Classic Eventing Nation

Weekly OTTB Wishlist: OTTB Buying and Selling? There’s An App For That

By on Dec 21, 2020 3:00 pm -

On the hunt for an off-the-track-Thoroughbred? There’s an app for that now!

Meet OTTB United, a sleek new app founded by Amy Rubin and developed in partnership with the Retired Racehorse Project to connect (or unite, if you will) all of the entities – buyers, sellers, shippers, trainers, aftercare organizations – involved in rehoming a Thoroughbred racehorses within in a single place. The app’s creators are OTTB enthusiasts and the app has been designed for OTTB enthusiasts alike.

Instead of scrolling in search of ads on Facebook or leafing through website after website, OTTB United provides an easy-to-use horse shopping interface that’s searchable by height, gender, location, price, age, and certain keywords. Messaging sellers is integrated within the app, as is searching for and communicating with equine shippers. You’ll also find a wide range of horses: some fresh off-the-track or even still on the track, some currently residing at well-known aftercare organizations, and some fully restarted by experienced trainers. It’s a truly impressive one-stop-shop designed to make your search for your next OTTB that much easier, no matter what you’re looking for or where you are in the country. After just one month as a live app, OTTB United  has already helped to find new homes for an impressive 86 OTTBs.

We’ve pulled three horses from the app that caught our eye this week. To see their full listing, you’ll need to download the app from the App Store or Google Play. The app is free to download and browse horses, but you’ll need to purchase a premium subscription to message sellers or post horses for sale yourself. You can feel extra good about this subscription though, as it’s just $4.99 a month and a portion of that fee supports the Retired Racehorse Project and other aftercare organizations of your choice.

Val’s My Gal. Photo via OTTB United.

Val’s My Gal (THE BIG BEAST – RED HOT LOVER, BY SWORD DANCE (IRE)): 2017 16.1-hand Florida-bred gelding

This gorgeous young gelding (yes, gelding, it’s a confusing name!) has three career starts under his belt, including one win, and his last race was in July of this year.

From the app: “Uphill and athletic youngster with a great brain. Val was recently gelded but you would never know it. He is sweet and respectful. Very sporty build and lofty mover. He is barefoot in video.”

Located in Waterford, Virginia.

View Val’s My Gal on OTTB United.

Hand Tooled. Photo via OTTB United.

Hand Tooled (INDY EXPRESS – CHEROKEE WOMAN, BY CHEROKEE RUN): 2016 16.2-hand New Mexico-bred gelding

Hand Tooled, known as “Chompa” around the barn, is an unraced four-year-old with a desirable pedigree for eventing.

From the app: “Indy Express has produced a lot of event horses. This line also produced Andrea Baxter’s Indy 500 who has competed internationally at the highest of the levels. Chompa is currently unstarted but has a quiet demeanor and should be a fairly easy horse to start. He is a big mover and showed a great technique on his first time over fences.”

Located in Clovis, California.

View Hand Tooled on OTTB United.

Starship Explorer. Photo via OTTB United.

Starship Explorer (BLUEGRASS CAT – FANCY PRANCER, BY BERTRANDO): 2012 17.1-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

This eight-year-old came off the track in 2018 after making 33 career starts and earning $76,512. He’s since been going eventing!

From the app: “‘Astro’ has competed up to Training level eventing. He is immensely talented but requires an experienced rider. He can get quite strong so he needs a rider that can ride from the seat and not just the hand. Could be an amazing horse for the right person. Very flexible on price and lease options. The right home is the first priority! No vices, trailers well, can be turned out alone or in a group. An absolute sweetheart in the barn!

Located in Ocala, Florida.

View Starship Explorer on OTTB United.

Germany Names Olympic Short Lists, Ingrid Klimke Selected to Eventing, Dressage Squads

By on Dec 21, 2020 12:00 pm -

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Versatility Committee of the German Olympics Committee for Equestrianism (DOKR) and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) have released the Olympic, Prospective, and Junior squads for the three Olympic disciplines ahead of the postponed 2020 Tokyo Games. Notable among the Olympic squad members is Ingrid Klimke, who has been named to both the Eventing as well as the Dressage squads.

For this Olympic cycle, we’ll see the beginning of a new team structure, with three riders plus one reserve horse and rider to be sent for each discipline, from each federation. This is a reduced number, down from three-to-four riders with no reserve. To view a comparison of these format changes, click here.

