Classic Eventing Nation

Mindful Monday: The ‘Move-Up Mindset’ and Finding Your Reason Why

By on Mar 22, 2021 3:30 pm -

We recently worked with mental health and wellness coach Sarah Carlan, MSW, on a column addressing common mental health hurdles eventers often face. We’re pleased to bring Sarah back as a columnist here on EN, and we invite you to submit your mental health questions for a future edition. Please email [email protected] to submit your question – you may remain anonymous if you wish. To read other editions of Mindful Monday, click here.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Q: How can we move toward a culture where moving up isn’t the only goal? How can we do our part to change this mentality?

This is a great question because it speaks to the importance of individualizing your goals, while also supporting other people on their path. I might start by reframing the question: “How do I define goals based on my own desires and circumstances, and find the support I need to achieve those goals?” For some “moving up” is the right goal, but it is not the only goal and we need to find a way to support each other when we choose different paths.

Early humans depended on group acceptance to survive. If you were kicked out of your group you would literally die of exposure and hunger, so our brains developed to meet this need. A very old part of our brain is wired for human connection, which includes acceptance, group think, and awareness of the judgement of others. We see this play out in many aspects of our lives – for eventers, that may mean feeling the pressure to move up to the next level.

In eventing we have a few external ways to evaluate our progress, dressage scores, overall points, ribbons at an event, and the ability to “move up”. We rely on many of these external evaluations to tell us that we are making progress. However, as I have spoken about before, these external barometers of progress are impacted by so many factors; horse health, subjective dressage scoring, venue and course differences, etc. They do not always have the ability to accurately reflect our individual progress.

Moving up to the next level however, is a much more concrete reflection of our improvement, so it is very tempting to use it as simplification of “how good we are”. This may be why we see “move up culture” as such a dominant narrative in our sport.

If that barometer does not feel authentic to us or our own goals then we have to decide to find an alternative source of feedback. Choosing not to align with the dominant trend in your group will at first trigger that old part of your brain that fears exile. You might worry that if you don’t strive to “move up” you will be rejected by your peers or your trainer. I have even heard people talk about feeling guilty that they are not allowing their horse to reach his/her “potential”. (Trust me no horse is standing in his stall thinking, “I could go to Kentucky if it weren’t for that dope who is riding me.” They are thinking, “Do I have food and water? Does my body feel good? Do I have a herd to be apart of?” So don’t worry about your horse’s aspirations.)

Humans love the feeling of having goals and achieving them. In fact Daniel Goleman names it as one of his pillars of emotional intelligence, “Motivation”. When we have high emotional intelligence we are able to use skills to direct our thinking and behavior toward making changes in our lives. Having the “right sized goals” is an important part of the equation.

If our goals speak to our specific strengths and desires, our “Why”, then they are in alignment and we will find ourselves motivated to achieve them. If they are not in alignment then we will find ourselves hitting a wall of frustration and demotivation. For example, as a young adult I had: time, a baseline talent, and a very experienced horse. My goal was to move up the levels as quickly as possible because my time with this particular horse was short. I mapped out a plan of lessons and shows that allowed me to quickly move up. The equine stars aligned and I was able to accomplish my goals quickly.

Now fast forward to my early 30’s. I have two very young children and a green horse. I came out of the box expecting to be on the same trajectory as I had been in my early 20’s. I made a similar plan, hit all of the expected road blocks (no time, green horse, older body) and became quickly frustrated. In fact, I almost quit all together. Then I look a step back and asked myself an important question; “Why do I love eventing?” For me it was, “the team work and connection I got to feel with my horse”. So I build a set of goals that surrounded my “Why”.

Everyone will have a different “Why”. If you spend time discovering your “Why” and then build a plan that will help you reach it, then you will feel in alignment with yourself, rather than trying to be in alignment with someone else’s desires. It will also help you explain to others why you are choosing the path you have chosen. Externalizing and explaining these goals will help others realize that they too can find a different path.

I was once waiting in line for my dressage scores at a local show. The woman in front of me was in her 50’s. I heard her saying to her friend, “I know that I keep winning at this level and everyone says I should move up, but I don’t want to. If I move up showing will go from being a fun thing I do on the weekends to a job. I already have a stressful job, this is my fun time.” Hearing her say that was such a relief. She was able to articulate her why to others, not as a justification, but rather as an education.

So first find your “Why”, then build your goals around that, and lastly share that with others, I am sure it will resonate and it will help you find your support system.

Sarah Carlan. Anna Lens Equine Photo.

Sarah Carlan has a MSW from Smith College School for Social Work, a BA in Neuroscience and Animal Behavior from Mount Holyoke College, and over 15 years experience working as a therapist and group facilitator. Before starting her own practice, Sarah worked as a school counselor and a Child and Family Therapist in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Over the years, she has facilitated support groups, team trainings, and retreats for schools, hospitals, and nonprofits. Today, Sarah coaches a diverse range of clients, including C-suite executives, educators, medical providers, and equestrians. To learn more about Sarah, visit sarahcarlan.com. 

These Hardworking Area 3 Volunteers Were Rewarded with a Special Clinic at Barnstaple South

By on Mar 22, 2021 12:30 pm -

Audrey Bennett on Bones. Photo by Jaci Bennett.

Have you ever said the “Please let me not have a rail today prayer?” If so, you are not alone! How decisive is the show jumping phase in eventing competitions? Just ask a rider who has seen their lead in dressage evaporate after the stadium phase. With that in mind, Barnstaple South in Ocala, Fl. hosted a Stadium Jumping Clinic just for Area 3 volunteers on Saturday, March 13th.

