Classic Eventing Nation

By the Numbers: Tryon International 4*-L, Dressage Day One

By on Nov 12, 2020 9:00 am -

Coverage of Tryon International this weekend is brought to you by Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE). Diversity and inclusion in all equestrian sports are important, and we’ll be bringing you tidbits on what this new organization hopes to accomplish.

And suddenly, we are here. One of the few silver linings this year is that with extremely limited options and an Olympic qualifier on the line, we have a record 78 combinations who will come down centerline today to the ground jury of Gretchen Butts (USA), Robert Stevenson (USA), and Helen Brettell (GBR). This is the most horses to start at a 4*-L or a 5*-L in North America in at least a decade, beating the Kentucky 2015 CCI5*-L (then CCI4*) which had 75 starters. The next closes 4*-L was the 2015 Fair Hill CCI4*-L (then CCI3*) which saw 60 pairs present to the ground jury. It’s rare to see such a concentrated field in America due to riders either travelling overseas or picking and choosing among available events here. While there’s a lot to be said for providing options and varying venues to pairs, it’s extremely exciting to get to watch such a competitive field this weekend.

This venue has only been utilized at the 4*-L level for the cross country at the World Equestrian Games in 2018; as such the venue has very little history to evaluate and no records for this particular show to speak of. Having said that, there are five pairs competing this weekend who have previously taken the top spot at a CCI4*-L; we have Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot, who took top honors at the Fair Hill 4*-L all the way back in 2012, and Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, who also won the 4*-L back in 2016. Also appearing are three 4*-L winners from 2019: Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise who took top honors at Jersey Fresh, Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois who traveled west to win at Rebecca Farm, and Sara Mittleider and La Paz who topped the field at Galway Downs.

DRESSAGE DIVAS – DAY ONE

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The heaviest favorite to take the lead after the first phase is Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, as they’ve led the field after phase one in their last eight consecutive A/4* starts. This pair averaged a very cool 21.6 penalties in three A/4* starts in 2020, with their worst score still breaking 77%. You have to look back to early 2018 for an occasion where they haven’t broken 75% and are only pair in the field to have broken 80% on two occasions. Although there are a couple horses in the field who might catch this pair if this mare has a bad day and they have a good one, they are few and far between.

Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Pan American team horse Starr Witness and her rider Doug Payne are a pair to keep an eye on in this phase; with only three starts at the level, this is one of the greener horses in the field to contest this division. Starr Witness started the year off with a bang, laying down a 23.8 test in the Advanced at Pine Top before cooling her jets until September. At Blue Ridge horse trials, held a this very venue, she proved that the quality of the test was no fluke, scoring 25.7 penalties. In three tests for the level, her average sits at a 25.6, but one caveat; her score has floated upwards on average by 1.7 points in each subsequent start.

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Of the two horses that Tamie Smith has brought from out west to contest this division, EnVogue is the more experienced of the two….if barely. This mare completed the Galway Downs 4*-L last fall in only her second start, making this her second effort at the level. Although capable of dazzling in the first phase (exhibit one: a 22.7 test in the Advanced at Rebecca Farm this July), she lacks the consistency of her stablemate with a career range of low twenties to low thirties. However, this mare has broken the 70% barrier in five of six tests at the A/4* level and sits at a 26.5 average penalty score for her four starts this year.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Rubens D’Ysieux. Photo by Shelby Allen.

One pair whose comeback was certainly made more complicated by the pandemic was Sara Kozumplik-Murphy and Rubens d’Ysieux, who ended 2019 with a return to the A/4* level with a solid completions at the Ocala Jockey Club before turning their sights on 2020. After changing their plans, they’ve managed to get only one start at the level this year. Prior to their hiatus, this pair was regularly breaking the 70% mark, doing so in five of eight starts as a pair and even cracking the 75% barrier in the August of 2018. Since their return to competition, they’ve averaged 32.7 penalties in two starts. If their start at Morven last month has helped knock off the rust that has likely accumulated, then they could be a contender for a spot in the top ten but will otherwise have to be content to rely on the horse’s jumping ability to climb the ranks from further down.

Clayton Fredericks and FE Always In Time. Photo by Abby Powell.

Clayton Fredericks is a busy man with all his ventures (he most recently debuted as the 4*-L course designer for Galway Downs just two weeks ago), but it’s evident that the forced time at home this year was immensely helpful to his mount Always In Time who has dropped his dressage average from 34.2 penalties in 2019 to 29.5 penalties in 2020. Always In Time has lowered his score in each of his three consecutive 2020 A/4* starts, most recently clocking in 28.0 penalties at the inaugural Advanced at the Florida Horse Park.

Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Member of the 2016 Olympic team, Blackfoot Mystery is back to contest only his fourth A/4* and first long format since competing in Brazil. Although we saw him very briefly in 2017 (he contested the fall Advanced at Stable View, finishing fifth), he has been on the sidelines for the level up until this fall. As a horse who can scored anywhere between mid-twenties and mid-thirties, it’s difficult to tell what he might do this weekend with so few prior competitions in the last several years, but a second-best score for the level of 28.0 at Chattahoochee Hills bodes well. He’ll have another barrier to overcome; as second in the ring for the division with Boyd Martin, he’ll have to really lay it down to get the scores he needs to withstand the remainder of the division.

Sydney Elliot and OC Diamantaire. Photo by Abby Powell.

After finishing in the top five at Fair Hill 4*-L last fall, Sydney Conley-Elliott and QC Diamantaire had a quiet year, only making one A/4* start at Stable View. But in doing so, they smashed their previous personal best with a 26.4 on the flat. These two have shown flashes of that brilliance, scoring solidly over 70% on two other occasions out of their eight previous starts, but tend to sit more typically in the 33 to 37 range. All depends on which pair comes out to play this weekend, but they could be a wild card in the first phase.

Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135. Photo by Abby Powell.

Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135 showed their potential last fall with a win at the Fair Hill 3*-L but like everyone else fell off the radar a bit with an abbreviated scheduled for 2020. Although this horse had two starts at the A/4* level last year prior to his big win at Fair Hill, it wasn’t until this year that the horse really demonstrated what he can do with a 25.8 at Great Meadows 4*-S. In their last three starts, they have scored no worse than a 31.7.

Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Leamore Master Plan may be a bit of a wild card this weekend if he continues the same trend he has for every A/4* start in 2020; in five starts at those levels this year, he has lowered his dressage score by at least 1.5 pts in each successive start. His most recent test came at Chattahoochee Hills, where he and Ariel Grald put in a test that scored only 28.6 penalties, marking their first sub-thirties score for the level. While unlikely to compete with the leaders, a similar score would let this horse play to his strengths the rest of the weekend.

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Quantum Leap has a record that very much reads like a horse who gains more confidence on the flat the longer he has been at the level. His initial starts in the winter of 2019 at Advanced results in scores in the forties before he settled into a steady diet of mid-thirties tests for most of the remainder of the year. The first hint that something was clicking was at the Blue Ridge horse trials at the end of the year, breaking the 70% mark at this very venue. After being put on the shelf for the pandemic, Doug Payne brought him out swinging next a full year later at Blue Ridge again, proving it wasn’t a fluke with a personal best of 26.1 penalties then coming back for more with a 26.8 at Stable View 4*-S. Keep an eye on this horse, as he’s a solid prediction for a competitive test that will surprise a lot of people and could even be a wild card to break the 75% mark if circumstances are right. However, a huge disadvantage for this horse is his spot as first down the centerline; he’ll have to really impress the judges to put up a score that withstands the following 80 horses.

PREDICTIONS – OVERALL

Division Winner: There’s quite a lack of data surrounding this show in regards to how influential the optimum time will be; nearly 20% of the horses at WEG (admittedly a field of very high caliber) finished inside the optimum on the only occasion a long format at the top level has been held at this venue. Of course, the ground was quite conducive for speed and a leg of the course near the end was also removed due to the humid conditions. On the other hand, it has been extremely difficult to catch the time in the short formats held here; as noted in yesterday’s By the Numbers, no one has made the time here since the spring of 2018, and only six of 150 cross-country starters have managed to catch it at all in the last four years. Finally, the amount of rain projected for today and tomorrow has likely softened things up and Tryon’s turf can be quirky. If it ends up being holding, we could see a path to the time being extremely difficult to make.

So for the first time ever in By the Numbers, I’m postulating winners for two different scenarios. First, if time is achievable but not easy to make, or even impossible to make, either of which is a typical scenario for a 4*-L worldwide, Phillip Dutton and Z will hold the advantage at the end of the final day. However, if we see a scenario similar to WEG in which a large portion of the field makes time, Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous will be able to hold the line at the top of the leaderboard, even with a couple of time penalties on cross-country day.

The Potential Spoilers: This field is entirely too full of potential spoilers to just name one, and quite frankly even calling them spoilers is a stretch. Tsetserleg, Vandiver, Deniro Z, La Paz, and EnVogue will all be right there contesting for a slot and quite frankly I’m leaving out about ten others who could make this weekend very interesting.

The Future Star: Danito will likely be as competitive as any of the experienced horses this weekend and it wouldn’t be the first time Tamie Smith won a 4*-L on the back of a green-for-the-level horse. This young gun is ready to be at or near the top of the leaderboard now and will be one to keep an eye on for a surprise slot for Tokyo….pending of course the success of his famous stablemate, Mai Baum.

