Classic Eventing Nation

2020 Tom Bass Diversity Seminar to Be Held at Tryon International Three-Day

By on Nov 4, 2020 9:01 am -

Donna Marie Cheek, who in 1981 became the first black member of the U.S. Equestrian Team, is among the 2020 Tom Bass Seminar panelists. Image courtesy of Donna Marie Cheek.

The 2nd annual Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sports will be held on on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, following cross country at Tryon International Three-Day Event. Eventing Nation is proud to once again partner with this important event, whose inaugural edition last fall at TIEC foreshadowed this year’s ongoing reckoning with issues of race in equestrian sport.

The year’s seminar will be presented virtually due to Covid-19 from 3:30 p.m. ET and will be live streamed on the main arena Jumbotron. Those following from afar can tune in here on EN, TIEC, HorsesDaily or via presenters The African Connections Research and Education Fund, Inc. and SportsQuest International, LLC.

Panelists, most of whom will participate remotely, will discuss issues relating to diversity in domestic and international arenas. This year’s roster includes returning panelists, including Leslie Wylie of EN, as well as some very exciting new voices — we’ll be introducing you to them in the coming week. The event will be moderated by Melvin Cox, Managing Director of SportsQuest International, LLC and a Lecturer at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Registration for the seminar is now open here.

The seminar’s namesake is an homage to legendary American Saddlebred trainer Tom Bass (1859 – 1934), who was born a slave in Missouri. After the Civil War he found work as a stable boy and eventually became a world champion competitor, esteemed trainer and founder of the American Royal Horse Show in Kansas City. For many years he was the only African-American permitted to compete at the American Royal. He invented the Tom Bass bit, a benchmark for humane bitting that is still in use today, and performed for five different U.S. presidents. His clients included President Roosevelt, Buffalo Bill Cody, Anheuser-Busch executives Adolphus and August Busch, and Will Rogers.

Tom Bass riding his famous Saddlebred mare Belle Beach. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Topics to be explored by panelists include:

  • Demystifying horse sport – not for rich kids only!
  • Developing broad-based community support for equestrian activities at all levels
  • Leveraging new and traditional media in horse focused education and promotion
  • Making horses ‘legit’ again in lower and middle income communities
  • Identifying and promoting heirs to the popular equine icons of yesteryear
  • Incorporating the rich equestrian heritages of non-white, non-European communities into our shared equestrian narrative

We are grateful to Tryon International Equestrian Center for supporting the Seminar again this year. The Mill Spring, NC, venue is hosting the USEF National Four-Star Championship, as well as Prelim through Intermediate horse trials and FEI CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L and CCI4*-S divisions, Nov. 11-14.

[Plans Announced for 2020 Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sports]

 

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Nov 4, 2020 12:01 am -

Ride to the Polls
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#TheConcreteCowgirl #RideToThePolls #RideToVote #unstopablevoters #comptoncowboys…

Posted by Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy on Friday, October 23, 2020

Did you rock the vote yesterday? It’s been incredibly inspiring to see the efforts of athletes all around the country encouraging their peers to register and cast their votes in yesterday’s general election. Thanks to some vocal groups within our own equestrian community, voter engagement seemed to be at a high as we hurtled toward the election. No matter what, this is a right that each citizen is granted, and it’s important to use it. I learned a lot during this election cycle and hope you did, too. Onwards.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Moon Farms H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Majestic Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

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

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

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

Wednesday Reading List:

“In a lot of ways, Jay Robinson was your average competitive collegiate rider…But the barn had a special meaning for him: It was a safe environment where he could fully express himself as a transgender man.” Learn Jay’s story in this piece by the Chronicle‘s Mollie Bailey, as his story is one that many in our small world can relate to. May we live in a world in which all riders can live in their own individual identities, without judgement or harassment, and may we all be better allies through listening and education.

Many congratulations are in order for Milan Berry, the very first recipient of the Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship. We recently featured this scholarship program designed to assist young riders with lesser financial means to support their riding – and if you missed this quarter’s deadline to apply, you can get into the next application period by clicking here.

Queeny Park in St. Louis, Missouri is having a work day on Sunday, November 15. Join the fun for updating jumps and other odds and ends needed to maintain one of Area IV’s staple events. Visit the Queeny Park Equestrian Events Facebook page for more information.

Want to school the competition courses at Loch Moy Farm? Schooling is now available by appointment for a fee of $75. To reserve your time, text Carolyn at 301-514-0111.

