Classic Eventing Nation

A Letter to Me – Jacquie Brooks

By on Jul 7, 2020 1:14 pm -

If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? That’s the topic of an ongoing series by Equestrian Marketing Firm Athletux. Today Team Canada Olympian Jacquie Brooks, dressage coach extraordinaire to many a top event rider, shares her letter.

Previous letters: Tamie Smith | Jennifer Wooten | Katy Robinson | Natalia Gurmankin | Joanie Morris| Will Faudree | Jan Byyny | Sara Kozumplik Murphy | Max Corcoran | Jacquie Brooks

Photo courtesy of Jacquie Brooks.

Dear Me,

Happy 8th Birthday!!! Until you turn 40 you are going to say this was the best year of your life! You are swimming competitively and you are sure you are going to the Olympics. You have an amazing teacher, Mrs. Thomas, and she is telling you that you can be anything you want to be! She lets you do a project that ends up taking the entire year, which your parents affectionately call the “everything you never wanted to know about the Olympics” project.

I have some good news and some bad news about that. You’re not going to the Olympics swimming for Canada. But you won’t give up and you will try many sports to find the perfect fit. The good news is you aren’t going to let your Olympic dream die.

Happy 10th!! Guess what? You’re moving to Toronto! Your best friends that you have been swimming with are moving too, so you’re not that upset. Sadly, you will lose touch with them. But don’t worry. You are going to meet a friend named Amanda Ferguson who is going to end up being the connection to that path to the Olympics you are going to spend the next 30 years chasing! Oh, and during the year you are writing this to yourself, a friend is going to reconnect you with your old swimming pal and greatest childhood friend (Cheers Jill Tinmouth and thank you Chloe Gasiorowski)!

Happy 18th! I see you are still chasing the Olympic dream but have decided that university would be a good idea. This is partially because your incredibly wise and wonderful parents have insisted on scholastic performance allowing you this amazing opportunity, but also because after much much pressure, they have offered the purchase of your first horse as your graduation gift!

Happy 21st!! This is going to be a big year! You’ve graduated!! You have your first dog! Jasper will live 17 wonderful years! Remember Amanda who has been your best friend since public school? Well, she is working for a Canadian dressage rider named Ashley Nichol (soon to be Holzer). Ashley has made the Canadian Pan Am Team competing in Cuba. When Amanda can’t go to the Games with Ashley, and you are offered the opportunity to groom for her, take the job!! You’ll pick it up as you go! Jill Macrae will help you and provide you with the Cole’s notes for grooming and it will be the start of the rest of your life!!!!!  You will discover dressage at the highest level and, guess what, you will find your sport!

Happy 22nd!! Time to cash in on that degree and go horse shopping! You have no extra money and you want to spend every penny on a horse! You are incredibly lucky to have Ashley and she will arrange for you to meet Tim Dutta and Guido Klatte. Tim will let you work flights to Europe and Guido will invite you into his home for an amazing three-week European horse hunt.  You will buy Finnegan, and he will be your catalyst to life long friendships with the Klatte and Dutta families!! You and Ashley will train him right up to Grand Prix and he will introduce you to the biggest shows North America has to offer! You will compete in big CDI competitions including many trips to Dressage at Devon. You will fall in love with freestyles especially when you ride in the World Cup Qualifiers at the Royal Winter Fair. (Oh, and Finnegan will still be eating your money when he is 31 and you are writing this letter to your younger self!)

Happy 33rd. The most amazing thing is going to happen this year. You are going to find a horse named Gran Gesto. He will be owned by a partnership and you are going to be given the opportunity to buy out one partner and keep the other. As important as Gran Gesto will prove to be, your friendship with Anne and John Welch will be even more important. You have spent your life chasing the Olympic dream and it is Sam that will deliver that dream to you and your family. But you will realize quickly that it is the people in your life, that is the most important. Anne will be instrumental in your career. Anne and John will become close personal friends to both you, and your parents, Mary and Eric.

(Sam will also still be eating your money as you write this letter!)

Happy 40th! I see you have been slugging away! Working hard! Teaching and riding from morning to late at night. It’s going to pay off!!  You are going to Hong Kong!! You are going to be an Olympian. But, again, you are going to realize it’s not just you. When you go down the center line you are going to see all the faces of the people who have been in your life living the dream with you. Eric and Mary and Anne and John will be there as owners, but so much more. Ashley is there as your coach and your teammate. Lindsay Kellock is there grooming but also as so much more than a groom. Without her entire family, you would not have been so able to focus on this single goal. Everything from taking care of Jasper to making sure you had at least one real meal a day! Your Olympic dream is finally going to come true thanks, in great part, to the people in your life!

Oh, and arguably, the most important thing that happens this year is your introduction to Tucker, your amazing, intelligent, kind, and fun-loving Labradoodle!

Happy 43! You have had an amazing friend named Chris Von Martels for quite a while now. He is going to suggest you try a horse. The horse is strong, opinionated, hot, and confused. Chris is going to tell you he thinks you can make the Olympic Team for London in 16 months. Believe him. You are going to go to your parents and Anne and John Welch and they are going to believe in you. And you are going to realize that the people that get behind this horse, Goose, make this dream happen a second time.

Happy 44!!  You and Goose will do it. You will proudly be introduced as a two time Canadian Olympian! London will prove to be the highlight of your life so far! You will spend your summer in England and fall in love with the country and the many Brits you will befriend. Goose will give you the ride of your career and the opportunity to become the first Dressage rider to wear a helmet in Olympic competition! You will be able to slow down and really enjoy every minute of the experience. Your biggest dream will be realized again!

You will continue to chase a third Olympics, and even more every day, you will realize your happiness and goals achieved will be because of the people that travel through this with you. You will meet the breeders of the horses you are privileged enough to ride. Without their dreams, yours would be impossible. You will be given opportunities to learn from incredible trainers but will recognize over and over again the value Ashley Holzer has to offer you as both your coach but also the greatest of friends. The people that you surround yourself with make your life happen. Your Olympic teammates Leslie Reid, David Marcus, and Ashley will forever be in your heart.

Anne and John will continue to make your career possible with their support. And, of course, your greatest supporters will be Eric and Mary, your parents. They will have both instilled in you your will to work and provided you with the opportunity to make that work what you love. They will own your horses, move to a property with a beautiful facility for you to run your business, and provide never wavering, non-stop belief in you. Your closest friends will be neighbors both in Canada and in Wellington, and due to a little thing called the World Wide Web, you will be able to stay close to those that live further away. You will meet so many amazing people through your clinics and lessons. Your life will be full!

Oh. And by the way …  the Olympics you will be working so hard to get to in 2020 …  you may want to rethink that year and do a little more vacationing and traveling in the early part!

You will be happy!  Don’t worry!

Equestrian Marketing Firm Athletux is proud to be one of the longest running agencies in the business, working exclusively with equestrian brands, athletes and events. Athletux understands your audience, utilizing innovative and creative ideas to build your brand and image. By integrating a passion for all things equine with drive and knowledge, you will achieve unparalleled results. Think of Athletux as an extension of your team, providing highly specialized tools to take your business to the next level. Learn more about how Athletux can help you revolutionize your business today. Visit athletux.com for more information, or follow along via social @athletux. 

     

2020 Thoroughbred Makeover & National Symposium Postponed to 2021

By on Jul 7, 2020 11:20 am -

After extensive information gathering, research and consideration, the board of the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) has made the difficult but unanimous decision to postpone the 2020 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA), until 2021. The RRP plans to host an expanded Thoroughbred Makeover on October 12-17, 2021 that will offer separate classes in all ten disciplines for both 2020 and 2021 entries.

Click here to watch a video message from the RRP.

Put on each year by the RRP, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, the Thoroughbred Makeover typically draws hundreds of competitors from 40+ states and multiple Canadian provinces, each of whom has taken on the challenge of bringing along a Thoroughbred in his or her first year of retraining post-racing. In a normal year, the event also includes the ASPCA Makeover Marketplace (a large-scale horse shopping experience), a vendor fair with more than 70 on-site retailers and other equine businesses, seminars, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Summit and various social and networking events.

To comply with COVID-19 pandemic event guidelines as recommended by US Equestrian and the Kentucky Horse Park, many of these aspects, which monetize a significant portion of the event, would have to be eliminated or heavily modified.

“This was a decision that was not entered into lightly,” said the RRP’s executive director Jen Roytz. “We went to great lengths to look at the feasibility of putting on the event from various perspectives, including preparedness of our competitors, current sponsorship commitments, the cost and steps necessary to implement COVID-19 risk management protocols for an event like ours, and what changes we would need to make to the event to comply with state and venue regulations. We also explored various ‘what if’ scenarios with our legal counsel, insurance company, and board, and what their impacts could be on not only the event, but our organization as a whole.”

Photo courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover.

With the Thoroughbred Makeover being a competition for horses in their first year of training after racing, the organization sent out two surveys to its competitors, one in April and one in June, to better understand how the pandemic was affecting its competitors’ ability to prepare their horses. Questions in the survey also aimed to gauge how their competitors would feel about the changes to the event that would have to be made in 2020 in order to put it on.

Trainers expressed concern through these surveys about having their horses adequately prepared for the show environment, as well as financial concerns due to lost income during shutdowns. In some cases, horses could not receive necessary maintenance care or undergo elective veterinary or therapy procedures. Furthermore, every state’s pandemic guidelines were different which had, and continues to have, an impact on competitors.

“We worked hard to identify what the best course of action would be, not only for our constituents and horses, but for the long-term viability and stability of our organization,” continued Roytz. “Our competitor survey responses showed us not only that a significant percentage of our competitors were behind on their training due to a variety of factors, but also that if we were to implement the changes that the pandemic would force us to make, it would not only put our organization in a precarious position financially but would negatively impact our competitors’ enjoyment of the event.”

Photo courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover.

A critical aspect of the Thoroughbred Makeover on the part of participating trainers is having recently retired racehorses, all of which are relatively green in terms of their show career, adequately prepared for a big show environment at the Kentucky Horse Park. Typically, this is achieved by trainers exposing their horses to various competitive environments in the ten-month training period prior to the Makeover.

“The Thoroughbred Makeover at its core is designed to serve the mission of the RRP as a showcase of the versatility and trainability of the breed,” said Managing Director and Event Organizer, Kirsten Green. “Much of the feedback we’ve received, as well as the results of our surveys, tell us that the majority of our competitors are not feeling as confident as they typically would about their ability to showcase their horses as well as they otherwise would have. Furthermore, the Makeover typically draws entries from more than 40 states, as well as a significant Canadian contingent, and we’re still contending with a continually changing landscape over the coming months. We don’t yet know when the Canadian border will reopen, we’re seeing states re-implementing quarantine mandates for travelers, trainers having their income impacted, and more. That is only compounded by the financial challenges we and other nonprofits have faced in recent months and changes we would have to make in order to move forward with the event. By postponing the competition until next year and expanding the Marketplace virtually for this year, we felt it was the best way to create the most opportunities for all involved, while also doing what is in the best interest of the horses and our organization.”

Photo courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover.

Several aspects of the 2020 TCA Thoroughbred Makeover will be run virtually this year in October, including a virtual vendor fair, webinars in place of seminars, and the ASPCA Makeover Marketplace. The Marketplace will transition into an expanded online showcase of transitioned Thoroughbreds who were intended to compete in October and be offered for sale or adoption at the Makeover.

“I know I speak on behalf of the entire RRP board and staff when I say this was an incredibly difficult decision, but we feel it’s the right one,” said RRP board president Carolyn Karlson. “The challenges presented by the pandemic are unprecedented. The RRP expanded its online educational offerings this year to better support those retraining horses amid all of the travel and shelter-in-place restrictions, like our Five-Minute Clinic series and webinars, and we have several more exciting initiatives to roll out as the year goes on. We are steadfast to our commitment to our competitors, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, supporters and, most importantly, the horses we and they serve.”

Trainers who entered this year’s Thoroughbred Makeover will have the opportunity to retain their registered 2020 horses to compete in a special 2020 division at the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover. They also have the option to withdraw their 2020 horses and roll their entry fee to the 2021 competition with a new 2021-eligible horse. In some cases, some 2020-entered horses will be able to retain their eligibility for the 2021 division as long as they do not exceed the maximum of 15 retraining rides before December 1, 2020.

“It’s been a priority for us to make sure that we found a solution that was flexible for our trainers and their horses and give them options to suit whatever their goals might be,” said Green. “We look forward to working with everyone to offer content and activities to honor the Makeover this October, and to welcome everyone back to the Bluegrass for a knockout event in 2021.”

Photo courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover.

Added Roytz, “We are incredibly grateful to the TCA, ASPCA and our other major sponsors and donors for being exceedingly understanding and supportive of this decision. Many of them have also been affected by this pandemic and anticipate feeling the effects well into the coming year, but were eager to help us find ways to support both this year’s and next year’s classes of Makeover competitors in meaningful ways.”

For more information and updates about the Thoroughbred Makeover, please visit tbmakeover.org. More announcements about virtual activities and events will be released throughout the summer and early fall. Sign up to receive the ASPCA Makeover Marketplace catalog at tbmakeover.org/catalogsignup.

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Chatt Hills, Larkin Hill, Maryland, Spring Gulch, Twin Rivers, Winona

By on Jul 7, 2020 7:45 am -

Beautiful Spring Gulch Horse Trials in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The eventing weekends are getting busier, and it’s encouraging to see horse showing coming back. While it remains to be seen what the immediate future holds, seeing horses and riders out doing what they love is a sight for sore eyes. As a reminder, make sure to brush up on COVID-19 precautions and protocol before heading out to compete. The more we work together to comply with guidelines, the safer we’ll be from cancellations.

This weekend, our lowest score earners competed at the Maryland Horse Trials and finished on an impressive 18.9. Congratulations to Olivia Devening and Maximus in the Junior Beginner Novice!

Larkin Hill H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

Prelim/Training: Madison Haney and Revelation (32.0)
Training A: Audrey Littlefield and Mr. Pumpkin (38.8)
Training B: Beth Murphy and Jimba (22.6)
Novice A: Amanda Ko and Carnivale King (31.4)
Novice B: Pamela Lyon and Coosanmore (29.5)
Novice C: Alison Eastman-Lawler and Lexington II (25.5)
Beginner Novice A: Abigail Hilliard and Memo (29.0)
Beginner Novice B: Kristen Smith and Cearney (27.0)
Beginner Novice C: Darrah Alexander and Ad Lib (23.3)
Beginner Novice D: Emma Armstrong and Newman (24.3)
Beginner Novice E: Emilija Zygelyte and Carriage House Dominic (30.8)
Beginner Novice F: Alexander Conrad and Fernhill El Rico (27.3)
Intro A: Laura Voorheis and Welcome Diamond (32.8)
Intro B: Destiny Darnell and Charlie (28.9)
Intro C: Imanol Echeverria and Stuart (29.7)
Intro D: James Devanney and Cooley Caviar (21.4)

Our eternal gratitude goes out to Joan Davis and Flatlandsfoto, who graciously sent us some photos from Larkin Hill this weekend:


Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate A: Joe Meyer and Gortglas Crazy Love (44.5)
Open Intermediate B: Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley (30.0)
Open Preliminary B: Leslie Law and Typically Fernhill (27.4)
Open Preliminary B: Lesley Grant-Law and Castle Howard Romeo (40.1)
Preliminary Rider: Katie Malensek and Landjaeger (28.9)
Modified A: Leslie Law and Shirsheen Ice (27.0)
Modified B: Tik Maynard and Galileo (25.9)
Open Training A: Hallie Coon and Global Naxos (22.6)
Open Training B: Marcea Funk and Odyssey B (24.3)
Training Rider A: Emeline Gilbert and Herr Winzig (27.1)
Training Rider B: Kaitlyn Brittendall and FE Dream On (30.7)
Novice Rider A: Ellie Teasley and Quintessential (34.8)
Novice Rider B: Beth Allen and Remastered (32.1)
Open Novice A: Kristin Schmolze and Jupiler (22.1)
Open Novice B: Clayton Fredericks and FE Marco Polo (26.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Chloe Breed and Caan’s Navy Blues (32.2)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Maradeth Leverett and Fried Rice (25.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Rebecca Brown and Lucky Imagamblingman (30.8)

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the best girllll 💖

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The Maryland International + H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

CCI 1*-S: Joanie Morris and Betterthanexpected (36.7)
CCI 2*-S: Ariel Grald and Caballe (26.0)
CCI 3*-S: Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights (26.6)
Open Intermediate: Ema Klugman and Bendigo (30.7)
JR/YR Open Preliminary: Abigail Niles and Carrick Finest Lad (22.8)
Modified: Emily Beshear and Plumpjack (26.3)
Open Preliminary A: Ariel Grald and Diara (27.9)
Open Preliminary B: Phillip Dutton and California D’Horset (28.5)
Junior Open Training: Grace Mykityshyn and Lusi (29.0)
Open Training A: Ryan Wood and Cooley Cadbury (26.0)
Open Training B: Ryan Wood and Insuspense (28.6)
Open Training C: Ryan Wood and The Optimist (22.9)
Training Rider A: Katherine van der Rest and Pandora’s Na’vi Child (29.8)
Training Rider B: Megan Smallwood and Kilronan’s Countess (34.0)
Junior Open Novice: Sabina Cooper and Dictate the Terms (24.8)
Novice Rider A: Suzy Gehris and Steddy Eddy (27.1)
Novice Rider B: Payton Myers and Tekkenistic (28.3)
Open Novice A: Caroline Martin and Redfield James (21.0)
Open Novice B: Kelley Beaver and Excel Star Pluto (20.7)
Beginner Novice Rider: Michelle Marquardt and My Son Ernie (25.8)
Junior Beginner Novice: Olivia Devening and Maximus (18.9)
Open Beginner Novice A: Claudia Sarnoff and Papa Pablo (21.9)
Open Beginner Novice B: Caroline Martin and Redfield Champion (19.2)

Spring Gulch H.T.: [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Darlene McInnes and Speed Bump (34.6)
Open Training: Vicki Baker and Got the Last Call (24.5)
Open Novice A: Angelika Beutel and Harrison (25.2)
Open Novice B: Michael Graham and Guinness (31.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kara Miller and Chesterland’s Knockout (32.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Nancy Carr and Hidden Assets (29.5)
Open Beginner Novice C: Madeline Backus and Finn (26.3)
Intro A: Amy Lott and Divine Revelation (26.7)
Intro B: Elizabeth Grandos and Watch My Class (31.1)

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. : [Website] [Final Scores]

Advanced CT: Tamie Smith and Danito (22.3)
Advanced/Intermediate: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout (47.6)
Open Intermediate: James Alliston and Paper Jam (35.8)
Open Preliminary A: Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California (25.4)
Open Preliminary B: James Alliston and Nemesis (23.9)
Preliminary Rider: Bruce Hill and Bossinova (20.4)
Jr. Training Rider: Kira Niyogi and Astro NSF (29.1)
Open Training: Taren Hoffos and Regala (26.6)
Sr. Training Rider A: Emma Meehan and Millridge Socrates (32.1)
Sr. Training Rider B: Camille Brewer and Cooley Rock Star (28.8)
Training Horse: Josh Barnacle and Go Go Boots (27.2)
Jr. Novice Rider A: Amanda Boyce and SF Adventure (25.5)
Jr. Novice Rider B: Sophia Merz and Clara Bö (30.2)
Novice Horse: Grace Walker Alonzi and Frantz Edi (25.7)
Open Novice: Tommy Greengard and Outlander (27.6)
Sr. Novice Rider: Leslie van der Wal and Doe Valley Brosna Go Bragh (28.3)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Natalie Barton and Storm Watch (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Bec Braitling and Excel Star Zen Z (28.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Cammie Edwards and Idol Hour (26.0)
Introductory A: Leslie van der Wal and Doonhill Dancer (34.4)
Introductory B: Hannah Cegielski and Backstreet Boy (32.5)

Winona H.T: [Website] [Final Scores]

Preliminary: Brooke Molde and Groundwork (45.5)
Training: Amanda Wilson and Rainstown Covergirl (31.1)
Novice A: Lydia McKenzie and WCR Brianne Sequin (29.2)
Novice B: Corinna Garcia and Lyric (27.4)
Novice C: Molly McTiernan and Rocket Man (30.2)
Beginner Novice A: Natalie Koch and Captain Jack Sparrow (35.0)
Beginner Novice B: Tiffany McDermott and Makin’ Waves (30.3)
Beginner Novice C: Debbie McCaughtry and Bellagio VT (40.1)
Starter – Open: Ellie Celarek and Magic Maddie (36.8)

And last but most definitely not least, a shout-out to our northern neighbors, who kicked off their season at the Will O’Wind Horse Trials in Ontario this weekend:

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jul 7, 2020 12:01 am -

New jumps coming to The Carolina Horse Park!

Some new fences are slated to make their debut at The Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, N.C. Think this looks a little familiar? That’s because they have been generously given from Brad Turley at Southern 8th’s Farm, which hosted the Heart of the Carolinas Three-Day Event. Though the much loved HOTC event is no longer held, the fences can continue to be a part of eventing. Thank you Brad for all you have done for our sport.

National Holiday: National Dive Bar Day

Events Opening This Week: Town Hill Farm H.T., Great Meadow International, Flora Lea Farm YEH and Mini Event, War Horse Event Series August H.T., Feather Creek Farm H.T., Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. II, Caber Farm H.T., The Event at Archer

Events Closing This Week: VHT International & H.T., Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials II, Hunt Club Farms H.T., FENCE H.T., Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. at Longview, Event at Rebecca Farm

Tuesday News: 

The ever present conversation in eventing is safety. How can we make cross country safer? This is a puzzle with many interlocking pieces, but riders can be accountable, too. Heading out on course, you’re entering into a contract with your horse where you are responsible for setting them up for success. [Key Steps to Safe Cross-Country Riding, Part Two: Horse and Rider Contract and Going Faster]

What I’m Listening to Today: Remember that planner you bought in January? The joke was on us, huh? Well now things are starting to slowing get back going, which means many are going to start planning what’s left of the 2020 season. Nicole Brown, Diarm Byrne, Will Coleman and British high performance veterinarian Spike “The Vet” Milligan talk through the steps you can take efficiently plan your season. [USEA Podcast #261: Planning Your Season]

A love of horses is a lifelong condition with no treatment, but fortunately there are many support groups available. [Still Horse Crazy After All These Years]

Tuesday Video: Congratulations to this weekend winner from Chatt Hills!

Monday Video from CLM DWN: The Five-Star Hamster is Back, Baby

By on Jul 6, 2020 4:30 pm -

A super clear XC today aboard my amazing #firecracker OTTB Call Him Paddy! A miserable pole down in the SJ (due to exhuberance…but who can really blame us?) cost us the win but a lovely 27 in the dressage and a stunning steady clear on the cross brought us home both smiling and profiling! Love this kid to the moon and back and all his American spirit! So blessed to have him under my tack! Happy fourth to everyone! #poweredbyOTTB

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Saturday, July 4, 2020

Laine Ashker celebrated the Fourth of July in style by riding a firecracker American-bred OTTB around the Maryland Horse Trials this weekend. Lainey had more than one thing to celebrate in this ride, however, as it was her mount’s first time back out in competition after injuring a splint bone last summer.

Affectionately known as the five-star hamster due to his smaller stature yet gargantuan love of jumping, Call Him Paddy underwent a surgery to repair his splint bone at the University Of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center which involved removing part of the injured splint bone and replacing it with a graft taken from the hip bone and securing it with a metal plate. While the surgery generally has a good prognosis and the metal place is able to stay in place, “Patrick” had a bit of a lengthened recovery as the he ended up requiring a follow-up procedure to remove the plate. Thanks to the expertise of the his veterinary team, led by Dr. Dean Richardson, and Lainey’s care and careful rehab this spunky OTTB is back, baby, and he’s clearly stoked to run and jump all the things again.

Join them for a double clear ride as they cruise around the Maryland Horse Trials Prelim track!

What a #firecracker💥 #callhimpaddy #poweredbyottb #happyfourth #whoatherepaddy

Posted by Laine Ashker Eventing and Dressage on Saturday, July 4, 2020

Take Five with Phillip, Presented by Equilume: Meet the Baby of the Barn

By on Jul 6, 2020 2:04 pm -

Over the past few years, Equilume sponsored rider Phillip Dutton has put his money where is mouth is when it comes to advocating for off-track Thoroughbreds. Together with racing trainer Graham Motion, he’s created an incredible pipeline of Thoroughbreds from start gate to the cross country start box.

Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds at Ocala Jockey Club in November 2019. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The top OTTB in his barn currently is Sea of Clouds, a 2011 Thoroughbred (Malibu Moon x Winner’s Ticket) owned by Anita Motion, Sue Haldeman, Annie Jones, Evie Dutton and Sheikh Fahad Al-Thani. The horse raced twice before retiring from the track in November 2014 and starting his training with Phillip. He won his very first Beginner Novice event in 2014 and is now successfully competing at the Advanced level — in 2019 he finished 2nd in the CCI3*-S at Virginia Horse Trials and 3rd in the CCI4*-S at Morven Park, and turned in a double-clear cross country round in the Ocala Jockey Club CCI4*-L. They finished 3rd in their first post-quarantine outing, the Advanced at Stable View in June.

Another top stall in the barn belongs to Icabad Crane, who enjoyed five stakes wins on the track with Graham Motion before taking up eventing. Phillip rode him to the original America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred title at the inaugural Thoroughbred Makeover in 2014, following that up with an impressive career with Phillip and then daughter Olivia. He’s officially retired but we hear that he still enjoys the occasional lark with Phillip’s wife Evie.

Those are some big horse shoes to fill for newer OTTBs in his string!

Photo by Maggie Kimmitt courtesy of Graham and Anita Motion’s Herringswell Stables.

The baby OTTB of the barn is Lincoln’s Address, a 2016 Thoroughbred gelding (2012 Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags x Sincerely, by Meadowlake) owned by Graham and Anita Motion, R. Larry Johnson and Phillip and Evie. The flashy chestnut came to True Prospect as a lightly raced three-year-old and his laid-back temperament and willingness to work quickly made him a favorite in the barn: “He is a real talent and one to look for in the future.”

Video of one of his workouts in winter 2019: 

Olivia Dutton piloted Lincoln’s Address into 4th place in Open Novice at Maryland International & H.T. over the weekend, finishing on their dressage score of 25.It was his fourth horse trial and second Novice start.

Here they are schooling on the farm last week.

Let’s meet the baby of the barn: Lincoln’s Address is the youngest member of our team but already one of our favorites…

Posted by Phillip Dutton Eventing on Thursday, June 25, 2020

Phillip says that it’s unusual for he and Evie to own horses themselves, and that they’ll likely bringing in partners as he progresses up the levels, but that they are enjoying being shareholders in the young talent. “It’s certainly been fun to have this guy, seeing him come from the track and to watch his progression has been really rewarding,” Phillip says. “He’s a really nice balanced horse, great self-carriage, soft mouth, nice trot and great canter, and most importantly an incredible work ethic.”

He likes to be ridden every day, Phillip says, and in turn, “It’s not hard to educated him because you enjoy riding him all the time. The flatwork is really going to come along in leaps and bounds; it all comes pretty easy for him, pretty natural.”

His natural athleticism is evident over fences. “He’s got a good understanding of the jump, is easy to get to the jump and holds on the jump well,” Phillip says. “He’s got a nice big, soft jump and uses himself pretty well. He is forward but holds on the jump which is a nice balance to have. He is overall a really impressive horse and one that I’m really excited about.”

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

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

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

$5,000 Diversity Scholarship Applications Due on July 17

By on Jul 6, 2020 11:00 am -

 

Randy Ward and Grando. Photo by Jenni Autry.

“We as a horse community need to grow, to reach new audiences and to introduce another generation of riders to keep our sport going strong. A diverse equestrian community is a strong equestrian community, and it’s time to open the doors of opportunity to all.” — former Horse Nation editor Kristen Kovatch

The application deadline for Nation Media’s 1st Annual Diversity Scholarship, now representing a fund of $5,000 thanks to the generosity of donors, has been extended by one week to Friday, July 17.

It is the mission of this Scholarship to call for, encourage, elevate and immediately give a platform to minority voices in a space where they are underrepresented. The funds, which we hope will give some deserving riders a leg-up, will be allocated by consensus of a diverse committee.

Applicants are invited to submit, via essay or video, a contribution to the discussion of diversity and inclusion in equestrian sport. There is no word minimum or maximum. This is your space to use however you wish, and we are listening.

All minority equestrians of all disciplines are invited to apply. The Scholarship may be used any in way that the recipient desires to further their riding career, be it educational opportunities, competition entry fees or equipment/tack.

Please submit entries to [email protected]. The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, July 17, 2020. After the Scholarship recipients have been announced, we will be honored to share applicant contributions on EN throughout the summer with permission.

We at Nation Media submit this Scholarship as a small contribution toward real change, with much more work still to be done in the future. Go Diversity. Go Eventing!

Links: 

 

FLAIR Fourth of July Photo Contest: Vote For Your Favorite!

By on Jul 6, 2020 10:30 am -

In the spirit of Fourth of July weekend, we asked readers to share their most patriotic horse pics for a chance to win one of two packs of FLAIR American flag equine nasal strips. As usual, you went all out!

Now it’s time to put the top 10 finalists to a vote. Vote for your favorite photo in the poll below — the two with the most votes will receive the prizes. We’ll announce the winner in this week’s edition of Thursday Video from FLAIR! 🇺🇸

Aimee Schulz

Lauren Efford

Samantha Arnold: “True Americans. An American Thoroughbred, ‘Light in the Dark,’ and her rider SSG Arnold competing in the Novice 3 day event in her Army dress uniform. Old school eventing in its truest form.”

Jessica Farren

Bobbie Jones: “My full blooded American Paint Horse, Rebel’s Heartbreaker, sporting his red, white and blue cross country colors complete with FLAIR Strip AND his signature bowtie!”

Robin Guernsey

Photo by Courtney Leckey Harrison.

Ashley Keller

Wendy Bullock-Miller:
“Our church’s 1776 Sunday. My horse and I get to participate in the battle reenactment!”

Tiffany Gook: “My boy TJ all dressed up for the holiday!”

FLAIR® Strips are drug-free, self-adhesive nasal strips that support horses’ nasal passages and promote optimum respiratory health of equine athletes, in all disciplines and every level of competition.

Go Eventing.

An Unbreakable Partnership: Meet Paige Cianciulli & Dark n Handsome

By on Jul 6, 2020 8:56 am -

A little over seven years ago, when Paige Cianciulli (pronounced Chinchilla, which we think earns her EN karma forever!) was just 11 she brought home a 6-year-old Thoroughbred named Handsome. With hard work and help from a great support team, the pair made their way up the levels, forging an unbreakable partnership along the way. Last weekend at Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. they completed their first Intermediate with no jumping faults and a bit of time. Congrats! Alexis Poe shares their story. 

Then and now. Photos courtesy of Paige Cianciulli.

I think all of us can agree that surviving in the world of Covid-19 has been a bit of a struggle. Given the added stressors that come along with a global pandemic setting goals, staying focused and thriving can be a challenge.

One pair that has managed to thrive during these challenging times having just completed their first Intermediate at the Horse Park of New Jersey last weekend weekend is Paige Cianciulli and her heart horse Dark n Handsome.

Paige and Handsome’s story is one of hard work, persistence and dedication, proving that putting in the work and staying focused truly does pay off. Paige is 18 years old and Handsome is 13. When Paige’s family started horse shopping Paige’s mom, Carolyn, wanted to find a horse that could take Paige around Novice and potentially a couple of Training levels. They never thought Handsome would be the one to take Paige around her first Intermediate.

Photo courtesy of Paige Cianciulli.

When they went to try Handsome, who was 6 at the time, he was a lot of horse for 11-year-old 4’9” Paige to manage. She couldn’t get him to stop. Even after a bit of a rough trial Paige bonded with Handsome and they decided to buy him.

Video of Paige trying him:

Handsome’s story before Paige purchased him is a bit of a mystery. Originally he was at a thoroughbred breeding farm. Handsome is most likely a Thoroughbred but has no tattoo or papers. Someone bought all the mares from the breeding farm and put them on a trailer. Somehow Handsome found himself in that mix of horses. From there he went to a farm in Virginia where he began his eventing career.

Then … 

Photo courtesy of Paige Cianciulli.

… and now.

Photo courtesy of Paige Cianciulli.

Handsome is always curious about the world around him and always keeps one eye on Paige. If he had it his way he would sleep in Paige’s bedroom. He is the chilliest dude in the barn. He doesn’t act like a wild upper level horse but more like a pony club pony. However, as soon as he sees a fence it’s all business. At 15.1 he may have been the smallest horse in Intermediate warm up but he left room to spare over all the fences. He is a horse full of heart that would do anything for Paige. The partnership Paige has with Handsome is extremely special. They grew up together, took risks together, and both saved each other a couple of times. Watching them in the barn is like watching two best friends.

Looking back to the Novice days it was a bit of a rough road for a while. She struggled to sort him out and they had their fair share of stops. It took some time but with patience a mutual trust and respect was formed. Initially Paige didn’t understand cross country time so the first time out they went way too fast and the next time they went way too slow. It took a bit of time for them to build their partnership, but once the bond was solidified they were unstoppable.

Photo courtesy of Paige Cianciulli.

As the pair prepared for their first Intermediate this past weekend there was excitement, nerves, and anticipation. Dressage is not his best phase but he has shown tons on progress. Small but certainly mighty, he was all heart at HPNJ in his first Intermediate test. He was jumping out of his skin in the show jumping leaving room to spare over all of the fences. It was Paige’s best show jumping round she has ever had in her career with Handsome.

The duo finished clear with some time cross country. He was brave and bold and they helped each other get through the finish flags.

As we all know it takes a village to compete in this sport. Paige wouldn’t be where she is with Handsome today without the overwhelming support of her parents, family members, friends, as well as the help from many trainers over the years. Most notably coach Sara Gumbiner has helped the pair since their first Novice level event and has guided her through Training, Preliminary and now Intermediate move ups. Paige says she “Couldn’t have done it without Sara’s guidance.” Sara believed in them from the start and has put an unbelievable amount of dedication into the pair that helped them cross the finish flags last weekend.

Photo courtesy of Paige Cianciulli.

“Coming through the cross county finish flags with Sara, Alexis (fellow working student at Evermore), Brooke (an Evermore client), and my dad at my side all cheering me on, and being so pumped up by everyone around all the way back to the trailer where my mom was hiding was an incredible feeling,” Paige says. “I immediately started ugly crying and hugging Handsome when we made it back to the trailer because of how much heart handsome has, and the incredible amount of support around us.”

Keep an eye on this exciting pair as they continue thriving in 2020.

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jul 6, 2020 5:26 am -

Day 2 of the #StrzegomSummerTour: Behind the scene…

Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński

#shtstrzegom #WKKW #eventing #strzegom

Photos for riders: [email protected]_

Posted by Strzegom Horse Trials on Saturday, July 4, 2020

I can’t even begin to describe the sheer joy and unparalleled comfort I take in scrolling through social media and seeing live-streams of events (real ones, not dodgy phishing ones that steal your identity) and collections of images from the first internationals back after the total wipe-out that 2020 has been so far. These photos, captured at the Strzegom Summer Tour in Poland by Mariusz Chmielinski, are right up my street — particularly the wonderful shot of a mother and daughter competing together. We all know I’m an emotional eventing type, and nothing has changed over the past few months.

National Holiday: It’s International Kissing Day. Now might be a good time to reevaluate your social bubble.

Your Monday Reading List:

Blenheim might be cancelled this year, but another event has stepped in to host its CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S for eight- and nine-year-olds. That event is Burnham Market, best known for its early spring CCI4*-S, and a new entry into the cancelled 2020 Event Rider Masters programme. It’s a bit different to Blenheim, but those seeking crucial qualifications likely won’t mind too much. [International Classes Added to Burnham Market in 2020]

“You’ve never seen a horse in the hood,” says Adam Hollingsworth, Chicago’s Dreadhead Cowboy. The well-loved figure was part of a viral video that swept the country — and beyond — which showed him riding one of his four horses in a Black Lives Matter protest. But the video didn’t go viral because of the unlikeliness of an inner-city cowboy — it went viral because of a false accusation that Hollingsworth had stolen his mount from a policeman. This New York Times piece delves further into the power of an internet assumption as well as the extraordinary positivity that horses bring to inner-city communities. [‘You Can’t Just Get Up and Steal a Police Horse’]

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has opted to allow public complaints about horse welfare. The decisions comes after yet another endurance scandal hit the headlines, in which Emirati rider Abdul Rahman Saeed Saleh Al Ghailani appealed against his 12-month suspension by suggesting that the complaints against him, made by a campaign group, didn’t mean the FEI’s regulations. While this decision will have the most far-reaching impact on endurance, it’ll make some ripples across the disciplines. [Sport Court Supports Public’s Right to Report Horse Abuse]

Some questionable decision-making is preventing the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy from moving into an appropriate site. While you might not be Philly-based, it’s worth giving this piece a read and, if you can spare five minutes, sending an email or making a phone call to demand that this hugely beneficial programme is given the support it needs. [Frank Rizzo’s Racist Legacy is Blocking Black Students From Learning to Ride]

Noori Husain, a Muslim equestrian, is encouraging more people from a variety of backgrounds to get involved with riding. In this piece, she discusses competing while fasting, her experience with her headscarf, and the extra pressure she often feels to represent all Asian riders when competing. [‘I’m just a person doing what she loves’: Muslim rider calls for more minorities to try riding]

In less than a week, British Eventing will be back — and there’s so much I’ve missed. I delved into ten of the most delightfully mundane bits that I’ll be embracing wholeheartedly at the weekend. [10 mundane things we’ve missed about eventing]

What I’m Listening To:

One of my favourite pastimes is diving into the Desert Island Discs archive and having a jolly good recreational weep. The classic BBC Radio 5 show is absolutely faultless in its format, which sees guests sent away on a hypothetical exodus to a, well, desert island, to which they can bring just eight songs, a book, and a luxury item. It tends to bring out unique and wonderful anecdotes, and I can’t recommend a deep dive enough — but as a starting point, check out Jilly Cooper, queen of the horsey bonkbuster, and eventing legend Ginny Elliott. Bliss.

Where I’ve Donated:

Like most of us, I’m a sucker for a rosette — even more so because I only ever seem to win them when I go to dressage shows. (Baffling, really, when I then throw down a spectacularly uncompetitive 36 out eventing, but hey ho!) That’s why I was thrilled to put down six off my good English pounds to get myself a rozzie from Ride Out Racism, a new charitable scheme launched by 18-year-old Reece McCook. Purchases of the rosettes — or a tasteful pin badge, which I’ll be wearing on my lapel at Tweseldown next week — go to helpful ROR’s mission to increase diversity within equestrian sport. You can get yours here. 

Monday Video: This virtual fence judge briefing from British Eventing Technical Advisors take you through the briefing you would expect on a day of competition, as well as additional COVID-19 protocols in preparation for the safe Return to Sport in July 2020.