PREDICTIONS – DAY ONE

Dressage Leader: With quite a few heavy hitters going out on day one, there’s a good chance that whoever leads today will lead through tomorrow as well. While there are absolutely some top horses in the mix tomorrow, our biggest favorite for this phase overall is Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, who compete in the late morning session. It might be a tall order to expect a score to hold up through another 60+ horses, but if any pair can do it, it’s this one.

The Field Above 70%:  With the quality of the field coming out this weekend, there should be a very strong contingent of horses who are ready to break that 70% mark. It is expected that at least 7 horses hit that today, with one or two with the potential to break 75%.

The Surprise: As mentioned above, the horse who has the most potential to exceed expectations is Quantum Leap, who has really shown some huge improvement in his second year at the level. Going first won’t be ideal for showing off that new competency, but it wouldn’t be surprising for us to start the day with a sub-thirty score.

Tryon International: Website, Entry Status, Schedule, Order of Go, Ride Times, Live Scores

Thursday News & Notes

By on Nov 12, 2020 12:03 am -

I’ll never tire of silly horse faces. Photo by Kate Samuels.

For the past two days, it’s been raining non stop in Virginia, but also about 65* at night. SIXTY FIVE at night. In November. What is happening?! Also all of the horses that I clipped last month already need to be clipped again and I don’t know what this combination means as an omen for the winter season, but I’m extremely skeptical.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event: [Website] [Schedule] [Drawn Order] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer] [Live Scores]

Morven Park H.T.: [Website] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Twin Rivers November H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

News From Around the Globe:

The winter season is a perfect time to give your horse an active rest. Not just time off, but relief from the hard mental and physical work of the show season schedule. Your horse’s brain can get exhausted from the workload, but also tendons and bones and muscles don’t always get the rest they need during the year, so now is the time to switch it up, accomplish some goals, but get out of the ring. [Active Rest: 3 Ways To Keep Your Horse in Shape While Preventing Burnout]

In a refreshing twist, dressage rider Jan Brons preaches simplicity as the key to success. While other riders have the equivalent of calculus to keep their horses happy and trained well, Jan rides and coaches with the idea of simple puzzle solving. Selecting honest horses and training them one piece at a time until it all comes together for the big picture. “Dressage should be easy” is his motto, and the results speak for themselves. [Success Through Simplicity]

Spend the winter getting that perfect half pass to bring out with a bang in 2021. When a horse and rider have a good understanding of each other and get that elusive open shoulder and big crossing, it’s the perfect picture of harmony and ease. In reality, of course, getting a fluent and expressive half-pass requires strength and suppleness from the horse, as well as considered and precise riding. Learn about the correct aids, common mistakes, and how to train it better at home. [Riding the Perfect Half Pass]

Barn cats! No real barn is truly fulfilled without a few barn cats, most of which live until they’re 20 and see legions of horses and riders go through their barn. But caring for them and protecting them from the outdoor elements and predators is a different task than your other domesticated animals. You take care of them, they take care of your rodents, and rub your legs every day. [Caring for Barn Cats]

Helmet cam action from Pratoni, which FYI, is the host of the 2022 WEG!!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: A Very French Double-Feature

By on Nov 11, 2020 6:57 pm -

Your high school French might not cover much more than a hasty ‘ou est la bibliotheque‘ and a claim to like playing football with your brother on Thursdays, but fortunately, you don’t really need to be able to decipher the narration to enjoy this emotive video following a day in the life of young French five-star eventer Alexis Goury. Seventh in both his CCI5* runs with Trompe l’Oeil d’Emery and part of the French front at last year’s European Championships, the 25-year-old is certainly making his mark as one of the next wave of formidable talents to fly the tricolour.

Oh, go on then, just because it’s Wednesday and we could all use a pick-me-up, join him for a cheeky ride around Pau last month too:

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78 Horses Move Forward to Dressage in MARS Tryon International CCI4*L

By on Nov 11, 2020 6:27 pm -

Megan Sykes and Classic’s Mojah. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We are through the first horse inspection at MARS Tryon International, where the Buckeye Nutrition CCI4*L riders braved some questionable weather and an indoor jog in front of the Ground Jury consisting of Gretchen Butts, Robby Stevenson, and Helen Brettell. Ride times for the marquee division of the weekend have been populated here, and we’ll see a total of 78 horses and riders move forward to tomorrow and Friday’s dressage.

We’d like to take a moment to applaud our CCI4*L rookies this weekend:

  • Woods Baughman – C’est La Vie 135
  • Mia Braundel – Cashmere
  • Jules Ennis – Cooley O
  • Victoria Garland – FE Capricino
  • Annie Goodwin – Fedarman B
  • Ashlynn Muechel – Emporium
  • Missy Miller – Quinn
  • Kaelen Speck – Sweet Rebellion
  • Megan Sykes – Classic’s Mojah

Dressage for the CCI4*L kicks off at 10:00 a.m. EST tomorrow, and you can follow along on the USEF Network live stream here.

