Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Mar 9, 2021 12:01 am -

Zara Tindall and Class Affair. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Eventing sadly lost another major event yesterday as the organizers of Bramham Horse Trials, June 10-13, announced the cancellation, saying it would be “irresponsible” to run. The UK has laid out a detailed roadmap to reopening the country this summer — one which made riders hopeful, but due to the size and scope of the property, organizers said they didn’t feel they could successfully comply with safety regulations.

[Bramham Horse Trials 2021 cancelled: ‘It would be irresponsible to run’]

National Holiday: National Barbie Day

Events Opening This Week: Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T., Stable View Spring H.T.,

Events Closing This Week: Morven Park Spring H.T., Stable View Spring 1/2/3/4*, March Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks, Poplar Place Farm March H.T., Full Gallop Farm March II H.T., Texas Rose Horse Park H.T., Galway Downs International H.T.

Tuesday News: 

A possible third case of EHV-1 has now been tied to Barn D at the World Equestrian Center. Sunday, March 6, a horse in Barn D presented with a high fever, and was sent to the University of Florida for treatment and isolation. Barn D has now been quarantined until test results of the third horse are revealed. [Third Suspected Case Of EHV-1 Connected To WEC Ocala]

‘Well, girls can’t be farriers.’ ‘You’re too pretty to be a farrier.’ ‘Where’s the real farrier?’ Rebecca “Beck” Ratte attacks these comments head on. As a former event rider and Cavalia performer, she’s done about everything, but shoeing always called her, and now she’s the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team farrier. [From Untacked: Beck Ratte Isn’t Deterred]

Neville Bardos is one of the most iconic horses in U.S. eventing. After a 10th place finish at the World Equestrian Games in 2010, he is possibly most well known for surviving a deadly barn fire at True Prospect Farm, after which he spent significant time recovering from smoke inhalation. It couldn’t hold him back, though, and just three months later he finished seventh at Burghley. While most of his top finishes are with Boyd Martin, he’s spent the last several years showing Boyd’s students the ropes, and his next rider might even be one of Boyd’s kids. Either way, at 22, Neville isn’t ready to slow down yet. [Horse Heroes: Neville Bardos]

Hot on Horse Nation: International Women’s Day: Strong Women Aren’t Born, They’re Made

Tuesday Video: Doug Payne and Starr Witness’ ride at Bruce’s Field:

Monday Video: Karen Stives Made Olympic History in Los Angeles

By on Mar 8, 2021 5:00 pm -

With it being an (unusual) Olympic year, it feels prudent on this International Women’s Day to spotlight a woman who made Olympic Eventing history by being the first female rider to win an individual silver medal: Karen Stives. That Games, the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, was actually the first Olympics in which a woman won any individual eventing medal, and both Karen Stives and Great Britain’s Virginia Holgate, who won the bronze that year, can both lay claim to the title of being the first women individual medalists in our sport. The U.S.’s Torrance Watkins (neé Fleischmann) also finished in fourth place that year.

The video above begins part of the way through Karen’s fabulous double clear cross country round aboard Ben Arthur, which left her in the lead heading into the final phase the next day. Unfortunately, Ben tipped a rail at the second element of a triple combination, three jumping efforts from home, which lost Karen the individual gold. More importantly to Karen, however, was that just the single rail still meant that USA would take home the team gold medal. (You can also watch Karen’s show jumping round here, though the audio and video quality is not the best.)

“When I went into the show jumping arena, I knew both the team and individual gold medals were within our reach. But I couldn’t let myself think about that,” Karen said in an interview with Horse Illustrated in 2008.

“Show jumping was always Ben’s weakest phase, so I was incredibly relieved to have just one rail down, even though that meant losing the individual gold medal. It was the team medal that mattered most. The Brits, Australians and Germans fielded incredibly strong teams that year, so we really had our work cut out for us to win any medal, much less the gold.”

As we know, equestrian disciplines are the only Olympic sport where men and women compete directly against each other, which superficially makes equality in this sport seem like a moot point. But given that fact, and given that there are so many women competing in eventing, it seems impossible to have never had a female individual gold medalist in the sport, yet that’s the reality. Several women, Karen, being the first and Gina Miles in Beijing 2008 being the most recent, have won individual silver medals — but we still have yet to break that gold ceiling, so to speak.

Karen Stives was also the most recent woman to be named USEA Rider of the Year in 1981, 39 years prior to Liz Halliday-Sharp earning the title in 2020. Despite the number of fierce female competitors in the sport, it appears that we still have a ways to go in order for success as a female rider in this industry to be truly on a level playing field — and I, personally, don’t believe that’s due to a lack of tough, driven female competitors out there.

After the conclusion of Karen’s round in the above video, there’s an interview with her and Mike Plumb, with whom Karen was working and training with at the time. Mike Plumb is an extremely accomplished horseperson in his own right, having won individual silver himself two Games prior at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, and was a member of 1984 gold medal winning team alongside Karen, finishing 10th individually himself. It would be neglectful of me, especially on International Women’s Day, not to point out Karen’s great poise throughout this interview.

Eight Mares We Can’t Wait to Watch in 2021

By on Mar 8, 2021 3:00 pm -

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the female powerhouses of eventing – but as fully paid-up members of the mare-lovers’ club, we couldn’t resist a nod to some of the remarkable horses we’re desperate to catch out on course in the season to come.

Of course, narrowing down the extraordinary selection of incredible mares on the global circuit is an almost impossible task – so we’ve kept the final number low (eight, for the 8th of March) and forced ourselves not to repeat any nationalities. And you know what? It was still nearly impossible. Check out the apples of our eye and then head over to the comments to let us know which mares set your heart a-flutter!

Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua. Photo by Katie Neat Photography.

Rioghan Rua, ridden by Cathal Daniels (IRE)

Fourteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Jack of Diamonds x Highland Destiny, by Flagmount King). Owned by Frank and Margaret Kinsella. 

She’s every stereotype about a chestnut mare, writ large – and Cathal Daniels’ tiny European bronze medallist has won us over completely with every pinned ear and well-aimed hoof. Standing just under 15.2hh, Rioghan Rua – that’s ‘Red Queen’ in Gaelic – has proven herself a force to be reckoned with from the moment she paired up with her young Irish jockey. The now-14-year-old by Jack of Diamonds is owned by her breeders, Margaret and Frank Kinsella, but when they sent her to Cathal as a six-year-old, it was with the intention of selling her on.

Fortunately, her size made her tough to sell – and shortly after Cathal took the reins, he qualified the young mare for the Junior European Championships, where they helped the Irish team to gold. The next year, they repeated the feat, this time adding an individual silver to their team victory before finishing the year with a top twenty finish at the Young Horse World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers. In 2015, Cathal and Red – still just eight at this point – represented Ireland at the Young Rider Europeans, where they took team bronze, and the Nations Cup finale at Boekelo, which saw the Irish team take the win. In 2016, nine-year-old Red and 19-year-old Cathal were long-listed for the Olympics, and in 2017, they made their Badminton debut.

