Classic Eventing Nation

Three Babes Horses We’re Eyeing in This Weekend’s A.D. Auction

By on Sep 10, 2020 3:00 pm -

The AD Auction countdown has started. Tomorrow at 6 p.m. (european time) the auction for the 20 horses in the catalog will open. From September 11 to September 14 on www.theadauction.com Cooley Farm, Wrenwood Stables and Babes Horses will kick off the first edition of The AD Auction with the Celtic Collection. This exclusive online auction brings together show jumping and eventing horses and American hunters from two Irish stables and one Scottish stable of ages 0 to 7 years. They have top-level pedigrees with very important mare lines that have produced several international 160 jumpers. You can read more information about the AD Auction and its innovative virtual format in our coverage here. 

North Star Nisty Blue (Nistria x Zirraco Blue). Photo courtesy of The A.D. Auction.

Let’s learn more about the Babes family breeding and sales operation:

The Babes family has been breeding and dealing high quality horses for over thirty years, from world-class horses to ponies. Babes Horses was established with the aim of breeding and selling top level horses that can take their riders to the top of international rankings. To do so, they have set up a breeding program based on the use of the best bloodlines in the world. For The AD Auction, they are presenting seven top horses.

“I have been involved with horses all of my life. I was brought up in a riding school. I started competing at a young age and have always had a passion for show jumping”, explains George Babes, founder and owner of Babes Horses. “My wife Muriel was a very successful show jumper and subsequently we started our business together in 1985. We have as a family produced many top-class horses and ponies, many of whom have went on to be European medalists. The team gold medalist pony Dollar Girl ridden by our son Graham Babes in 2011. The individual gold medal winner Cassandra Van Het Roelhof, ridden by Ireland’s Harry Allen in 2017. 2018’s Young Rider team silver medalist Boucheron with Graham Babes. Eccosse, bred and produced by us to 5* International level. These are just a few on an endless line of championship winning equines that have been produced by my family”.

“Our goal as a professional show jumping and breeding yard is to produce top class horses worthy of carrying riders from all over the world to international success. We have established a breeding program based on using the worlds best bloodlines. Diamant De Semilly, Cornet Obolensky, Chacco Blue, Baloubet Du Rouet etc all feature in our youngstock. We have bred three wonderful four year old stallions from the exceptional mare Golden Du Maurai, who has already given five international show jumpers, three of them competing at 1.60 level. We are extremely excited about these young stallions, by the outstanding Diamant De Semilly. Utilising these bloodlines with careful selection provides us with top quality offspring. All with type, scope, carefulness and bravery, all of which we need in international winning horses. For the Celtic Collection, we are very proud to present seven carefully selected horses with these characteristics, ranging from foals, yearlings, two-year-olds and three-year-olds.”

The youngest of the lot, North Star Nisty Blue is an absolute eyecatcher. She was born in April and is by European Champion Zirocco Blue and Nistria (Zamiro). Nistria has competed up to 1.40 level in international competitions. Nisty Blue has a fabulous character, with amazing movement and top-quality model.

Quatro, a well grown gelding “has the heart of a lion and the grace of a swan”. Just broken, he is showing top class paces, carefulness and scope. Without a doubt, he is destined to be a world class event horse.

Another horse to watch among those presented by Babes Horses is for sure Philo. This stunning yearling colt is by Balou du Rouet and his mother, Ma Fleur JS has competed so far to 1.45 level as a seven-year-old. She was the National 5 year old champion, also winning many international classes, including spring 6 year old Grand Prix in Bonheiden, both summer and winter 6 years old Grand Prix’s in Sentower Park and many more victories all across Europe, culminating in her finishing her 6 year old year in 2nd place on the FEI world ranking list.

Along with providing this exceptional colt in the same year. Ma Fleur is a daughter of Emerald and from a Cassini II dam. She is now competing very successfully in Young Riders classes. Surely Philo will be as successful as his forefathers and make his future owner very proud.

