Classic Eventing Nation

Area VI Council Launches Fund Drive on Giving Tuesday

By on Dec 1, 2020 3:00 pm -

Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Just in time for Giving Tuesday the Area VI Council has launched a two-week giving campaign — and their goal is 100% participation from their area’s members (of course, members from other areas are welcome, too!) Can you help them get there? Donate here.

The Council shared this announcement yesterday:

“As we get ready to close the books on this year, we, like so many other businesses across the country (and around the globe) are assessing the impact 2020 has had on our bottom line. With our eventing calendar cut to a fraction of normal this year we are looking at heavy losses from reduced event fees, an absence of fundraisers, as well as camps, clinics and a myriad of other revenue-generating opportunities which were halted due to the global Coronavirus pandemic.

“Normally, we as an Area each year put together an auction event to raise much needed funds for our Young Riders, Adult Riders and the Area Administration. This year, after serious consideration, the Area VI Council deemed it to be inappropriate to reach out to our wonderful sponsors asking for contributions (merchandise, travel accommodations, services, etc.) at a time when many are just trying to keep their doors open. Yet, we must raise income to springboard us towards gaining some financial recovery in 2021.

“So often, in times of hardship, we must look within and find a solution. This year we are asking our membership … each and every member … to take part in our year-end Appeal by making a $50 tax-deductible contribution to Area VI.

“While it is understood that some may need to give less, and others may be in a position to give above the $50 ask, the importance lies with 100% participation from our community. The responsibility to rebound from the setbacks faced this year rests with each and every one of us here in Area VI and together we can set the foundation for a strong comeback in 2021.

“As the Area VI Council, we ask for your support in sharing this campaign with your students, friends and all Area VI Members. We have created a flyer you can download here to share via text and email.

“Thank you for your participation and support,
The Area VI Council”

Every dollar counts! A tax-deductible donation can be made by scanning the QR code below with your smartphone camera or visiting givebutter.com/areaviappeal.

 

 

Giving Tuesday: Equestrian Access and Diversity Programs You Can Help Today

By on Dec 1, 2020 12:30 pm -

We’re coming to the end of the traditional holiday shopping days, and it’s perhaps the most important day of the whole lot: Giving Tuesday. Believe it or not, the concept of Giving Tuesday is not a very old one; the idea was first brought to life in 2011 by nonprofit Mary-Arrchie Theater Company in Chicago and then-producing director Carlo Lorenzo Garcia, who encouraged consumers to give back after diving in to their yearly gift shopping.

This year has been one in which many needs have been brought to light within our small community. One glaring need is that for more diversity, equity, and inclusion in equestrian sports and activities. We’ve spent a lot of time learning about access programs that help provide opportunity for young equestrians from diverse backgrounds, and we wanted to share a bit about some of these organizations with you today. This is by no means a comprehensive list, and we welcome all suggestions for other programs that could use some promotion and help this season.

Compton Cowboys

Streets Raised Us. Horses Saved Us. The Compton Cowboys was born from a group of lifelong friends who wanted to build up their community in Compton through horses. Through exposure and education (and even a few appearances in the mainstream media), the Compton Cowboys hope to draw more positive attention to their neighborhood and promote Black equestrian culture the world over. Currently listed on the Compton Cowboys wish list are footing/arena sand, paddock boots, laptops/chromebooks, and more. Visit this link to donate.

Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club

Philadelphia is home to a generations-deep love of horses, and Fletcher Street has been a part of this community for over 100 years. The mission of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club is “to save and restore this historical, important facet of Philadelphia’s community, and most importantly, its children. Fletcher Street’s horse community is for many children, the only safe place to be mentored, to feel good about themselves, to learn important lessons in responsibility, discipline, and reward.” To make a donation, click here.

Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy

Home to the Concrete to Show Jumping program, the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy is dedicated to providing a safe space for young riders to experience horses. The mission of this program is “to preserve and educate the public on the history and culture of the Black urban cowboys in the City of Philadelphia through equine related activities and educational programs.” Find ways you can support PURA here.

Robert Lawrence House of Opportunity

R.L. Jacobs has made a name for himself not only as a respected hunter/jumper trainer but also as the creator of the Robert Lawrence House of Opportunity. This program offers “Opportunity Clinics” taught by Robert in underserved communities and also is home to the From the Community, To the Community apparel and equipment exchange. To learn more and to donate to the program, click here.

