Classic Eventing Nation

Monday News & Notes

By on Jan 4, 2021 8:47 am -

 

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I don’t know about you guys, but the First Monday vibes are STRONG with me today. A whole two weeks without Zoom was a special treat, and although I was supposed to use it to work on a manuscript and definitely used it to learn to play chess instead, it was a nice little swamp of totally unproductive time.

But I’ll be gearing myself up for the day, week, and year to come today by making myself an enormous latte, sticking on some motivational power ballads, and thinking about what I want from this year – regardless of what it may throw my way. I’m not a big resolutions kind of gal, but I do love a list – and every year, I try to set myself achievable goals for things I really, truly want to take from the year to come. Every time, one of those goals is to cover an event I’ve never been to, and I was so lucky to manage two of those in 2020 despite everything. This year, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I might finally get to come over and see Kentucky for myself. Here’s hoping!

National Holiday: It’s National Spaghetti Day! Fitting, really, because going back to work will require some emotional carb-loading.

Your Monday Reading List:

Where equine fitness is concerned, sometimes the ‘old’ methods are the best. US Eventing has republished a 1987 article by Tad Coffin that’ll teach you how to prepare your horse for Novice and Training level competition – perfect if you’re starting to plan out a fitness programme ready for spring events. [Conditioning the Event Horse at the Novice and Training Levels]

You’re probably a fan of Phillip Dutton – but how much do you really know about him? H&H serves up eight facts about the big man himself in today’s online offerings. [Twins, medals and Irish-breds: eight things you didn’t know about three-time Olympic medallist Phillip Dutton]

When it comes to riding and competing, you either win or you learn. Actually, scratch that – even if you win, you usually learn something, too. Canadian showjumper and all-round legend Ian Millar shares his advice for how to make sure you’re the best learner you can be. [Ian Millar on How to Always be a Successful Student]

It’s the time of year for revisiting poignant and powerful stories, and even the New York Times is joining the club. Here, they revisit their long-form piece on US-based Irish showjumper Kevin Babington, who suffered a catastrophic spinal injury at the Hampton Classic in the summer of 2019. He reflects on what he’s learned, how he’s adapted – and how his world might yet change. [A Top Equestrian Paralyzed in an Accident Sees Hope in a Coming Treatment]

Finally, a very happy 52nd birthday to William Fox-Pitt, who celebrated on January 2nd. H&H has shared some highlights from his extraordinary career thus far. [Happy Birthday, William Fox-Pitt! Here’s some of his career highlights so far to celebrate…]

 

Morning Viewing:

#EventerProblems Vol. 248, Presented by Haygain: Nice and Easy

By on Jan 3, 2021 12:00 pm -

New Year, new us…? Hopefully? Let’s not get to ahead of ourselves. Everyone come in nice and easy. All 2021 needs to do is be better than 2020, so the bar is pretty low. While some things may change this year, we know #EventerProblems won’t! Keep ’em coming by sharing yours the hashtag #EventerProblems.

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Sunday Links

By on Jan 3, 2021 12:01 am -

We’re now three whole days into 2021 and that means eventers are beginning their mass exodus south for the first few months of the season. While most head to Aiken or Ocala, many eventers take this opportunity to sharpen their dressage and show jumping skills in Wellington. Phillip Dutton has used this strategy in the past, and we will look forward to seeing him back at events come March.

National Holiday: National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

Sunday Links: 

Ian Millar on How to Always Be a Successful Student

Get to Know the 2020 Standlee Premium Western Forage USEA Horse of the Year

Final tributes paid to five-star eventer who beat the odds to reach the top

US woman’s Christmas surprise – her first horse in 40 years

Going Boldly Forward

Dream Farm: Escape to Aspen, Colorado: Presented by Stable View

Oh, The Stories That Tack Trunk Could Tell

Sunday Video: Cooley Be Cool having way to much fun during his first jump of the year.

Understanding the Brain’s Relationship to the Body to Help Us Train

By on Jan 2, 2021 10:00 am -

This story was first published on EN’s sister site, Jumper Nation.

Asia Vedder & Isi. Photo by Kim Miller.

You know the feeling, when you have been incredibly hungry and finally take a bite of food? Satiating your hunger feels instantaneous. You feel better immediately. But when you think about it, your feeling better immediately is sort of strange. It takes minutes for us to start digesting the food, and hours for it to enter our bloodstreams as useful calories and energy for our cells. So why do we feel better so quickly?

