Classic Eventing Nation

By the Numbers: Morven Park Advanced A

By on Oct 1, 2020 11:30 am -

While we sadly won’t have the new 4*-L here at Morven Park to look forward to, we do have a stacked field coming forward for the Advanced this weekend. Although the field has been split into two divisions, we’ll still get to see quite a few prominent head-to-head match-ups in the lead-up to our only two 4*-L of the year at Tryon and Galway. Today we will preview the A division while tomorrow morning we will look towards the B.

Tremaine Cooper has been the course designer for cross country here for a number of years and makes a reappearance this year as the show jumping course designer as well.

Morven has historically been a course where it is extremely tough to make the time; only three pairs out of 84 starters have done so since 2015. Only one of those, Kim Severson and Cooley Cross Border, managed to also finish on their dressage score. Although none of the horses here have previously won, three winning riders return this year with multiple rides: Jennie Brannigan, Buck Davidson and Caroline Martin will all aim to become repeat winners with multiple rides across the two divisions.

DRESSAGE

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In the A division, Long Island T under Boyd Martin is the clear standout, with an average of 25.2 over their three outings together in 2019. This will be the horse’s first start of 2020 at this level. Carlevo and Buck Davidson could potentially catch them on a good day; their two year average for the level sits at 28 penalties. But their two most recent scores have just missed the 70% mark, so they will need to return to the form they displayed at Blenheim last fall.

Allison Springer has occasionally broken the 70% mark with Business Ben, but most often sits in the low 30s. In fact, this pair has scored exactly 31.1 in each of their three 2020 A/4* outings, which takes the cake for consistency. Finally, Sharon White and Cooley On Show make an appearance. They’ve won their only two outings this year at this level, taking the win at the only 4*-S in North America just before the world shut down and adding another win at Five Points early last month. At Five Points, they cracked into the 20s in dressage for the first time since 2018, but they very consistently score in the low 30s overall.

SHOW JUMPING

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Interestingly enough, Long Island T is a horse who has better show jumping results when stadium falls to the final phase, with clear rounds more than 50% of the time and jumping clear in his last three outings with Boyd when the cross country is first. This horse has more recently struggled slightly in this phase when stadium is first, incurring a rail or two in his most recent two outings with the phases in this order. A rail at Morven this weekend would leave the window open for another to take the lead.

Carlevo has jumped clear in seven of his nine rounds at the A/4*-S level in the last two years, incurring only one rail and one time penalty up … until his most recent outing. He added three rails and two time penalties in his latest round, a shocking departure from his usual form. Sometimes we just have a bad day in the office, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Buck return this horse to his typical rail-free form.

Cooley On Show has been on top form in this phase for a while; he and Sharon haven’t had a rail since March of 2018. That is seven consecutive clear rounds at the A/4/5* levels, both long and short format. Expect this pair to narrow the gap with the dressage leaders.

Unfortunately, Business Ben has struggled with tension in this phase and while a clear round is within his capabilities, he more commonly incurs one to three rails. That will leave the window open for Will Coleman to sneak up the ranks with Tight Lines, who has jumped seven consecutive clear rounds at this level dating back to 2017, and TKS Cooley, who has thus far been rail-free in four rounds at this level in this career.

CROSS COUNTRY

Buck Davidson and Jak My Style. Photo by Shelby Allen.

There are no true speedsters in this field, at least not for the short format. While horses like Tight Lines and Cooley On Show have more than proven themselves capable of hitting the optimum at a long format, their riders tend to reserve that speed and take a slower pace at the A/4*-S levels. So over a course like Morven Park, where time is difficult to catch at the best of times, this field is likely to all incur some significant time penalties.

Carlevo and Long Island T have a typical average pace nearly identical to one another, both coming in around 20 seconds slower than either optimum time, or the fastest horse of the day if optimum time isn’t obtained. This would keep them neck and neck with one another if the first two phases have gone as expected, but would open the door for a faster horse to overtake them.