It comes as a surprise to no one to see Ingrid Klimke named to both lists, and certainly she’s earned the additional accolade with the notable success she’s collected aboard Franziskus, a 12-year-old Hanoverian stallion owned by Wilhem Holkenbrink. Should Ingrid pack up two horses for Tokyo, it would be the first time an equestrian has competed in two disciplines at the Olympics since Sir Mark Todd competed in both eventing and jumping in 1992. Ingrid is also selected with 2020 German Eventing champion SAP Asha P and 2016 Olympic partner SAP Hale Bod OLD.

Additionally of note among the Olympic squad for 2021 are two horses each selected for 2014 World Equestrian Games gold medalist Sandra Auffarth and reigning Olympic eventing gold medalist Michael Jung.

We can expect to see more finalized nominated entries for Tokyo coming forth later in 2021, but for now please join us in congratulating all of these short-listed riders. It is no small feat to qualify for competition at this level, and particularly after a devastatingly tough year these achievements must be celebrated.

The Eventing Olympic and Prospective Squads for Germany in 2021 are as follows:

Olympic

  • Sandra Auffarth (Ganderkesee) with Let’s Dance and Viamant du Matz
  • Andreas Dibowski (Döhle) with FRH Corrida
  • Michael Jung (Horb) with fischerChipmunk FRH and fischerRocana FST
  • Ingrid Klimke (Münster) with SAP Asha P and SAP Hale Bob OLD
  • Julia Krajewski (Warendorf) with Samourai du Thot

Prospective

  • Nikolai Aldinger (Salzhausen) with Newell
  • Sophie Leube (Hamm) with Jadore Moi
  • Andreas Ostholt (Warendorf) with Corvette
  • Kai Rüder (Blieschendorf) with Colani Sunrise
  • Anna Siemer (Salzhausen) with Butt’s Avondale and Betel’s Bella
  • Anna Katharina Vogel (Biessenhofen) with Quintana P
  • Christoph Wahler (Bad Bevensen) with Carjatan S

Looking to the dressage squads, the following riders have been named:

Olympic

  • Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (Aubenhausen) with TSF Dalera BB and Zaire-E
  • Ingrid Klimke (Münster) with Franziskus
  • Helen Langehanenberg (Billerbeck) with Annabelle
  • Hubertus Schmidt (Borchen-Etteln) with Escolar
  • Dorothee Schneider (Framersheim) with DSP Sammy Davis jr.
  • Faustus and Showtime FRH
  • Frederic Wandres (Hagen aTW) with Duke of Britain
  • Benjamin Werndl (Aubenhausen) with Daily Mirror and Famoso OLD
  • Isabell Werth (Rheinberg) with DSP Quantaz
  • Emilio and Weihegold OLD

Prospective

  • Senta Kirchhoff (Menden) with L’Arbuste OLD
  • Sönke Rothenberger (Bad Homburg) with Santiano R
  • Carina Scholz (Glandorf) with Tarantino

The 2021 Olympic and Prospective Jumping Squads will include:

Olympic

  • Christian Ahlmann (Marl) with Dominator 2000 Z
  • Simone Blum (Zolling) with DSP Alice
  • Daniel Deußer (Rijmenam / BEL) with Killer Queen VDM
  • Marcus Ehning (Borken) with Comme il faut NRW
  • Maurice Tebbel (Emsbüren) with Don Diarado

Prospective

  • Christian Kukuk (Riesenbeck) with Mumbai
  • André Thieme (Plau am See) with Chakaria
  • Philipp Weishaupt (Riesenbeck) with Asathir
  • David Will (Marburg) with C-Vier

Monday News & Notes

By on Dec 21, 2020 8:07 am -

“Somewhere in the world, the 2028 Olympic champion is a foal out in a field. He’s ewe-necked, sickle-hocked, downhill…

Posted by Lauren Sprieser on Sunday, 20 December 2020

Lauren Sprieser‘s Facebook post yesterday resonated hard with me. As a writer, photographer, or ‘content creator’ of any kind, it’s so, so common to see your work divvied up and reposted sans credit. Often, this is done with the best of intentions and not with the end goal of destabilising someone’s livelihood, but unfortunately, that’s just what it does.