In short, it’s because our minds are playing tricks on us. Our mind knows the sequence of events: after that bite of food, our body will start to feel better in a few minutes. So basically our mind takes a shortcut and tells us to start feeling better before we actually do. This NYT article called “Your Brain Is Not For Thinking” (great read; highly recommend!) sums it up well, using a term called “body-budgeting”:

Your brain runs your body using something like a budget. A financial budget tracks money as it’s earned and spent. The budget for your body tracks resources like water, salt and glucose as you gain and lose them. Each action that spends resources, such as standing up, running, and learning, is like a withdrawal from your account. Actions that replenish your resources, such as eating and sleeping, are like deposits.

Your brain keeps track of your budget, they explain:

The scientific name for body budgeting is allostasis. It means automatically predicting and preparing to meet the body’s needs before they arise. Consider what happens when you’re thirsty and drink a glass of water. The water takes about 20 minutes to reach your bloodstream, but you feel less thirsty within mere seconds. What relieves your thirst so quickly? Your brain does. It has learned from past experience that water is a deposit to your body budget that will hydrate you, so your brain quenches your thirst long before the water has any direct effect on your blood.

Sophie Leube and Sweetwaters Ziethen TSF. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Here is the key phrase in that description for me: [your brain] has learned from past experience. It is fairly obvious, when you think about it: we have a brain, so we remember things. We have a trove of past experiences on which we draw when encountering new experiences.

We’d do well to think about allostasis when training our horses, not in the sense of being hungry or thirsty, but in the sense of understanding that the brain processes information about how the body is feeling even before the body reacts. If we can keep this in mind, lots of our problems in training and competition begin to make sense. Let’s take an example. A horse has felt stressed by a new movement he is learning on the flat. He can do it pretty well, but the next several times the rider prepares for the movement, the horse’s brain shuts down and his body tenses, even before the rider gets a chance to ask for the movement. The horse’s body isn’t actually finding anything physically hard in the moment, but his brain is predicting that it will be. It has learned this from past experience, and it is creating a roadblock for the body.

There’s an interesting phenomenon that often happens when moving horses up the levels that didn’t make sense to me for a long time. When a horse first moves up, often she’s very successful—jumping clear, for example. But the next time she competes at that level, she doesn’t do very well. Sometimes the rider needs to go back to the lower level to regain the horse’s confidence again. But why did the horse do so well that first time she moved up? Possibly because her brain didn’t know what her body was going to feel, so she believed she could do it. Afterward, she might reflect and think, “wow, that was really hard!”. This is when riders and trainer have to think about what the horse is thinking. This is when they have to make sure the brain is on board with the body. I had a coach once who told me to always try to make the horse think he was superman, even if he wasn’t the most scopey or talented horse in the world. You build a superman by never making anything seem too hard. The brain leads the body, so the brain has to believe it’s possible.

There is so much guesswork that goes with training horses, especially since no two horses are really the same. These are living, breathing animals with feelings and apprehensions; with different attitudes and different strengths. If we can wear the lens of a psychologist as well as a rider, we can begin to understand their thought processes and get access to their amazing physical capabilities.

Saturday Links

By on Jan 2, 2021 12:01 am -

Happy Saturday!

National Holiday: National Science Fiction Day

Saturday Links: 

Breeders, It’s Time To Step Up: Good Stewardship Means A Commitment To Aftercare

What does your stall-cleaning technique say about you?

A Look in the Rear View Mirror: The Top 10s of 2020

Final tributes paid to five-star eventer who beat the odds to reach the top

Running the curves: Thoroughbred limb dynamics explored

Hot on Horse Nation: 2020 Readers’ Choice Award Winners!

Saturday Video: Happy New Year from Piggy March and Badminton Horse Trials!

Friday Video from SmartPak: A Happy New Year From Piggy March

By on Jan 1, 2021 4:00 pm -

Happy New Year!

