Classic Eventing Nation

Volunteer Nation: 6 Events to Help This Weekend

By on Mar 4, 2021 2:30 pm -

Frank on jump judge duty at Pine Top Farm. Photo by Shelby Allen.

One perk of volunteering these days is the opportunity it affords to be around the sport when competitions are still closed to spectators. As Shelby Allen’s dog, Frank, can attest, jump judging gives you a front row seat to the action! Of course, there are also plenty of other jobs available at this weekend’s events, all with their own opportunity to help you learn a little more about the sport.

We always look forward to the USEA’s “Volunteer of the Month” column – catch up on the latest story about Billy Jackson, who spends much of his time riding and volunteering at Poplar Place Farm in Hamilton, Ga.

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: Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field
Dates: Friday, March 5 through Sunday, March 7
Address: 931 Powderhouse Road SE, Aiken, SC, 29803
Positions Available: None

Event: MDHT Spring Forward Cross Derby
Dates: Saturday, March 6 through Sunday, March
Address: 71235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Positions Available: None

Event: Rocking Horse Winter III H.T.
Dates: Friday, March 5 through Sunday, March 7
Address: 44200 S.R. 19 N , Altoona, FL, 32702
Positions Available: General Help

Event: Sporting Days Farm II H.T.
Dates: Friday, March 5 through Sunday, March 7
Address: 3549 Charleston Hwy, Aiken, SC, 29801
Positions Available: XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, XC Warm-up, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Steward, Hospitality Helper, General Help, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe, SJ Steward, SJ Timer, XC Control, XC Start Timer, XC Starter, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Steward, SJ In-Gate

Event: Southern Pines H.T.
Dates: Thursday, March 4 through Sunday, March 7
Address: 2814 Montrose Rd., Raeford, NC, 28376
Positions Available: Event Prep – XC, XC Crossing Guard, General Help, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Warm-up, XC Warm-up, Event Takedown – XC

Other Events This Weekend:

Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: Volunteer Information

Update on Venturing Hills Farm EHV-1 Outbreak & How You Can Help

By on Mar 4, 2021 12:30 pm -

Photo via the Venturing Hills Farm Facebook page.

Our hearts have been with Venturing Hills Farm in Luskville, Quebec, which has been battling an EHV-1 outbreak since mid-February. Three horses have died and over half of the farm’s 39-horse population has fallen sick. Rae Beck, barn manager and part owner of the family farm, is an eventer.

The outbreak was traced to a horse that had been transported to the farm from the Toronto area; four other cases have been reported in Ontario.

With the help of veterinarians from Russell Equine, the farm remains in triage mode, with strict biosecurity measures in place to protect the horses. The staff has been working around the clock to treat and monitor horses.

Photo via the Venturing Hills Farm Facebook page.

From an update on Facebook: “Due to this constant never-ending battle, our barn team are completely exhausted, and despite the additional help that people have stepped up to give, those people have burned out and are exhausted as well,” It is a huge fight physically, emotionally and financially and we are completely drained. In all, seeing Cooper (a horse who, after being weaned off antiviral medication, is now once again in critical condition) on the backwards slide really hit the team spirit hard and we are trying to be positive, but are worried that this means round two for all the horses and we are about to relive the cycle. Our bodies are exhausted; however, our hearts remain hopeful… pushing us forward, together as a family, 120 minutes — temp check to temp check — at a time.”

Between the costs of veterinary treatment and medication, additional labor and stoppage of their typical income (and a quarantine period extending months into the future), Venturing Hills is struggling financially. Can you help? A fundraising effort to assist the farm can be found here, and you can keep up with all the latest updates as well as additional ways to share support on their Facebook page here.

Photo via the Venturing Hills Farm Facebook page.

We continue to monitor the EHV-1 outbreak in Europe, which has forced the cancellation of all FEI events on the European mainland in an effort to contain it. A single case of EHV-1 was reported on March 1 in Ocala.

Elisa Wallace Announces Retirement of Simply Priceless

By on Mar 4, 2021 10:32 am -

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Elisa Wallace has announced the retirement of her longtime five-star partner, Simply Priceless, at the age of 20. The Australian Thoroughbred gelding completed 17 FEI events with Elisa in the irons during a partnership that first began in 2013. Together, the pair would make their then-CCI4* debut at what was then known as the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, finishing in the top 20 in 2015. They’d return to the following year to finish in the top 10 and would also complete Burghley as the top-placed American and rookie pair in 2016 (14th).

