Classic Eventing Nation

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

Weekend Winners: Full Moon Farm, Majestic Oaks, River Glen, Texas Rose, WHES

By on Nov 9, 2020 9:00 am -

Fall eventing may be my favorite time of the year, so I always enjoy having a look at everyone’s scores and social media posts on Monday mornings.

This weekend’s Unofficial Low Score Award comes to us from the final War Horse Event Series leg of the season, where Cassandra Wallskog and Quentus 3 cleaned up their Training division on a score of 18.1. This is a personal best for this pair, who previously finished on a 29.9 for their first personal best together at the Novice level earlier this year. Congratulations!

Full Moon Farm: Final Results

Prelim/Training: Maggie Buchanan and 3,2,1 Blastoff (30.4)
Open Training: Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Double Clover (30.2)
Training Rider A: Christa Schmidt and Chakiris Star (31.1)
Training Rider B: Christa Schmidt and Royal Diamond II (31.6)
Novice Rider A: Melissa McNally and Land of Jewels (29.8)
Novice Rider B: Heidi Wardle and Cold Spice (30.0)
Open Novice: Cat Karp and It’sakatthing (29.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Anna Fedak and B E Never Say Never (25.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Meagan Hennessy and B.E. Mansfield Park (29.7)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Laura Gorrell and Texas Riddle (30.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Phoenix (28.6)
Intro A: Aylah Dhruv and Sig (37.0)
Intro B: Marlene Dugan and FMF Roxy (43.8)
Open Starter: Margaret Kinsinger and Leap of Faith (32.8)

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Perspective: It's always better than you think it really is. Good, honest people will tell you and keep you moving forward. After what I thought was an awful Dressage test and ready to throw in the towel for the day, Ginger didn't let me wallow, and talked me off the ledge. And boy am I glad she did!! Smoke and I finished our season in a big Training division with an 8th place finish, a better-than-our-average Dressage score, and a fantastic XC run, 8 seconds under time. Smoke was next level today and she truly felt like perfection galloping around. Thank you Dan for all your help and for videoing! Ginger was right, this sport DOES take a team. 🥰 Today worked out to be perfect!

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Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: Final Results

Open Preliminary: Alex O’Neal and Rock On Cooley (25.9)
Preliminary Rider: Sara Blackwell and Brig’s Swift Arrival (36.8)
Open Training A: Joe Meyer and Lassban Royal Minstrel (31.4)
Open Training B: Beth Murphy and Jimba (27.1)
Training Rider: Jessica Simons and Thought I Could (31.0)
Novice Rider A: Beth Allen and Remastered (29.8)
Novice Rider B: Anne Kearley and Carlingford’s SRS Imperial (36.6)
Open Novice: Karl Slezak and HSF Liam McCarthy (26.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Juliette Cain and Mariska (31.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Nicola Buckingham and Lex Go (27.2)
Starter: Allie Jones and Master Envoy (35.8)

Thank you to the crew at Majestic Oaks for putting on a great show yesterday! Erin Walker’s Rock On Cooley finished on his dressage score to win the Prelim, Anna Kjellstrom’s Icarole completed her first Prelim, adding just some time to her dressage score of 33, Sarrasin finished fault free in the Training for 2nd place and Trendy Lady finished her second Training in 3rd place 🤩👏🙌

Posted by O'Neal Equestrian on Sunday, November 8, 2020

River Glen H.T.: Final Results

Preliminary Open: Amanda Richard and Count Julian (36.2)
Preliminary/Training: Breeana Robinette and The Dark Mark (30.8)
Training Open: Jennifer Coleman and SS Palantir (25.7)
Training Rider: Millie Kennedy and Fly High Harvey (35.1)
Training/Novice: Alex Sharp and Big Star Bound (33.3)
Novice Horse: Emily Watson and Finnegan (26.9)
Novice Open: Brooke Kahl and Nata Montada SCF (23.3)
Novice Rider Jr.: Hannah Tabor and Tator Chip (32.9)
Novice Rider Sr.: Nicole Austin and Annaghmore Beach Boom (31.4)
Beginner Novice Horse: Callie Scissom and Al Caponey (28.3)
Beginner Novice Open: Heather Sinclair and Captain Clare (30.9)
Beginner Novice Rider Jr. A: Riley Jones and Senor Santana (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider Jr. B: Alison Otipoby and Category 5 (26.8)
Beginner Novice Rider Jr. C: Larkin Albarado and SF Lil Bit O Texas (27.8)
Beginner Novice Rider Sr.: Marla Doran and Miss Tosonna (24.5)

