Classic Eventing Nation

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:

Liz Halliday-Sharp & Fernhill By Night Jump to Carolina CCI4*-S Lead

By on Mar 19, 2021 7:21 pm -

When the dust settled after today’s show jumping phase at the Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial, presented by Lumbee River EMC, Liz Halliday-Sharp was the new leader of the Setters’ Run Farm CCI4*-S with Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night. She jumped a fault free round to move up one spot after dressage and will be in a great position to defend her title on tomorrow’s cross country course.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night in the CCI4*-S. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.

“{Fernhill By Night} was awesome today and I am really pleased with him. He went in and tried so hard. I thought it was one of his better rounds and he jumped really well. It is the perfect temperature for him being a bit colder today and I am looking forward to taking a crack at it tomorrow,” Halliday-Sharp said of her longtime partner.

Halliday-Sharp will set out tomorrow in pursuit of her title defense as the last rider to leave the start box to tackle Ian Stark’s CCI4*-S cross country course.

“I am going to do my best to give him the best ride that I possibly can tomorrow. He has been here before and that will be really helpful. The waters are big and proper and it’s a big bold course,” Halliday-Sharp added about the cross country tomorrow.

Dropping one spot to sit second in the CCI4*-S is Phillip Dutton and Caroline Moran’s Carlchen, a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding. They just ticked one pole out of the cups and finished one second over the time to add 4.4 penalties to their dressage score.

Phillip Dutton and Carlchen in the CCI4*-S. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.

“Carlchen had a really nice round just a bit of an unfortunate rail but I am really happy with him,” Dutton said of his first CCI4*-S round with Carlchen.

Rounding out the top three in the CCI4*-S after the show jumping phase is Matt Flynn and Kathleen and Patrick Flynn’s Wizzerd. The talented 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood was foot-perfect today and is sitting on his dressage score of 27.3 heading into tomorrow’s cross country phase.

Matt Flynn and Wizzerd in the CCI4*-S. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.

“Wizzerd jumped fantastic today. I was really happy that there was a good atmosphere with the tents and wind. I have been doing some practice at the new World Equestrian Center in Ocala and I think that was really good for him to get more exposure to the atmosphere,” Flynn said. “The course looks good. It’s big not to be taken lightly,” he added about tomorrow’s cross country course.

The top three in the Attwood Equestrian Services CCI3*-S remain the same after a tough show jumping phase that saw only 11 clear rounds. The 39% clear rate was down from the average of 48% that EquiRatings reported from the previous years. The top three after dressage all produced clears to hold their spots on the leaderboard.

Phillip Dutton and Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding, continue to hold the top spot on a 23.9 with Colleen Rutledge and her own C Me Fly, a 9-year-old Westphalian, sitting close behind in second on a 25.8. Liz Halliday-Sharp and The Stormwater Group’s Cooley Stormwater round out the top three on a score of 27.0.

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool in the CCI3*-S. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.

“I thought Quasi Cool jumped brilliantly. He always jumps well, it is just about getting the right tempo in the ring,” Dutton detailed about his round on Quasi Cool. The show jumping proved influential in the Breezeway Sporthorse and Diagnostic Clinic and Friendship Mobile Veterinary Imaging and Sports Medicine CCI2*-S as well. Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jeanne Shigo, jumped a double clear to move up from fourth after dressage to hold the overnight lead in the horse’s first CCI2*.

Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel in the CCI2*-S. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.

“Dean is typically a good show jumper but with the wind and the atmosphere and the jumps being a bit bigger, I was interested in how he would respond. In typical fashion, he stepped up to the plate and jumped a nice double clear. It is particularly fun to have produced him through the levels and to have him feel so great at his first CC2* is so rewarding,” McConnon said.

The CCI3*-S competitors head out on cross country at 9 a.m. EST Saturday, and the CCI4*-S is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. The CCI2*-S will wrap up the day at 1:45 p.m.. The divisions will run in reverse order of standing guaranteeing a thrilling finale. Carolina International is also hosting Training through Advanced level horse trial divisions, which got underway Friday with dressage, and continue the competition Saturday over fences.

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 show jumping and cross country phases. Click here 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.

About Carolina International:

The Carolina International Organizing Committee was formed to build a world class eventing competition in the Sandhills of North Carolina. Leveraging local and national expertise and leadership, we will deliver an outstanding weekend of horse sport and entertainment for riders, owners, grooms, spectators, patrons and sponsors alike.

