Classic Eventing Nation

Friday Video from SmartPak: Catch a Ride on Riot Gear at the Fork

By on Apr 9, 2021 5:22 pm -

You know we love a bit of Riot Gear, Elisa Wallace‘s striking Advanced ride owned by Steve Sukup, here at EN. Maybe you’ve already jumped on board the bandwagon too, in which case, you’re in for a treat today. But if you haven’t seen this super gelding in action yet? Heck, you’re in for a treat too. Park yourself behind the happiest ears in the biz and enjoy the ride round The Fork’s CCI3*-S, which took place last week and in which Elisa and Riot Gear finished a very respectable ninth. This is the kind of helmet cam video it’s hard not to love – you can practically feel that jolly, Tigger-like enthusiasm before every fence. We reckon it’s a special treat for Elisa to ride this horse – and we’re delighted she’s sharing the ride with us!

Meet Sophia Carattini & Artax, 2020 T.I.P. Junior Eventing Champions

By on Apr 9, 2021 11:14 am -

Photo by Victoria DeMore.

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) offers a wealth of resources for OTTB owners, from a portal to research racing tattoos to a youth program and special classes at horse shows. They also offer incentives, including year-end performance awards to the Thoroughbreds accumulating the most points at all horse shows in each of the T.I.P. award categories and divisions throughout the year.

One-hundred sixty-one event horses participated in the program last year — scroll down to view the eventing division winners, and you can see a complete list of winners here.

“Despite challenges caused by the pandemic, we received applications representing 522 Thoroughbreds competing in more than 9,600 classes and divisions during the 2020 award year, including participants in online horse shows,” said Kristin Werner, senior counsel for The Jockey Club and the administrator of T.I.P. “Winners will receive ribbons, prize money, and a variety of prizes, including custom Horseware coolers, halters, bags, keychains, and apparel.”

Of the two overall eventing awards, the honor of 2020 Champion Junior Rider went to Artax (JC Name: Duke of Del Rey), owned and ridden by Sophia Carattini, with Mahogany Dancer and Olivia Cannizzaro as Reserve Champion.

We recently caught up with Sophia to learn more about her OTTB’s journey from the track to an eventing career.

Born in 2009 in Kentucky, the grey gelding (Rockport Harbor x Queen Dido, by Thunder Gulch) raced all over the country under the name Duke of Del Rey. He earned $264,876 in 61 starts including six firsts, 13 seconds, and 10 thirds. He came off the track at age seven, and Sophia bought him from Lee Alison in July of 2018. His new show name, Artax, was inspired by the horse in The Neverending Story, and he goes by “Frosty” around the barn.

“He is a sensitive horse, and he has definitely helped me work on myself as a rider,” 15-year-old Sophia says. The pair contested their first event together at Chattahoochee Hills a month after she got him, and she says their teamwork has continued to get stronger since then.

“By the end of 2019, we had finally synced up and I figured out how to ride him more off my leg, greatly improving our dressage scores,” Sophia says. “At the Florida Horse Park in November, we received our best dressage score of a 23.3. Thanks to a clear stadium and cross country, we were able to get our first win at Beginner Novice. In 2019, we were also able to get the T.I.P. Reserve Grand Champion for Eventing, which was very exciting.”

“Rolling into 2020, we had two more wins at Majestic Oaks and Three Lakes. We then decided to make the jump up to Novice in Feb 2020. My nerves definitely made an appearance at the first Novice run! Luckily our second Novice show was a lot better; we finished second at Florida Horse Park.”

Photo by Xpress Foto.

“Our record at Novice isn’t consistent, but we definitely seem to be in sync with our dressage and cross country,” Sophia says. “I love dressage, and Frosty loves cross country, so our scores definitely reflect that. Literally the only cross country jump penalty we have had since showing is because I missed a jump. Frosty is always Mr. Reliable out on the course.

