Classic Eventing Nation

2021 USEF Eventing High Performance Winter Training Lists Announced

By on Nov 25, 2020 4:20 pm -

Liz Halliday Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

US Equestrian has announced the USEF Eventing High Performance Elite, Pre-Elite, and Development Training Lists for the winter of 2021. The training lists are part of U.S. Performance Director Erik Duvander’s U.S. Eventing Pathway Program, focused on developing combinations to deliver sustainable success for the USEF Eventing Program at the international championship level. Full program details and criteria for the training lists are available here.

“Having the Olympic Games next year and World Championships in 2022 has brought a new level of complexity to the selection of our Elite and Pre-Elite Training List,” said Duvander. “Tokyo will be run in the Olympic format of three combinations with no drop score over an eight minute cross country course. In contrast, the World Championships in Pratoni (ITA) will have four combinations with one drop score, as well as one individual. I believe the World Championship cross country course will be at maximum distance and number of jumping efforts with challenging terrain that will demand a different type of expectation from Tokyo.

“The selection of our training list has considered the different demands of both Tokyo and Pratoni; however, some combinations have the capability to suit both. I have been studying our riders and horses closely over the last three years with this in mind, and the training list has been refreshed with excellent input and the advice from the Performance Advisory Team. As always, the door is open for other combinations to show form before Olympic and World Championship selections and we will constantly look for more talent in both horses and riders.”

The following athletes have been approved for the Elite, Pre-Elite and Development programs by an Ad Hoc Group of the Eventing Sport Committee at the recommendation of Duvander, with input from Duvander’s Performance Advisory Team of Bobby Costello, Derek di Grazia, Leslie Law, Karen O’Connor and Ian Stark.

2021 Elite Training List

The Elite Program supports athlete and horse combinations who demonstrate the ability to contribute to medal-winning potential at the World Championship level, with targets measured against world-leading performances and aiming to compete at the next Olympics or World Championship.

The following combinations have been named to the Elite Training List (in alphabetical order):

  • Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Z, a 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Ann Jones, Caroline Moran, Suzanne Lacy, Simon Roosevelt and Tom Tierney
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) and Deniro Z, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties & The Deniro Syndicate
  • Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Tsetserleg TSF, a 13-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Christine Turner
  • Doug Payne (Aiken, S.C.) and Vandiver, a 16-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Debi Crowley

2021 Pre-Elite Training List

The Pre-Elite Program aims to identify and support athlete and horse combinations with the perceived potential to meet Elite status within the next two to four years, with the target of competing on a Championship team in the next four years.

The following combinations have been named to the Pre-Elite Training List (in alphabetical order):

  • Woods Baughman (Lexington, Ky.) and his own C’est la Vie 135, a 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding
  • Jennie Brannigan (West Grove, Pa.) and Stella Artois, a 12-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred mare owned by the Stella
  • Artois Syndicate and FE Lifestyle, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Nina & Tim Gardner
  • Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Off The Record, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off The Record Syndicate and Don Dante, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Team Rebecca, LLC
  • Sydney Elliott (Bossier City, La.) and QC Diamantaire, a 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Carol Stephens
  • Will Faudree (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Mama’s Magic Way, a nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Jennifer Mosing & Sterling Silver Stables
  • Ariel Grald (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Leamore Master Plan, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Anne Eldridge
  • Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Luke 140, a nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by the Luke 140 Syndicate
  • Doug Payne (Aiken, S.C.) and Quantum Leap, a nine-year-old RPSI gelding owned by Doug & Jessica Payne
  • Erin Sylvester (Cochranville, Pa.) and Paddy The Caddy, a 13-year-old Irish Thoroughbred gelding owned by Frank McEntee
  • Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, Va.) and RF Cool Play, a 12-year-old German Sport Horse gelding owned by The Donner Syndicate, LLC

2021 Development Training List

The Development Program, led by USEF Development and Emerging Athlete Coach Leslie Law, aims to support athletes with the perceived talent and ability to reach Elite status in the next four to eight years by focusing on developing the skills needed to progress on the Pathway.

The following athletes have been named to the Development Training List (in alphabetical order):

  • Maya Black (Clinton, Wash.)
  • Rebecca Brown (Seagoville, Texas)
  • Daniel Clasing (Lovettsville, Va.)
  • Zoe Crawford (Boston, Fla.)
  • Jacob Fletcher (North Little Rock, Ark.)
  • Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.)
  • Andrew McConnon (Vass, N.C.)
  • Sara Mittleider (Kuna, Idaho)
  • Mike Pendleton (Waynesboro, Va.)
  • Caitlin Silliman (Cochranville, Pa.)

*Please note: The Performance Director may remove an athlete from the Elite and Pre-Elite programs in consultation with the Performance Advisory Team if the athlete fails to meet program criteria. Athletes/horses with a long-term injury will be removed from the Training List in consultation with the Performance Advisory Team, Team Veterinarian and/or Team Physician. Training opportunities may be limited for combinations with short-term injuries. Inclusion or exclusion on a Training List does not imply or preclude an athlete from selection for a Games and Championships. This list will be reviewed in June 2021.

Weekly OTTB Wishlist: Applications for the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover Open Dec. 1

By on Nov 25, 2020 3:00 pm -

Just in time for a long holiday weekend, the rulebook for the 2021 iteration of the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover has been released! 2021 will be the biggest year for the Makeover yet, as it will host two tiers of competition: one for 2021-eligible horses and the other for the horses who were originally being prepared for the 2020 Makeover that could not be held as scheduled this year.

