak, sets out of the box with Fernhill Wishes with plenty of speed to burn. Commentator Kevin Keane observes that the riders will likely need to get ahead on the clock early, because they aren’t going to find it easily later on.

2:54 p.m. EST: Holly is the quickest so far on 4 minutes even.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:50 p.m. EST: Canada’s Holly Jacks-Smither and her longtime partner More Inspiration are now on course riding on a score of 42.2.

2:49 p.m. EST:Emporium comes home clear in 4 minutes, 21 seconds. Ashlynn looks thrilled!

2:47 p.m. EST: “I am absolutely thrilled with how he ran. Really and truly it’s not going to be easy, the ones that get the time are going to have to have incredibly smooth, bold rides with absolutely no wasted moments.” – Colleen on her ride with Frankie Thieriot Stutes. Indeed, her ride looked quite quick and was still 15 seconds over!

2:45 p.m. EST: 4 minutes and 14 seconds is the time for Colleen and Confidence Game, who really looked to gain confidence as he went. Next up will be Montana-based Ashlynn Meuchel and Emporium, on a score of 44.9.

2:43 p.m. EST: Confidence Game gets a test of footwork through the Banksia Bank question. Colleen is using all of her experience to get this lesser experienced ride of hers around, but they’re having a positive ride to this point.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:41 p.m. EST: Next out are Colleen Rutledge with the stallion Confidence Game, currently on a score of 48.4.

2:39 p.m. ET: A look at the tricky Banksia Bank at fence 10, a nice ride from Alex and “Elmo”. Alex is home clear with 11.2 time penalties.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:35 p.m. EST: Jules is home in 4:17, picking up time over the optimum of 3:49. Next out is the only young rider in field, Alex Baugh with Mr. Candyman, currently on a 49.1.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:32 p.m. EST: There’s a LOT to look at for these horses, almost like you’re in a bit of a fishbowl. It’s hard to get up to a good rhythm in some areas, and Cooley O feels some effects of this stickiness early on but they’re kicking on a bit more now.

2:30 p.m. EST: And we’re all set to go here in Aiken! First out of the box will be Jules Ennis with Cooley O, standing in 38th on a 52.4.

Quebec’s Centre Equestre Equilibre to Host Advanced, Intermediate H.T. in July

By on Mar 6, 2021 9:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Centre Equestre Equilibre.

The Centre Equestre Equilibre (Bishopton, Quebec), owned by (Martin and Anne Grimard, is home to about 50 horses and several riders who compete in Canadian and American events at various levels. With over 20 years of experience on national and international eventing grounds, the Grimards in partnership with organizer Molly Hooper Bull, have announced the addition of Advanced and Intermediate levels this July, with a CCI4*S to come in the future.

At the end of 2015, the Centre Equestre Equilibre acquired a 206-acre lot, which showed great potential with its rolling hills and outstanding footing. The infrastructures, however, were designed for cattle breeding. The fields and buildings have been upgraded to adapt to the needs of sport horses with several additions: an 85×200 indoor arena, some outdoor sand arenas, cross-country courses, a water jump, to name a few. The first Equilibre event took place in 2018 and was awarded Cheval Quebec’s Aramis for Best National Event in Quebec. A special mention was made for the event’s professionalism, attention to detail, and experienced team. Additionally, Anne Grimard was awarded the Trophee des Batisseurs by the HTC-Q, for her involvement, dedication, and support with the development of athletes and eventing.

“My husband is the president of the HTC-Q, and I am the director of, and responsible for the safety and development of athletes in this association,” Anne explained in an email interview. “Our mission has always been to make eventing known and recognized, and to develop athletes.”

Photo courtesy of Centre Equestre Equilibre.

“In 2020, as a result of Canadian athletes being unable to cross the border to the USA, the Centre Equestre Equilibre was approached by a team of Olympic athletes, supported by Canadians and Americans of experience, to discuss the possibility of hosting a CCI-4* event,” Anne wrote. “Their primary criteria were the installations, professionalism, and the Centre Equestre Equilibre’s ability to deliver and ease of adaptation. The construction of a second water jump (80×100) and of an additional outdoor sand arena (250×250) is already underway.”

