Classic Eventing Nation

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.

It’s Time to Vote for the 2020 FEI Awards

By on Nov 10, 2020 3:00 pm -

Photo via FEI Awards.

Each year, the FEI takes a moment to recognize its broad membership and the athletes representing it through the annual FEI Awards. The FEI Awards were launched in 2009 to put a spotlight on the individuals and organizations that are making an outstanding contribution to the progression of and excellence in equestrian sport. This year, 55 nominees across 19 national federations are represented for voter consideration in five categories: Best Athlete, Best Groom, Rising Star, Against All Odds, and Solidarity.

“These Awards are a way to honour the heroes of our sport through their amazing stories of resilience, horsemanship, determination and passion,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said in a press release.

“Equestrian is not just a sport, but a way of life for many people and this has been a desperately difficult year for the equestrian community, just as it has been for everyone, in every sector. Now, more than ever, we need to focus on the positives that our sport has to offer and celebrate the fantastic ambassadors that we have, both on the field of play and behind the scenes making a difference.”

We’re thrilled to see a healthy number of eventers and eventing grooms within the ranks of the nominations, which are spread to every discipline. Here’s a look at the eventers and eventing grooms nominated for a 2020 FEI Award:

Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete

  • Ingrid Klimke
  • Michael Jung

Cavalor Best Groom

  • Jackie Potts
  • Alice Gaillard
  • Michelle Robson

Longines FEI Rising Star

  • Victor Levecque
  • Nina Lamsam Ligon
  • Alex Hua Tian

The remaining two categories of awards highlight the efforts of equestrian athletes and organizations to overcome odds and expand the reach of horses to a larger number of people.

The FEI Against All Odds award is given to a person who has pursued his or her equestrian ambitions despite a physical handicap or extremely difficult personal circumstances. Life-threatening illness, accidents that have changed how these riders live their everyday lives, and other obstacles have faced these courageous individuals. You’ll want to read about the 11 nominees for the Against All Odds award here before casting your vote.

Last but most certainly not least among the categories is the FEI Solidarity award, given to an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, an individual or organization that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport.

Notable among the FEI Solidarity nominees is Chinese eventer Alex Hua Tian’s The Horsemanship Charity Programme, founded to introduce the core values of horsemanship to children in China. This program received the Solidarity award in 2018.

Also nominated this year is the UK’s Ebony Horse Club, which we’ve featured here on EN previously. The Ebony Horse Club strives to raise aspirations and provide opportunity for underprivileged youth in South London. It is the hope of this organization that, through the positive impact of horses, the participants can thrive both in and out of the barn.

South Africa’s Wendy Gidlow is another nominee for the FEI Solidarity award for her work with Heritage Equestrian. This stable provides the opportunity for underprivileged children to work with and ride horses. Wendy has dedicated a huge amount of her personal time to forge connections with the kids in her program, working each day to see her goal of bridging access gaps and sparking inspiration realized.

These are just three of the 11 organizations and individuals nominated for the FEI Solidarity award, and each is equally deserving of recognition for their efforts to create opportunity and provide a source of empowerment.

Your votes can be cast through November 22 on the FEI Awards website here. Winners of this year’s awards will be announced in December. 

Tryon International 3-Day Event Needs Volunteers!

By on Nov 10, 2020 12:00 pm -

USEA CEO Rob Burk, a frequent eventing volunteer himself, stops to thank jump judges at the 2017 American Eventing Championships at Tryon International Equestrian Center. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

This week’s highly anticipated Tryon International 3-Day Event is closed to spectators but there’s still a way to glimpse the action: volunteer! Or, if you’re competing, now’s a great time to do your part to lend a helping hand on whichever day you aren’t doing dressage. (Once more, and louder, for the folks in the back — riders, do your part!)

We hear that they are desperate for some help, particularly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Here are the positions still needing to be filled:

Thursday — dressage scribes, score runners, in-gate and warm-up stewards and hospitality helpers

Friday — all of the above plus cross country finish timers, crossing guards, jump judges (there are 24 spots left to be filled!), videographers, starter scribes, warm-up stewards and vet box assistance.