The clinic was funded by a USEA Foundation Le Samurai Grant submitted by Krista Wilson of Tampa, Fl. The USEA Foundation allocates a total of $10,000 annually from the Le Samurai Fund for adult amateur education programs to support USEA Area activities. This clinic was designed to reward Area 3 volunteers and encourage people to volunteer at local horse trials. To participate in the clinic, each participant had to volunteer for at least ten hours at Area 3 events in 2021. Seventeen horse and rider combinations heeded the call, logged their hours and came to hone their skills with three different exceptional clinicians.

Divided into three parts, the clinic mirrored all of the elements from the show jumping phase. Part one covered learning how to walk the course to proactively plan a successful ride. Part two included warming up for the stadium round to generate the positive momentum needed for a focused rider and horse. Part three provided the finale: riding the course with the pressure to impress, candid feedback, and the opportunity to ride the entire course or parts of it again in order to bring it all together for ongoing success.

Kristen Clark-Sealy and Mossy. Photo by Donna Burch.

Joachim Englert, a Grand Prix rider and trainer from Germany who trained many riders up to the grand prix level, is the course designer for Majestic Oaks in Reddick, Fl. He set up the 9 jump/10 effort course on the rolling grass terrain. He walked the course with each group, pointing out how to correctly walk strides and how the uphill or downhill slope of the course would affect the rounds.

“You need to be able to do the number of strides YOU want to do”, he explained of the two bending lines on course. When asked was was the most important thing to do as a rider before a course, he said, “before approaching the first jump, take the time to establish the canter based on YOUR horse so that you have the correct pace and rhythm to feel the distance between jumps.”

“Jo was absolutely fantastic with the course walk,” clinic participant Heather Wools said. “He clearly explained the various aspects of the course to consider, especially with the terrain variations on grass, how and when to adjust strides based on if you came into a line too hot, or where the focus of the line should be, based on course design and terrain. It was an absolutely fantastic experience!”

Hilda Donahue, a well-known eventing and endurance rider and trainer who always finds a way to inject confidence through her positive approach, was in charge of warming up the participants. Audrey Bennett, who rode in the clinic with her pony, Bad to The Bone, commented, “It was a great learning experience for me and Bones. Hilda taught us things during the warm up we didn’t even realize we had to fix. But once we did, we saw immediate improvement, came off our warm up and put it all together for a solid clean round.”

Joachim with Amy Allmond, Lee Fairchild and Audrey Bennett. Photo by Jaci Bennett.

Lori Rice, riding her horse Cas, said this was Cas’ first clinic and that he was quite tense. She said Hilda patiently helped her work through it and also helped her position herself better on the horse to land on a specific lead to leave on a confident note to ride the course. Keegan Oswald rode her horse Bones and said working with Hilda was a big eye-opener. “She didn’t try to change what works for my horse, but as she watched our routine, she picked up on minor things I could improve to get a better warmup out of my horse,” she said. “She really helped boost my confidence going into my first training level stadium round. It ended up being the best warm-up I have had since I have owned my horse!”

Carol Ogden, a USEA Technical Delegate and a leader on the Florida eventing scene as President of the Florida Horse Trials Association, had the job of judging the stadium phase, talking to the variety of riders immediately following their course ride. To recreate the pressure felt at shows, riders came from warm-up and were given a whistle as they would at an event. Carol was able to quickly spot where the riders needed to improve, gave each specific feedback and sent them back out to do it again.

Jaci Bennett, one of the volunteers for the clinic, commented, “Carol quizzed each rider about the key stadium round regulations and when ready blew the whistle to start. With her stop watch, judging sheet and experienced view, she created that familiar show jump round pressure to give the riders and their horses an authentic experience.”

“My green horse was very distracted and did not handle the environment well!” Heather Wools said. “Carol was excellent in discussing the areas we needed to work on to grow to the level we need.”

The day would not have run so smoothly without the support of Derek Strine, owner of Barnstaple. He provided the gorgeous venue and provided a delicious lunch for lots of hungry participants. We greatly appreciate his generous support of all the volunteers.

Many thanks to Ann Schielmann, MaryAnn Giandonato, Chris Aytug and Jaci Bennett for all of their help. Even at a clinic for volunteers, we needed volunteers! Krista Wilson, who seemed to be everywhere at once, wrote the grant responsible for the clinic and coordinated all of the details. In closing, everyone would like to offer their MANY THANKS to the USEA Foundation who made this day possible via the Le Samurai Grant.

Lori Rice on Cas. Photo by Donna Burch.

With the success of this clinic, there is definitely interest to hold another in the future to drive our USEA volunteer efforts. Krista would like to sincerely thank all of the clinicians, participants and volunteers who made this a very special and productive day. Everyone left with big smiles, bigger goals, tangible areas to improve and most of all a feeling of sincere appreciation for their volunteer efforts in 2021.

The Le Samurai Fund was established by Rebecca Broussard and Amy Tryon in memory of the great five-star horse Le Samurai. The USEA Foundation has allocated a total of $10,000 annually from the Le Samurai Fund for adult amateur education programs that are USEA Area activities. Grants from the fund are in addition to Area allotments and can be used for the same adult amateur education programs. The Area Chair should fill out one application form per year and have the principal organizer sign it and send it to the USEA. Grants will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon approval, the funds will be forwarded to the Area Treasurer. The maximum grant request is $1,000 per annum.

Weekend Winners: Carolina International, Ocala, Pine Top, SAZEA

By on Mar 22, 2021 9:30 am -

As we inch closer towards the first five-star of the 2021 season, it’s been thrilling to follow the action from the top levels as horses and riders get their final preps for Kentucky in. But there’s also something equally special about watching the riders contesting the lower levels, maybe aiming for their first FEI or even their first recognized horse trial this season. I particularly love this Weekend Winners column for this reason, as it gives me a chance to celebrate all the riders out there kicking on towards their goals. Congratulations to all of our winners!