The Grimards are currently waiting for CCI4*S approval for 2022 or 2023. Meanwhile, they’ve assembled an all-star team of Molly Hooper Bull (who is also credited with organizing at Stable View in Aiken, Sc.), Capt. Mark Phillips and Chris Barnard for course design, and further assistance from Peter Gray and John Williams. “It is a privilege for us to work with such an experienced team that takes to heart the development of our sport,” Anne wrote. “The reputable Molly Hooper is credited with helping organize the Stable View CCI-4* Event, and we are honored to have Dylan Barry helping us build our new cross country obstacles and the help of experienced Olympic athletes is invaluable.”

Photo courtesy of Centre Equestre Equilibre.

“A great cross country course, designed for safety, will be the highlight of our July event,” Anne continued. “Our team will have the occasion to prove itself and show Equestrian Canada that we offer a great opportunity for Canadian riders to develop and qualify right at home.”

Safety and sustainability took the lead as the event continued to evolve. “We take the riders’ satisfaction to heart, so we doubled down on our efforts to become the leading authority on building eco-friendly and safe cross country obstacles in Canada. We also feel privileged for being supported in our success by our sponsors.”

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect travel (at the latest update, Canada’s border is now open to non-essential travel with proof of a negative COVID-19 test). “We hope the state of the COVID-19 pandemic will improve so that we may see a vast number of high level riders from Canada and the USA,” Anne concluded.

Saturday Links

By on Mar 6, 2021 12:01 am -

Tim Price and Xavier Faer at Kentucky 2019. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The EN team is keeping a close eye on EHV-1 news both in North America and abroad. While we’re dealing with a few currently isolated cases on this side of the pond EHV-1 is throwing a big wrench in the European calendar, most recently cancelling the Sunshine Tour in Spain. We know that Tim and Jonelle Price, who’ve been getting in some show jumping miles there, had Kentucky on their calendar for a few of their 5* horses and this could very well cramp their plans.

Some U.S. events next weekend — so far Red Hills and Copper Meadows — are implementing extra biosecurity measures and requirements for competitors, so if you’re competing next weekend make sure to double check these. As we’ve all experienced in our own lives this past year, good hygiene and biosecurity measures are never a bad idea so remember to wear your mask, wash your hands, and don’t let your horses touch noses.

You can familiarize yourself with useful biosecurity tips here and learn more at a US Equestrian live webinar on EHV-1 outbreak information on Monday, March 8 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

U.S. Weekend Action:

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: [Website] [Entry Status] [Course Preview] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Stabling] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sporting Days Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Southern Pines H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

How To Feel Strides Instead of Counting Them

European EHV-1 Outbreak: Six Horses Dead, Nearly 100 Sick

Success of Bruce’s Field in Aiken has exceeded the expectations of its founders

Be Sure To Check (and Fix) This Common Horse Blanket Issue

The Entry Fee is Only the Beginning: Part Two

Hot on Horse Nation: 2021 Equine Affaire Goes Virtual: Learn, Shop & Play for Free

Saturday Video: Some suggested reading courtesy of show jumpers (and husband to Kaley Cuoco), Karl Cook:

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum in Control of Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Mar 5, 2021 6:01 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

It was a bit of feast or famine during the show jumping phase that wrapped up the first day of competition at the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, Sc. The show jumping phase, sponsored by Jack Wetzel, featured a tricky track and plenty of shadows cast by the setting sun to catch out more than a few riders. Michel Vaillancourt’s track here at the Grand Prix is notoriously tough and saw only five combinations jump clear inside the time in 2020; this year’s iteration shows an improvement in clear rounds with 14 riders managing double clear rounds today.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum (23.3) (owned by the Ahearn family and Eric Markell) will hold onto their lead on the wings of a double clear round this afternoon as the final pair in the ring. As the sun set, looming shadows made for increasingly spooky horses and fumbled distances, but Tamie sat cool as a cucumber and let “Lexus” do his thing as he “pinged around” to make light work of the course. “As long as I don’t mess up, he’s pretty amazing!” she told Frankie Thieriot after her ride. Tamie’s second ride, Ruth Bley’s Danito, lowered one rail and picked up a second of time to drop down to sixth overnight on a score of 29.2, but the California-based rider said she’s proud of both horses for their efforts today.