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T.: Final Results

Open Intermediate: Anna Pierce and Obiejohn (60.2)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Rebecca Hunt and Snowflake Lane (36.7)
Open Preliminary: Georgia Dillard and Galileo WP (31.1)
Preliminary Championships: Camdyn Rahe and Fashion Forward (30.4)
Jr. Training Rider: Brooks Searcy and FE Chiara Mia (29.5)
Open Training: Katherine Anderson and High Class (27.2)
Preliminary/Training: Samantha Tinney and Glenbrook Cooley (38.0)
Sr. Training Rider: Greta Hallgren and Elianna (33.3)
Training Championships: Savannah Welch and Langcaster (26.2)
Training Horse: Nicole Hatley and Biscotti (23.8)
Jr. Novice Rider A: Rebecca Dyer and Fairhaven’s Phoenix (34.3)
Jr. Novice Rider B: Elle Snyder and Fernhill Bijzonder (28.3)
Novice Horse: Ellen Doughty-Hume and Roll The Dice (32.9)
Open Novice: Christy Niehues and Flight School (24.1)
Sr. Novice Rider A: Martha Thomas and Monte’s Nightingale (25.2)
Sr. Novice Rider B: Sherry Pound and Gestalt (30.2)
Jr. Beginner Novice A: Avery Eisenman and MDS Marigold (28.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice B: Kylee Willis and Saw My Magic Talent (27.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Alexandra du Celliee Muller and Professor Flittwick (22.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Casey Locklear and FLS Major Bounce (23.6)
Intro A: Amber Block and The Boy Next Door (25.3)
Intro B: Jaeli Uselding and My Little Rebel (33.3)
Intro C: Anna Steinhaus and Eric Church (34.7)

Tempus Eventing logged another fantastic weekend. What an amazing group of people

Posted by Angela Bowles on Sunday, November 8, 2020

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Had a great first Novice with the crew!

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War Horse Event Series November Championships: Final Results

Advanced CT: Booli Selmayr and Millfield Lancando (39.77)
Intermediate CT: Ariel Grald and Caballe (31.0)
Preliminary H.T.: Maia Kantorowski and Pebbly Maximus (35.5)
Modified H.T.: Dana Cooke and FE Quattro (24.6)
Training Championship: Leila Cluff-Ryan and Grand Finale (31.7)
Training H.T.: Susanne McDaniel and Corelli (21.4)
Training Rec. H.T.: Cassandra Wallskog and Quentus 3 (18.1)
Novice Championship: Sofie Vachino and Supernova (19.3)
Novice CT: Christy Gavin and Gunpwder-n-Pb (34.2)
Novice H.T. A: Alexandra Kleinmann and Love Run (27.1)
Novice H.T. B: Cameron Boggs and Ballyorney Mullach Abu (25.9)
Novice H.T. Jr.: Lily Dal Cin and FE Bobby Dazzler (31.4)
Novice Rec. H.T.: Daryl Kinney and BEC Valencia (25.0)
Beginner Novice Championship: Rachel Thompson and Glenhaven Timka (23.9)
Beginner Novice CT: Robin Wherry and Coriacci (26.9)
Beginner Novice H.T. A: Emerson Gill and Billy Idol (31.1)
Beginner Novice H.T. B: Blaine Holland and Just Red (29.6)
Beginner Novice H.T. Jr.: Ava Friese and CMF Diamond Promise (26.4)
Beginner Novice Rec. H.T.: Lindsay Staiano Williams and Quiet Love (21.9)
Green As Grass Championship: Courtney Bauer and Horse Feathers Caspian (21.3)
Green As Grass CT: Mary Hope and Sir Dantae (31.2)
Green As Grass H.T.: Amanda Miller and Imperial Exchange (23.1)
Green As Grass Jr.: Parker Foley and Flojos Ultimator (32.8)
Maiden Championship: Cindy McNeely and Jonah (25.3)
Maiden CT: Cassidy Bock and Chunky Pony (38.5)
Maiden H.T. A: Rebecca Banta and Fool’s Golde (26.0)
Maiden H.T. B: Cassidy Sitton and Song of the South (23.5)
Maiden Jr.: Kenton Willard and One Fine Bay (29.3)