To find out more about the horses presented by Babes Horses in the Celtic Collection of The AD Auction: www.theadauction.com

From September 11 to September 14 on www.theadauction.com the innovative online auction “The Alex Delazer Auction” will launch its first edition. The Celtic Collection is a unique opportunity to enter the stables of Cooley Farm, Wrenwood Stables and Babes Horses, who will present 20 horses in the showjumping, eventing and American hunting disciplines.

Don’t Let 2020 Break Your Spirit

By on Sep 10, 2020 1:00 pm -

Amber Luce and Theodore. Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake.

There will always be someone better, a horse that has more scope, a rider that is more brave, or someone that has more backing. It’s never going to be about the race that pushes you to greatness. It will always be about the steps that get you there and the steps you take even when times are hard.

In 2019 a snowboarding accident put me in a wheelchair. I sustained injuries consisting of two blown ACLs, two fractured tibial plateaus, two dislocated feet with multiple bone fractures within the feet and damage to many of the joints within the foot. I had several pins and plates put into my feet, my ACLs were sewn back together and my tibias were reattached to the plateaus. I was in casts nearly the entire length of my legs and I could hardly move.

I lost half of my barn; each client left for their own reasons, but they all left within just a few weeks to a few months of my accident. Everyone in this horse world who is a trainer knows we give our hearts and souls to our clients, but some clients come and go. Some stay loyal to a fault. The injuries I sustained were very severe, with 14 hours in surgery just to repair my feet. It was unknown whether or not I would be in a wheelchair the rest of my life.

I can understand why many of my boarders, clients, and employees decided it was time to go.

Photo courtesy of Amber Luce.

I’m in this industry through thick and thin; helping horses and their humans is my passion. I own and operate a 40-stall barn with a very large beginner friendly school program with three instructors in total, 15 school horses, and five of my own. In 2017 I became an active member of USEA, and in 2018 I qualified for regionals at Training level aboard Theodore (Teddi) and completed three Beginner Novice events on my other horse Charlie. In 2018 I also qualified for the AECs, 2019 my accident kept me down, and in 2020, thinking my career in eventing might be over, I became an active competitor in the USDF earning my two Third level qualifying scores in hopes of getting my bronze medal this year.

However the start of 2020 had other plans. The majority of the shows have been at a stand still so my push for the bronze medal will need wait. Covid-19 put a stop to everything. Teddi and I were able to complete our Third level scores before shows shut down, but still need our Second level and First level for the medal.

2020 has not been a very forgiving year, with lessons canceled due to Covid-19, show season nearly non-existent, employees being scarce due to high unemployment payouts and business closures due to rules and regulations under the Covid-19 laws. I’m fortunate for the half of the barn that stayed during my down time, the clients who waited patiently for me to heal and start back into their weekly riding lessons. The clients who purchased horses of their own so they could continue on a greater horse adventure. The friends who helped me recover. The few incredible people including my assistant instructor/barn manager, working student, best friends, farriers, and my parents all steam rolling ahead to take on all of the barn tasks and help keep things afloat while I was unable to walk in 2019. Now facing 2020 another uphill battle and my team of support and myself still are yet to give up.

I am still regaining my ability to walk. Some days I really struggle and have a lot of pain, some days I feel good and think maybe I can run or walk fast again, maybe even clean stalls and carry grain bags, but the good days are far and few. I stay strong mentally and battle any negative thoughts. I do my best to ride my young horses, keep my clients horses going, teach lessons, and slowly repair the rips and tears of 2019.

Despite the huge physical set backs, and only one year out of a wheelchair, I press forward. This September, Theodore and I were able to drop back into the event world.

In winter of 2018, Theodore also had surgery and spent 2019 recovering and rebuilding his strength and stamina. To say we’re a team is an understatement.

Theodore is a very picky Trakehner gelding who is a bit quirky. In 2015 he was a gift of a lifetime. Theodore was diagnosed with kissing spines that should have retired him in 2013. In 2015, his owner and a few friends of mine helped make him my own. I took him in and continued to get him healthy. After lots of time building his back muscle and slowly developing him a bit differently, we made our way as a team into the event world.

Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake.

After a fabulous 2018 show season, Teddi had a bone chip removed and was on the mend just as I was. At the start of Teddi’s rehab I had tremendous help from a friend who boards at my barn. After months of her hand walking him, Teddi was given the go ahead from our vet to start back in the tack. I was also given permission to try standing and start walking if I could. It has been a long slow road just to get this far.