“This year, we hope to start showing at Training and are definitely looking forward to going to American Eventing Championships at Novice. Frosty has been such an amazing horse for me and I really couldn’t ask for a better partner. We also wouldn’t be as successful with our trainer, Brie Seltser at SilverStride Equestrian Center. She has helped shape me into the rider I am today. I couldn’t be happier to have won the T.I.P. Eventing Junior Rider Grand Champion for 2020, but I am also proud that Frosty was the 6th overall Eventing OTTB out of 161. He deserves so many carrots!”

Indeed. Best of luck to you, Sophia and Artax!

Performance awards will be available once again in 2021 and will be based on results in shows from December 1, 2020, through November 30, 2021. The deadline for submissions is December 20, 2021. Updated forms are available here.  

Created and announced in October 2011, T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at sanctioned horse shows, performance awards, a recreational riding program, Championship horse shows and non-competition awards. Visit the website and Facebook page for more information. 

2020 T.I.P. Eventing Performance Awards

Champion Eventing: Great Quest (Other Great Quest) & Martin Douzant, Hannah Ong
Champion Junior Rider: Artax (Duke of Del Rey) & Sophia Carattini
Reserve Junior Rider: Mahogany Dancer & Olivia Cannizzaro

1. Implicit & Doris Hoppers (MD)
2. Whatinsamhill & Kirsten LaVassar (SC)
3. Dispatcher & Stephanie Calendrillo (KY)
4. Shootmetothemoon & Eliza Herman (MD)
5. Royal Archie & Elizabeth Bortuzzo (NJ)
6. Artax (Duke of Del Rey) & Sophia Carattini, Nicole Carattini (FL)
7. Bluegrass Beat & Brooke Webb (SC)
8. Steddy Eddy (Di Colas Thunder) & Susan Gehris (VA)
9. Southern Cider (Shelly’s Cider) & Jessica Brown (NC)
10. Chance of Liftoff (Honey Fields) & Jaclyn Burke (MD)
11. Greeley’s Dude & Jennifer Cobb (VA)
12. When Stars Align (Pia Jane) & Brittney Caflisch (TX)
13. Lightning Stone & Nicole Ligon, Nancy Ligon (PA)
14. Thunderstruck (Saint) & Corinna Lewis (KY)
15. I’malreadythere & Christina Lockhart (OH)

Champion Pre-BN Central: Thunderstruck (Saint) & Corinna Lewis
Reserve Pre-BN Central: Dispatcher & Stephanie Calendrillo
Champion Pre-BN East: Implicit & Doris Hoppers
Reserve Pre-BN East: Bluegrass Beat & Brooke Webb
Champion Pre-BN West: Devine Revelation & Amy Lott
Reserve Pre-BN West: E F Five & Jennifer Ferro
Champion Beg Novice Central: Dispatcher & Stephanie Calendrillo
Reserve Beg Novice Central: Bugatti Dreamin & Maddy Baynes
Champion Beg Novice East: Chance of Liftoff (Honey Fields) & Jaclyn Burke
Reserve Beg Novice East: Implicit & Doris Hoppers
Champion Beg Novice West: Dealership & Tracie Coleman
Reserve Beg Novice West: Native Heart & Maguy Palluelblanc
Champion Novice Central: I’malreadythere & Christina Lockhart
Reserve Novice Central: When Stars Align (Pia Jane) & Brittney Caflisch
Champion Novice East Whatinsamhill & Kirsten LaVassar
Reserve Novice East: Southern Cider (Shelly’s Cider) & Jessica Brown
Champion Novice West: Awfully Lucky & Kathleen Boyle
Reserve Novice West: P R Cash Kid & Olivia Donnarumma
Champion Training Central: Amp’d Up & Emma Hilbert
Reserve Training Central: Who Dat (Ide Be a Who Dat) & Brandi Podboy
Champion Training East: Shootmetothemoon & Eliza Herman
Reserve Training East: Spintastic & Kathleen Abrams
Champion Training West: Sky Rise (Skyrise) & Summer Gloeckner
Reserve Training West: Sweet Radiance & Hilary Naleway
Champion Modified/1*: Raucous Caucus (The Big Rooster) & Michelle Frazier
Reserve Modified/1*: Uptown Indy & Melissa Morgan Paul
Champion Preliminary/2*: Royal Archie & Elizabeth Bortuzzo
Reserve Preliminary /2*: Count Julian & Amanda Richard
Champion Intermediate/3*L/S: Belongs to Teufer & Elizabeth Bortuzzo
Reserve Intermediate/3*L/S: Shakedown Street (Sound the Bell) & Melanie Smith

 

 

 

 

By the Numbers: Fair Hill CCI4*-S

By on Apr 9, 2021 9:00 am -

Update 4/9 @ 11:15 am: Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds are a late scratch. This article has been updated to reflect current entries.