Look, we could reel off this little mare’s laundry list of achievements all day long – and yes, being in the scrum of people around Cathal when he realised they’d taken individual bronze at 2019’s European Championships was one of those moments we’ll remember fondly forever – but like so many of the great horses who take up a stable in our hearts, Red is more than just her record. She’s a tiny, petulant, ferociously talented symbol of what our sport is, at its core: it’s grit and gumption and more than a little bit of ‘don’t believe me? Just watch me’. She doesn’t always make her rider’s life easy, but you know that everything she does is wholly on her own terms – and you can guarantee we’ll front and centre of the crowd waiting for her diminutive orange ears to appear on the other side of a table bigger than she is.

The moment we’ll always remember: That Europeans performance was pretty special, but we loved watching her gobble up Bramham’s formidable course in 2019 too, where she and Cathal won the prestigious CCI4*-L for under-25s. Most of those fences were bigger than she is, but Red never looked anything less than ferocious as she tackled Ian Stark’s notorious track.

Where you might see her: Probably Tokyo, if all goes to plan. That bronze medal – and their string of successes – make Cathal and Red a strong shout for the team under the new format, which requires three rock-solid combinations to fight it out on course.

Piggy French and Vanir Kamira. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Vanir Kamira, ridden by Piggy March (GBR)

Sixteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Camiro de Haar Z x Fair Caledonian, by Dixi xx). Owned by Trevor Dickens. 

If there’s any silver lining to the ongoing pandemic, it must have been spotted by Piggy March – after all, the double cancellation of Badminton has meant that she and her unlikely superstar Vanir Kamira have been reigning champions since 2019.

In all honesty, though, we reckon Piggy would rather risk relinquishing the crown in exchange for the thrill of taking ‘Tillybean’ around this most formidable of tracks again. And who can blame her? Like many of the sport’s legends, Tilly isn’t a classical beauty, nor does she have a style or movement that stops you in your tracks. What she does have? An endless well of try, and the temerity to just keep on digging when the going gets tough.

“It’s these little horses that make it for us,” said Piggy of the mare after that extraordinary Badminton victory.  “She’s a pain in the ass 362 days a year, and she’s really tricky to manage. She’s not the nicest of things to ride, you know, and she’s difficult, but she’s amazing – I say it all so fondly, because we all love her to bits. She’s a true five-star horse that comes to form at Badminton and Burghley. The rest of the time, she feels pretty ordinary, and you have to work pretty hard for what you can get. She doesn’t find any of it easy, and if I’d built that course at home and practiced it on the same side of the arena, I could do it fifty times and never have a clear round. There’s something about her, and those great little mares that just do enough when they need to. If they’re on your side, they’re just incredible.”

The moment we’ll always remember: The moments between her showjumping round and victory being decided at Badminton. She didn’t go into the final phase as the leader, and her clear round only guaranteed her second place – but Piggy celebrated it as though she’d been handed the win, because her horse had given her all and then found a little more to give. The win itself, which was clinched when leader Oliver Townend added a stride in the double and inched over the optimum time, was really just the cherry on top of a pretty perfect cake.

Where you might see her: Tilly isn’t a team horse – instead, she’s a classic five-star campaigner. With Badminton shelved for another year, we’ll almost certainly see her head to Burghley, where she’s previously finished in the top five twice. This year, she’ll almost certainly be on a mission to best her 2017 second place.

Milana 23, ridden by Esteban Benitez-Valle (ESP)

Seventeen-year-old British Warmblood (Medoc x Morka, by Flemmingh). Owned by José Cañedo Angoso and the rider.

We’ll forgive you if your immediate reaction to this one is “…who?” The top ride of Spain’s Esteban Benitez Valle, Milana appeals to us for many of the same reasons Rioghan Rua does – she’s a tiny gal with a huge personality. We first laid eyes on her at the 2019 European Championships at Luhmühlen, where – before she was tipped up by the colourful and sadistic bird in the final water – she made such a game effort over the course that everyone watching her found themselves wearing goofy great grins. We like to imagine that if you could hear her thoughts out on course, they’d sound like that TikTok sound of a guy serenely saying “weeeee” over every fence.

If Milana was a person, she’d be the kind of woman who loves the sesh: you’d ring her up in tears and she’d show up twenty minutes later with an ice-cold six-pack, a bag full of bodycon dresses, and a five-step plan for partying the pain away. She’d be a Samantha, rollicking through life having a truly jolly time. It’s Milana’s world, and we’re all just bodies on her dance floor.

The moment we’ll always remember: After winning us over at the Europeans, Milana enjoyed the best kind of off-season fun, winning the indoor cross-country derby at Neumünster and showing off her dance moves throughout the prize-giving.

Where you might see her: A five-star debut is on the horizon for Milana and her pilot, though they will likely have the reinstated European Championships on their radar, too. Luhmühlen’s early summer date, proximity to Esteban’s German base, and familiarity – it was the site of their Europeans trip in 2019 – make it look pretty perfect for the step-up and a try at the Spanish team later on in the year.

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Jollybo, ridden by Hawley Bennett-Awad (CAN)

Seventeen-year-old British-bred Sport Horse (Jumbo x Polly Coldunnell, by Danzig Connection). Owned by the Jollybo Syndicate and the rider.

A graduate of Ocala-based Brit Justine Dutton’s pony-producing empire, Jollybo can be credited with bringing Hawley – a fierce woman worth celebrating in her own right – back to the top level of the sport in 2016. To do so, Hawley had to take a leap of faith, venturing into the world of syndication for the first time to secure the quick-footed, quick-witted mare. And so far? It’s been worth every penny for her circle of connections.

Jollybo pairs a serious commitment to work with a sprinkle of spiciness, and that’s not a particularly far leap from Hawley herself who, despite tricky family circumstances, grafted her way up the levels as a teenager and made it to the big leagues through sheer determination. That shared mentality of getting the job done has obviously helped forge the partnership between horse and rider – a fact that’s evidenced by their swift trajectory up the levels. They finished third in the CCI4*-L at Rebecca Farm just a couple of months after Hawley took over the ride.

The moment we’ll always remember: Getting the chance to once again cheer Hawley on at five-star was pretty special – and that trip to Kentucky in 2017, which marked Jollybo’s debut at the level, felt like serendipity and magic all the way through. After less than a year of partnership, the dynamic duo finished 12th – and with an identical twinkle of gumption and grit mirrored in each of their eyes.

Where you might see her: There hasn’t been any public confirmation yet, but we suspect a fourth trip to the Bluegrass State is on the agenda for Jollybo and Hawley, who’ll be contesting the Advanced combined test at Copper Meadows this weekend – a tried-and-tested stepping stone en route to Kentucky. If you’re keen to throw your support behind them as you watch the LRK3DE live-stream, whip up a batch of Jollybo-bon Smashes – the (un)official cocktail of this powerhouse mare.

2019 CCI5* victors Tim Price and Ascona M at Luhmühlen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Ascona M, ridden by Tim Price (NZL)

Thirteen-year-old Holsteiner mare (Cassaro x Naomi, by Carpaccio). Owned by Suzanne Houchin, Lucy Sangster, and Sir Peter Vela. 

