Classic Eventing Nation

Weekend Winners: AECs, Equestrians’ Institute, Seneca Valley, & Bucks County

By on Sep 2, 2024 9:30 am -

The USEA American Eventing Championships ran this past weekend in Kentucky, with William Coleman and Diabolo taking the Advanced win, Boyd Martin and Commando 3 in 2nd, and Phillip Dutton and Possante finishing in 3rd. Unfortunately, Liz Halliday suffered a fall with Shanroe Cooley that resulted in a head injury requiring surgery. While updates on her condition remain positive, we are keeping Liz and her team in our thoughts, and are sending well wishes for a speedy recovery.

In addition to the AECs, the Equestrians’ Institute, Seneca Valley, and Bucks County had events running as well. Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners on successful outings! And always, we’re giving an extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Kady Ellifritz and Gunnie, who added a rail to their dressage score of *8.0* to finish on a wildly impressive 12.0 in the Open Starter B at Equestrians’ Institute!

USEA American Eventing Championships: [Website][Scoring]

$60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final-Ch: William Coleman and Diabolo (36.0)
USEA Open Intermediate-Open-Ch: Alexandra Knowles and P.S. I Love You (28.5)
Bates USEA Preliminary Amateur-Ch: Madeleine Richards and The Turning Point (35.1)
Bates USEA Preliminary Horse-Ch: Chris Talley and Fast Forward (30.6)
Bates USEA Preliminary JR/YR-Ch: Rylie Nelson and Galloway Sunrise (34.8)
Bates USEA Preliminary Rider-Ch: Alayna Newsome and Quality Dynamite (46.8)
USEA Modified Rider-Ch: Kasidy McMartin and Newtown Lewellyn (25.5)
USEA Open Modified-Ch: Boyd Martin and Cadiz 1 (24.3)
ARMA USEA Training Amateur-Ch: Marina Cassou and Cooley Monsoon (28.3)
ARMA USEA Training Horse-Ch: Boyd Martin and Shmick (24.4)
ARMA USEA Training JR-Ch: Tessa Geven and Ameristan (26.6)
ARMA USEA Training Rider-Ch: Avery Cascarino and Excel Star Quidam’s Cavalier (28.7)
USEA Novice Amateur-Ch: Ryan Ballou and Astaire (25.4)
USEA Novice Horse-Ch: Megan Edwards and Legende De Mies (21.8)
USEA Novice JR 15 and Under-Ch: Madison Zgutowicz and My Valentine (27.1)
USEA Novice JR-Ch: Emma Petrick and Hawthornstud Futures Bright (29.2)
USEA Novice Master Amateur-Ch: Jane Musselman and Corleone Tops (25.7)
USEA Novice Rider-Ch: Kerri Long and Blue Suede Shoes (Memphis) (25.7)
USEA Beginner Novice Amateur-Ch: Kylie Stangle and Redfield Mikke (24.3)
USEA Beginner Novice Horse-Ch: Lee Maher and HTF Charming Cooley (28.9)
USEA Beginner Novice JR 14 and Under-Ch: Addy Sheplee and Kinsale (27.3)
USEA Beginner Novice JR-Ch: Jane Dorsey and HSF Milchem MBF (26.6)
USEA Beginner Novice Master Amateur-Ch: Roisin O’Rahilly and Happy Times (26.6)
USEA Beginner Novice Rider-Ch: Kelly O’Brien and B.E. Never Say Never (27.4)
Horse and Country USEA Open Starter-Ch: Laura Kiff and Hunter (23.8)
Horse and Country USEA Starter JR-Ch: Priscilla Pignatelli and Dittos Gold En Fury (22.0)

Equestrians’ Institute H.T.: [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Sabrina Glaser and Cooley Mr. Murphy (31.0)
Open Preliminary: Todd Trewin and Cooley High Society (18.1)
Junior Training: Ella Miller and McFly (35.2)
Training Amateur: Olivia Martin and Carlton Sweet Lad (30.2)
Open Training: Rachel Brickman and Deadwood Sage (20.6)
Junior Novice: Isabelle Gellner and Crown Indigo (31.4)
Novice Amateur: Serena Mills and Monet (32.8)
Open Novice: Patience O’Neal and VIVA LAS VEGAS (22.2)
Junior Beginner Novice A: Danielle Schoo and Severe Flying (37.1)
Junior Beginner Novice B: Lucy Wright and Nikki (34.4)
Beginner Novice Amateur A: Gabrielle Hansen and Kealah D (32.2)
Beginner Novice Amateur B: Stephanie Oliveria and Johnny’s Sparrow (41.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Kelsey Devoille and Centerfield Pixel Star (22.5)
Junior Starter: Mikayla Thomas and Bare Necessities (29.7)
Open Starter A: Louise Doerrer and Gypsy Soul’s Raphael (36.0)
Open Starter B: Kady Ellifritz and Gunnie (12.0)

