Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday Video: Ditches with David O’Connor

By on Nov 19, 2020 4:30 pm -

To watch this video, click the image.

Who’s up for a throwback of sorts? The USEA shared this helpful video from Eventing Training Online and David O’Connor that was first published after an ICP clinic held in 2013. If you’ve ever struggled with your ditches on cross country (I’m raising my hand over here), this video is a must-watch.

“Ditches is the one thing that can end a horse’s cross country career if it’s not done well at the beginning,” David explains. “I’m a big believer that a brave horse is the one that walks up to a six foot ditch, looks in it, and pops across, not the one that runs at it.”

The most important rider responsibility, David says, is direction. David helps a rider with a horse who has taken offense to a small ditch by asking her to ride a parallel line to the ditch rather than pointing him at it, allowing the horse to see and understand the question. This is a tip that often comes up in clinics, and David explains why: “If he’s pointed at it, that’s where I’m going to want him to go. I don’t want him to be pointed at it, they will see it…Pick a line four or five feet away, then move closer to it to get them comfortable with it instead of just pointing him at it.”

Other tips from this session with David:

  • For spooky horses, try a rail over the ditch
  • Don’t get frustrated when things don’t go to plan, the focus should be on the horse’s education
  • When jumping a combination, jump the “out” jump first, then put the combination together – this teaches the horse to hunt that final element

Eventing Training Online recently underwent a rebrand and now offers a subscription that gives members access to all sorts of training videos from top riders all over the country. Particularly in the times of COVID, remote training and online resources have seen a significant uptick. You can check out the new Eventing Training website here.

Volunteer Nation: These Two Events Need Help This Weekend

By on Nov 19, 2020 3:00 pm -

Hard at work volunteering at Morven Park. Photo via Morven Park.

Only a handful of recognized events remain on the 2020 eventing calendar, which means there are still a few opportunities to get out and volunteer.

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 Oaks H.T.
Dates: Thursday, November 19 through Sunday, November 22
Address: 3000 Marion County Road, Weirsdale, FL, 32195
Positions Available: Dressage In-Gate, Dressage Scribe, SJ In-Gate, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Start Timer

Event: Southern Arizona Fall H.T.
Dates: Thursday, November 19 through Sunday, November 22
Address: 11300 South Houghton Road, Tucson AZ 85747
Positions Available: Event Prep – General, Temperature/Waiver Checker, Dressage Steward, Event Prep – XC, Health Steward, SJ In-Gate, SJ Out-Gate, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Warm-up, Event Takedown – Dressage, SJ Steward, XC Crew, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, Event Takedown – XC

Area VI: Twin Rivers Photo Gallery + a Bright Future for Fresno County Horse Park

By on Nov 19, 2020 12:00 pm -

Twin Rivers Intermediate division winners Maddy Mazzola and So Cool. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

When the Fresno County Horse Park had to cancel  their traditional end of the season event because of the pandemic, the Baxter Family stepped up to run it at Twin Rivers. The event, which took place Nov. 13-15 in Paso Robles, California, was well attended and competitors enjoyed bright blue skies and a happy last hurrah for Area VI’s 2020 eventing calendar.

We’re glad to hear that Fresno County Horse Park has a bright future, as Terry Hilst has purchased the property from John Marshall. Terry will run all of the Horse Trials as scheduled in 2021, Covid willing. She has stepped up to continue the Horse Trials that began as RamTap over 50 years ago. During his eight year stewardship, John Marshall poured his heart and soul into improving the property and event for the riders of Area VI. It is wonderful that all of the investment in energy, time and money will compound for the future.

As for Twin Rivers, we catch of a glimpse of the weekend’s action through the lens of Sherry Stewart, who explains, “My daughter had wanted to show her new horse so I was able to go for my first outing since March. I did find time to shoot the Intermediate division between granddaughter duties, fence judging and meal producing in this Covid time of no spectators.”

Maddy Mazzola and So Cool. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The 18-horse division was won by Maddy Mazzola and her own So Cool, who held the top spot from start to finish.