A little video to wish you all a very Happy New Year and also introduce something a little bit different for me in 2021. I'm going to have a go at doing a video diary to give you all an insight into my life – good and bad! – through 2021. Well out of my comfort zone here as this isn't something I have ever done before!😬🙈

Please follow along and share with your friends if they might be interested too. Anyway hopefully something entertaining and educational all in one!😁👩‍🎓🤞

Happy New Year and all my best wishes for a safe and successful 2021.🍾🥂🥳

Piggy x

#PiggyMarch #TeamPiggy

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Posted by Piggy March on Friday, January 1, 2021

The first of January is also a prime moment to percolate on new ideas, grand plans, and goals for the year ahead, and it’s been so exciting to see top riders dropping teasers for the year ahead. One of the most welcome updates came from superstar (and possibly the nicest person in the sport) Piggy March, who ushered us all into 2021 with the announcement of her new video series. We’ve enjoyed William Fox-Pitt’s vlogs so much over the last year that this is extra-exciting news — and there couldn’t be a more soothing gal to help us get this year underway.

Go Piggy, go eventing, and above all, go forth into this new year as your best and boldest self, regardless of what we may all still have to overcome.

Set Your 2021 ‘GPS’ with Coach Daniel Stewart

By on Jan 1, 2021 10:00 am -

Tamie Smith & No App For That. Photo by Kim Miller.

Whether or not you subscribe to the idea of New Year’s resolutions, the idea of a “fresh start” brought about by the turning of the calendar is enough to get any goal-oriented individual thinking about what’s next. On the opposite side of the see-saw, however, lies the inherent fact that in life, things tend not to go according to plan. Add horses into the mix and, well, you might be better throwing a handful of darts at the wall in hopes one might stick.

All of this to say: making – and keeping – resolutions tends to be…challenging. Indeed, statistics show that about 80 percent of resolutions made on January 1 tend to fail. If you’re struck by the depressing nature of that statistic, you aren’t alone – but there’s also hope. We had a conversation with renowned sport psychologist Daniel Stewart, well-known for his work within the equestrian community, to help our fellow eventers set their “GPS” for the year ahead.

Tiana Coudray and Cabaret. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The GPS Approach: Goal, Problem, Solution

“For starting the new year, there’s a technique called ‘GPS’, or ‘Goal, Problem, Solution,” Daniel explained. “Everyone has goals, short and long-term. And generally, they say that the majority of goals are only 60 to 80 percent likely to happen. If a goal is 100 percent likely to happen, that goal is not ‘uncomfortable’ enough. So there is going to be something between you and your goals: a problem. And what we do too often is focus entirely on the goal itself, closing our eyes and becoming blind to the problem standing between us and that goal.”

For those who try to subscribe to a manner of positive thinking, this problem-focused mentality seems counter-intuitive. Let’s look at this concept in riding terms – and yes, it is as simple as it sounds.

“Say my goal is to learn how to do a flying change,” Daniel said. “The ‘goal’ is to do the change. The ‘problem’ is that my horse doesn’t yet do flying changes. The ‘solution’ is to start working on these changes. When you begin to incorporate work on half-halts, simple changes, canter departs, and so on, then the likelihood of achieving that goal develops. By identifying and focusing on this problem, you then achieve the goal.”

Having the courage to be vulnerable, to truly identify the ‘problem’ part of the equation, Daniel says, is the sweet spot. “This is the one exception to the rule of thinking positive,” he explained. “We have the courage to be vulnerable and allow ourselves to search out problems that stand between us and our goals, and when we identify that problem we work entirely to solve it. It’s when we lose that vision and it’s only all about the goals that we never solve the problem.”

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve. MGO Photography Photo.

Finding Our Fears

In his forthcoming book, his fourth on equestrian sport psychology, Daniel writes about a deeper side of mental coaching. “My first books were more pump you up, cheerleader type books,” he explained. “This one even surprised me; it goes deeper into mindfulness and awareness and the need to have a definition for our rational and irrational fears. The book addresses some deeper concerns – envy, shame, fear of failure, making mistakes – and I do my best to deliver the important information in such a way that perhaps we can see some brightness and humor attached to those things that make us fearful.”

We’ll dive more into the concept of fear and how it affects us as riders in a future column, but for now take a moment to go a little deep within yourself. It may feel uncomfortable, but ask yourself these questions:

  • What do I fear as a rider?
  • What do I fear as a human?
  • What are my short-term goals for the new year?
  • What are the problems standing between me and these short-term goals?
  • What are my long-term goals?
  • What are the problems standing between me and these long-term goals?

Write these answers down – this helps not only with accountability but also helps you separate swirling thoughts from logical reasoning. Coach Stewart will be contributing to future columns here on EN on the topic of improving our mental strength for riding, so stay tuned for much more.