Alyssa Phillips is no stranger to our Unofficial Low Score Award, and she picks it up this weekend at Ocala Winter II with FE Celestino, winning the Modified B division on a score of 21.5. FE Celestino (Ce-Matin – Antigone) is a 7-year-old Mecklenburg gelding that Alyssa has had in her program since he was a young horse contesting the lower levels. Low scores are no surprise from this pair – they previously earned a 17.1 at Training level earlier this month.

Carolina International: [Website] [Final Results]

CCI4*S: Will Coleman and Off The Record (27.5)
CCI3*S: Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool (23.9)
CCI2*S: Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel (30.8)
Advanced: Tim Bourke and Quality Time (44.0)
Open Intermediate: Holly Payne Caravella and CharmKing (23.0)
Open Preliminary: Clayton Fredericks and Galliard’s Lancer (29.5)
Preliminary Rider: Alexis Poe and Tell ‘M Nothin (46.3)
Modified A: Hugh Wrigley and FE Money Made (25.0)
Modified B: Ema Klugman and RF Redfern (24.6)
Open Training: Sara Beth Anton and Legionnaire (25.5)
Training Rider A: Natalie Epstein and Lickity Split (34.6)
Training Rider B: Natalie Epstein and Fanta (28.9)

Ocala Winter II H.T.: [Website] [Final Results]

Advanced CT: Dom Schramm and Bolytair B (29.5)
Advanced/Intermediate: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum (23.0)
Intermediate Rider: Kit Ferguson and Cillbhrid Tom
Open Intermediate: Dasha Ivandaeva and Kingcarra Cooley Diamond (31.2)
Open Intermediate Jackpot: Matthew Bryner and Nile Gold (46.5)
Open Preliminary: Mikensey Johansen and Roses Are Red (38.8)
Open Preliminary Friday: Kendyl Tracy and Bobbie Burns (27.3)
Open Preliminary Jackpot: Tamie Smith and Cheers (31.3)
Preliminary Horse: Joe Meyer and Island Lake (29.6)
Preliminary Rider: Kelly Taylor and Kynymont Indelibly Irish (30.0)
Modified A: Kimmy Cecere and Landmark’s Jungle’s Gold (31.3)
Modified B: Alyssa Phillips and FE Calestino (21.5)
Modified C: Meghan O’Donoghue and Rapid Romero KV (28.3)
Open Modified Jackpot: Alex O’Neal and Redtail Penumbra (35.0)
Junior Training: Alyssa Craig and OT Bandini (33.6)
Open Training A: Kelly Hutchinson and Pappillon Van Het Hellehof (25.5)
Open Training B: Maya Candadai and Galwaybay (27.8)
Open Training Jackpot: Jamie McAllister and Make Believe (30.7)
Senior Training A: Tracey Corey and Byrnwyck West (31.7)
Senior Training B: Tracey Corey and Super Nova (30.5)
Training Horse A: Kendyl Tracy and Oboras Goldwing (28.8)
Training Horse B: Buck Davidson and Up On Stage (24.1)
Junior Novice A: Olivia Marsh and Decadence (26.4)
Junior Novice B: Emma Wick and Avalon Realta (29.8)
Novice Horse A: Megan Loughnane and Lynton (25.5)
Novice Horse B: Amelia Ebhardt and Fernhill In Motion (23.8)
Open Novice A: Kelly Prather and Crafty Don (24.8)
Open Novice B: McKena Knott and Alice Alice (26.4)
Open Novice Jackpot: Liz Lund and R’Mani CF (26.0)
Senior Novice A: Robin Barr and Tout Fini (28.8)
Senior Novice B: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (24.3)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Sarah Egel and My Lucky Irish (32.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Catherine Gallagher and Higher Calling (32.4)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kendyl Tracy and Davino (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice B: Melanie Helms MD and PS Gran Torino (29.7)

Pine Top Farm Spring H.T.: [Website] [Final Results]

Intermediate Rider: Katherine DeLaney and Canto Royale (38.7)
Open Intermediate: Ashley Hays and Call It Courage (32.0)
Preliminary Jr/YR: Meg Pellegrini and Cici Top (29.9)
Open Preliminary A: Boyd Martin and Catarina (27.8)
Open Preliminary B: Jessica Schultz and Rocky Top City (33.3)
Preliminary Rider: Sydney Shinn and Nyconn Cat (32.3)
Preliminary/Training: Hannah Keller and Vagabon de Champdoux (28.5)
Jr. Training: Megan Wilson and Get Ready (38.9)
Open Training A: Ryan Wood and Woodstock Argo (30.5)
Open Training B: Kelli Temple and Excel Star Royal Trend (27.6)
Senior Training: Lauren Alexander and Excel Star Over The Moon (31.1)
Training/Novice: Lisa Edinger and Quinto Quest (27.9)
Junior Novice A: Lea Kilpatrick and Zatango (29.7)
Junior Novice B: Molly McLaughlin and Fernhill Sinatra (28.3)
Open Novice A: Lauren Harris and FE Clapton (35.0)
Open Novice B: Erin Flynn Mobley and In Sync (29.1)
Senior Novice A: Jamie Hood and APG Pragmatic Flutter (29.1)
Senior Novice B: Sheila Wiese and Simply Ben (28.6)
Junior Beginner Novice: Margaret Doherty and Ben (28.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kelli Temple and Saint Nick (22.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Eden Dedrick and Excel Star Darcy (30.0)
Senior Beginner Novice: Cami Pease and Vibrant (30.8)

Southern Arizona Eventing Association H.T.: [Website] [Final Results]