Not all practice needs to be physical. There is much we can rehearse, so to speak, before it comes time to put it into practice. In this month’s sport psychology tip from Daniel Stewart, some food for thought on different forms of visualization and how they can help riders improve.

The use of Non-Disclosure Agreements in the equestrian industry has been on the rise of late. There is a lot of gray area around the idea of using an NDA, so before you present or sign one it’s useful to know the ins and outs. This primer from Horse Network is a good place to start.

Why are so many athletes taking a stand for issues that affect all of us? The fact is that athletes are among the most influential individuals in the world, with some of the largest platforms. This deep dive by ESPN looks into the ways in which athletes from multiple sports have joined to rally their peers for causes that matter.

Wednesday Video Break: Ride around the Rocking Horse Preliminary cross country with Elisa Wallace and Sharp Decision.

Tuesday Video from Horseware: The Madden Method for Bridle Fitting

By on Nov 3, 2020 3:00 pm -

Properly fitted tack is paramount for the performance and, most importantly, the comfort of our equine partners. Show jumping icon Beezie Madden and her husband, John, are well known for their successes in the show ring – and all of that success begins with a good base of management at home.

Barn manager Becky Huestis takes viewers through the basics of bridle fitting in the newest edition of The Madden Method video series. There is much to be learned from these short educational videos – you can view more on the John Madden Sales YouTube channel here.

Green Mountain Horse Association Receives $250,000 Challenge Grant from The Manton Foundation

By on Nov 3, 2020 12:00 pm -

Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

The Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) is pleased to announce the receipt of a Challenge Grant from The Manton Foundation.The goal is to expand the number of and deepen the engagement with GMHA’s prospective and current donors during the COVID-19 period and beyond. GMHA is reaching out to the entire community to ask for support. All donations up to $250,000 will be matched 1:1 through June 30, 2021.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic GMHA has had to cancel over half of its competitions and clinics during the 2020 season, thus creating a significant strain on the organization’s finances. The Manton Challenge will substantially offset lost revenue and ensure that GMHA enters the 2021 season on sound footing.

GMHA thanks all of its members, competitors, business sponsors and donors for their continued support during this challenging time and invites them, and new members of the community, to help meet the Manton Challenge.

The Manton Foundation, established in 1991 by Jim and Gretchen Manton, has given out over $300 million in grant funding to initiatives in the New England region of the country with an emphasis on relationship and community building. Jim Manton’s success in the business world opened the door to start a charitable foundation to support the family’s local and artistic interests. The Foundation is family-run and continues to engage with the equestrian community, including a $250,000 matching grant for the USEA’s frangible technology funding.

GMHA is a multi-disciplinary equestrian organization established in 1926 and located on a 65- acre facility in South Woodstock, VT. In addition to its on-site programs, GMHA helps protect and manage over 400 miles of equestrian trails in the Woodstock, South Woodstock and Reading Vermont area. More information can be found at www.gmhainc.org. Questions can be directed to Bruce Perry, Executive Director by phone at (802)-457-1509 or by email at [email protected].

MARS Equestrian, Buckeye Nutrition Announced as Title Sponsors of Tryon International, CCI4*L Championship

By on Nov 3, 2020 9:00 am -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce MARS Equestrian as the title sponsor of the Tryon International Three-Day Event, as well as Buckeye Nutrition as title sponsor of the 2020 USEF Eventing CCI4*-L National Championship set to take place at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C. from November 12-15, 2020. The MARS Equestrian Tryon International Three-Day Event is new to the calendar in 2020 and will feature CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and CCI2*-L competition alongside the CCI4*-L. The Buckeye Nutrition/USEF Eventing CCI4*-L National Championship will close out the 2020 national championship season for the discipline of eventing and is the only CCI4*-L to be hosted on the East Coast this year.

“We are very grateful to MARS Equestrian and Buckeye Nutrition for their continued support of equestrian sport and for their enthusiasm to sponsor the Tryon International Three-Day Event and USEF Eventing CCI4*-L National Championships this year,” said Bill Moroney, CEO of US Equestrian. “This championship will provide an excellent opportunity for our eventing athletes to perform in an intense and competitive environment as they look ahead to a very important 2021 season.”