Elisa posted the following reflection on her social media:

This spring has been a bit different for Johnny aka #SimplyPriceless (2001 16.3hd Australian Thoroughbred) He will not be heading to Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event this year, as I have decided to retire him. I love this horse will all my heart. My horse of a lifetime. He made so many dreams come true that seemed to be so unattainable. So many opportunities and so many lessons learned.

He was an underdog and often doubted but Johnny always came through. He took me over the biggest tracks in the world attending FIVE 5⭐️s. With our most notable finishing 8th at Kentucky and 14th at Burghley and we made the Alternate list for the Rio Olympics.

He was the horse that gave me wings. No jump was too big for him, as he made Cottesmore Leap feel like a novice fence, he was a machine. He would fight to get inside the flags for me. Truly an amazing horse.

Johnny’s antics about how stupid dressage was always made me laugh and I learned to not sweat the small stuff. That placings at a regular horse trials really didn’t matter because he only thought championships were worthy. He did humor me with one of our best tests at Burghley.

So many rides of a lifetime with him. I always loved hearing people cheer for him because he deserved it.

A horse that is quirky and demanding of his humans. He’s tough as nails and defies science sometimes and the horse with the biggest heart would never tell me no. He is 20 this year and a wild man as ever. So now it’s my turn to give back to my best friend and give him his best retirement with all the cookies he wants.

A big thank you to his syndicate that has been so supportive of us through the years. Steve Sukup Vicki Larson Sukup, Susan Day, Kal Loveless Larry Loveless, and Rick Wallace.

Please join us in wishing Johnny a happy retirement, where Elisa says he’ll have a field to roam and friends to hang out with for life. Go Eventing.

Your Guide to the $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Mar 4, 2021 9:00 am -

Bruce’s Field. Photo by Shelby Allen.

It’s nearly time to kick off one of the first big competitions of the 2021 season, and it’s one that riders have been looking forward to after the cancellation of so many events last year. The $50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, Sc. is a condensed-format showcase intended to show off the sport’s best athletes and features a star-studded entry list.

While the event is closed to spectators this year, the USEF Network and Horse & Country TV will be providing a livestream beginning tomorrow, March 5 at 7:30 a.m. EST. Saturday’s cross country will be shown only on Horse & Country TV (which is well worth a subscription with a load of content ready for your viewing!).

I’ll be providing recaps from each phase along with live updates from the cross country phase on Saturday. In the meantime, bookmark this post or visit the Grand Prix Eventing website for the latest information on how to follow along.

Schedule:

  • Friday, March 5th – 8:00 a.m. EST – 2:30 p.m. EST: Dressage
  • Friday, March 5th – 3:30 p.m. EST – 5:30 p.m. EST: Show Jumping
  • Saturday, March 6th – 2:30 p.m. EST – 5:00 p.m. EST: Cross Country

The cross country course designed by Capt. Mark Phillips features 22 jumping efforts winding through four of the arenas and their surroundings – take a look at the course below:

$50,000 Liftmaster Grand-Prix Eventing: [Website] [Ride Times] [Dressage Order of Go] [Cross Country Course] [H&C TV Live Stream] [USEF Network Live Stream]

Thursday News & Notes from EcoVet

By on Mar 4, 2021 12:03 am -

A very thirsty horse. Photo courtesy of Hannah Farrell.

You never really know how much you’ve missed the sunshine until you get a week of proper spring weather, and you feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. I live on a dirt road, so luckily I can walk and trot down that when the weather and footing are crummy, but it’s really unreasonably exciting to be able to do other activities. And in a t-shirt! Those of you who stayed north for the winter will appreciate this moment.

U.S. Weekend Preview

$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] [Volunteer]

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

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

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

Southern Pines H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

News From Around the Globe:

Tokyo Olympics have yet to confirm the status of spectators for the Games later this year. The new president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee stopped short of saying there would be no foreign fans at this year’s Games, but she certainly hinted at it Wednesday after online talks with IOC president Thomas Bach and others. The Japanese newspaper Mainichi reported Wednesday that the decision had already been made to exclude foreign fans. It cited only unnamed sources “involved in the discussions.” [Will There Be Spectators at the Olympics?]