That horse could very well be Cooley On Show, who as previously mentioned, is coming off two consecutive wins at this level. Despite reserving most of his speed for the long formats, Sharon still brings this horse in at an average pace that is swifter than the majority of the field. It will be down to the wire, and those extra few seconds might make a difference between winning or settling for a spot in the top three.

Two pairs to keep an eye on in this phase as well are FE Lifestyle under Jennie Brannigan, who in four complete runs at the level have stayed within 16 seconds of either optimum time or the fastest time of the day, and Buck Davidson with Jak My Style, who have averaged a slightly more sedate pace over their last two runs but who have also achieved top placings a few times thanks to their turn of foot.

PREDICTIONS:

WINNER

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show have been quietly chipping away with wins at shows off the beaten path. This will be the first time in a while they see a match up against some of the bigger names in the country, and while it isn’t the fully stacked division that the 4*-S divisions on the east coast have seen this fall, it will still be a very competitive contest at the top. This pair will use the pace of Morven Park to their advantage and paired with a strong stadium record, make their way to the top.

FASTEST CROSS COUNTRY ROUND

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Valerie Durbon Photography.

Ema Klugman and Bendigo have really made themselves a force to be reckoned with based on their jumping prowess over the last two years. These two have had six clear runs at this level in 2019/2020, and have been within five seconds of the fastest cross country time in five of them, including putting in the fastest pace at this venue in their division last year. They’ve made the optimum in their two 2020 starts at this level as well.

LONGEST CLEAR JUMPING STREAK

Will Coleman and Tight Lines. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Tight Lines has jumped clear rounds in his last consecutive rounds at the A/4*-S levels. He also hasn’t had a time penalty in any of those rounds, leaving him with a penalty-free record in this phase.

BIGGEST MOVER

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Bendigo has been the absolute master of flying up the ranks in this 2020 fall season. He has finished on his dressage score in both of his 4*-S starts this season, something replicated only by Deniro Z, who won those same starts. Two weeks ago, he was the biggest mover of the 4*-S division, moving up a whopping 38 places out of 53 starters. Back in August, he moved up even more, jumping 41 places out of 68 starters. Obviously he won’t be able to move up that many spots in a division with 21 starters, but we are still likely to see him and Ema Klugman make a huge leap between the first and last phases.

OTHER DIVISIONS

  • Old friends such as Obos O’Reilly, Captain Jack, Fly Me Courageous
  • Kurt Martin is bringing out his five star ride Delux Z to contest an Intermediate division.
  • Steady Eddie is making his first start since the shutdown in the Intermediate with Mike Pendleton.
  • Boyd Martin will get his first start of the fall aboard WEG mount and Pan Ams gold medalist, Tsetserleg, also in the Intermediate.

Dressage and show jumping will be held Friday, while cross country will begin on Saturday.

Morven Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

How to Watch the 2020 German Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen

By on Oct 1, 2020 10:00 am -

Photo by Thomas Ix, courtesy of Luhmühlen.

The German contingent this weekend heads to Luhmühlen to contest the rescheduled German Eventing Championships in CCI4*S format, and a stiff entry list awaits those seeking the top honors. As if an all-German competition could be anything less than strong, we’ll see a full roster of top riders duke it out, and it’ll all be streamed on ClipMyHorse.TV for you to follow along with all weekend.

Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen plays host to both a CCI5* as well as a CCI4*S each year, the latter division serving as the championship division for German riders. While we won’t see defending German champion Julia Krajewski, who won in 2019 with her 2018 World Equestrian Games partner Samourai du Thot, we will see defending European Champion Ingrid Klimke with three rides this weekend.