If we had our way here, half of the Prices’ horses would be on this list – particularly because there’s no shortage of big personalities on their Wiltshire yard (nor, come to think of it, is there any shortage of five-star winners). But just scooping it is Ascona M, or Ava, a mare who Tim has described as “extremely talented – and also just extreme.” We feel that, Ava.

Ava was originally one of Jonelle’s rides, but when she took a break to have son Otis in 2017, the mare was added to Tim’s roster – temporarily at first, and then permanently (after, we presume, a ferocious arm-wrestle for her). Since then, we’ve seen her win a CCI4*-L at Haras du Pin, a CCI4*-S at Tattersalls (may it rest in peace) and, of course, Luhmühlen’s CCI5*. She followed it up with a sixth-place finish at Pau later that year, but we didn’t get to see her at an international at all in 2020. Consider us hungry for more.

Whether it’s her Superman-style jump or her heart-on-her-sleeve sass that’s reeled us in, all we can say is that the striking grey mare has got us hooked. We love watching her dance her way to a 25 and soar to a double-clear just as much as enjoy watching her unload every last one of her opinions onto poor Tim during arena familiarisation sessions.

The moment we’ll always remember: She’s not necessarily the most conventional jumper, and so watching Ava and Tim showjump for the win at Luhmühlen CCI5* in 2019 felt suitably nerve-wracking and deliciously exciting, all at once. It’s nearly impossible to root against the affable rider at any event, but when you pair him with a bright-eyed, fearsomely clever mare, you’ve got the recipe for a win that everyone quietly hopes for. Luckily for us, they delivered.

Where you might see her: It’s almost impossible to guess which of Tim’s horses will make the trip to Tokyo – though we can nearly guarantee one of them will get the call-up, and Ascona M will almost certainly be in contention, unless the Kiwi team head honchos decide to opt for a horse that they know can travel long distances. Tim’s got a few of those in his stables – he’s contested Kentucky enough times to have a pretty good idea of what’s what – but Ava hasn’t yet made a long-haul journey. We could see her head back to Luhmühlen to defend her title, though it’s a high-risk strategy to run at five-star that close to the Games, or she could head down to Pau at the end of the season if Tokyo doesn’t happen for her. She finished in the top ten there in 2019.

No fear here: Ingrid Klimke and Cascamara take a bold leap at Le Lion. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Cascamara, ridden by Ingrid Klimke (GER)

Seven-year-old Westphalian mare (Cascadello II x Taramanga, by Templer GL). Owned by Claudia Lauber and the rider. 

If you think we only fall head-over-heels for established top-level horses, think again. Picking a mare from the German line-up is as hard as picking one from the Prices’s stables (fischerRocana! Asha P! I’m so sorry!), but in truth, we haven’t stopped thinking about elegant Cascamara since we first laid eyes on her at last year’s Young Horse World Championships.

There’s something extra-special about seeing a top-quality horse at the age of six. It’s an in-between age, really – they’re just old enough to ‘get it’ but they’re still mostly defined by their gangly attempts at the tough stuff and their flamboyant efforts over fences. Some of them look a bit overawed by everything they encounter, and others look like they know the world is theirs to conquer. Cascamara is the latter (though not at all immune to those flamboyant efforts, as evidenced by her approach to water jumps at Le Lion!).

The moment we’ll always remember: Le Lion always makes for compulsive viewing, but it was particularly interesting to observe the competitors in a pandemic year, which necessitated a half-season of prep runs rather than the usual full season. This made it feel rather more like looking for the diamonds in the rough; which horses, despite comparatively less of an education, could step into the atmosphere of this extraordinary event and grow throughout the week? Cascamara was no shrinking violet in any phase, taking in her surroundings with a sweet, smart curiosity despite nearly not going at all – Ingrid had thought the mare much too green to take on the event, but capitulated to German team trainer Hans Meltzer’s suggestion to take her for the experience. As the week went on, we watched her get bolder, braver, and more calculated: a tantalising glimpse of the top-level competitor she’ll one day become.

Where you might see her: The obvious end-of-season goal is a return trip to Le Lion d’Angers to try to scoop the Seven-Year-Old World Championship. This is a feat that’s only been managed three times before – Nicolas Touzaint’s Galan de Sauvagere did it in 2000 and 2001; his Joker d’Helby pulled it off in 2003 and 2004; and Tom Carlile’s Tenareze (now in Harry Meade’s string) did it in 2013 and 2014. If she pulls it off, Cascamara will be the first mare to pull it off – and it’ll be the first time it’s been accomplished by a non-French combination. No pressure. There’ll be a step up to three-star on the cards, too, wherein she’ll try to continue her streak of finishing in the top ten in every international run she’s had.

Tamie Smith and En Vogue. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

En Vogue, ridden by Tamie Smith (USA)

Sixteen-year-old Hanoverian mare (Earl x Laurena, by Lauries Crusador). Owned by Ruth Bley. 

Tamie and this flashy mare only became a partnership in early 2019 – which, considering the decimation of the following season due to the pandemic, isn’t really all that long ago – but they’ve already accomplished plenty together. In six international runs they’ve finished in the top ten five times, and jumped clear inside the time on four of those occasions.

Owned by (very successful) amateur competitor Ruth Bley, En Vogue is the kind of mare that takes tact, quiet courage, and an intrinsic willingness to compromise to get the best out of. She’s sharp, spooky, and inordinately talented, and every time we watch her, we’re reminded of how much we can all learn from these complex, multilayered mares. They might drive us a bit bonkers occasionally, but truly, how lucky are we to grow as riders from their ministrations? As Tamie has previously said, “she’s a mare – so you’ve got to finagle your way in.” But once you’re in there, you know you’ve levelled up as a horseman. And what’s that worth to you, anyway? (The correct answer? Everything, of course.)

The moment we’ll always remember: Finishing second in the CCI4*-L at Galway Downs was a pretty good effort, but it was in the first phase that En Vogue really wooed us. High winds were the theme of the day – pretty standard in a Californian autumn, we’re told – and the conditions were ripe for spooks, snorts, and a total loss of focus in the ring. But despite the best efforts of a cascading tent flap, En Vogue and Tamie tapped into one another and showed the most tantalising glimpses of what they’ll deliver on the main stage. We were officially signed up to the fan club.

Where you might see her: All the murmurings centre around when we might see a CCI5* debut for En Vogue who, with just eleven internationals to her name, is seriously low-mileage for her age – and 2021 looks like it’s going to come up trumps, with Tamie confirming at Bruce’s Field that she plans to take the mare to Kentucky this spring, along with stablemate Mai Baum. It’ll certainly be a formidable attack on the competition from the West Coast’s biggest star.

#InternationalWomensDay: Five Incredible Women of Eventing

By on Mar 8, 2021 10:33 am -

It’s #InternationalWomensDay and a day we here at EN look forward to each year. If you missed Tilly’s incredible walk down history lane last year, it’s well worth another read here. There are countless women who have blazed trails in equestrian sport, so we’re celebrating a few more today:

1. Torrance Watkins

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Torrance Watkins was the first woman inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame in 2003. The first woman to win an Olympic medal in eventing, Torrance picked up individual bronze in the 1980 competition at Fontainebleau aboard the 15.1 Paint, Poltroon. – the same year many countries would boycott the Moscow Olympics. She would also be a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. team in Los Angeles the following Games in 1984.

