Classic Eventing Nation

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

By on Mar 1, 2021 5:05 pm -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The FEI has cancelled international events in 10 countries on the European mainland with immediate effect and until 28 March 2021 due to the rapid evolution of a very aggressive strain of the neurological form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), which originated in Valencia (ESP) and has already resulted in related outbreaks in at least three other countries in Europe.

This decision applies to all FEI disciplines, but in order to prevent huge numbers of horses simultaneously departing the Jumping Tours on the Iberian Peninsula, in Italy and Belgium that have been ongoing for a number of weeks, these specific Tours will be allowed to continue as individual “bubbles” on the condition that absolutely no new horses are allowed to enter the venues and no positive cases of EHV-1 are confirmed.

The Jumping Tour venues in Vejer de la Frontera (ESP), Vilamoura (POR), San Giovanni in Marignano (ITA) and Gorla Minore (ITA) will have stringent biosecurity protocols in place and additional FEI Veterinary Delegates onsite. Horses will only be permitted to leave these venues when they are in possession of an official health certificate from the local Veterinary Authorities. Any horses leaving these venues without this documentation will be blocked on the FEI Database. It is also illegal to transport a horse without an official health certificate.

Oliva Nova (ESP) had already advised the FEI this afternoon that it has decided to cancel the rest of its scheduled competitions in the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour III. Opglabbeek (BEL) has also informed the FEI that it has cancelled its events in March.

A number of countries, including France, have already cancelled all their events to minimise transmission of the virus.

The decision, which covers events in France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Poland, Netherlands, Germany and Slovakia, has been made in accordance with FEI General Regulations Article 112.3, which state: The Secretary General shall have the authority to remove any Competition and/or Event from the Calendar if justified circumstances relating to a Competition or the Event are established.

“This was not an easy decision to block events in mainland Europe, particularly after the major disruption to the FEI Calendar caused by the Covid-19 pandemic”, FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said, “but this EHV-1 outbreak is probably the most serious we have had in Europe for many decades and our decision is based on clearly identified epidemiological risk factors.

“This strain of EHV-1 is particularly aggressive and has already caused equine fatalities and a very large number of severe clinical cases. We need to keep our horses safe.

“We are also aware that a large number of horses left the venue in Valencia without an official health certificate, meaning they had an unknown health status. Some horses were already sick, and the risk of transmission from these horses is a major concern.

“Cancelling these competitions in mainland Europe, with the exception of the ongoing Jumping Tours in the Iberian Peninsula and Italy, limits the number of horses travelling internationally and therefore reduces the likelihood of this very serious virus being transmitted on an increasingly wider scale. We also strongly recommend that the affected member Federations should also cancel their national events.

“We are very conscious of the fact that this is a very stressful and distressing time, and that this is potentially hugely disruptive for those athletes aiming for their Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) or confirmation results for Tokyo, but we are looking at ways to alleviate that in order to assist athlete/horse combinations in getting their MERs or confirmation results once the events in mainland Europe are allowed to resume.”

The FEI is conscious that some athletes have already arrived on competition venues or are en route, and is directly contacting all impacted athletes entered in Events between now and 28 March 2021.

Previous FEI updates since the FEI was first notified of the EHV-1 outbreak on 20 February are available here.

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.

Weekend Winners: Pine Top, Three Lakes, Twin Rivers

By on Mar 1, 2021 3:00 pm -

We’ve got plenty of results to cover today, so let’s jump right into it! Eventing action was in full swing in Georgia, Florida, and California this weekend. Across all events, it was Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool who brought home the lowest finishing score of the weekend, winning the Open Intermediate B at Pine Top on a 21.9. Of course, Phillip also neatly collected another incredible score aboard Carlchen in the Advanced B, earning a 15.0 from judge Janis Linnan in the Advanced B. Both Quasi Cool and Carlchen are owned by Caroline Moran. Stay tuned later this afternoon for video of Phillip’s test on Carlchen.