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T.: [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Tracey Bienemann and Venezuelan River (34.6)
Open Preliminary: Lucia Strini and Excel Cool Quality (26.9)
Preliminary Rider: Courtney Waskiewicz and Where’s My Tail (33.7)
Open Modified 1: Hannah Hawkins and DHI Kickodieza (24.8)
Open Modified 2: Meghan O’Donoghue and Global Eros (27.9)
Training Rider: Emma Wick and Clemens T (27.6)
Training Horse: Ryan Wood and Hicks de Lyse (24.2)
Open Training: Lucia Strini and Keynote Dassett (24.8)
Open Novice: Lillian Heard Wood and Topolino (25.0)
Novice Horse: Michael Pendleton and Heartcore NL (29.2)
Novice Rider: Amina Harouna and Just Be (25.6)
Novice Rider Senior: Katherine Windham and All Aboard (31.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Dee Tabb and Child’s Play (28.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Hailey Gahan and Bombay Original (22.5)
Beginner Novice Horse: Ryan Wood and Smooth Sailing (27.2)
Beginner Novice Junior: Ella Ruth Goodman and MHF Christine (29.2)
Open Starter: Emily Coates and Blazing Slice of Life (37.0)
Starter Rider: Alissa Hayward and Prosecco (33.7)
Prestarter: Samantha Robson and Myles To Go (32.3)

Bucks County Horse Park H.T.: [Website][Scoring]

Preliminary-Training: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Sebastian (26.8)
Open Training: Stella Marsh and Where’s Waldo (29.8)
Open Training: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Afterglow (29.8)
Open Novice 1: Kelley Hutchinson and HSH Berlin (26.7)
Open Novice 2: Jamie Leuenberger and N’chantress (21.9)
Open Beg Novice 1: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Bali (39.1)
Open Beg Novice 2: Beth Durden and Celebrity (25.0)
Starter-Open: Alex Fontaine and Hez the Juan (34.0)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Sep 2, 2024 9:25 am -

Happy Monday, ENers, and happy Burghley week! The leaves are starting to turn, the morning air has the faintest crisp note cutting through that latent warm air, the shelves in the supermarkets are packed to the gills with back-to-school supplies and slogans, and, back as always to herald in the eve of autumn is the world’s biggest CCI5*. And what a week we have ahead of us: there’s one of the event’s best-ever entry lists, even despite the Olympics this summer, a brilliant new course by Derek di Grazia, which we’ll be unpacking for you soon, and a weeklong forecast very nearly packed to the rafters with sunshine. Bliss!

We can’t wait to touch down on this holy ground, but in the meantime, we’ve got so much goodness to bring your way. A beefy form guide? Check. Some hugely committed team picks? Check. A course preview? Check. At-a-glance guides to the field? Check, check, check, baby! And then we’ll be diving wholeheartedly into the action from Wednesday, bringing you more inside intel than you can shake a stick at each and every day, and then, once it’s all wrapped up and we have our Burghley 2024 champion crowned, we won’t feel guilty at all about heading home for a duvet day to rewatch it all on Burghley TV, tucked up in a knitted blanket and eating pumpkin soup. There’s something about the first couple of weeks of autumn, and the weeks leading into it, that make me feel very Gilmore Girls, and so, by extension, Burghley is also our most Gilmore Girls event. Derek di Grazia? SUCH a Rory.

National Holiday: It’s Labor Day! This important holiday doesn’t just mark the beginning of the end of summer, it’s also a celebration of labor unions and all the hard work they’ve done to create safer, fairer, more equitable working environments. But we still have a lot of work to do, especially in the still-largely-unregulated equestrian industry. We recommend checking out super organisations such as the International Grooms Association, British Grooms Association, and the USEA Grooms Program to find out more about how industry workers can be better protected and represented.