Fair Hill is the final prep event taking place this weekend, and while a few Kentucky-bound horses are competing in the 4*-S division, the majority of those headed for the Bluegrass State have opted for the Advanced division instead. As this venue will be the final international run at this venue prior to the inaugural Maryland 5* this fall, this offers many an opportunity to test the waters in the new venue.

Historically, no one has made the time at this venue for the Advanced or short format, which means this venue has provided for a lot of movement up the leaderboard over the years. The leader after dressage hasn’t won this division since 2015 and the ultimate winner has come from as low as eighth after dressage.

DRESSAGE

Daniel Clasing and MW Gangster’s Game. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

MW Gangster’s Game and Daniel Clasing could be possible competitors for the pole position, showing flashes of promise and flirting with scores in the twenties. They scored a personal best of 27.0 at Great Meadow last summer and while that was a significant improvement over their prior performance, they showed it wasn’t a fluke laying down two consecutive tests below 32.

The other pair to likely appear near the top of the leaderboard is Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise, who have yet to break into the twenties but have been extremely consistent, scoring between 30 and 35 in ten of thirteen A/4* outings dating back through 2019.

SHOW JUMPING

Daniel Clasing and MW Gangster’s Game. Photo by Jenni Autry.

MW Gangster’s Game and Galloway Sunrise both unfortunately did have considerable trouble in this phase in their latest outings. For MW Gangster’s Game, a return to form would put him more likely to incurring only a single rail or even having a clear round; prior to Carolina, he had been a one-or-none horse at every venue dating back to the spring of 2019. Galloway Sunrise on the other hand is more likely to incur at least two rails, with only three clears in 15 rounds at the A/4*S levels.

One pair likely to capitalize on the weakness of the field in this phase is Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times, who have been a one-or-none pair for the entirety of their A/4* career. They’ve jumped clear in more than 50% of their stadium rounds and could capitalize if the rest of the field struggles.

CROSS COUNTRY

Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise are a pair who could contend for the fastest time on cross country day; they can certainly put the pedal to the metal and put in a blazingly fast round. They’ve twice put in the fastest round in their 2020/2021 seasons, particularly when they can be competitive by utilizing it.

MW Gangster’s Game and Honor Me (ridden by Lisa Marie Fergusson) are also pairs who should end up with cross country penalties in only the single digits.

PREDICTIONS:

WINNER

Daniel Clasing and MW Gangster’s Game. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Update 4/9 @ 11:15 am: The scratch of Sea of Clouds leaves the way clear for Daniel Clasing and MW Gangster’s Game to pick up the win.

NEW TO EACH OTHER (SORT OF)

 

Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing. Photo by Abby Powell.

One pair to keep an eye on is Holly Payne-Caravella and CharmKing, who are paired together at this level for the first time after Holly returns from maternity leave. Lillian Heard piloted this horse to some excellent results last year after stepping into the irons for Holly, and in his first return to the ring with his main rider, CharmKing and Holly won a competitive Open Intermediate division at Carolina.

OTHER DIVISIONS

  • The Advanced division sports more 5*-bound. FE Lifestyle, Stella Artois, Bendigo, and Unmarked Bills will all be headed next to Kentucky.
  • The aptly-named Super Socks BCF returns to the Advanced level for the first time this year; he and Matt Brown were previous winners of the 4*-S back in 2015.
  • 4* horse Olney Uncle Sam is now paired with Daniel Clasing and will be contesting the 3* this weekend.
  • Dressage guru Silva Martin appears on the entry list, but don’t get too excited; she is only slated to do dressage on Boyd’s Kentucky horses.
  • Erika Nesler will be competing Right Above It in the Training division in his first return to competition since 2019.
  • Pan American horse RF Cool Play will contest the Intermediate in preparation for the Kentucky 4*-S.