Ingrid finished second in the CCI4*S at Luhmühlen in 2019 aboard SAP Asha P, who comes in hot this year off a second place finish at Strzegom (Poland) in August. Ingrid will also pilot Equistros Siena Just Do It in the 8 year old Westphalian mare’s CCI4*S debut. This mare has also had a nice run up to these Championships, collecting a win in the CCI3*S at Kronenberg in the Netherlands followed by a fourth place in the CCI3*L at Strzegom. And of course, who could leave out Ingrid’s champion of champions, SAP Hale Bob OLD, winner of the Nations Cup at Strzegom in August.

Michael Jung will present just one ride this weekend with fischerChipmunk FRH, whom he acquired the ride on from Julia Krajewski last year. Chipmunk has also had a strong lead in to this event, picking up a win in his most recent outing at Avenches in Switzerland.

Other highlights of the German Championships entry list include Sandra Auffarth with Let’s Dance 73 and Viamant du Matz, Christoph Waller with Ikke 2 and Carjatan S, Andreas Dibowski with FRH Corrida, and many others.

The live stream, provided by ClipMyHorse.TV, does require a subscription, options for which start at $14 per month when billed annually and $19 per month if you prefer to just pick up a month at a time. You can view the full line-up for the live stream, which will also include the CCI2*L and CCI3*L divisions running concurrently, by clicking here. You can also vote and cheer on your favorite rider by clicking here.

Action has already begun for the CCI2*L and CCI3*L, and we’ll see the first horse down centerline in the marquee CCI4*S division at 9 a.m. local time / 3 a.m. EST tomorrow.

Timetable – CCI4*S:

Dressage: 9 a.m. local / 3 a.m. EST on Friday October 2
Cross Country: 1:00 p.m. local / 7 a.m. EST on Saturday October 3
Show Jumping: Following CCI2*L, which begins at 9:30 a.m. local / 3:30 a.m. EST on Sunday October 4

German Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen: [Website] [Schedule] [Dressage Order of Go] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Five-Star Fever: Pau Entries Go Live With 62 Combinations

By on Oct 1, 2020 6:58 am -

Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser lead the 2019 lap of honour at Pau. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Did we ever, truly, think we’d make it to this point? Probably not — but from the rubble of the 2020 calendar rises Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, the one and only CCI5* of this funny old year.

Set in the scenic south of France and taking place from October 21-25, Pau will host 62 entries representing 10 nations as it ushers in its 30th anniversary competition. We’ll be bringing you a fully-stocked form guide very soon, but in the meantime, let’s take a look at some of the highlights of this exceptionally strong field.

Sarah Bullimore and Reve du Rouet. Photo by Peter Nixon.

Great Britain, as usual, brings forward the most entries, with 25 combinations stepping up to bat for the country. Chief among those is Pau’s 2019 winning duo, Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser, who return to defend their title — but their campaign certainly won’t be a walk in the park (or, um, in the Citröen dealership, depending on which side of the venue you’re standing on). Some of their major home-team competitors include Sarah Bullimore and Reve du Rouet, who were a very close second here in 2017, commonly regarded as the toughest Pau we’ve seen. Nicola Wilson and her individual European bronze medalist Bulana will also put up a seriously strong fight, while Piggy March — the queen of 2019 — debuts last year’s Blenheim CCI4*-L winner and front-running Tokyo hopeful Brookfield Inocent at his first five-star.

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The two individual competitors from last year’s Europeans aren’t messing around here — Kitty King brings forward Bramham winner Vendredi Biats, on super form after conquering his early-career cheekiness, while Laura Collett has a remarkable two-hander in FOD machine Mr Bass and Boekelo winner London 52. Honestly, we could write a whole article just looking at the British invasion at Pau, but for now, we’ll leave you with two more names: Ros Canter‘s diminutive Zenshera, who eats up this course for a high placing every time he makes the trip, and Alex Bragg‘s Zagreb, who came achingly close to his first five-star victory last year and who will be one of the fan favourites to finally scoop a big one here.

Sidney Dufresne and Tresor Mail. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The home nation is defended by 12 combinations, with former victor Maxime Livio debuting Vegas des Boursons and Vitorio du Montet at the level. Sidney Dufresne and Tresor Mail will surely carry much of the country’s hopes, ably assisted by Alexis Goury and Trompe l’Oeil d’Emery, who debuted here together in 2018 and fairly zoomed around.