“We are thrilled to announce our support of the Tryon International Three-Day Event and 2020 USEF Eventing CCI4*-L National Championships, which is the only CCI4*-L on the East Coast this year, and a key event for many of our country’s most talented athletes,” said Bridgett McIntosh, Director of MARS Equestrian. “MARS Equestrian and our affiliated brands are committed to ensuring the success of equestrian sport here in the United States and are proud to partner with US Equestrian and TIEC on what is sure to be a fantastic event in just a few weeks’ time.”

“We are honored to host this prestigious eventing competition at Tryon. Along with our partners MARS Equestrian and US Equestrian, we are dedicated to producing world-class equestrian sport safely during these uncertain times,” said Sharon Decker, President of Tryon Equestrian Properties, Carolinas Operations. “We look forward to bringing the Tryon International Three-Day Event to life at our venue.”

Spectators will not be allowed on-site due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the MARS Equestrian Tryon International Three-Day Event and 2020 Buckeye Nutrition/USEF Eventing CCI4*-L National Championship will be live streamed on USEF Network. The Tryon International Three-Day Event will begin on Thursday, November 12 and conclude on Sunday, November 15. For more information, please visit www.tryon.com.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Nov 3, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo by Jordan Ballenger.

It’s pretty special for anyone to ride a top level event horse, but especially for 4-year-old Charlie who had a lesson on the much beloved Jollybo the morning after the mare completed the Galway Downs’ CCI4*-L. That’s a mare worth her weight in gold!

Photo by Jordan Ballenger.

National Holiday: U.S. Election Day

Events Closing This Week: Grand Oaks H.T., Southern Arizona H.T.

Tuesday News:

We are thrilled to share that the Tryon CCI4*-L will be lived streamed — praise eventing Jesus! Held November 12-15, this will be the MARS Equestrian/USEF CCI4*-L National Championship. Click here for information on how to watch.

Science Supplements USA and FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips want to know how COVID-19 has affected your life with horses. This five-minute survey will help Dr. David Marlin and his team greatly. Open to U.S. and Canadian horse owners. [Effect of Coronavirus Pandemic on Horses and Horse Owners October 2020 USA & CANADA]

Fabulous Freebie! Our friends at SmartPak are giving away two turnout blankets this week. [SmartPak’s Ultimate Blanketing & Clipping Giveaway: Week 4]

Tuesday Video: Catching up with Rick Wallace and Jon Holling.

Monday Video: Three Events, One Grand Slam: Two Victorious Riders Share Their Memories

By on Nov 2, 2020 4:30 pm -

It’s hard to win one five-star, but three? And win them consecutively? It sounds quite impossible, really, but that’s all part of the fun and the challenge of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

In order to win the Gram Slam a rider must win the Kentucky Three-Day Event, Badminton Horse Trials, and Burghley Horse Trials all within a year. Since the inception of the Grand Slam in 1999, only two riders have managed the astonishing feat: Pippa Funnel in 2003 and Michael Jung in 2016.

What does it take to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing? Aside from, you know, some pretty incredible equine partners of course. Hear it straight from the horse’s — erm, riders’ — mouths in this video.

Jock Paget Takes the Reins of New Zealand High Performance

By on Nov 2, 2020 3:00 pm -

Jock Paget and Clifton Lush at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Photo by Jenni Autry.

London Olympian and Equestrian Sports New Zealand performance leader Jock Paget has been appointed as the new high performance general manager.

The Taupo-based eventer who moved home from the United Kingdom four years ago is looking forward to what he is describing as an “exciting challenge and massive opportunity” to take up the role which will lead the equestrian high performance programme for ESNZ – a position formerly known as the high performance director.

“I always need a challenge,” says Jock who, while a late starter to the world of eventing, has ridden at the highest level, as part of the bronze medal-winning team at the London Olympic Games, won Badminton, and also represented New Zealand at World Equestrian Games. “Since I have been in the performance leader role, I have always gravitated toward programme development and always wanted to spend more time on that. I love coaching, horses and the whole environment that comes with that but what really gets me going is the strategic side of how the programme works and the thinking behind what delivers those performance outcomes.”

ESNZ chief executive Dana Kirkpatrick said the sport was excited to have Jock in the role particularly as he brings such a depth of experience. “He is an athlete, a successful Olympian, a considered and intelligent thinker and is well respected by his colleagues and peers. Jock has been through the High Performance Sport New Zealand Coach Accelerator Programme and has benefitted from great support by HPSNZ, ESNZ and his peers to lead the high performance programme into the postponed Tokyo Olympics, the 2022 World Equestrian Games and then the 2024 Paris Olympics.”

She said the tight timeframe of three pinnacle events in the next few years was challenging but the wider high performance support team was more than able to deliver great results for the sport and New Zealand as a whole.

It wasn’t long after finishing seventh at the 2010 Kentucky Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games that Jock was identified by ESNZ as a potential coach and leader in the sport, bringing with it new opportunities.

“They effectively said here is someone we think has an exciting future in the sport, let’s develop him.” He would head home annually to coach and was mentored by HPSNZ’s Lyn Gunson who he credits “hands down” as the biggest influence on his coaching and leadership development. His involvement in the CAP Programme was life-changing and now all of that work and investment is coming home to roost. “I am just incredibly grateful to ESNZ and HPSNZ for providing me with these opportunities for development and delivering great programmes to enable me to apply for this role.

Jock Paget and Clifton Promise. Photo by Nico Morgan Photography.

“I pride myself in being able to figure things out,” says Jock. “I bring to the team very solid contextual experience at many levels. I have experience in the industry as a developing rider, high performance rider, team member, coach and for the past two years as performance programme leader. There is a lot more to the role than that experience, but it certainly helps and I am grateful to have such an experienced team of riders, coaches, staff and supporters who all make this sport what it is.”

Key relationships, and the new ones he is looking to build with the other disciplines, will be key to success going forward. “I need to get across all the disciplines and that’s exciting because I think there will be a lot to learn from them and we can all learn a lot from each other. I am very keen to collaborate with them. I need to understand the challenges and opportunities they have. I have been so focused on eventing for so long, so it’s exciting to learn about the others.”

He has no plans initially to make any big changes but says it is important to always be understanding of what is needed for the athletes and disciplines so the capability can be built around it. “Figure it out, build it and make sure it meets the performance requirement.”

Moving back to New Zealand four years ago meant his horsepower team shrunk from 15 to just two. “My riding has not been the priority – my ESNZ role has been. I have two nice horses at 3* and 4*and while I enjoy riding, it doesn’t get as much time as it probably should.”
He has plenty of fond memories to look back on though – and he admits it is very hard to pick just one. “I have been so incredibly lucky with so many awesome highlights. You can’t go past winning Badminton by .3 – that was fun.”

Another highlight was joining the riders he had been working with as a coach to form the winning team at the Melbourne Three Day Event, with the Kiwis taking both the senior trans-Tasman crown and Jock the individual. “It was a weird and interesting experience that brought with it pressure I hadn’t really had before – I did enjoy that. I had been working hard to build those relationships with the riders and other coaches, so it came at a perfect time and really accelerated things for us.”

Jock and his wife Tegan live near Taupo with their boys Max and Billy.

Product Review: Piper Down Vest by SmartPak

By on Nov 2, 2020 12:00 pm -

Style, warmth and practicality. What more could you want in fall gear? SmartPak has an incredible variety of new layering apparel that is perfect for colder weather. 

It’s always a good day when you come home to find this on your front porch:

Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan

It’s an even better day when it’s actually something for you and not your horse (I mean, how often does that happen?). So I was pretty thrilled to find the Piper Down Vest by SmartPak in the box. When I took the vest out of the box, I was pleased with the quality and weight. SmartPak boasts that the vest is lightweight and warm (that’s the benefit of down, right?) while still water resistant. My first impression: they were right.

This photo was taken in a lot of light, so the vest appears to have a much more intense sheen than it does in person (see subsequent photos for more the more true-to-life look). Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.

I immediately was impressed by the water-resistant material, flattering pattern and color. I ordered the dark olive and was pleased with the result. I also have weird hangups about wearing navy with black and black with navy or brown, so this seemed like the most neutral and versatile color I could get. I wasn’t disappointed. The vest also comes in black, cobalt and plaid. I 100% would be lying if I didn’t say that I am tempted to order this in at least one of the other colors, but I also am a sucker for vests and down, so this is right up my alley.

The Piper Down Vest is a great addition to anyone’s casual autumn wardrobe as the cut is complimentary, so it works well as the only piece of outerwear on those cool-but-not-yet-freezing fall days. It also runs true to size. I am 5’9″ with an athletic build and slightly longer torso, so I often have trouble with fit when it comes to both the length of garments and mobility around the shoulders. I ordered the vest in a large, and was pleased with the fit. The cut and quilting keep it looking good, but it was still loose enough to allow for full movement and it’s not too short.