US Weekend Action:

USEA American Eventing Championships: [Website] [Results] [Official Photographer]

Equestrians’ Institute H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

There are so many incredible stories coming out of the AECs from throughout the final leaderboards. One I loved? The tale of the plucky Hickory Lane Equestrian Team, who rallied together to regroup after a surprise tornado swept through their stables, tearing down their indoor arena in the process and destroying many of their jumps. Rather than being sidelined by the disaster, though, they got creative, riding in the fields and on the cross-country course, which, actually, probably did them the world of good – I’m a huge advocate for schooling on terrain, because it make it so natural to be surefooted when you’re then riding at speed across it. Meet the team in this lovely story and find out how they made it work, and how they got on in Kentucky.

Another great set of characters from the AECs here! Jocelyn, a rather magnificent Clydesdale cross, wasn’t ever even meant to go eventing, but a bit of happenstance led to her having her first outing, which then escalated into a run at the AECs in the Starter division. I was at the final-ever Defender Blair Castle International the other week and one of my favourite moments was watching the ridden Clydesdale class, so you better believe I’m hatching a plan to storm around a course on a ginormous feathered steed as soon as I possibly can, now. I’d take a catch-ride on Jocelyn if it was offered.

Is your stabled horse stressed out because of boredom? So many of us fill our horses’ stables with the essential comforts they need – plentiful water, hearty hard feeds and forage, fresh bedding – but neglect to provide enrichment, which is just as important. This interesting piece shares both the effects and causes of boredom, and how you can set your horse’s stall up to keep him occupied and engaged even when he has to be inside. It’s an effort that’s well worth making, and actually, creating enrichment opportunities is really good fun – and there’s a lot that can be learned from the zookeeping world here, too. A friend of mine used to be a groom and then became a zookeeper specialising in hoof stock, and some of the ideas she was able to bring to her animals’ enclosures were fascinating. Dive on in to the piece here.

Okay, so you know from scanning social media comments that you definitely don’t want your horse to be behind the vertical. But do you know why? The mechanics of how this common problem affects your horse’s body, and the incorrect emphasis it puts on various structures, is well worth being clued in on, because knowing about it will help you to counteract it and ride effectively and correctly. Then, you’ll find your horse becomes more uphill, more balanced, and more supple and connected, making flatwork a breeze — while also keeping him or her happy and comfortable. Win, win, win!

Morning Viewing: 

The first ride on a young horse is a momentous milestone – here’s an insight into how it happens.

Sunday Links

By on Sep 1, 2024 12:01 am -

Colin Gaffney on Baymax, Michelle Koppin, Grace Dilger, Joanie Morris, and Alex Baugh gather at Richard Pickens’ memorial in the Kentucky Horse Park.

A special moment out of AECs, which were held this year at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. This is also the memorial place of Richard Picken, a beloved coach, mentor, husband, and friend who bravely battled cancer until his passing in August of 2022. His friends and family gathered at his memorial, which bears a plaque reading: “His happiest moments were spent preparing horses and riders to jump clear rounds on big occasions, including many at the Kentucky Horse Park.”

US Weekend Links

USEA American Eventing Championships: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Timing & Scoring] [Volunteer] [Official Photographer] [XC Courses]

Equestrians’ Institute H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T.: [Website] [Timing & Scoring] [Volunteer]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring

Links & Reading

Lots more stories out of #AEC2024, including the winners crowned on Saturday

Brynna Gang Is Making Memories With Her Nokota At AEC – The Chronicle of the Horse

Dozens Of Rodeo Horses Die After Possible Monensin Feed Contamination

Conquer the cross-country start box with Emily King’s advice

Video Break:

#KeepFightingLiz

Update on Liz Halliday: Daily Improvements

By on Aug 31, 2024 11:53 am -

Liz’s team has shared a new update on her progress as she continues to recover from a head injury sustained in a fall on cross country at the AECs Thursday.

“Thank you for the incredible outpouring of love and support for Liz as she starts the long road to recovery. You all know that she is incredibly strong and determined, so it should come as no surprise that she is making steady progress. When asked to wiggle her fingers and toes, she is going above and beyond by lifting her arms and legs too. We are seeing improvements every day. She is constantly showing us that she is going to recover faster than expected.