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

Fair Hill International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores

Friday News & Notes

By on Apr 9, 2021 12:03 am -

Photo courtesy of Dragonfire Farm FB.

Can we please talk about these adorable jump fillers that Earl and Jen McFall are making for the winners of Twin Rivers as fun prizes? Our whole EN team agrees that we would be delighted to win a souvenir such as this to take home and put in our arena, or give to our coaches as a thank you for all their hard work and lessons. The artistry too! Anybody on the east coast want to give them a run for their money?

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Fair Hill International April H.T. and CCI-S: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Twin Rivers Spring International: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores] [Live Stream]

CDCTA H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Spring Bay H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

THIS is my favorite article all month. I’m always trying to explain how I train myself and my horses to accommodate my “lazy rider” habits, but Lara Graves explains it much better than I have been doing, and I’m going to steal her phrases! Graves asked each rider, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how hard are you working—10 being that you’re working so hard you’re going to pass out from the exertion, and a 1 being that you could sing a song while trotting.” Adding that she was looking for a 2 or 3 at most on the scale, Graves explained that when she first picks up a trot, she is working at a 1. Ideally, the less she works, the more responsive her horse is. “If I’m working at an 8 and my horse is giving me a 5, my ability to make that 5 a 10 doesn’t exist.” In contrast, she said, “If I, as the rider, am working at a 1 and getting a 6 from my horse, now I have room to move up. Ask yourself, ‘How hard am I working?’” [Less Work, Bigger Reward]

Sometimes you’ll do everything right but your ride will still go wrong. You’ll ride balanced, make your changes, see your distances, and clear all your fences, only to have your horse throw a shoe causing him to trip and spook at a butterfly causing you to fall! Daniel Stewart wants you to know that you’re just going to have to be okay with not always being okay. And being okay with not always being okay is the KEY to always being okay. He says his method is pout, park, and progress. [Pout, Park, & Progress]

You might see a different name riding Boyd’s 5* horses at Fair Hill this weekend…but don’t worry, she’s not doing the jumping phases. Boyd seems to have wrangled a deal with Fair Hill to allow his lovely dressage wife Silva to school his three mounts heading to Kentucky in the Advanced Combined Test, but they’ll be practicing the 5* test. Guess he’s really hoping to blow back some international entries in the first phase this year! [Boyd & Silva Competing at Fair Hill]

The next time you take your horse on a long trailer trip, don’t forget to accommodate for their recovery. Trailering uses huge amounts of energy from your horse, from the vestibular system, the somatosensory system, body temperature regulation, and anxiety can all take a big toll. Studies show that trailering can be a proper workout for your horse, so don’t always expect him to be immediately ready to go when you arrive. [Trailering Is A Workout]

Ride around the Tryon 4* with Elisa Wallace:

Thursday Video from Cambox: Ride Around Rocking Horse with Anna Pierce and Her One-Eyed OTTB, Obiejohn

By on Apr 8, 2021 5:00 pm -

Meet Anna Pierce and Obiejohn. Anna, who is a professional rider from Texas and an ambassador for our partner, Cambox, has produced the 14-year-old off-track Thoroughbred (Ride to Win x June Breeze, by Bramante) up the levels from Beginner Novice now through Intermediate.

An interesting fact about Obiejohn: he has just one eye! You may recall this blog she wrote for Athletux and shared on EN last year about the journey she and “Jax” have been on together.

Photo by Diane Pierce.

“Jax has proven to everyone that even the most criticized and ridiculed horses can go on to achieve amazing things,” Anna wrote in her blog. “Jax has taught me that the only thing you need is a little faith and hard work and you can achieve anything you set your mind to! My one-eyed unicorn has shown me where a deep belief and love for something can take you, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

Have fun riding along with Anna and Jax as they skip around the Intermediate at Rocking Horse earlier this year. To keep up with Anna, follow her on YouTube here – and if you’re a new Cambox user (or thinking about becoming one), Anna put together a really useful video on how to fit your Cambox to your helmet:

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

Coming on Sunday: EN’s 2nd Virtual Vendor Village Featuring 7 Days of Deals

By on Apr 8, 2021 3:44 pm -

After the rousing success of last year’s Virtual Vendor Village here on EN, we’ve brought back some of your favorite brands for another week full of deals as we eagerly anticipate the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event later this month.