Helen Bouscaren and Irish Pop. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Helen Bouscaren was second with Alliston Equestrian’s Irish Pop.

James Alliston and Czechers. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

James Alliston was third with Alliston Equestrian’s Czechers. You can view full results here.

Many thanks to Sherry for the gorgeous photos!

 

Thursday News & Notes

By on Nov 19, 2020 12:03 am -

Ellie Wood Baxter, age 100. Photo by Elizabeth King.

In my neck of the woods, Ellie Wood Baxter is a legend. Actually, she’s a legend everywhere, but she also happens to live about five minutes from me, and she’s always been a part of the local horse scene for me. Ellie Wood won the 1936 Maclay Finals, and competed from the 1920s through the 1960s, and fox hunted until just a few years ago with the Farmington Hunt Club. This photo is from this week, where at age 100 she’s still going for rides, and happily lecturing people on correct lower leg position. An inspiration to us all!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Grand Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Southern Arizona Eventing Association H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Live Scores] [Show Photographer]

Major International Events:

Portugal Winter Tour Week 1/Barroca d’Alva: [Website] [Start Lists]

News From Around the Globe:

Body image issues can affect women and girls in any sport environment – including and maybe especially equestrian sports. We all have a role to play in breaking down these barriers, but Equestrian Canada is taking a more active role. Offering resources on mental health and specific guides to effectively coaching female athletes, they’re showing their dedication to taking down body image stigmas that we all feel. [Body Positivity Resources for Equestrian Athletes]

Ema Klugman has been making the most of her spot on the Australian High Performance Eventing Generation NEXT Squad, despite the disruption of 2020. Using online resources and coaching from Will Enzinger, as well as securing funding through the program to work on her weaknesses in dressage, Ema was able to secure her first FEI win in the CCI3*L at Virginia a few weeks ago. A big bonus to the program is the new workshops with Chris Burton, which Ema says have been incredibly helpful. [Ema Klugman Making the NEXT Move]

What happens when a horse show dad enters the world of Fox Hunting? Coming from the world of show hunters where expensive warmbloods in perfect braids and early mornings and long days are normal, this horse show dad was pleasantly surprised to find that arrival at 10:30 was appropriate, and mimosas were normal pre-ride beverages. Read on for a delightfully tongue in cheek exposé of a different discipline. [Tally Ho]

Best of the Blogs: When Discussing Diversity, Bring Your Anxieties To The Table

Best of Blogs Part II: Displaced by COVID: What I Learned When I Left My Life and My Horse Behind

Video: Laura Collett reviews her 2020 Pau 5* win on London 52 in a new feature video for H&C TV. Here’s the trailer, and you can watch the full version here.

French Links, Frangibles & More: What’s Being Voted on at the 2020 FEI General Assembly

By on Nov 18, 2020 3:00 pm -

The 2020 FEI General Assembly, originally scheduled to be hosted by the National Federation of South Africa, will this year be solemnly devoid of glitzy galas heaped to the rafters with all-you-can-eat shrimp and horse-shaped ice sculptures, followed by late-night hotel bar brawls over obscure fine-print rule changes (can’t we just agree to disagree about French link snaffles?). Thanks, Coronavirus! It’s still taking place though, albeit virtually, and we can still follow along with all the scintillating administrative action.

It’s not exactly thrills-and-spills cross country, but nonetheless we have the opportunity to follow the FEI General Assembly in real time via live stream. And, on second thought, you just never know what sort of madness the FEI thinktank will cook up when you gather them up from all round the world and stuff them into a Zoom chat together (who can forget their proposed rebranding of eventing to “equestrian triathlon,” “equestrathon” or “tri-equathlon” in 2015) …

… so it’s best to keep a close eye on their proceedings. We appreciate that they make that easy via transparent coverage, including a live stream of the sessions and rolling online updates.