Open Preliminary: James Atkinson and Archenemy (36.9)
Open Training: Taylor Timmerman and Snifters Spirit (46.1)
Training Rider: Jennifer Achilles and Excel Star Lance (34.4)
Novice Rider A: Peyton McAloon and Cue To Blue (39.4)
Novice Rider B: Jennifer Row and Kaoimhe (33.3)
Open Novice: Ghislane Homan-Taylor and Mt. Whitney (24.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Emily Barrett and Mommy’s Ferrari (37.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Olivia Duffy and Top Gun (34.4)
Introductory A: Noah Edgin and Flick (26.9)
Introductory B: Elaine Coller and I Am The Wind (33.9)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Mar 22, 2021 4:48 am -

Spring is so close now that I can practically taste it in the air. Here in the UK, our clocks change this week – but over the last 36 hours, everything’s turned green and the blossoms and blooms have reappeared with a vengeance. This off-season has felt like a long hibernation, and although competitions won’t start for another couple of weeks for us mere mortals, British Eventing’s ‘elite’ season openers are well underway. If I can’t get out eventing my own horse just yet, a full day of live-stream action from Oasby Elite OI – jam-packed with the country’s best horses – is a pretty good alternative. 

National Holiday: It’s Daffodil Day. TBH, seeing a sea of yellow appear on the verges of the lanes over the past few days has been a huge moral boost, so thanks, lil’ dudes.

US Weekend Action:

Carolina International CCI and H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Ocala Winter II H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Pine Top Farm Spring H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Southern Arizona Eventing Association H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Global Eventing Round-Up:

It’s been another busy weekend Down Under, with The Horseland Australian Championships at Wandin Park hosting international classes from CCI2*-S to CCI4*-S, plus a CCI3*L. 23-year-old Samuel Jeffree took the four-star riding Woodmount Lolita, marking his first four-star win – and fourth international win with the mare – and becoming the Australian National Champion. Sam’s an impressive force to be reckoned with in his home country, having competed up to Intermediare in pure dressage, too – and if his name looks familiar, you might have come across him in 2019 when he spent six weeks working for Boyd Martin.

Your Monday Reading List:

New research has uncovered another chapter in the story of equine evolution. Come for the scintillating scientific intel, stay for the ‘stilt-legged horses’. Think we’ve seen a few of those in real life. [New revelations on the evolution of the horse revealed in fresh study]

Honestly, sometimes I think our horses exist solely to embarrass us in public in creative ways. You might remember this throwback, courtesy of Horse&Hound – it’s a real doozy. [Throwback to this ultimate ‘I can’t believe it’ equestrian competition moment…]

Fancy some footwork exercises this week? Canada’s Waylon Roberts has the layout you need to help prepare for the season to come. [Grid Pro Quo: Waylon Roberts]

Struggling to shorten your horse’s frame and manage true collection and connection? Dressage rider Charly Edwards‘s exercise will get you well on your way in your schooling sessions this week. [#SundaySchool: How to collect your horse]

“I guess it’s over. My relationship is over, and there’s nothing left to repair because I managed to end it. I killed it.” Showjumper Dani Waldman shares her story in Noelle Floyd‘s ongoing mental health series. [Dani G. Waldman: My Tipping Point] 

The FutureTrack Follow:

If you love vintage photos and paintings of equestrians, Jodhpurs and Sons will tick all your boxes. Fascinating history, gorgeous sepia-toned snapshots, and lots of elephant ear breeches – it’s perfect escapism into the rich tapestry of equestrianism.

Morning Viewing:

Arena eventing is a huge part of many horses’ and riders’ off-season education in Europe – and if you want to steal some ideas for your own arena, this comprehensive video from a recent competition in Ireland’s Development Series will certainly inspire you.

How to Watch the Elite Eventing Action at Oasby Tomorrow

By on Mar 21, 2021 10:00 am -

Piggy March and Vanir Kamira. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Many of the world’s leading event riders are set to converge on Oasby in the UK for their Elite event on Monday, March 22.

Organised by the team at BEDE Events, Oasby Elite attracts major names in the sport and Horse & Country will live stream more than five hours of action from the cross-country phase.

Riders making their way to the Lincolnshire event include 2020 Pau 5* winner, Laura Collet and London 52, Burghley winners, Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street along with Piggy March, Tom McEwen and Ros Canter. The line-up is second to none with many riders bringing their top horses to take part in the Open Intermediate section and get their season underway.

The stream starts at 7:30 a.m. EST/11:30 a.m. BST on Monday and will run until around 1 p.m. EST/5 p.m. BST with the cross-country course designed to give riders and horses a good “pipe opener” as they start their competition campaign. Well-known commentator and international rider, Spencer Sturmey, will bring the action to life as riders make their way around Stuart Buntine’s cross-country course.

H&C Director of Content, Jonathan Rippon said: “We are delighted to be live streaming Oasby Elite. It will be a real feast for eventing fans to be able to see so many of the country’s major stars in action throughout the Monday afternoon. It is brilliant to get live stream coverage from the UK underway and showcase what a magical sport eventing is to our worldwide audience. We will also be live streaming Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in April and hope to announce more upcoming live streaming from other events as they get confirmed.”

To watch the live stream, make sure you are signed up to H&C+, Horse & Country’s worldwide streaming service. H&C+ members can watch online or with H&C’s mobile apps, as well as on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire. Membership is just £5.99 per month and full details on how to join can be found at horseandcountry.tv.

Oasby Elite: [Schedule and Entries]

Sunday Links

By on Mar 21, 2021 12:01 am -

We are excited to learn there are five entries from Jonelle and Tim Price who are slated for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event next month. Jonelle shared the above post, but their names have not yet been added to the entry list. Recognize any familiar faces?