Pine Top Advanced H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores] [EN’s Advanced Coverage] [Show Photographer]

Advanced A: Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill (34.5)
Advanced B: Phillip Dutton and Carlchen (34.2)
Open Intermediate A: Daniel Clasing and MW Gangster’s Game (31.1)
Open Intermediate B: Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool (21.9)
Intermediate Horse: Tim Bourke and Lennard (33.2)
Intermediate Rider: Isabelle Bosley and Night Quality (40.9)
Open Preliminary A: Erin Kanara and Warren LVSZ (25.9)
Open Preliminary B: Tim Bourke and Flying Quality (29.1)
Open Preliminary C: Lillian Heard and Cooley Gentleman (25.7)
Preliminary Rider: Sydney Shinn and Nyconn Cat (35.5)
Jr/YR Preliminary: Jack Curtis and Luska Candy Clover (28.1)
Preliminary/Training: Paige Drury and Fernhill 13 (32.4)
Open Training A: Julie Wolfert and Namibia (24.5)
Open Training B: Waylon Roberts and Fernhill IKandy (23.3)
Sr. Training: Carrie Stryker and Just For Today (32.8)
Jr. Training: Marissa Griffin and Conguistador (27.4)
Training/Novice: Deborah McWhirter and FE Show Business (32.1)
Open Novice A: Annie Goodwin and Global Halcyon (22.4)
Open Novice B: Bennett Camp-Crowder and Cooley Compass (26.7)
Novice Rider: Mary Carol Harsch and Foster’s Bold Favorite (27.1)

Three Lakes Winter II H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores] [Show Photographer]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Sarah Bowman and Atlus Louvo (45.0)
Open Preliminary A: Matthew Bryner and Nile Gold (30.9)
Open Preliminary B: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley (30.9)
Preliminary Rider: Carson Crowell and Levity (32.8)
Open Training A: Holly Jacks-Smither and Willbrook Brown Yeats (32.7)
Open Training B: Lauren Nicholson and Hindine (26.6)
Open Training C: Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another (24.6)
Training Rider A: Teah Wilson and Junior Mint (32.1)
Training Rider B: Kristin Osley and King of Beer (40.5)
Open Novice A: Kimmy Cecere and Pappy Van Winkle (27.9)
Open Novice B: Joe Meyer and Ardeo Harlequin (24.1)
Novice Rider A: Amanda Smith and Tug of War (32.1)
Novice Rider B: Mim Strote and England Calling (30.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Cemone Rovira and Mr. Sandman (31.3)
Beginner Novice Rider: Eleanor Winter and Giant Frosty (36.8)

Twin Rivers Winter H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores] [EN’s Advanced Report] [Show Photographer]

Advanced: Helen Alliston and Ebay (31.7)
Open Intermediate: James Alliston and RevitaVet Elijah (33.6)
Open Preliminary: Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF (24.5)
Preliminary Rider: Alexis Larson and PL Diamond’s Inspiration (33.3)
Jr. Training Rider: Shelby Murray and Reverie GWF (24.1)
Open Training: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (26.4)
Sr. Training Rider: Emily Schmitz and Fernhill Blueprint (29.3)
Training Horse: Jennifer McFall and Hallelujah DF (33.1)
Jr. Novice Rider A: Molly Duda and Lilly (26.7)
Jr. Novice Rider B: Olivia Doman and London Calling OHF (26.7)
Novice Amateur: Leah Forquer and Oakley’s Hunt SE (31.7)
Novice Horse: Chloe Smyth and BBC (29.1)
Open Novice: Tommy Greengard and Leonardo Diterma (25.7)
Sr. Novice Rider: Faith Dalessandro and Spurs and Stilettos (23.8)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Avonlea Wang and Black Gold (25.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Nick Cwick and Livius (27.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice: Kira De Torres and The Great Gatsby (34.2)
Introductory: Toora Nolan and Sir Elliot (31.7)

🦖🦖🦖🌟🌟🌟🦖🦖🦖
T-Rex was a baller around his first Advanced!!
Cheers 🍻 with a 🦖 beer!!! How was I so lucky to find that!? 🤣🤣

Posted by Andrea Baxter on Saturday, February 27, 2021

West Coast Advanced Season Kicks Off at Twin Rivers

By on Mar 1, 2021 1:00 pm -

Helen Alliston and Ebay. Photo by Ride On Photo.