If there is one thing the eventing community excels at, it is rallying support when it is needed the most. Now more than ever, Liz needs your support. Messages have been pouring in from around the world. When we started reading them to her yesterday, she responded by squeezing our hands to let us know how grateful she is to everyone who is sending their well wishes. The biggest hand squeeze of all came when we told her Shanroe Cooley is happy and at home in his field without a scratch on him.

We have read her every word of every message that has been sent. Please keep sending her messages. Share a story, a memory, a quote — we will continue to read every word. We will also play voice messages for her. If you post a message for her on social media, use the hashtag #KeepFightingLiz.

Her mantra throughout her career has always been to Keep Fighting. She is the strongest, toughest, most resilient person we know. She is going to Keep Fighting now just like she always has. You are all on this journey with us together. It will be a marathon, not a sprint. Liz will always start what she finishes, and she is going to finish this marathon.

With love and thanks,
Liz’s Family & Friends”

Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker in Paris. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Liz’s family and friends are encouraging supporters to share their well-wishes and words of encouragement as Liz fights for her recovery. We’ll continue to provide additional updates from the team as they are made available.

Remembering Claire Lomas

By on Aug 31, 2024 10:00 am -

Claire Lomas lights the Paralympic torch in Trafalgar Square in 2012.

We are deeply saddened to share the news that Claire Lomas has passed away at age 44 after an accident in Jordan on August 22.

A former Advanced eventer who experienced a devastating accident while competing in 2007, resulting in paralysis from the chest down, Claire went on to become a true inspiration for us all. She became an ambassador for Spinal Research, spearheading the Claire’s Walk campaign surrounding her participation in the 2012 32nd Virgin London Marathon through the use of the innovative ReWalk robotic suit. In the process, she raised over £200,000 for charity. This wasn’t her sole athletic endeavor; she also competed in the 400-mile hand-cycle through England in 2013 and completed several other runs and marathons, raising awareness and funds every step of the way.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Claire was recognized through multiple award nominations and wins, including the Inspirational Fundraiser at the Inspiration Awards for Women in October 2012 and the Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration at The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards in November 2012. She was also appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for charitable and voluntary services to Spinal Injury Research.

“We are absolutely devastated to lose Claire. We are absolutely devastated to lose Claire,” a statement issued by Claire’s family reads.

Claire’s legacy will live on, inspiring people around the world to fight for a life worth living after life-changing circumstances happen, and reminding us all that within us lies more grit and determination that we could have imagined. We are keeping her friends and family in our hearts and will take the inspiration she gave us and carry her selfness energy with us at all times.

In her words, “Life is as it is, not as it should be…so Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up and never Give up.”

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Aug 31, 2024 12:01 am -

A new Ms. Stickability is in town this week at #AEC2024, and that’s one Allison Springer (who’s also a World Equestrian Brands ambassador), who not only rode with a broken pinky finger this week but also demonstrated just how much positional strength and the right equipment can help you out when things don’t go to plan on cross country. Check out that lower leg!

By the way, the photo above was taken by Atalya Boytner, who’s shooting as a part of Erin Gilmore’s team at AEC this week. Erin Gilmore will have your division photos ready as each division finishes, so you don’t have to wait for your beautiful photos like this one! You can see options for photos at AEC here.

US Weekend Events

USEA American Eventing Championships: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Timing & Scoring] [Volunteer] [Official Photographer] [XC Courses]

Equestrians’ Institute H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T.: [Website] [Timing & Scoring] [Volunteer]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]

Links & Reading

‘This amazing life’ – The captain of the U.S. Paralympic Equestrian team is a Starbucks barista

Olympic jumping course designers Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo – Playing with nothing to win and everything to lose

15 Riding Exercises to Correct Common Leg, Seat, and Hand Problems

Using Schooling Shows to Get Big Wins

Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze ordered to pay $572,000 in horse sales lawsuit

Celebrity Equestrians: Travis Kelce Buys an Ownership Stake in Swift Delivery

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

Gabby Dickerson and Top Carrera are sitting pretty in their Amerigo saddle from World Equestrian Brands! Designed by Peter Menet, Amerigo saddles offer horse and rider precise fit, balance, and unbeatable quality. World Equestrian Brands and Amerigo are proud to support CCI4* and CCI5* eventers across the nation. [Shop their family of brands here.]