U.S. Weekend Action:

Carolina International CCI and H.T.: [Website] [Schedule] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Orders of Go] [Live Stream] [Live Scores]

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

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

Southern Arizona Eventing Association H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

International Eventing Action:

Oasby Elite H.T. (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times/Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Sunday Links: 

US eventing rule aimed to improve safety put on hold until 2023

Winners Declared After Cross-Country Shuffles Leaderboards at Carolina International

British breeding comes together to support mental health in Matthew Wright’s memory

BFFs Wallace And Ashker Share A Bond Over OTTBs

From A Humble Beginning, Off The Record Steps Up Again For Carolina International CCI4*-S Win

Dani G. Waldman: My Tipping Point

Sunday Video: Ride around Carolina with Lainey Ashker and Call Him Paddy:

Will Coleman and Off the Record Victorious After Leaderboard Shuffle at Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International

By on Mar 20, 2021 9:16 pm -

Will Coleman and Off the Record. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Cross country proved influential across all divisions once again at the Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial, presented by Lumbee River EMC. All three winners added nothing to their overnight scores to take home the FEI wins with Will Coleman and his own Off The Record bringing home the Setters’ Run Farm CCI4*-S title, Phillip Dutton and Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool picking up the blue in the Attwood Equestrian Services CCI3*-S, and Andrew McConnon securing the Breezeway Sporthorse and Diagnostic Clinic and Friendship Mobile Veterinary Imaging and Sports Medicine CCI2*-S win with Jeanne Shigo’s D’Luxe Steel.

In the Setters’ Run Farm CCI4*-S, time proved the hardest to make of any division. Double clears were hard to come by with Coleman producing the only one of the day to take the win. He and Off The Record (VDL Arkansas – Drumagoland Bay, by Ard Ohio), a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, came home well within the optimum and made Ian Stark’s course look easy en route to the win.

“It was a good weekend for us. I thought my horses ran really well. I was particularly happy with Off The Record. He was on fire out there and just lives for the cross country. As soon as he left the start box, he was on a mission. I was really pleased and looking forward to the next event,” Coleman said of Off the Record.

“I love Carolina International. You get a real proper run and the ground was perfect. They have done such great work on the turf and a lot of credit goes to the organizing committee and their wonderful sponsors. They have answered the call for what we want in high profile events in the USA and they deserve to be applauded,” Coleman added about the event.

Falling just one spot on the leaderboard after cross country in the CCI4*-S to second place was Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night (Radolin – Argentina XII, by Argentinus). The 18-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding who won the division in 2019, was clear but picked up 6.8 time faults after finishing 17 seconds over the optimum time.

“I am totally thrilled with both my horses, Fernhill By Night and Cooley Stormwater today. {Fernhill By Night}ran as fast as he could run. Everything ran pretty much to plan and the time was tough this year. He isn’t a racehorse but is such a good boy and really fights for me. He gave me a super round and he gave me everything he had,” Halliday-Sharp said of her round today.

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Rounding out the top three in the CCI4*-S was Will Faudree and Sterling Silver Stables and Jennifer Mosing’s PFun (Tadmus – Celerina, by Cento). They nearly produced the second double clear of the day coming home just one second over to add .4 to their dressage score after jumping clear yesterday.

“My weekend was great and today was a really fun day. PFun was amazing. He is really learning how to go quick and be as efficient as he can be. I was thrilled that I got as close to the time as I did. I am kicking myself for adding a stride at the corners otherwise he would have made it. I am so pleased with him and very excited for the future,” Faudree said of his weekend and his round today with PFun.

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

The Attwood Equestrian Services CCI3*-S produced the only wire-to-wire victory of the event with Phillip Dutton and Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool (Quo Vados – B-Estelle, by Lord), a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding, picking up the win.

“I was really pleased with Quasi Cool. You had to work to get the time and the jumps came up fast and quick. Because of the terrain, it always rides a little bit harder than it walks but it was pretty educational for horses. Quasi Cool was very mature and I was really pleased with the result,” Dutton said.

The top three in the CCI3* only slightly shuffled with Halliday-Sharp and The Stormwater Group’s Cooley Stormwater moving up one spot to finish in second and Sydney Elliot moving up from fourth after show jumping to finish in third with Carol Stephens’s Commando D’Osthuy.

Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

In the Breezeway Sporthorse and Diagnostic Clinic and Friendship Mobile Veterinary Imaging and Sports Medicine CCI2*-S, Andrew McConnon defended his 2019 title adding nothing to his score today to top the division with D’Luxe Steel (Up to Date – Nicola D, by Iroko), a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jeanne Shigo.

“I am really proud of D’Luxe Steel today. He made light work of his first 2*. My goal was to let him have a quick run today not only because he was in a competitive position, but also looking towards the future with a CCI2*L. I took some tighter lines more for practice and he is always looking for the jumps and the flags. He gave me a great feeling from start to finish,” McConnon said of D’Luxe Steel.

Following a fall at fence 10 on the CCI4*-S cross country course, Fortuna ridden by Bobby Meyerhoff was treated on the scene and transported back to the stabling. As of Saturday evening, Fortuna is resting comfortably. Any further inquiries should be directed to Bobby Meyerhoff. Bobby was uninjured.

Carolina International is also hosting Training through Advanced level horse trial divisions, which got underway Friday with dressage, and will conclude their competition Sunday with their final jumping phases.

After the cancelation of last year’s event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Carolina Horse Park has rolled out even more improvements to the cross country track and is debuting new complexes including Normandy Banks for all FEI levels in 2021. All competitors and officials have sung praises for both the footing and courses. Knowlbrook Farms has been crucial in land management developing the galloping lanes and providing extensive tree removal to ensure each and every course at the Carolina International has world-class ground.

Horse and Country TV is the official live streaming partner of Carolina International. In addition to providing wall-to-wall live streaming of all of the Setters’ Run Farm CCI4*-S, Horse and Country is also offering live and on demand coverage of the Attwood Equestrian Services CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S show jumping and cross country phases. Visit https://horseandcountry.tv/en-us/ for more information.