Saturday — cross country crossing guards, jump judges, videographer, warm-up stewards and hospitality helpers.

Morning, afternoon and all-day shifts are available. You can sign up for the position and time slot of your choice at EventingVolunteers.com,

Remember to log those volunteer hours with the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP), as there are plenty of perks and awards up for grabs at the end of each season. You can check out the Volunteer leaderboard here and find more volunteering opportunities on EventingVolunteers.com.

Tryon International 3-Day Event, host of the sole East Coast CCI4*-L of the year and 2020 USEF National Four-Star Championship, takes place Nov. 12-16 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Creek, North Carolina. Keep it locked here as we’ll be bringing you all the latest!

Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) to Promote Visible, Active Allyship for BIPOC Equestrians

By on Nov 10, 2020 9:05 am -

Graphic courtesy of Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE).

The United States is an increasingly diverse country, but equestrian sports do not reflect that reality. This can and should change. The “moonshot” idea conceptualized by five-star eventer and trainer Heather Gillette and historian Dr. Anastasia Curwood, along with United States Eventing High Performance rider Matthew Brown, Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) is pleased to announce its official launch.

Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) is an allyship program for the equestrian community and represents a first step towards addressing the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in our discipline. This organization hopes to partner with a 501(c)3 nonprofit in the future to fully expand its vision.

The mission of Strides for Equality Equestrians is to promote a more inclusive culture within the horse community by listening to and addressing the concerns of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) within the equestrian community and educating everyone about how to be an effective ally.

Recognizing that we must be the change we wish to see in the world, SEE will encourage equestrians to stand shoulder to shoulder to fight for equality and justice. Not quietly, not anonymously… but proudly and loudly. We all share a love of horses and the sport, and that shared commitment should bring us together. It can be uncomfortable to confront the bias and microaggressions that exist within our sport – but our strength lies in moving forward in open discussion, together.

Together, we will do our best to make allyship seen and heard. We will make equestrian sports accessible. We will encourage growth in understanding of issues that affect people of color. We will encourage empathy and inclusion. And we will make equestrian sports better for all.

The Strides for Equality Equestrians founding committee has determined that by (1) promoting a more inclusive culture and (2) creating equitable opportunities for BIPOC people we can increase the strength and diversity of the equestrian community.

Immediate Goals

  • Create a safe and respectful community that values the voices and contributions of BIPOC people within the eventing community. This includes not just riders, but also volunteers, officials, grooms, and everyone who loves equestrian sport.
  • Educate members of the equestrian community about how to be an effective ally and why this work is important.
  • Increase the visibility of both BIPOC members of the equestrian community and their allies.

Long Term Goals

  • Create Equitable Opportunities
  • Support equestrian programs that serve BIPOC individuals and communities through collaboration and fundraising (Detroit Horsepower, City Ranch in Baltimore, Compton Juniors, Work to Ride, Metropolitan Equestrian Team, etc.)
  • Create new pathways for BIPOC equestrians to become involved in equestrian sport and related industries by creating and institutionalizing internship, apprenticeship, and mentoring opportunities (riding, grooming, farrier, vet, course design & building, etc.)

Strides for Equality Equestrians will be led by a steering committee of predominantly BIPOC members of the equestrian community and active allies. The organization hopes to collaborate with similar initiatives in other disciplines to advance our mission across equestrian sport.

Members making a monetary donation will receive a SEE pin that can be worn proudly on a jacket lapel as a show of visible allyship. More merchandise opportunities are forthcoming. To learn more and to make a donation, please visit www.stridesforequality.org.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Nov 10, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo courtesy of Andrea Baxter.

All eyes are on Tryon this week for the jam-packed CCI4*-L division. The speed queens Indy 500 and Andrea Baxter are now en route from California with Indy traveling in the flashy Air Horse One from Tex Sutton. This year may have been a mess, but thankfully the team at Tryon and MARS Equestrian have stepped up to make a three-day possible!