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

Friday Video from SmartPak: Team Ireland’s Bringing Boybands Back (And It’s the Stuff of Nightmares)

By on Mar 19, 2021 7:00 pm -

I apologise, dear viewer, for the horrors that are about to unfold in front of you. Today’s video instalment may only be a short one, but we suspect you’ll be glad not to gaze in terror into the smirking and animated eyes of Padraig McCarthy (top right) for any longer than absolutely necessary as he and some of the lads from the Irish team – that’s Cathal Daniels (top left), Sam Watson (middle left), Joseph Murphy (middle right), Austin O’Connor (bottom left) and Brian Morrison (bottom right) – deliver you straight back to the dance floors of the noughties. Prepare to have the song stuck in your head, and worse, these extraordinarily creepy faces manifesting themselves in your nightmares for weeks to come.

Go, erm, eventing…?

Stable View Launches ‘Brave Today’ Community Equestrian Outreach Program

By on Mar 19, 2021 1:24 pm -

Photo courtesy of Stable View.

When Barry Olliff says he wants Stable View to be a “gathering place” for the community, he means it. And his newest initiative is focused on opening the doors even wider.

Today the venue announced the launch of “Brave Today,” a community equestrian outreach program for the children and youth of Aiken County, ages eight to sixteen, and future 501(c)3.

“Beginning Monday, April 12th, 2021, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and running every Monday for six weeks, this program is designed to offer and equestrian experience for underprivileged children as well as those children faced with mental health challenges.

“Each child will get the opportunity to engage in horse related activities in an outdoor, friendly and quiet atmosphere. At Stable View they will connect with the horses, stimulating their tactile senses to improve cognition, concentration, memory, social, communication and leadership skills. Every ‘Brave Today’ child will work on developing a relationship with horses and others at their own pace, in a comfortable space, finding their own unique gifts and talents.

“By way of background, it’s estimated that one in five people suffer from a mental health episode everyday, which includes children as young as eight years of age. We believe that these issues are very prevalent in Aiken county. Stable View’s ‘Brave Today’ goal is to provide a safe haven for those children and youth to gather, experience the connection of horses, develop life long skills and provide support after each program through mentorship and scholarships. Helping each individual transition into other local programs similar in nature.”

For more information contact Janice Keats at 707-481-3970 or Stable View at 484-356-3173.

We thank Stable View for its commitment to sharing the therapeutic value of horses with all. And, we’re looking forward to next week’s big event! Over 200 FEI entries have come in for the Spring FEI CCI-S 1/2/3/4* Horse Trials and Adequan/ USEF Youth Team Challenge — you can check the entry status here.

Go Eventing!

For 75 Bucks They’ll Put a Fan Cutout of You in the Stands at Kentucky

By on Mar 19, 2021 10:16 am -

Photo via LRK3DE.

This just in from Kentucky:

“The 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ won’t have spectators this year, but don’t let that keep you from the event!

“Display your LRK3DE support by showing up at Rolex Stadium with a Fan Cutout. For those who are interested in this opportunity, we are grateful and appreciate your support! The fan cutouts will be produced on the same high quality, weatherproof material that we use in our signage to ensure it is a proper representation of you and your likeness.

“For only $75, your Fan Cutout will be displayed in Rolex Stadium during the ‘Best Weekend All Year’! Cutouts will be in place for the entirety of the event, from April 22-25.

“And who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of yourself on the event live stream!”

Order yours here. If you spot a five-foot-tall fan cutout of a chinchilla in the stands this year ….

Tee-hee.

 

Friday News & Notes

By on Mar 19, 2021 12:03 am -

The right way to celebrate finishing dressage. Photo by Brittany Caroline.

I’m sad to be missing Carolina this year, I think it might be my favorite event of the year. The facility is impeccable, the weather is usually nice, the green grass is delightful, and the cross country is one of the best. I’ll be tuning in all weekend to cheer on my friends as they cruise through those pine woods and pump fists through the finish flags. Don’t forget to keep watching our remote coverage for all your updates too!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Ocala Winter II H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Pine Top Farm Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

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

International Eventing Preview:

Oasby Elite H.T. (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Live Stream]

News From Around the Globe:

I’m sure you’ve already been watching our coverage of Carolina International, but are you ready for some fast facts heading into the weekend? With four national levels T-A and three international levels 2*-4*, this weekend is packed with action from all your favorite pairs. Check out the USEA’s breakdown of all the divisions here. [Carolina International Fast Facts]

Our weekly email newsletter is getting a facelift! Starting today, we’ll transition to our all-new weekly email, the EN #ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)! Catch up on news you may have missed from the week, as well as useful links for the upcoming weekend’s events. It’s free to sign up – you can do so here.