What an amazing last War Horse, for 2020! My horses were all great, Punch moved up to modified, just adding one rail to…

Posted by Daryl Kinney Eventing on Sunday, November 8, 2020

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Low quality photo of a high quality spotted pony. We had an absolute blast this weekend at the #warhorseeventseries ! Both Zammy and mouse decided to make it clear how happy they are to not be at an all dressage show (us too)! With amazing weather, a fun atmosphere and great courses Zammy ended 2nd and Mouse ended up 7th out of 34 other riders!! (Mind you this is only her 3rd event ever!) And after 15 years of eventing I did something I’ve never done before…I walked away with $600 which will promptly be used to buy Zammy all the twizzlers he wants. He truly owes me nothing and I’m just thrilled he’s so happy and enjoying eventing still. Huge shout out to @a91paris for being the worlds best PIC – and coming to the dark side. Can we just not do dressage shows ever again? 😁😁

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Monday News & Notes

By on Nov 9, 2020 6:15 am -

Ingrid Klimke’s furry mascot poses with the Team Klimke haul at Pratoni.

Hands up if you’re suffering from post-Election Week insomnia? Maybe this is a unique phenomenon for those of us who had to stay up until 2.00 a.m. just to watch Biden and Harris’ speeches on Saturday night – and who may have been guilty of cat-napping through each prior night with CNN on so as not to miss the crucial moment – but man, it’s hard to shake now. I feel like I’m back at university preparing for exams, except now I have a big crush on news anchor Jake Tapper and no way to appease it.

Whether you watched religiously or picked up the highlights of each day’s news on social media, I think we can all pretty universally share in the relief that the longest week that ever was is over and done with, and we can focus all our time and attention on our horses once again. Having never been a big TV person, though, I’m finding it hard to adjust to life without its constant company – so any recommendations for unapologetically horsey viewing will be warmly received.

National Holiday: It’s World Freedom Day, which commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall. We recommend celebrating with a good blast across the fields with your favourite four-legged pal – the best expression of freedom available to us horsey lot.

US Weekend Results:

Full Moon Farms H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Majestic Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Results]

River Glen H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Results]

War Horse Event Series November H.T.: [Website] [Results]

Global Round-Up:

  • Italy’s Pratoni del Vivaro – the site of the 2022 World Championships for eventing – hosted a huge week of international classes, with every level between 1* and 4*-L catered for (yes, both short and long!). Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD took the CCI4*-S class  by a winning margin of 12.10 penalties ahead of second-placed Felix Vogg and Colero, back in action after some time out last year. Queen Klimke also took the CCI4*-L, this time riding spicy young mare Asha P, who’s gone from strength to strength since winning the Seven-Year-Old World Championship in 2018. Meanwhile, Michi Jung qualified a fifth horse for next year’s Olympics with a sixth-place finish with fischer Wild Wave. At what point is it just greedy?

Your Monday Reading List:

A 27-year-old showjumper has undergone a double mastectomy after discovering  that she has a genetic anomaly that predisposes her to breast cancer. Now, she’s hoping that being vocal about her experience will help protect other woman – particularly those who consider themselves too young to be at risk. [Showjumper who underwent double mastectomy hopes her story may help save lives]

Warm-up routines are largely subjective, but could understanding the science behind preparing your horse for work help create a better athlete? That’s the question that Hartpury University researchers had in mind before embarking on a new study of warm-up practices across the disciplines. [The art of the warm-up: Riders reveal how they get their horses ready for action]

If, like me, you spent your Sunday in a pair of colossal coveralls, painstakingly giving your horse a back, sack and crack, you’ll appreciate this. Heels Down’s seven reasons why body-clipping is THE WORST is wholly #relatable. [7 Reasons Why Body-Clipping is the Absolute Worst]

It can be pretty hard to keep up with lockdown riding rules in England, particularly when governing bodies release contradictory guidelines. Horse&Rider has broken down the latest update – released by British Equestrian – and explains what you’re still allowed to do. [British Equestrian Updates Lockdown Advice for England]

SmartPak launched its 12 Days of Deals promotion today, which means you can save big each day! The first daily deal is a Buy 2, Get 1 Free promotion on the always popular Piper breeches and tights. Use code DayOne at checkout to redeem this deal. [12 Days of Deals: Day One]

Monday Viewing:

I’ve been missing France since returning home from my adventures at Le Lion d’Angers and Pau – but rewatching the entirety of Pau’s cross-country (with delightful French commentary) has helped ease my blues and reminded me what an incredible competition it was.