Brant Gamma Photography is the official photographer for this weekend’s competition. Brant and her team will be on site all weekend to cover all the action. Riders can visit their tent located behind Barn A to purchase photos.

Carolina International CCI & H.T.: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Orders of Go, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

Tokyo Olympics Will Not Allow Foreign Spectators

By on Mar 20, 2021 12:00 pm -

Embed from Getty Images

Organizers for the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo have confirmed that overseas spectators will not be permitted for the Games, which commence on July 23. The decision was made as the coronavirus pandemic continues its grip on the world; a state of emergency declared by the country for the past month due to a spike in cases will be lifted on Monday, March 22.

“Currently, the COVID-19 situation in Japan and many other countries around the world is still very challenging and a number of variant strains have emerged, whilst international travel remains severely restricted globally,” a statement released by the Five Parties (the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), the Organizing Committee Tokyo 2020 and the Government of Japan) says.

“Based on the present situation of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that entry into Japan will be guaranteed this summer for people from overseas. In order to give clarity to ticket holders living overseas and to enable them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This conclusion will further contribute to ensure safe and secure Games for all participants and the Japanese public.”

The statement does not expressly prohibit spectators who are residents of Japan – according to a figure used by NPR, approximately 4.5 million tickets to the Olympics had already been sold to Japanese residents. No figures were provided for the amount of overseas sales, but it’s been estimated that these purchases make up 10-20% of the total ticket sales.

The eventing portion of the Olympics will kick off on Friday, July 30 and conclude on Monday, August 2. You can view the entire equestrian event schedule here.

Carolina International CCI4*S Cross Country Live Updates: Will Coleman Takes the Win

By on Mar 20, 2021 10:15 am -

Good morning and welcome to cross country day for the FEI riders competing at the Setter’s Run Carolina International CCI and H.T. at Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, Nc. We’re nearly set for the first pair to take a spin around Ian Stark’s twisting, turning track with an optimum time of 6 minutes, 29 seconds. You can check out a map of the track, which is laid out similarly to its 2019 predecessor.

You can take advantage of the great live stream provided by Horse & Country TV today with an H&C+ membership (which is well worth the $10 cost for the plethora of content the platform has available!), and we’ll kick off some live updates here in this thread for the CCI4*S at 10:30 a.m. EST with the first pair out, Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba. Today’s cross country finale will be run in reverse order of standing, meaning we’ll see overnight leaders Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night out of the start box at 12:09 p.m. EST. The full order of go can be found here.

Thanks for tuning in with us! Refresh this page periodically for the latest updates from our remote coverage. Here’s to safe, clear, and fast rides for all today! Go Eventing.

Carolina International CCI & H.T.: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Orders of Go, Live Stream, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage

1:46 p.m. EST: We’ve just been made aware that the scores for the CCI4*S have been updated to reflect a different result: Will Coleman and Off the Record have been declared winners! It looks like Liz’s time and time penalties were reported incorrectly at first; her time of 6 minutes and 46 seconds gives her 6.8 time penalties for a final score of 29.8. This moves Will, on the heels of the only double clear of the day, up to take the lead with Off the Record on a score of 27.5. Apologies for the incorrect reporting while scores were still finalizing. We’ll have the final report for you soon!

1:12 p.m. EST: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night are your winners of the 2021 Carolina International CCI4*S! Liz picked up four time penalties, which ended up enough to hold off a late charge from Will Coleman and Off the Record, who will take second place. Will Faudree and Pfun round out the podium. Stay tuned for a full report from the Carolina press team, coming soon!

1:06 p.m. EST: Will Coleman and Off the Record move into second (at least) after Phillip picks up 21.6 time with Carlchen. Meanwhile, big smiles from Team Halliday:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

1:05 p.m. EST: A different camera view so you can see that first corner:

GIf via Horse & Country TV.

1:03 p.m. EST: Liz is home clear! Waiting for her and Phillip’s time…

1:02 p.m. EST: Matt Flynn and Wizzerd pick up 13.2 time to drop out of the top three, but a lovely round for this pair.

1:01 p.m. EST: Phillip and Carlchen scrape their way through the Lighthouse Water:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:59 p.m. EST: Liz Halliday Sharp and Fernhill By Night are out on course and clear through 9. They have 3.2 time penalties to play with to retain their lead as of now:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:58 p.m. EST: Matt Flynn and Wizzerd come home clear after a lovely round despite the hold. A look at their trip through the Tobacco Barn corners:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:56 p.m. EST: Will Coleman and Off the Record finish INSIDE the time! Our only one of the day so far. They’ll end their weekend on a score of 27.5. They could well take home the top honors should the remaining riders pick up enough time. Here’s a look at Phillip through the MLB Mounds at fence 4:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:55 p.m. EST: We’re into our top two! Phillip Dutton and Carlchen are away.

12:53 p.m. EST: Will Coleman is home clean with Off the Record. Here’s another look at that Tobacco Barn corner question, where you can really see how Ian has used the terrain to make the question even more challenging. Note how the ground falls away (after a pretty blind turn from the A) to the left away from the B corner:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:52 p.m. EST: The pin has been repaired and we’re getting back underway. Horses on course right now are Off the Record with Will Coleman and Wizzerd with Matt Flynn.

12:49 p.m. EST: Overnight leader Liz Halliday-Sharp with Fernhill By Night and Phillip Dutton on Carlchen, passing time in the warm-up while we’re on a hold.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:47 p.m. EST: Doug Payne came home with 12 time penalties. A look at the course crew fixing the frangible corner at 19:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:46 p.m. EST: Here’s a look at a lovely ride through the Normandy Bank question for Will Coleman and Off the Record:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:45 p.m. EST: Unfortunately, Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie’s weekend will come to an end after the pair comes to grief at the final corners, the Tobacco Barn. C’est La Vie put his legs down in the second corner, breaking the pin and unseating Woods. We’ll now go onto another hold while the pin is put back into place. Woods and C’est La Vie are walking away and appear to be unscathed. This pair will be back to fight another day!