I absolutely wear this in normal life and not just at the barn. Photo by C.J. Sloan

It’s also warm and low-profile enough to use as a layering piece under a more substantial jacket on colder days. I’ve worn it under both larger barn jackets and thin softshells as a way to add some heat to my core, and I haven’t been disappointed with the results.

The Piper Down Vest meets the criteria of both form and function. In addition to being stylish, the vest has some great features that make it stand out from other vests I have owned. First, most of the material is slick enough that horse hair doesn’t stick. That’s a major bonus for equestrians. However, it its fleece-lined collar and pockets still keep you cozy.

Photo by C.J. Sloan

It’s also designed with riders in mind (after all, SmartPak gets us because they are us), so it has a drop tail hem that offers additional coverage for when you’re riding.

Photo by C.J. Sloan

I’ve washed the vest twice since I’ve had it. Let me be clear: I am not a delicates type of laundress. I wash my clothes on hot and heavy soil and then dry them in the dryer because, well, that’s just how I roll. Also, I feel like I get my clothes really dirty and it makes me feel like I am sanitizing them if I do it that way (don’t disabuse me of this notion — I control what I think I can, y’all). To be fair, I do dry my clothes on permanent press because I have some distorted notion that this balances out the hot water I use to wash. Despite my rough laundering methods that blatantly violate the washing instructions on the vest, it came out of the dryer looking good as new each time.

Disclaimer: The vest directs the user to machine wash on cold with like colors and to tumble dry low. For best results, do that, not what I do.

Overall, if you’re looking for a warm mid-layer for the barn or a stylish piece to wear while out and about, the Piper Down Vest is a great piece to complement your wardrobe. You can purchase the Piper Down Vest by SmartPak here!

Weekend Winners: Galway Downs, Rocking Horse, Virginia

By on Nov 2, 2020 9:00 am -

Charlotte Babbitt and 2 A.M. accept their trappings for a great weekend in the CCI3*L at Galway Downs. Photo by MGO Photography.

Eventing is in its wind down stages ahead of the coming winter, but not before a few last weekends of competition draw to a close.

We had some stiff competition for this week’s Unofficial Low Score Award. In fact, we saw three dressage scores in the teens at Galway Downs – let’s take a moment to congratulate:

Josey Thompson and Pistol Annie – 18.9 dressage in the Open Preliminary
Farina Rowland and Channing Tatum – 18.3 dressage in the Open Training
Asia Vedder and Get Cheeky – 16.4 dressage in the Open Beginner Novice

Josey Thompson and Pistol Annie take home our lowest finishing score this weekend, ending the weekend on their dressage score to win the Open Preliminary division. Check out their lovely test:

Josey and Pistol Annie have been partnered together for eight years, and this weekend comes as a personal best for them at the level. Congratulations!

Galway Downs International: [Final Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

CCI4*L: Boyd Martin and Luke 140 (31.0)
CCI3*L: Tamie Smith and Elliot-V (30.2)
CCI2*L: Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill (27.2)
Open Preliminary: Josey Thompson and Pistol Annie (18.9)
Preliminary Rider: Haley Dwight and WS Radagast (33.0)
Jr. Training Rider: Brooklyn Reis and FE Nikki Beach (33.3)
Modified – Training Challenge: Karen O’Neal and Cafe Noir (22.1)
Open Training: Farina Rowland and Channing Tatum (26.3)
Sr. Training Rider: Becky Leisz and Gangster (26.9)
Training Amateur: Dana Todd and MMS Amadeus (29.8)
Jr. Novice Rider: Mia Brown and Duke HW (29.0)
Novice Amateur: Bari Boersma and Chatta Choo Choo (27.4)
Novice Horse: Jennifer Wooten-Macouzet and Re Del Costello (30.9)
Open Novice: Jorden Linstedt and Lovely Lola (24.1)
Sr. Novice Rider: Anne Johnson and Grandios Sky (25.5)
Training – Novice Challenge: Jennifer McFall and Hallelujah DF (31.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Olivia Keye and Oso Mighty (24.4)
Novice – Beginner Novice Challenge: Erin Kellerhouse and Sonata GWF (25.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Bari Boersma and Smarty Pants GWF (20.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Stefanie Gladen and Columbus (30.3)

Another CCI **** in the books. Singapore really stepped it up this week. Getting to spend a week with just him really…

Posted by World Class Grooming for Horses on Sunday, November 1, 2020

Two new CCI3*-L National Champions were crowned yesterday 👑 at Galway Downs! Congratulations to Tamie Smith and Charlotte Babbitt! Watch what you missed on-demand on USEF Network!