Whether you’re thinking of competing for the first time next year, you’re a long-time competitor, or you’re rolling over your 2020 entry into 2021, make sure to give the all-important rulebook a read. It’s even colorfully marked up so that changes, clarifications, and special notes pertaining to the impact of the 2020 Makeover postponement can be clearly distinguished.

If you’re still working on your application or on the fence about applying for the 2021 Makeover, keep in mind that applications are opening on Tuesday, December 1st and will close on January 15, 2021. You don’t have to have found a horse yet — as always, horses don’t need to be declared until next summer — but as long as you’ve gotten your entry done and dusted, it doesn’t hurt to window shop a bit for the perfect partner. Our three OTTB picks this weeks are all believed to be 2021 RRP eligible, so maybe one of these will be the one for you!

He’s Thunder. Photo via CANTER Illinois.

He’s Thunder (HE’S HAD ENOUGH – MISS THUNDERELLA, BY THUNDER GULCH): 2016 16.1-hand Florida-bred gelding

He’s Thunder and he’s a beautiful boy! If you look closely, that beautiful chestnut coat is actually roan, too. This four-year-old last raced in late October of this year, capping off his racing career at 20 starts and $12,472 earned. He’s Thunder has a nice over-tracking walk and a great athletic build. Oh, and not to mention a super cute face!

Located at Fairmount Park Race Track in Collinsville, Illinois.

View He’s Thunder on CANTER Illinois.

Christmas Pickles. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Christmas Pickles (AWESOME AGAIN – RIVERTOWN BELLE, BY BELLAMY ROAD): 2017 17.0-hand Kentucky-bred mare

The seasonally appropriate Christmas Pickles may look like just a fuzzy little youngster, but this three-year-old is already clocking in at 17-hands tall! If you’re looking to lock down your potential Makeover horse sooner rather than later and give them a little down time before the real work starts, “Pickles” might be great candidate. She’ll be a very neat horse to see transform into a sport horse, that’s for sure! This filly is still young and learning some of her ground manners, but the Maker’s Mark staff have found her to be a quick learner with an affectionate personality.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Christmas Pickle on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Bay Bridge. Photo via CANTER Maryland.

Bay Bridge (WAR CHANT – APRIL GATOR, BY GREEN ALLIGATOR): 2013 16.1-hand Maryland-bred gelding

Bay Bridge has been a successful turf horse, earning $155,678 in 39 career starts, but now as rising eight-year-old and as the turf tracks close for the season his connection have decided it’s time for him to move on to another athletic endeavor instead of keeping him in race training over the winter. The beautiful Bay Bridge is a barn favorite and has the calm temperament you’d expect from a season racehorse. He most recently raced this October, and as a proven athlete he should be a fun one to transition into a new sport.

Located at Laurel Park, Maryland.

View Bay Bridge on CANTER Maryland.

Costa Rica Equestrian Has Big Plans as First Recipient of FEI Gender Equality Grant

By on Nov 25, 2020 12:00 pm -

A rider practices at La Finca Centro Ecuestre. Photo courtesy of Leonor Muñez Ortiz.

While it’s true that equestrian sport is a rare case in which women and men compete on the same field of play, there are still instances of gender disparity within the industry. The fact is, many subsets of the equine industry have higher numbers of men versus women, and vice versa. Generally speaking, men tend to be a larger fixture in fields such as course building and design and coaching at high performance levels, while women can often be found in higher numbers in roles such as barn management and grooming.

While this is, of course, a generality, the fact remains that disparity does exist, and the FEI Gender Equality Grant was designed to help assuage this. Now, the Federación de Ecuestre de Costa Rica (FECR) will be the first to receive the Gender Equality Grant, and they couldn’t be more thrilled at the prospect of growing equestrian sports in Latin America with some additional support.

“We are proud to be a country and a federation that lobbies for equality and we want to eliminate all gender taboos that suggest one gender is more suited than another when choosing an equestrian job, license, or even discipline,” FECR President Hannia de Wolf said in an interview.

Photo courtesy of Lenor Muñez Ortiz.

Leonor Muñoz Ortiz, one of the earliest members of the eventing community in Costa Rica who recently took up a position with FECR, says this grant helps pave the way for new programs to emerge that focus on empowerment.

“We have a lot of female coaches in Costa Rica,” she explained. “But they don’t usually have the best jobs or the highest paying jobs. They generally teach at the little riding schools and make less money while the male trainers teach more of the high performance athletes and have higher paying jobs. There are also not many female farriers or veterinarians.”

And the taboo goes the other way too. “Stewarding is mostly associated with being a female job,” Leonor observed. “Usually a lot of the women are the ones involved in the organizing committees as judges, scribes, time keepers. If we’re really going to have a gender equality program, we need to get men involved in those positions, too.”

A need for more human power is an ongoing challenge for smaller federations such as Costa Rica. While equestrian sports continue to grow in the country with a population of nearly 5 million, there remains a need for proper education and empowerment in all roles adjacent to the industry. Thanks to the assistance from the FEI Gender Equality Grant, the Costa Rica Federation has put forward plans to create four new programs aimed at bolstering the ranks of the professionals in the horse industry:

  • Shoeing
  • Course Designing
  • Stewarding
  • FEI Vet Licensing

“We intend to give participants lifetime tools and skills that will enable them to be a part of this process,” Hannia de Wolf said. “We will have a minimum number of participants per gender, and if needed we will use a percentage of the grant money for scholarships.”

Photo courtesy of Leonor Muñez Ortiz.

Generally speaking, the FECR has had to rely on outside help for many of the above-referenced categories. This transfers over to coaching as well, as Leonor has coordinated several clinicians from the U.S. to come to Costa Rica to teach. Riders such as Buck Davidson and Laine Ashker have traveled to Costa Rica to teach, but Leonor recognizes the value in helping other coaches become properly certified so that the country has more “in-house” resources.

“We have a lot of female trainers,” Leoner explained. “But some of the programs here would rather hire the male trainers. So we want to use a portion of the grant money to also have a workshop for the trainers to really empower them and make them feel sure of themselves. We want to show them that yes, they can coach students to a higher level and keep giving them the proper tools.”

The Federación de Ecuestre de Costa Rica has worked tirelessly to create a sustainable program that, it hopes, will one day yield an eventing team for the Caribbean Games as well as the Pan American Games. Elevating the field to include a more gender-diverse group of professionals can only serve this cause in a positive way. “We’re really lucky,” Leonor said. “Our view has never been, ‘oh, poor us, we’re so small,’. Rather, it’s been more, ‘ok, how can we get this done?’ And that’s what inspired us to fill out the Gender Equality Grant application. We want to give more people these opportunities.”

Remembering Katie Lindsay (1935-2020)

By on Nov 25, 2020 9:00 am -

Photo by Katie Lindsay. As one of EN’s very first writers, Katie’s columns were always headlined by the same photo — this one. We thought it fitting to headline her send-off with it as well.

The eventing community lost a great one in the passing of Katie Lindsay this week. We hear she died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, surrounded by her beloved dachshunds. She poured her heart into the sport of eventing and she will be deeply missed.

Katie wore many hats in the sport — USEA outlined some of her contributions here:

“Katie was a well-known USEF Technical Delegate, FEI Steward, and the organizer of the Wayne DuPage and Maui Jim Horse Trials. She served as a member of the USEA Board of Governors and sat on many USEA and USEF committees. She was the first chair of the USEA Organizers Committee and was a frequent contributor to Eventing USA magazine.

“Katie switched from hunters to eventing after attending the 1978 World Eventing Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Her first horse trials organizing job was just two years later in 1980. After retiring from international horse trials organizing in 2009, she continued to organize the Wayne Eventing Derby at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Illinois. She was also a longtime member of the Wayne-DuPage Hunt.

“Katie was awarded a USEA Governor’s Cup in 1988 in recognition of her volunteer service to the sport of eventing and received the Wofford Cup in 2010 for her outstanding contributions to the sport.”

Here at EN we consider Katie a legend who helped shape the voice of the site: She was one of the first EN writers and contributed columns regularly between 2010 and 2014. At that time eventing was in a period of real change, and much of her writing explored concerns about changes and shifting attitudes she perceived in the sport. No matter how intense the subject matter, though, her love for the sport burned brightly in every word she wrote — usually accompanied by a walloping dose of humor! She believed strongly in the power of discussion: “[The editor] knows that I’m opinionated, I’ve been around a long time and I’m not afraid to talk about things that may be controversial. I love it when people argue with what I’ve written. It means they are alive and thinking!”

In one of her final EN columns, she shared “The Sportsman’s Charter” and encouraged eventers to read it carefully and think hard about it:

The Sportsman’s Charter

That sport is something done for the fun of doing it and that it ceases to be sport when it becomes a business only, something done for what there is in it;

That amateurism is something of the heart and spirit – not a matter of exact technical qualifications;

That good manners of sport are fundamentally important;

That the code must be strictly upheld;

That the whole structure of sport is not only preserved from the absurdity of undue importance, but is justified by a kind of romance which animates it, and by the positive virtues of courage, patience, good temper, and unselfishness which are demanded by the code;

That the exploitation of sport for profit alone kills the spirit and retains only the husk and semblance of the thing;

That the qualities of frankness, courage, and sincerity which mark the good sportsman in private life shall mark the discussions of his interests at a competition.

With her words and actions, her unbridled enthusiasm and get-her-hands-dirty work ethic, her diplomacy and positivity, Katie truly embodied The Sportsman’s Charter. Her life’s work in the service of our sport will not be forgotten.

Katie is “survived by a niece and nephew, two spoiled-rotten dachshunds, and an enormous group of misfit friends.” She requested to be cremated and there be no memorial service.

If you would like to make a donation in her honor, Katie’s two favorite charitable organizations are the Midwest Dachshund Rescue (2023 Ridgewood Street, Highland, IN 46322) and the Illinois-Wisconsin Search & Rescue Dogs (P.O. Box 96, Woodstock, IL 60098).

[Katie Lindsay (1935-2020)]

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Nov 25, 2020 12:01 am -

Detroit Horse Power’s Successful Journeys

Detroit Horse Power's mission is to expand opportunities for underserved youth through the social-emotional skills we learn from horses: Perseverance, Empathy, Responsible risk-taking, Confidence, and Self-control. We remain committed to growing our free summer horse camps and after-school program to impact more Detroit youth in the year aheadmission is to expand opportunities for underserved youth through the social-emotional skills we learn from horses: Perseverance, Empathy, Responsible risk-taking, Confidence, and Self-control.