Liz Halliday-Sharp kept the pressure up on her quest to turn in a hat trick of wins at the third Eventing Grand Prix (she won here in 2019 aboard Fernhill By night and in 2020 with Deniro Z), moving into second and third with Deniro Z (25.8) and Fernhill By Night (26.4), respectively, thanks to clear rounds. Fernhill By Night came home one second over the time allowed – “I maybe just chickened out and helped him a little too much in some spots,” she reflected – but both horses are in striking distance as we look ahead to Capt. Mark Phillip’s cross country test tomorrow. Liz also brings her third ride, Cooley Quicksilver, into the top 10 overnight in eighth place on a score of 30.0.

Liz Halliday Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Looking to tomorrow for Liz, it should come as no surprise that she’s here to win. “I’m obviously going to go for it on all three of my horses, I think that’s the best way to do it,” she said. “It looks like an awesome course; it’s great that we get to use some of the [steeplechase] race course this time and I think that’s going to open things up a lot.”

Boyd Martin didn’t have his best day with Christine Turner’s Tsetserleg, who lowered three rails and collected two seconds of time to drop out of the top 20 after two phases on a score of 40.6. He is, however, still well in contention for a strong finish as he moves up into a tie for fourth place with Long Island T and Luke 140, both on a score of 28.3.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens d’Ysieux had perhaps the loveliest round of the bunch, a forward and bold ride that moved the pair up into seventh on a two-phase score of 29.7. This pair has a good track record in the show jumping, which paid off over a track that was causing issues left and right.

Completing the top 10 in a tie at 30.6 are Clayton Fredericks with FE Always In Time and Buck Davidson with Erroll Gobey (owned by Cassie Segal, Lisa Darden, and Natalie Sandler). Doug Payne also has his three rides within 10 penalties or less of the leader, with Quantum Leap the highest placed in 11th on a score of 30.7.

Our biggest mover of the show jumping was Lillian Heard, who moved up from 26th into 13th aboard the well-seasoned LCC Barnaby, who will no doubt be a treat to watch in tomorrow’s cross country finale. Lillian said she felt “Barnaby” make a stronger effort as the course progressed, and they’ll take a score of 33.1 into tomorrow.

In total, Michel Vaillancourt’s track saw a 39% double clear rate. 50% of the completed rounds were done so without jumping penalties. One pair, Nilson Da Silva and Magnum’s Martini, elected to retire on course. Five pairs have been withdrawn ahead of tomorrow’s cross country: Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds, Mike Pendleton and Steady Eddie, Waylon Roberts and Lancaster, Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill, and Allison Springer and Business Ben.

Cross country action kicks off at 2:30 p.m. EST tomorrow and will be streamed live exclusively on Horse & Country TV. I’m looking forward to my first open live update thread of the new season, so be sure to follow along right here on EN for the latest updates. Many, many thanks to the team on the ground at Bruce’s Field, including Aiken Horse Park Foundation Director of Marketing Kate Boggan, photographer Christine Quinn, and Athletux’s Frankie Thieriot Stutes for their assistance in making this remote coverage possible!

Take a look at what riders will be tackling thanks to CrossCountryApp:

Last but most certainly not least, don’t forget to cast your votes in the Ride for Charity Challenge happening in conjunction with the Grand Prix Eventing this weekend. Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page for more information.

Go Eventing.