Sunday Links

By on Nov 8, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo courtesy of Tamie Smith.

Tamie Smith is one efficient lady. She’s traveling cross country for the Tryon CCI4*-L next week, so when you need a layover, what better time to stop for a midway clinic. Do you think Tamie will go easy on you because she’s spent countless hours behind the wheel? I wouldn’t bet on it.

National Holiday: National Cappuccino Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Moon Farms H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Majestic Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

River Glen H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

War Horse Event Series November H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Major International Events:

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

Sunday Links: 

6 Questions With Ryan Wood

Rule Refresher: Changes to the USEF Rules for Eventing in 2021

Jock’s High Hopes for New Zealand

Ask an Expert: How Do I Take My Young Horse to His First Show… and Survive?

Rules confirmed on shows, riding, training and travelling horses during lockdown

Is Soaking Strictly Necessary?

 

Morven Park Looking Forward to Winter Horse Trials

By on Nov 7, 2020 10:00 am -

Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Morven Park has added a Winter Horse Trials, November 14-15, to the 2020 calendar. This new event replaces the annual Morven Park Spring Horse Trials, which was canceled due to the pandemic, and offers Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels of competition.

“With all of the cancellations this year we want to give riders one more chance to get out and compete,” said Morven Park Executive Director Sheryl Williams. “This will be the last Area II event of 2020, and we’re looking forward to another great weekend at Morven Park.”

While no spectators will be allowed on the property for the event, the action will be covered here on Eventing Nation throughout the weekend.

Morven Park wishes to thank the volunteers, competitors, and supporters that are making Winter 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, and Attwood Equestrian Surfaces, the official arena footing sponsor of Morven Park.  

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

Saturday Links

By on Nov 7, 2020 12:01 am -

Probably the only time you’ll see Piggy March and Michi Jung etc. at the bottom of the leader boad. DEFINITELY the only time you’ll see my name above theirs. Screenshot via Equestriad World Tour.

Yesterday I learned that Equestriad — that’s right, as in Equestriad 2001, the hit PC game of every Y2K horse girl — has hit iPhones everywhere. It’s called Equestriad World Tour and yes, it’s every bit as difficult to steer and find the correct take off spots over the fences as you remember. In this version you can supposedly ride Kentucky, Badminton, and Burghley at some point in the game, but seeing as I’m stuck at level 3 it seems that it will be a while until I make it there!

National Holiday: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Moon Farms H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Majestic Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

River Glen H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

War Horse Event Series November H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Major International Events:

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

Saturday Links:

6 Questions With Ryan Wood

How to Do No Stirrup November the Right Way (and Keep Your Horse’s Back Happy)

A Not-So-Secret Key to Seamless Walk Transitions

Study: Omeprazole And Bute Not Necessarily A Good Combination

Conformation Critique with Chris Ryan: Hennessy’s Honor

Kentucky equine hospital co-founder tells his “half” of the story

Saturday Video: 

 

Friday Video from SmartPak: Sit It Out in Style

By on Nov 6, 2020 5:34 pm -

Happy Friday, folks — though I’m inclined to agree with EN’s Kate that this is just another Tuesday in this endless week of Tuesdays. With the weekend (or a couple of Tuesdays off work, anyway) looming, it’s time to make a master plan for what you want to accomplish with your horse over the next couple of days. I always like to pick one specific, attainable goal – like perfecting a particular movement — to work on over the weekend, which gives me that glowy sort of feeling of accomplishment on non-eventing days and makes me feel like I can get sh*# done.

This week’s installment of SmartPak’s super Ask the Trainer series will help me — and you! — do just that. Featuring Pan-American silver medal-winning dressage rider Shannon Dueck, it delves into the tips and tricks for sitting a big, bouncy trot, with handy in-the-saddle exercises you can use to make sure you’re working with sufficient suppleness and evenness. If you always feel like you’re squeezing your butt cheeks for dear life while your molars vibrate their way out of your skull, this is one for you.