A small but strong German side comes forward, and this year, it’s all about the girls — and, of course, 2019 Houghton winner Christoph Wahler, making his five-star debut with Carjatan S. The likes of Sandra Auffarth, Anna-Katharine Vogel and Anna Siemer hoisting the flag with him make this a compelling national effort to keep an eye on.

Tim Price and Wesko. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Team Price has six horses entered between them for New Zealand, though only five will go — two of those entries belong to Jonelle Price, who will bring her 2018 Luhmühlen winner Faerie Dianimo, alongside the former Dan Jocelyn ride Grovine de Reve. Husband Tim has an embarrassment of riches in his corner — he’ll need to choose three rides from Burghley winner Ringwood Sky Boy, Luhmühlen winner Wesko, and experienced five-star campaigners Bango and Xavier Faer. We don’t envy him the job.

Chris Burton and Quality Purdey. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Finally, we’d be amiss not to look to Australia while we find ourselves perusing Antipodean entries. Last year’s second-placed Chris Burton and Quality Purdey return for round two, having spent the early part of this year refining their showjumping, while Kevin McNab ventures down with last year’s seventh-placed Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam and stablemate Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend.

You can take a closer look at the entry list in full here — we’ll be providing all the information you need to know on form, function, and fun facts very soon.

Go Eventing — and Go Pau!

5 Etoiles de Pau: Website, Entries, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Thursday News & Notes

By on Oct 1, 2020 12:03 am -

Horses are so majestic! Photo by Kate Samuels.

We’ve had a brisk fall week here in Virginia, and so accordingly, some of my horses are acting like fools. Notably, and perhaps not surprisingly, my 19-year-old retired Advanced horse is snorting and passaging in from the field every morning, despite having already grown plenty of coat to handle 50 degrees overnight. The otherwise quiet horses seem to have taken up awkward horse ballet, as evidenced above. Sweater weather is my favorite, and seems like they’re enjoying it as well.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Morven Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Heritage Park H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Entry Status] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Spokane Sport Horse Sixth Annual Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe:

Mare lovers, rejoice! Science has now come to your aid in your long battle for equine gender equality, concluding that mares are no more difficult than geldings. Studying 1,200 horses, they found less than a 5% difference in responses between mares and geldings both on the ground and under saddle. Debunking stereotypes about equine genders improves horse welfare, so don’t cross a mare off your list! [Mares Aren’t More Difficult]

Looking to squeeze one more recognized horse trial into your 2020 show schedule? You’re in luck! Silverwood Farm in Camp Lake, WI has added an October 17 horse trial and entries are being accepted now through the date of the event. Check out the details here. 

In 2008, the YEH program was just in it’s infancy, but many of those first horses went on to fulfill their upper level potential. With 36 horses qualified for the championships, and only 15 that went on to compete that year, the program was starting to get some interest from riders in the US. The USEA looks back on ten of those horses that were incredibly successful, including Who’s A Star, El Cid, Simba, Crimson Tide, Airlington, Fleeceworks Fernhill, Picante, Chiron, Ballyquinn, and Rave Review. [2008 YEH Grad Class]

The recent and tragic death of cherished young eventer, Zara Buren, has touched so many lives, especially those who knew her and rode with her at events in Ontario. She was a well-liked and respected competitor, and a talented rider with a bright equestrian future ahead. The Buren Family, with the Ontario Eventing Association, is honored to announce a new award in Zara’s memory: The Zara Buren Memorial Award will be conferred annually to an Ontario rider, preferably 15 years of age or under, who has competed at the Training Level or below, and who exhibits a passion for eventing as well as commitment to their horse. [Zara Buren Memorial Award]

 

A little Morven flashback to get you in the mood for this weekend:

 

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: A Trip Down Memory Lane

By on Sep 30, 2020 6:09 pm -

Forgive us, a moment, for straying off the path of eventing — but in the world of equestrian sport, there are some horses who transcend disciplines, decades, and the enormous changes that reshape the industry. John Whitaker‘s Milton was one such horse.