Teddi and I took lessons with a long standing mentor of mine, Caryn Bujnowski, who helped build our confidence back. I would haul in for lessons, bareback, as I couldn’t yet get my foot in a riding boot let alone a stirrup. She helped me overcome my fear of just riding. My body had taken over my mind. Where I never use to have fear, all of a sudden fear was there. I would shake just sitting on a horse.

Later I learned that my fear stemmed from my lack of ability to dismount. Still to this day I need to use a block or help to guide myself off the back of a horse. Even through the endless shaking and fear, Teddi and I moved onward. We attended a dressage clinic, trail rode, occasionally jumped over a few fences. It wasn’t until end of spring 2020 that I started asking more from both of us.

In April of this year, I was able to put weight in the stirrups and had enough mobility in my feet to try jumping. At the end of May we went cross country schooling for the first time back since championships in 2018. It was terrifying and wonderful. Teddi is a very looky, spooky horse and he has always received confidence and reassurance from me over the fences. With my accident and still having a touch of fear, I needed him to help me out.

Starting our journey over the next three months leading up to the show, Teddi had a LOT of refusals. My fault mostly for not having the confidence he needed from me as his partner, and I was still figuring out how to use these silly legs of mine that have severe nerve damage and lack of strength. By August, Teddi’s confidence was coming back and his stride was opening up. I was feeling more secure in the tack and knew there were hopes of running at an event once again.

Teddi and I were able to build our strength together and now are back out there doing our best. This horse gives me his heart, body, and mind. When we would finish our rides each and every time he would hold his neck tight for me and slowly lower me to the ground so I could dismount. As I would sit down holding the reins he always puts his head in my chest or lap and waits for his kiss and scratch. He’s a one of a kind and he’s my buddy.

Photo courtesy of Cortney Drake.

This late into 2020 an event here in Washington opened up. I signed up for Training level in the Open division and I asked a few close friends to help as my support crew for our first event back.

I’m still struggling with walking and I wasn’t sure how my feet or knees were going to hold up around the cross country course. I asked my support crew to be strategically placed in case I needed to retire on course. If I needed help getting off or if something went wrong their assistance would be helpful since they knew my injuries and knew of my situation.

Heading into warm up Theodore came to life. I could feel him take on a different shape and he knew all the things we had done in the months prior finally made sense. He was back out ready to give his very best in all of his efforts. At the start box he was jigging and extremely excited, the count down began and we left the start gate.

His gallop was fast, his balance was quick, and his jump was powerful. Fence number 4AB was an up bank to a down bank, four strides to a roll top.

This is where I knew I would be tested, the joints in my feet don’t flex well and my knees move different now. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to land off the combo and secure my leg to fence five. Teddi was on fire, coming into five he and I had a little scramble and I slipped onto his neck. I could feel him hold his neck tight like he use to for me, and for that I was able to get back in the tack.

The rest of the course was brilliant. Teddi was so incredibly happy to be back out galloping and jumping. I was just happy to be able to ride. We crossed the finish line one second over on time I found out later. I hadn’t tracked the time on my watch, I didn’t need to know the time. I wanted to be out there with my buddy enjoying the sport, loving the life I get to live. Enjoying the recovery him and I made together.

We completed!

There are ups and downs all around each of our lives. There are moments of greatness, times that life challenges our weaknesses and one of the gifts about life, is that we never have to give up. Each person can push forward, there will always be something that makes things feel like they can’t go on, but it just takes a small step at a time in the right direction to eventually get where you really want to go.

Volunteer Nation: 9 Events That Need Your Help This Weekend

By on Sep 10, 2020 11:00 am -

You never know who might be watching the next time you’re out on a cross country course. Take this example, captured by Amy Dragoo at the Fair Hill Starter Trials last weekend – none other than Tim Gardner, a longtime supporter of the sport as an owner, breeder, and volunteer along with his wife Nina. Thank you for all you do, Tim and Nina! Our sport is better because of you.

If you’d like to get out and help this weekend, there are plenty of positions still available at the events listed below. Happy volunteering!