Video Break:

A bit of a throwback for you as we look ahead to Defender Burghley next week: relive Michael Jung’s winning cross country round with the legend himself, La Biosthetique Sam, in 2015:

Will Coleman Slides to the AEC Advanced Final Win with Diabolo, but Halliday is Top of Mind

By on Aug 30, 2024 11:56 pm -

Much like its Jay Hambly-designed predecessor on cross country yesterday, Bobby Murphy’s show jumping track, which was put to the test about an hour and a half late due to a weather delay this evening, exerted its fair share of influence. This resulted in another shift on the final leaderboard and saw Will Coleman rise to the top with the Diabolo Group’s Diabolo to take the $60,000 Adequan Advanced Final win at the USEA American Eventing Championships.

It’s certainly a testament to the thought Will has put into Diabolo’s (Diarado – Roulett M, by Aljano 2) trajectory as he aims for a 5* debut at the MARS Maryland 5 Star in October: he said at the outset of the week that he didn’t have any grand plans for the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, understanding that a couple of months of not competing usually results in some rust and cobwebs to get rid of.

And so it’s icing on the cake to take home the winner’s share of the prize pool, which Will did by finishing with a clear show jumping and one time fault for a score of 36.0. The door had been opened with overnight leaders Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg (Windfall – Thabana, by Buddenbrock) unfortunately lowering three rails to add to their score. Boyd did jump a rare double clear with Yankee Creek Ranch LLC’s Commando 3 (Connor 48 – R-Adelgunde, by Amigo xx), good enough for second overall on a score of 36 (the tiebreaker would go to Will as he was slightly closer to the optimum time on cross country). Phillip Dutton jumped a clear round with 1.2 time to finish on the podium in third with the Possante Group’s Possante (Namelus R – Wendelien, by Otangelo) with a score of 40.6.

While any success in a sport that yields it so infrequently for so many is to be celebrated, Will didn’t have the spoils of victory at the top of his mind. Instead, he echoed the feelings we all have tonight as we await more updates on Liz Halliday‘s condition. She underwent surgery to relieve pressure from swelling in her brain yesterday at the University of Kentucky Medical Center after falling with Shanroe Cooley on cross country yesterday. Shanroe Cooley was uninjured, thankfully.

“I think [the] first thing on certainly my mind all day has been Liz,” Will said. “Just really wishing her [the] best possible recovery and sending her family and all the connections as much support as we can give them. This all seems very small potatoes in comparison. So just hoping she’s going to be back and just really pulling for her. That’s sort of all I want to say.”

We’re going to follow Will’s lead here, as certainly Liz is at the top of all of our minds. There will be stories to tell from this weekend, but it doesn’t feel like the appropriate time in this hour. Instead, I’ll drop a few notes on the show jumping finale below as a quick form of recap for those who weren’t able to tune in. You can also view replays from the live stream on Horse & Country here.

  • Time played a large role in the influence of this show jumping course, and the setting of the famous Rolex Stadium means it’s easy to take a wider turn or get somewhat lost in the vast expanse of the arena and thus take a little too much time on the clock. Just 7 of the 35 finishers produced double clear efforts, and those were rewarded with big moves up the leaderboard. Notably, Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Gray jumped all the way up from 38th after dressage to 13th after show jumping, adding just six seconds of time on cross country to their finishing score.
  • Lindsay Traisnel had a banner weekend for Canada, rising from 19th after dressage to finish fourth overall with one of those rare double clear efforts today with Bacyrouge.
  • After falling to eighth due to time penalties yesterday, Caroline Pamukcu fought her way back up to finish fifth in the final standings with King’s Especiale.
  • While poles were hitting the ground all around the course, the A element of the triple combination at question 5 caused the most difficulty, with nearly 30% of the field knocking it down.

All final scores from today can be found here. 

Tomorrow and Sunday, we’ll see the Novice, Beginner Novice, and Starter competitors. We’ll share links to the USEA’s ongoing coverage in our daily weekend Links columns, so stay tuned for much more from AECs.

USEA American Eventing Championships: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Timing & Scoring] [Volunteer] [Official Photographer] [XC Courses]

EN’s remote coverage of #AEC2024 is brought to you by Ride Equisafe, who is on site in the vendor fair at the Horse Park this week to help you with all of your safety equipment needs! You can also shop online (and contact them for bespoke recommendations) here.