Some sessions of the 2020 General Assembly, moved online due to the pandemic, are already underway: Regional Group, Continental Associations and Board meetings have been taking place since Nov. 13. Anti-doping and Rules meetings take place on Saturday, Nov. 21 — you can see what Eventing Rules changes will be voted upon here, and I’ve squandered X amount of hours of my life that I’ll never get back synopsizing them for you below:

501.3.4 World Individual and Team Championships: The maximum number of Athletes per National Federation is limited five if the World Championships are combined with other Championships or six combinations when the Eventing World Championships are held separately from the other disciplines.

505.3.1 Distribution (Prizemoney): The total amount of money published in the schedule must be distributed; BUT organizers have some new flexibility with regard to allocation.

511 Requirements for Promotion: The requirement for transfer and maintenance of status will be included in a separate document dedicated to the Education system and removed from the FEI Eventing Rules.

513.1 Short Format (CCIs-S and CCIOs-S), 513.2 Long Format (CCIs-L and CCIOsL), 513.3 CCI 1*-Intro (Unified Level), 513.5 Championships & Games, 513.5.1 Championships and Games: Further to the update of the Veterinary rules in regard to veterinary officials educations/eligibility a number of revisions have been proposed.

515.3.1 General Duties: The TD is now responsible for an event’s Serious Incident Management Plan.

515.4.1 Course Designer & 515.4.1 Cross Country & 515.4.2 Jumping: The Course Designer role during cross country is to work with the Technical Delegate and Ground Jury to deal with judging queries, sanctions, reviewing of course/fences during XC in case of repetitive falls or weather situations. The Course Designers are responsible to ensure that all frangible technologies are fitted in accordance to the rules and guidelines.

520.1 Athletes not yet categorised at the level of the Competition: Qualification requirements for less experienced riders to participate at higher level events will be strengthened, to be implemented after the Olympic Games deadline for qualification of July 1, 2021.

523.3 Examination after a fall & 524.3.2 Cross Country – Finishing Area: Clarification that an athlete leaving the venue without seeing a doctor or without having his horse checked by the vet is considered a specific eventing sanction.

525.2 Warnings and Penalties (Dangerous riding): Clarification that in case of Dangerous riding the sanction is either 25 penalties or elimination.

526.1 Definition (abuse of Horse): A serious case of Dangerous Riding should be sanctioned by a Yellow Warning Card and added to the list of Abuse of Horse.

538.1.1 Protective Headgear (Dress) & 538.2.1 Civilian (Dressage Test) & 538.2.2 Members and employees of military establishments and national studs: While riding anywhere on the show grounds, the use of a properly fastened Protective Headgear is mandatory. See rule for details and exceptions.

538.2.1 Civilian (Dress) & 538.4.1 Civilian (Dress): Athletes shall wear the official clothing of their NF.

539.1.2 Permitted (Training and exercising saddlery), 539.1.4 Forbidden (Training and exercising saddlery), 539.2.2 Permitted (Dressage test),539.2.3 Forbidden (Dressage test), 539.3.2 Forbidden (Cross Country and Jumping test saddlery) & Annex A 1.4 Illegal bits & 1.5 Permitted Mouthpieces: 

  • Blinkers are not allowed for the cross country; for show jumping, jumping rules apply
  • Further to the Eventing Rules update last year including a differentiated list of bits allowed for Eventing compared to Dressage, the following needs to be clarified:
    • Leather bits and leather-covered bits are permitted
    • Leather-like material for bridles for dressage are permitted
    • Throat lashes are compulsory for cross country
    • Sliding Hanging Cheek mouthpieces are not allowed; clarification that the bit cannot slide vertically and that the rein must be able to move freely in the ring of the bit
    • A bit may have a curved port; the height of the deviation is but the width is not. In order to clarify this, the proposal is to line with the Dressage rules and use the same wording.
    • Clarification of what type of mouthpiece/cheekpiece can be used for a Briddoon when a double bridle is used

544.1.2 Scoring Flying Change: The Eventing Committee had agreed to review the rule proposal on a yearly basis. Now that the dressage tests have been modified, it should be easier to judge the flying change and therefore it should not be necessary to review a video.