12:44 p.m. EST: Will is straight as an arrow through the coffin with Off the Record.

Horse and Country TV GIF.

12:42 p.m. EST: Will Coleman and his top-placed horse after two phases, Off the Record, are our next pair out.

12:40 p.m. EST: Damn! Woods came in a bit too hot too the Normandy Bank, and C’est La Vie just couldn’t make the bounce stride work. They’ll be ok to take the option here and continue on. Here’s a look at Doug on his way home with Starr Witness:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:38 p.m. EST: Hometown hero Will Faudree turns in the quickest round of the day with Pfun, picking up just one second of time for a final score of 31.6.

12:37 p.m. EST: Doug Payne and Starr Witness are clear through the Normandy Bank while Will Faudree is home clear with Pfun. Woods Baughman and C’est La vie 135 is away – the recent recipient of the 2021 Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant, Woods is a definitive “one to watch”.

12:36 p.m. EST: Here’s a look at recent scores since I haven’t been doing a very good job of tracking scores!

12:35 p.m. EST: We’ll now see Doug Payne and Starr Witness, coming into the final top six to see.

12:34 p.m. EST: Will and Pfun have a lovely trip through the coffin at 8:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:32 p.m. EST: Will Faudree with his third ride, Pfun, now join us on course. Sharon White completes clear with Cooley On Show. Clayton Fredericks and FE Stormtrooper are clear through the Butterfly Water at 13.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:31 p.m. EST: Sydney Elliott finishes with 3.2 time for one of the quicker rounds of the day.

12:30 p.m. EST: Sharon has a calm and cool ride through the Butterfly Water at 13:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:29 p.m. EST: Clayton Fredericks is away with his final ride, FE Stormtrooper. Here’s a look at a nice ride through the Tobacco Barn Corners for Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

12:25 p.m. EST: Ok, we are back underway! It’s such a challenge to have a hold of any length on course. We’ll resume with Sydney Elliot on course as well as Sharon White with Cooley On Show.

12:23 p.m. EST: I’ve just had an update from the media team at Carolina that Fortuna is out of the ditch and on her way back to the barn. We should see competition resume here shortly and will attempt to provide a more complete update on Fortuna as soon as we can.

12:20 p.m. EST: Still on a hold – will provide updates when they are available.

11:56 a.m. EST: We’re still holding – no official updates at this point, but from what it looked like on the live stream, Fortuna had gotten stuck on her back in the ditch. Before the camera cut away, she was not panicking. If she’s stuck on her back, it will take some logistics to get her safely out so I’m only assuming that’s the nature of the hold.

11:45 a.m. EST: We are going to go onto a hold while Bobby and Fortuna are tended to.

11:43 a.m. EST: Bobby and Fortuna miss the jump up to the Normandy Bank, pitching Bobby up the bank and leaving Fortuna in the ditch. Bobby was up right away but Fortuna was a bit stuck in the ditch. We’ll keep you updated on what we hear on this pair, who will end their weekend here.

11:42 a.m. EST: Bobby and Fortuna have a problem at the C element of the coffin at 8. They’ve taken the option and are back on their way. Next out are Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire.

11:41 a.m. EST: We’re joined now by Bobby Meyerhoff and the big jumper, Fortuna. Elisa and Let It Be Lee have a big jump into the Butterfly Water:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:40 a.m. EST: Covert Rights slips a bit on landing after the first corner at the Tobacco Barns but he and Colleen make the last jump clean. Here’s a look at their trip through the B and C elements of the final water:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:38 a.m. EST: Elisa and Let It Be Lee pick up a runout early at fence 4, the MLB Mounds. They’re clear on the second attempt.

11:37 a.m. EST: Booli Selmayr and Millfield Lancando are home clear. Elisa Wallace is back with us now with Let It Be Lee, also making his four-star debut.

11:36 a.m. EST: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights are on course and clear through the coffin at 8.

11:34 a.m. EST: Call Him Paddy takes issue with the first open corner at the Tobacco Barn and picks up two stops, but Laine lights a fire and gets him through on the third attempt. She’ll be really bummed about those issues, but this pair has a bright future!

11:33 a.m. EST: Laine is giving Call Him Paddy a fantastic ride around the OTTB’s first four-star. Here’s a look at their ride through the back half of the Butterfly Water:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:31 a.m. EST: Phillip Dutton turned in the fastest ride of the day with Sea of Clouds, collecting 2.8 time penalties. Booli Selmayr and Millfield Lancando are away.

11:31 a.m. EST: Laine and Patrick get a bit wiggly through the coffin but she sits tight and makes it happen.

11:30 a.m. EST: Will Coleman and Tight Lines make easy work of the Butterfly Water:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:28 a.m. EST: Laine Ashker and Call Him Paddy are away to make their four-star debut together. Phil and Sea of Clouds are home clear.

11:26 a.m. EST: Sadly, Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z grind to a halt at the in to the final Lighthouse Water and later have a runout at the second open corner at the Tobacco Barn to end their day. Doug Payne and Quantum Leap picked up 6 time penalties. Will Coleman is back with his second ride, Tight Lines.

11:25 a.m. EST: Sea Of Clouds leaves a leg at the in to the coffin, unseating Phillip as he tries to stay on his line. Phil gives us flashbacks to Rio in 2016 with Mighty Nice with his sticky seat.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:22 a.m. EST: Lexi has probably the smoothest drive-by ever as she gets off her line going to the chevron after the Normandy Bank. Instead of panicking and pulling for a line that wasn’t there, she just allows the horse to continue galloping, circling back for a re-attempt. Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds are away.