Five-star eventer Kim Severson taught a show jumping clinic in January at Milestone Sport Horses where she instructed riders on the importance of forward riding for successful jumping. In this exercise, which Kim progressively adds additional pieces to, riders are instructed to focus on the quality of their canter. For one pair, Kim encourages the rider to add more leg to help the horse maintain his impulsion to the fences and focus on riding accurate lines for straightness. For a second pair, Kim instructs the rider to use a half-halt or transition to trot between the fences to reestablish control and balance. [Video Break with Kim Severson]

Hunter legend and horseman of a century Kenny Wheeler passed away this year at the age of 93. Kenny Wheeler defined breeding and training hunter horses for decades, and was well known as a literal living legend. COTH brings us this look back at an interview on his farm in Keswick, Virginia from 2012. [RIP Kenny Wheeler]

Billy Jackson was introduced to horses at a young age through his local 4-H program. As an adult, he is a Marketing Project Manager, and when he’s not at work, he’s a lower level eventer based at Poplar Place Farm. The volunteer coordinator of Poplar Place says, “He volunteers at every show he’s not competing in, and even then he’s happy to jump in as time allows,” she praised. “He scribes, does cross-country start and finish, and we’ve trained him to score in the office when our usual person was sick. He’s super dependable and the right combination of easygoing and meticulous. His only special request is he get out in time to go ride his own horse in the afternoon. We’d be lost without him as a volunteer at Poplar Place Farm.” [USEA Volunteer of the Month: Billy Jackson]

Horse Sport Ireland announced a specific EHV-1 Protocol for FEI horses returning to Ireland from France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Poland, Netherlands, Germany and Slovakia. This EHV-1 Protocol is consistent with Great Britain’s protocol and includes strict isolation quarantine for horses, grooms and athletes, together with interval nasopharyngeal swabs. [Horse Sport Ireland]

Get yourself ready for spring with 25% off your first order from EcoVet! With your first order from EcoVet you can get 25% off! Head to their website and get your fly spray now so you are ready for spring! Use code 25%-OFF-FIRST-ORDER! [Fly Spray of the Gods].

Video: Another genius lifehack from Cathy Wieschhoff.

#WomensHistoryMonth Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Ginny Elliott’s Europeans Treble

By on Mar 3, 2021 5:41 pm -

This March, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month by looking back at some of the incredible women who’ve made history, set records, and helped change the face of our sport through their remarkable careers. Why, you might ask, should we focus on the achievements of women when our sport is such an extraordinary rarity in its gender equality? Because it wasn’t, of course, always that way – and by showcasing the success of its modern-day equality, we set an important precedent for the wider sporting world and for anyone who dares doubt the unstoppable ability of female athletes.

Today, we’re looking back at the heyday of the 1980s and the legendary Virginia Elliott, who was the first rider ever to win the European Championships three consecutive times — a feat that’s only been managed by Michael Jung since. Check out this footage from the 1989 European Championships – the third of her three consecutive victories, and one hotly fought over an achingly tough Burghley track. Girlpower indeed.

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Eventing: A Sport of Comparison

By on Mar 3, 2021 3:00 pm -

AK Waller is 18 years old and a senior in high school headed to Auburn University in the fall. She’s looking forward to joining the Intercollegiate Eventing League team at Auburn.

AK Waller at Pine Top Intermediate in February 2021. Photo courtesy of Liz Crawley Photography.

Eventing: a sport we all know and love. A sport that we have grown to appreciate throughout the years. It’s all great and an amazing environment, but it’s time we talk about comparison. Comparison is seen all throughout the equestrian community and the world in general, but today I am talking about eventing in particular. As a young eventer I am constantly learning and bettering my riding as well as my outlook on the beauty of this sport, how individual it is. Although it is a sport that focuses on you and your horse as a pair, comparison is still widely seen. Comparison is found in many ways; the main views I will be speaking on are social media and comparison to yourself, the healthiest form of comparison.