Really, you’re in for a shop ’til you drop type of month – in true Kentucky fashion – as not only do we have a plethora of deals for you this week, but Kentucky is also hosting its own Vendor Village all week long during the Three-Day Event, April 21-25. You’ll be able to find more on this online shopping event on the Kentucky website here.

Starting on Sunday, April 11, we’ll begin releasing a daily list of deals from our partners this year. What can you look forward to? Here’s a tiny preview:

  • Three different giveaways from SmartPak for fly gear, Piper riding apparel, and tack
  • A free month of Horse & Country TV
  • Discounts at Horse & Rider books, Valley Vet Supply, Legends Horse Feeds, Stubben, Perri’s Leather, and more

Here’s a look at the full list of vendors participating in this year’s EN Virtual Vendor Village:

We can’t wait to bring you along with us for the next two weeks as we head full steam ahead into what promises to be a thrilling Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. We know it’s been a difficult, weird year on many levels, so we’re looking forward to feeling even a small bit of “normalcy” during every eventer’s favorite month of the year.

Go Eventing.

Volunteer Nation: 5 Events to Help This Weekend

By on Apr 8, 2021 3:30 pm -

It’s never too early to start planning ahead – just ask any event organizer who works tirelessly to coordinate each detail of running an event. North America’s (and the world’s) newest five-star, the Maryland 5 Star, happening October 14 through 17, is recruiting volunteers early.

Calling all Volunteers!👋 Volunteer captain positions for the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill are available NOW!📆…

Posted by Maryland 5 Star on Friday, April 2, 2021

There is much to be excited for in terms of the Maryland 5 Star, and an all-star crew of supporters and team members are dedicated to creating an excellent experience for all (including, maybe, some spectators). If you’d like to get right up close to the action this fall, sign up now to volunteer. You can learn more info here.

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.

Here’s a look at the positions still available as of publication time at events this weekend:

 

Event: Twin Rivers Spring International
Dates: Thursday, April 8 through Sunday, April 11
Address: 8715 N River Rd, Paso Robles, CA, 93446
Positions Available: XC Jump Judge, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, XC Jump Videographer, SJ In-Gate, SJ Warm-up, Vet Box Scribe, Jog Steward

Event: CDCTA Spring H.T.
Dates: Saturday, April 10 through Sunday, April 11
Address: 927 Kimble Road, Berryville, VA, 22611
Positions Available: Event Prep – Dressage, Event Prep – General, Temperature/Waiver Checker, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Fair Hill International and H.T.
Dates: Thursday, April 8 through Monday, April 12
Address: 4640 Telegraph rd, Elkton, MD, 21921
Positions Available: Event Prep – XC, Event Prep – General, Dressage Score Runner, Event Prep – SJ, Stable Manager, Temperature/Waiver Checker, XC Jump Judge, Hospitality Helper, Floater, Office Help, SJ Jump Crew, Event Takedown – Dressage, Event Takedown – XC

Event: Spring Bay H.T.
Dates: Saturday, April 10 through Sunday, April 11
Address: Masterson Station Park, Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY, 40511
Positions Available: Dressage Warm-up, Scorers, Hospitality Helper, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Timer, XC Score Runner

Event: Majestic Oaks Schooling
Dates: Saturday, April 10
Address: 17500 N US Highway 441, Reddick, FL, 32686
Positions Available: XC Score Runner, Dressage In-Gate, Dressage Score Runner, Hospitality Steward, General Help

How to Watch the Inaugural Twin Rivers CCI4*-L This Weekend

By on Apr 8, 2021 2:00 pm -

Do you have your alarms set and your pages bookmarked? Tomorrow is the kickoff of the Innagural CCI4*L at Twin Rivers…

Posted by Bob Ravenscroft on Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Time to cheer on our friends on the West coast! The inaugural Twin Rivers Ranch CCI4*-L in Paso Robles, Ca. is finally here and we’re all set for the action thanks to a live stream provided by Ride On Video.

With CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-L as well as upper level horse trial divisions all streaming, there is plenty of action to tune in for. We’ll start things off today with the CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S as well as Advanced and Intermediate dressage at 2 p.m. PST / 5 p.m. EST. You can also tune in for the Long format First Horse Inspection at 12 p.m. PST / 3 p.m. EST.

A sneak peak at one of the newer questions at Twin, fence 17 on the 4*-L track, the Auburn Labs Pond. Photo by Kim Miller.

Tomorrow the Long format riders will start their weekends, beginning with the CCI2*L at 8 a.m. PST / 11 a.m. EST. The Short format riders and upper level horse trials competitors will show jump on Friday.

All divisions will run cross country on Saturday, beginning with the CCI2*-L at 10 a.m. EST / 1 p.m. EST. Finally, Sunday’s show jumping conclusion starts at 8 a.m. PST / 11 a.m. EST with the Open Preliminary – the FEI begins at 11:45 a.m. PST / 2:45 p.m. EST with the CCI4*-L.

Many thanks to Twin for hosting Ride On Video as live stream providers – you can also purchase your own competition video from Ride On Video on the grounds, as well as photos from Ride On Photo.

We’ll be bringing you press coverage from Twin Rivers thanks to Kim Miller. Stay tuned for much more from Paso Robles. Go Eventing!

Twin Rivers International: Website, Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores

USEF Competition COVID Protocols Update: Developing Plans to Permit Spectators at USEF Competitions

By on Apr 8, 2021 1:00 pm -

US Equestrian has released the following letter to members regarding updates to COVID protocols and spectators at USEF-licensed competitions:

Photo by Shelby Allen.

Dear USEF Members,

We have all been watching the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and are looking forward to the day when our world will return to a level of pre-pandemic normalcy. As more and more individuals across the country are getting vaccinated, hope is increasing that we are getting closer to this goal. However, the threats posed by the numerous virus variants, coupled with the increase in COVID cases in many of the states that have recently lifted restrictions, remind us that now is not the time to let our guard down. We must remain vigilant and continue to engage in the practices proven to reduce the risk of virus transmission (mask-wearing, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing).

To this end, the current USEF COVID-19 Action Plan remains in place for all USEF-licensed competitions. However, we are optimistic that we will be able to permit a limited number of spectators at USEF-licensed competitions by mid-May. Further updates and new protocols will be provided in the coming weeks so that organizers and spectators have time to prepare in advance.

To develop the safest possible USEF spectator protocols for use at competitions nationwide, we are regularly consulting with our USEF Chief Medical Officer and national public health organizations while staying up to date on the COVID status in each state. Like the other requirements outlined in the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan, these protocols will apply unilaterally to all USEF-licensed competitions, regardless of location. The only exceptions involve instances where state, county, or local government and health authorities or a particular competition organizer have more stringent requirements in place, in which case those more stringent requirements take precedence.

We thank you for your participation in USEF competitions and your support of the COVID-19 Action Plan. Your efforts have helped keep you and those around you safe and healthy and our sport open and operating during this devastating global pandemic. It is important that we all continue to work together on a safe return to more normal and healthier times for everyone.

Best regards,

Thomas F. X. O’Mara
President

William J. Moroney
Chief Executive Officer

Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Opens the Door to Team Competition

By on Apr 8, 2021 11:00 am -

Crockett Miller and Mr. Panda on course at the inaugural Youth Team Challenge event at Stable View Horse Trials in March 2021. Photo by GRCPhoto.com.

At the start of 2021, US Equestrian announced the Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge, a new competition series designed to build off of the North American Youth Challenge concept in a way that better fits the needs of young eventing athletes and the USEF Eventing Pathway program. In March, the YTC made its debut at Stable View Horse Trials in Aiken, S.C., where seven Areas were represented in CCI1*, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S competition.