EN’s Got Talent: Chris Talley & Fast Forward

By on Aug 30, 2024 12:30 pm -

We love to keep an eye on the rising talent in our sport, and EN’s Got Talent is just the place for that! Do you know of a young horse or rider who should be featured in EN’s Got Talent? Tip us by emailing [email protected].

Chris Talley and Fast Forward. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The eventing world knows the name Windfall well. The Trakehner stallion owned by award-winning breeders Tim and Cheryl Holekamp became one of the most prominent eventing stallions, known for his record dressage tests, accurate show jumping rounds, and clean cross country runs at some of the biggest events in the world, including the 2004 Olympic Games. Additionally, Windfall has sired numerous notable eventers, including Tsetserleg, Boyd Martin’s Olympic mount, and Vandiver, Doug Payne’s Tokyo Olympic mount.

Now, Windfall’s legacy of greatness extends to the next generation of eventers, one such being Fast Forward, Chris Talley’s up and coming young horse. Owned by Patricia Luttgen “Rascal”, a 7-year-old gelding (Windfall – First Flight Romance), has made quite an impression in his young career. Starting his eventing career in 2022 with Diego Farje and Boyd Martin, he was produced to Training level before Chris Talley was paired up with the horse.

Chris Talley and Fast Forward. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“I was at [the USEA] Convention last year, and happened to be at a table with Tim Holekamp. We started chatting about horses, and he had a friend, Patricia Luttgen, who was a part owner of Rascal,” Chris stated.

“Rascal had an amazing start to his career with Diego and Boyd, but he was a bit small – only 15.3 as a three-year-old. Although there were high hopes for him, being half brothers to Tsetserleg, there were some questions with his size. He was listed for sale at one point.”

Chris, who’s had experience with small upper level horses, including his 14.3 superstar Tucan Tango and his 5* horse Unmarked Bills, was curious and interested to see what Rascal had in him.

“He’s come on even more than expected!” Chris exclaimed. “He’s great to work with,” Chris said. “He’s trainable at home… just easy. He doesn’t have a bad day. He’s respectful, but likes the attention, and really puffs up at shows. We call him The Little King, which suits him!”

His personality helps him shine with Chris. Although this is just their first season together, Chris and Rascal have finished in at least top five in the majority of their competitions, with six wins under their belt so far. Notably, they finished in fourth it the CCI2*L at VHC Eventing in May.Their impressive year so far has landed Rascal at the top of the USEA Preliminary Horse Leaderboard, and most recently the pair was crowned Preliminary Horse champions at the USEA American Eventing Championships this weekend.

Chris has been excited about how Rascal has been feeling throughout the season. With Rascal going so well, Chris decided to aim for the Area 3 Championships at Bouckaert Farm earlier this summer. “We knew [Bouckaert] was going to be the best of the best in the area, and put him in there just to see how he did. The Championship course would be a bit harder, which was perfect with a planned Intermediate move up soon,” Chris stated.

Chris Talley and Fast Forward. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“He just shined all weekend,” Chris reflected. “He ate up the cross country: this was the first time he was quite confident, taking things so out of stride. Going into show jumping, they did reverse order, which left me quite nervous! I wanted the win for the owner. But when I’m nervous, Rascal grows and shines through with the cockiness he often brings to events,” Chris laughed.

The Area 3 win rocketed Rascal up in the Preliminary standings. The duo continued their exceptional record at the level with their win in the Preliminary at the AECs, and additionally made their first attempt at the Intermediate/Preliminary level at Ocala earlier this month, finishing third after two clear jump efforts.

Chris Talley and Fast Forward. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“We might do an Intermediate or 3*S this fall. But he’s quite careful, and being so little, we don’t want to overface him. I think he’s going to be a world class horse, so I don’t want to rush anything. We’ll let him decide that,” Chris explained.

In addition to Chris and his team being on an exciting trajectory with Rascal, Chris has a few more Windfall babies coming up through his program.

“I have Tsetserleg’s full sister, who’s already 16.2/16.3 hands as a three year old, then I have Rascal’s full brother, owned by Matt and Ashley Boyd. He’s a stallion that we’re planning to present at the end of this year.”

“I’ve never worked with Windfall babies before this year, but they are all such triers – very brave, bold, and confident. Show them a trailer, water… any question once, and they’ll get it the next time. They’re sensitive, and like to have a solid program, but when you can become a team with them, the emotion becomes one. They want to fight for you, and give it their all,” Chris described.