National Holiday: National Forget-Me-Not Day

Events Closing This Week: Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T.

Tuesday News: 

Have you shopped SmartPak’s 12 Days of Deals yet? Today’s deal will net you up to 25% off SmartPak brand tack. Spruce up your tack trunk and shop here until midnight tonight. Then check back for a fresh new deal tomorrow!

All Coronavirus-related US Equestrian rule changes will stay put through next year. The Federation has said they plan to modify rules as appropriate over the next year. [US Equestrian Extends COVID-19 Related Rule Modifications for 2021 Competition Year]

Alex Blackston faces a unique set of challenges in the saddle. Her sensory processing disorder prevents her from feeling physical sensation, including pain. While her experiences may be different, much of her mental game sounds familiar to a lot of riders. [Without Fear or Feeling: Riding with a Sensory Processing Disorder]

While the Hylofit App may become unavailable at the end of this year, there are other options to continue using the device. Other apps will support the Hylofit, so you can continue to get data on your rides. [Using Hylofit with Other Technology]

If you are in the UK scratching your head about what lockdown means for your riding, look no further. [British Equestrian and British Horse Society Team up to Ease Lockdown Confusion]

Sunday Video: Time to talk bits with Amanda Ross

Monday Video: Another Hoy Helmet Cam – Gallop Pratoni!

By on Nov 9, 2020 5:00 pm -

Australia’s Andrew Hoy has become super dependable for a good helmet cam after any event that he has run with his ginger unicorn Vassily de Lassos, so of course we were waiting to pounce on and share his most recent run from Pratoni del Vivaro in Italy which took place this past weekend. Owned in partnership with Paula and David Evans, Vassily racked up yet another formidable placing with a fifth place finish in the CCI4*-L, adding just some cross country time to their dressage score. You can read more about this weekend’s action in our report here.

We’re looking forward to seeing much more out of Italy in a few years as Pratoni was selected to host the 2022 World Equestrian Games. Enjoy the ride with Andrew and Vassily, and enjoy this sneak preview of it’s beautiful course and rolling landscape!

Don’t Miss Out: SmartPak’s 12 Days of Deals Starts Today!

By on Nov 9, 2020 3:00 pm -

As we head into colder weather here in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s a good time to hunker down in front of the laptop and do some good old-fashioned online shopping. To help you out with this task, over the next 12 days, our friends at SmartPak are blasting off with some deals you’ll have to see to believe.

The SmartPak 12 Days of Deals begins today with a Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal on the popular SmartPak Piper line of breeches and tights. The Piper breeches and tights are available in a wide array of colors and styles, meaning you can kit yourself out for riding both at home and at an event with today’s deals.

The Piper Foil Print Ombre Riding Tight.

If you’re out to make a fashion statement, you might consider opting for the Piper Foil Print Ombre Tight, which is a limited edition that will suit you at the barn or out and about.

The Piper Knit Mid-rise Breast Cancer Awareness Breech.

If riding for a cause is what floats your boat, then you’ll love the Piper Knit Mid-rise Breast Cancer Awareness Breech, a portion of proceeds from which will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The Piper Original Low-rise Knee Patch Breech.

But if tradition is what you gravitate toward, then perhaps the Piper Original is more your style. The Original is available in a variety of rises as well as both knee patch and full seat styles.

No matter what your style is, chances are you’ll find a match in the ever-growing collection of SmartPak Piper. Don’t miss today’s deal, which ends at midnight tonight. You can enter code “DayOne” at checkout to receive the promotion.

Ingrid Klimke Takes CCI4*L/S at Pratoni

By on Nov 9, 2020 12:00 pm -

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Asha P. Photo courtesy of Massimo Argenziano.

