Classic Eventing Nation

USEF Mid-Year Meeting goes Virtual with Tom O’Mara Nominated for USEF President

By on Apr 29, 2020 2:45 pm -

US Equestrian issued the following press release this afternoon:

The USEF Board of Directors’ Mid-Year Meeting scheduled for June 22-23, 2020, will be held virtually to support ongoing efforts to minimize gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was approved by the Board of Directors in a meeting held Friday, April 24. The USEF Mid-Year meeting will be open to up to 1000 people, including the media and USEF members, with further details available in the coming days regarding the schedule and how to register for the meeting.

A key agenda item for the 2020 Mid-Year Meeting is the election of the new USEF President. The Nominating Committee will present the official nomination of Tom O’Mara as the candidate for President. Tom has served on the USEF Board of Directors for the past four years and the past two years in the role of Secretary/Treasurer.

“The Nominating Committee is pleased to put Tom O’Mara forward for the role of President of the Federation,” commented Judy Sloan, the 2020 USEF Nominating Committee Chairperson. “Given Tom’s diverse and deep background in finance, governance, community leadership, and equestrian sport, we feel he is the ideal candidate to guide the Federation’s Board and Management team into the future.”

Tom led the Drugs and Medications/Lab Review Task Force, which thoroughly evaluated alternatives and made the recommendation to transfer the USEF testing lab to the University of Kentucky. Tom has also served on the Competitions Task Force as an active contributor. Tom built a successful career in the world of investment banking over a 30-year period but importantly has a demonstrated passion and commitment to equestrian sport in many capacities. He spent years as an active and supportive parent and husband with five O’Mara riders: his wife, Liz, and their four children, Casey, Abby, Meg, and T.J. He also took his commitment to the next level through his volunteer board roles at USEF and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association National Advisory Board, of which he was the Co-Chair and now remains an active member. He prepared a thorough and convincing expression of interest for the Nominating Committee, indicating that he would continue to carry forward the vision to bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.

“I strongly support the Nominating Committee’s selection of Tom O’Mara as my successor as USEF President,” said Murray Kessler, USEF President. “Tom is passionate about equestrian sport, is deeply experienced on USEF committees and the board, has unique experience with intercollegiate equestrian sports, and understands the importance of each of our 29 breeds and disciplines. He also brings real-world business experience to the position, which I found incredibly important over the past four years. I urge the board and membership to support his candidacy.”

Upon board approval, Tom O’Mara will continue to serve in his role as Secretary/Treasurer until officially taking office as USEF President in January, 2021. USEF President Murray Kessler will continue to serve in his current role during this same time period.

In addition to the election, this is the first year that all rule changes will be submitted to the USEF Board of Directors for approval during the 2020 Mid-Year Meeting.

We encourage members to join us virtually for the 2020 USEF Mid-Year Board Meeting. Please mark your calendars.

[USEF Mid-Year Meeting goes Virtual with Tom O’Mara Nominated for USEF President]

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Virtual Races from Kentucky to Aiken

By on Apr 29, 2020 1:00 pm -

Well, the Kentucky Derby was supposed to be this Saturday. While the real race has been postponed to September 5th, don’t worry, there’s still going to be plenty to do this weekend as Churchill Downs has a full day of online activities planned (like DIY fascinator and Derby cocktail making — yes please!) NBC will also be broadcasting all of American Pharoah’s 2015 Triple Crown Run plus a virtual race of previous Triple Crown winners using historical handicapping information and data algorithms to determine the winner. Honestly, that actually sounds pretty cool! Learn more about #KyDerbyatHome here.

The Derby actually isn’t the only virtual race happening this Saturday, so to speak. There may not be any data or computer-simulation involved in this one, but the Aiken Steeplechase is encouraging the community to gather virtually in their own backyards for what would have been their annual spring race.

The Aiken Virtual Steeplechase has a whole host of contests to participate in including a photo contest for stick horse steeplechase, best “home-gate” tailgating setup, and fashion contests. Local businesses are in on the fun as well by sponsoring the event and offering prizes, and local restaurants are offering take-out specials to take your home party to the next level.