As the year progresses, and we head into future seasons, we’ll be keeping an eye out to see the impressive Windfall legacy develop through horses like Rascal, Tetona, and Falkor. These partnerships are proving to be packed full with talent.

Applications Now Open for the 2024 Strides for Equality Equestrians Ever So Sweet Camp

By on Aug 30, 2024 9:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Strides for Equality Equestrians.

Strides for Equality Equestrians and Overlook Equestrian are pleased to announce the creation of a new experience for Equestrians of Color: a horsemanship camp that is open to all ages! 

Strides for Equality’s inaugural Ever So Sweet Camp provides a fully-funded weekend opportunity for Equestrians of Color of any age to experience a weekend of training with an upper-level professional rider. Participants will take mounted and unmounted lessons with Sara Kozumplik at Overlook Farm in Virginia.

SEE Ever So Sweet Camp 2024 will begin on the evening of Thursday, October 17 and conclude on the evening of Sunday, October 20. Housing for riders and stalls for horses will be provided. There is a limited number of horses available to use for the weekend if needed. Please indicate whether you will be bringing a horse to ride or need one provided. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

October 17-20, 2024 at Overlook Farm in Berryville, Virginia

For Ever So Sweet scholarship recipient Helen Casteel and Unapproachable at the 2019 American Eventing Championships. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Thursday Night :  Welcome Party

Meet former Ever So Sweet Scholarship Recipients and the Overlook Crew

Friday: Dressage lessons in the morning and Horsemanship lessons in the afternoon

Saturday: Show jumping lessons in the morning and then LIVESTREAM of the Cross Country at the Maryland 5* with commentary by Sara Kozumplik

Sunday: Cross country in the morning, afternoon horsemanship lessons and then a farewell (or see you soon) party to wrap up the weekend. 

Applicants must…

  • Either be a minimum of 16 years old or be accompanied by a guardian.

  • Be based in the United States.

  • Be available for ALL camp activities beginning on the afternoon of Thursday, October 17 and ending on the evening of Sunday, October 20

  • Either have their own horse and ability to transport it to Berryville, VA or be willing to ride an Overlook Farm horse for the duration of camp.

  • Be dedicated to pursuing a dream in equine sports.

  • Be willing to track travel expenses for reimbursement.

  • Be willing to share their experience as part of the camp in blogs, social & print media.

  • Be invested in increasing access to equestrian sports for underrepresented groups.

Housing for riders and stalls for participants’ horses provided.  There is a limited number of horses available to use for the weekend if needed. Please indicate whether you will be bringing a horse to ride or need one provided. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a growing community of Equestrians of Color and their allies for a unique weekend of learning and fun.

Please apply at https://www.stridesforequality.org/eversosweet by September 15.

For more information about Strides for Equality Equestrians please visit our website at https://www.stridesforequality.org , our Social Media (FB, IG) pages Strides for Equality Equestrians and SEE Ever So Sweet Scholarship

We at SEE would like to thank the United States Eventing Foundation and United States Eventing Association for their continued support of the work we are doing to expand diversity, inclusivity and access to horse sports for underrepresented people. 

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Aug 30, 2024 12:01 am -

This time next week, the Defender Burghley Horse Trials will be in full swing, with the second day of dressage well underway. Hopefully, we will also have been treated to yet another expert analysis of all of the best (and worst) ‘lewks’ on the jog strip by the ever observant Chinch and his able assistant, Tilly Berendt, following the first horse inspection on Wednesday 4th September. How will this year’s fashion show compare to that of years gone by, I wonder? There is nothing better than a throwback to years gone by, and the trends that dominated way back when. Let’s face it, some of the trends from those days are probably de rigeur once again, such is the cyclical nature of fashion. Whether that is a good thing or not is all down to personal opinion, so we will leave you to make your own mind up – who wore it best?!

If you want to take another dander down memory lane, then enjoy these snaps from 50 years ago, thanks to Juliet Graham – or rather her mom, Nicky! That was the year that Burghley held the World Championships, with Team USA winning both Team and Individual Gold, with Bruce Davidson Sr. topping the podium. What a throwback – things have definitely changed a little since then!