Eventing Nation’s coverage of MARS Tryon International is brought to you in collaboration with Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE), a new visible allyship and pathway program designed to open more doors for riders of all backgrounds. Individuals who join SEE as a member with a nominal donation will receive an ally pin that can be worn to show your allyship with BIPOC riders at your barn and at competitions. Donations will be used to support access programs and nonprofit organizations as well as fund grant and scholarship funds in the future. We’ll include more resources within our reports and live updates this weekend.

We’ll have much more to report from Tryon in the coming days, so keep it locked right here on EN. Go Eventing.

MARS Tryon International: Website, Entry Status, Schedule, Order of Go, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, Coverage

How to Watch the MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event

By on Nov 11, 2020 2:30 pm -

While the MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event will be closed to spectators and the general public this weekend, the USEF Network has stepped in to fill the void by providing a live stream of the action.

The Buckeye Nutrition CCI4*L division will be the focus of the live stream, and you’ll be able to watch all three phases live with your USEF membership. The broadcast schedule is as follows:

Dressage – Thursday, November 12: 10:00 a.m. ET
Dressage– Friday, November 13: 8:00 a.m. ET
Cross Country – Saturday, November 14: 12:00 p.m. ET
Show Jumping – Sunday, November 15 – 10:45 a.m. ET

We’ll have plenty of coverage coming your way all weekend long as our team covers Tryon International remotely. Stick with us and stay tuned for much more from North Carolina.

MARS Tryon International: Website, Entry Status, Schedule, Order of Go, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream

Product Review: Piper 3-in-1 Riding Jacket by SmartPak

By on Nov 11, 2020 1:00 pm -

Style, warmth and practicality. What more could you want in chilly-weather gear? SmartPak has an incredible variety of new layering apparel that is perfect as temperatures drop. We’ve already reviewed the Piper Down Vest and Piper Sherpa 1/4 Zip Pullover (catch up on our test-drives here and here, respectively). To round things out, we checked out the new Piper 3-in-1 Riding Jacket. You can view the complete line of Piper outerwear, which also includes a down coat, a barn coat, a full-length trainer’s coat, a packable raincoat and more here.

Piper 3-in-1 Riding Jacket by SmartPak. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

SmartPak’s Piper brand has been reinventing the equestrian apparel game. At the barn where I board, on any given day about three out of every four breech-wearing butts are repping the SP logo. The folks at SP are riders themselves, so they know exactly what riders want and need and have created a clothing line that delivers it at a budget-friendly price point (as their tagline goes: “SmartPak gets us because they are us.”) And, this time of the year, they know what we want/need most: outerwear.

The Piper 3-in-1 Riding Jacket includes a wind- and water-resistant softshell jack and a zip-in fleece interior jacket, so there are three ways to wear it: both layers together for a warm, dry combo, or each layer separately. This versatile 3-in-1 design is perfect for us equestrians — you can start with both then peel the softshell off mid-lesson, or vice versa when the sun starts going down and the temperature drops.

Detachable fleece interior jacket — super snuggly and a contour fit. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

It’s a jacket that ticks all the boxes. For my working mother-of-a-toddler adult amateur self, this one garment really streamlines the process of getting out the door and to the barn. No need to check your weather app and do a bunch of meteorological calculations in your head (“Well, it’s raining now but looks like just a 25% chance of drizzle during the hour of my lesson, and while it’s presently 50 degrees it might drop into the upper 30s by the time I leave the barn….”) Just grab the 3-in-1 and GET THYSELF TO THE BARN, GIRL!

And feel free to stop by the grocery store or a dinner date on the way home, too, as the jacket pairs perfectly well with non-horse world attire. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

SmartPak understands the importance of detail and this coat is just another example of that ethos at play. A few of the “little things” that are actually really big things about this jacket that I really appreciate:

  • Pocket power: Both layers have zip pockets. Because A) the last thing you need cantering around a jump course is a phone falling out of your pocket, and 2) my ponie needs them treats!

Interior AND exterior pockets!, wha?!?! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

  • Fit: Piper has performed yet another miracle in creating a garment that is not only workmanlike, but also flattering. The soft jacket hugs your curves and follows your movement in a way that is completely nonrestrictive (go ahead, throw your hands up that horse’s neck! your trainer might yell at you, but this jacket won’t judge) yet nips in just right so you don’t feel like Spongebob Squarepants riding around out there.
  • Size: The jacket is available in XS through XXL sizes and there’s a size chart on the site for reference. I’m a 5’2″ Shetland pony of a human and the size small jacket length hits me just below the butt, so it would hit closer to the hip for taller ladies. Which is the perfect length for a riding jacket, IMO; for me, I zip up from the bottom to create a “V” while I’m in the saddle.  I’m athletic build and have breast-feeding boobs (TMI?) and the Small had plenty enough breathing room that I felt like I could still layer it over a sweater if needed. If you’re a real petite lady, like Jumper Nation editor Lynn, consider sizing down to XS — Lynn, who is 5’2″ and 110, and tried a Small in the Sherpa Fleece had the same observation. One bonus of the jacket is that it has adjustable velcro wristbands, so even if it’s a little long in the sleeves you can cinch it up.