We may all have to be physically apart right now, but the innovative ways people are coming together from a distance is pretty inspiring. And we’d be remiss not to mention what brings us all together for these events in the first place: the Thoroughbred racehorse! Here are three race retirees ready to come home with you this week:

Union Cat. Photo via Second Stride Inc.

Union Cat (NOTIONAL – SOUTHERN TAPESTRY, BY SOUTHERN HALO): 2014 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Union Cat last raced in October 2019 and ran a total of six times, winning one race. Since arriving at Second Stride, Union Cat has been ridden in both English and Western tack. He’s also been cleared by the vet and is thought to be suitable for any discipline. Union Cat has a super cute expression under saddle and looks like like he could have some really cute movement too!

Located in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Union Cat on Second Stride Inc.

Caramel Moon. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Caramel Moon (FIRST SAMURAI – MOONNATIVE, BY GRAND SLAM): 2014 15.2-hand Florida-bred mare

Caramel Moon could be the one to jump the moon for you! While she can be a little bit of a typical sensitive redhead, when it comes time to work “Cara” is all business and more than ready to get going. She’s smart and focused while under-saddle and is very brave over the cross rails she’s been started over and while hacking out alone. The New Vocations staff can see her excelling as an eventer or jumper!

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Caramel Moon on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Ready to Fire. Photo via Retired Racehorse Project Horse Listings.

Ready to Fire (BOBALICIOUS – SWEET SAFARI, BY JOHANNESBURG): 2014 15.3-hand West Virginia-bred gelding

This sweet gelding has been a rehab project for his current owners after coming off the track in November 2018. He spent his first 6 months off the track totally resting and has since been restarted slowly under saddle. “Nicolas” has been doing great as he’s been brought along and has been enjoying time on the trails as well as popping over fences and logs.

Located in Poolesville, Maryland.

View Ready to Fire on the Retired Racehorse Project Horse Listings. 

A Letter to Me — Joanie Morris

By on Apr 29, 2020 9:00 am -

If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? That’s the topic of a new series by Equestrian Marketing Firm Athletux. Today former USEF Managing Director of Eventing Joanie Morris shares her letter. 

Joanie needs little introduction, but we’ll give her a big one anyway. Since assuming the position of Managing Director in 2012, Joanie oversaw the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team through the 2014 World Equestrian Games; the 2015 Pan American Games; the 2016 Olympic Games; Erik Duvander’s appointment as U.S. Performance Director for Eventing in 2017; the 2018 World Equestrian Games; the 2019 Pan American Games, numerous Nations Cups both abroad and on U.S. soil; and every major international competition that featured U.S. athletes in North America and around the world over the past six years. She resigned in March of last year, and as she settles into a new chapter of her life we thank her for her continuing service to the sport.

Previous letters: Tamie Smith, Jennifer Wooten, Katy Robinson, Natalia Gurmankin

Photo courtesy of Joanie Morris.

Dear Joanie,

Ask for help.

Don’t be afraid.

It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of hope.

We are all at the mercy of each other.

Driving across the Susquehanna River on I-95 is the best evidence of this I can give you. The sides of the bridge are not very high and if you are driving a truck, you literally cannot even see the side – you just look over the edge. Going 70 mph on 95 … people do it every day without a second thought. One moment of lost focus by the guy next to you and things could change in an instant.

Stay in your lane.

We all have to do our part to make this society function. And as you go through life, that will become more and more evident. It only works if we make it work. And it only works if we help each other. You don’t have to have all the answers and you don’t have to do it on your own. You will be 40 and still be learning this lesson.

Your husband will face and beat cancer, surviving a brutal surgery and recovery. You will not figure all that out on your own, even though you will think you can. This is just another example, and there will be many, of your need to have the knowledge, strength and help of others. The sooner you realize this is OK, the better.

Lean on the people that you surround yourself with. And when it gets hard, lean harder. But make sure that you are there when they need you too. Don’t be too busy with work. Don’t not have time, and don’t have other things you feel like you should be doing. What you need to do is take care of yourself and the people around you. That should matter most.

You will learn that there are pluses and minuses to having your family 1,000 miles away. You will miss them, some days it will feel like you can’t overcome it, and sometimes, several days will pass before that faint pang of longing beats the drum of your heart so hard that you can no longer ignore it.