Social media has evolved greatly in the recent years. It’s a beautiful thing to share your life and to document your progress as a rider. It’s a very nice community but filled with comparison. As someone who is active on Instagram daily, I have not only compared myself but I have also seen other comparing themselves. Sometimes we can’t help but do it because things are shoved in our faces. We are all growing and learning and, frankly, it’s great that people are doing so well – but at what point is the time to stop talking about it? The constant comparison in skill, finances, and horses is extremely abundant. There isn’t much that can be changed to stop comparison, as it is a personal thing people experience, but there is a way to learn how to be proud of ourselves and not flaunt it.
Social media has become a place full not only of support but also full of juxtaposing.

We as riders look up to many pros and young riders, which is completely healthy. At some points, this admiration becomes comparison. Learning to keep our ideas in check and knowing the fine line between comparing ourselves and idolizing someone is important. We have to be aware of the difference in us and the people we look up to. There is a reason we look up to the people we do: to give us motivation. They started somewhere just like we are.

There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Comparison of level and age is something I have seen and something I have even done, and still do sometimes. There is no age limit to a level, only certain requirements for safety. This sport has no age and that is something I believe we should all love about this sport. Thanks to this idea we can all be eventing until we down bank into our grave (morbid, I know, but simply a metaphor). So how can we learn to be content with where we are and not compare ourselves to people who have been in this game longer than we have?

“Content” is a hard word because, frankly, it’s hard to be perfectly content all the time – but we can learn to be content in our own progress. I say we because this is something that I struggle with still. There is no reason to be ashamed of the fact that comparison is in your life; after all, comparison is everywhere.

What if we started to compare ourselves to, well, ourselves? Where would that get us? If we ventured back to us when we first started riding, think about how impressed little us would be. Little us would idolize us now, no matter our level. Comparing yourself to yourself is the best way to do it. When I was younger I watched a show, I’m sure you watched it too, called Horseland – only the best show for young equestrians. Something that I will always remember from that show is the quote, “Compete against yourself and no one else. Go for your personal best!”. That has always stuck with me and it’s something I try to live by, but we all have flaws. It’s ok to be competitive, and it’s ok to want to win; but don’t let it define you.

So from this I am trying to help us see the good and the bad in comparison. There is healthy comparison, more commonly known as looking up to someone, but at points it becomes negative. Don’t let your idolizing become you putting yourself down for not being at the same point other people are. We all started at different times and we all grow at different rates. Compete with yourself first and others second. We are doing our best and that is all that matters!

Updates on EHV-1 European Outbreak + One Case Reported in Ocala

By on Mar 3, 2021 12:22 pm -

We continue to monitor the EHV-1 outbreak in Europe, which has forced the cancellation of all FEI events on the European mainland in an effort to contain it. The outbreak, which began in Valencia, Spain, had claimed the lives of four horses as of March 1, and 84 on-site horses were also exhibiting clinical signs. The venue was hosting a show jumping competition at the time of the outbreak.

Wednesday morning, March 3, the FEI has released a further update on the EHV-1 outbreak in Europe, noting that 15 horses are currently being treated at external veterinary clinics in Valencia and Barcelona. Since the first fatalities at Valencia, two other horse deaths have been reported in Barcelona and Germany, bringing the total toll to six.

Also on Wednesday, the World Equestrian Center – Ocala reported that its management had been made aware of a case of EHV-1 in Ocala. The case was not reported on the grounds of the World Equestrian Center. At the time of this article’s publication, calls to the Florida Department of Agriculture to confirm details of this case had not been returned. A map (updated as cases are brought to the department’s attention or at the first of the month) of reportable equine diseases is maintained by the Department of Agriculture and can be found here.

Update 3:20 p.m. EST: EN has confirmed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that a single case of EHV-1 was reported on March 1 out of Marion County, where Ocala is located. A horse showing neurological symptoms is being treated at an isolated facility, according to a spokesperson.

The World Equestrian Center – Ocala also issued a travel restriction out of an abundance of caution Wednesday afternoon prohibiting ship-in horses or horses arriving from other venues such as the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. US Equestrian has also acknowledged the case and will continue to monitor the situation, recommending the restriction of horses’ movements in the meantime.

EHV-1 cases have also been reported in Canada, with one key outbreak occurring in Quebec in February at Venturing Hills Equestrian Farm. A fundraising effort to assist this farm, which has seen two horses die and at least 18 infected, can be found here.

We will continue to provide updates on this situation as they become available. To view the latest biosecurity updates from the FEI, click here.

A US Equestrian press release outlining precautionary recommendations and compliance protocol reads as follows:

A recent outbreak of an aggressive strain of the neurological form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) has resulted in the immediate cancellation of international events in 10 countries on the European mainland through March 28, 2021. The outbreak originated at a competition in Valencia, Spain, and is present in at least three other countries in Europe to date. There are no current EHV-1 outbreaks related to the Valencia competition evident in the U.S. at this time, but USEF is recommending members take important steps to protect their horses. USEF is working closely with competition organizers and veterinarians to ensure we are as prepared as possible for a potential outbreak in the U.S.

Below are some best practices you can implement immediately:

  • Review and ensure you are prepared for quick implementation of an isolation plan at a competition grounds and/or at your home farm or facility
  • Check your horse’s temperature twice daily and maintain a temperature log
  • Isolate horses at first signs of symptoms or illness and contact your vet immediately
  • Keep separate feed buckets, brushes, rags, and tack/equipment for each horse
  • Ask your veterinarian about appropriate cleaning solutions
  • Eliminate communal or shared water troughs and buckets
  • Practice hand washing in between handling horses
  • Maintain social distancing for horses; limit nose to nose contact with other horses at the ring
  • Ensure your horse is vaccinated for EHV (Rhinopneumonitis vaccine) in line with GR845

Please note that the vaccine does not protect against the neurological form of EHV, which is referred to as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) but does reduce the clinical signs and shedding of the virus. Early identification and reporting of ill horses is critical in order to trace possible points of exposure and to aid in the prevention of further spread of the disease. The first 30 minutes following identification of a potentially infectious horse frequently determines the extent and scope of transmission and potential outbreak. You should contact your veterinarian immediately for testing if a horse begins to display any symptoms of EHV. Competition managers should also be notified if the horse is at a competition.

If you are aware of individuals who are not following proper reporting protocols, please contact Debbie Saliling, USEF Director of Compliance, at [email protected].

Maryland 5 Star Up to the Challenge Ahead of Rescheduled October Event

By on Mar 3, 2021 9:00 am -

An aerial view of the Fair Hill Special Event Zone. Photo courtesy of Maryland 5 Star.

The Maryland 5 Star, the newest five-star event – joining Kentucky, Badminton, Luhmühlen, Burghley, Pau, and Australia as just the seventh event at the level in the world – drew the unenviable short straw of being the new event in a year decimated by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Forced to pivot away from its grand launch originally scheduled for October of last year, the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill organizing team is now looking ahead to its rescheduled premiere this October 14-17 in Cecil County, Md.

Equipped with a team possessing a wealth of experience in event management both in and out of the equestrian world, the Maryland 5 Star aims to provide quality equestrian sport through the running of a CCI5*, the USEF CCI3*L National Championship, and the East Coast Young Event Horse Championships, encapsulating the sport from every angle.

As many events have experienced in the last twelve months, the process of pivoting to a closed venue or having to cancel altogether is a formidable one. When it became clear that last year’s event could not go forward, the team immediately set about ensuring the 2021 event would be the best it could be.

Event Manager for Marketing, Promotion, and Competition Management Kaleigh Collett explains: “It was inevitable that we would have to cancel last year. There was simply too much unknown going into October and with it being the inaugural event we wanted to present it in the best light we could, and we didn’t feel it would be the best in those circumstances. Having this extra year has given us some time to really focus and and fine-tune the event. We’re still trying to be cautiously optimistic and move forward as best we can.”

Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy. Photo by Abby Powell.

Current USEF protocol prohibits spectators at all licensed events through June of this year. With the potential for this rule to be extended into the fall, the team is looking at their revenue streams from a variety of angles.

“We are thinking about it in several ways – no spectators, limited spectators, higher percentage, and full capacity,” Kaleigh explained. “To say that we aren’t reliant on spectators wouldn’t be true; with any event it would be a huge revenue source, but our hope and plan is to run the competition in some way. Hopefully by early summer we’ll know more about a spectator population.”

To that end, the event is holding off on opening ticket sales at the moment, but will make them available should spectator protocol shift to allow a certain percentage of fans to attend. The event has a ticketing partner in place and will be ready to open ticket sales once they have more direction from the governing bodies.