547.2.4 Frangible/Deformable Obstacles: The introduction of mandatory frangible devices to higher level events will be extended across all levels for 2021. All open oxers, open corners, verticals or near verticals with open rails, top rail on triple bars and gates where the rail dimensions and weight fit the acceptable parameters of an FEI approved frangible device, must be fitted with frangible devices.

547.2.5 Water Crossings: Each cross-country course must have at least one obstacle related to water.

547.2.7 Ground Lines: Ground lines must be used on fences at all levels.

547.5.2 Obstacles with Alternatives: An alternative obstacle must be sited in such a way that the horse/ rider must make a new attempt/approach after a refusal or run out.’

Annex A 1.2 & 1. 5 (Dressage bits): The ‘French link’ snaffle is allowed.

Annex D – Medical Services Explanation: Recommendations for Medical services at FEI Eventing Events including specific requirements for the cross country test should be considered as guidelines for two years before being implemented as mandatory.

Annex H.1.2 – International Pony Events and Qualification: CCIP2-S results should also count as a qualification for Championships.

The big event, the Ordinary General Assembly Board Meeting, will take place on Monday, Nov. 23, from 12 to 4:30 p.m. CET (6 to 10:30 a.m. EST) and will be available to watch live here. A summary of the key discussions from the two sessions on Anti-Doping and Rules on Nov. 21 will be published here. Wrap-ups, including resolutions and main decisions from the FEI Board meetings, will be published on Inside.FEI.org the following day and can be found here. All information on the FEI General Assembly, including the program, is available on the GA 2020 hub.

 

See you there (or not!)

How Caitlin Oldham Seized the Opportunity of a Lifetime

By on Nov 18, 2020 12:00 pm -

British eventer Caitlin Oldham is starting her own training business – and she’s basing out of William Fox-Pitt’s yard in the United Kingdom. After working for riders such as Harry Meade, Caitlin is ready to spread her wings while also continuing her own education. We caught up with Caitlin as she gets ready for the next step in her career. You can learn more about her background and business at caitlinoldhameventing.com.

Photo by Jay Photos.

EN: What made you decide to pursue eventing as a professional? What gave you “the eventing bug”?

CO: I have always been an extremely competitive person, in all areas of life and sport. I used to play at county level in 4 or 5 sports ranging from hockey to handball to fencing. As I moved through school, however, I had to narrow down my sport intake to make time for studies and horse riding always made the shortlist. When I went to Millfield to study for my A-levels, I had to pick one and again the horses prevailed. I chose to bring my mare Lilly with me and specialise in Eventing. Despite my love for all kinds of sport, I was never a specialist in any so eventing seemed more my speed: not getting too hung up on one thing and being able to keep it varied and interesting day to day.

EN: How did you end up at Harry’s, and what were some of the primary takeaways you learned there in terms of your riding and horse management?

CO: I knew when I left school, I wanted to carry on eventing but wasn’t ready to go on my own and it still seemed sensible to have a Plan B, so I went to the University of Surrey to study Sports Science. I had an incredible first year but juggling trying to develop my riding and continue my studies meant I wasn’t doing as well as I wanted in either. I chose to drop out after my first year and become a working pupil at a professional yard where I could get stuck in. I could go back to uni but I couldn’t go back to being young!

I sent my application to many riders, but Harry was the one I chose. He is one of the loveliest people I have ever had the pleasure of working for and I knew as soon as I met him that we would get on. His work ethic and methods have been inspiring to learn from and being a member of his team has put me in such great stead for the future!

I was able to take notes on all his methods of training and favourite exercises which I will certainly be implementing in my future programs. But my biggest take away is his aptitude for kindness and giving. He is always on the end of the phone for anyone who needs help in any sphere; his manner and honesty are delightful and his approach to care and thoughtfulness for others is unmatched. I have learnt about the kind of atmosphere all people involved with the rider deserve, from owners to sponsors to staff and beyond. I can only strive to bring even half the amount of joy and pleasure for people who choose to be involved with me as Harry does for members of his team. It is truly incredible.