2. Karen O’Connor

Five-time Olympian Karen O’Connor certainly needs no introduction to even the most casual of eventing fans. With partners such as Biko, Prince Panache, Theodore O’Connor, Upstage, and many more, Karen solidified her name as one of the greats throughout five Olympics, three World Equestrian Games, and two Pan American Games and was inducted into the USEA Hall of Fame in 2018.

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3. Jackie Potts

We would be remiss not to mention one of the hardworking members of the grooming and horsemanship community, and who better to lead us off than Jackie Potts? Jackie has been the head groom for British rider William Fox-Pitt for nearly 30 years and has collected multiple grooming awards from organizations such as the FEI and British Eventing. As someone who has traveled to five Olympics and five World Equestrian Games, Jackie is full of incredible information on how to keep top horses ticking along in their best form, and she sets an example for care that we all can strive to follow.

4. Karen Stives

Another USEA Hall of Fame inductee (2006), Karen Stives and Ben Arthur collected an individual silver medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming the first woman to win an individual medal in eventing at the Olympics (worth noting that Torrance also won an individual medal, in 1980, though the competition was not officially a part of the 1980 Moscow Olympics). She would also be named USCTA Rider of Year three times, in 1981, 1987, and 1988.

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5. Mary Coldren

Event organizer extraordinaire Mary Coldren has been a stalwart part of U.S. eventing since 1984 as a competitor, volunteer, organizer, treasurer, licensed official, and many other hats. Mary has been Fair Hill International’s show secretary since 1995 and has served on Fair Hill’s Board of Directors for 10 years. She has been dubbed by The Chronicle of the Horse the “unofficial queen of ride-time scheduling, she’s the cheerful wizard behind the curtain at many East Coast events, making sure each rider has a workable time schedule and the day goes smoothly.”

Shannon Lilley and Mary Coldren at the 2018 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We could truly go on endlessly celebrating the fearless women who make up our incredible sport. There are not many sports on which men and women have the opportunity to compete together, and that deserves some celebration. What amazing women would you like to add to our list?

And finally as a special treat, please enjoy this compilation of footage from the 2000 Sydney Olympics featuring both Ingrid Klimke and Sleep Late and Karen O’Connor and Prince Panache:

Weekend Winners: Chatt Hills, Full Gallop, Rocking Horse, Sporting Days, Southern Pines

By on Mar 8, 2021 9:30 am -

It was another busy weekend of eventing and we’ve got plenty of winners to celebrate! #ICYMI, the Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field offered some thrilling competition over the weekend – you can catch up on all the action in our coverage here.

This weekend’s Unofficial Low Score Award was earned by Alyssa Phillips and FE Calestino, who won their Open Training division at Rocking Horse on a score of 17.1.

Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate: Katie Lichten and Sapphie Blue B (34.3)
Open Preliminary: Eliza Farren-Englert and Creffino PJ (42.4)
Preliminary Rider: Carter McInnis and Greystone Lad (49.3)
Modified: Mikki Kuchta and Chiraz (30.9)
Open Training: Mikki Kuchta and Special Reserve (31.4)
Training Rider: Morgyn Johnson and Peter Parker GS (28.3)
Novice Rider: Breeana Robinette and Cape Kimberly (27.6)
Open Novice: Hanna Grace Johnson and Reenmore Riley (29.3)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jennifer Boshart and Blaze of Charm (26.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Samuel Moreland and Smarty Pants WB (32.2)

Full Gallop Farm March H.T.: [Final Scores]

Training: Shannon Riley and Ingress (35.4)
Training/Novice: Mia Volpentesta and Flipside (32.6)
Novice A: Ainsley Hagen and Risque S (23.3)
Novice B: Alex Conrad and Miles (29.8)
Beginner Novice: Lilly Rodman and What Opposition (27.8)
Starter: Rebecca Lee and A Proper Villain (30.6)

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T.: [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate A: Jacob Fletcher and Atlantic Domino (25.7)
Open Intermediate B: Woods Baughman and C’est La View 135 (29.5)
Open Intermediate Friday: Cosby Green and Copper Beach (30.4)
Open Preliminary: Alexandra Knowles and Street Call (29.4)
Open Preliminary Friday A: Alexandra Green Kerby and Isslehooks First Sight (25.6)
Open Preliminary Friday B: Rebecca Roth and Chapter Two (32.1)
Preliminary Horse: William Ward and JVK Fionn MacCumhail (33.3)
Preliminary Rider: Beth Murphy and Jimba (28.4)
Jr. Training: Audrey Littlefield and Prince Renan (28.6)
Open Training A: Conor Rollins and Alfonzo (29.3)
Open Training B: Meghan O’Donoghue and Faldeus (31.4)
Open Training C: Alyssa Phillips and FE Calestino (17.1)
Sr. Training A: Kristin Michaloski and Ice Breaker (25.9)
Sr. Training B: Zea Palthey and Resdret (26.6)
Training Horse A: Leslie Law and Tullibards On Tour (25.9)
Training Horse B: Kendyl Tracy and Oboras Goldwing (28.6)
Training Horse C: Woods Baughman and Kamara CFF (25.8)
Jr. Novice: Emma Wick and Avalon Realta (33.3)
Novice Horse A: Leslie Law and Really All Gold (24.1)
Novice Horse B: Susannah Lansdale and Four Star (25.0)
Open Novice A: Hannah Hawkins and Quality Beach (26.2)
Open Novice B: Liz Lund and R Mani CF (29.3)
Sr. Novice A: Cecily Peters and Tomgar Conspiracy (26.7)
Sr. Novice B: Katie Szewczyk and Suspicious Behavior (32.4)
Jr. Beginner Novice A: Peyton Brienza and The Brave Little Toaster (33.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice B: Landry Lies and DJ (31.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Melanie Helms MD and PS Gran Torino (31.3)
Sr. Beginner Novice: Cami Pease and Vibrant (25.3)

Sporting Days Farm March H.T.: [Final Scores]

Intermediate CT: Mallory Distler and Quality Start (37.3)
Open Preliminary: Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Tick Tock (26.5)
Preliminary Horse: Kelly Ransom and Heart of Hollywood (31.1)
Preliminary Rider: Sophie Miller and Quarlotta C (36.0)
Preliminary/Training: Savannah Fulton and Cash Point (31.0)
Open Training: Michael Pendleton and Napoleon Z (23.0)
Training Horse: Ryan Wood and Woodstock Argo (30.7)
Training Rider A: Mia Volpentesta and Flipside (31.4)
Training Rider B: Nancy Hathaway and Killea Gynis View (28.9)
Training Rider C: Bailey Yablonovitz and Fiddler’s Choice (37.1)
Novice Horse: Meredith Payton and Manu Forti’s Royal Blue (27.6)
Novice Rider A: Lea Kilpatrick and Zatango (29.8)
Novice Rider B: Tracie Sales and Ebony (30.2)
Novice Rider C: Lauren Traut and Three Cups Jammy Dodger (27.6)
Open Novice: Alison Eastman-Lawler and Lexington II (25.7)
Beginner Novice Horse: Savannah Fulton and FMF Sol (29.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Carla Lindsay and Paint Misbehavin’ (34.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Tracey Davis and Celtic Cruise (29.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Meaghan Marinovich Burdick and Autograph (27.0)
Starter: Elizabeth Burns and Nazrullah (32.5)