The most notable change from the NAYC model is that previously there was a single competition for the entire continent at a standalone event, while the YTC offers multiple opportunities for youth eventing athletes to take part in the team competition. Currently, there are five short-format YTC competitions on the schedule for 2021, with more expected to be approved. The series will culminate in two long-format finals in November, one in Tryon, N.C., and one in Temecula, Calif.

“The opportunity to have more athletes participate is huge,” said Chris Donovan, Area II Young Rider Coordinator. “The participants that went to Stable View don’t have to be the only ones to compete in July [at the Maryland International CCI]. I could have the same group or a completely different set; there’s no limit. I expect that in July I’ll have full teams, and even that alone is a whole lot more people who are able to participate compared to the NAYC format.”

Melanie Loschiavo, the Young Rider Coordinator for Area I, agreed.

“The great part of this program is that each Area can field up to two teams and two individuals at each level,” said Loschiavo. “We don’t have to leave out any riders who want to be on a team. We anticipate having enough spots for anyone who is qualified and safe and demonstrates a commitment to competing on a team.”

Each leg of the YTC can offer three levels of competition:

CCI1* for FEI ages 14-18
CCI2* for FEI ages 14-21
CCI3* for FEI ages 16-25
Opening the YTC up to eventers up to age 25 is a positive step for individual athletes and the sport as a whole, according to Donovan.

“I love the direction it’s going in that 25-year-olds can compete in the CCI3*,” she said. “It takes a lot of that pressure off; they don’t feel rushed. That evolution is going to take a little time to matriculate, but it is incredibly valuable in slowing down the rush to move up the levels.

“We have had riders that washed out at 18 or 20 because they’re not ready to go Intermediate yet,” Donovan added. “Being able to get there at 21 really takes a lot of that pressure off. They can go to high school, they can go to college, and they can still come out and compete as youth riders. As a result, I think more riders will stay in the program longer. This is a sport you can do in your 60s, and the thinking that you’re all washed up at 21 has gone away now. We’re going to keep them engaged and that’s going to make for better teams and better riders.”

Both Donovan and Loschiavo point out that having the YTC competitions run within the framework of existing events offers the youth athletes more flexibility in balancing their schedules.

“Each of our team members was quite organized, experienced at competing, and involved in their own working student programs,” said Loschiavo. “Two trucked in each day and left after their competition rides to work for their trainer. The other two stabled at the competition and had working student responsibilities with their trainers’ horses. All of our riders are well-coached with their own coaches. In the future, our Area would like to put together team coaching to give the athletes the experience of working in that new situation. But we did appreciate the leeway to do either right now.”

“Before, Area Coordinators did a lot of organizing hotels and flights and meals and those kinds of logistics,” said Donovan. “Now the athletes do that themselves, so we’re more involved in communication, sharing information, and selecting the team that we think is going to bring home the most medals. For NAYC, we would actually do the entries for them. Now they do the entries themselves.”

Donovan added that this dynamic changes the way team members are selected.

“We’re looking at who has entered and choosing a team from that as opposed to deciding who should enter,” she said. “They enter, and then we decide who of the entries is on the team, not the other way around.”

For athletes who are interested in participating, Donovan advises looking at the YTC schedule as a first step, and arranging your competition calendar accordingly.

“Enter events where Youth Team Challenges are being held, and be proactive in reaching out to the coordinators and selectors so that we get to know who you are,” she said. “That can help influence team selection so that we’re not just basing it off of statistics. You don’t want to be choosing teams off statistics alone; you want to be choosing teams based on what people’s goals and aspirations are.”

Loschiavo encourages any youth eventing athletes or coaches who are interested in the program to take the first steps to get involved.

“Team competition gives you that extra piece of development, managing the pressure of having the team outcome be dependent on your performance,” she said. “You experience the thrill of camaraderie and doing something larger as a group, and even of figuring out how to represent yourself in the spotlight and as a role model for other young riders. It’s an experience that promotes growth in so many areas—coaches need to know how valuable it will be for their students. I’m so excited that we can give all of these benefits to so many more athletes because of the way this new program is set up.”

Read more about the Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge – Aiken here.