Saddle Up and Read

Did you know that 2/3 of the children in America who are not reading proficiently in fourth grade will end up on welfare or in jail? Literacy is an important aspect of a child’s development, and Saddle Up and Read founder Caitlin Gooch has made it her mission to chance this statistic and introduce kids to books that feature Black equestrians. Want to get involved? Make a donation, donate to Saddle Up and Read’s wishlist or participate in a book drive.

 

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Strides for Equality Equestrians

Strides for Equality Equestrians was formed by a collaborative group of predominantly BIPOC riders who seek to provide more visible allyship for equestrians of color. Strides for Equality Equestrians will distribute a lapel pin and will soon have other merchandise available for purchase. In the meantime, you can join and receive your pin here.

Work to Ride

Work to Ride is a community-based prevention program that provides opportunity for disadvantaged urban youth through their horse-centric program. Located in Fairmount Park, Pa., Work to Ride also boasts a national polo team and is always seeking ways in which they can engage youth through the equine experience. Your donation helps programs like Work to Ride continue to offer these opportunities at no charge to participants. Click here to donate.

 

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Schedule Announced for Virtual USEA Annual Meeting and Convention

By on Dec 1, 2020 11:00 am -

Logo via the USEA.

The USEA Annual Meeting and Convention will be held virtually in its entirety this year due to concerns and restrictions regarding the coronavirus pandemic. Slated for December 8-12 and culminating with the Annual Meeting and Keynote Address on Saturday, December 12 at 2 p.m. EST via Zoom, the content calendar for this year’s Convention is full of great options for members to take advantage of. This year’s keynote will also feature a lineup of female event riders. To view the full schedule of events, click here.

Notable sessions that will be made available during the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention include:

USEF High Performance – Wednesday, December 9 at 3 p.m. EST: USEF Managing Director of Eventing Jenni Autry and USEF Eventing High Performance Director Erik Duvander will discuss this past year and their future goals as they look forward to the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Eventing Licensed Officials Committee Meeting – Thursday, December 10 at 2 p.m. EST: The USEA Eventing Licensed Officials Committee (ELOC) invites you to attend their year-end committee meeting. This meeting will be led by ELOC Chair Cindy DePorter and Assistant Chair Tim Murray. The mission of this committee is to strategically plan for the future needs of Licensed Officials and to act as advisors in their development for advancement from “r” to “R” to “S” and to transfer to FEI, and to periodically review/revise the syllabus and educational materials for the training and continuing education programs.

Engineering Success – From Personal Milestones to Team Gold Medals with EquiRatings – Friday, December 11 at 12 p.m. EST: Diarm Byrne and Sam Watson of EquiRatings will be discussing setting goals and targets and ways to measure progress to meet them. Examples will include riders at any level and also show how the same targets are used to guide Olympic success. The process is the same at any level – set a goal and then measure progress to that goal.

Also featuring among the sessions are a sport psychology session with Coach Daniel Stewart as well as a physical fitness seminar from Coach Tony Sandoval. The USEA Volunteer Committee will also meet in an open format on Zoom that will be available for viewing.

This content plan will also include more instructional videos published throughout the week. If you have already renewed your membership for 2021, you’ll receive a Zoom invitation via email on December 10 for the Annual Meeting on Saturday. Members are asked to renew their memberships for 2021 by Wednesday, December 9 in order to receive the invitation.

To view the full schedule and to cast your Annual Meeting of Members Official Ballot, click here.

Give Back to Your Favorite Sport on Giving Tuesday

By on Dec 1, 2020 9:00 am -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Think about all the ways that the sport of eventing has positively impacted your life. Today is the day to pay it forward! This Giving Tuesday, consider making a secure, tax-deductible donation to the USEA Foundation to help ensure a happy, healthy future for our sport.

From a $25 “Novice” donation to a $1,000 “Four-Star” donation and beyond, gifts of any amount are welcome and can make a big difference. You can designate your donation for use where needed or earmark it to benefit your favorite program. A few options:

  • Where it is needed most — Supporting the immediate needs of USEA Inc.
  • Poggio Horsemanship Study (USEA Foundation) — Studying equine soundness, health and training
  • USEA Foundation — Securing the Future of Education and the Sport
  • Frangible Fence Research (USEA Inc.) — Collapsible Fence Study and other safety initiatives
  • Roger Haller Officials’ Education (USEA Inc.) — Funds and scholarships for Officials’ Education
  • Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) (USEA Inc.) — Funds for Instructors Certification Program (ICP)
  • Equine Welfare (USEA Inc.) — Funds for equine safety and welfare
  • Young Event Horse (USEA Inc.) — Funds for Young Event Horse (YEH) Program
  • Future Event Horse (USEA Inc.) — Funds for Future Event Horse (FEH) Program
  • Juniors/Young Riders (USEA Inc.) — Funds for national Junior and Young Rider Program
  • Liz Cochran Memorial Grooms Award (USEA Foundation) — National Grooms Award
  • Volunteer Incentive Program (USEA Inc.) — Funds support the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program

Go give back. Go Eventing!

Giving Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Dec 1, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo via Michael Jung’s instagram.

Many congratulations are due for Michael Jung and Faye Füllgraebe. Michael proposed last week and now there’s wedding bells for the happy couple. In a year as crazy as this one has been, we are thrilled for every bit of good news in our sport. Congratulations Michael and Faye!

Don’t forget today is also Giving Tuesday. If you can, share the love with an equestrian charity close to your heart today!

National Holiday: National Pie Day

Events Opening This Week: Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks

Tuesday News:

Chris Ryan reminds us all why Thoroughbreds rein supreme in this latest OTTB critique. [Conformation Critique with Chris Ryan: Luprian]

I truly believe that if you can ride a naughty pony, then you can ride anything. They literally wake up every morning and chose violence, and with that narrow frame, all that separates you from the ground is whatever mercy that pony is willing to show you. [A Tribute To My First Grumpy Pony]

The Tokyo Games Organizers have decided that this pandemic won’t push the Olympics back another year. They’re shelling out $960 million on COVID-19 countermeasures in preparation. Much of this will include setting up additional infrastructure, including a testing center. [Tokyo 2020 to spend $960 million on COVID-19 countermeasures as part of additional costs]

International horse sport was busy last month as the final few competitions continued trickling in. FEI looks back on the last 30 days. [Looking back on… November 2020]

Tuesday Video: We meet one of the most important members of Team Fox-Pitt Eventing, the veterinarian.

Monday Video: Meet Amanda O’Gorman, Team Fox-Pitt Veterinarian

By on Nov 30, 2020 5:30 pm -

You’ll hear time and time again from professional event riders that it’s a team effort to get a horse to the top level and keep them their performing their best. When it comes to keeping equine athletes happy and sound, having a trusted veterinarian on your team is essential.

In the latest episode of ‘Meet the Team’ on the Fox-Pitt Eventing YouTube channel, we’re introduced to Dr. Amanda O’Gorman of Gibbs Marsh Equine Veterinary. Amanda’s role as a veterinarian is so much more than just patching up horses and administering vaccines. Enjoy this video where you’ll hear from William and Alice Fox-Pitt, head groom Jackie Potts, and Amanda herself about the different ways the veterinarian fits into the picture.

Andreas Dibowski Takes Second Week CCI3*S at Portugal Winter Tour

By on Nov 30, 2020 3:00 pm -

Weather played her strongest hand this weekend for the second leg of the three-week Portugal Winter Tour at Barroca d’Alva concluded this weekend, but eventers are a resilient bunch used to all the weather challenges that can surface in one weekend. The three-week Portugal Winter Tour kicked off last week and will conclude with its toughest divisions yet this coming weekend. It was Germany’s Andreas Dibowski who took home the win in the highest division, a CCI3*S. He and the 9-year-old Polish gelding Brennus would collect the 3*S win on a finishing score of 34.1, adding a rail in show jumping and a few seconds of time on cross country to their dressage mark.

This marks the first win at this level for Brennus, who has also been campaigned by Andreas’ daughter, Alina, throughout his career. Most recently, Alina and Brennus finished 11th in the Under 25 CCI3*L at the German Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen in October.

Brazil’s Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Joly Jumper secured second place in the CCI3*S on a final score of 40.8. This pair was looking for some redemption this weekend after parting ways on cross country in the CCI4*S during the first leg. Spanish rider Francisco Gaviño Gonzalez and Source de La Faye complete the top three in this division, ending their weekend on a score of 43.3.

Looking to the CCI2*S division, Great Britain’s Ben Hobday and Shadow Seahorse collected the win on a final score of 29.9. This second leg improves on this pair’s fifth-place finish in the same division the previous weekend. Shadow Seahorse is a newcomer to the sport of eventing, having spent the majority of his international career to date in the show jumping ring. Shadow Seahorse is entered in the CCI3*S division for the final week of the Portugal Winter Tour.

Spain’s Albert Hermoso Farras picks up the second and third place finishes in the CCI2*S for the second leg aboard Quilate 32 53 (30.6) and Grytsen Z (31.3), respectively.

The Portugal Winter Tour will conclude this week with the addition of a long-format for the CCI2*, CCI3*, and CCI4* divisions. 27 combinations are currently entered in the CCI4*L, including American rider Anna Loschiavo and Spartacus Q. Another 25 pairs will contest the CCI4*S division. Stay tuned for more from Portugal!

Portugal Winter Tour:[Website] [Week 2 Results] [Week 3 Entries]

Cyber Monday Deals You Won’t Want to Miss

By on Nov 30, 2020 12:00 pm -

Truthfully, every shopping day this year might as well be a “cyber” day, what with rising coronavirus cases and a general distaste for leaving the house (thanks, 2020). We’ve clued you in for a few holiday deals and small businesses that you can take advantage of, but the great deals aren’t over yet! Most of the sales and specials we’ve promoted are still going on, and here are a few more to add to your shopping hit list.

Ariat: Up to 25% off select boots and shoes, ends on 12/1! Also, don’t forget to enter the Home for the Holidays Sweepstakes to win a prize package valued at $3,500. Today is the last day to enter.

DecoPony: Save 15% on custom stall accessories and tack using code BLACK15 – ends today!

Draper Therapies: Today is the last day to receive 15% off and free shipping using code HAPPYGIVING.

Dreamers & Schemers: 25% off the entire website today only. Perfect for socks, gift ideas, and accessories for every rider. Don’t forget to check out Dreamers & Schemers’ Dream & Do program supporting equestrian nonprofits and access programs here.

25% OFF THE WHOLE WEBSITE TODAY ONLY!!
Pick up some last minute gifts and snag that belt you were on the fence about!!…

Posted by dreamers & schemers on Monday, November 30, 2020

Never Knock Goods: 20% off your entire purchase + free socks using code HOLLYJOLLY. There are comfy apparel options and accessories that make perfect gifts to choose from Never Knock Goods.

CYBER MONDAY, FOLKS! TODAY ONLY!

Use offer code: HOLLYJOLLY and you receive 20% off your entire purchase AND one of our favorite, super soft scarves! While supplies last. Snap em up!

We won’t be doing restocks before Christmas so get those orders in!

Other business for your perusal 😉 –

*I am working on TWO NEW DESIGNS which I hope to have done in the next couple of months. Very excited about both, I think you will be too!

*Sponsored rider search is on! Download the application from the website and let me know if you have any questions. This is open to EVERYONE! Any discipline, any level. Everybody!

Much love, friends 💜

Posted by Never Knock Goods on Monday, November 30, 2020

SmartPak: Receive a $50 gift card for orders over $200, while supplies last – today only!

❗️CYBER MONDAY SALE❗️

Shop in store or online today and receive a FREE $50 SmartPak Gift Card when you spend over $200! Hurry in fast, a deal this good won’t last long!

Posted by SmartPak Equine Retail Store on Monday, November 30, 2020

World Equestrian Brands: 20% off the entire online store, ending today!

You can also find and support Black-owned small businesses by downloading the free Young Black Equestrians Gift Guide here.

Weekend Winners: Thanksgiving at Pine Top

By on Nov 30, 2020 9:00 am -

 

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It’s a bit of an abbreviated Weekend Winners column this week as we saw just one recognized event run over Thanksgiving weekend. As per tradition, Pine Top in Hamilton, Ga. hosted its popular Thanksgiving Horse Trials with divisions from Beginner Novice up through Intermediate. This is one of the final few events of 2020, and our Unofficial Low Score Award this week goes to Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic, who won their Training division on a score of 24.9. Well done!

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T.: Final Results

Open Intermediate: Hannah Hubsch and Bethel Park (37.7)
Open Preliminary: Heidi White and Captain Fernhill (29.6)
Preliminary Rider: Elle Choate and Paddrick (30.2)
Open Training: Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic (24.9)
Preliminary/Training: Jenny Caras and Sommersby (25.4)
Training Rider A: Nicole Kemerling and Modern Man (32.2)
Training Rider B: Lauren Alexander and Excel Star Over The Moon (27.3)
Novice Rider A: Malin Eriksson and WHF Wilhemina (26.6)
Novice Rider B: Darci Phelps and Sandro Street (27.6)
Open Novice A: Emily Brooks and Lord Darby (28.3)
Open Novice B: Laura Orlowski and St. Benedict (28.6)
Training/Novice: Drew Cheek and Dexter (39.3)
Beginner Novice A: Nina Braun and Abraxas (29.2)
Beginner Novice B: Tiffany Stewart and Crimson Clover (28.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Erin Flynn Mobley and In Sync (30.3)

 

Proud mom post…
Nicholas and Bear made it look easy jumping around their first Intermediate XC at Pine Top today!

Posted by Emily Beshear on Sunday, November 29, 2020

 

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Monday News & Notes

By on Nov 30, 2020 5:49 am -

The most amazing and incredible gift is a child, and the even more incredible gift is when your baby has a baby. So…

Posted by Next Level Eventing on Sunday, November 29, 2020

Huge congratulations to Kaylawna and Tyler Cook, who welcomed their first child into the world over the weekend (and a big congratulations to newly-minted grandmother Tamie Smith, too, of course!). We can’t wait to see all three generations out there tearing up the West Coast scene before too long.

One of the biggest topics of conversation over the weekend has been the newly-rehashed debate about the fate of the 2021 European Eventing Championships, originally scheduled to take place at Haras du Pin but ultimately cancelled in favour of the Olympics. Both dressage and showjumping have seen their Europeans reinstated, but eventing is facing a fight for their own competition, led by some chap called Michael Jung, who divulges that Switzerland’s Avenches team is ready and able to host the competition, giving developing riders, horses and nations the opportunity to step up to the world stage. You can add your voice to the conversation using the hashtag #eventingwantseuropeans, and stay tuned for the full story on EN.

National Holiday: It’s both Personal Space Day and Stay Home Because You’re Well Day, which is like, the ultimate panny-D combo. Oh, and it’s also Cyber Monday, so treat yourself to an online splurge with a super small business. Here are some ideas.

US Weekend Results:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Global Eventing Round-Up:

  • Week two of the Portugal Winter Tour wrapped over the weekend, with Germany’s Andreas Dibowski riding Brennan to a win in the top class of the week, the CCI3*-S. You can check out the full results here.

Your Monday Reading List:

Over To You certainly earned legend status in his storied career, in which he became the most capped British event horse of all time. Jeanette Brakewell shares some of her fondest memories of the horse in this piece – it’s available exclusively to H&H Plus members, but you can access it by signing up for a free trial on the site. [Legends of the sport: Over To You — ‘I came home many times thinking that was his best round ever’]

20-year-old Kanane Francis is making impressive moves in the world of racing, while working to shift perspectives on what a jockey ‘should’ look like. The young rider has graduated from the British Racing School and started his first industry job just a year after riding a horse for the first time – and he’s calling for the industry to put in the work to further diversity. [‘It doesn’t matter what colour you are’]

Look, don’t lie, we know you’ve definitely punched yourself in the face while girthing up at least once. In fact, you might have ticked off a fair few of these universal embarrassing moments for equestrians… [Embarrassing Mistakes All Riders Have Made]

We’ve all had that one saddle that’s become a part of who we are. It might have been the first one you owned, the one that you loved a little too hard like a functional Velveteen Rabbit. Or it might be your first custom bit of kit, or the ancient old thing that starts all your breakers out. Either way, they carry more than the weight of their riders – our saddles carry all our memories, too. [Selling a Saddle After 16 Years of Rides and Memories]

Morning Viewing:

Never let anyone tell you you can’t make your dreams come true. Take a little Monday morning inspiration from In Shaallah Saad Hameed’s journey to become Iraq’s first-ever Youth Olympian.