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Entries,  Live Scores, XC Course Preview, H&C TV, USEF Network, EN’s Coverage

Friday Video from SmartPak: Piggy Feels the Badminton Blues

By on Mar 5, 2021 5:21 pm -

We look forward to Piggy March’s vlog instalments for a variety of reasons — she’s erudite and educated, but nevertheless perennially capable of laughing at herself. But more than anything, she manages to be so consistently relatable, despite the fact that most of us will have to content ourselves merely with daydreaming about emulating her success on the world stage. And in this latest edition, Piggy tackles the recent shock cancellation of Badminton – which she won on its last renewal in 2019 – with the same jumbled mass of emotions we’ve all experienced as 2021 continues to implore 2020 to hold its beer.

We hope that the next time we all catch up with Piggy it’s in the wake of happier tidings – but until that day, here’s a competitor’s take on the loss of a five-star – and your reminder that we all feel the sting of the uncontrollables.

Go Eventing – soon, anyway.

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

By on Mar 5, 2021 5:13 pm -

Within the past week the European FEI competition season has ground to a halt due to EHV-1 outbreaks, we’ve reported on multiple cases including deaths in Canada, and two cases in Ocala, Florida have been identified. Another fatal case was confirmed at New Bolton in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, March 3. You can click on any marker on the map above for more information about specific outbreaks of Equine Herpesvirus – Neurologic in North America in the past four months.

Tying the cases together can feel like detective work with strings and thumbtacks. With the Covid-19 pandemic in humans, we’ve all learned a lot about viral disease control and spread over the past year, including the merits of contact tracing, quarantine and transparent communication.

The Equine Disease Communications Center has shared the following information about the Chester County case:

Number Confirmed: 1;
Number Exposed: Not Reported;
Facility Type: Veterinary Hospital;
Onset of Clinical Signs: 3/3/2021; Clinical Signs: Neurologic Signs- Severe; Confirmation Date: 3/3/2021; Horse Status: Euthanized; Vaccination Status: Status Unknown;
Notes: The University of Pennsylvania’s large animal hospital, New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania has diagnosed a patient admitted with neurologic signs as having Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHV-1). The limited number of potentially exposed horses have been identified and are being contacted by New Bolton Center and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Due to the limited nature of the potential exposure, New Bolton Center’s clinical hospital operations have not been affected. This case has no known association with international travel, transport, or exhibition. New Bolton Center is working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and will provide additional updates as they become available.

USEF will host a member webinar providing updates on the impacts of the case of EHV-1 (neurological) reported in Ocala, Fla. This case is similar in nature, but unrelated to the neurological strain of EHV-1 impacting Valencia (ESP) and other European countries. The webinar will focus on providing information and educational resources on EHV-1, as well as answer member questions and provide insight on how to most successfully prepare for a potential outbreak and best practices that should be implemented to minimize the risk of transmission. The webinar takes place on Monday, March 8 at 5 p.m. EST. You can register here. A replay of the March 4 webinar of EHV-1 outbreak information for veterinarians and competition organizers can be viewed here.

You can learn more about the outbreak via the American Association of Equine Practitioners here and view all disease alerts via the Equine Disease Communications Center here.

Some U.S. events next weekend — so far Red Hills and Copper Meadows — are implementing extra biosecurity measures and requirements for competitors, so if you’re competing next weekend make sure to double check these. As we’ve all experienced in our own lives this past year, good hygiene and biosecurity measures are never a bad idea so remember to wear your mask, wash your hands, and don’t let your horses touch noses. Please familiarize yourself with useful biosecurity tips here.

 

 

Tamie Smith Leads Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing After Dressage

By on Mar 5, 2021 3:42 pm -

Tamra Smith and Mai Baum competing at Twin Rivers in 2020. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

A total of 43 horses cantered down centerline today to kick off the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, Sc. Riding FEI CCI5* Test A before the judging panel of Mark Weissbecker (C), Debbie Adams (E), and Jame Hamlin (H), a healthy mix of seasoned competitors and rising stars – many of which are Land Rover Kentucky-bound – gave us an early glimpse of what they’ve been working on this off-season. That practice paid off for Tamie Smith and 2020 USEA Rider of the Year Liz-Halliday Sharp, who will take all top four spots on the leaderboard into this afternoon’s show jumping.