We remain committed to growing our free summer horse camps and after-school program to impact more Detroit youth in the year ahead! 🐴 ❤️

Posted by Detroit Horse Power on Monday, November 23, 2020

Perseverance. Empathy. Responsible risk-taking. Confidence. Self-control. These are the “PERCS” that come from working with horses, and these perks play a key role in the program at Detroit Horse Power. Founded in 2015 by former elementary school teacher David Silver, Detroit Horse Power’s program centers around teaching critical skills that will help set participants up for success later in life.

“Detroit Horse Power uniquely addresses two persistent problems facing the Motor City: the shortage of opportunities for metro Detroit’s vulnerable populations (especially children) and the abundance of vacant land,” the program’s website states. “Through riding and caring for horses in a safe and enriching space, program participants learn valuable skills that set them up for future success. Our facility, built on repurposed vacant land, will contribute to the city’s renewal and be a center for community events and equestrian services.”

Detroit Horse Power also created the PERCS Program to provide an educational after-school opportunity that has now grown to 30 youth members. You can learn much more about Detroit Horse Power and get involved by clicking here.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Major International Events:

Portugal Winter Tour/Barroca d’Alva: [Website] [Entries]

Wednesday Reading List:

Want to make sure your horse doesn’t miss out on Thanksgiving feasting? Here are four recipes you can use tomorrow.

Do you live and ride in Area X? This southwestern area comprised of Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada features a small but mighty contingent of ICP-certified trainers. Get to know them here.

Did you compete at Tryon International? Photo albums from Shannon Brinkman are now locked, loaded, and ready for shopping! Click here to find your photos.

No surprise here: researchers in Italy found that dressage was the most affected by the coronavirus lockdown and the absence of competitive opportunities. Take a look at the full results of this study here.

Wednesday Video: Check out some of the past winners and the current nominees for this year’s FEI Solidarity Award.

Report of the FEI Eventing Committee

By on Nov 24, 2020 5:00 pm -

The full FEI Eventing Committee report which was released following the FEI General Assembly is available here.

FEI President Ingmar De Vos (R) and Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez at the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI). FEI/Richard Julliart Photo.

Given the current Covid-19 pandemic situation the Eventing Committee met for monthly videoconference calls between March November 2020, led by the Chair David O’Connor and attended by all the Eventing Committee Members and FEI Eventing Department. The Eventing Committee videoconference calls included many discussions to finding solutions to the ramifications of the Covid-19 virus in order to encourage the organization of eventing competitions, Nations Cup, and Championships.

The different National Governments’ decrees in most countries on Covid-19 countermeasures in regard to mass gatherings and travel restrictions had led to most of eventing competitions being canceled worldwide from March until July 2020. Return-to-play had started to resume from July with most regular events in the calendar taking being organized without spectators and with Government and FEI Return-to-Play policies in place.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The main points discussed during the 2020 Eventing Committee videoconference calls were:

  • Olympic Games: During the Eventing Committee Conference Calls, official communications from the IOC had been published to inform that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 were to be rescheduled to the following year, reflecting the 2020 dates. Most deadlines would be reviewed to closely reflect the dates planned for 2020 with a year’s delay. Together with the other disciplines, the Eligibility requirements had been reviewed to take into account the additional year. The IOC had equally confirmed that all Nations having already achieved an Olympic Qualification quota place would retain this despite the postponement of the Games.
  • Covid-19 impact on eventing: An Eventing Calendar Task Force, one of the eight discipline-specific task forces, had been created by the FEI to evaluate the impact on the FEI Calendar and propose ways of mitigating Covid-19 effects on the discipline (i.e. qualification events for the postponed Olympic, Continental Games, Championships, Nations Cup Series, 2020 organizational requirements and Calendar) and to provide proposed solutions to the FEI Secretary General and the Board. The Eventing Task Force held its first meeting via videoconference on 24 April 2020.
  • Covid-19 impact on officials and athletes: The Board (FEI Board Emergency resolution July 21, 2020) agreed to extend the exemption that is currently in place for Australia and New Zealand to all countries. With this exemption, which would be reviewed end December 2020, foreign official requirements would not be compulsory, for CCI4* Long & short formats however two (2) Judges, Technical Delegate and Course Designer would need to be selected from the Level 3 lists.The Eventing Athlete Categorization used to determine eligibility requirements for events according to the rules are calculated on July 1, 2020 and was based on an eight-year rolling period. Considering the current situation and the lack of qualification opportunity for athletes in 2020, the Eventing Committee agreed to take 8.5 years into account for the July 1, 2020 Athletes Categories review, to be reviewed for an extension by the Eventing Committee for the next Category review on January 1, 2021.
  • Covid-19 Eventing Specific Guidelines: The FEI Policy for Enhanced Competition Safety during the Covid-19 Pandemic – Effective for FEI Events held as of July 1, 2020, has been published on the FEI website as a guide to help Organizing Committees with Return to Competition during the pandemic. The Covid-19 Eventing discipline Specific Guidelines had been finalized with the input of the Committee and Organisers. This document aimed to provide OCs with detailed guidance for the management of FEI Eventing Events during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition to COVD-related matters, the Eventing Committee discussed:

  • Risk Management: Measures and recommendations of the Risk Management Report were reviewed including improvement of Horse injury reporting, EquiRatings®’ Horse Form Index studies and use, clarification of Rotational and Torsional fall, Frangible Standard 2.0 with the introduction of the kettlebell pendulum test and new MIM clip to be fixed at an angle (yellow clip). (details below under sections 4 and 5)
  • Education: The revision of the Officials Education program to line up with the FEI Education Departments all discipline approach was on-going, as well as the redefinition of Officials’ roles and responsibilities by the Eventing Officials Education Working Group. The criteria of appointment of Eventing Overall Course Director, the composition of the new Eventing Officials Education Working Group and the adjustment proposals of the CES System to the current circumstances were reviewed.
  • Eventing Documents Supporting Rules: The Cross-Country Guide for Officials, Memorandum, and Equipment & Tack FAQ had been reviewed throughout 2020, finalized and published on the FEI website.
  • FEI Eventing World Challenge: During the first Eventing Committee Videoconference of the year (March 25, 2020), the Eventing Committee had agreed to the development of an FEI Eventing World Challenge, following discussions with the FEI Solidarity Department in 2019 regarding possibilities of developing eventing, as this would give a change to developing countries to reach international level. The FEI Eventing Committee Chairman encouraged the development of the Eventing Challenge and would pursue the project including the review of fence construction with the help of the FEI Solidarity Department and Eventing Department.
  • Elkton, Fair Hill (USA) CCI5*-L: Following the review of the reports provided by the Technical Delegate of the test event held in August 2020 in Fair Hill, the Eventing Committee agreed to put forward to the FEI Board the inclusion in the 2021 FEI Calendar of a CCI5*-L in Elkton (Fair Hill, USA) on a five-year basis with an initial review after three editions.

2020 RULES REVISION

All suggestions for modifications received from National Federations and Stakeholders by March 1, 2020, and falling in one of the revision criteria had been taken into account. New suggestions received after that deadline or not falling in one of the revision criteria would be included as part of the next rules revision process. The 2020 FEI Eventing rules had been reviewed by the Eventing Committee according to the new FEI rules revisions policy.

The Eventing Committee provided the initial proposal for NFs review, and then considered the feedback for recommendations and clarifications for the 2021 Eventing Rules proposal which could not wait for the full revision. The rationale for each proposal was added as per the format agreed by the FEI Board.

It included updates due to last year’s rules revision processes, especially in regards to the new education system and the modification of the sanctions system.

The proposals also included: number of individuals at World Individual and Team Championships, ages of ponies, prizemoney distribution, requirements for promotion and maintenance of status, TD General Duties, CD responsibilities, the strengthening of the qualification requirements for less experienced Athletes participating at Higher level Events, official clothing, mandatory protective headgear, permitted and forbidden saddlery, permitted mouthpieces, cheek pieces, and nosebands, water crossings, ground lines on cross-country obstacles, obstacles with alternatives, Annex D Medical Services and qualification requirements for Pony Events. In regards to risk management, it has been decided to maintain the proposal to have mandatory frangible technologies at all levels as of January 1, 2021.

All eventing rule changes which were voted on can be viewed here.

FEI EVENTING RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The FEI Eventing Risk Management Program including data collection has been ongoing since 2000 and now includes 20 years. The data collected by the Eventing Department includes fence description forms, fall reports, and fence analysis. The amount of data now allows for a significant base for information queries in regard to risk management and all other questions related to qualification and technical issues in the discipline. The effort is substantial however the results are invaluable.

For 2020, the number of competitions had decreased by 51.5%, from 742 in 2019 to 360 (figures at end October 2020) due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation. The number of announced competitions in the calendar in January 2020 was 763 (which would have been an increase of 2.83% compared to 2019). However, more than 50% of the competitions have been canceled.

EVENTING RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY AND ACTION PLAN

1. The ongoing primary commitment of the FEI Eventing Committee is to ensure that the FEI Risk Management Policy and Action plan is endorsed and implemented by all involved in the Sport with the support and dynamic involvement of National Federations, National Safety Officers, Athletes, Officials, Organizers, Owners, and Sponsors.

2. The FEI Eventing Risk Management (NSO) Seminar was organized together with a “Future of the Sport” Forum in Aintree (GBR) in January 2020. A total of 145 participants from 29 countries attended. All sessions of the Forum were live-streamed and are available to watch on replay on the FEI website, which was very appreciated by the eventing community.

The main points of discussion included the future of eventing, the internal structure of the sport, risk management, data and the use of statistics, the safety program, rule changes, dressage tests, the importance of athlete education, cross-country specific items such as course design, the role of officials on cross-country day, Cross-Country Performance Indicator.

The Forum was followed by an NSO Seminar where 67 National Safety Officers and NF representatives from 25 countries participated. The agenda focused on the Risk Management Program update, including discussions on body protectors, rider representative role, frangible devices, horse injuries, etc. In addition, each nation had the opportunity to give a presentation on the Risk Management program in their country.

The FEI Eventing Risk Management Steering Group met further to the Eventing Risk Management (NSO) Seminar and recommendations were put forward to the Eventing Committee.

3. The 2021 FEI Eventing Risk Management (NSO) Seminar will be organized online due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation. It will be held in January 2021 over two to three days and available to all Eventing Officials and NSOs. The subjects could include: Officials roles during cross-country, education of athletes and coaches, Covid-19 related to risk management, return to play of horses, horse injuries, EquiRatings Horse Form Index, and new technologies

4. Continued work in partnership with EquiRatings® to implement a reviewed and improved Cross-Country Horse performance index (HFI) available in the FEI Database available for Athletes and their NFs. EquiRatings mandate with the FEI also includes specific data analysis for decision making support to the Eventing Committee and Eventing Risk Management Steering Group.

EVENTING RISK MANAGEMENT STATISTICS

  • The number of competitions is growing consistently, with an increase of 10.8% and an increase of starters of 2.8% over the last five years (2015-2019).
  • Falls: The total falls are stable (except at the five-star level where the low number of starters had an influence on the percentage of falls). The horse falls have decreased from 1.41% in 2015 to 1.36% in 2019. The number of rotational falls is very small with 26 falls in 2019, the percentage has dropped over the last 10 years from 0.31% in 2010 to 0.12% in 2019. Up to 2017, falls on the flat, included all falls not related to a cross-country fence (dressage, show jumping, warm-up areas, and on the flat in cross-country), as of 2018, the split showing where the falls occurred allowed a better understanding of the non-fence related falls. Out of 1,166 falls reported for 2019, 54 were cross-country falls on the flat (4.63%), 109 in show jumping (9.35 %), one in Dressage (0.09%), and 72 in warm-up (6.17 %).Falls per athlete category: At all levels of competition, the non-categorized athletes incurred the highest number of falls, it is concluded that this could be due to a lack of training and/or adequate cross-country education.The provisional 2020 data (end July) shows a total fall rate of 3.67% (128 falls for 3,690 starters). The significant decrease of total falls from 5.57% in 2019 could be linked to the lack of five-star competitions. This figure could evolve as the remainder of the 2020 competitions are entered in the Risk Management database.

EVENTING RISK MANAGEMENT STEERING GROUP (RMSG)

The Risk Management Steering Group Meeting as a subgroup for the Eventing Committee met in January 2020 following the Risk Management Forum and the Eventing Risk Management (NSO) Seminar. An additional member, Dr. Dave Vos (USA) had been nominated, his knowledge and work on the Update of the Frangible Device Standard as well as the video projects were very valuable. Members include: Geoff Sinclair (AUS) (Chair), Mike Etherington-Smith (GBR), Jonathan Holling (USA), Rob Stevenson (CAN), Gert Naber (NED), Staffan Lidbeck (SWE), Laurent Bousquet (FRA), and Dave Vos (USA)

In addition, conference calls took place in August and September to discuss the following points: · Qualification Criteria / Higher Level Events: Increased MERs for CCI5*-L competitions to be adapted depending on the athlete category

  • Education of Coaches / Athletes / Officials: development of a video to be made available on FEI Campus
  • Update of the Injury of Athletes and Horses definitions
  • Update of Cross-Country Design Guide on sloping shoulders, minimum widths of fences, and a description guide for ground lines
  • Frangible Technologies: Finalization of the Updated Standard for Frangible Devices to be implemented as of January 1, 2021.
  • Communication: increased number of posts on the NSO Facebook page
  • Risk Management Policy and Action Plan: Review and update of the current version needed to take place based on a “risk matrix” used during company risk assessment to define the level of risk by considering the category of probability or likelihood against the category of consequence severity
  • Body protectors Standards: suggestion to the Medical Committee to change the body protectors standards currently recommended in the Rules to mandatory
  • Update of the Medical Coverage at Events (Annex D) with the Medical Committee
  • Video at CCI5*-L Events: Further to the valuable technical information obtained based on the filming in 2019, the projects would be pursued in 2020
  • Online reporting for Officials: the importance of developing for officials the possibility to enter the Risk Management related data in the FEI database was again emphasized
  • Horse Injury Reporting: coordination with the Veterinary Department to correlate the information from the Veterinary Reports and the Eventing Fall Reports

EVENTING SERIES AND CHAMPIONSHIPS:

FEI Eventing Nation’s Cup Series: In 2020, the Eventing Nations Cup season was challenged by travel and border restrictions due to Covid-19. Six (6) out of the eight (8) originally allocated legs were cancelled. Montelibretti (ITA) offered to run the last leg, after ITA had to cancel Pratoni, ultimately comprising a three-legged Series: Strzegom (POL), Le Pin au Haras (FRA) and Montelibretti (ITA). To date, 10 nations had competed in two events and the final classification would be decided at the last event in Montelibretti (ITA).

Following the Eventing Committee recommendation to adapt the overall 2020 Nations Cup Classification, agreed by the FEI Board as follows: If three or above Nations Cup Events take place: a classification would be made end 2020 of the best team based on the two best event results.

In 2021, further to the reallocation of the 2020 Events to 2021 and possibility additional applications to be reviewed by the FEI Board taking in account the financial situation, the 2021 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Series would include the same number of events as planned in 2020 taking place on a monthly basis from April to October 2021.

EDUCATION OF OFFICIALS

The regular Education Programs for Officials in Eventing were highly impacted by Covid-19 travel restrictions:

a) The Official Exchange Program – Eventing had 12 Officials enrolled, but only one had been able to travel in 2020 and officiate within the program.

b) The Course Calendar 2020 and the regular training courses for all four categories of Eventing Officials were affected: two in-person courses for J/TD/CD could take place, one in POR and one in POL, whilst the Stewards could join only one in-person course, in POL.

The Overall Course Directors Conformity seminar took place in Lausanne in February 2020, and the following topics were discussed:

– The in-person courses themes highlighted for 2020 – in addition to the actual Syllabus:

– Review of the 2020 Rules changes, with emphasis on:

  • Narrow fences – Missing flags (clear, 20 pen and EL) with selection of video support
  • Updated sanction system and implementation

– Frangibles/MIM (understanding of correct fitting)

– Serious incident management

– The reinforcement of the role of President of the Ground Jury, the review of GJ Members roles, the TD’s cross-country involvement and expertise, and the Course Designers increased responsibility during cross-country.

The 2021 course calendar looked promising, with eight in-persons courses planned for J/TD/CD in AUS, BLR, BRA, FRA, GER, ITA, and USA and seven for Stewards, in AUS, BRA, COL, FRA, HUN, SWE, and USA. Three additional requests to host in-person courses of national level were also received from AUS, BRA, and RUS.

Based on the RMSG recommendations, the Eventing Department worked with several officials on the production of video clips/webinars on various topics such horse welfare, dangerous riding, fence judge function, coach and athlete education, etc. to be posted on FEI Campus. The idea was to have short, comprehensive, and educative clips on important topics available for the eventing community, and made by experienced eventing officials.

Sports Psychology with Dr. Darby Bonomi: The Makings of a Great Competitor

By on Nov 24, 2020 2:59 pm -

Kristen Vanderveen & Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili. Photo by Alden Corrigan.

What makes a great competitor great? Why do some riders rise to the top despite challenges and others who have all the advantages never fully shine? Is it talent? Hard work? Determination? Better training? Luck? This question deserves contemplation—especially right now as we reflect on our 2020 season and look to next year.

Just for fun, let’s start this exploration by calling to mind those supremely successful horses we have known. What are the qualities that that make them so much better than the others?

Talent is of course a good place to start—it’s just a leg up. Nonetheless, I’ve known quite a few horses with tremendous talent who never did much of anything. One of them was a super athletic, gorgeous jumper, with tons of scope and lovely movement. He was very attractive and compliant, and had a reasonable work ethic. He vetted completely clean. Despite his talent, he was never consistently good. Why? He didn’t really seem to care that much about the job. If he put his mind to it, or if he got lucky, he would win. But just as frequently, he’d would have a rail, or just look bored.

On the other side of the spectrum is another horse I had, a chestnut gelding who was adorable, but jumped only average. He had iffy X-rays, but he never trotted unsound. Nonetheless, this horse seemed to know only the color blue. It didn’t matter which of his riders was in the irons—this horse gave 200%. I bet you know a horse like this—hopefully you’ve had one in your life. What’s the secret ingredient? I’m not sure, but I can tell you that this horse loved his job. He just adored it. He had a terrific work ethic, but the difference really seemed to be the attitude—his joy in doing the work day after day.

Now think about those riders around you whom you consider the best of the best. The riders I admire are certainly hard working and dedicated students of the sport. They love what they do. There is a joyfulness and a passion to their efforts that inspires everyone around them. These athletes devote themselves to every ride; at shows, they are fierce competitors. Why? Again, talent is great, but it’s a small piece. Hard work is key too, but if it’s drudgery then the effort is lacking in shine. I think the key is passion—and dare I say it—joy—in the process.

Does that sound cliché? I beg to differ. Take a look at another world class athlete—The Warriors’ Steph Curry. I admire Curry as an athlete and a leader, on and off the court. He is a tremendous example of someone who uses his joy to fuel his ultra-premium performance, day in and day out. If you listen to his postgame interviews, he regularly mentions his joy as the reason for his success on the court. Ron Adams, a Warriors assistant coach for many years, remarks:

“Curry plays with great joy. The way he does it — and I’m not saying others haven’t or can’t — is really unique. He’s an outlier. That’s who he is and how he lives his life.” — NBC Sports, May 1, 2020

I realize it may feel like a challenge to talk about joy at the end of this strange and, in many ways, devastating year. Well, I’ll take a cue from Steph and issue a challenge:locate your joy in this sport—and in life—and expand on it. Shed your negative thoughts and grab onto that which you enjoy. Think about that horse who happily gives his all every day, despite the weariness and repetitiveness of training. Observe how the perspective lifts not only your performance, but also your entire experience of the work.

What do you have to lose?

About Dr. Bonomi: Darby Bonomi, PhDis a Sport and Performance Psychologist. She works with equestrians of all disciplines, and other athletes, to achieve optimal performance in and out of the saddle. For more information or to contact Dr. Bonomi, click here.

Tip Tuesday Video from Horseware: How to Head South for the Winter

By on Nov 24, 2020 2:09 pm -

 

Posted by Courtney Cooper, C Square Farm on Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Most eventers dream of escaping the harsh winter and heading south for the colder months to one of two winter meccas: Aiken, Sc. and Ocala, Fl. Whether you pack up for that precious week of saved vacation or a long weekend, or you pack up the fur kids and the horses and RV it for the entire winter, there is much organization and planning to be done to pull off a successful trip.

In her latest Tip Tuesday video, Courtney Cooper of C Square Farm walks us through her planning and packing process as she gets ready to head to Aiken. Planning competitions and training, shipping, and all of the other logistical concerns are a lot to manage, so this short video is helpful particularly if you’re making your first trip.

Would you add any advice from your winter travel experiences? Add them in the comments!

Martin Douzant is Dedicated to Producing the Next Generation of Top Sport Horses

By on Nov 24, 2020 9:00 am -

Martin Douzant and Frame Shamrock. Photo by JJ Sillman.

While many professionals here in North America take on horses at all stages of their training, always seeking their next superstar, the education of a young horse has also become an individual career path for other riders. Martin Douzant, who relocated his business, The Frame Sport Horses, to the U.S. from France in 2014, is one such professional who has found his calling with the young horses.

France’s bustling young horse program has a larger infrastructure dedicated to the development of horses from their early backing days until they’re ready to go off and compete with a new owner. Due to the size of the breeding industry, riding schools and young horse training centers are more commonplace. This pipeline serves as a rich pool of talent in which professionals and amateurs alike can find their next partner. In order to effectively outsource this early education, there is a large subset of young horse trainers who have carved out careers in this niche.

“Every country has a little bit their own way of doing things,” Martin explained. He’s previously spent time working in Great Britain and Germany in addition to his work in France, taking little pieces from each program as he built his own business model. “In my opinion, France’s program really opened the door for all of the breeders and the young horse riders. The classes are run like an educational opportunity; even if the horse isn’t necessarily an upper level prospect, the broad market is really the amateur. So it’s a good opportunity to have the horses out and showcase them and have a way to sell them.”

Martin Douzant and Frame Shamrock. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Similar to these European programs, the USEA’s Young Event Horse and Future Event Horse programs have encouraged riders to participate in the growing breeding and training business here in the U.S. The industry here, though, still has its own challenges and a need for dedicated young horse professionals. Since moving his business to Middleburg, Virginia, Martin has carved out a healthy niche for himself, aiming to play a role in developing the industry and producing quality young horses suitable for the amateur or the pro. To accomplish this, he and his team at The Frame split time between training client horses, acquiring and producing their own horses for sale, and traveling to conduct clinics.

“Our main business is to train the horses at a young age and sell the finished product,” Martin explained. Since opening its doors, The Frame has had a hand in producing horses for riders such as show jumper Joe Fargis, eventer Kelli Temple, and many other show jumping, dressage, hunter, and eventing riders. “At the end of the day, many upper level riders don’t have the time or necessarily the desire to start the three- and four-year-olds,” he continued. “It takes a completely different set of skills to do them this young, and it’s a little bit dangerous and tricky. I got a bit lucky, I got to work with some very well-known names and that has helped grow our business.”

Martin says his primary goal is to help the breeding industry in America flourish and to educate more riders. He frequently travels to conduct clinics specific to younger horses, teaching owners how to properly free jump their horses and expose them to more things on their journeys to becoming sport horses. As a complement to The Frame’s program, we’ve also partnered with Martin and Mythic Landing Enterprises to bring our readers some video content specific to working with young horses and horses off the track. While the season may be winding down, the upcoming winter is prime time for working with young horses in a low pressure way. Stay tuned to EN in the coming weeks for more tools for your young horse toolbox.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Nov 24, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo courtesy of Kit Ferguson.

We are devastated to learn of the passing of 19-year-old eventer Ava Hingson who lost her life in a freak accident during a trail ride. From Cornwall, Connecticut, Ava was a sophomore at The University of The South where she was an active member of the eventing team. Her presence will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Teach America at P.O. Box 398305, San Francisco, California 94139. Memories and condolences can be shared with her family at www.cumberlandfuneralhome.net. [Ava Hingson (2001-2020)]

National Holiday: National Sardines Day

Events Opening This Week: Barnstaple South H.T

Events Closing This Week: Full Gallop Farm December H.T.

Tuesday News:

Let’s give a warm welcome to the new owner of The Fresno County Horse Park, Terry Hilst. Terry, an eventer himself in Area VI, previously organized events at the Camelot Equestrian Park. Former owner John Marshall will stay on as a co-organizer in 2020 alongside the event’s fabulous team of Course designers Jay Hambly and Bert Wood along with Kim Goto Miner, Chris Hoyt, Ashley Ross, Stefanie Gladen, Nick Salwasser, and many others. [Fresno County Horse Park Under New Ownership]

CBD has become a booming industry, but can your horse benefit too? Studies are still being conducted, but vets theorize that benefits could include comfort, mobility, improved behavior and potentially improved GI health and immune response. [SmartPak CBD (& bonus Ask The Vet!)]

If you’re ready to take the plunge into horse ownership, do everything you can to prepare yourself for a good outcome. Courtney Cooper emphasized setting paramaters for your “must haves” and being honest with what you need. [Top 10 Tips for Purchasing a Horse with Courtney Cooper]

Here’s a Black Friday sale you don’t want to miss! Horse & Hound is offering 50% of magazine and digital subscriptions through December 1. [*Black Friday offer* Half price Horse & Hound subscriptions]

Tuesday Video: With heavy hearts we say goodbye to events at Surefire Farm!