Photo against our newly painted house — seriously, it’s the same! Also love the neckline of this jacket, which is snuggly and keeps out the elements but never feels like it is choking you. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

  • Zippers: Life is too short for broken and stuck zippers (why cannot tall boots get this right?!). SP’s zippers are heavy duty and easy to tug up and down even with gloves. In addition there are multiple points of connection between the softshell layer and the fleece layer so it feels like one united jacket instead of a jacket-within-a-jacket.
  • Color: I am big-timing hearting this Glacier color that SmartPak has introduced! (Literally, we just re-painted our house almost this color exactly.) It’s bright but also sort of wintry cool. If you’re into the matchy-matchy, you can pair the jacket with breeches (more styles available), SP saddle pad (also available in dressage and with piping), face mask, turnout sheet and polo wraps. Just do a search for “Glacier” on the site and go wild.

Glacier Blue! Photos courtesy of SmartPak.

All things considered, I give this jacket five out of five stars. The jacket retails for a very reasonable $129.95 here. As an FYI SP’s 12 Days of Deals is happening NOW so go check it out!

 

 

 

 

Zara Buren Memorial Foundation to Give Deserving Young Riders a Leg Up

By on Nov 11, 2020 12:00 pm -

Zara Buren and Make My Day. Photo by Christina D Equine Photos.

How do you begin to put a life taken too soon into words? How does a writer properly memorialize someone who was a stranger to them? How do we continue the legacy of the ones who leave us too soon?

These questions swirled in my brain as I drew a breath to call Sabrina Haque and Rob Buren, the parents of 14 year old Zara Buren who tragically lost her life in a trail riding accident on September 21st. I found myself suddenly self-conscious, worried that I would say something wrong, ask a poorly worded question. But Sabrina and Rob, despite their pain, were gracious, and our conversation quickly moved into a natural back and forth. I listened, feeling Zara’s energy through their words.

But this story isn’t about me. I’m simply the microphone. The best way, or at least the way that’s emerged for me, to begin to memorialize a light as bright as Zara’s, is to tell her story. As the Buren family moves toward the initiation of what will be an ongoing equestrian scholarship award in their daughter’s memory, it’s important to know who inspired the award, whose legacy the winners will be carrying.

Bubbly. Serious. Insightful. Dedicated. Loving. Loyal.

These are just a few of the words Sabrina uses to describe Zara, who was born in January of 2006. Even at a young age, Zara’s zest for life was apparent, as was her innate love of animals. Toddler Zara could be found seeking out the family pets, sneaking quiet moments with them whenever she could. Sabrina, a lifelong equestrian herself, was lucky: she would have a best buddy for those long barn days.

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Haque.

At first, older sister, Chloe, took riding lessons while Zara brushed ponies and swept aisles, waiting patiently to be old enough. Eventually, Chloe pursued ballet more seriously, joining Canada’s National Ballet School, and it would be her sister who would take up the reins and follow her mother’s path. Of course, the horses came naturally to animal-loving Zara.

Have you ever stood at the rail of the show ring and watched a true raw talent in action? It’s something akin to watching a talented child actor slip easily into character. There are athletic kids, and then there are the kids whose talent is practically bursting at the seams. What’s the distinction? It’s hard to say. But one thing that set Zara apart, even at her young age, was her burning desire to learn.

Sabrina laughs fondly as she tells me of the intense attention her daughter paid to dressage. For many eventers, dressage comes before the fun part. Learning the fundamental importance of this first phase doesn’t always happen right away or come naturally. But it’s something that Zara pinpointed immediately and dedicated her time to.

“She was just 11 years old when she went to her first dressage schooling show,” Sabrina recalls. “She took the dressage really seriously. Most kids start with jumping and maybe fall into dressage, but she got really serious about taking dressage lessons.”

With the help of coach Jill Stedman and, later, Holly Jacks-Smither, Zara undertook a scholarly approach to her riding. A gifted student at school, she’s described as a very thoughtful rider, aware of her body and how it should correctly interact with her horse. And the dedication showed: she could often be seen leading the pack or, at the least, well within striking distance, following the first phase of eventing competition.