Tamie Smith made another trek from her home base in southern California to the East coast this season and laid down the professional performances we’ve come to anticipate with the Ahearn family and Eric Markell’s Mai Baum (1st – 23.3) and Ruth Bley’s Danito (2nd – 24.8) to grab the first-phase lead.

Mai Baum had a quiet year in 2020 but has made the trip east with his stablemates this year to aim for – and it’s almost hard to believe, given the 15-year-old German Sport Horse gelding’s breadth of experience – his first go at the CCI5* level in Kentucky. “He likes to show off and he knows when it’s time,” Tamie told Frankie Thieriot after her ride aboard “Lexus”. This pair is certainly no stranger to competitive dressage scores, setting a USEA Advanced record in 2020 with a 17.7 at Rebecca Farm and previously earning an FEI personal best of 21.9 at Galway Downs in 2019. It has to be a great feeling for Tamie to have her old friend back in action – certainly taking a ride on Mai Baum feels akin to coming home.

Ruth Bley’s Danito, a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding, completed his first season at the Advanced/4* level in 2020 and looked to have grown even more confident and comfortable in his body over the off-season. Tamie is well-respected for her quiet technique on the flat, allowing horses like Danito to really shine in their natural talent. These skills reflect on Danito’s record, as well: he’s earned a sub-20 score once at the Advanced level and has an FEI personal best of 24.1, nearly beaten by today’s performance that brought a 24.8.

“He was super,” Tamie said. “He can get a little bit tense and he’s still a little bit green at the changes, but he stayed with me the whole way and just tried his heart out. I think it’s one of his better tests.”

Also dynamically competitive on the flat is Ocala-based Liz Halliday-Sharp, who brings two horses in the top 10 forward to the jumping phases. Deniro Z, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties, looks not to have missed a beat since his last big run at Tryon in November, earning a 25.8 as the second last horse to go before the judges this afternoon. Deniro Z has contested two CCI5* events in his blooming career, and today’s performance is his best score of the bunch (28.4 – Burghley, 2019 / 30.9 – Kentucky, 2019).

On the topic of old friends, we also saw Liz’s old campaigner Fernhill By Night out for a spin, taking fourth place into show jumping with a score of 26.0. Liz told Frankie after her ride aboard “Blackie” that the 18-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Deborah Halliday was happy to be there this weekend; he’s proven himself to be a stalwart short-format competitor as he’s gotten older so look for him to nip right around these technical jump tracks today and tomorrow. Stablemate Cooley Quicksilver, owned by The Monster Partnership, earned a 30.0 for 11th place after dressage.

Buck Davidson got his weekend off to a great start with Katherine O’Brien’s Carlevo, scoring a 27.1 to complete the early top five. Buck and the 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding had a competitive year in 2020, finishing in the top three in five out of seven starts. This season, they’re off to a rocking start as well, picking up two early wins at Rocking Horse in January and February.

Boyd Martin also enjoyed a good day in the sandbox, bringing each of his three horses into the top 10. After kicking the day off with The Long Island T Syndicate’s Long Island T and scoring a 28.3, Boyd would return later to tie himself aboard The Luke 140 Syndicate’s Luke 140.Rounding out the day was crowd-favorite Tsetserleg, the reigning USEF National Champion and Pan American Games gold medalist owned by Christine Turner, who slid ahead of his stablemates to take sixth on a 27.8.

Show jumping has just kicked off in reverse order of dressage standing, so we’ll have much more to come later this evening from Aiken. You can view the live stream on USEF Network here or on Horse & Country TV here. This post will also be updated with current photos as they become available.

Also of note is the charity challenge happening in conjunction with this weekend’s festivities. Riders have been divided up into color teams, each one representing a different local nonprofit or charity. You can go online to vote with a nominal donation for your favorite team – to view more information and cast your vote click here.

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Entries, Live Scores, XC Course Preview, H&C TV, USEF Network, EN’s Coverage