EN: What has been the biggest challenge as a young professional?

CO: The biggest challenge of being a young rider has been being part of such a big pool of riders. I wasn’t born into a horsey family and haven’t moved up through the age rankings so trying to get the right support and becoming a professional hasn’t been straightforward. Nonetheless, I know this will only make me work harder and be more grateful when I achieve my dreams. I hope that through networking with members of our incredible sport as I grow I will find the right people to continue to grow with. There is so much joy and fun to be had for anyone involved with riders and I would love to bring handfuls of it to the plate.

EN: Can you give some detail on how yo got to William’s and what your impressions of working with that team have been?

CO: The opportunity to base myself with William Fox-Pitt has already been monumental and I still don’t believe quite it’s happening. Harry kindly helped me get connected with William. as I knew that after my time with Harry I wanted to move towards having my own setup and a bigger string of horses. By being at William’s I am able to have his and his team’s support and guidance whilst finding my own feet and getting a hold of the ropes. He, like Harry, has a wonderful yard full of good people who are passionate and kind. I am very grateful to have such an incredible opportunity.

EN: How has your riding evolved as a result of your continuing education?

CO: Under the watchful eyes of Harry, Yogi Breisner, William and Tim Rogers, my riding has come on immensely. My dressage scores are dropping, and the quality of my riding is beyond what I ever thought I was capable of and I’m sure I’m not even halfway there yet! Learning from such great people has been invaluable and I look forward to continuing to work with them and others great minds over the coming years. I am excited to put this winter’s work into some serious practice next season with some big goals and even bigger dreams.

EN: What is some advice you would give to an up and coming rider who wants to succeed?

CO: It has been tough; it is still tough, and I have no doubt with will continue to be tough. But our determination and pluck and perseverance are what makes us event riders so impressive and strong. It has been a rollercoaster already, but my passion and drive has never wavered and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store. I know it is going to be difficult and some days I will want to give up but what is the point in spending all day everyday sweating over a job you don’t even care about? I would never be able to forgive myself if I didn’t give my dream a go and what’s the harm in trying? At least I can say I gave it a bloody good go!

EN: What will your business look like?

CO: I am looking to develop event horses, provide private coaching and work with owners to compete horses at any level in 2021 and beyond. I am a qualified BHS stage 3 coach, currently working towards my stage 4 exams (COVID permitting!).
I will be available in the southwest area for private lessons for clients of any age or ability; I am able to travel to you or make arrangements for premises. I will also be available to provide clipping, plaiting and show prep services in the Sturminster Newton area.

I have four stables available at William’s yard for all kinds of horses and their needs. I am rather short – as I am often reminded – so am able to take on rides on ponies as well as bigger horses. I would happily accept rides on any horses in varied types of work/discipline/age/ability. I am a competent hunter as well as competing in lower level pure dressage and show jumping alongside my eventing at novice/intermediate levels. I have trained with Harry Meade, Yogi Breisner and Tim Rogers and will continue to work with them in the future alongside William and his coaches. So, whether you are interested in supporting a young rider looking to make a career in eventing or you are unable to ride as often as you would like or have a young horse that needs more consistent work to develop – the list goes on, and I am happy to offer my services.

Thinking the Rhythm: A Lesson in Better Transitions

By on Nov 18, 2020 9:00 am -

In this excerpt from Anne Kursinski’s Riding & Jumping Clinic, Olympian Anne Kursinski tells us how she schools transitions in order to improve balance and self-carriage in all her horses.

Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

Transitions — particularly downward transitions, both within a gait and from one gait to another — are a great way to encourage your horse to keep coming from back to front and to carry himself. You use leg to create whatever energy you need, hand to receive the energy and tell your horse what you want him to do with it, and seat to reinforce either the driving message of your leg or the containing message of your hand.