West coast Advanced riders got a chance to stretch their legs at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, Ca. this weekend, kicking off the upper level season that will quickly include Copper Meadows (March 12-14) and Galway Downs (March 25-28) this month. Riders will then return to Twin Rivers April 8-11 for the inaugural CCI4*L.

Helen Alliston and her own Ebay, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding, netted their first national Advanced win of their partnership, adding a small amount of time on cross country and one rail in show jumping for a finishing score of 31.7. This will be Ebay’s first full season at the level – he first made the step up the CCI4*S level in 2019 at Woodside, where he won – and Helen plans to work on building the gelding’s confidence more this spring.

“I worked really hard at home all of last year with Ebay and our partnership is feeling really solid now,” Helen said. She’s tentatively aiming for Rebecca Farm’s CCI4*L in July as Ebay’s 4*L debut, but the immediate goal for the spring is just confidence and miles. “He’s greener than he seems and hasn’t ever had a full season at Advanced, so I just want to really solidify him at the level before I do a Long.”

USEA Foundation Frangible Technology Fund fences at Twin Rivers!

Posted by Sherry Stewart on Friday, February 26, 2021

This weekend’s run, though, was a great pipe opener for the gelding, with whom Helen has been partnered since 2016 when he was still learning at the lower levels. “He was the bravest he’s been on cross country so I was able to go pretty fast and he came home super confident, which was great,” she said.

Second in the Advanced were Emilee Libby and Jakobi, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood with excellent jumping power and talent to boot. Thanks to two clear jumping rounds without time, Emilee and Jakobi moved from fifth into second to end their weekend on a 32.3. This pair is headed to Kentucky to make their CCI5* debut together – Emilee’s return to the level for the first time since 2008, when she finished 21st aboard Cahir.

“Jakobi felt great in every phase this weekend,” Emilee told EN. “The cross country track was the best I’ve seen at Twin, which is very exciting for their inaugural 4L in April. I wanted to see where Jakobi’s fitness was, and he galloped around easily and inside the time. We have eight weeks until Kentucky and everything feels on track!”

Emilee Libby and Jakobi. Photo by Ride On Photo.

Completing the top three in the Advanced this weekend are Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve, a 10-year-old Dutch gelding who we talent-spotted a few years back when he caught our eye at the Preliminary level. Erin and “Woody” make for an eye-catching pair and successfully made their debut at the Advanced level in February of 2020. This pair added 9.7 time penalties on cross country to finish third on a score of 37.1.

Finally, please join us in congratulating Tayler Ravenscroft, who made her show photography debut as the newest arm of Ride On Video, Ride On Photo. Thank you, Tayler, for providing the below images from the weekend – and if you competed at Twin Rivers, keep an eye on on the Ride On Photo website for your show photos and please support your show photographers/videographers.

To view all final scores from Twin Rivers, click here. As always, many thanks to the Baxter family and Twin Rivers Ranch for hosting these important spring (and beyond!) events! Go Eventing.

French Equestrian Federation Suspends All Competition in Response to EHV Outbreak

By on Mar 1, 2021 11:30 am -

French riders’ spring competition plans have been put on hold by an outbreak of EHM in Spain. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Fédération Française d’Equitation (FFE) has announced that all national and international competitions, training clinics, and equine gatherings have been suspended until March 28. The decision to lock down the country’s equestrian industry comes in response to an outbreak of equine herpesvirus 1, also known as EHV-1 or rhinopneumonia, which began at Spain’s CES Valencia Spring Showjumping Tour.

It was reported yesterday by World of Showjumping that two German horses had died after contracting the neurological form of the virus, the first cases of which had appeared the week prior, prompting the cessation of several classes. But in this, the fourth week of a seven-week circuit, the stakes were high: the horses on site had travelled from around the continent to compete at the show, and fears that infected horses had already been unknowingly removed from the show ground ran rampant. As of yesterday, a spokeperson for the Tour confirmed that 150 horses were still on site, with 72 showing clinical signs of the virus. At the time of the statement, 47 horses had undergone testing, with 17 confirmed to have contracted EHV-1. Additionally, four horses that had left the venue on February 14 fell sick shortly after returning home, while two further outbreaks in another country could be traced back to the Tour.