Trust and understanding are Andrew McConnon’s two most important factors when training young horses. “Horses are very talented,” McConnon observed. “I think most of them can jump the height of the fences we ask them to jump, but if they don’t understand their jobs or they don’t feel comfortable with not only their rider but with themselves, that can limit a horse pretty drastically. So, if a horse understands me and what I’m going to ask of them, that becomes very important.” [Understanding the Young Event Horse with Andrew McConnon]

How do you celebrate turning 102? Well if you’re Lucia Sines, you put on a red leather jacket, some red boots, and a red cowboy hat and go for a riding lesson. Born in 1919, she’s always loved animals, but never had the opportunity to ride until this day. Worth waiting 102 years for! [Centenarian Goes Riding]

There was an article last week about young professionals experiencing burnout, which I felt what that writer was trying to convey. A lot of riders earning their stripes are treated poorly, and it’s tough. I understand feeling bummed by treatment from other humans in the equestrian world, but complaining about having to do laundry and ride “bad” horses doesn’t quite jibe with me. Are there bad horses? All horses you ride are a privilege, and each one will teach you something, the bad ones will teach you double. [There Will Be No Future Horse Trainers If All You Want To Ride is Nice Horses]

Video: 

Phillip & Olivia Dutton Dominate FEI Dressage at Carolina International

By on Mar 18, 2021 11:01 pm -

Dutton family triple-threat incoming! Phillip Dutton leads both the CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S divisions at Carolina International with daughter Olivia leading the CCI2*-S. We caught up with the Duttons as well as other top-placed pairs contesting the event in Raeford, North Carolina this week.

Phillip Dutton and Carlchen in the CCI4*-S. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.

CCI4*-S

Carlchen who? Actually, Phillip’s new ride is quite well known internationally, having extensive experience at the 4* level on two continents under four previous riders. Bred in Germany, he began his career in Australia with Stuart Tinney in 2015 — they were long-listed for the 2016 Rio Olympics — before heading back to Europe to be campaigned by Francis Whittington, then Michelle Kenny of Ireland, then Lauren McLusky of Great Britain. The 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Clinton x Sunshine, by Lordanos) also gained some notoriety for having been previously owned by fallen financier Spencer Golding, whose implication in a major embezzlement case in the UK last year saw his extensive string of equine assets dispersed.

Carlchen was sourced by Carol Gee of Fernhill Sporthorses and purchased by Caroline Moran in the fall of 2019 for Phillip, but a minor injury and then the interrupted 2020 season drew out their getting-to-know-you period. They returned to competition in October 2020 and at Pine Tip in February blew everyone’s hair back with a record-breaking 15.0 on the flat in their first Advanced start as a pair. Today in the CCI4*-S, they topped the field with a score of 22.6.

“It’s still a work in progress,” Phillip says. “Obviously, he’s a talented horse and I feel very lucky to have him. We’re starting to get to know each other better and how he reacts and what I’ve got to do to get the best out of him. I still feel there’s plenty of room for improvement there, but it’s an exciting time to have a horse like this.”

Ireland’s Michelle Kenny with Carlchen in 2018. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“We’ve had him now about a year and a half, so I have been getting to know him, but I haven’t done much competition-wise with him. He’s a really interesting horse. He’s a quiet horse, but there’s a side to him where he has plenty of energy. He has some pizazz about him as well. I’m starting to understand that. He’s getting fitter and more conditioned, so he’s a bit of a different horse there as well. He’s not quite as easy as he was probably six months ago for me because he’s so much more fit and has so much more energy about him.

“I don’t know him that well yet on cross-country, so Saturday will be a different story. It’ll be a learning process there, but there’s a lot, a lot to like about the horse. He’s so athletic and so balanced. There’s not a great deal of difficulty about it him. It’s just a case of getting to know him and producing him well and for him to get to know what I expect as well.

“He’s still in his developing his strength and fitness stage, so he’s far from peaking yet, so Saturday will be a quiet cross country round but hopefully an educational one for him.”

Best of luck to this exciting new-ish pair. As Maggie Deatrick noted in her Carolina By the Numbers, Carlchen has talent written all over his record. With a career average of 29.6 in dressage, clear rounds in 11 of 15 stadium rounds with never more than a single rail, and primarily clear cross country rounds, the main thing left for Phillip to try improve upon is the horse’s pace across the country.

Liz Halliday and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Shelby Allen.