The final CCI4*L of the European season before riders head off to the Portugal Winter Tour was held at the Centro Equestre Ranieri di Campello in Italy this weekend, and it was all Klimke for the headlining divisions. The German champion took home the top honors in both the Long and Short format CCI4* aboard SAP Asha P (Hera x Askari 173) and SAP Hale Bob OLD (Goldige x Helikon xx), respectively. Ingrid also won the CCI2*L division with Asha P’s half-sister on the dam side, Van Hera P (Hera x Verdi TN).

Ingrid Klimke and Van Hera P. Photo courtesy of Massimo Argenziano.

It was a wire-to-wire weekend for Ingrid in the CCI4*L, where the 9-year-old SAP Asha P put in a 26.9 for early first place. They would go on to finish on this score, holding off Italy’s Vittoria Panizzon and the 12-year-old One Night Love, who moved from fourth following dressage into second overall on a score of 29.9.

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Asha P. Photo courtesy of Massimo Argenziano.

SAP Asha P has now collected eight FEI wins throughout her young international career, which began in 2017 under the tutelage of Ingrid. She has described the mare as a “laid back and practical horse with a happy, friendly character,” and has enjoyed a long partnership with Asha after purchasing her from breeder Lutz Pietscher with the help of the Lauber family.

This was the first CCI4*L start for second-placed One Night Love, the 12-year-old gelding by Hurricane owned by The Sweep Syndicate and ridden by Vittoria Panizzon. Vittoria has produced “Sweep” since he was a three-year-old, building on his exceptional paces to slowly produce a confident competitor.

Completing the podium for the premier class are Germany’s Sophie Leube and Jadore Moi, who most recently finished in the top 10 at Luhmühlen. They would also finish on their dressage score of 31.5 to seal their third place finish. This was a CCI4*L debut for both horse and rider, who have been partnered together since 2016. Sophie at one point rode for Ingrid Klimke, even taking a younger SAP Hale Bob for a spin back in 2011.

Looking to the CCI4*S, it was Ingrid’s stalwart competitor, SAP Hale Bob OLD, who would rebound from a shaky performance at the German Eventing Championships to cap off his 2020 season with a win. The 16-year-old gelding earned a 20.8 from the judges on day one and added a handful of time to end on a 24.4.

Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo courtesy of Massimo Argenziano.

Honorary American Felix Vogg, who represents Switzerland, and Colero picked up a second place finish in the CCI4*S division, ending their weekend on a score of 36.5. After spending a year competing in the U.S., Felix relocated his business back to his family’s farm in South Germany, where he’s been hard at work with a handful of top horses. The 12-year-old Colero, a Westphalian gelding, most recently finished second at this venue but improves on his finishing score (40.7) this weekend.

Rounding out the CCI4*S top three are The Netherlands’ Merel Blom and The Quizmaster, an 11-year-old Dutch gelding making his fourth start at the level. Some time added in the jumping phases would keep this pair out of second place, but their finishing score of 38.1 would be enough to secure a podium finish.

Here’s a look at the winners of the other international divisions contested this weekend at Pratoni:

CCI1*: Valentine Ray and Alienor D’Agenais (32.6)
CCI2*L: Ingrid Klimke and Van Hera P (26.2)
CCIP2*L: Giulia Mannoni and Douglas (38.5)
CCI2*S: Emiliano Portal and Creevagh Limited Edition (27.8)
CCI3*L: Michael Jung and Kilcandra Ocean Power (30.7)
CCI3*S: Bjinse Venderbosch and Vesuve D’Aveyron (33.2)

Pratoni International CCI4*L/CCI4*S: [Website] [Final Scores]

Photographer Massimo Argenziano has graciously allowed us to use some of his photos from the weekend. You can view more of Massimo’s work on his website. Many thanks, Massimo!

Posted by Pratoni Eventing – Centro Equestre Ranieri di Campello on Sunday, November 8, 2020

Pratoni Eventing third day
cross country test

Posted by Massimo Argenziano on Saturday, November 7, 2020

Pratoni Eventing second day
dressage test

Posted by Massimo Argenziano on Friday, November 6, 2020

Pratoni Eventing first day
horse Inspection

Posted by Massimo Argenziano on Thursday, November 5, 2020