The FEI and Valencia are working in tandem to control the spread of the virus, with additional veterinary support supplied to the locked-down show ground and an FEI entry ban placed on any horse who competed at Valencia from February 1 who has not undergone testing for EHV-1 – a total of 752 equines. Additionally, caregivers have been reminded that transporting a sick horse is a violation of EU transport legislation unless, of course, the animal is being moved to a veterinary facility. As such, all horses must be asymptomatic and temperature-checked before travelling out of Valencia’s isolation unit.

“In order to control the development of an epidemic of EHV1 (rhinopneumonia) after reports of numerous cases at competitions in Europe, the FFE has decided to suspend from today [March 1]  until Sunday, March 28, 2021, all national and international equestrian competitions, equestrian gatherings and workshops organized or placed under their auspices,” said the FFE in a statement released on their website and social media platforms.

“We will regularly inform you of the evolution of the epidemiological situation. We renew our call for vigilance and respect for good practice in order to resume all activities as soon as possible in an already heavily disturbed calendar. At a time when only professional training sessions and competitionsare being held, up-to-date vaccinations against this disease remain recommended for exposed horses.”
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.

“Desperately Disappointed” Badminton Team Announces Cancellation of 2021 Event

By on Mar 1, 2021 6:17 am -

Piggy French and Vanir Kamira, winners of Badminton 2019. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

The team at Badminton Horse Trials have announced the cancellation of this year’s event, due to be held behind closed doors from May 5–9. This includes the CCI5* showpiece, as well as the BE90 and BE100 championships, which were set to take place on May 4 and 5.

The ongoing pandemic – and the UK’s continued restrictions – necessitated the tough decision.

“Despite the encouraging Government announcements and rollout of the vaccine, the situation still remains fragile and unpredictable at this time,” said the team in a statement released this morning (March 1). “Following consultation between Badminton, Public Health England and South Gloucestershire Council it has been deemed that due to the scale and location of the Horse Trials it is not possible to secure the surrounding area in the proximity of the event site.”

“The health and safety of all those involved in the event and the local community remains Badminton’s priority and the level of operational and public health risk posed by the Horse Trials was agreed by all concerned to be unacceptable.”

Badminton had put together a robust contingency plan allowing them to host the event without spectators, with plans to move the arena-based phases to the lawn in front of the house as they would have been held in the event’s first decade. Viewers would have been able to tune into the competition via paid live-stream access.

“The announcement of last October to run behind closed doors was with the optimism that it would be possible, so the decision that we are not in a position to continue to plan to run the event at the beginning of May has not been taken without significant thought and consideration,” says Badminton Director Jane Tuckwell. “I am sorry that the 2021 event has become unworkable despite our best efforts, but I am so grateful to all those that have offered support and encouragement over the past few months.”

The Duke of Beaufort, who owns the Badminton estate, says, “Everyone at Badminton is desperately disappointed to have to cancel for the second year in a row as it is so much a feature of the year here, but I am confident that the 2022 event will be very much part of the spirit of optimism we will all once again be feeling by then.”

The Badminton team extended its thanks to “all of our wonderful athletes, owners, volunteers, sponsors, contractors and supporters for your unwavering commitment to Badminton during these difficult times” and expressed its optimism for a return to sport at the estate in 2022.

British Eventing’s departing CEO Jude Matthews addressed concerns about the loss of the Science Supplements Cup for grassroots riders, saying “We understand that this news is disappointing to those competitors who have waited so patiently to compete in the 2021 Cup, following it being rescheduled from 2020. We will now consult with those competitors impacted to look at alternative options and work with them to provide the best opportunities in the current situation.”

Two CCI5* events remain on the FEI calendar prior to the Tokyo Olympics – the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, which will take place April 22-25, and Germany’s Luhmühlen Horse Trials, which is set to run from June 17-21 and is the last eligible qualifying event on the calendar.

British Eventing’s season is set to start in England on April 2 following the announcement that competitive sport can resume from March 29. Elite athletes – those aiming for CCI5* competition or the Olympics – are able to begin their competitive season earlier, with training sessions and elite-exclusive competitions beginning on March 16.

 

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Mar 1, 2021 12:01 am -

Nobody wanted to start March – the month that marks the one-year anniversary of lockdown – with a heartbreaking announcement, but that’s what happened when we awoke to the news that Badminton Horse Trials has been cancelled for 2021. We’re devastated for the hard-working team and the competitors who had planned a trip to Gloucestershire this year – roll on 2022 (she said, for the fiftieth time this year).