This week, the FEI have made Milton — who rocked the international showjumping world in the late ’80s and early ’90s — their icon of the week. Enjoy the chance to relive the great greys soaring rounds and unique style, which made him a household name (yes, even in ‘normal’ households!) and won him medals at multiple European Championships and World Equestrian Games.

Go, um, Showjumping!

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance.

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The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

Morven Park Gearing Up for Fall Event This Weekend

By on Sep 30, 2020 2:30 pm -

Image courtesy of Morven Park Horse Trials.

This is the 46th year of horse trials at Morven Park, and like so much of 2020, it is not what any of us had planned or hoped for. Course building was underway for Morven Park’s first CCI4*L, with an exciting new course designed by Michael Etherington-Smith, and a CCI2*YH-S and CCI3*YH-S to showcase up-and-coming equine talent.

This would have been the first time a CCI4*-L course was offered at Morven Park, which was sure to attract Olympic competitors and hopefuls. Park staff were anticipating a record number of competitors, volunteers, and officials to attend from around the United States and other countries.

With COVID-19 restrictions in Virginia limiting event attendance to 1,000 participants, Morven Park made the difficult decision to cancel the FEI levels and concentrate on hosting a great event for the National levels, Novice through Advanced.

“We really did not want to cancel this event,” says Morven Park Executive Director (and former amateur event rider) Sheryl Williams. “Running five National levels instead of 11 National and FEI levels allows us to stay within the mandated limits and still achieve our goal to provide an outstanding eventing experience for our equestrian community.”

While no spectators will be allowed on the property for the event, all of the action will be covered here on Eventing Nation through the weekend. Our team will be working in conjunction with the photography team headed up by Erin Gilmore and Shannon Brinkman to bring you up-to-date information on the action as it happens.

Morven Park wishes to thank the volunteers, competitors, and supporters that are making this year’s Fall Horse Trials possible! Equestrian Center sponsors B&D Builders, LLC, SmartPak, Coat Defense, and Total Equine Veterinary Associates are joined by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, a Horse Trials GOLD sponsor for 2020.

COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines and all competitor information is available at MorvenPark.org/HorseTrials.

Morven Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Take 5 with Sam Watson, Presented by Equilume: A Big Win at Ballindenisk

By on Sep 30, 2020 12:00 pm -

A win for Sam Watson Eventing and Imperial Sky in the CCI4*-L at Ballindenisk today. Never out of the top two their last six international events.

Posted by EquiRatings on Sunday, September 27, 2020

Team Equilume rider Sam Watson and Imperial Sky (Shibs Of Blue x Puissance) took home the top honors in the first Irish CCI4*L of the abbreviated 2020 season at Ballindenisk this past weekend. Consistency (as much of it as one can have this year, truthfully) has been key for this pair, which has not finished lower than second in their last six international events together.

It was a small yet mighty field for the CCI4*L, which also featured Sarah Ennis, Joseph Murphy, Cathal Daniels, and others. A dressage mark of 30.5 would give Sam and “Toby” the early edge, which would prove to be all they needed around a softer cross country track. Sam said he was a bit “ring rusty” in the show jumping, but the pair would finish the weekend on their dressage score to take home the win.

Ballindenisk is also a seemingly favored venue for the 14 year old Imperial Sky, who also won the long four-star here in April of 2019. He also won the then-CCI2* at Ballindenisk in 2013 as a seven year old.

Sarah Ennis and Horseware Woodcourt Garrison (32.1) picked up the 11 year old Irish gelding’s best finish at the CCI4* level thus far with second place, followed by Camilla Spiers and Lukas (34.0), a 9 year old Irish gelding who also takes home his best finish at the level to date.