You will have to find family amongst friends, and you are grateful for that. It’s … the same but different.

You will be a leader, and you will have to hold a lot of things and people together. They will respect you for showing vulnerability … but only just the right amount.

You will miss things, really, really important things that you will never get back. Try to avoid that. Weddings, funerals, birthdays, time … there are certain things that you cannot reproduce or get back. Look up every once and awhile and take a really deep breath to find the balance that you never thought you needed. You need it!

It will be so good. The stories, the opportunities, the people, the wins, the losses. The places you will go and the history you will witness. You are so lucky.

The friends you will make along the way will be nothing short of magical. They will make your life and your job (which will become your life for 12 years) worth it. People that you read about in books will become your coworkers and your friends. You will grow to know what a mentor is. You will have the kind of respect for people that you read about but never thought you would be fortunate to feel. You will have people tell you that you are that person to them, and it will floor you.

At some point you will realize that you are one of the grownups in the room. You will witness some of the people that you hold in highest esteem make cataclysmic mistakes and you will prop them up while they repair themselves. Help before you are asked. You will grow up and you won’t even realize it. You will write your contributions to a movement into history, and you will feel very fortunate. You will be challenged and tormented and brought to your knees. There will be days when you won’t think you will survive. But you will.

The loss you experience will be significant.

From the young horse you will lose at an event to an aneurism that will make you a statistic of the organization that you will go on to work for, to the people. The people. You won’t realize the impact of the loss until you pick up the phone or turn around and they aren’t there.

You won’t have kids of your own, but you will be so proud of all of your “kids.” Watching them evolve might be painstaking at times, but it will be so worth it.

You will find yourself, bearing an enormous burden, standing in the middle of a warm-up arena in Lima, Peru sobbing for 1,000 reasons, most of which no one knows at the time, but mostly because you will feel that you can finally leave a job that spoiled you with opportunity to care for the people that meant more to you than anything.

When you first take this job, you will think there is nothing as important. And when you go to your first Olympics in 2004, never will you think that you would reach a point where you draw a line in the sand and say, “that’s enough Olympics for one person.” The Olympics that you walked away from despite 1,000 snares attached to your ankle, will be postponed for a year because of a pandemic virus that means everyone has to stay in their houses because it will be so highly contagious. The only way to contain it will be to stay away from other people. It sounds crazy, but it will be reality. Like I said to you in the beginning, we are all at the mercy of each other.

The day you make the decision to leave your job you will sleep through the night for the first time in years. You will continue to do so.

You will persevere. You will. It won’t be easy and the path won’t always be clear but it will be OK. Even if for months and months it doesn’t feel like there are any lights at the end of a tunnel that is closing in.

Your hair will turn completely gray, which is inconvenient when everything is closed during a pandemic.

You will find peace and fulfillment.

You will find those things in your family, your husband, your horses, your friends. In your dogs. In your farm. In music. Everything you’ve given to the horses and the industry will give back to you, sometimes in ways you don’t even realize.

You will have time to be engaged. You will begin to understand your place in the world. That it has meaning and impact. That we humans are guests on this planet and that everything is so fragile.

You will build a business and a life of which you are proud. It will be with someone that you love unconditionally, who makes you insane but has beat back something that wanted to take him. He will love you unconditionally too. Love and life are unconditional. You will have a lot of which to be proud.

You will read a quote from Madeline Albright on April 15, 2020 that you really relate to. She said, “I’m an optimist who worries a lot.”

I hope you aren’t disappointed but, you are no Madeline Albright. You do, however, subscribe to the same philosophy. None of this will turn out like you expected, but it is a really good life.

Another thing to look forward to — you just bought a new pair of Birkenstocks. They are cool again.

You will go places you never expected and do things you never dreamed. You are so fortunate to have been at the mercy of some wonderful people.

Love, a much older, Joanie

 

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. 

Wednesday News & Notes from Ecovet

By on Apr 29, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo via Cindy Lawler on Facebook.

I’m loving all of the memories dug up and posted on social media these days. I happened upon some old photos from Cindy Lawler on my feed yesterday, some of which were of the program from the 1988 Badminton Horse Trials. I particularly love Cindy’s notes from walking cross country, depicted above, which succinctly sum up Badders in just a few words: “hell of a drop,” “huge drop” and “difficult approach.” We’d say we agree with those, even today!

National Holiday: Today is International Dance Day so …”like no one’s watching” and all that jazz.

Sinead Halpin penned a candid and poignant column for NoelleFloyd.com. Learning how to navigate an entirely unprecedented new reality is a challenge, and Sinead has some helpful reminders about perspective and “riding the wave.” [We’re All Learning How to Ride This Wave]

Back on course at Windurra USA: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said Monday that his administration is lifting some restrictions on businesses related to certain outdoor activities starting Friday. Recreational areas (they name golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned campgrounds as examples) may reopen statewide and must follow the latest business guidance for mitigating the spread of the coronavirus. A cross country course certainly qualifies as recreational, right? Heck of a lot more fun than a fishing trip, IMO. Boyd and Silva Martin announced today that their facility, Windurra USA, would re-open for schooling on Friday. [Windurra USA Schooling will Re-Open Friday May 1st!]

A special meeting of the FEI Board brought forth some resolutions based on proposals put forth by the Calendar Task Force. As competitions across disciplines scramble to reschedule and otherwise rearrange their year, proposals on how to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic have been reviewed. Key takeaways concerning eventing include a postponement of discussion of FEI Championships, confirmation that National Federations and Organizers have not been guaranteed exclusivity for rescheduled dates, as well as timeline requirements for date applications/modifications. You can view the full rundown from the meeting here.

As equine deaths from African Horse Sickness continue to afflict the Thailand community, a vaccine has begun distributing and horses are being kept in strict, netted quarantine to help slow the spread of the midge-borne disease. [AHS Deaths Near 500 in Thailand, Vaccinations Begin]

Wednesday Video Break: USEA President Max Corcoran joined Glenn the Geek on the Horse Radio Network’s “Live at Five” show this week. Max is always a wonderful interview, and this conversation broaches many topics regarding eventing and how the coronavirus has affected the industry:

HRN Live at Five: Eventing Post Corona and Horse Shows Getting it Wrong

US Eventing Assoc. President Max Corcoran discusses the way forward for Eventing post Corona. Plus, Glenn addresses how some horse shows are getting their communications all wrong. Monday at 5pm ET on the Horses in the Morning FB Page.

Posted by Horses in the Morning on Monday, April 27, 2020

Independent Study: Ecovet Outperforms All Other Repellents* in Both Efficacy and Duration

A 2019 research study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology confirms that, in head-to-head comparisons with other fly spray products, Ecovet is the most effective at inhibiting flies AND Ecovet lasts the longest. Watch the video to see the study results in action, and learn more about how Ecovet stacks up against other fly sprays > eco-vet.com/study

FEI Approves COVID-19 Response Resolutions: Rankings, Eventing Calendar, Olympic Qualifiers & More

By on Apr 28, 2020 11:49 pm -

I don’t envy anyone trying to sort the havoc this virus has wreaked on our sport right now. The USEF, USEA — any national governing body, really — and especially not the FEI. Take the 2020 Tokyo Olympic qualification process, for instance. It was rocket-science enough …

Actual footage of Tilly Berendt deconstructing the Olympic qualification system for EN … still not unconvinced the FEI didn’t just read her articles to allot team and individual spots.

… before the coronavirus came along and burned the whole system to the ground. What now? Who’s qualified? What’s fair? Are we going to do this whole thing over again? Is poor Tilly in for a whole other year of wishing she’d traded in her liberal arts education for a degree in Advanced Calculus with a specialty in Complex Variables and Applied Probability?

Tilly, realizing that her 80-page astrophysics dissertation on 2020 Olympic eventing qualifications was for naught because there’s a whole new MER deadline now and who even knows when the next event will be anyway so whatever.

Sorry Tilly, and also sorry FEI. Olympic qualification is just one of several brain puzzles the FEI has tackled this month in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, we’ve outlined a timeline of major FEI resolutions passed pertaining to the sport of eventing. Also, a key to who passed them:

Board Resolution: A Resolution taken by the FEI Board.
Emergency Board Resolution: Pretty much what it sounds like.

Let’s take it from the top! And a 5, 6, 7, 8 …

Via FEI Resolutions:

RANKINGS MITIGATION POLICIES – Board Resolution (April 1)

The Covid-19 outbreak has led to the cancellation or postponement of numerous international events in various regions of the world as of March 2020 and it is still uncertain when the sport will resume at a normal pace. To mitigate the impact this will have on the Longines Rankings and FEI Rankings, until the situation is stabilised the Board has approved two Mitigation Policies: the Longines Rankings and the FEI Rankings.

TOKYO 2020 QUALIFICATION SYSTEM – Board Resolution (April 15)

Based on Article 20.1 vii of the FEI Statutes, the Board agrees with the modifications of the Tokyo 2020 Qualification Systems for the three Olympic Disciplines as per the revised documents provided in Annex 7.1.
The key changes are set out below:

  • MER and Confirmation Result Deadline set for June 21, 2021.
  • Inclusion of new concept of “Confirmation Result” for the 3 disciplines for those Athlete/Horse combinations that had achieved a MER during the period January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019).
  • 2021 MER Events to be published in December 2020. MERs can be achieved at all 2020 Events at the relevant level to take account of the impact of Covid-19 on the FEI Calendar.
  • Horses Ownership/Nationality: In addition, the Board agrees to, similar to the principle that applied in 2020, set the deadline for Horses to be registered with the FEI as property of owners of the same nationality by January 15, 2021.

FEI EVENTS & SERIES

EVENTING CALENDAR – Emergency Board Resolution (April 27)

The Board approved the three following Emergency Board Resolutions:

  • Deadline by which National Federations should provide their dates for postponed Events in 2020
    Until December 31, 2020 submissions for applications and/or modifications of Calendar dates for:
    – CCI4* Long Format and CCI5* Long Format Events must reach the FEI Secretary General at least six weeks prior to the Event
    – CCI4* Short Format Events and below must reach the FEI Secretary General at least four weeks prior to the Event
  • Date Clash Rules
    Until December 31, 2020:
    – CCI4* Short Format and below: no Date Clash Rules apply
    – CCI4* Long Format and above: review of date clashes will be done on a case-by-case basis once applications and/or modifications are received from National Federations
  • Officials
    For CCI3* Long Format, the requirement for Foreign Officials could be removed on request and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The relevant Articles of the FEI Eventing Rules to be interpreted accordingly.
    (Deadline for NFs: Notified on April 28, NFs have until May 28, 2020 to indicate disapproval)

EVENTING CALENDAR/CCI4* MER OPPORTUNITIES; 5* EVENTS 2020 – Board Resolution (April 27)

The Board approved:

  • CCIO/Nations Cup 2020
    The 2020 Calendar will be left open to encourage all possible CCI4* Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER) opportunities. Impacted National Federations/Organisers will be consulted by the FEI.
  • 5* Events 2020
    The 2020 Calendar will be left open to allow for any postponements/rescheduling of 5* Events.

More here, including fee reimbursements (FEI TV subscribers will get a refund, since there are no events to watch; FEI calendar fees will be reimbursed for canceled events; cost of annual subscriptions for national federations to FEI reduced by 50%).

[Resolutions]

Tuesday Video from Flexible Fit Equestrian USA: Theodore O’Connor, Super Pony

By on Apr 28, 2020 6:00 pm -

#LRK3DE Ride Review: Karen O 'Connor and Teddy

Hear from Karen O 'Connor on what it was like to ride her iconic super pony, Teddy through the #LRK3DE cross-country course in 2007! Watch more Ride Reviews in partnership with the Retired Racehorse Project on USEF Network! 👇▶️ https://www.usef.org/network/coverage/2020lrk3dereview

Posted by USA Eventing on Friday, April 24, 2020

To celebrate not-Kentucky last week, US Equestrian brought us a few of the event’s most infamous rides with voice-over commentary from the rider. Karen O’Connor takes us through her 2007 ride around the bluegrass with eventing darling and super pony Theodore O’Connor. Grab your tissues — this one gives us all the feels.

4/29: This post was updated to include video with commentary. 

Flexible Fit Equestrian: Redefining Comfort & Quality at an Affordable Price. Learn more at www.ffequestrian.com.au. 

Stable View Farm’s Enhanced Social Distancing Procedures … a Model for the Future?

By on Apr 28, 2020 5:31 pm -

The maintenance of a 6′-distance between riders/grooms, officials/staff and volunteers is among Stable View Farms’s Enhanced Social Distancing Procedures. Photo courtesy of Christine Rhodes/Stable View.

As life begins creeping back toward some modicum of normalcy (fingers crossed), there are plenty of questions being raised about how our sport will move forward in the future. How to ensure that we are being responsible and diligent in its reopening — whenever that may be?

In the USEF’s announcement of the extension of their suspension of affiliated competition through May 31, the organization notes that it has been working to formulate a plan:

“Collaborating with competition organizers, affiliate leaders and other industry experts, USEF has been developing competition protocols for safely operating competitions and mitigating the risks associated with COVID-19. Once finalized, we will be providing all competition organizers with these protocols as well as other risk mitigation tools for their use.”

In the meantime, most equestrian venues have taken it upon themselves to create protocols that work for their situation. From social distancing, staggered visitation and sanitation measures to shutting down completely with the exception of essential personnel, best practices can vary widely from area to area.

But what about competition venues? Loosened restrictions in some states have given some a viable option to run schooling shows and open the doors to educational activities in the coming month.

In Aiken, SC, Stable View Farm currently has three schooling shows on the May calendar subject to the state of SC’s restrictions: a Schooling Dressage Show (May 13), Eventing Academy Schooling Day & Show (May 23-24) and a Schooling Hunter/Jumper Show (May 30). The venue’s next Recognized event is its USEA/USEF “Summer” Horse Trials, offering Beginner Novice through Advanced divisions, on June 19-21.

Stable View owner Barry Olliff recognizes the important role that his and other schooling events could play for horses and riders who, by the time USEF/USEA competitions resume, won’t have seen the inside of a start box since mid-March at the earliest. “This is logical — get your horse fit for a warm-up, then go for Recognized a month later,” he says.

But he also wants to keep safety paramount. Assuming his May schooling events go forward (as of Monday, April 27, they have been cleared by the South Carolina Department of Commerce), he and his team have developed a set of competition protocols that they are calling the Stable View Enhanced Social Distancing Procedures. The protocols would be published on Stable View’s website, and acceptance of them would be a condition of attending all events at the venue, both schooling shows and the June H.T.

The Stable View Enhanced Social Distancing Procedures are as follows:

Staff/officials will:

  • communicate via radio
  • agree to a remote thermometer temperature check
  • remain in cars whenever possible
  • observe 6′ distancing when interacting
  • wear masks if interacting closely with riders, officials, other staff, etc.
  • will be required to agree to these guidelines prior to the event

Riders/grooms will be:

  • asked to agree to guidelines upon arrival and emailed in advance
  • asked to agree to a remote thermometer temperature check
  • strongly encouraged to submit their entry online and in advance to limit paper exchange at the show office
  • 6′ distance when interacting with riders, volunteers, staff, or officials
  • stabling Social Distancing, with one way traffic
  • no rider lounges open (only restrooms which will have disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer)
  • asked to limit number of horses/riders in warm-up areas (volunteers will enforce)
  • asked to sanitize warm-up jumps, restroom handles, etc. after they’ve touched these things. Wipes and sanitizer will be provided by Stable View

Volunteers will:

  • check in via a “drive thru”
  • agree to a remote thermometer temperature check
  • communicate via radio
  • remain in their cars when possible
  • 6′ distancing when interacting
  • be required to agree to all guidelines prior to event
  • be provided with a pre-packaged lunch

All/general guidelines:

  • spectators strongly discouraged
  • riders/trainers to remain confined to their groups when possible (at stalls, in warm up areas, etc)
  • no food vendors on site
  • ride times will be scheduled farther apart when possible
  • wipes and sanitizer available around the property
  • no congregating
  • anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to go home
  • consider employing extra medical staff on property

“We’ve developed these over the past two weeks and will continue to amend them as we listen to and take advice from medical practitioners, owners, riders and grooms,” he says. “While some might say that they are strict and potentially intrusive, we would say that this is unfortunately necessary in the environment we find ourselves today.”

“Our view is that if the following protocols are followed by everyone on the property that we will have achieved our objective, which is that attending a Stable View event would be safer than going to the grocery store,” Barry says.

Stable View’s protocols offer a thought-provoking proposal for what could become standard best practice for our sport … at least until the world gets back to “normal.”

 

 

Needs More Impulsion: Meika Decher’s At-Home Stick Horse Event

By on Apr 28, 2020 3:50 pm -

Meika Decher, an FEI level event rider who owns and operates Polestar Farm in Lake Stevens, Washington alongside her husband Mark Salser, is clearly missing the start box. So much so that she grabbed a broom, er “stick horse,” strapped on her helmet and safety vest, and headed out to tackle some cross country on foot.

Aside from banking nearly every jump, probably ruining her tall boots in the water complex, and I was sincerely concerned about an ACL tear when she headed for those drops, Meika found the finish flags … some 300 (goodness!) jump efforts later. She demonstrated pretty good rhythm throughout, although she could have used a little more leg at the base of some of those fences and her form definitely isn’t going to win any hunter classes anytime soon. But she showed us a lot of grit and determination, and isn’t that exactly what the world needs right now?

Thanks to everyone out there in the Eventing Nation working hard to keep the community’s spirits up in these trying times. Go Eventing!

‘He Feels Like Home’: The Story of Cornelia Dorr & Sir Patico MH

By on Apr 28, 2020 10:42 am -

Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH (“Hugo”) have had an epic relationship. Their worlds collided when Cornelia was 13 and Hugo was 5 — now, 9 years later, they were on the cusp of tackling their first five-star at the (sadly canceled) 2020 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Together with the strikingly colored Zweibrücker gelding (Sempatico M x Queen’s Lite XX, by Lite the Fuse), Cornelia won individual bronze at the 2017 NAYC, earned top finishes at the three- and four-star level, and made her European debut at Blenheim last fall. She reflects on their journey.

Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH (“Hugo”) at the 2020 MARS Wellington Eventing Showcase in February. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Horses play so many different roles in our lives. Each one we are blessed to know becomes a monument in one’s mind. Maybe your first pony marked your years in middle school, or perhaps your first horse reminds you of the transition between high school and college. For me, Hugo is all of these moments. Through every change in life he has been the constant though it all. A lot of people know the brief outline of Hugo and I’s story, but very few know the details of it. I thought it might inspire someone out there to hear how we started and where we came from.

I have been blessed to ride some really nice horses in my short 10 years of experience to this point. But I always come back to Hugo. Not because he’s easy or a pleasure to ride — he is, sometimes. But because he feels like home. That feeling you get when you finally get back to visit your parents at your childhood house after being gone at college. The peacefulness and relaxation that you can’t seem to find anywhere else but that house, where there is no judgment or expectations; that is Hugo to me.

Cornelia and Hugo made their European debut at Blenheim in September 2019: 

I bought Hugo though Courtney Cooper and my coach at the time Babette Lenna. I was in 8th grade, it was February in Aiken. My pony had just bucked me off for the last time and I was on the verge of deciding to toss in the towel. My mom and I drove up with Babette to Courtney’s barn and as soon as I got out of the car I turned around to look up the hill, I saw a beautiful black and white tail bouncing left and right as he walked away from us. I didn’t know much then, but I knew it was a pretty tail, and a beautiful walk. It made an impression on me and thinking of the moment today brings back the same emotions as if I was standing there again.

I was surprised when Courtney walked us up to the ring and said, “Here is the first horse you’ll see today.” I also remember in that moment thinking, “But he’s black and white…” as the stereotype slid into my mind. However the more I watched him warm up the more I fell in love, even unknowing. Something right away felt peaceful and homelike to me. I have attached some photos of this day, when I first sat on Hugo, as a shy and awkward 8th grader, to show how average we were as a pair.

Cornelia and Hugo’s first ride together, and an early event:

After riding Hugo I sat on one other horse, trotted her around for two minutes, and got off. “That’s the one.” As I pointed at Hugo. Babette acknowledged that, while he was only 5 he was safe, and kind, and that he would be happy to go in any direction. I was heading off to boarding school in six months and the ability to event while at school was blurry. My family lived in Massachusetts at the time and I was off to Maryland.

August rolled around and I packed up minimal belongings, organized a shipper, and sent Hugo off to Maryland where I would meet him at our new home for the next four years.

Girls can be tough, and moving away from home at 14 to an all-girls boarding school is tougher. But somehow, the idea of being able to bring Hugo with me gave me the courage to bravely walk him out of that Brook Ledge trailer and into the school’s barn. Keep in mind at this point I had just learned what “on the bit” means and that I had just done my first few Novice level events a few months before. It was over the next nine months at school I found my genuine love of the sport, solely thanks to Hugo. Now I wasn’t winning by any means …  getting 40s in Novice dressage tests didn’t bother me. For us, it was just fun! And it still is.

Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Over the next few years at boarding school we developed, and eventually got up to Prelim. The school’s riding program had done everything they could for me, but it was clear I needed a more specialized training program and I was hungry for it. That is when I moved Hugo to Sharon White’s barn. She was an hour and a half from school so as soon as class got out on Fridays I would book it to my car and get there before dark to ride Hugo. These weekends spent at Sharon’s firmed up my belief that I was in this sport for the long haul, with Hugo in tow. I don’t think anyone really knew what Hugo had in him, but thanks to the professional help I had along the way it was slowly brought out of him.

I think he and I have done what we have as a pair because our relationship started in such a delicate, wholesome and carefree way. Not once did I put the pressure on us to be the next big thing or go win something. It is not about that for us and it never was. Had I known enough to do that, I think he would have said no a long time ago. Instead he just kept saying “more” every time we moved up a level. He has this uncanny ability to morph himself into whatever I dreamed him up to be that day. However I can say I never dreamed I’d enter the Kentucky five-star, let alone on him.

Cornelia Dorr and Sir Patico MH. Photo by Shelby Allen.

While COVID-19 changed our plans, we were just a mere month away from Kentucky and to me that is a huge deal for the two of us. I could list off the amount of people that told me to sell him, that he wasn’t safe to go Prelim on. But I won’t, because those are the people that we heard, but never listened to. We could feel it in each other and it didn’t matter what anyone else thought.

Hugo is an anomaly through and through, and I am grateful for every day with him. He has been (other than my family) the most consistent thing in my life since the day we bought him. My rock. It sounds cheesy, I know, but it’s the truth. From boarding school, to heading off to college, a quick change of events then had us on our way to work for Sharon White, which turned into four years. This past year I went out on my own and moved to Florida. All the physical change Hugo witnessed is unmatched by the many relationships with friends come and gone and all the growing up and life lessons I went through. From my 13 year old self, to now 22, he has raised me. Hugo is my home, and I his.

Cornelia Dorr’s Sir Patico MH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

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Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Apr 28, 2020 12:01 am -

Lauren Nicholson and Snooze Alarm. Photo by Michelle Dunn.

One main highlight over the weekend (besides our EPIC virtual vendor village) was looking at so many fun throwback photos. Recognize this pair? That would be Lauren Nicholson, formerly Lauren Kieffer, in her Kentucky debut with Snooze Alarm.

National Holiday: National Blueberry Pie Day

Tuesday News: 

What’s in the blood of four-star top finisher? A whole lot of Irish Sport Horse, some European Warmblood mixed in, a little bit of Thoroughbred and a lot of heart. [It’s in the Blood: LRK3DE Edition]

If there’s anything positive to pull out of the current global situation, it’s just how caring and innovative humans can be. We’re proud so many of them are from our tribe. [Scrubs, visors and racing printers: equestrian community pulls together to support pandemic effort]

Horse professionals around the world are feeling the economic pressures of COVID-19, leaving many to wonder, will they survive this? [My COVID-19 Experience: A Family-Run Young Horse Business Faces Quarantine in France]

Tuesday Video: Pavarotti with a new pilot:

Pavarotti has a super warmup today. Thanks Jordan 💕

Posted by Jessica Phoenix – Phoenix Equestrian Team on Monday, April 27, 2020