…just me?

Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale Adds Virtual Options for 2020 Auction

By on Nov 6, 2020 3:00 pm -

MBF All In Time, a 4-year-old purchased by Emily King. Photo courtesy of Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale/Bit-Media.

Each year, savvy horse shoppers from the world over flock to the Emerald Isle in search of their next top prospect. Many graduates from the elite Goresbridge Go For Gold sale have gone on to budding event careers with professional and amateur riders alike. Although COVID-19 has impacted equestrian events and sales such as this, the organizing team at Goresbridge was able to make some adjustments to make this year’s auction more pandemic-friendly. To that end, virtual options have been added for the 2020 Goresbridge Go For Gold sale, scheduled for a slightly later date this year, December 7 and 8.

No stone is left unturned in the selection and preparation process for the Goresbridge sale, a longstanding tradition on the Irish equestrian scene. The idea was born out of inconvenience; the horse buying process was often sluggish, requiring prospective buyers to traverse the country seeking out top prospects. Why not bring those top prospects under one roof? For sale founder Martin and Mary Frances Donohoe, the idea was enough to build out a business.

With the pandemic forcing the cancelation or postponement of events, the Donohoes put their heads together to come up with a solution. For this year’s auction, held at Barnadown Showjumping in Wexford, Ireland, a live stream and virtual bidding have been added so that prospective buyers can shop without having to travel. Both online and telephone bidding will be offered.

Regardless of where a buyer plans to shop from, one important update for this year is the requirement of advance registration. Prospective buyers can get more information on registration by calling +353 59977 5145 or by email at [email protected].

For those attending in person, COVID protocols will be in place. The event will not be open to the general public; purchasers, vendors, grooms/handlers, and transport companies are the only personnel who will be on site during the sale.

We’ll be bringing you some highlights from the catalog as well are more pertinent information about participating in an online auction format in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can peruse this year’s offering of 3- through 6-year-old sporthorse prospects and their performance videos here.

Goresbridge Go For Gold 2020: [Website] [Information Packet/PDF Catalog] [Online Catalog and Performance Videos]

Weekly OTTB Wishlist: Retail Therapy

By on Nov 6, 2020 12:00 pm -

It’s been a stressful week, no? It may not be the healthiest coping method, but sometimes when the going gets tough the tough go … shopping. And what kind of shopping is the best kind of shopping? Say it with me now — horse shopping! So here you go folks, our three OTTB picks of the week. Take a deep breath and enjoy a little window shopping escapism:

Preston Court. Photo via finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Preston Court (MISSION IMPAZIBLE – CREEK GIRL, BY ELUSIVE QUALITY): 2016 16.1-hand New York-bred gelding

You’ve got to love a nice grey, and Preston Court is “a very cool horse” and “a super nice guy” according to those who know him. He’s got a solid bone structure and is expected to do a little bit more growing so he might get a bit more uphill as well. Though Preston Court did fairly well for himself on the track, his trainer believes in moving his horses on to a second career before they get run down. The CANTER volunteers who listed him were impressed by his nice movement, so he’s likely to be an eye catching guy not just due to the color of his coat.

Located in Farmington, New York.

View Preston Court on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Al Taweel. Photo via CANTER Chicago.

Al Taweel (UNBRIDLED’S SONG – THE BEST DAY EVER, BY BRAHMS): 2013 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Want to add a world traveler to your string? Word has it that his horse has got as nice of a personality as he is good looking, too. Al Taweel was born in Kentucky and sold for $310,00 at Keeneland before going on to start his race career in Dubai. He came back home to the Bluegrass State after a year and a half of racing overseas and continued to compete, racking up 37 total career starts and $66,150. He’s had a few wins here and there, but isn’t competitive at the next level of racing as his trainer would like so here’s hoping he can find a home to settle down in.

Located in Stickney, Illinois.

View Al Taweel on CANTER Chicago.

Gum Tree Lane. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Gum Tree Lane (HE’S HAD ENOUGH – ELIZABITS, BY FORESTRY): 2016 16.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

This eye-catching gelding really caught the attention of the New Vocations staff. Gum Tree lane will need a patient and experienced person to bring him along and help him balance himself properly and unlock that ‘X’ factor that the New Vocations staff has caught glimpses of. Gum Tree Lane is lightly raced with 8 starts and lots more to give to his new people.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Gum Tree Lane on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

A Family Affair and the Ride of a Lifetime for Taylor Wing

By on Nov 6, 2020 9:00 am -

Taylor Wing and Troy Wing. Photo courtesy of Margot Miller.