Take a gander through some action shots from the CCI4*L from this Irish Eventing Times social media post:

📷 CCI4*-LAll photos from Ballindenisk International (2) are being provided by Horse Sport Ireland. You are welcome to…

Posted by Irish Eventing Times on Monday, September 28, 2020

So what goes into a top rider such as Sam’s routine to take his horses into each event in top form? For starters, Sam has talked before about his use of Equilume on his competition horses. As we head into drearier weather (especially in Ireland!), natural light becomes harder to find enough of. Equilume’s stable lighting system and light masks offer an effective way to ensure each horse has proper light. You can hear Sam’s thoughts on using Equilume in this video:

The days are getting shorter and, even in August, we still get gloomy days. Check out the Equilume page or see posts below for a chance to WIN some of these game-changing lights. Brighten up your horses days (with more cost-effective lights than standard), and improve health and performance while you’re at. Quick wins and marginal gains people. Get them in before winter..!

Posted by Sam Watson Eventing on Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Equilume is an Irish equine biotech company providing scientifically validated lighting solutions to the global equine industry. Their patented blue light technology strengthens circadian rhythms and has profound effects on equine health and behaviour.

The Equilume Cashel Light Mask is an individual headpiece that provides timed, low-level blue light to a single eye throughout the day to stimulate optimum health, performance and coat condition.

The Equilume Stable Light provides horses with biologically effective light in a system that replicates the benefits of Nature’s light indoors, designed to maximise health, performance and breeding efficiency for stabled horses.

Equilume products are backed by science and trusted by equestrians and veterinarians worldwide. 

Who Jumped it Best? Burnham Market Becomes Blenheim

By on Sep 30, 2020 9:00 am -

Who Jumped It Best?

It’s been a week or so since we closed the book on Britain’s only CCI4*-L of 2020 — the Blenheim that wasn’t, but then kind of was again, thanks to the efforts of Musketeer Events and Burnham Market International Horse Trials. While it wasn’t quite like a week spent at the palace, it certainly ticked a useful box for the assembled horses and riders, who were able to nail down some much-needed qualifying results and plan accordingly for their 2021 campaign.

But enough of all that, which we know you already know. How about the important stuff — like who looked damn good out there on course? It wouldn’t be an international outing without some serious jumping effort analysis, so let’s get down to business.

Today’s effort is fence four on the CCI4*-S class, which combined the eight- and nine-year-old section with an ‘open’ four-short. Early on in the course, this chunky table features a clear, forgiving ground-line to help encourage a confident, safe effort — but after three previous run-and-jump fences, its difficulty lies in what comes after. This fence was immediately followed by a right-hand turn into the first combination on course, the quarry at 5AB, at which competitors had to jump a beefy house down into the dip, coming back up and out over an airy angled rail at the lip of the quarry. While fence 4 could easy be taken out of stride, it needed to be jumped strategically, setting up for the turn and adjustment of stride to follow and installing just the right amount of ‘attack.’

With that in mind, we turn the decision over to you, dear readers: who jumped it best?

Sarah Bullimore (GBR) and Conpierre. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Izzy Taylor (GBR) and Hartacker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Yasmin Ingham (GBR) and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and Jilsonne van Bareelhof. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

James Rushbrooke (GBR) and Rowland. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Paolo Torlonia (ITA) and Shadow Chanel. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Correction: This post has been updated at 12:55 pm EST with a new poll as the original poll was malfunctioning. Apologies for any inconvenience.


Burnham Market: Results | Website | EN’s Coverage

Wednesday News & Notes from Ecovet

By on Sep 30, 2020 12:01 am -

What words of encouragement would you have for other equestrians of color or people of color considering becoming…

Posted by Equestrians of Color Photography Project on Monday, September 21, 2020

I wrote a tiny amount about the Equestrians of Color project showcasing riders of all disciplines a few weeks ago. Since then, stories about some of the riders featured in this beautiful photography project created by Shelley Paulson have been published regularly.