US Weekend Preview

USEA American Eventing Championships: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Timing & Scoring] [Volunteer] [Official Photographer] [XC Courses]

Equestrians’ Institute H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T.: [Website] [Timing & Scoring] [Volunteer]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]

Friday News & Reading

Would it be a Friday News & Notes without a podcast recommendation?! Of course not! As is expected then, here is the latest recommendation from me, to you! Once again, it is our pals at the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast that are coming up with the goods, with the Inside Burghley 2024 show providing the perfect appetiser for the 5* action that will unfold next week. Nicole Brown has managed to track down not only the Director of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, Martyn Johnson, but also marketing expert Lucy Higginson, as well as racing personality Hayley Moore, who will head up all of the action at the Insights stage, where she will be interrogating various riders and industry experts throughout the week. With so much available, and tickets still on sale take this as your sign to buy a ticket if you can, and if not, then treat yourself to a Burghley TV Subscription. So much of the action will be available on the livestream, including the Burghley Young Event Horse Final as well as various behind the scenes previews and interviews. Well worth the $27 (ish) annual fee!

Podcast fans are in for a treat this week, as I am thrilled to report that I have another incredible episode of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for you. There’s not really all that much I need to say to convince you to go ahead and give it a listen, other than that it is with none other than three time Olympic champion, Michael Jung. Yes, really.

We also have news of another Olympic medal winner this week, this time from Tom McEwen’s stable. He shared a video over on his Instagram of both of his Olympic rides, Toledo de Kerser – with whom he won Team Gold and Individual Silver in Tokyo – and JL Dublin, who of course has just helped Team GB to their second consecutive Olympic Team Gold. According to Tom’s wife, Harriet, Toledo de Kerser, who was sadly injured at Burghley last year, is slowly being brought back into ridden work, though not with the view to event, but simply to have him back in work and enjoying himself. Glorious news to all Toledo fans out there, and I’m sure to Tom and his team, too!

Staying with Team McEwen, they have a team vacancy. Fancy joining an Olympic medal and 5* winning team? Then go ahead and drop them a line! An incredible opportunity for anyone serious about a career in the equestrian industry!

More news from one of our favourite Olympic superstars. One of the brightest stars of our sport – and indeed, one of the longest serving members, with a career spanning over 13 years – Virgil, the 19 year old ride of Australia’s Shane Rose, has finally made it back to his homeland, where he will enjoy a retirement from the sport. What a horse – and still looking every inch a superstar, even in his twilight years.

Feeling lucky?! Excellent, because there’s a whole load of brilliant prizes up for grabs (mainly for UK based readers though, sorry!) First up, the chance to win a course walk at the upcoming Defender Burghley Horse Trials, with 5* winning rider, Gemma Stevens. As if that’s not enough, Insights Magazine are offering you the chance to win tickets to the event, too. All you need to do is sign up at the link. Simples. Finally, if you’re feeling extraordinarily lucky, then why not grab the chance to win tickets to yet another great event, Cornbury House Horse Trials, which runs the week after Burghley. Again, nothing too taxing, just a few clicks and you’re in the mix!

More prizes up for grabs here, although this time they’re not for you! Instead, it is that time of year again; the nominations for the annual Horse & Hound awards, in collaboration with Agria Equine and NAF. Categories include Horse of the Year, Professional and Amateur rider of the year, Groom of the Year and the Horse of a Lifetime award. Nominations close on September 19th, so head on over and make your nominations now!

Final one from me before I go and dive head first into Burghley TV in preparation for next week… If you are already wondering how to fill your free time in the rapidly approaching – and much dreaded – off season, then why not get your glad rags on and buy a ticket for the British Eventing Support Trust Ball? Tables are all but sold out, and there are only a few tickets remaining, so if you are able to get to London on November 30th, then why not give yourself something to look forward to?! With a live band, champagne reception and the most incredible prizes on offer in both the silent auction and the raffle, it will certainly be a night to remember – and all contributing to the most incredible cause. What are you waiting for?!

Sponsor Corner

Looking for a reason to visit Stable View in Aiken? Here’s 10 of them! As part of Eventing Nation’s team of reporters, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Stable View several times now, and it’s become a dream of mine to go with one of my horses, just for fun. Here’s why it’s on my bucket list and why it should be on yours, too.

Weekend Watching

Remember I suggested you go sign up for Burghley TV?! Well, if you need a little more convincing then here is a sneak peak of the exclusive course preview that you will be privy to, should you take the plunge. Told you it was worth it…