We’ve compiled some resources on volunteering with COVID-19 regulations in mind. We’ll reference this list each week in Volunteer Nation, so take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what’s new and different.

COVID-19 Resources for Eventers
Volunteers Adapt to the New Normal
Volunteers Weigh In on New COVID-19 Protocols

As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.

Event: Blue Ridge Mountain H.T.
Dates: Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13
Address: 4066 Pea Ridge Road, Mill Spring, NC, 28756
Positions Available: Dressage Ring Steward, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Warm-up, Sector Steward, XC Crossing Marshal, XC Jump Judge, Dressage In-Gate, Dressage Lead, Hospitality Assistant, Volunteer Check In, SJ Scribe, SJ Warm-up, XC Crossing Marshal, XC Jump Videographer, XC Warm-up, SJ Timer

Event: CDCTA Fall H.T.
Dates: Saturday, September 12 through Sunday, September 13
Address: 927 Kimble Rd, Berryville , VA, 22611
Positions Available: General Event Prep, XC Jump Judge, Temperature/Waiver Checker, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Florida Horse Park Ocala Eventing Series September H.T.
Dates: Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13
Address: 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala, FL, 34480
Positions Available: XC Decorator, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Check-in, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, XC Start Timer, XC Warm-up

Event: Flying Cross Farm H.T.
Dates: Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13
Address: 9500 West Hwy 42 , Goshen, KY, 40026
Positions Available: Safety Assistant, Event Takedown – SJ, SJ Jump Crew, General Help

Event: GMHA September H.T.
Dates: Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13
Address: 5491 South Road, South Woodstock, VT, 05071
Positions Available: Parking Steward, Dressage Steward, Score Runner, SJ Warm-up, XC Jump Judge

Event: Otter Creek Fall H.T.
Dates: Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13
Address: E5847 1170th Ave, Wheeler, WI, 54772
Positions Available: SJ Jump Crew, XC Jump Judge, SJ Warm-up

Event: The Fall Event at Skyline H.T.
Dates: Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13
Address: 995 W 1000 S, Mount Pleasant, UT, 84647
Positions Available: Event Prep – Dressage, Volunteer Check-In & Information, Dressage Announcer, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage In Gate, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Event Takedown – Dressage, Office Help, XC Jump Judge, Event Prep – SJ, Event Takedown – SJ, SJ In Gate, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe, SJ Timer, SJ Warm-up

Event: Stone Gate Farm H.T.
Dates: Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13
Address: 31407 Schneider Rd, Hanoverton, OH, 44423
Positions Available: General Event Prep, XC Decorator, Greeter, FEH Scorer, XC Jump Judge, XC Starter Scribe, XC Warm-up, Floater, Health Steward, SJ Out Gate, Scorers

Other Events That Need Volunteers:

9/12 & 9/13 volunteers for dressage, show jumping and cross country… time to show yourselves!!!

Posted by Flora Lea Farm LLC on Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Eventers Rarin’ to Go for The West’s First COVID-era FEI Competition

By on Sep 10, 2020 9:00 am -

Andrea Baxter and Laguna Seca. Photo by Kim Miller.

After a long delay, the international eventing season roars back to life on the West Coast with the Twin Rivers Fall International Sept. 17-20 in Coastal Central California’s Paso Robles.

The region’s many upper level riders are excited to get back in the hunt for FEI qualifying scores and pairs of all levels are hot to strut their stuff. The competition will also host Advanced through Intro and Future Event Horse and Young Event Horse levels.

Having undergone intensified upgrades before what would have been the inaugural Spring International CCI4*-L in April, the Baxter family’s beautiful, 500-acre venue is readier than ever to welcome competitors from far and wide.

Before COVID-19 shut the country down in early March, exhibitors at the Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials in late February glimpsed some of those upgrades. Highlights include new Advanced to Preliminary courses designed by Hugh Lochore and brought to life by the Baxters’ earth-moving miracles. There’s the Quarry, the Flyover, Jeff’s Hot Tub and the Palm Tree and Twin Ponds water complexes, plus other new adventures spread over varied terrain. New frangible table fences, compliments of the of USEA Foundation grants for this purpose, are another addition.