Southern Pines H.T.: [Final Scores]

Advanced CT: Andi Lawrence and Cooley Northern Mist (30.3)
Intermediate CT: Kim Severson and Cooley Criminal Mind (27.3)
Modified Jr.: Audrey Ogan and Second Amendment (38.8)
Open Modified: Erin Kanara and Captivate (27.1)
Open Preliminary: Andrew McConnon and D’Luxe Steel (25.6)
Preliminary CT: Charlotte Stillfried and Palma D (28.8)
Preliminary Rider: Caitlin Romeo Fernhill B Good (25.0)
Modified CT: Caroline Brown and Sydney (34.6)
Modified Rider: Hannah Schofield and Fastidious (30.8)
Open Training A: Leslie Lamb and Mr. Puff Higgens Jr. (28.5)
Open Training B: Madison Chisholm and Reloaded (29.8)
Training Rider A: Camilla Baldini and Dichterlieben (40.0)
Training Rider B: Erin Weil and Patriot Games (32.6)
Training Jr.: Carlin Keefe and Hoodwink (38.9)
Novice CT: Taylor Snyder and Winter Tanz (31.4)
Novice Rider A: Kimberly Rushton and Brit’s Party Favor (25.5)
Novice Rider B: Audrey Wiggins and Spook Hill At Last (23.8)
Novice Jr.: Sidnee Milner and My Valentine (25.7)
Open Novice A: Erin Murphy and Rough Heart (25.5)
Open Novice B: Martha Wunder and Mr McGoey (28.1)
Beginner Novice CT: Kristyn Berger and Down Home Blues (32.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Katelyn Tyler and Dream Weaver (28.0)
Beginner Novice Jr.: Kylee Narron and Woodstock Renegade (23.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Hayley Norfleet and Ranier VT (28.5)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Mar 8, 2021 3:41 am -

We often get criticised if we post articles celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of women in our sport. Those opposed to this ‘special treatment’ cite eventing’s gender equality as proof that we’ve reached a higher plane than other sports, which is a fair argument – but we’re delighted to continue championing women anyway, because their achievements set an impressive precedent, both for other sports and for aspiring athletes to follow. And in a cutthroat world where power imbalances aren’t always reflected in participation statistics, we’ll always be ready to celebrate a victory for female riders, grooms, event organisers, vets, and so on, ad infinitum.

Keep an eye on EN today for your chance to join in with the celebrations – and in the meantime, dive into our round-up of eight of the most influential women in the sport.

National Holiday: It’s International Women’s Day, baby. Big up the gals!

US Weekend Results:

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: [Website] [Entry Status] [Course Preview] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

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

Full Gallop Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Stabling] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sporting Days Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Southern Pines H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Global Round-Up: 

Just one FEI competition took place over the weekend: Tonimbuk International Horse Trials in Victoria, Australia hosted classes from CCI2*-S through CCI4*-S, with national classes on the menu too. We were delighted to cheer on Megan Jones from afar as she took top honours in the four-star with Kirby Park Impress – after battling through a tough year, which began with her forced evacuation in early 2020 due to the wildfires that ravaged southern Australia, it’s great to see her kicking the proverbial you-know-what and taking names in her striking rainbow cross-country colours.

Your Monday Reading List:

The National Sporting Library and Museum has put in some serious work to ensure that female artists are represented in its exhibitions – take a peek at some of the art and find out about the process in this piece from the Chronicle. [Filling The Gaps: Women’s History Month And Museum Collections]

Ever wondered what it’s like to put on the biggest show of all? Tokyo Eventing Organiser Carola Brighenti takes us behind the scenes of her fast-paced life. [What’s It Really Like To Be… an Olympic Eventing Organiser?]

British superstars Nicola Wilson and Bulana are a force to be reckoned with – but they had to tackle a tricky period to build the ultra-reliable partnership they have now. [‘We were getting faster and faster… I had to address this braking problem’: Nicola Wilson on building a partnership with Bulana]

Hidalgo is a modern classic of the horse film oeuvre, but did you know that (human) star Viggo Mortensen is a real-life horse lover? EqLife delves into the man behind the movie. [Viggo Mortensen Saves the Day!]

Your arena plan for the week is sorted thanks to Will Coleman, who helps you make the most of a single upright and talks you through a handy square formation, too. [Grid Pro Quo with Will Coleman]

And finally – are you daydreaming about tackling the 2032 Olympics? Aussie star Heath Ryan‘s put together a plan of action that’ll help you give it a seriously good shot. [Start Planning for Brisbane 2032]

What I’m Listening To:

If you’ve ever thought “I can’t be a feminist, because…” then Deborah Frances-White‘s Guilty Feminist podcast is going to get you through many a morning muck-out sesh this week. Smart, honest, and seriously funny, the Guilty Feminist tackles all the complexities of what it is to be a woman – and how it’s okay if your actions don’t always match your lofty principles.

The FutureTrack Follow:

Young showjumper Evie Toombes isn’t defined by her spinal cord injury – instead, she’s making the best of it while she chases down her dreams and works to dispel stigma around disabilities. She’ll bring you the extra dose of inspiration you need on your feed.

Morning Viewing:

Meet young British talent Bubby Upton and get the inside scoop before she becomes one of the sport’s biggest names…

The Fork Farm and Stables is For Sale: Take a Look Around

By on Mar 7, 2021 12:00 pm -

As an eventer, I always regarded The Fork as a top-class facility where the best event riders would compete at the spring event. Though it hasn’t run at that facility for a number of years, the farm itself still exists and is just as beautiful. This property is about as nice as you can get.

A beautiful sunrise at The Fork. Photo by Mollie Staretorp.

Here’s the description:

The Fork Farm is an exceptional sporting property and working farm located one-hour east of Charlotte, NC. The 1,460± acre farm is a very private landholding that sits at the end of a state-maintained road. It is flanked by the Rocky and Pee Dee Rivers, which join at the southern tip of the property to create the eponymous “Fork”.

A tribute to classic European field sport estates, The Fork’s multiple land uses and best-in-class components overlap effortlessly. No single pursuit defines the farm, although among the standouts are world-class equestrian facilities, highly productive quail and waterfowl programs, and multiple sporting clay and shooting courses. The quality of the operations and flexible land uses are a testament to the management and planning of the current ownership. In addition to its enviable sporting reputation, the farm has been routinely recognized for its outstanding conservation efforts. Extensive improvements are spread throughout the farm, including a main house, guest lodge, farm buildings, and phenomenal stable. The Fork proves the sum is greater than any one of its parts and represents a real estate offering of the highest caliber.

The Facts:

  • 1,460± acres
  • 12,100± square foot, 15-stall stable with numerous amenities
  • Extensive equestrian improvements, including 4 outdoor riding arenas (2 with all-weather footing) and cross-country course
  • Exceptional hunting and wildlife, including intensively managed upland habitat, timber, shallow water impoundments, and dove field.
  • Two 14-station sporting clay courses, five-stand course, 65-foot tower, and accompanying gun lodge
  • 1.9 miles of Pee Dee River frontage
  • 1.4 miles of Rocky River frontage
  • Main house with connected three-bedroom guest cottage
  • The Fork Lodge, a nine-bedroom guest lodge
  • The Carriage House, a two-bedroom guest cottage
  • Miles of trails and farm roads
  • Farm office, kennels, and multiple farm buildings, including a 6,000± square foot heated building
  • One-hour east of Charlotte

This property is listed for $20,000,000. To view the full listing, click here.

Sunday Links

By on Mar 7, 2021 12:01 am -

Look, look, look! Chattahoochee Hills has some gorgeous new cross country fences on display this weekend — outfitted with frangible technology. These beauties were made possible because of the frangible technology fund. This purse reached it’s $500,000 goal earlier this year, but we can build even more safe tables, oxers and gates with your generosity. Click here to donate.

U.S. Weekend Action:

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: [Website] [Entry Status] [Course Preview] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

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

Full Gallop Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Stabling] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Rocking Horse Winter III H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sporting Days Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Southern Pines H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links

RuleGate from Bad Eventer

Why Are So Many Veterinarians in America Being Pushed to the Point of Suicide?

Is It My Horse, or Is It Me?

A Few Of My Least Favorite Things

‘We were getting faster and faster… I had to address this braking problem’: Nicola Wilson on building a partnership with Bulana

Sunday Video: Watch Tamie Smith win in Aiken this weekend:

Tamie Smith Next Level Eventing with Mai Baum win the 2021 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce's Field

Posted by Horse & Country TV on Saturday, March 6, 2021

 

 

 

 

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum Clinch Win in Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Mar 6, 2021 6:41 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

It came down to six seconds when all was said and done. A thrilling day of shortened cross country at the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field brought us down the order in reverse order of standing, building pressure on overnight leaders Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. After second-placed Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z collected a handy clear round, Tamie Smith – who has been working out of Ocala this off-season – had six seconds of time in hand to seal the victory.

And she may have needed it – the 15-year-old jet black German Sport Horse gelding Mai Baum, owned by the Ahearn family and Eric Markell and first discovered by Michelle Pestl, was impressed by the twisting, technical track set by Captain Mark Phillips early on. “Wild” was the term Tamie used to describe “Lexus”, whose answer to a question he’s unsure about is to just try harder. But Tamie knows the gelding like the back of her hand, and as they continued to tick off the questions you could see the horse responding in kind to her quiet insistence that he just keep going. In the end, they wouldn’t need the six seconds, finishing inside the time allotted of 3 minutes and 49 seconds to officially win the event on a final score of 23.3.

It’s been a long road with Mai Baum, who splashed onto the East coast scene in commanding fashion to win the then-CCI3* USEF National Championship at Fair Hill in 2015. All was set to make a bid for the U.S. team traveling to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, but it was not to be as the gelding suffered a tendon injury that took him out of contention. He would make his way back under the careful care of the Next Level Eventing team out of Temecula, Ca., eventually partnering with Tamie at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and finishing 11th at Boekelo later that year.

We’ve long been waiting for “the black stallion” to make his CCI5* debut and we very well may get our wish this year: Tamie says Mai Baum is slated to head to Kentucky, along with stablemate En Vogue, owned by Ruth Bley.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Finishing second, third, and fifth and pleased with all of her rides today was Liz Halliday-Sharp, who won this event twice in a row in 2019 and 2020. “I’m not disappointed to finish all my horses in the top five,” she told Frankie Thieriot Stutes after her ride aboard Deniro Z. “I’m happy for Tamie that she came over here and had a great run.”

Liz ends her weekend with Ocala Horse Properties’ Deniro Z in second on a 25.8, Deborah Halliday’s Fernhill By Night in third on a 28.4, and Ocala Horse Properties’ Cooley Quicksilver in fifth on a 30.0. Splitting the difference in fourth place is Boyd Martin with The Long Island T Syndicate’s Long Island T, who cruised around with three seconds of time to finish on a score of 29.5. “I was thrilled with all three of my guys today. It’s a twisty, turny course with a few accuracy courses and the first run of the year and I’m pleased with all three of them,” Boyd reflected after his last ride. Boyd also finished Luke 140 inside the top 10, ending the weekend in ninth with a score of 31.5.

Buck Davidson told Frankie Thieriot Stutes that his last trip to the Grand Prix Eventing with Cassie Segal, Lisa Darden, and Natalie Sandler’s Erroll Gobey, a Holsteiner gelding who is 11 this year, was tougher and says the horse has really grown into himself to feel much more confident for this attempt. “He’s really growing up and did it easily,” he said. This pair ends their weekend in sixth place on a 30.6.

Doug Payne also enjoyed a fruitful weekend, collecting just one second of time among his three rides. Doug and Jessica Payne’s Quantum Leap ends the weekend as the highest placed Payne horse, finishing seventh on a 31.1. He’s closely followed by stable mate Starr Witness, owned by Laurie McRee and Catherine Winter, in eighth on a score of 31.2. Debi Crowley’s Vandiver finished his weekend on a double clear cross country, in 12th on a 33.2.

In all, we only saw a couple of issues pop up on course: Clayton Fredericks parted ways from FE Stormtrooper at the big Aiken Post Office corner, fence 9, and Tamie Smith popped off her first ride, Danito, at fence 11, the Battle of Aiken Cannon. Both horses and riders looked to be no worse for the wear after the mishaps.

The time proved to be a formidable test, and riders who didn’t set out with the rockets burning weren’t likely to catch up on the clock by the end. Generally speaking, the course rewarded really positive riding – second-guessing a distance could prove consequential on the leaderboard as a few pairs found out. A total of nine riders collected double clear efforts, making for a 27% double clear rate for this year’s course. This makes for a tougher track on paper than years past: 2020’s Grand Prix saw a 54% double clear rate and 2019’s had 63% of cross country starters jump double clear.

You can view the complete listing of final scores here and catch up on our live updates from cross country here. We’ve really enjoyed following along with this exciting showcase of eventing each year and thank you for being here with us. Our gratitude goes out to all the organizers, officials, volunteers, grooms, and riders who make these events possible – it’s truly a team effort! Go Eventing.

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Entries, Live Scores, XC Course Preview, H&C TV, USEF Network, EN’s Coverage

Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field Cross Country Live Updates: Tamie Smith Seals the Deal

By on Mar 6, 2021 2:15 pm -

Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park.

Welcome to what is sure to be a thrilling finale of the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, Sc. We’ve been treated to some exciting action over the first two phases from which West coast rider Tamie Smith and Mai Baum have emerged as overnight leaders on a score of 23.3.

We’ll see a total of 35 combinations leaving the startbox to context Capt. Mark Phillips’ cross country today beginning at 2:30 p.m. EST. You can follow along with a Horse & Country TV subscription (which is well worth the low monthly cost and also comes with no obligation) by clicking here. Refresh this page periodically for the latest updates from the last phase of competition.

Optimum time for the track, which consists of 22 jumping efforts, will be 3 minutes and 49 seconds.

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Entries, Live Scores, XC Course Preview, H&C TV, USEF Network, EN’s Coverage

5:36 p.m. EST: Tamie says Lexus was a bit “wild” at the beginning – “I’m not sure that was a ride you’d want to copy!” she tells Frankie – but what an accomplishment for the German Sport Horse gelding who will head to Kentucky in April if all goes to plan. Here’s a look at your final top 10 (view full scores here) – stay tuned for more from Bruce’s Field! Thanks for following along with us.

5:27 p.m. EST: She did it!! Tamie stuck to her guns and got Mai Baum’s confidence blooming the farther she went. Tamie comes all the way from California to WIN the third annual $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field!

GIF via H&C TV.

5:26 p.m. EST: Over the Carolina Bay Flower Box to the corner:

GIF via H&C TV.

5:24 p.m. EST: Lexus stands wayyy off from the fence 2, the Palmetto Golf Club but they’re clear.

5:23 p.m. EST: Tamie has six seconds of time in hand.

5:22 p.m. EST: Pressure’s on! Liz comes home handily inside the time. Can Tamie and Mai Baum hang on?

GIF via H&C TV.

5:20 p.m. EST: Deniro Z and Liz take out the right flag at the big open corner at fence 9 – hard to tell from the camera angle but he looked to be safe from my view.

5:18 p.m. EST: Boyd could not afford a second of time to take the lead, he’ll instead pick up about 1.2 time penalties to finish on a provisional score of 29.5. We’ll now see Liz Halliday Sharp and Deniro Z, currently in second on a 25.8.

5:16 p.m. EST: Boyd hangs out for five strides to the big corner:

GIF via H&C TV.

5:14 p.m. EST: Boyd Martin and Long Island T are our next to go, with just three more to see. This pair is currently on a 28.3.

5:12 p.m. EST: Sara and Rubens d’Ysieux are clear! She picks up about 2.4 time.

5:11 p.m. EST: Sara and Rubens clear through the Banksia Bank at 10 and 11.

GIF via H&C TV.

5:07 p.m. EST: Clayton is home with 9 seconds of time. Next in will be Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens d’Ysieux, on a score of 29.7.

5:05 p.m. EST: Buck says he brought Erroll Gobey here a couple years ago and had some trouble, so he’s really pleased with the 11-year-old’s performance here this weekend. “He’s definitely grown up and he was good in all three phases so I’m really happy,” he tells Frankie.

5:03 p.m. EST: Now away are Clayton Fredericks and FE Always In Time, coming in on a score of 30.6.

5:02 p.m. EST: Buck and Erroll Gobey over the Carolina Bay Flower Box to the Triple Brush at 15 and 16. Buck has finished just under the time!

GIF via H&C TV.

5:00 p.m. EST: “I really can’t complain, one second cumulative for all three is pretty awesome.” – Doug after his ride with Quantum Leap.

4:58 p.m. EST: We’ll next see Buck Davidson with Erroll Gobey, coming in on a score of 30.6.

4:57 p.m. EST: Another great run for Doug, and they come home one second over to add .4 time. Overall a great showing from the Payne team this weekend!

4:55 p.m. EST: A nice shot over the Hitchcock Woods Fox Squirrel at fence 6 for Quantum Leap:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:53 p.m. EST: And we’re off with Doug and Quantum Leap!

4:50 p.m. EST: We’re just on a slight hold while the crew fixes the ground line at the Banksia Bank. We’ll see Doug Payne with Quantum Leap next, currently on a score of 30.7.

4:47 p.m. EST: Bummer, Tamie hits the deck at the bounce of the Banksia Bank, when Danito peeked and ducked to the left. They look to be ok, and we’ll see Tamie back shortly with overnight leader Mai Baum.

4:44 p.m. EST: “Blackie” slips on landing coming back down the Banksia Bank, and she comes home about 4 seconds over time. Next out are Tamie Smith and Danito, in sixth currently on a score of 29.2.

GIF via H&C TV.

4:40 p.m. EST: We’ll now see Liz back on her second of three rides, Fernhill By Night, currently on a score of 26.4.

4:39 p.m. EST: Boyd and Luke 140 are home 7 seconds over time to finish the weekend on a 31.1.

GIF via H&C TV.

4:34 p.m. EST: We’re moving now into the top 10, and it’s really anyone’s game at this point given the challenges of the time. We’ll see Boyd and Luke 140 shortly.

4:33 p.m. EST: Lillian says this was good practice for her – she actually calls herself not the fastest rider so this was good for her to go out and get the time.

4:30 p.m. EST: We’ll have about five minutes before we see Boyd Martin back with Luke 140, coming forward on a score of 28.3.

4:29 p.m. EST: Lillian comes home easily inside the time with LCC Barnaby, the second fastest time of the day – I believe I heard 3 minutes, 42 seconds.

4:25 p.m. EST: Next out are Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby, currently in 13th on a score of 33.1. This pair is quick across the country so this should be fun!

4:24 p.m. EST: 10 seconds over for Annie and Fedarman B – a different camera angle of the Bruce’s Field Logs:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:22 p.m. EST: “The cross country is pretty quick and fast and you’ve got to react quickly and the horses have to be looking for the next jump pretty early on. I think it is educational for everyone.” – Phillip after his ride on Fernhill Singapore.

4:20 p.m. EST: Next out are Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B on a score of 34.4.

4:19 p.m. EST: Phillip sees a good one and pushes Singapore to meet him there. They’re home now easily inside the time!

GIF via H&C TV.

4:18 p.m. EST: Phillip goes around the chevron to get to the Carolina Bay Flower Box, which sets him up on a really nice line to walk down to the corner in four:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:14 p.m. EST: Doug comes home one second inside the time for Doug’s second double clear of the day. Phillip Dutton is back now with Fernhill Singapore, currently in 15th on a score of 33.9.

4:12 p.m. EST: A good shot over the Banksia Bank for Doug and Starr Witness:

GIF via H&C TV.

4:07 p.m. EST: Bummer! Clayton parts ways from FE Stormtrooper after a bit of a miscommunication heading to the big Aiken Post Office corner. They got a bit off their line and FE Stormtrooper ended up jumping too wide, jostling Clayton. He’s right up on his feet and looks no worse for the wear, as does his horse. We’ll next see Doug Payne with his Pan American Games partner Starr Witness, currently in 12th on a score of 31.2.

4:06 p.m. EST: “It’s great to know that we can get it done and be a good bit inside and not feel like I took any huge risks. The horse was brilliant, it’s his first run of the year and I couldn’t ask for more.” – Liz with Frankie on her ride aboard Cooley Quicksilver.

4:04 p.m. EST: Liz gets a shot of confidence with a double clear and the fastest of the day so far! She’ll feel great about that as she looks ahead to her higher placed rides. Clayton Fredericks is back now with FE Stormtrooper, on a score of 33.9.

4:02 p.m. EST: A pat for Cooley Quicksilver after a great shot over fence 7, The Willcox.

GIF via H&C TV.

p.m. EST:

3:56 p.m. EST: We’ll see Liz Halliday-Sharp riding out of order next with her first of three rides, Cooley Quicksilver, currently on a score of 30.0.

3:55 p.m. EST: The best moments:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:54 p.m. EST: Sharon and Cooley On Show pick up just one second of time, so close! A great ride from these two.

3:53 p.m. EST: Sharon and Cooley On Show elect for the inside turn here to the Carolina Bay Flower Box to the big corner:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:49 p.m. EST: Dana comes home with 3.6 time penalties to finish on a 39.5. Next out will be Sharon White with Cooley On Show, coming forward on a score of 34.6. “Louie” is ready to go!

GIF via H&C TV.

3:46 p.m. EST: A look at the big open oxer, The Aiken, at fence three:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:45 p.m. EST: Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi are next out of the box on a score of 35.9.

3:44 p.m. EST: Phillip has Z in a nice rhythm and makes quick work of 15 and 16, the Carolina Flower Box to the Triple Brush. This pair adds two seconds of time.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:41 p.m. EST: Fun fact: Doug forgot to start his watch at the start! He credits a strong partnership with “Quinn” and the 17-year-old’s adjustability for making the intensity of this type of track much more doable. “There’s not much that compares to it,” he tells Frankie.

3:39 p.m EST: 3 minutes, 46 seconds for Doug and Vandiver, the second double clear and fastest time of the day so far. Phillip Dutton and Z are next out on a score of 34.1.

3:38 p.m. EST: Doug illustrates the inside turn at the chevron here. This is en route to fences 8 and 9, the Carolina Bay Flower Box and the Aiken Post Office corner.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:35 p.m EST: Clayton and FE Ophelia add a handful of time (apologies, I missed the exact time!). Next out will be Doug Payne with his old campaigner, Vandiver. Look for this pair to be quick and nippy!

GIF via H&C TV.

3:30 p.m. EST: Sydney is the first one inside the time! 5 seconds inside the time for this pair, putting them on a finishing score of 37.5. “He was super! This course is made for him, just tight turns and just keep moving. He’s fantastic,” she tells Frankie at the end. Clayton Fredericks and FE Ophelia are next out on a score of 34.2.

3:28 p.m. EST: Sydney shows us the flower box to the corner that comes after the aforementioned turn:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:26 p.m. EST: Next out are Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire on a score of 37.5.

3:25 p.m. EST: Emily and Corvett come home 12 or 13 seconds over time. “This horse is jumping his eyeballs out!” comes over the loudspeaker.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:22 p.m. EST: Nilson says Rock Phantom was pretty strong the whole way around, and had he been able to ride a bit more the beginning he may have made the time. We’re getting closer to that elusive double clear!

3:20 p.m. EST: Nilson and Rock Phantom come home with a clear round, quite quick looking. He’ll hold the quickest round of the bunch so far with 3 minutes, 56 seconds. Next out will be Emily Hamel with Corvett – this one is always fun to watch with his unorthodox jumping style!

3:15 p.m. EST: Colleen and “CR” are home with 9.2 time penalties. “What a good man!”, she tells him at the finish. Next out will be Brazil’s Nilson Da Dilva and Rock Phantom, on a score of 38.6.

3:12 p.m. EST: This GIF illustrates a turn that may end up being somewhat influential, depending on whether you elect to go inside or outside of the chevron. You’re setting up a line to a flower box to a big corner that I’ll capture next.

GIF via H&C TV.

3:10 p.m. EST: Missy Miller and Quinn are also home clear, with 7.2 time penalties added. Colleen is back now with a quick turnaround for her second ride, Covert Rights, currently on a score of 47.2.

3:08 p.m. EST: In case you guys thought that remote event reporting was glamorous, allow me to dissuade you. But – at least I have a desk dog?

3:06 p.m. EST: Buck Davidson will not be running Carlevo, and Holly Jacks Smither has also withdrawn her second ride, Candy King.

3:05 p.m. EST: Boyd picks up 10.4 time penalties, also on a very smooth-looking ride. We’ll have to see what he takes from this ride to modify in his next two. Next out is Missy Miller with Quinn on a score of 40.0.

3:04 p.m. EST:

3:02 p.m. EST: Thomas shows off his skinny skillz:

GIF via H&C TV.

3:00 p.m. EST: Karl Slezak comes home in 4 minutes, 5 seconds. Next out will be Boyd Martin with Pan American Games gold medal winner Tsetserleg.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:57 p.m. EST: I apologize for not catching it on GIF, but Karl Slezak is the first to get more bold with his lines – we’ll likely start seeing more of these decisions as it becomes more apparent that the time requires some extra gumption. Holly Jacks Smither muses that the time is definitely possible, noting a couple places where she added too much.

2:56 p.m. EST: Another Canadian rider, Karl Slezak, sets out of the box with Fernhill Wishes with plenty of speed to burn. Commentator Kevin Keane observes that the riders will likely need to get ahead on the clock early, because they aren’t going to find it easily later on.

2:54 p.m. EST: Holly is the quickest so far on 4 minutes even.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:50 p.m. EST: Canada’s Holly Jacks-Smither and her longtime partner More Inspiration are now on course riding on a score of 42.2.

2:49 p.m. EST:Emporium comes home clear in 4 minutes, 21 seconds. Ashlynn looks thrilled!

2:47 p.m. EST: “I am absolutely thrilled with how he ran. Really and truly it’s not going to be easy, the ones that get the time are going to have to have incredibly smooth, bold rides with absolutely no wasted moments.” – Colleen on her ride with Frankie Thieriot Stutes. Indeed, her ride looked quite quick and was still 15 seconds over!

2:45 p.m. EST: 4 minutes and 14 seconds is the time for Colleen and Confidence Game, who really looked to gain confidence as he went. Next up will be Montana-based Ashlynn Meuchel and Emporium, on a score of 44.9.

2:43 p.m. EST: Confidence Game gets a test of footwork through the Banksia Bank question. Colleen is using all of her experience to get this lesser experienced ride of hers around, but they’re having a positive ride to this point.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:41 p.m. EST: Next out are Colleen Rutledge with the stallion Confidence Game, currently on a score of 48.4.

2:39 p.m. ET: A look at the tricky Banksia Bank at fence 10, a nice ride from Alex and “Elmo”. Alex is home clear with 11.2 time penalties.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:35 p.m. EST: Jules is home in 4:17, picking up time over the optimum of 3:49. Next out is the only young rider in field, Alex Baugh with Mr. Candyman, currently on a 49.1.

GIF via H&C TV.

2:32 p.m. EST: There’s a LOT to look at for these horses, almost like you’re in a bit of a fishbowl. It’s hard to get up to a good rhythm in some areas, and Cooley O feels some effects of this stickiness early on but they’re kicking on a bit more now.

2:30 p.m. EST: And we’re all set to go here in Aiken! First out of the box will be Jules Ennis with Cooley O, standing in 38th on a 52.4.