Horses have always been a family affair for Troy, Taylor, and Landon Wing. Living on the farm out of which Troy runs Troy Wing Eventing in upstate New York has plenty of perks paired with an equal amount of responsibility, but it’s a home environment that has brought the family close together alongside some equally special horses.

Time To Tango, an off-track Thoroughbred gelding who is 20 this year, was never the simplest of rides, as most talented event horses go. Troy followed his gut feeling after watching the gelding’s sales ads pop up periodically. Lower and lower, the price would drop, until finally the horse was listed as free. It had been hard to find buyers willing to take a chance on the sensitive horse with the huge jump.

But Troy had a feeling. He sent a trailer for the gelding after a minimal vetting, the horse’s videos enough to make a case to his new rider.

It was tough – certainly many gritty event riders can relate to this process. “Tango” was anxious, high energy, and liked to jump so big that it was difficult for riders to stick in the tack. Yet as Troy put in the time, the gelding slowly gave in. The pair would move up through the Intermediate level, eventually completing a then-CIC2* at Jersey Fresh in 2016.

Photo courtesy of Margot Miller.

As Tango grew older and his upper level career drew to a close, he began playing the role of teacher – though he wouldn’t have been the easiest professor that all the kids were eager to learn from. Troy would often use Tango for lessons on the farm, but he would test the riders.

Taylor Wing, who is 11 this year, grew up around the big bay gelding. “Baby Tango”, she would call him as she spent time grooming him for her dad at shows and around the farm. Both she and Landon, 15, grew up comfortable around the horses, Landon’s interests eventually leading him more to the pleasure side of riding. Taylor, on the other hand, had a competitive streak with her riding. As her own riding education blossomed, Troy began to entertain the idea of giving the ride on his heart horse to his daughter.

Of course, there was a learning curve. Tango was a big, strong horse, and Taylor’s legs would barely clear the saddle pad in her dressage tack. But she was determined – and Tango, as the smartest horses will do, seemed to know that this small human was one he should be gentler with.

Troy laughs at this now. Of course his horse would put on his angel wings when Taylor was in the saddle. But as soon as Troy would swing a leg over, all bets were off. Yet the gelding was attached to Taylor, always taking small, mincing steps when he’d let her up for a pony ride as a small child.

Taylor had begun competing with another horse, Anime, who is a different style of ride for her. But soon enough, she felt ready to ask the big question: could she compete Tango at an event?

Photo courtesy of Margot Miller.

Troy agreed, on the condition that Taylor take responsibility for making sure both of her horses were properly prepared for the upcoming event at Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club. It was a task she took seriously, making a schedule for each horse in the weeks leading up to the event, dotting her i’s and crossing her t’s. Troy was impressed, and more than a little emotional at the thought of his daughter competing with his partner.

Taylor and Tango would add a few penalties in the show jumping phase at their first competition together, but it was all smiles at the end of the weekend. She would finish in fifth place out of 13 starters with Tango in the Beginner Novice, and also competed in the Novice division with Anime. It’s incredibly special to see your former upper level horse teaching the ropes to someone else. It’s even more meaningful when that someone is your kid.

Troy reflected on his life with his kids, managing his business, competitive career, and home life. It’s not the simplest life for the kids, but he says he’s grateful that they’ve had the opportunity to grow closer and share some incredible memories. “We always knew (Tango) would give his heart over everything,” Troy says. “It’s been really special watching him and Taylor, and I’m just reminded of how lucky I am to have these kids.”

“Throughout the day Taylor stayed humble and grateful, simply excited to have a chance to sit on both horses,” longtime family friend Margot Miller wrote to EN. “She handled Tango’s ‘dressage attitude’ with grace and a smile. “As she was called to the start box, Tay started to cry. Most of the team was out on the course, finding spots for the best photographs and videos, leaving just Troy and Tay in the start box. Troy said ‘Tay, If you are worried and not feeling okay about this, you don’t have to go,’. Taylor responded, “These are happy tears Dad, I never believed I would really get here, I’ve always dreamed of this.”