So what can a creative do? Use huge watermarks that obscure their images? Put their stories behind a paywall? The thing is, we want the world to see, enjoy, and share our work, because we pour our heart and soul into it – but as a consumer of digital media, it’s up to you to ensure you share responsibly. Seen an article you loved? Share it from the source, so your friends click back to the original published article to read, ensuring the writer is given credit and the publisher is able to generate the ad-based revenue that allows them to pay their contributors. Love a photo? Share it from the photographer’s own post or website, linking back to their page with a credit. Don’t just save and repost or copy and paste – because by doing so, you help to dilute the connection between the work and the person who spent time creating it. Over time, that also minimises their ability to make money from their labour – a death knell for full-time, often self-employed creatives and the publications they work with.

National Holiday: It’s National Maine Day — big up for the weird place I used to live — and also National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day. This is a crap year for all of us, but particularly hard for those who are sleeping rough and having a hard time accessing resources. Consider brightening up your own Christmas by donating to your local food bank this week.

Your Monday Reading List:

UK readers, Christmas has come early: the BE fixture list for 2021 has dropped. Time for some well-earned daydreaming with an empty calendar, several coloured pens, and an absolutely enormous coffee to hand. Is this…a sense of normalcy? Weird. [Event Calendar 2021]

Remember Baz Luhrmann’s slightly odd epic film Australia? You’d be forgiven for not remembering the plot, like, at all — but you probably remember that it featured an array of rather lovely horses. Head behind the scenes to find out more about the illustrious equine cast, training Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman to ride, and Luhrmann’s insistence on saying ‘lights, camera, apples’ to avoid upsetting the horses. [The Secrets Behind ‘Australia’]

Christmas is going to be a bit of a different one this year, particularly for those of us in the UK who’ve just been foisted into tier 4. But how are the stars planning to celebrate? Horse&Hound gets the goss from Sir Mark Todd. [Mark Todd’s Christmas Day: ‘we fill ourselves up with food and feel sick for the rest of the day!’]

I’m currently obsessed with the story of the Pack Horse Library. This roving group of mounted librarians emerged out of the Great Depression and criss-crossed Kentucky, providing literacy opportunities to isolated families. You know what that reminds me of? Our gal Caitlin Gooch of Saddle Up and Read. [The Women Who Rode Miles on Horseback to Deliver Library Books]

If all this pandemic kerfuffle has distracted you from the ongoing Brexit nightmare, you’re out of luck. Now it turns out that grooms and riders travelling from the UK to Europe won’t be insured – and apparently, it’ll be very difficult to nail down any cover. Great. [Grooms and riders warned travel insurance may not cover them in Europe]

Showjumper Georgina Bloomberg has been battling a debilitating spinal condition throughout her career. Now, on the other side of surgeries, fusions, and intense physical therapy, she’s reflecting on the nature of injuries in equestrians – and sharing what she’s learned about letting your body heal rather than pushing through the pain. [Georgina Bloomberg: Finding Her Way Back to the Top]

 

Morning Viewing: 

Someone find me a team of Shetlands, because this is my kind of good time.

EN’s Top 10 Videos of 2020, #5: Can You Master a Single Pole?

By on Dec 20, 2020 10:00 am -

We’re counting down the top videos shared on EN this year! To see videos 6-10, click here.

With extra time on our hands, Andrew Hoy has decided to spend it wisely! On Twitter, he’s re-sharing a few at home exercises. First, he starts with the something basic, like really basic — a single pole. It’s harder than it looks.

No Eventers Nominated for USEF Year-End Superlatives (Lots of Arabians, Tho)

By on Dec 20, 2020 10:00 am -

Try harder next year, eventers!

We kid, we kid.

The USEF has announced its 2020 Equestrian and Horse of the Year candidates, and indeed there are no eventers on the list of 11 total rider and horse candidates. No offense to Arabians, they have many laudable qualities including but not limited to great hair and very archy necks, but it does seem weird that exhibitors of the breed took five out of six of the Equestrian of the Year nominee list. Also one Paso Fino in the mix — the Friesians are getting stiffed, woof! Also of note, there is only one nominee for International Equestrian of Honor, show jumper Kent Farrington, and his mount Gazelle is one of two up for International Horses of Honor. Well, good to know that someone out there had a good 2020!

Author’s note: For the record, my commentary above is tongue in cheek — congrats to all horses nominated, ESPECIALLY the Arabians! The versatility and athleticism of this breed is demonstrated by the range of disciplines they have excelled at, as you can see below. They also make great event horses. My first event horse, whom I competed through Training level, was an Arabian; I owned him from age 3 until he passed away last year at age 29 — I wrote a story about him here. 

Another note from the author: I heard from USEF about how nominees are selected — they rely on discipline/breed affiliates to nominate horses and riders for the International and National Equestrian of the Year & Horse of the Year honors. This year, Kent was the only international athlete nominated by an affiliate (USHJA), which is why he is the automatic award winner on the international side. This year was an unconventional one at best and they do typically receive more nominations. 

Here are this year’s nominees — you can read more about them here:

International Horses of Honor

Dolton (Para Dressage). Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall.

Gazelle (Jumping). Photo by US Equestrian.

National Horses of Honor

Pritchard Hill (Hunter). Photo by Irene Powlick.

Vivaldi de Besilu (Paso Fino). Photo by Stunning Steeds.

International Equestrian of Honor

Kent Farrington (Jumper). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Equestrian of the Year Nominees

Margy Cox (Arabian). Photo by Don Stine.

Tracy Fenney (Hunter). Photo by Shawn McMillen.

Joel Gangi (Arabian). Photo by Howard Schatzberg.

Sandro Pinha (Arabian). Photo by Kelly Campbell.

Colby Powell (Arabian). Photo by Howard Schatzberg.

Jonathan Ramsay (Arabian). Photo by Kelly Kenneally.

Click here to submit your vote.

Go Eventing.

Sunday Links

By on Dec 20, 2020 12:01 am -

Talk about a before and after. There’s so much to be said for a gold ‘ole Thoroughbred, but sometimes the brains on them just blow you away. Laura Collett shows what a difference three days can make in one horse’s education. It’s true the transformation isn’t always that instant, but experiencing their willingness to learn is always a pleasure.

National Holiday: National Sangria Day

Have you entered our latest Fab Freebie? We’re partnering with Horse & Rider Books to give away a copy of Yoga for Riders – just in time for the off-season, where you can introduce some new fitness habits! Click here to enter before Tuesday, December 22.

Sunday Links: 

Increasing Inclusion in Equestrian Sports

Now on Course: From the Driving Course to the Cross-Country Course

European Eventing Championships back on the cards following FEI U-turn

Badminton dressage and showjumping move to new spectacular location

Karen O’Connor: Reflections and Regrets of an Eventing Superstar

Hot on Horse Nation: Editorial: In Defense of the American Thoroughbred

Sunday Video: Liz Halliday-Sharp’s former UK base, Chailey Stud, is officially on the market. Check it out!

Looking to buy an INCREDIBLE 🤯 Equestrian Centre… Just look at that indoor Arena 😍… …and a stunning 2575 sq ft…

Posted by Perry Power on Tuesday, December 15, 2020

 

 

EN’s Top 10 Videos of 2020, #6: Jump Around!

By on Dec 19, 2020 1:00 pm -

We’re counting down the top videos shared on EN this year! To see videos 7-10, click here.

🐎 Jump around… Jump around… Haha this is the funniest video I saw in last days.. 🤠👇⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣🎩 DM for credit 🙏⁣⁣⁣➖ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣🐴 Follow @horseonig ⬅️⁣⁣⁣🐴 Follow @horseonig ⬅️⁣⁣⁣⁣🐴 Follow @horseonig ⬅️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣🐎🤠 ➡️ Do you want to be featured? DM me! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tag your friend if you are real HORSE lover ❤️⁣⁣⁣Your daily tailored posts of horses & stuff🔥 #pony #cheval #horselove #horseofinstagram #equestrianstyle #horserider #horselovers #horseaddict #equinelove #lovehorse #horsephotograpy #beautifulhorses #cutehorse #equines #horseplanet #horseslove #horsesofinstagramdaily #horsesofig #stable #cavallo #ilovemyhorse #horseinstagram #horsepictures #picoftheday #saddle #horsetack #pferdemädchen #pferdefotografie

Posted by Horse on Instagram on Monday, September 7, 2020

Though today’s featured video lacks in length, it sure packs a real punch of ridiculousness into a short amount of time. The mornings are turning crisper and cooler as we approach fall and I’m sure the sight of frolicking horses in a field is familiar to many, but these turn out buddies are taking their excitement to a whole new level.

Turn your sound on and enjoy a laugh!

#EventerProblems Vol. 246, Presented by Haygain: We’re All in This Together

By on Dec 19, 2020 9:00 am -

Two hundred and forty six! 246! Y’all have some serious issues. The good news is that we’re right in there with you. Here’s a roundup of your latest #EventerProblems:

Haygain is a science driven company with the horse’s health as the primary focus.

We are committed to improving equine health through scientific research, product innovation and consumer education in respiratory and digestive health. Developed by riders, for riders, we understand the importance of clean forage and a healthy stable environment in maintaining the overall well-being of the horse.

Our Haygain hay steamers are recommended by the world’s leading riders, trainers and equine vets and ComfortStall® Sealed Orthopedic Flooring System is used and recommended by leading Veterinary Hospitals, including Cornell University.

Saturday Links

By on Dec 19, 2020 12:01 am -

Horses are the best medicine ❤️❤️❤️ and when you can’t get your friend to her horse, you get the horse to your friend

Posted by Kathryn Krische on Friday, December 18, 2020

The EN team would like to send our very best wishes to Anissa Cottongim, owner for riders Andrew Palmer and Jon Holling, breeder of several upper-level event horses, and all-around beloved member of the eventing community. Anissa has had to be away from horses, as she is currently receiving care at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, but was recently surprised with a visit from her own Tatendrang, a 14-year-old Trakehner stallion who has competed through the CCI2*-L level.

I dare you to watch this video of their reunion without getting choked up. No one here will argue that horses aren’t good for the soul.

National Holiday: National Wreaths Across America Day

Have you entered our latest Fab Freebie? We’re partnering with Horse & Rider Books to give away a copy of Yoga for Riders – just in time for the off-season, where you can introduce some new fitness habits! Click here to enter before Tuesday, December 22.

Saturday Links:

Are you a high school or college student? Apply for the 2021 Jockey Club Scholarships

Karen O’Connor: Reflections and Regrets of an Eventing Superstar

Make the Horse Leasing Experience a Win-Win

Featured Clinician: Ema Klugman

Horse Hay Q&A

New era of Games embraced as updated Paris 2024 venue concept approved

Hot on Horse Nation: Editorial: In Defense of the American Thoroughbred

Non-Horsey Holiday Fun: A Tale of Two Christmas Trees: A Metaphor for 2020

Saturday Social Media: Congratulations to Allison Springer — new owner of Deerflield Stables!

Sorry to keep you waiting!!! I bought a farm!!!!!! I have been blessed with amazing long term rentals but owning my own…

Posted by Allison Springer on Friday, December 18, 2020

Friday Video from SmartPak: Get Fit for Riding, Part Two

By on Dec 18, 2020 4:30 pm -

A couple of weeks ago we took a look at the first episode of the new #SweatWithSmartPak series — and today, we’re back with the second instalment. As I mentioned in the last post, I’ve recently gotten into a fitness regime – a totally new concept for me, a naturally curvy gal who’s always relied on my riding and barn chores to keep me fit. But I’ve learned that it’s not enough, and these days, I’m not riding multiple horses through the day, either.

I never really expected to enjoy working out, but I’ve surprised myself – now that I’m in the habit, I actively look forward to heading to the gym every evening. It’s an hour of my day that’s totally self-indulgent, and every time I go, I notice the marginal gains. The trick, if you’re not a natural-born gym bunny? Ease yourself in and make it fun. I started with long walks around scenic parks near my house, and then started running to make the outings shorter and more manageable. I picked up yoga via free YouTube lessons (three cheers for my gal Adriene!) and then started adding in workout videos. Now that I feel like I know what I’m doing, I do it all at the gym instead – and the difference in my riding over the last five weeks or so is already huge. My mare is jumping better than she ever has, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence; for the first time in a long time, I feel totally in control of my own reactions in the middle of a course, and I can help, rather than hinder, her.

So if you’re just diving into your fitness journey, join in with this super series from SmartPak – it’s designed to help you learn correct form and will target the muscle groups that’ll most help you as a rider. And if you start now? You’ll be a completely new competitor by the time the season rolls around.

Go Eventing!