Whether the transition is upward or downward, you can also use your seat to make the change smooth rather than jarring by communicating to your horse the rhythm of the new gait that you want. Each gait has its own rhythm, of course: the four-beat walk, the two-beat trot, the three-beat canter, with variations depending on whether the gait is working, extended, or collected. I find that if you think the rhythm of the new gait that you want (like humming a song in your head, without making any audible noise), your seat and legs will automatically start telling your horse about it as you ask for the transition — or even as you’re just preparing to ask. The higher the level of communication between you, the more quickly he’ll pick up on your message and the smoother the transition will be.

If you want to go from the walk to the trot, “thinking” the trot rhythm will make your legs close a little more quickly, in the one-two of the trot, and help your horse pick up the rhythm in his body. As you feel the one-two rhythm begin, your upper body automatically tips slightly forward to stay with his center of gravity.

In a downward transition, say from the canter to the trot, putting the rhythm of the trot stride into the half-halts that you give while still cantering will let you make a smooth, balanced transition.

Downward transitions tend to be the bumpiest, because your horse has to shift his balance backward from where it’s been in the faster gait. (For the same reason, downward transitions are also where he’s most likely to become crooked — so you, as the brains of the operation, have to be on the lookout for straightness problems and be ready to apply appropriate corrections.) As you start taking his mouth to tell him to slow, he’s probably going to grab the bit — and pull you out of the saddle if you’re not ready for him. Here’s a place where thinking the rhythm really helps:

Quiet the swing of your hips and sit against your horse more, using your almost passive seat as a very short push against rather than with the motion to tell him you want shorter strides. I keep my hips relaxed, eyes up, elbows just in front of my hip bones — so my reins are a comfortable length and I’m thinking about my half-halt. I deepen my heels (think of yourself “growing” in the saddle), close my legs against the horse so that he gets off his forehand and comes up under himself (remember, any time he pulls against you, leg is what gets him light), and then take his mouth briefly, bending my elbows to ask him to stay light in front. Keeping your elbows bent prevents him from pulling you down and forward and keeps his poll up so that he stays off his nose.

When he answers the half-halt, I reward him by relaxing my elbows and easing my feel on his mouth, so that he knows this is what I wanted. I relax my legs as well, to tell him to trot, and “think” the trot rhythm with my seat. As he gets the trot rhythm, I make sure we maintain the nice, light balance, closing my legs to keep him moving actively into the bit from behind.

If your horse is very heavy, your first couple of “takes” may look rather jerky, because he’s going to expect to have something to lean on — so he’ll take more when he feels you give, which will make your next take have to be more forceful. Think of the motion as “lifting” him into the slower gait — so that he “sits” more behind and doesn’t fall down in front. As your horse finds out that you aren’t willing to let him balance himself by pulling against you, he’ll lighten and not fall forward so much.

And if you strengthen your leg or even add a prick of your spur the instant you feel him pull, you’ll accelerate the “Carry yourself!” learning process.

Keep sitting and lifting him slightly with your half-halts, bending your elbows. As you feel him trying to fall on his nose, sit in and sit up to bring his center of gravity back. With repetition, he’ll come to recognize that, when you open your hip angle and sit a little more deeply, you’re going to be asking him to come back — so he’ll start to do so on his own, and you’ll have less of a tug of war.

(That lifting feeling in your arms during the downward transition, by the way, is not a static pull but a little circle, resisting very slightly toward you, up, and forward again. The canter, particularly, is a circular gait in the way the horse comes off the ground into a moment of suspension, through the air, and then down again; your hips and your arms should have that same motion of lifting and giving, lifting and giving. You’re resisting in rhythm until he lightens, taking and giving in direct response to how strong he is against you.)

This excerpt from Anne Kursinski’s Riding & Jumping Clinic is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books (www.HorseandRiderBooks.com).

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Nov 18, 2020 12:01 am -

I came across a new series that Horse & Country TV has produced with Jamaican eventer Lydia Heywood and the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, United Kingdom. The series, “Learning with Lydia” will follow Lydia and the riders at Ebony Horse Club as she helps them navigate new riding and life skills. Horse & Country TV has produced a lot of top-quality content that I find highly entertaining and educational, and this is one more to add to the list!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Grand Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Southern Arizona Eventing Association H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Live Scores] [Show Photographer]

Major International Events:

Portugal Winter Tour Week 1/Barroca d’Alva: [Website] [Start Lists]

Wednesday Reading List:

Rob Lawrence Jacobs is the Sidelines Hot Horseman of 2020! This exceptional equestrian has made a name for himself not only as a coach but as the founder of the Rob Lawrence House of Opportunity, intended to bring access to horses to a wider scope of people. Check out the latest issue of Sidelines Magazine to read more.

The 10th deal of SmartPak’s 12 Days of Deals is here, and it’s a good one! Today only, receive 50% off SmartPak brand horse and dog supplements. Click here to shop.

Let’s face it: a 20-meter circle is way tougher than it looks. Instead of drilling yourself and your horse to death on the most common element of a dressage test, take some pointers from this primer.

Applications for the next round of the Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship are now open through January 15. This $600 award, given quarterly, is intended to bridge the financial gap that many younger riders experience when trying to get their foot into the horse world. Learn more and submit your application here.

Motherhood and a competitive riding career don’t always mix – but don’t tell Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix that. She sat down for a chat in the latest episode of the Women In Sports podcast, and all of you hardworking mothers or soon-to-be mothers out there will likely find much comfort in her thoughts. Take a listen here.

Wednesday Video Break:

Just a compilation of Michael Jung clips to give us all some midweek motivation.

FEI Awards 2020 ✨. Stimmt jetzt für euren Favoriten ab!

Er hat bereits unzählige Medaillen gewonnen 🏆 Reitmeister Michael Jung hat bereits im Jahr 2012 den FEI Award gewonnen und steht somit auch in diesem Jahr in der Kategorie "Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete" zu Wahl 🤩🚀

Wir haben für euch eine Playlist mit einigen Highlights der letzten Jahre aus unserem Archiv zusammengestellt 😍👇🏼
▶️ https://watch.clipmyhorse.tv/Reitmeister-MichaelJung
▶️ www.fei.org/awards

Posted by ClipMyHorse.TV Deutschland on Friday, November 13, 2020

Tuesday Video from Horseware: Go Indoor Eventing with Pontus Hugosson

By on Nov 17, 2020 5:30 pm -

We’ve featured Swedish eventer and YouTube creator Pontus Hugosson here on Eventing Nation in the past, and his latest video takes us along for the ride as he schools his top horse, Zin Fire, over some indoor cross country questions.

Pontus is always entertaining and charming in his videos (perhaps one of his best known videos is this one), and this latest edition provides a great glimpse into his home yard as well as his training philosophy with the 7-year-old Swedish Warmblood who just made his FEI debut in October in Kristianstad, Sweden.

Did You Miss the 2nd Annual Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sport? Watch It Here

By on Nov 17, 2020 3:00 pm -

Thought leaders representing a large variety of backgrounds and experiences came together this past weekend for the 2nd Annual Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sport. Hosted by SportsQuest International and Melvin Cox, the seminar was broken up into four sessions: Domestic, Youth, Media, and International.

Many topics were discussed during each session and the general focus was finding ways to grow our sport and ensure that more Black, Indigenous, and people of color are accepted and represented.

EN’s Leslie Wylie as well as myself both participated in the Media panel, but we highly encourage you to take the time to watch each of the four sessions as they all provide a unique perspective.

Many thanks to SportsQuest International, Melvin Cox, Tryon International Equestrian Center, and all of the panelists who took the time to make this important seminar a rousing success. We’re looking forward to next year’s seminar and to continuing to do what we can do grow our sport in a more diverse and inclusive direction.

To read more about the Tom Bass Seminar, click here.