Lochore, of Great Britain, is also designing the Advanced to Preliminary tracks for September while Adri Doyle of Texas is handling the Intro through Training routes. Jose Nava of California is on design duty in the show jumping arena surrounded by picturesque vineyards in the heart of Central California wine country.

The September International offer qualifiers for the USEA Future Event Horse West Coast Championships and The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse West Coast Championships. This special showcase for young horses will be hosted by Twin Rivers on Oct. 23-24. An unrated one-day event is slated for Sunday, Oct. 24, and a new, rated Horse Trials is pending approval on Nov. 13-15.

New Ways To Shine

The smooth running of Twin Rivers’ Summer Horse Trials in July demonstrated the dedication of all involved to complying with the new normal of wearing facemasks while unmounted, maintaining social distancing and other safety measures.

Twin Rivers is owned by the Baxter family and operated with the attitude that all exhibitors, organizers, officials and volunteers are part of that family. In “normal” times, the attitude manifests at the friendly Twin Rivers bar and gathering area in the middle of the property. In these not-so-normal times, it manifests as extreme care toward keeping everyone safe, happy and able to continue pursuing their passion for equestrian sports.

“Our staff, officials, exhibitors and volunteers all have the same priority,” says organizer Connie Baxter. “We want to enjoy our horses, our friends and our sport and do everything possible to keep everybody safe. It is a pleasure to welcome all back to our property and to have them join in our efforts to host world class equestrian competition.”

In March, the Twin Rivers team earned high praise from visiting Erik Duvander, US Eventing Performance Director. “Every time I come to Twin Rivers, I’m noticing the amount of work. They are constantly upping the game here.” That has continued during the coronavirus lull in competition, benefitting all West Coast exhibitors.

Although USEF and local COVID-prevention safety protocols bar spectators from attending, Ride On Video will live stream throughout the weekend. Livestream sponsorships are available for coverage that will be widely seen by those interested in how horse/riders pairs out West are performing after the long break.

As part of the Twin Rivers Ranch season, The Fall International is made possible by generous sponsors: Presenting sponsors include Professional’s Choice, manufacturers of sports medicine boots for equine athletes; Auburn Labs, manufacturers of the adaptogenic APF Formula for horses, people and dogs; Ride On Video, horse trials videographer; and Get Away RV Rentals, the Central Coast’s preferred RV rental service thanks to its personalized care, service and high quality fleet.

Supporting sponsors include Riding Warehouse, the horse gear and apparel supplier; and Best Western PLUS Black Oak, which offers exclusive discounts for exhibitors.

For additional sponsorship opportunities, contact Christina Gray of Gray Area Events at [email protected].

Volunteers Get Front Row Seats!

Volunteers are critical to the Fall International’s success and the experience is a great entrée to the sport, even for those without prior experience. Hours equal credit toward schooling at Twin Rivers or Horse Trials entries, and inclusion in year-end volunteer raffle and prize pack drawings.

To sign-up, visit EventingVolunteers.com.

Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

By on Sep 10, 2020 12:03 am -

An old man teaching a young whippersnapper. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Yesterday I used my most experienced 19-year-old champion, Nyls, to help me teach a young gelding about adventures. I’m so lucky to have literally thousands of acres to use for my hacking, and rivers, dirt roads, cows, people on bikes, dogs, and all sorts of other stuff for them to learn about. A great way to get going with that is ponying, so after a few lessons on ground work with a rope halter, off we went! I took them across the river and around one very large field, and the baby horse had his mind blown, but was very brave!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Blue Ridge Mountain H.T. at TIEC: [Website][Entries] [Ride Times]

CDCTA Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entries]

Flora Lea Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entries]

Flying Cross Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entries]

GMHA Summer H.T.: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times]

Ocala Summer H.T.: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times]

Otter Creek Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entries]

The Event at Skyline: [Website] [Entries]

Stone Gate Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entries]

News From Around the Globe:

Deonte Sewell just landed a job at Phillip Dutton’s barn, and he’s ready to show the world just how far he can go. Just a few years ago, Deonte didn’t even know that black riders could be upper level eventers, until he saw Randy Ward competing at Fair Hill. After that, he decided to give his dreams of the Olympics in this sport free rein. His story is nothing short of inspiring. [Pursuing Greater Representation in Eventing]

Karen O’Connor, the legend, the myth, the woman. Thoughts and reflections on a storied career, how she got her start, the struggles of breaking into the elite group of competitors in the early ages of Eventing, and her regrets from a life heartily lived. [KOC: Reflections & Regrets of an Eventing Superstar]

With so many events cancelled this year, it’s nice to see that the Waredaca Three Day Event is still on the calendar. One of the last remaining long format competitions, they boast Preliminary, Training, and Novice three day events with all the old bells and whistles. Along with tons of education along the way, you’ll get to experience roads and tracks, and steeplechase, finally! Conditioning for this competition is different though, and you’ll need to plan accordingly if you want to go. [Training Tips for a Long Format Event]

Would you like to get your hands on Amerigo’s new safety stirrups? Our friends at World Equestrian Brands are giving a pair away FREE. The best part? They come in an array of colors, perfect for eventers. The raffle ends Friday, September 11th at midnight. [Fab Freebie: Win a Pair of Amerigo’s New Safety Stirrups]

In times like these, it’s good to know that there is certainty somewhere. You’ll never have to worry about protecting your horse with Taylor Harris Insurance Services on your side. They take care of many of the top level event horses you see galloping around cross country, and they know exactly how to soothe your fears when it comes to protecting your best friend. [Request a Quote]

 

I love a good inside tour!

 

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Ride for the Win with Lainey Ashker

By on Sep 9, 2020 5:00 pm -

 

Sometimes I like to use helmet cam videos as an educational tool, sharpening my eye and testing my ability to spot a stride through the grainy ebb of a little rectangle on my screen. Sometimes I like to use them for entertainment and a bit of feel-good inspiration. And sometimes, every once in a great while, I get very lucky indeed and find a video that serves both purposes admirably. More often than not, they seem to come from the camera of Lainey Ashker.

Lainey’s helmet cams are a firm favourite because not only does she get an awful lot right, she’s also incredibly positive and effusive as she goes round, heartily praising her horses for everything they get right, from being brave at a spooky BN fence to bossing a tough combination on an FEI course.

Today’s video is an extra treat, as it features the much-loved Call Him Paddy on his way to winning the Open Intermediate at Five Points Horse Trials over the weekend. We’re delighted to see him on top form ahead of his three-star run at Unionville — and it’s evident from watching the video that Lainey’s pretty pleased, too.

A disclaimer: sometimes, your horse gives you SUCH a super feeling over a fence that a cheeky little F-bomb sneaks out without warning. That happens to Lainey in this vid, and while we find it wholly relatable and charming to boot, we know that some of you might not — particularly if you’re sneaking a watch during a work Zoom call. It appears as they jump out of the water complex, if you want to do some swift volume-adjusting.

Go Lainey and Patrick, and Go Eventing!
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Centered Riding Instructor Diversity Scholarship Offered for 2021

By on Sep 9, 2020 3:00 pm -

Founded by the late Sally Swift, the principles of Centered Riding approach are founded on imagery, horse and rider biomechanics, and elements from the martial arts using functional anatomy, imagery, horse and rider biomechanics, and elements from the martial arts as tools to improve the balance and effectiveness of the rider. Some would say she was ahead of her time.

Image via Centered Riding.

Centered Riding® Inc. is proud to announce the launch of a Centered Riding Instructor Diversity Scholarship for 2021, sponsored by Susan E. Harris, a Senior Centered Riding Level IV Clinician, and Secretary of the CR Board of Trustees.

The goal of the Centered Riding Diversity Scholarship is to create more robust opportunities for riding instructors who are Black, Indigenous and/or Persons of Color to train and certify as Centered Riding Instructors. These groups of people are significantly under-represented in equestrian sport and in the horse industry.

“The new Centered Riding Diversity Scholarship truly reflects the values of Centered Riding founder Sally Swift, who passed away in 2009. Sally was a visionary who practiced inclusion and embraced diversity in all aspects of her life and work,” said Peggy Brown, President of the Centered Riding Board of Trustees, and a Centered Riding Level IV Clinician. “In the 1980s, during Centered Riding’s early growth and development, Sally selected two Black women, Saundra Code Cabell and Ruth Labbe, to be her apprentices, and thus join the first cadre of qualified CR Instructors.”

The Centered Riding Diversity Scholarship will provide up to $1,500 to cover the instructor’s clinic fees for the initial qualifying two- or three-day Open Centered Riding Clinic and for the seven-day Centered Riding Instructor Certification Course. In 2021, the Centered Riding Instructor Diversity Scholarship will be awarded to a U.S.-based riding instructor who is Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Color. The riding instructor may be a practitioner in any equestrian discipline.

“I am very pleased to be the sponsor of the 2021 Centered Riding Diversity Scholarship – the first-ever of its kind,” said Susan Harris, who has sponsored the Scholarship. “People who are Black, Indigenous and/or Persons of Color have long been under-represented in the equestrian world. I hope this scholarship will help empower them to advance in education and training, professional development and recognition in the horse industry, and to teach others.

“My hope, too, is that the Centered Riding Diversity Scholarship will continue in future years, beyond 2021, and that it will be available in other countries, as well as in the United States,” Harris added.

To apply for the Centered Riding 2021 Diversity Scholarship, individuals must meet requirements for the Centered Riding Instructor Course in the United States, and for the Scholarship, as follows:

  • be at least 18 years old;
  • be from North America;
  • be Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Color;
  • be a safe, experienced riding instructor (in any equestrian discipline);
  • be able to ride a horse at the walk, trot and canter in a group; and
  • read and accept the terms of the Centered Riding Instructor Course.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who will use their Centered Riding training and qualifications to introduce to horses and equestrian sport riders who are Black, Indigenous and/or Persons of Color, and/or to support such riders in advancing in equestrian sport and in the horse industry.

Interested persons may download the 2021 CR Diversity Scholarship information package and application form here.

Applicants may send their completed applications to:

Centered Riding Instructor Diversity Scholarship
c/o Centered Riding Inc.
One Regency Drive
PO Box 30=
Bloomfield, CT 06002

The Centered Riding Office must receive Scholarship applications no later than November 1, 2020. The Scholarship recipient will be notified during the first week of January 2021.

Anyone who wishes to support the Centered Riding Instructor Diversity Scholarship Fund may make a donation via the Centered Riding website or by contacting the Centered Riding Office at [email protected]. Centered Riding Inc. is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization; donations are tax deductible in the U.S.A.

Life of Mike Winter Honored With New Jump at IEA H.T.

By on Sep 9, 2020 1:00 pm -

The new Mike Winter Wedge on course at IEA H.T.. Photo courtesy of Liz Messaglia.

The eventing community lost a light last April when Mike Winter lost his courageous battle against ALS. An active supporter of eventing and former Area VIII and USEA Board of Governors member, Mike will forever be remembered as a true servant of the sport. In memorial of Mike and his legacy, and in homage to his hometown event run by the Indiana Eventing Association, a new jump at IEA Horse Trials was unveiled at the event last month.

Mike was heavily involved in many facets of eventing, but poured a large chunk of his passion into Hoosier Horse Park, the site of the 1987 Pan American Games where the eventing team took gold. He was a part of the team that helped turn vision into reality, transforming the Games site into an eventing venue that all could enjoy.

A community fundraising effort collected enough money to build a new brush chevron fence, dubbed the Mike Winter Wedge, for the Modified cross country course. It was Mike’s wife, Rhonda, who selected the jump designer and course designer Rob Mobley brought the vision to life.

“Mike would have loved the intimidating skinny brush wedge, which was sufficiently scary and definitely the coolest fence on the course,” Indiana Eventing Association president Liz Messaglia told EN. She then tells us of the dedication ceremony held, a party she’s sure he would have loved to attend.

The Mike Winter Wedge at Hoosier Horse Park. Photo courtesy of Liz Messaglia.

“Mike’s friends, family and fellow eventers shared their favorite Mike stories, from his hard work and vision that lead to the creation of the cross country courses at the Hoosier Horse Park for the inaugural IEA event in 1988 with fences and terrain still in use today … winning the USEA Governor’s Cup in 2013 and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, to his ‘unique’ braiding techniques,” she wrote. “A rousing game of Blind Man’s Bluff Poker was played in his honor and no one cheated, we think.”

Mike first became enamored with the sport of eventing in similar fashion to many of us: with a trip to what was then known as the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. From that moment on, neither he nor Rhonda looked back as they embarked on the eventing journey of their lives. Mike will forever be remembered for his contributions to the sport and for his epitomization of the amateur rider: someone who falls in love so deeply with a sport that they spend the rest of their life improving it for and sharing it with others. It’s only fitting, then, that he be best remembered on a cross country course.

“Mike would have been proud as the jump rode beautifully – no one wanted to be THE ONE who fell off at Mike’s fence as he would have been so disappointed!” Liz wrote. “We miss you Mike.”

Take 5 with Phillip, Presented by Equilume: Wonderful Woodburn

By on Sep 9, 2020 11:25 am -

We’re back to throwing it back on a Thursday, one of our favorite features. Today we want to remember a very special…

Posted by Phillip Dutton Eventing on Thursday, August 27, 2020

It was hard to miss the striking chestnut gelding as he effortlessly floated across the Kentucky Bluegrass at the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games. I remember Woodburn being later in the order of go, and I turned to watch the television showing the live feed in the booth we were shopping in the trade fair. We’d spent the whole day out on cross country after pulling an all-nighter to drive from St. Louis on a last minute WEG whim. I was mesmerized by the rhythm of the New Zealand Thoroughbred gelding – it had to be one of the most memorable gallops I’d ever seen.

Sadly, Phillip’s time with Woodburn was cut short when the gelding was euthanized following acute internal bleeding. Just over a year past his top 20 finish at the World Equestrian Games, his star was extinguished.

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But his memory and legacy lives on, and Woodburn is still one of our favorites to revisit even today. After being imported from New Zealand by Liz Millikin, Phillip eventually acquired the ride with the help of owners Jess and Sharon Sweeley, Annie Jones, and Maddy Fawcett. “I loved the horse from the first time I sat on him and thought he had the makings of a world-class horse,” he recalled on his Hall of Fame web page.

Phillip and Woodburn collected a slew of admirable placings (10th in his then-CCI4* debut at Kentucky in 2008, 12th in 2009, 2nd in 2010). “I have no doubt that I will never ride a better cross-country horse in my life,” Phillip told The Chronicle after the gelding’s passing.

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Who Jumped It Best? Course Brook Farm Novice Edition

By on Sep 9, 2020 9:00 am -

We love showcasing events from all around the country, and Course Brook Farm is the latest in our Who Jumped It Best? series, with photos generously provided by Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto. Don’t forget to support your show photographers – if you rode at Course Brook last weekend, you can view and order your photos here.

Located in Sherborn, Massachusetts in Area I, Course Brook Farm plays host to recognized events, schooling shows, and clinics year round. With cross country courses through Preliminary, riders have a wide array of choices when it comes to competing. It’s a family farm that started off in the dairy industry in the 1920s, making the transition to horses over time.

The Horse Trials came about as a sensible option, and Course Brook has also expanded into a full service boarding and training operation for riders of all levels. To learn more about Course Brook Farm, click here.

And now, here are a smattering of Novice riders for you to select from for this latest edition of Who Jumped It Best? Remember: you want to vote for the pair that presents the best overall picture caught in a moment of time. Best of luck to all!

Emma Armstrong and Newman:

Emma Armstrong and Newman. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Gabriellia Chevalier and Chambersburg Pike:

Gabriellia Chevalier and Chambersburg Pike. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Barrett D’Orio and Sweepstakes:

Barrett D’Orio and Sweepstakes. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Fiona Hazel and Menue Rendezvous:

Fiona Hazel and Menue Rendezvous. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Kathryn Rhatigan and Concarena Z:

Kathryn Rhatigan and Concarena Z. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Cadence Theroux and Hot Toddy:

Cadence Theroux and Hot Toddy. Photo courtesy of Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.