There is much pressure on today’s teenagers to perform. Perform well so that your social media following has someone to admire. Perform well enough to show that you’re on track to move up the levels. Instead, Zara put her time into her training, knowing that this is where her attention should be, and enjoyed sharing videos of her lessons and all that she and her horse were learning as a team. Her goal was to uplift and inspire, not compare and compete on social media. Her “A” game was saved for the competition.

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Haque.

As Sabrina and Rob establish the Zara Buren Memorial Foundation (to donate, click here) that will help to fund the Ontario Eventing Association award that has been created in Zara’s name, another key criteria for its winners emerges as horsemanship.

At Zara’s last event in Ontario, weather conditions made for a wet cross country track. Zara and her Canadian Sport Horse, Make My Day, were leading the Open Training division of 19 competitors following dressage and show jumping. All that stood between them and the win would be a clear, fast cross country run. But the wet conditions were tricky. Upon walking the course with coach Holly, Zara elected to pull up and walk down a steep hill on course, rather than pushing for the time. In the end, Zara dropped to third place with the ensuing time penalties, but you’d never have known.

It seems a simple enough concept, making a decision for the welfare and safety of the horse above all else. Yet how often do we see the opposite occur? There is horsemanship and then there is empathetic horsemanship, and Zara exhibited both, showing a maturity beyond her years. It’s an example we can all take to heart.

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Haque.

If Zara wasn’t at the barn, she was working hard at school, taking care of her dogs, babysitting, or helping with chores at home. At the barn, even at just 14, she was often asked for advice and was ready to help wherever she was needed.

“When Zara was showing, she set the bar really high for herself, but she was also so kind and friendly to everyone,” Sabrina says. “She was very diligent in her preparation – she didn’t show to participate, she came to compete.”

The Zara Buren Memorial Award will be an annual, nominated award given to an exceptional, dedicated junior rider, who may need some financial assistance in order to pursue their eventing goals. “Zara had us to support her,” Sabrina says. “We were a team. And not all kids who have the work ethic, talent and dedication have the support that they need to keep pursuing the sport.”

To turn such incredible pain into something so generous requires exceptional humans. Throughout my conversation with Sabrina and Rob, one thing becomes very obvious: these are exceptional humans. For them, this memorial fund will honor Zara in the best way. It’s what she would have wanted, they say.

“She appreciated every opportunity that she received to learn and grow as a rider, and helping other dedicated junior riders achieve their goals would have made her so happy.” Somewhere, there is a teenager who has followed Zara from the outset, double-tapping each post she made, earmarking her page as someone they aspired to be. Perhaps that teenager will find themselves following Zara’s path, with just a little extra help and a special cheer from the young woman who left a legacy.

By the Numbers: Tryon International 4-S

By on Nov 11, 2020 9:00 am -

Coverage of Tryon International this weekend is brought to you by Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE). Diversity and inclusion in all equestrian sports are important, and we’ll be bringing you tidbits on what this new organization hopes to accomplish.

Although the heavy focus this weekend is on the 4*-L division, a healthy group of both young guns and old favorites have come forth to contest the 4*-S division. This is an interesting offering by Tryon; they have held Advanced divisions in the fall under the name of Blue Ridge Mountain Horse Trials as well as Advanced and 4*-S divisions in the spring after taking over the nomenclature of The Fork. But this will be the first time this style of division is run under the venue name itself. For this venue, regardless of the name, Captain Mark Phillips has done the course design with Chris Barnard on tap for the stadium phase. This will hold true for this weekend as well, for both divisions.

We’ll be bringing you day by day coverage of the 4*-L including jog photos a bit later, but for now we are focused on the 4*-S division, which does dressage and cross-country on Friday, then follows up with stadium on Saturday.

Time has not been easy to catch in the Advanced and 4*-S divisions held at Tryon; in 150 pairs who have left the startbox, only six have caught the optimum. Three pairs made the optimum at The Fork 4*-S in 2017, and then another three pairs in the same division in 2018; none have finished inside the time since.

DRESSAGE

Ellie O’Neal and Zick Zack. Photo by Jenni Autry.

New to the level this year, Zick Zack has proven promising in this phase under Elinor MacPhail O’Neal, who has averaged a smart 30.5 penalties in this phase in four starts and has dropped his score by at least 1 point with every consecutive test. Most recently he broke the 70% barrier for the first time at the Florida Horse Park Advanced, clocking in at 27.3 penalties.

For a consistently good performer, we look to Will Faudree and the experienced Caeleste. Although lightly competed through the years, she has been at this level since 2015 and in the last two years has knocked approximately 3.5 points off her average. From 2015 to 2018, this mare averaged 34.6 penalties in this phase but across three tests in 2019/2020 she has averaged only 31.3 penalties. That includes a personal best of 27.4 just last month, the first time at this level Caeleste has broken the 70% barrier.

Another experienced campaigner to keep an eye on is last year’s Fair Hill 4*-L winner, Paddy the Caddy. Although he and Erin Sylvester most often sit in the 32 to 35 scoring range (doing so in seven of nine A/4/5* starts since 2019), this little Thoroughbred can occasionally pack a real punch. Just earlier this year, he laid down a personal best of 26.5 at the Great Meadow 4*-S, and while that type of test isn’t the norm for Paddy the Caddy, it’s certainly not outside of his capabilities.

CROSS COUNTRY

 

With time likely being tough to make, the cross-country phase could be a real game changer. Those with speed should excel in this phase and use it to move up in leaps and bounds. Unfortunately, some of the greener horses may find this too big a task; it’s likely that we will see horses like Zick Zack tumble down the ranks in this phase.

Elisa Wallace and Simply Priceless at Burghley 2016. Photo by Nico Morgan.

That leaves an opening for horses like Simply Priceless to strike from further down the order. Despite not having started at this level since February of 2019, the experience of this horse cannot be discounted; in fifteen career A/4*-S finishes paired with Elisa Wallace, this horse has finished within 10 seconds of either optimum time or the fastest cross-country time in all but three of them. While they might not quite be the fastest time of the day, they are sure to be close to it and therein lies their advantage.

Caeleste is likely to accumulate enough time penalties to slip by a place or three, with an average speed rating of 22.33 seconds; even edging into double digit time penalties will be enough to keep a foothold within the top five. The interesting horse to watch will be Paddy the Caddy; this horse’s speed has generally been saved for the long format but he can certainly make the time even at the short format if Erin Sylvester wants to. It’s a good bet that Erin will be looking to press the pace this weekend and make a splash; with a 4*-L win from 2019 already serving as their Tokyo qualifier, they will want to stay on the radar for the team with a good showing in this division weekend, having forgone the opportunity to go head to head with a number of other team hopefuls in the 4*-L.

Clip Clop with Joe Meyer, Van Gough under Jacob Fletcher, and Bogue Sound ridden by Jessica Phoenix are all experienced pairs that will be able to put the pedal to the metal and stalk into the top ten on the strength of their speed.

SHOW JUMPING

No matter how fast Simply Priceless goes, he won’t be able to outrun the stadium phase. Incurring at least one rail is a near certainty for this horse, having last jumped a clear round at this level back in 2016. A single rail could keep him contesting for a top five slot but more than that will leave the door open for others to capitalize.

Erin Kanara and Paddy the Caddy. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy will take advantage of that opening, being 8 for 8 on clear rounds in their A/4/5* starts in 2018 and 2020. They’ve also never had more than one rail in their entire A/4* career, incurring only four rails total in a whopping 26 starts. These two will be able to fully capitalize in this phase.

Another pair ready to capitalize on any mistakes at the top is once again Caeleste and Will Faudree, who also have a very clean record, if significantly less extensive. In eight A/4* starts, they’ve incurred only two rails, jumping clean at all of their 4*-S rounds save one. A clear round is more likely than not with this pair and should send them hunting for a top two position.

Overall, this is not the strongest field of jumpers for the stadium phase; any pair who can hold it to one rail or even pull off a clear round will be able to hugely capitalize on the final day.

PREDICTIONS:

WINNER

Erin Kanara and Paddy The Caddy. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Erin Sylvester and Paddy the Caddy are too experienced to discount and have long since proven their ability to finish on their solid (or better) dressage score. There are a couple of young horses who could give them a run for their money and certainly Caeleste will be right there as well, but these two will be out to make a statement.

NEW TO THE LEVEL

CharmKing should get a serious look by all as a possible wild card this weekend; currently piloted by Lillian Heard, this horse has averaged a 30.5 in two starts, jumped two clear stadium rounds, and finished with only six seconds over optimum time in his only cross-country completion. Although a rider fall does mar his record, he’s got some serious promise for the future and if he can match his previous performances, could pull a rabbit out of a hat this weekend.

Also having early success at the level are Trendy Fernhill and Jenny Caras. With three starts under their belt, they’ve broken 70% on one occasion and narrowly missed it on a second, put in two clear stadium rounds out of three, and finished as the fastest time of the day in the horse’s first try at the level back in February. Although the dressage and stadium phases both regressed slightly in their most recent start at Chattahoochee Hills (where cross-country was ultimately cancelled due to rain), this is certainly a pair to keep an eye on.

OTHER DIVISIONS

  • Atlantic Vital Spark, previously ridden through the 4*-L level by William Fox-Pitt, is paired with new rider Lucienne Elms in the CCI3*-L.
  • Cosby Green will make her FEI debut with the former Buck Davidson ride Copper Beach in the CCI2*-L.
  • Catalina, a former 4* ride of Jennie Brannigan’s, will be in the OP with a Texas-based rider.
  • Spring Easy will be contesting the CCI3*-L with young rider Maddie McElduff.
  • Former Boyd Martin 4* ride Contestor is paired with a new rider in the CCI2*-L.
  • Wise Santano II, who led the field after two phases at the Rio Olympics, will be in the OP with Ronald Zabala.