With Phillip and Carlchen taking it a bit easy on Saturday, all eyes will be on Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night to step into the top spot. They trail by only 0.4 of a point and Carolina is a charmed venue for them, having won the marquee division here in 2018 on their dressage score of 27.9. They improved on that by several points today, scoring a 23.0. (Liz withdrew Deniro Z, who would’ve have been right up in the mix, before dressage due to an abcess. By The Numbers originally had Deniro Z and Blackie ranked #1-2, respectively.)

Liz and “Blackie,” an 18-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Radolin x Argentina XII, by Argentinus) owned by Deborah Halliday, are an old married couple who’ve found their niche in the four-star short format — their wins and top finishes at the level are too numerous to list.

“Blackie is 18 this year and he just really enjoys coming to the shows,” Liz says. And, clearly, he keeps getting better and better. Liz says she thought their score today was generous, but that he stepped up in some ways. “I think today he did the best changes he’s ever done.”

Youth is wasted on the young, isn’t it? Liz says she is playing it by ear with Blackie but that he shows no signs of slowing pace. After finishing third to Deniro at Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing two weeks ago, she says Blackie came out the other side of the event feeling even better than when he started. “It’s fun to still have him out enjoying it.” It’s fun for us to see you two having fun, Liz!

She describes the track as a proper track from Ian (Stark, the course designer) — and make no mistake, they’re not here for a romp in the park. “We’ve come to try to win a prize,” Liz says.

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Fun is also the word that Colleen Rutledge uses to describe her ride on Covert Rights, a 15-year-old Thoroughbred cross (BFF Incognito x Let’s Get It Right, by Covert Operation) owned by FSG Inc. and the rider. They’ve been on an incredible ride together with many top finishes, most recently a 5th and 6th in the CCI4-Ss at Great Meadow and Stable View last far. This week at Carolina the pair are third on 27.0. Colleen is also in second in the CCI3*-S with C Me Fly, a 9-year-old Westphalian mare (Cristallo II x Hera, Heraldik XX).

“They’re both great fun to ride — you have to be pleased with them. They both put in solid tests with points still left on the table,” she told EN.

CCI3*-S

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool in the CCI3*-S. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.

Phillip Dutton is also leading the CCI3*-S with Quasi Cool, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Quo Vados x B-Estelle, by Lord) owned by Caroline Moran, and he is 12th in the division with fan favorite OTTB Sea of Clouds.

“I had Erik Duvander helping me for a couple days last week, and it’s been really helpful,” Phillip says. “He just came to our farm and stayed there for a day and a half, so he got to know all of the horses. I think Sea of Clouds was the biggest beneficiary out of all of that. I’m really pleased with him. He did a much better test. I prepared him better than I did in Aiken, so that’s exciting knowing that I can do that with him. Quasi Cool is a cool horse. Hopefully he’s going to be a horse to be reckoned with once he gets up to the 4* and 5* level as well.”

Phillip and Liz Halliday-Sharp are 1-2 in both the CCI4* and the CCI3*-S — in the latter, Liz is second with Cooley Stormwater, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Camillo VDL x Thornfield Calypso) owned by The Stormwater Group. They scored a 27.0.

“I was thrilled with him,” says Liz. “He’s still a young horse, only 8. He tries extremely hard; it was a tidy test and there were no marks lost.” Liz says that he’s a great jumper and that she’s looking forward to cross country.

CCI2*-S

Olivia Dutton and Iniesta in the CCI2*-S. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.

Olivia Dutton leads the way in the CCI2*-S with Iniesta, her own 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lordanos x Tilithya, by Voltaire). They lead the CCI2*-S on a score of 28.0. We’ve been rooting this pair on — you can read a sweet story Olivia wrote about their budding partnership here.

“There’s always room for improvement, but Iniesta’s very capable of putting in a good test if I can give him a good warm-up,” Olivia said. “I do love riding him dressage because he’s very naturally talented on the flat. We’ve worked a lot on show jumping this winter, so I’m looking forward to that too; we’ll try to do the best that we can and get a clear round. I’m kind of excited for everything. I love riding him cross country because he doesn’t get strong, and he’s much braver since I’ve gotten him. Hopefully it’ll end up being a good weekend!”

Phillip gave their test a nod of approval as well. “I thought it was good,” he said. “Certainly, he’s got unlimited potential on the flat — just the way he moves and the softness in his gait, and he’s a quiet horse. We’re excited about his future. We’re trying to bring him along gradually and see how far they can get together.”

Hugh Wrigley is 2nd with FE Santos, and Jordan Crabo — daughter of another five-star rider, Barb! — is third with FE Uncle Sam. So exciting to see the next generation of eventing stars rising.

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

CCI4*-S Dressage Top 10: 

CCI3*-S Dressage Top 10: 

CCI2*-S Dressage Top 10: