Classic Eventing Nation

Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst: How We Can Help the Kentucky Three-Day Survive

By on Jan 15, 2021 12:00 pm -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The economic devastation of the global coronavirus pandemic continues to impact businesses both large and small, forcing quick thinking and willingness to pivot in order to survive. In the wake of the cancelation of the 2020 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) — the organization that has managed major horse trials at Kentucky Horse Park since 1975 — is looking ahead to this year’s event, scheduled for April 22-25, with cautious and realistic optimism.

With many variables still up in the air, EEI Executive Director Lee Carter this week issued a letter stating his team’s determination to run the event. The state of Kentucky, at this juncture, has allowed small percentages of spectators at sporting events, which Lee views positively as he looks to April. The event’s success this year, he says, is highly reliant on ticket and spectator revenue. This remains a fluid situation, however, as the state remains in the “Critical” tier for its Current Incidence Rate and the COVID-19 vaccine has been slower than anticipate to roll out.

EEI was forced to reduce its staff by nearly 70% at the height of the economic withdrawal, but was able to secure Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster funding to bring its staffing numbers back up to 50% — still a skeleton crew of six for the monumental task of pulling off an international event.

Regrettably, Lee says, the prospect of running without spectators at all is not financially feasible. The organization has $900,000 in its reserve from rolled over ticket and sponsorship sales. If the event is canceled or run without spectators, those funds will need to be returned, effectively eliminating the funding to run the event at all.

So what can we do to support what was North America’s sole five-star until the Maryland Five Star came to fruition? Lee says Equestrian Events, Inc. is asking for tax-deductible donations and is also open to suggestions for fundraising and other ways to salvage the event in the worst case scenario.

“We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit, but historically we have not gone out and solicited donations,” he explained. “We haven’t needed to, as the event in April has sustained us. We know how hard other, smaller events work to stay afloat and we don’t want to take away from that. We want to use our event to lift up the entire sport as best we can.”

“Those funds rolled over from 2020 are going to come due one way or another,” Lee said. “So if we have to refund everybody, how much do we have left and how much can we deal with?”

There are too many variables to make a definitive call right now. Lee says EEI will apply for the second round of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, which opened up this week. He also feels comfortable with the status of EEI’s investments — though a tumultuous market in 2020 has him cautious in terms of future projections.

At the end of the day, Lee does “believe there is a pathway forward,” but with so much still up in the air — and likely still to change — the best he can do is plan for the best but prepare for the worst.

Lee told EN he is happy to accept ideas for fundraising or other means of assistance — those interested in providing feedback can email [email protected]. You can also make a tax-deductible donation to EEI here. Those donating $500 or more will qualify for an exclusive ticket presale for the 2021 event.

“The eventing community is tremendous,” he said. “I meant what I wrote in my letter that we know they will do whatever we ask them to do to run this event responsibly. There is a scenario where (the end of the event) is where we are, but there is also a scenario where we live to fight another day.”

We will continue to update this story as it evolves. Go Eventing.

Stressed Out, Perfectionistic Junior Riders: Let’s Help Them Put It in Perspective

By on Jan 15, 2021 9:00 am -

Photo by Alden Corrigan.

I work with a lot of adolescents. I love teenagers—they tell it like it is and have great senses of humor. I find that they are very open to new ideas and concepts. They learn fast, and keep me on my toes. My sample, a group of competitive riders from different disciplines, are extremely high achievers. They have lofty goals and strategies to get there. They are willing to work hard and regularly push past their comfort zone. They are very successful—both in and out of the saddle. And, they are carrying too much on their shoulders.

Many of these riders have extraordinary expectations of themselves, and feel that others do as well. They have anxiety about all kinds of things—worries that affect their every day performance in the saddle, and their psychological and physical health. Along with unrealistic expectations, the most prominent trends I see are: worries about being perfect, preoccupation with what others think about them, and feeling that they are on their own and have to “know it all already.”

Here are some recent examples from my work:

  • One teen is a dedicated, developing event rider. She has an upcoming opportunity to work with a prominent clinician, but is sick with worry that she will “fail” in the clinic. She burdens herself with the task of having “to know it all” rather than embracing the fact that she, like all of us, is a student of the sport. Instead of excitement to work with her idol, she feels panicked to the point of throwing up.
  • A young adult dressage rider feels she is “letting herself down” if she or her trainer doesn’t punish herself mentally for every error (perceived and otherwise). Her self-bullying interferes with her learning and disrupts her communication with her horse—and most importantly, leaves her suffering between rides.
  • A teenage hunter rider feels afraid to ask her trainer for clarification in her lesson. She cringes, believing that others will judge her. Instead of asking, she does what she thinks the trainer wants, but does it incorrectly. Afterward, she feels humiliated, and dreads her next ride.

Many teens do not have a realistic sense that we all are a work in progress. We’re all perpetual students — even the elite among us. Challenges, trial and error, mistakes, failures — they are all part of our ongoing development. In addition, many young athletes don’t see the adults in their lives as resources—including their trainers and parents. Teens often feel that they are on their own to figure things out. So many teens feel it’s a
blow to the ego if they have a question. “If I ask, my trainer will think I’m stupid,” is a sentiment I hear repeatedly. I remind them that in my experience, the best and brightest always ask questions—and they welcome questions as well. Courage means asking a question when you don’t understand and embracing yourself as a perpetual student. Cowardice is pretending that you know something that you don’t and hoping it turns out OK.

Where do teens and young adults get these ideas? Perfectionism is part of our culture right now, fueled by social media. Nonetheless, we as parents, trainers, and coaches can make an impact. We need to step in to provide a healthier, realistic perspective and educated support—and set an example ourselves. We need to help our teens see the big picture, and redefine what it means to be “successful.” When our child makes a mistake, falls off, or simply doesn’t win the class, it’s our job to ask: what did you learn, and know that this is part of development, not the end of the world.

A mistake is only a failure if you don’t learn from it.

The goal of sport is to continually challenge yourself to improve. We need to praise curiosity and learning, not perfection. We need to encourage questions, experimentation, and inquiry and never condemn failure when it emerges out of doing one’s best or trying something new. Let’s adopt this mindset not only so that we can help support our teens’ healthy development, but also so that we can unburden them from anxieties and pressures that in the end, do not serve them in the saddle or in life. Having perspective means we always keep the big picture in mind.

About Dr. Bonomi: Darby Bonomi, PhDis a Sport and Performance Psychologist. She works with equestrians of all disciplines, and other athletes, to achieve optimal performance in and out of the saddle. For more information or to contact Dr. Bonomi, click here.

Friday News & Notes

By on Jan 15, 2021 12:03 am -

When you’re just trying to take a nice photo of the sunset with your horse. Photo by Wendy Davenport.

There is a comment thread on OTTB United on Facebook asking people for the best Thoroughbred name they’ve ever encountered, and I am here for it. My current favorites are Likeuonlyprettier, Gottatwobeerbuzz, Aaaaaaar, and Tapit At Midnight. We always talk about terrible race names, but occasionally there are some pretty funny people trying to figure out how to work with the Jockey Club requirements and it’s worth it.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Entries]

Fresno County Horse Park Combined Test: [Website] [Schedule]

News From Around the Globe:

CBD, what’s it all about? Ask the Vet is back with a special episode centered around the hottest supplement ingredient right now, CBD! SmartPaker Dan and Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak Staff Veterinarian, Research and Medical Director, answer five of the most common questions that we’ve gotten from viewers and customers about CBD, including what is CBD, how do I start a horse on a CBD supplement, research questions, showing a horse who is taking CBD, and more. [CBD For Horses]

Best of Blogs: You Don’t Have To Be a Competitive Athlete To Make a Difference

How do you talk about your horse? Changing the way you describe your horse can be the key to developing better emotional fitness. Emotional fitness includes your patience, kindness, and empathy towards other beings, especially your horse. If your horse makes you nervous or frustrated, there are options outside of calling him a jerk or an a**hole. Read more to find out how to become a better trainer through simple mental steps from Tik Maynard. [What You Say About Your Horse Says More About You]

With winter well and established, it’s time to talk about safety with water heaters. You won’t be surprised to hear that colic is the number one leading cause of equine death, but the second one is electrocution. So, better make sure your not going to murder your horse while preventing ice. [When Waterers Bite Back]

Coronavirus continues to delay the British Eventing season. Originally slated to start at the beginning of March, BE has now confirmed that the earliest date for competition will be the 26th of March. With the extended lockdown and the new strain of the virus causing more issues in England, we hope that British eventers get a spring season this year. [BE Delays Start of Competition for 2021]

Thursday Video: Teaching a Thoroughbred to Jump with Elisa Wallace

By on Jan 14, 2021 4:00 pm -

Many of our readers may be working with a new off-track Thoroughbred this winter, and Elisa Wallace has some advice on starting these athletic horses over fences in their new careers.

Elisa spends time working over fences with show jumper Anne Kursinski on her 7-year-old lightly raced Thoroughbred, I Reckon So or “Ricky”. “You can see he’s sorting out his body and his balance,” Elisa explains, observing the horse’s reactions to the new concept and reiterating that it’s important that the horse is allowed to understand each question and learn through mistakes.

Other key takeaways from Elisa’s pointers:

  • Repetition is key – allowing the horse to learn little by little over a fence should yield more understanding
  • Do your best to stay out of the horse’s way – assume a neutral, stable position over the fences, avoiding yanking the mouth or otherwise punishing the green horse for jumping
  • Allow the horse to sort out his own balance

Elisa is always hard at work producing more content for her followers, and you can support her endeavors through Patreon by clicking here.

Volunteer Nation: Five Opportunities to Help Out This Weekend

By on Jan 14, 2021 1:00 pm -

One of Stable View’s hardest working volunteers, Zeus! Photo courtesy of Stable View.

There are numerous opportunities available to help out your local event this weekend as the eventing season begins to wake up for the year. Don’t forget, the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program is full of year-end prizes and rewards for dedicated volunteers who spend time helping out. Your help goes a long way!

We’ve compiled some resources on volunteering with COVID-19 regulations in mind. We’ll reference this list each week in Volunteer Nation, so take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what’s new and different.

COVID-19 Resources for Eventers
Volunteers Adapt to the New Normal
Volunteers Weigh In on New COVID-19 Protocols

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Event: Carolina Horse Park Pipe Opener
Dates: Saturday, January 16
Address: 2814 Montrose Rd., Raeford, NC, 28376
Positions Available: General Help, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Fresno County Horse Park January Combined Test
Dates: Friday, January 15 through Sunday, January 17
Address: 7430 North Weber AVe, Fresno, CA, 93722
Positions Available: Dressage Crossing Guard, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks
Dates: Saturday, January 16 through Sunday, January 17
Address: 17500 N US Highway 441, Reddick, FL, 32686
Positions Available: Hospitality Steward, Floater, XC Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, General Help, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe

Event: Pine Hill GHCTA Schooling H.T.
Dates: Saturday, January 16 through Sunday, January 17
Address: 1720 Hwy 159 East, Bellville, TX, 77418
Positions Available: Greeter, Parking Steward, XC Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC On-Course Timer, Event Takedown – XC, Floater

Event: Stable View Combined Test
Dates: Saturday, January 16
Address: 117 Stable Drive , Aiken, SC, 29801
Positions Available: Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe

Also seeking volunteer help this Friday, January 15 is Martin Douzant of The Frame Sport Horses. This young horse clinic is being held at Milestone Sport Horses in Lovettsville, Va.

We're looking for a couple of volunteers for the day for this Friday the 15th, at Milestone Sport Horses in Lovettsville for our Jump Chute Clinic. If you are available and would like to spend the day helping and learning, let us know!

If you're already participating in the Young Horse Show Series you can earn $50 for the day.

Thanks!!

@milestonesporthorses Milestone Sport Horses
#volunteer #gratitude #education #horses #younghorses #younghorseshow #VAhorses #horsetrainer #jumper #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #equinelife

Posted by The Frame Sport Horses on Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Three Mental Health Hurdles Every Eventer Can Relate To

By on Jan 14, 2021 9:00 am -

What do event riders struggle with the most in terms of mental health? It’s no secret that the inextricable reach of the internet and social media has made everyone just a bit more miserable. Comparison being the thief of joy and all, this element can pile on to the mountain of worries we all carry at any given moment.

I spoke at length with Sarah Carlan, MSW, a licensed social worker and transformational coach, about the nuances of being an equestrian and how the sport affects our view of ourselves. Truth be told, I left the conversation feeling a little less alone.

In her work with not only equestrian athletes but also individuals from varying backgrounds who passionately pursue their endeavors, Sarah has observed several commonalities among riders. An eventer herself, she understands the mental demands of the sport – and she wants everyone reading this to know that they aren’t alone in the insecurity they feel. Indeed, it’s true that we all feel these at some point along the way.

“To use a horse as an analogy, if our horses are worried about life or spooky or have ulcers, it doesn’t matter how perfectly we get them to the base of the fence – they’re not going to really be able to demonstrate their greatness,” she explained. “And so we have to take care of those fundamental pieces before we really expect them to perform at their peak.”

Sarah Carlan. Anna Lens Equine Photo.

The same concept applies to us as riders. What does Sarah work with riders the most on? Let’s dive in:

Equestrians often feel diminished when explaining their sport to “non-horse folk”.

“Horse people struggle with the difficulty of explaining to the general population why we do what we do. It is a very privileged sport. But a lot of us figure out how to scrape it together, and the amount of sacrifice it takes is tremendous.

Yet people see it as an elite, privileged sport. What they don’t see is what drives most of us to be there. At our core, especially the amateurs working full-time and riding at night, taking their one vacation week to go to a show, we are willing to sacrifice just about anything. It’s hard for others to understand why we do that, and that can feel us leaving unseen.

That’s why horse people can’t stop talking about horses when they’re with each other! Because they feel seen. It’s such a core passion, it’s in our DNA, so to have other people get it is really incredible.”

Many riders have grown accustomed to self-criticism as a form of “toughness”.

“Think of the early coaches you might have had that screamed and yelled. Now think of how that might affect you now. How do you approach improvement? Through curiosity, or through self-flagellation?

We are taught that if we aren’t super hard on ourselves, we aren’t going to make it. We beat ourselves up, and then nerves arise from these expectations of doing well. While there is such a thing as the other side of the coin – too much positivity with too little accountability – there is a huge difference between accountability and self-flagellation, but many riders don’t seem to understand the distinction.”

The performance of an eventer is impacted by many variables, making for a mental rollercoaster.

“We as riders are very performance oriented, and our evaluation of our performance is impacted, especially in eventing, by so many variables that if we don’t have a very good, stable ego, it can knock us off so easily.

You can go to a hunter/jumper show and your chances of getting a few ribbons – a few chances to get it right – are pretty high. But at an event, one mistake might ruin your entire weekend, and you don’t get another chance to do it. Imagine the pressure this creates!”

Mindfulness. It’s likely a term you’ve heard or read about at some point – but how does it play into our riding (and our everyday lives)? This is a topic we’ll be diving into with Sarah in the coming weeks – and she wants to answer your questions, too! In an effort to create a more open dialog around the topic of mental health (destigmatizing for the win!), we’ll be working with Sarah to answer reader-submitted questions and explore the concepts of mindfulness and mental health in equestrian sports.

Do you have a question you’d like Sarah to answer in a future column? Please tip me by emailing [email protected]. Questions can be provided anonymously.

Thursday News & Notes

By on Jan 14, 2021 12:03 am -

Horses are so majestic. Photo by Jessica Joan Moncrieff Brown.

Tomorrow is the deadline to apply for the Retired Racehorse Project SUPER Makeover for fall 2021! I just spent last night talking to a friend of a friend who wanted advice and encouragement in her desire to enter and compete, and we just talked for a long time about our horses and I told her 1000% that she had to do it. Nothing brings people together like the love of thoroughbreds and the journey to the makeover. Glad to have made yet another RRP Makeover friend!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Entries]

Fresno County Horse Park Combined Test: [Website] [Schedule]

News From Around the Globe:

Catch up on the first session from the US Equestrian Annual Meeting with an update from each department of the organization here.

Jim Wofford has some observations on how the pandemic affected riders, and how it affected our sport. With all the down time without competitions, riders had to go back and really examine their weaknesses and the gaps in their horse’s training. Instead of just riding for the next event, and only fixing things for the short term, the break was beneficial for a lot of competitors. However, he has some concerns about the evolution of the sport in general. [Pandemic Report: Improved Sport But Worrisome Trends]

What does Will Coleman do in his first entry into a $20,000 Hunter Derby class at WEC? Win, of course. Riding Team Rebecca’s Tropics, a horse he’s known from the age of four, Will asked a few questions of more experienced hunter riders the day before, and went in the ring and positively nailed it. Tropics evented through Training level, but showed more promise in the showjumping ring, competing up to 1.40 meters. Now he shows his true versatility by cleaning up in the hunter derby ring. Check out the video below! [Olympic Eventer Wins Hunter Derby]

The three women behind C-6 Equestrian want you to know that there is more than one way to approach riding and training. Learn more about C-6 in our feature here and, if you’re so inclined, sign up for the next free webinar this evening at 6:30 p.m. ET. You can register for the webinar here.   
Now on Course: Mckenna Miller & Bo Jango
Will Coleman & Tropics win $20,000 Hunter Derby

Why Everyone Should Compete at the Thoroughbred Makeover At Least Once

By on Jan 13, 2021 3:00 pm -

With the deadline for Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover trainer applications drawing near on January 15, Haylie Kerstetter takes the time to remind us that everyone should compete at the Thoroughbred Makeover at least once. This article was first published on EN’s sister site, Horse Nation.

Warlander and Haylie in the final halt of their dressage test at the Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo by Bethany P Photography.

The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, Presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, affectionately known as the Makeover, is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Run by the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) and held at the world-class facility of the Kentucky Horse Park, it is the largest Thoroughbred retraining competition in the world and boasts over $100,000 in prize money. But for the thousands of trainers who have applied and competed every year since its start in 2013, it is far more than a one-week-long competition. It is months of time and effort which are put into the horses with an incredible amount of heart.

The Makeover technically is a competition, but it can be better described as a community. According to its website, the RRP “exists to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in equestrian sports and serving the farms, trainers, and organizations that transition them.” Between this charitable mission and welcoming and supportive trainers and officials, the RRP goes beyond the realm of holding a typical competition to provide networking and education opportunities, along with the country’s leading shopping opportunity for Thoroughbred sport horse prospects with the horse’s wellbeing and proper retraining at the forefront.

Warlander and Haylie at their Training Level Test 2 at the Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo by Bethany P Photography.

In 2019 I was lucky enough to take a horse and compete myself. As a college student at Centenary University already juggling school work, being captain of Centenary’s Hunter/Jumper team, having a social life (what is that?) and somehow paying for it all, the decision to train for and compete at the Makeover was made much to my parent’s dismay.

After months of careful calculations and searching for the right horse, the perfect one essentially fell into my lap. He was living at a barn I worked for and his owner had planned to take him, but didn’t think he was the right horse for her, so he was offered to me. Although I was unsure of him at first, he turned out to be exactly what I needed. He showed up to work everyday, took everything I threw at him in stride and was the perfect companion for the months that he was with me. He completely defied the hot headed, unmanageable stereotype that typically surrounds Thoroughbreds (which I absolutely do not believe). He hacked out anywhere I wanted to, put on his dancing shoes for dressage, showed his true power in the jumpers and took to bridleless riding like a champ.

Warlander and Haylie at their Training Test 2 at the Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo by Bethany P Photography.

This horse had already convinced me time and time again of just how special he was, but in case I didn’t already get it, he made sure I knew at the Makeover. Each time we stepped into the ring he gave it his all, taking on the biggest show of his life with ease, and placing 13th in show jumpers and 15th in dressage with over 100 horses in each. To say I was proud of him would be an understatement.

The experience of showing was truly spectacular and I am so grateful that I was able to experience it, but I love the Makeover for everything else that it does. From the educational seminars at the Makeover itself to giving a horse a solid foundation in its second career, the Makeover is one of a kind.

Warlander in Haylie in their show jumping round at the Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo by Bethany P Photography.

But the best part of being a trainer is the Facebook group. The Retired Racehorse Project has a private Facebook group specifically for Makeover trainers. Here, we get to follow each others’ journeys through their ups and downs, ask for advice and get a good laugh from GIF wars when we need it most. We get to see the good, the bad and the ugly — and know that we’re not alone when we just didn’t get it right with our horse that day. Many horses even have their own pages so we can post updates on their progress and document field trips.

Warlander and Haylie after their final show jumping round at the Makeover. Photo by Canter Clix.

Competing at the Makeover was one of the best experiences I’ve had when it comes to horses, and I’m so grateful for everyone in my life that helped to make it possible for me. These horses have so much heart and make the best partners. Even if you think you’re not a Thoroughbred person, I challenge you to give the Makeover a try. Be patient and trust the process because, in the end, the show itself is only a stepping stone for these horses on the way to their second careers. Trainer applications are open through January 15, 2021, so at least go check it out, because everyone needs to compete at the Thoroughbred Makeover at least once (but be careful because that might not be enough).

What’s On Tap for the US Equestrian Annual Meeting This Week

By on Jan 13, 2021 12:00 pm -

Vicki Lowell (far right) leads a panel discussion with (far left to right) Andrea Evans, Taryn Young, Rich Cronin, and Bob Hughes at the 2020 US Equestrian Annual Meeting. Photo courtesy of
US Equestrian.

The US Equestrian Annual Meeting commences this afternoon and will continue with virtual sessions through Sunday, January 17. The sessions will be available for live viewing via Zoom and the 2020 USEF Pegasus and Horse of the Year Awards Celebration will be broadcast on the USEF Network. You can view the full schedule, along with Zoom registration links, here.

Wednesday, January 13:

Tune in at 4 p.m. ET for the Member Services Council Presentation, operating with the theme “Ideas Into Action”. Expect this to be an overview of accomplishments and upcoming goals from each department of the USEF.

Then at 6 p.m. ET, tune in for what is sure to be a popular session: Competitions – Member Feedback, Survey Results and Next Steps. During this session, US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney will address member ideas and feedback submitted to the USEF Competitions Task Force.

Thursday, January 14:

At 4 p.m. ET, tune in for the National Breeds & Discipline Council – Grassroots to Grand Champion session.

Friday, January 15:

The International Disciplines Council will meet at 4 p.m. ET to discuss the concept of growth across FEI disciplines, both at home and abroad. The International Discipline Council will also present updates on the Olympics and the path forward to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Saturday, January 16:

A General Session will be held at 4:30 p.m. ET lead by USEF President Murray Kessler and President-Elect Tom O’Mara along the theme of Listen, Learn, and Lead Together.

Then, at 7:30 p.m. you can tune in for the 2020 USEF Pegasus and Horse of the Year Awards Celebration, which will be carried live on the USEF Network.

Sunday, January 17:

Finally, two public sessions of the Board of Directors Meeting will be held, the first from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET and the second at 12:30 p.m.

For more information and to register for the sessions you’d like to follow, click here.

Eventers Hone Their Ringcraft at World Equestrian Center in Ocala

By on Jan 13, 2021 9:00 am -

Will Coleman and Tropics, winners of the $20,000 WEC Hunter Derby 3’6″ – 3’9″. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Eventers have taken advantage of dressage and jumping competitions at the new World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida — and doing quite well for themselves! This gorgeous venue is a tremendous asset to eventers who live or winter in area and will soon become a fixture on the eventing calendar as well as it is set to host an inaugural CCI2-S,CCI3-S and CCI4-S event on Oct. 21-24, 2021.

Will Coleman turned heads on Saturday by winning the $20,000 WEC Hunter Derby 3’6″ – 3’9″. His ride was Tropics, a 10-year-old Selle Français gelding by Diarado owned by Jill Grant, whom Will evented through Training before shifting course toward jumpers. This was their premier voyage into the realm of hunters and hunter derbies, however.

Will told WEC after his win, “I’m very new at this. My day job is eventing, and my second day job is show jumping. I did my first hunter class about two weeks ago, then I did this derby. It’s pretty new for both Tropics and me, but he was great. He’s a good boy and he wants to please.”

Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

In their first course, Will and Tropics laid down a flawless round and took all four high options for a score of 91. They returned in the handy round and demstrated rideability with inside turns to several of the fences for a score of 93, bringing their overall score to 184 for the win. Only one other entry in the class scored in the 90s.

Of Tropics, Will commented, “I actually got him out of France as a 4-year-old. We thought that he might make a good event horse, but he just developed into a different horse. He was always a good jumper. He did some small grands prix and even won a couple of them. The owner of this horse, Jill Grant, wanted him to do hunter derbies. She recently purchased him from us and I train her, and she wanted me to show him in some derbies. He’s a chameleon, he can blend in anywhere.”

Will heads south from his farm in Virginia, Okonokos, to Ocala for the winter months. “We have some wonderful sponsors that purchased a beautiful farm on the other side of town for us to base out of and we absolutely adore Ocala,” Will said. “We are really lucky to be here. Now, with World Equestrian Center here, it’s like a dream come true. I don’t think there’s anything like it anywhere else in the world.”

Peter Gray and Babuh. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

More eventers were spotted in WEC’s dressage rings last week, including Peter Gray who finished second in the FEI Prix St. Georges and Intermediare I classes on scores of 68.529% and 66.176% respectively. His partner was Babuh, a 17.2-hand Hanoverian gelding that Peter purchased in Germany as a 5-year-old. By Burlington out of a half-Trakehner mare, he was sourced by the late Jean Moyer of Seattle who was responsible for importing many of the top eventers on the West Coast. Peter has produced the horse, who is now 12, through the levels.

“I have brought him along slowly; he is an absolute joy to ride every day and easy in everything we do together,” Peter told EN. “He has no bad habits and a lovely soft snaffle mouth. I still show him in a snaffle at the National shows where we do FEI classes. He does road work and fitness trots to keep his fitness up and fresh for his work days.”

Peter Gray and Babuh. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Cornelia Dorr also paid a visit to WEC, competing the HCS Syndicate’s Daytona Beach 8 at Third Level. Cornelia and the 11-year-old Oldenburg mare (Duke of Hearts XX x Sandance, by Santanger H) finished 24th in the Tryon International CCI4*-L start in November.

Other eventers spotted include Liz Lund, who won two Second Level classes with Indian Rose. Dean Graham had a green horse, Barbara Cadwell’s Wisdom, out at Training, winning two classes and finishing 2nd in another. His wife Megan Fischer-Graham, a dressage rider who has helped a few eventers out over the years, had horses going at First and Intermediare II levels. You can view complete WEC Ocala results here.

WEC’s Winter Spectacular 2021 series continues weekly through the end of March, featuring $4 million in prize money and prizes and free stabling for competing horse. Dressage at WEC Ocala takes place monthly through April.

WEC Ocala’s stunning 368-acre facility boasts 22 outdoor rings, four climate-controlled indoor arenas, on-site accommodations and dining options. EN checked out some of the amenities here. For more information about WEC and to view a complete calendar of events, visit the website here.