Recognizing the importance of a quality streaming and digital approach, particularly given the evolution of sporting events in the wake of the pandemic, the organizing committee has also tapped the expertise of Connie Sawyer for Broadcast Production. Connie currently oversees television and streaming production, distribution, on-site logistics as well as the implementation and delivery of Longines rights and FEI Jumping World Cup™ Series and brand standards at all Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North America Events.

Connie Sawyer. Photo: Maryland 5 Star

“(Connie) will be overseeing the live broadcast/live stream component, which we know even during COVID or post-COVID we can use to grow brand awareness for the event and as a way to enhance the overall viewership of the event,” Communications Director Chris Daley said. “Certainly live streaming and broadcast has become more and more important in the last year, so we want to make sure we’re putting proper focus on that element of our event.”

Also joining the leadership team is Director of Operations Dan Laufner, whose previous operational experience has spanned other sports such as professional tennis and NASCAR. “There will certainly be a learning curve to go through with the eventing competition side of things which I am really looking forward to,” Dan said via email. “For me, it’s more about applying overall event production best practices, my experience and success in overcoming unexpected challenges, working collectively with all vendors and key venue constituents, and bringing a fresh perspective/commercial innovations to provide the best and safest experience possible for all. As a reminder, we have a great partnership with Fair Hill International and one of the best Competition Directors in Mary Coldren whom I will work hand in hand to maximize the success of the competition.”

“We are thrilled to have Connie and Dan join our team because they will provide us with a very high-level of expertise within their particular areas,” said Jeff Newman, President and CEO of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, said in a recent press release. “I have known Dan for many years and worked closely with him on other major sporting events. He is someone we can lean on and trust to ensure logistics and operations run smoothly during our inaugural year.” Jeff added, “Connie will not only help us oversee and produce a high-quality broadcast and livestream for viewers, she brings so much added value with her deep event background and extensive relationships in equestrian sports.”

Dan Laufer. Photo: Maryland 5 Star.

With massive facility upgrades and additions being made to the historic Fair Hill acreage as well as the ongoing support of the newly formed Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland’s (The Sport Corp.), the Maryland 5 Star promises to be the event of the fall season. We look forward to bringing you along for more sneak peeks at the facility and more previews of the competition to come as we inch closer to October.

Go Eventing.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Mar 3, 2021 12:01 am -

It’s funny, but I didn’t actually know that the Asian Games were a thing until about five years ago when a coach mentioned them to me. From that moment on, I was on a mission to learn as much about these Games as possible – after all, younger Sally spent hours on the internet trying to find traces of fellow Asian eventers. Now thanks to Instagram, it’s much easier to connect with other riders and follow their journeys as inspiration, and it continues to hold great importance that I do my part to lift these riders up in media so as to increase representation. After all, it’s a lot harder to be it when you can’t see it!

Annie Ho, who has represented Hong Kong in three Asian Games and two Asian Championships, is one such rider I’ve really enjoyed following. Like Yuxuan Su, Annie has had the opportunity to grow her skills thanks to support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club. I’m really intrigued by this model of development and investment – you can read more about this in my feature on Yuxuan Su here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

$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] [Volunteer]

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

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

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

Southern Pines H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Wednesday Reading List

Fresh podcast alert: catch up with Michele Arana, of In Stride Equestrian which I featured here in N&N a few weeks back, on this episode of the Life 100 Podcast.

SmartPak’s recent response to questions surrounding the fit of its new Piper Evolution breeches is a great example of a brand willing to own its role in inclusivity. Take a look at the conversation here.

Tune in on Wednesday, March 10 for a livestream interview between Eric Dierks and David O’Connor, presented by the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association.

COVID-19 claims another horse show victim, this time in New Zealand as the popular Horse of the Year Show has been abandoned for 2021.

Hot on Horse Nation: What’s it like to keep a horse in Alaska? HN contributor Allie Carlson gives us an inside look.

Ones to watch: Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF, who handily won their Preliminary division this past weekend at Twin Rivers. Tommy became a hay steamer when “Josh” developed an unusual condition, eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis, that eventually resulted in his eye swelling completely shut. After ointments and antihistamines controlled the inflammation, Tommy turned to steamed hay.

Strides for Equality Equestrians provides an update on what it’s currently working on in its ongoing efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the equestrian industry.

Wednesday Video Break:

Let’s get to know Jamaican eventer Lydia Heywood in this episode of Young Black Equestrians: