Classic Eventing Nation

British Selections Announced for World Young Horse Championships at Le Lion d’Anger

By on Sep 8, 2020 11:00 am -

Cooley Lancer and Piggy March take the six-year-old title in 2019. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Equestrian (BEF) has named the horse-and-rider combinations who will contest the World Breeding Federation Eventing Championships for Young Horses at Le Lion d’Angers, which hosts a CCI2*-L for six-year-olds and a CCI3*-L for seven-year-olds from October 15-18 in the Loire Valley, France.

Britain tends to be a force to be reckoned with at these championships, and will bring forward the maximum allowed entries of three combinations in the six-year-old class and twelve in the seven-year-old class. Among their nominations is Piggy March‘s Cooley Lancer, owned by the Lancer Stud, who took the six-year-old title in 2019.

The six-year-old selections are as follows:

  • Monbeg Hendricks (Harlequin Du Carel x Alda Puissance), owned by Adrian Sweet and ridden by Kitty King, with Adrian Sweet’s MHS Monbeg Junior (Quidam Junior X MHS Julianna Joy) in direct reserve
  • MHS Brown Jack (OBOS Quality 004 x Gowran Lady) owned by Fred and Penny Barker and ridden by Tom McEwen
  • Cooley Rosalent (Valent x Bllaney Jewel), owned by Paul Ridgeon and ridden by Oliver Townend

The following combinations will act as reserves for this class:

  • Codebreaker (Cody x Dolce Vita K), owned by Eliza Stoddart with Heather Sandell, Georgina Stoddart, Sue Brankin Frisby and ridden by Eliza Stoddart*
  • Cooley Goodwood (OBOS Quality 004 x Burrane Kate), owned Susie Wood and ridden by Piggy March
  • Evita AP (Con Air x Elektra), owned by Brett Bullimore and ridden by Sarah Bullimore
  • Captain Crissy (Fuerty Captain Carismo x Common Cruise), owned and ridden by Jess Watts

The seven-year-old selections, with some still subject to achieving the required MERs (*), are:

  • Ardeo Premier (Hold Up Premier x Playgirl), owned by Debbie and Neill Nuttall and ridden by Alex Bragg
  • Izilot DHI (Zavall VDL x Zilottie W), owned by Alex Moody and Ros Canter and ridden by Rosalind Canter*
  • Moonlight Charmer (OBOS Quality 004 x Enchanted Heart), owned by Teresa Stopford Sackville and Charlotte Heber Percy and ridden by Laura Collett*
  • Forthright (Frankfort Boy x Bouncer Girl), owned by Margaret Silver and Barbara Hervey and ridden by Matthew Glentworth*
  • Igor B (Vittorio x Erica B), owned and ridden by Kristina Hall-Jackson*
  • Fools in Love (Harlequin Du Carel x Tisrara Cruise), owned by Philippa Heler and Hayden Hankey and ridden by Hayden Hankey*
  • Cooley Lancer (Coeur De Nobless M x Tante Catoche Du Houssoit), owned by The Lancer Stud and ridden by Piggy March
  • I Diablo Joe (Solaris Amoureux x Scylla), owned by Geoffrey Burton and ridden by Piggy March*
  • Irene Leva (Everglade VDL x Oleva), owned by Kim Franklin, Kerry Smith and Rhian Smith and ridden by Rhian Smith
  • Ballingowan Leia (Future Trend x Ballingown Boula), owned by Susan Goodall and ridden by Polly Stockton
  • Darcy De La Rose (Quite Easy x Catharina), owned by Wendy and Johnnie Watherston and ridden by Georgie Strang*
  • Briarlands Sweetango (Jumbo x Briarlands Matilda), owned and bred in GB by Guy Avis and ridden by Izzy Taylor*

British Eventing CEO Jude Matthews has also released a statement regarding travel to France for the selected riders and their support teams.

“The health and safety of our members, organisers, officials and volunteers is of the highest priority and those returning from France to the UK, under current government guidelines, will need to self-isolate on their return unless they are exempt,” she says. “The BEF provides exemption for Elite Senior Athletes and essential support staff on the BEF World Class Government funded programme. BE will currently provide exemption to those who qualify as an elite athlete where the status of the country in which they were competing changes whilst they were there and, only in a situation where an individual travels from one COVID-19 secure competition environment to compete in another COVID-19 secure environment in the UK.

“In addition, BE requires each person who obtains exemption to have a negative COVID test on arrival back in the UK before being able to compete. Those returning from France to the UK, under current government guidelines, will need to self-isolate on their return unless they fulfil the above exemption criteria. All athletes selected are being provided with the necessary information on quarantining and testing and we continue to closely monitor changes and updates to guidance and protocols in relation to travel.”

While this slightly conflicting advice doesn’t make it clear whether exemptions will be available or not — France is currently not on the UK’s ‘safe travel’ list, and so this would be unlikely to qualify as a situation in which the status of the country suddenly changes — it does appear that the British contingent, at least, are committing to an end-of-season trip to France, which bodes well for the only CCI5* of 2020, held the following week in Pau.

Life Lessons Learned from an Off-Track Thoroughbred

By on Sep 8, 2020 9:00 am -

Sam Poulson and Tizzy. Photo by MGO Photography.

In horse racing there is always a winner. Always a horse that comes out bigger, faster, and stronger than all the others. Sometimes as trainers, we can tell how successful a horse may be due to breeding, training, and conformation. But as we all know too well, these traits mean nothing if the horse doesn’t have the “heart” for his job. Horses that just wake up every morning eager to compete and please their human counterparts; these horses are unique. This is a story about a special horse who found success both on the racetrack and in his second career because of his love for the sport.

As an event trainer, I have many horses in my barn that I love. Some ponies, some warmbloods, but I have a soft spot for my OTTBs. They are kind, willing, learn quickly, and are athletic as hell. When 2019 started, one of my students and I began looking for a new lease horse, as she had outgrown her previous mount. She had big dreams and a stubborn attitude, with a drive for success like no other. We had tried a few possibilities but none of them were the right match – until we found Tizzy.

Sam and Tizzy celebrate their dressage test. Photo by MGO Photography.

Tizzy was owned by a then-acquaintance, now friend, Ben Samrick. Ben has rehomed and placed hundreds of off-the-track Thoroughbreds, even running a non-profit to help these horses find a second career. I had stumbled upon his ranch actually looking at a different horse for a different client. Funny how the universe works. After giving me a tour, we came to the shedrow of his personal horses and I found myself stopped at Tizzy’s stall while Ben told me his story.

While at a friend’s ranch, he met Tizzy, whose sire is Tizbud. Ben, an avid pedigree expert, has a soft spot for any Tiznow and Tizbud offspring. Our resident Tizzy had a goofy and sensible personality that Ben could not pass up, despite really not needing another personal horse. As a Harris Farms-bred gelding, Tizzy was a very solid racehorse, winning five of 15 races and earning north of $50,000. Ben says that “every time a new horse shows up on my doorstep, I get goose bumps,” and Tizzy was no different. They had many adventures and Tizzy was best friends with Ben’s heart horse, Maria.

Fast forward almost six years, and here I was looking into Tizzy’s stall, hearing about his quirks and how much he needed a new person who would have the ability to devote their whole heart to helping Tizzy reach his potential. Ben was generous to lend us such a special horse, and a short four months later, Tizzy was purchased by my client for well-below market value. Ben saw what I saw everyday – a special horse who finally found his person. And that is priceless.

Sam and Tizzy share a moment. Photo courtesy of Rachel Bisaillon.

Below is a little piece that Sam, his person, wrote about her experience with Tizzy and how they found success together:

“I first started working with Tizzy in early 2019, when his previous owner made the hard decision to find him a new person who could devote more time to Tizzy’s training. At the time I had very little experience working with Thoroughbreds and he was the first “hot-headed” horse I had ridden and worked with consistently. It was definitely a rocky start and I was very nervous working with him in the beginning. That all changed after our first event together, about a month into riding him.

Considering we were not familiar with one another and didn’t have a strong bond at the time, we had to work really hard to get past his excitement for showing again and the crazy weather of hailstorms and rain. I knew he was my heart horse after running cross country with him for the first time. Tizzy’s love for eventing has made me love it even more.

After our first event together, we really tried to push through his comfort zone in dressage to find a stable and consistent connection. He was very unsure in the beginning and had trouble trusting us, which led to lots of frustration and confusion for both of us. He would get very worked up and frazzled and we would spend our whole lesson time trying to calm him down. We were both inexperienced with dressage but after many lessons and light-bulb moments, we finally started to click. After our dressage work improved, our jumping and overall bond really came together as well. I finally felt like we were working as a team.

Tizzy has not only shown me how exciting and enjoyable this sport can be, but also how to be patient and understanding in stressful situations, He has shown me that real progress takes time and hard work really pays off in the long-run. This horse has truly become my best friend and the highlight of my day is seeing his goofy face waiting for snacks and snuggles. I’m excited for the future with him by my side.”

Training horses is not an easy job, whether it’s for racing, competing, or pleasure. Watching this team learn to figure out how to work together has been such a joy for me. Tizzy has taught Sam some invaluable life lessons about patience and understanding perspectives. And of course, he has taught Sam to appreciate the hot, quirky, and sensitive OTTBs that we love so much.

I am eternally grateful for Ben Samrick for making this partnership happen, and to Harris Farms for continuing to care about his success and expressing their interest in his second career. Many times, a hot and sensitive horse like Tizzy is rushed. But great things take time, and I am so lucky that Tizzy has had a team of people looking out for his best interests his entire life.

Ben said it best: “I am not sure who benefits more from having an off-the-track Thoroughbred, the owner or the horse.” Go eventing.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Sep 8, 2020 12:01 am -

This photo sequence gives me life. Australian eventer Megan Jones got a little more than she bargained for at the Olympics at Wirrina Cover Derby Day. Riding for owner Robyn Mullane, Megan stuck the landing. Well done!

National Holiday: National Ants on a Log Day

Events Opening This Week: Waredaca Classic Three Day Event & H.T., Grand Oaks H.T., Chattahoochee Hills H.T., Windermere Run H.T, Holly Hill H.T., West Coast Championships at Twin Rivers Ranch,

Events Closing This Week: Larkin Hill H.T., FEH Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm, FEH Championships at Loch Moy Farm, The Middleburg H.T., ESDCTA New Jersey H.T., Stable View Oktoberfest 1/ 2/3/4* and H.T., Central FEH Championships at Haras Hacienda, Fleur de Leap H.T., The Event at Archer, The Event at Isaacks Ranch

Tuesday News:

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]

The Vice President of the International Olympic Committee says the Tokyo Olympics will be held next year “with or without Covid.” They are dubbing the event “The Games that conquered COVID” and insist that they will not be postponed beyond 2021. The VP sites the enormous financial investment and thousands of employees as the catalyst for moving forward. [The postponed Tokyo Olympic Games will go ahead next year “with or without Covid”, the vice-president of the International Olympic Committee says.]

Ah, the joys of a lazy horse. It’s tough work when you’re on more of a ‘kick ride.’ There are so many strategies to make your riding easier and more enjoyable.  [Warm Up Strategies for Hot Horses and Lazy Horses]

Tuesday Video: Doug Payne taking blue ribbons in jumper land.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Go Eventing in Sweden

By on Sep 7, 2020 5:00 pm -

You may recognize Pontus Hugosson from such viral video such as this one where he rollerblades behind a mini horse while wearing his dressage tails. Pontus’s Instagram is full of similarly silly skits and he regularly vlogs on his YouTube channel as well. Pontus is also an upper-level event rider and in his most recent vlog he takes us to the Swedish National Championships in Segersjö. Before the competition get’s cracking, however, there’s time for some shenanigans at what looks to be a delightful little Swedish campsite with adorable cabins and a sauna. When in Scandinavia, I guess?

Pontus rode two horses in the CCI3*-S at the national championships: 8-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare, All Of Me (Camaro M X Lavita E Bella, by Cortez) who placed 17th, and Gilbert O.A., and nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Cardento 933 X Unea, by Marlon) who placed 20th.

Enjoy the peek into Swedish eventing!

[Segersjö final results]

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Bucks County, Caber Farm, Chardon Valley, Copper Meadows, Course Brook, Five Points, Seneca Valley

By on Sep 7, 2020 3:00 pm -

It was a hot one out there this weekend! Out here on the West coast, riders tackled the tracks at Copper Meadows in Ramona, California, where organizers ran an efficient event that factored in the extreme heat typical of California desert country. Events were scattered all around the country this weekend, and we’ve got a big round-up of winners for you below.

Dana Cooke knocked it out of the park this weekend at Five Points, where she scored a 16.9 in the dressage aboard FE Whole Lotta Rosie, a personal best score for the 9 year old Wurttemberg mare owned by Kingfisher Park. These two pick up our Low Score Award for the weekend, finishing at the top of their Preliminary division on a final score of 18.9. Way to go!

And congratulations to the rest of our winners this weekend! Go Eventing.

Bucks County: Results

Open Preliminary Training: Caroline Martin and Farwest De Barbereau (28.7)
Open Training 1: Caroline Martin and Redfield Galway Blake (26.1)
Open Training 2: Amy Peloquin and Frankie (33.7)
Open Novice 1: Caroline Martin and Redfield Haras (27.9)
Open Novice 2: Sydney Hagaman and Newsham Diamond (27.1)
Open Beginner Novice 1: Lillian Heard and B’s Bundle of Joy (29.5)
Open Beginner Novice 2: Emily Warren and Whoop Whoop De Do (39.8)
Open Beginner Novice 3: Caroline Martin and Redfield Cassidy (24.8)

The horses were all super at Bucks County today! We have a phenomenal group of sales horses in the barn and they all are…

Posted by Caroline Martin Eventing on Sunday, September 6, 2020

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Great day playing the eventing game again. Poppet did her first recognized beginner novice finishing on her solid dressage performance in a competitive division to finish 6th. I am so proud of the lessons learned by our team. Everyone left with a smile and horses left safe and sound. #success Thank you @lizglow for coming out to support us and take some videos. It was much appreciated! Thank you to all of the amazing volunteers that make these events possible! **for your comic relief: note the candid pre-show picture thanks to mom 😂 the outfits I put together for the barn 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️I’m cool like that Once again I was so glad to be sporting my @freerideequestrian white breeches to stay cool and fashionable 🥰 #eventers #equestrianlife #superpony #ponies #teamcounty #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #squareoneequestrian #progressnotperfection

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Caber Farm H.T.: Results

Open Intermediate: Momi Henne and Severe Flying (35.7)
Open Preliminary: Karen Lounsbery and Stewart (36.4)
Jr. Training: Nicolas Portillo and I Saw The Light (27.5)
Sr. Open Training A: Erin Grandia and Indio BMW (22.1)
Sr. Open Training B: Louise Leslie and Souvenir (29.9)
Jr. Novice: Coulter Verharen and Jammer (26.0)
Sr. Open Novice A: Karen O’Neal and Reddy To Play (25.0)
Sr. Open Novice B: Delaney Emerson and Bakhtiari (29.3)
Sr. Open Novice C: Kristen Holderman and Rubia (21.7)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Kendal Smith and Gusto (26.8)
Sr. Open Beginner Novice A: Chris Gianini and Athena (24.5)
Sr. Open Beginner Novice B: Kady Ellifritz and Yankee Bay (29.8)

Chardon Valley H.T.: Results

Modified/Training: Heather Lawson and IKO Wrise (40.2)
Jr. Training: Lauren Tucker and Lopster (30.5)
Open Training A: Kathleen Keuhoff, DVM and Swiss Mystique (33.6)
Open Training B: Cecilia Lundberg and Cascor (29.1)
Jr. Novice: Slater Boos and Breaking the City (28.1)
Open Novice A: Madeline Bletzacker and Drummer Boy (24.3)
Open Novice B: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (32.6)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Olivia Cannizzaro and Mahogany Dancer (33.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Hannah Hoehn and Seattle Grace (27.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: Jessica Gallucci and Willoughby (25.6)
Jr. Starter: Evie Clare and SF Lonely Heart (27.8)
Open Starter: Lorenza Savini and Jackanapes (31.1)

Course Brook Farm H.T.: Results

Preliminary: Ferial Johnson and Great Recession (42.6)
Modified/Training: Paige Beliveau and Pippen McGee (70.2)
Training A: Emma O’Lone-Higgins and Carlsburg (31.7)
Training B: Katie Murphy and Joshua Tree (34.1)
Novice A: Audrey Littlefield and Whinny (30.0)
Novice B: Isabelle Blair and Izzabella (30.5)
Novice C: Alison Eastman-Lawler and Lexington II (30.4)
Beginner Novice A: Sydney Smith and Stormy’s Got The Blues (35.0)
Beginner Novice B: Anneka Paelinck and Maleficent (29.0)
Beginner Novice C: Babette Lenna Gonyea and Kennebec Elegance (33.0)
Starter: Amy Kuo and Wintermist Irish Fairy (32.8)

Many thanks to Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto for sending along these winner shots. If you competed at Course Brook this weekend, make sure to support Joan by ordering your photos here.

Copper Meadows H.T.: Results

Advanced: Charlotte Babbitt and 2 A.M. (41.1)
Advanced CT: Tamie Smith and Passepartout (26.7)
Intermediate: Bunnie Sexton and Phiero SR (38.4)
Area VI Open Preliminary Championship: Avery Noblitt and Cumani (29.6)
Open Preliminary: Cara Julian and Wunder Schon (36.4)
Preliminary Rider: Miranda Olagaray and Tanqueray (34.2)
Area VI Open Training Championship: Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF (29.5)
C2 Financial Area VI Training Rider Championship: Lorelai Goolsby and Collin 144 (30.0)
Open Training: Megan McIver and Dasset Whisper (30.2)
Training Rider: Mackenzie Davison and Balla Ruan (31.8)
Area VI Novice Rider Championship: Sophia Merz and Clara Bō (28.1)
Area VI Open Novice Championship: Robyn Fisher and Livdon (23.8)
Novice Rider A: Chloe Kischuk and London Calling OHF (27.4)
Novice Rider B: Shelby Murray and Reverie GWF (25.3)
Open Novice: Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Quinn (28.9)
Area VI Open Beginner Novice Championship: Stacia Lloyd and Pale Fire (28.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Julie Garella Williams and Just Benny (31.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Amber Levine and Kremer VD Falieberg (22.5)
Introductory: Stefanie Gladen and Columbus (25.6)

Five Points H.T.: Results

Advanced: Sharon White and Cooley On Show (30.6)
Advanced CT: Nobie Cannon and Bust A Groove (45.6)
Intermediate CT: Lindsay Kelley and Cooley Cruise Control (42.4)
Intermediate Rider: Sarah Pyne and Call Me Commander (50.7)
Open Intermediate: Laine Ashker and Call Him Paddy (32.6)
Open Preliminary: Dana Cooke and FE Whole Lotta Rosie (18.9)
Preliminary CT: Emily Beshear and Plumpjack (30.0)
Preliminary Rider: Mikaela Kantorowski and Ringfort Swan Song (31.6)
Modified Rider: Kaley Crosby and Valentino (33.4)
Open Modified: Jennifer Treacy and Bene (40.9)
Open Training A: Will Faudree and Carli 13 (29.1)
Open Training B: Daryl Kinney and Moneyball (24.0)
Training CT: Bonnie Mosser and Beetrap (45.5)
Training Rider: Lulu Malinoski and Coulson (32.7)
Novice Rider: Julie Cayer and Great Moments (29.3)
Open Novice: Sophie Miller and Quarlotta C (25.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Stephanie Bristol and Ballenger (31.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Lindsay Staiano Williams and Quiet Love (25.3)

Argyle through the Advanced water today at Five Points in his first try at the Blue numbers!…

Posted by Skyeler Icke Voss on Saturday, September 5, 2020

My hamster won for me this morning (and top TIP award) with a super clear jump round in the Open Intermediate class…

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Sunday, September 6, 2020

Seneca Valley Hunt P.C. H.T.: Results

Open Intermediate 1: Daniel Clasing and Greek Empire (36.3)
Open Intermediate 2: Katherine DeLaney and Canto Royale (45.3)
Open Preliminary 1: Chris Talley and My Atlantic Spark (27.4)
Open Preliminary 2: Phillip Dutton and Iniesta (32.8)
Open Preliminary 3: Delaney O’Neal and An Irish Blessing (35.5)
Modified 1: Courtney Cooper and R River Star (33.2)
Modified 2: Kelli Temple and Dr. Diamond (32.4)
Open Training 1: Meghan O’Donoghue and Rapid Romero (27.5)
Open Training 2: Daniel Clasing and Sportsfield All Out (29.1)
Open Training 3: Daniel Clasing and Mastermind (33.6)
Open Training 4: Ashlyn Hemelgarn and England (30.7)
Open Novice 1: Jan Byyny and Beautiful Storm (26.4)
Open Novice 2: Cindy Anderson-Blank and Windchase Lionstar (29.8)
Open Novice 3: Hannah Hawkins and Quality Beach (24.5)
Jr. Novice: Izzy Lenk and George 43 (28.8)
Sr. Novice: Lindsay Berreth and Oh So Extreme (29.8)
Beginner Novice 1: Lauren Sumner and Slick Moves (31.8)
Beginner Novice 2: Stephen Fulton and Raniki (31.8)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Caitlyn Crosby and Book Of Eli (29.0)

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Quick Weekend Roundup from Seneca Valley Pony Club! We had: Three winners 🥇 Greek Empire owned by Clasing Equestrian -Intermediate Mastermind owned by Steplin Sporthorses-Training Sportsfield All Out owned by the Swayze Group-Training One 2nd 🥈 Gary Angie Francart @sleepingfoxfarm and Toby The Coal Man-Training (wooohooo!!!) Three 3rds🥉 Limelight LF owned by @selzerml -Novice-check her out in the video! Butts Arthur owned by the Butts Arthur Syndicate-Novice Storm is Due owned by Clasing Equestrian-Modified Two 4ths 🏆 Greenhall Master Cruise owned by Clasing Equestrian-Training @jaxmax13 and Milo Diamond-Preliminary (awesome job!!) And one little 💩-Et Cetera (of course our homebred 😂) It was also rewarding to see former sales horses bringing in super results! Congratulations to @meghan_odonoghue_eventing and Rapid Romero winning their training division and @robyn.e.weaver and Broadway Act finishing third in their training division! And as always thanks to @kmays93 for keeping this traveling circus on the road and all the organizers at Seneca for holding a fantastic event.

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Bromont Adds FEI Level Offerings to Fall Calendar

By on Sep 7, 2020 1:00 pm -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

For those still seeking an FEI event for the fall, Bromont has added an international event to its calendar for October 3-4, 2020. Located in Quebec, the event hopes to also play host to any international riders who may want to venture north for the offered CCI2*S, CCI3*S, CCI4*S divisions. An Open Training division will also be run in conjunction with the FEI levels. Entries are now open through September 25.

While travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada are slated to continue for now, the organizers at Bromont hope to establish protocol for competitors coming from the States.

“The MARS Equestrian Bromont CCI Organizing Committee is working with the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec to include international participants as part of this competition,” the event description states. “The COVID-19 mitigation plan has been built for inclusion of international participants with a modified quarantine process, and is being reviewed by the governments for approval. Notification will be given to international riders once approval has been granted. This event will run regardless of whether international participants are eligible to attend with a modified quarantine process.”

We were sad to see the spring CCI at Bromont canceled this year due to COVID-19 and look forward to seeing who will contest this new addition next month.

Go Eventing.

Fab Freebie: Win a Pair of Amerigo’s New Safety Stirrups

By on Sep 7, 2020 11:00 am -

Image courtesy of World Equestrian Brands.

It’s high time for a fresh new Fab Freebie giveaway! And we’ve got a great one for you this week. Amerigo, a brand distributed by our friends at World Equestrian Brands, has just released a new Safety Stirrup in a rainbow of color options.

Image courtesy of World Equestrian Brands.

Design, quality materials, and skillful manufacture come together to create the new Amerigo Safety Stirrup, which features a safety release in the event of an accident. The stirrup also features classy black tread with grip and a scratch-proof finish while the main body, made of Ergal, is lightweight and stronger than an aluminum alloy.

Now you don’t have to choose between style expression and safety! If you’re chomping at the bit to get your hands on a pair, we’re giving you a chance to win your own this week. To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter below. We will announce the winner in Friday’s News & Notes, so enter before midnight on Friday, September 11 to be considered. Good luck!

Unable to use the widget below? Click here to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Clinic-ing in the Covid Age: Boyd Martin at North Jersey Equestrian

By on Sep 7, 2020 9:00 am -

Screenshot courtesy of Lauren Healy.

2020 has been the year of “training” for most equestrians, and a uniquely-formatted clinic series that combines virtual and in-person learning with Boyd Martin in New Jersey is taking it to the next level.

Laura Healy worked with Boyd to create a three-part series held over three consecutive months starting in July; the final session takes place today, Sept. 6. The series has been hosted at North Jersey Equestrian in Branchville, NJ, with trainer/operator Kim Clouse. Laura originally developed the idea after speaking with Boyd about developing a format that would enhance the standard clinic experience. “We have attempted something different to give exposure to beginner and lower level riders, up and thru pro-am, to work with Boyd over a number of sessions in a more personal way,” Laura explains.

With the pandemic in full swing, many events canceled and Boyd taking some time out of the saddle to mend from surgeries, it allowed him to devote more time to this type of format. To kick the clinic off each rider was asked to share a video of them riding with no specific emphasis except to give Boyd a good picture of what level they are riding and areas that Boyd and the rider can work on at the first of the three in-person sessions. In addition, each rider was asked to give an outline of what challenges they are facing, areas they would like to focus on, and a set of goals they would like to achieve.

Some examples of the challenges riders were facing, which seems to cross all levels, were how to successfully navigate ditches, ride combinations and keep momentum. Some riders were working with new and/or young horses and wanted advice on how to navigate a course successfully and work towards a bright and future partnership.

Each in-person clinic was broken into groups of two or three riders all riding at or near the same level and geared towards either cross country or show jumping. The sessions ran approximately an hour and a half but sometimes stretched further if there were areas that the riders could benefit from additional support from Boyd. The sessions were fantastic to watch, as Boyd was not afraid to test the riders’ tenacity and the riders rose to the challenge, sometimes with a slight smile — “You mean that jump??”

Boyd Martin and Laura Healy. Photo courtesy of Laura Healy.

Between in-person sessions the clinic held group video chats, cocktails allowed, wherein each rider could give Boyd and the group updates on what they have been working on, events they had attended, and potential challenges they had faced. No one was shy about sharing the spills and thrills they had encountered which helped create a real comradery within the group. This virtual experience offered unparalleled access to a top U.S. rider – exactly what Laura and Boyd discussed.

Laura and her husband Brian started Bayboro Equestrian in 2019, with the long term goal of bringing top equestrian talent like Boyd Martin, Kim Walnes and others to their community in Sussex County, NJ, while rethinking what the clinic format looks like. They carefully considered what riders gravitate towards and want, and factored in how costs and formats can deter many from attending.

“Our goal right now is small and focused on growing rider awareness in our community here in North Jersey but our vision is large. We are passionate about the sport, we have a huge support in the rider and equestrian community here and want to help build something special and eventually grow into other areas, ” Lauren says.

“In addition, we both feel very fortunate for the advantages we have had however small they may be, eventually I hope to create a program to bring horses into the lives of children who would otherwise not have exposure – and by nature bring some little diversity to the sport. I myself fell into this sport purely by chance (I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago) and would love the opportunity to expose children of all income levels and races to the wonderful equestrian world that we love so much!”

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Sep 7, 2020 6:30 am -

Feeling the Burghley blues? Us, too. But a bevy of riders haven’t let them get them down — they completed a mega cycle from Badminton to Burghley over the weekend, all in aid of the air ambulance. They’re still working on hitting their 15k target — drop them a donation here!

National Holiday: Finally, something I can get behind — it’s National Beer Lover’s Day! Make mine a Kriek, please.

US Weekend Results:

UK Weekend Results:

Global Eventing Roundup:

  • Sopot in Poland was the biggest eventing fixture of last week, hosting classes from CCI2*-S all the way through CCI4*-L. The Netherlands’ Tim Lips took top honours in the feature class, riding eight-year-old Herby, who is easily my favourite horse in the WHOLE WORLD.

Your Monday Reading List:

The brilliant Freedom Zampaladus is launching a new web-based TV series, which sees him take celebrities out hacking around inner-city Leicester. The unique new interview format won’t just give us all an insight into the subject’s lives, it’ll also give them exposure to horses — and their fans, too. Plus, it’ll help to raise money for Freedom’s inner-city equestrian access programme, the Urban Equestrian Academy. We can’t wait to tune in. [Move over Carpool Karaoke: here comes Celebrities in the Saddle]

We’re all still abuzz with excitement about the Kentucky Derby. But do you know about its richly diverse history? This article dives into the annals and explores why things have changed — and why they should change again. [Diversity on the track: history of Black jockeys]

And this one explores the double pressures facing Black horse-owner Greg Harbut leading to the race. When was the last time you felt you had to choose between accomplishing a lifelong dream and standing in solidarity with your race? The duality is an immensely complex, achingly tricky one. [Pull Out of the Kentucky Derby? Pressure on a Black Owner Mounts]

Should you stay, or should you go? So often, riders find themselves sticking around in unsuitable trainer-student situations for a variety of reasons — cost, convenience, and sometimes, the stigma of ‘breaking up’ and the fear of burning bridges. But this shouldn’t ever stop you from finding the best place to chase your dreams. Here, several riders from across the disciplines share the details of their own splits. [Why I Left My Trainer]

Practical Horseman’s four-part series on the American Thoroughbred through history culminates in a feature on Good Mixture, Kevin Freeman’s Munich Olympics partner. Mixture would go on to be campaigned by Mike Plumb in the latter years of his career — and he’d also go blind in one eye, though this never caused his extraordinary performances to ebb. “He was a Maserati on cross-country,” says Mike. [Salute to the American Thoroughbred: Good Mixture]

Head behind the stall door with Zenshera, Ros Canter’s pint-sized five-star partner with an unusual underdog story. Full disclaimer: I wrote this one, so of course I’m going to share it. Even fuller disclaimer: Alfie is the most adorably sweet little horse and Ros practically had to remove me from his stable when we’d finished this interview. You’ll want to steal him, too. [Behind the Stall Door with Zenshera]

What I’m Listening To: I’ve been fending off the Burghley blues however I possibly can over the last week, and the Eventing Podcast‘s interview with course designer (and legend of the sport in his own right, of course) Captain Mark Phillips has been a helpful addition to my arsenal. Mostly. I still wish I was sprinting back and forth to the mixed zone.

Donation Station: This week is International Air Ambulance week, and I know our readers in the UK in particular rely on this incredible service to keep them in one piece. If you’ve been rescued by the air ambulance before — or if you’re simply grateful for the work they do — consider a donation to your local branch this week, or come up with a creative way to raise some funds and awareness. We’re particularly big fans of any kind of sponsored challenge — the sillier, the better!

The Fleeceworks Follow:

The Yeehaw Agenda celebrates the Black cowboy — in art, in fashion, in pop culture, and on the farm. In need of some creative, clever curation on your feed? This account has got the brief nailed.

Monday Viewing:

We’ve all been there.

 

 

yet another lifehack🤷‍♂️ Instagram: @pontushugosson

Posted by Pontus Hugosson on Wednesday, 2 September 2020

Saturday Videos from Horseware: 4 Burghley Rounds to Relive

By on Sep 5, 2020 3:00 pm -

It’s a Burghley look back all weekend as we try to find a salve for the Cottesmore Leap-sized hole in our hearts this year. Luckily, the Burghley media team has all sorts of fun content in store for us this weekend to fill that hole, and we picked out four of our favorite cross country rounds for you to relive today:

1: Mary King and Kings Temptress (3rd place, 2011)

2: William Fox Pitt and Parklane Hawk (1st place, 2011)

3: Christopher Burton and Nobilis 18 (1st place, 2016)

4: Andrew Nicholson and Avebury (1st place, 2012)