Christina Chen, one of the first riders featured on Equestrians of Color, says that microaggressions, which are often unintentional but still hurtful, are predominant among her experiences as a rider of color. “It’s very common for someone to ask me if I am related to or know another Asian person who happens to be an equestrian and most of the time, I don’t know that other person,” she said. “The common question, ‘Where are you from?’, with the follow-up question of, ‘No, where are you really from?’ is asked inside and outside the equestrian world, and is very alienating. I cannot help but continue to feel like an outsider even though I have only lived in the States and consider myself an American.”

Christina says that she wants to see more faces like hers within our community, but that she is proud to be a representative and a role model for others who want to see themselves reflected and represented across equestrian disciplines. She hopes that as the equestrian community continues to grow there will an increasing amount of opportunities for riders of all socioeconomic and racial backgrounds to get more involved with horses.

Don’t miss more about Christina and many others – alongside stunning photos from the EOC team – here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Morven Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Heritage Park H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Entry Status] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Spokane Sport Horse Sixth Annual Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Wednesday Reading List:

Applications for the Optimum Equine Youth Equestrian Scholarship are still open! A robust list of mentors awaits scholarship recipients – including Katherine Un, whose essay for Nation Media’s Diversity Scholarship can be found here – as OYES gears up to support young riders from marginalized and underrepresented communities forge ahead with horses. To learn more and apply before the deadline of October 15, click here.

Ahmed Sharbatly is hoping to become the first Arabian Para dressage rider at the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year. Ahmed represented Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, Nc. and has spent the ensuing years honing his craft as he looks ahead to Tokyo. He also hopes to grow the sport of dressage within his home country, where most equestrians participate in endurance, racing, or jumping. Read more about Ahmed’s road to Tokyo here.

World Animal Day is coming up on October 4. And as good as our event horses have it (though, if you ask them, it could always be better!), it’s easy to forget that many other working animals around the world sadly do not enjoy the same standard of care. One thing sorely missing from the lives of many animals worldwide is proper veterinary care. According to Horsetalk NZ, there are only 725 vets serving the country of Tanzania, which has a population of over 56 million people. For comparison, there are over 70,000 vets in the U.S.. Learn more about the work of hardworking charities such as Spana (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) and how you can help here.

The USEA has a fun way for you to enjoy the Adult Team Challenge concept virtually this year. The Virtual Adult Team Challenge will tally results from any USEA recognized events at the Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels through November 22. Each Area will be involved and coordinate their own challenges. Read up on how you can jump in the fun here.

As wildfires continue to burn in California and fire season still looms large, it’s as good a time as ever to brush up on preparedness and prevention. Natural disasters can be, well, disastrous to contend with, so proper preparation is key to safely managing risk. Equine Guelph provides some excellent resources in a new course offered to horse owners the world over.

Wednesday Video Break: I stumbled upon this little gem from Morven Park a few years ago on YouTube.

Ecovet is an entirely different type of fly spray … and you apply it to your horse in a different way, too. With fly season upon us, we’re sharing some tips for how to best apply Ecovet:

#TipTuesday Video from Horseware: Wrapping Up the Sales Process with C Square Farm

By on Sep 29, 2020 5:53 pm -

So you’re almost through the sales process — it can be a tricky and overwhelming procedure if you’re new to it, but it can also be wholly rewarding all the same. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, Courtney Cooper and C Square Farm have some quality advice for navigating the sale process in this video series (catch up on Part 1 here and Part 2 here).

This third and final video in the series tackles the topic of closing up the sale. This means pre-purchase exams, negotiations, finalizing the bill of sale, understanding commissions, and more. Sounds like a lot, right? Sure! But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Some common sense and attention to detail will help any sale go that much smoother.

Tune in for Courtney’s tips on wrapping up the sales process in the video aboe. And Courtney loves questions and feedback! You can comment on the video or send a message to the C Square Farm Facebook page for Courtney to answer.