National Holiday: It’s National Horse Protection Day, so consider buying your favourite four-legged chaos agent a suit of armour from Wish.

US Weekend Results:

Pine Top Advanced H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/ Ride Times/Live Scores]

Global Eventing Round-Up:

Italy’s Montelibretti took place over the weekend, hosting classes from CCI1* through CCI3*-L. The Netherlands’ Sanne de Jong took the top class with the 12-year-old KWPN mare Enjoy – check out snippets from their cross-country round above.

Your Monday Reading List:

Liz Halliday-Sharp is one of US eventing’s brightest stars – but she owes much of her success to the time she spent in the UK. More specifically, the time she spent working for William Fox-Pitt and learning her craft from the ground up. [Memories of learning from William Fox-Pitt: ‘I was pretty wet behind the ears – but I got to ride Ballincoola and Tamarillo’]

Brexit chaos continues on apace, with UK-based showjumping pros considering a move to continental Europe to mitigate the damage. One of the major players in this decision? The new limit of 90 days spent in Europe per every 180 days. [‘90-Day’ Rule Causes Further Brexit Headaches for British Jumpers]

Speaking of showjumping, the sport is currently dealing with an EHV-1 outbreak in Valencia, the Spanish site of one of the major spring tours. Two horses have died and 72 horses are showing clinical signs of the virus, prompting fears of a continental outbreak. [The Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak in Valencia: “It Felt Like a War Zone”]

The racing world has been hit by a major controversy, after a Snapchat photo of trainer Gordon Elliott made its way to social media. The image, which features Elliott sitting atop a dead horse and flashing a V-sign at the camera, was believed to be a Photoshop job by many – until Elliott’s statement and apology were released today. [Gordon Elliott: Trainer says dead horse photo is real and apologises]

Is there any feeling better than that little flutter of excitement as you take your first step out of the start box? 14-year-old Tayah Fuller doesn’t think so – and she’s got a unique reason to know. [Now on Course: Heartbeats and Hoofbeats]

Donation Station:

Horses have been an important part of life for a swathe of Philadelphia residents for many years – but development, and the subsequent loss of viable space for stables, means that they’re being pushed out of the city. Now, Erin Brown – a graduate of Fletcher Street Stables and a prolific instructor in the city – is working to establish a permanent base for the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy. PURA is working closely with the city, as well as with organisations including Concrete to Show Jumping, to raise funds and build a home and facilities for 20-25 horses. To read more about the organisation, its feature film debut, and the fundraiser, click here – or to head straight to the donation point, click here.

What I’m Listening To:

I’m not a huge TV person, admittedly, but I occasionally go in for a binge – and during lockdown, I’ve found it incredibly comforting to delve into rewatches. And so I’ve ended up deep into Sex and the City for the first time in years, despite the fact that it’s mostly aged appallingly and actually, none of the guys are really that cute (with some notable exceptions; Steve Brady, I will always love you). Never one to do things by halves, I was delighted to discover the brand new podcast Sentimental in the City, a series of long and giggly chats between journalists Carolyn O’Donoghue and Dolly Alderton. Each roughly two-hour episode focuses on a season of the show, with hot takes on feminism and the psychology of dating, as well as the absolutely essential outfit rankings, Carrie clangers, and Men of the Season. It’s all a part of Carolyn’s Sentimental Garbage podcast, which focuses on chick-lit, and it’s easily the most delightful hacking soundtrack you’ll hear this week.

 The FutureTrack Follow:

Glorious Sport is a new editorial site focusing on women’s sport through arts and culture – and we’re so into it. Give them a follow for a regular hit of pure inspiration on your Insta feed.

Morning Viewing:

A small handful of British-based riders have managed to escape to the sunny southern European showjumping tours, including Tim and Jonelle Price – and although her planned run at Badminton has been cancelled, isn’t 18-year-old former winner Classic Moet looking terrific?

 

Photo Gallery: Intermediate & Advanced Riders Tackle Pine Top

By on Feb 28, 2021 5:03 pm -

Congratulations to the many, many Intermediate and Advanced riders who competed this weekend at Pine Top. Large entry numbers this year forced the Advanced division to be spread between two days, and the Intermediate was brimming with heavy hitters, too. We close out our weekend in Georgia with a sunny cross country photo gallery:

Click here to catch up on our Pine Top coverage.

Pine Top Advanced H.T.: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores

Sunday Video: Ride Around Pine Top with Tim Bourke & Quality Time

By on Feb 28, 2021 2:00 pm -

You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day than what we saw yesterday at Pine Top Farm in Thomson, Georgia. Family owned for eight generations, Glenn and Janet Wilson’s slice of paradise attract snowbirds and locals alike to their top class events each spring and fall. For this weekend’s Advanced competitors, the conditions were idyllic, and riders jumped at the opportunity to ride over a Derek di Grazia course at this point in the season. Ireland’s Tim Bourke was among them.

“It’s a good Derek [di Grazia] course – big and bold and strong,” he said. “I just bridged my reins and let her just pick off the exercises. To be honest I didn’t look at my watch once going around. I just let her canter, but she’s so adjustable and easy to ride that she just makes the time easily without having to go fast.”

Tim finished second in the A division with Carla Abramcheck’s Quality Time, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Guidam x Ruby Roller, by High Roller), and he’s brought us along for the ride through key combinations with his helmet cam, filmed on Cambox isi3 (which he wears in his signature green, of course).

Click here to catch up on our Pine Top coverage.

Pine Top Advanced H.T.: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores

Live from Pine Top: An Advanced Recap

By on Feb 28, 2021 1:15 am -

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Trendy. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The first Advanced of the season is always a mélange that includes a mix of entries — from experienced campaigners to first timers. For many, the first blue numbers of the year set the tone for performances to come, and a good result is a boost of confidence any rider would want. The beneficiaries of that good fortune at Pine Top Advanced are Jenny Caras Roberts and Phillip Dutton.

Jenny Caras Roberts lead the 34-entry Advanced A division from start to finish with Elyse Eisenberg’s Trendy Fernhill. The Pine Top blue ribbon was familiar for Jenny and “Joey,” a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Ars Vivendi x Cruising’s Girl, by Cruising). They picked up one just two weeks ago winning the Open Intermediate here. Today the combination had a 26.1 on the flat and added 8.4 time penalties on the cross country for a final result of 34.5.

“He did his first Advanced here last year, and this was just his fourth Advanced. I think it was the best round I’ve had on him. He was really brave and really confident. It felt pretty easy – I was just trying to have a good rhythm and not go too fast, so I was really, really happy with him,” Jenny said.

After moving up to the level in 2020, Jenny had her sights set high, but Joey’s diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and a global pandemic set him on the sidelines for most of the year. Now with his diet sorted, this pair is guns blazing toward a CCI4*-L this spring.

Tim Bourke and Quality Time. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Tim Bourke and Carla Abramcheck’s Quality Time took second place. This was the first run of the year for the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Guidam x Ruby Roller, by High Roller) who is back after recovering from an injury sustained at Tryon last November.

“At Tryon we finished the cross country double clear in the four-star long, and she had a little knick on her knee. It unfortunately had gone into the joint, so she went over to Tryon Equine Hospital and those people were incredible – they had her on the table that night and flushed the joint,” Tim said. “This is her first run back since, so she hasn’t done anything in a little while, but she’s just brilliant. She just rocks around, and you can just come out here after not running in months.”

This pair started the competition in 20th place, and they added only 8 cross country time penalties to finish on a score of 41.6.

Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and Favian. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and her own Favian, a 13-year-old Oldenburg (French Kiss x Risiko, by Relevant) were third. They were the fastest combination of the day, finishing in 6 minutes and 19 minutes for a final score of 41.7.

Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The Pan American partnership of Doug Payne and Starr Witness, a 10-year-old Dutch mare (Chello II x Carmen, by Veneur) owned by Laurie McCree, Doug and Catherine Winter, shared a tied lead for first place until the cross country phase where a nice and easy trip in 16 time penalties moved them into fourth place (42.1).

Matt Flynn and Wizzerd. Photo by Shelby Allen.