If you’re interested in learning more from Daniel Stewart, you’re in luck! He’s currently booking virtual webinars aimed at helping all riders find their true potential. Click here to learn more about booking or participating in a webinar.

The First News & Notes of 2021

By on Jan 1, 2021 12:03 am -

Gratitude is the theme of 2021.

I’m declaring it now, the theme of 2021 is gratitude, because we will really appreciate all of the things that we missed in 2020, as well as incorporating all the good things we learned from this year. Plus, we can always practice more gratitude, and sharing it together makes the world a better place.

News From Around the Globe:

Start the new year by getting your horse’s engine revving, in a good way. You don’t even have to wait to get on and ride, you can begin with exercises on the ground. Helping your horse engage his hind end in an active way benefits your dressage score, as well as benefitting your jumping phases too. [Get Your Horse’s Pushing Engine In Gear]

We’re giving away a copy of Jane Savoie’s Dressage Between the Jumps, and there is still time to enter! Click here to learn more and submit your entry.

Stars, they’re just like us! One of the many wonderful things about equestrian sports is that upper level professionals have just as many oh sh*t moments to share as we do. Check out these stories from Louise Serio, Anne Kursinksi, Margie Engle, and more about their own personal big time whoops on horseback. [Whoopsie Daisy]

After a rare disease claimed three of her limbs (and nearly her life), Jessica Thoma is back in the saddle with big goals. Jessica Thoma is a lifelong equestrian whose world got turned upside down in 2018. Beginning in the spring, she battled a mysterious ailment that began with a rash, joint pain, fatigue and nausea. She saw a slew of doctors but it wasn’t until she fell gravely ill months later that she finally got a diagnosis: Polyarteritis Nodosa, a rare disease resulting from blood vessel inflammation. Now, she’s back on the horse and says they were integral to her recovery. [I Don’t Think I’d Survive Without Horses]

EN’s Top 10 Videos of 2020, #1: Who Bucked It Best?

By on Dec 31, 2020 10:00 am -

We are counting down the top 10 most-viewed videos shared on EN in 2020. To view videos 2-10, click here. It’s time to unveil our most-viewed video of 2020!

Who doesn’t need a little laugh this afternoon? British five-star eventer Laura Collett had some pretty spicy horses when she legged her string back up and schooled them over fences for the first time after their winter break. Which of Laura’s three mounts — London 52, Cleomina and Dacapo — displayed the most impressive acrobatics? Leave your comment below! Honestly though, the real winner of this contest is Laura’s incredible seat!

New Years Eve News & Notes

By on Dec 31, 2020 12:03 am -

Something is….off…here. Photo by Adel Viljoen.

Like this horse above, we are jumping into 2021 and not looking back. 2020 has been a year of challenges, but many of us have found silver linings that we really didn’t expect. While I know that this was not just “one bad year” and everything will be different tomorrow, my only hope is that we can take the lessons learned and awareness gained from this painful and divisive year and ensure that it doesn’t happen again. Jump your jump! With or without the rider, just get it done.

News From Around the Globe:

Have you ever wanted to look through the judge’s eyes and see what they see during the conformation portion of a USEA Young or Future Event Horse competition? Now is your chance! Using only a photo and information on age and breed, legendary horseman and past FEH/YEH Championship judge Chris Ryan is sharing his insights into young horse conformation. This week it’s 3-year-old filly TC Maleficent. [Conformation Critique with Chris Ryan]

We’re giving away a copy of Jane Savoie’s Dressage Between the Jumps, and there is still time to enter! Click here to learn more and submit your entry.

Once a horse girl, always a horse girl. Actress Zosia Mamet took this New Yorker writer inside her passion for riding, and how it’s both an escape from and a metaphor for her acting career. [Zosia Mamet is a Horse Girl]

The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing program has steadily gained popularity since its creation in 2014. In 2016, the USEA intercollegiate national leaderboards were introduced and every December, a new set of nationally ranked riders are named. For 2020, the collegiate riders that took home top honors were Katie Lichten of University of Virginia, Ryan Keefe of University of Kentucky, Audrey Sanborn of California Polytechnic State University SLO, Kaley Crosby of Clemson University, Mikayla Kearney of University of Central Florida, Paige Ansaldi of University of Maryland, and Jessica Wymbs of University of South Carolina – Aiken. [Leading Riders of Intercollegiate Eventing Program 2020]

Check out Amanda Ross’ every day routine in Australia with her eventing yard!