📷 Kim Miller

Posted by USA Eventing on Sunday, November 1, 2020

Rocking Horse Fall H.T.: [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate A: Jennie Jarnstrom and Calicia Z (30.7)
Open Intermediate B: Ashlynn Meuchel and Emporium (33.7)
Open Preliminary A: Briggs Surratt and Corture (26.7)
Open Preliminary B: Sinead Maynard and VC Attila D’Allou (26.9)
Preliminary Rider: Rylee Gailey and Dukes Up (27.3)
Open Training: Mia Farley and Northern Victory (19.6)
Preliminary/Training: Svenja Adriance and Grand Ann-Ticipation (28.3)
Training Rider: Heather Thomas and Famos 71 (29.3)
Novice Rider: Alison Jones and Platinum Perfection (25.7)
Open Novice: Zoe Crawford and Wise Sevillano (24.3)
Beginner Novice Rider: Krista Wilson and Stella (23.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Ronald Zabala-Goetschel and Wise Pirello (25.3)

Virginia H.T. and YEH East Coast Championships: [Final HT Scores] [Final YEH Scores]

YEH 5 Year Old Championship A: Caroline Martin and Redfield King (93.52)
YEH 5 Year Old Championship B: Caroline Martin and Redfield Galway Blake (91.47)
YEH 4 Year Old Championship: Caroline Martin and Redfield HSH Conner (89.37)
CCI3*L: Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z (31.4)
CCI3*S: Allison Springer and Crystal Crescent Moon (38.8)
CCI2*L: Caroline Martin and QC Diablo Hit (33.8)
CCI2*S: Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo (30.1)
CCI1*L: Hannah Warner and Drombane Dynamite (30.9)
Advanced Intermediate A: Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way (37.1)
Open Intermediate: Tim Bourke and Lennard (37.1)
Jr/YR Preliminary: Maddie McElduff and Cambalda (31.5)
Modified A: Kelly Ransom and Heart of Hollywood (30.0)
Modified B: Amanda Beale Clement and Fernhill Finesse (30.1)
Open Preliminary: Hannah Sue Burnett and Lukeswell (22.6)
Preliminary Rider: Alayna Newsome and Isobel’s Hero (43.7)
Jr. Training: Audrey Ogan and Second Amendment (23.6)
Open Training A: Laine Ashker and Celestial Bliss (31.8)
Open Training B: Kimberly Keeton and Amarula (28.9)
Training Rider: Natalie Miller Epstein and Fanta (33.4)
Jr. Novice: Elle Stephenson and VS McCuan Civil Liberty (31.2)
Novice Horse: Leslie Lamb and Castella MVF (23.6)
Novice Rider: Kai Bradley and Diamonds Forever (28.1)
Open Novice: Daryl Kinney and BEC Valencia (28.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Ann Schliemann and Salt Air Swagger (37.8)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Madison Springle and Andante (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice A: Caitlin Reamy and My Sunday Best (31.0)
Open Beginner Novice B: Sara Schulman and Cooley Chromatic (21.5)
Starter: Mark Combs and Santi (27.3)

It was a big weekend for Caroline Martin at Virginia Horse Trials, where she took home four championship wins. Caroline swept the Young Event Horse East Coast Championship divisions – some of which were split up due to weather delays – as well as the CCI2*L Championship aboard her own QC Diablo Hit.

“Diablo” is a horse that originally came into Caroline’s program to be sold. Caroline recently hung her own shingle, which has quickly established itself as a quality producer of top tier sales horses.

“He’s such a funny horse. You can’t put any other riders on him. Even if I’m gone, he goes lunging. He doesn’t like other people. He’s a one-person horse,” Caroline said of Diablo.

Caroline produced Diablo to Preliminary and sold him, but he soon came back when the buyer changed their mind. “I called (his owner at the time Carol Stephens) and said ‘I think it’s meant to be,’” Martin said. “I’ll take the horse back, let me produce him, I’ll own him and keep you updated about how he is. So, I own him now, and he’s been nothing but a pleasure to ride. I knew he was legit since day one.”

You can read the full recap on a busy weekend at Virginia Horse Trials here.

What an end to an incredible week. To take home 4 Championships is unreal. I always knew these horses were special….

Posted by Caroline Martin Eventing on Sunday, November 1, 2020