Keep it locked on EN for all the latest!

Tryon International: Website, Entry Status, Schedule, Order of Go, Ride Times, Live Scores

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Nov 11, 2020 12:01 am -

Graphic courtesy of Strides for Equality Equestrians.

When Matt Brown approached me earlier this year after I had expressed interest in helping further diversity in our sport, I was thrilled to accept his invitation to join the steering committee of Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE), which announced its launch yesterday. It is the far-reaching vision of this organization to help bridge the gap that many riders from a variety of backgrounds experience.

Whether its a riding grant or scholarship, apprenticeship or internship, or simply just a mentor and a visible ally to help navigate the horse industry, SEE hopes to provide a way for the equestrian community to band together and create a more inclusive world for all. To learn more about Strides for Equality Equestrians, click here.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event: [Website] [Schedule] [Drawn Order] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Morven Park H.T.: [Website] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Twin Rivers November H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Wednesday Reading List:

Please take a moment today to pay respects to our veterans on Veterans Day. To learn about equine assisted therapy and how it has helped many veterans recovering from PTSD – and to find an organization to help – click here.

Today on Veterans Day, take a look through the lens at the funeral of Major General Jonathan R. Burton, a decorated member of the cavalry through World War II and the Vietnam War who also spent time as an Olympic eventer and show jumper. Major General Burton was also responsible for starting the first continuous horse trials in the U.S., along with Margaret Lindsley Warden and William Haggard. His impact on both our country and our sport will long be remembered. He served as Executive Vice President for the U.S. Equestrian Team for 10 years and as President of the U.S. Combined Training Association. Late last month, Major General Burton was buried at Arlington National Cemetary in Washington, D.C. – take a look at the photo gallery and memorial here.

How were horses transported for war duties during World War I? Horse & Hound takes a dive into the history books.

“Growing up in Compton wasn’t easy,” says Compton Cowboys founding member Keiara Wade in this interview with Atlas Obscura. “But once I got on a horse, nothing mattered. I always felt free.” The ongoing mission of the California-based Compton Cowboys is to provide an option for urban youth to reclaim their heritage and turn away from a life of crime. Inspiring empathy and engagement is the main goal, and it’s all accomplished on the back of a horse.

The Equestrians of Color Photography Project continues to add more stories to its page, complete with gorgeous photos voluntarily taken by talented photographers from all over the country. Take a look and read through the stories of the riders represented in these essays.

Ready to get your shop on for Day 3 of SmartPak’s 12 Days of Deals? Today is a big one: 20% off SmartPak Ultimate Blankets and Sheets. I’ve always been a fan of SmartPak blankets for their cost-efficiency; you don’t have to tell me twice! Shop today’s deal here.

Do horses still experience the same biological response to the calls of predators? Sure, your horse may be a few generations removed from her predecessors who roamed the land, but instinct is still instinct. Researchers from Poland tackled this topic, and you can read about their findings here.

EN’s own Tilly Berendt, whose work can be found in a myriad of publications, penned the latest Behind the Stall Door column focusing on Tim Price’s beloved Ringwood Sky Boy. Get to know the 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse here.

Fantastic news for Area VI! After longtime owner John Marshall announced that he would no longer be running Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials, supporters stepped up to buy him out and will continue running events at the beloved Northern California venue. Many thanks to John for his longtime support of West coast eventing, and we can’t wait to see what’s to come in the future at Fresno.

Wednesday Video Break: I recently learned about the T.C. Williams Youth Sports Camps International, which hosts mini day camps for youth to foster a sense of inclusion as well as provide opportunity to experience a variety of sports. Involvement with horses has led to the creation of a children’s book centering around a steeplechase horse, and you can see the idea come to life below.

Prava's Steeplechase Adventure

We have been up to something exciting! Check it out!

Posted by T.C. Williams Youth Sport Camps International on Thursday, October 15, 2020

#TipTuesday Video from Horseware: Courtney Cooper Gives a Clipping Tutorial

By on Nov 10, 2020 4:30 pm -

 

Posted by Courtney Cooper, C Square Farm on Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Don those trash bag suits, ladies and gents, it’s clipping season! In order to carry on training through the cold weather, keeping the hairy winter coat becomes a necessity to prevent overheating and improper cool down. But clipping isn’t always a skill that comes naturally, and if you’re a little out of practice or just want some extra pointers, be sure to check in with Courtney Cooper and C Square Farm‘s recent Tip Tuesday tutorial. For more tips like this, follow C Square Farm on Facebook.