A final score of 43.2 put Matt Flynn and Wizzerd, 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Wizzerd WV x Oklund) owned by Patrick Flynn, Kathleen Flynn, and Merry Go Round Farm, in fifth place after a clear cross country trip.

Colleen Loach and Vermont finished sixth. Colleen stepped Peter Barry’s 9-year-old Hanoverian up to the level last fall, and this weekend the combination added an educational 17.2 time penalties to their dressage score of 27.9 for a final result of 45.1. Colleen was also 8th with longtime partner Qorry Blue D’Argouges.

Alex Baugh and Mr Candyman sailed around Derek di Grazia’s track for seventh place. Eighteen cross country time penalties had them finish on 47.8 points.

Jon Holling was ninth with Advanced first-timer Prophet, an 8-year-old Trakehner owned by Jon and Chuck McGrath, finishing on a score of 51. Rounding out 10th place is Amanda Beale Clement and Carlson 119 on a score of 51.6.

Phillip Dutton and Carlchen. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Eventing magician Phillip Dutton pulled another trick out of his hat Friday, earning a 15 on the flat to set a new Advanced record. He did this with Caroline Moran’s Carlchen, an experienced campaigner in his own right. The 13-year-old Oldenburg (Clinton x Sunshine, by Lordanos) came stateside in 2019, but this is his first presentation at the level with Phillip.

Their record-breaking dressage gave plenty of breathing room for a breezy 18 time penalties on an otherwise clear cross country to finish on 34.2. Take a look at their mic drop dressage:

Very proud of Caroline Moran's Carlchen, who set a new USEA Advanced dressage record today at Pine Top Eventing with a…

Posted by Phillip Dutton Eventing on Friday, February 26, 2021

“I’ve been in Wellington, so I haven’t actually gone cross country much. I wasn’t sure how he’d be, but he did very well.He’s a real quality horse. He’s so athletic, and this was a great course to be able to just ride at. It’s big enough and it’s just an ideal run,” Phillip said.

Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Phillip was also second with Sea of Clouds, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred owned by the Sea of Clouds Partnership on a score of 34.8. “He’s just come leaps and bounds in the last six months,” Phillip said. “I’m really excited about him actually – he’s a proper five-star horse if the other phases get competitive because him being a Thoroughbred he’s able to go fast and quick.”

Phillip’s other Advanced entries, Z and Fernhill Singapore, completed only the dressage and will have a run next week at Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field.

Waylon Roberts and Lancaster. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Waylon Roberts and Michelle and John Koppin’s Lancaster, a 14-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding by Yavari, were third on a score of 36.6.

As usual, Derek di Grazia’s course elicited bold, forward riding. No combinations caught the time, but 88% of the field finished with no jumping penalties.

Pine Top also had a beefy intermediate lineup. Join us in congratulating these winners:

  • Intermediate Horse: Tim Bourke & Lennard (33.2)
  • Intermediate Rider: Isabelle Bosley & Night Quality (40.9)
  • Open Intermediate A: Daniel Clasing & MW Gangster’s Game (31.1)
  • Open Intermediate B: Phillip Dutton & Quasi Cool (21.9)

Pine Top Advanced H.T.: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores

Sunday Links

By on Feb 28, 2021 12:01 am -

James Alliston & RevitaVet Elijah. Photo by Ride on Photo.

Twin Rivers saw a big day of cross country action with Training through Advanced competitors leaving the start box. James Alliston & RevitaVet Elijah lead the Open Intermediate as the only double clear round in the division. Helen Alliston and Ebay remain atop the Advanced division after fault free cross country, with Emilee Libby & Jacobi hot on their heels. Click here for scores.

National Holiday: National Tooth Fairy Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Pine Top Advanced H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/ Ride Times/Live Scores]

Sunday Links: 

I Am a Black Equestrian: Kaitlyn Nicely-Harvey

Traumatic Horse Training: Can You Spot Abuse?

Condemning abuse in public is the only way to stop it 

4 Takeaways From USEF’s First ‘Community Conversation’ On Diversity

Top 10 Tips for Leather Care with Bates Saddles

‘Like death with a heartbeat’: eventer who came back from the brink speaks out on mental illness

Jumping Clinic with Beezie Madden

Sunday Video: Tim Bourke and Quality Time at the big water at Pine Top.