11:20 a.m. EST: Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way pick up 7.6 time to be one of the speedier of the day so far. He was also quick earlier, picking up 6 with FRH Ramona.

11:19 a.m. EST: Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z are next away. Lexi spent some time working with William Fox-Pitt in England last year – you can read more about her time there and lessons learned here.

11:17 a.m. EST: Will Coleman and Don Dante’s time stands as the quickest of the day so far; the next fastest so far is Doug Payne and Vandiver. Clayton Fredericks and his second ride, FE Ophelia, are on course. Here’s a look at Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way through the Lighthouse Water at 19:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:16 a.m. EST: Doug and Quantum Leap are nippy and clear through the coffin at fence 8ABC:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:12 a.m. EST: Will and Mama’s Magic Way are clear through the Normandy Bank at 10. Doug Payne is away again with Quantum Leap.

11:10 a.m. EST: Bobby and Albano grind to a halt up the big Normandy Bank at fence 10. This fence has an option, which they elect to take.

11:09 a.m. EST: Bobby and Albano through the Trackside Brushes at fence 5AB. He’s pretty sticky through the coffin at 8 but they’re clear. Will Faudree and his second ride, Mama’s Magic Way, are away. Missy Miller and Quinn should be just about home and seem to be clear so far.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:07 a.m. EST: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me show us how to jump the B and C elements of the Lighthouse Water at fence 19. Bobby Meyerhoff and his second ride, Albano, are away.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

11:05 a.m. EST: Elisa Wallace, who has two horses debuting at the CCI4*S level this weekend like the crazy person badass she is, is home clear with Riot Gear.

11:02 a.m. EST: Fun fact: only 12% of the CCI4*S starters here at Carolina have made the time since the event’s inception in 2014. So far this track is riding smoothly, but riders coming later will want to find ways to shave off a few seconds if time is their goal. This is, as always, a big advantage for riders with multiple horses – six riders in this division have at least two horses this year in the four-star.

11:01 a.m. EST: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me are next out of the box.

10:59 a.m. EST: Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise show us the C and D elements of the Butterfly Water.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:58 a.m. EST: Elisa Wallace and Riot Gear are away.

10:57 a.m. EST: Jules Ennis and Cooley O are listed with 20 penalties, likely from their circle early on at the MLB Mounds.

10:55 a.m. EST: Next away are Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise. Jules and Zoe are both home clear.

10:55 a.m. EST: Weeee! Zoe Crawford and the handy K.E.C. Zara fly into the Butterfly Water at fence 13.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:53 a.m. EST: Doug Payne picks up 5.2 time penalties, making Will Coleman and Don Dante’s round with 3.2 time the fastest so far. Check out the final combination, the Tobacco Barn Corners at fence 20, demonstrated by Jules Ennis and Cooley O:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:51 a.m. EST: Daniel Clasing and MW Gangster’s Game are next out of the box.

10:49 a.m. EST: Doug and Vandiver are home clear! Next out are Zoe Crawford and K.E.C. Zara.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:47 a.m. EST: Jules Ennis and Cooley O are out next out. She circles before the MLB Mounds – it doesn’t look like she had a runout, rather maybe just got off her line? Will have to keep an eye on scores.

10:43 a.m. EST: Speed master Doug Payne and Vandiver are away – look for this pair to be fairly quick today!

10:43 a.m. EST: Clayton and FE Always In Time are clear through the coffin at fence 8ABC:

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:40 a.m. EST: Bobby and Lumumba as well as Will and FRH Ramona are home clear. Clayton Fredericks and his first ride, FE Always In Time, are away. We’ve got quite a few horses on course at once, so bear with me while I try to keep up with everyone!

10:38 a.m. EST: Will Faudree and FRH Ramona boldly into the Butterfly water at fence 13.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:36 a.m. EST: Will Coleman and Don Dante are our third out, also Will’s first of three rides.

10:34 a.m. EST: Bobby and Lumumba demonstrate the first elements of the Normandy Bank at 10.

GIF via Horse & Country TV.

10:33 a.m. EST: Next out is Will Faudree with FRH Ramona, his first of three rides in the four-star this morning.

10:30 a.m. EST: Welcome to cross country day! We’re getting ready to set sail with Holly Hudspeth and Jimmy Wofford in the commentator’s booth on Horse & Country TV. Kevin Keane will also join the booth this morning. I highly recommend signing up for a H&C+ membership to catch this and many more live streams both here and overseas – click here to learn more! Our first pair, Bobby Meyerhoff and Lumumba, have left the box and we’re underway!

Here are a few peeks around the track found on social media:

Saturday Links

By on Mar 20, 2021 12:01 am -

It really seems like forever since there’s been a solid day of live streaming cross country, but today is the day! Starting at about 9:00 AM EST today and running through at least 2:30 PM, the 3*, 4*, Advanced and 2* cross country from the Carolina International will be streaming on Horse & Country TV. At least if we can’t be there to spectate in person, a good live stream is the next best thing for sure. Pour yourself some coffee and get comfy!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Carolina International CCI and H.T.: [Website] [Schedule] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Orders of Go] [Live Stream] [Live Scores]

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

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

Southern Arizona Eventing Association H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

International Eventing Action:

Oasby Elite H.T. (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times/Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Saturday Links:

One To Watch: Scovil’s Brought Home Countless Lessons From Her U.K. Adventure

Featured Clinician: Karen O’Connor

Riders should apply Covid principles at shows to also protect against spread of EHV

Dani G. Waldman: My Tipping Point

Q&A: Can You Insure a Horse During an EHV Outbreak?

Postural effects of different hay-net heights examined in study

Saturday Video: You have to admit it — this is pretty accurate: