Classic Eventing Nation

A Letter to Me – Sara Kozumplik Murphy

By on Jun 2, 2020 11:09 am -

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 five-star rider Sara Kozumplik Murphy shares her letter. 

Previous letters: Tamie Smith, Jennifer Wooten, Katy Robinson, Natalia Gurmankin, Joanie Morris, Will Faudree, Jan Byyny

Photo courtesy of Sara Kozumplik Murphy.

Dear Sara,

You’ll get the news and you’ll be screaming driving home after teaching Pony Club.

You won’t be able to believe that anyone would back a 17-year-old to chase such a crazy dream, but guess what? Not one, but two families from your Mum’s riding school will. After working and teaching there since you can remember, people will want to help you because they love her.

You’ll be able to pack up your three OTTBs into the sturdy truck and trailer your parents take out a loan for and move to the great Jimmy Wofford’s.

It’ll feel exciting to be on your own. (Except you won’t really be on your own because Jimmy will watch over your every move). The amazing people that work at Fox Covert Farm will forgive your mistakes again and again.

You’ll keep your horses in a field next door with a run-in shed because that’s what you can afford.

The huge and seemingly impenetrable door will start to crack open just a little as you’re exposed to so many great horsemen and women.

You’ll barely understand a fraction of it, but you’ll watch and watch … a lifelong habit.

In three years, you will jump around your first Kentucky and be given a development grant from The Team (really Ms. Mars) to jump around Blenheim for the first time. You’ll do it in your Father’s old hunt saddle and by borrowing your Mum’s dressage saddle under pain of death. You’ll be listed for the first time.

Everyone will think that because you are there you must know how to ride, but you’ll be winging it.

Advice will go way over your head. The nuances of what people are saying will be far too complicated for where you really are. It will be similar to someone testing you with a calculus problem when you are just learning multiplication.

You’ll make up for it by picking yourself up over and over again and throwing your heart and your trust over each big track as it comes, because of your bond with an incredible American Thoroughbred.

In four years, you’ll win Young Riders on a different OTTB and go back to Blenheim in the same year on the steadfast Auggie.

By 23 you’ll have jumped Kentucky a few more times and Burghley twice.

By 25 you’ll have come 7th in the under 25 class at Bramham, jump Kentucky yet again, complete the World Cup at Pau, and jump clear around the last long format Badminton.

You’ll still know next to nothing. The more you realize this, the harder you’ll work … another lifelong habit.

People will underestimate you constantly. They’ll say you had great horses (true), amazing backing (true), and that you’re a lightweight ….

That’ll hurt more than you can possibly know. You’ll allow them to think this.

You won’t stop trying to be the best, and you’ll be kind to everyone along the way. You make that decision early on.

You’ll make money slightly differently than a lot of other riders. You’ll love site development and challenges that come up with helping countries new to the sport learn about it. You’ll be terrible with money, then much better … but you won’t lose your generosity and you’ll give back a lot to the sport you love.

You’ll have the best owner in the sport. She won’t walk away when times get tough for her or for you. She’ll become your family, she’ll never judge, she’ll always believe, and she’ll always forgive.

You won’t have an ego and you’ll surround yourself with the best possible riders and coaches. You’ll endure many feelings of inadequacy and frustration with yourself, but you’ll love the process of getting better in dressage and show jumping.

So many people will share their knowledge with you. A World Champion will be an incredible mentor and a lifelong friend.

For a bit, you’ll lose your cross country feel, and it’ll be the darkest time of your career.

Reclaiming what has always come without thinking is the biggest hurdle you’ll be faced with professionally. You’ll overcome it with the help of friends you made in the sport who understand like no one else can.

You’ll get to coach many wonderful people and you’ll even coach a country! It’ll be one of the craziest and best experiences of your life watching them look fantastic cross country at the international championships in Peru and Mexico. It will appear as if they hadn’t been doing the sport for such a short time. You’ll use your connections to mount them on lovely old horses that show them the ropes and keep them safe.

You’ll help the country qualify for the Pan American Games.

You’ll learn a lot from them about aiming high. It will re-inspire you.

Your husband will teach you not only about show jumping but about riding the right horses for your dreams. He’ll convince you to stop pushing horses to do what is a bit too hard for them and let them be stars at a lower level of the sport. You’ll enjoy watching those horses happily perform their new jobs well.

You’ll think he’s crazy, but you’ll follow his advice and go into debt to buy horses with more natural ability.

He will help you, and he was right.

You’ll get to ride at Devon, and you’ll win. In fact, you’ll start winning a lot on these new horses. The education you worked so hard for will combine well with their talent.

After overcoming financial and mental difficulties you’ll have three years of terrible accidents. In the last one, you’ll break your back and your neck.

Your husband will go above and beyond taking care of you through an incredibly hard recovery. He’ll never ask you to give up what you love although it frightens him.

Everyone will think your career is over.

You never will … they will be underestimating you again.

You’ll follow doctor’s advice to the letter and be back at the top level of your sport a year after your accident, fitter than before.

You’ll tie for the lead at the event where you fell, finishing on your dressage score.

You’ll ride your unicorn to a top few finish at a four-star short a couple of months later, and you’ll win an adversity award from the Jockey Club.

In 2020 you’ll feel on the top of your game with fabulous horses and opportunities. It’ll feel like it’s all just beginning.

So, kid, it’s all worth it. Keep going. You will be more than you can even fathom right now.

Love,

Sara

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. 

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jun 2, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo by Shelby Allen.

“For too long, the horse show world has chosen to ignore the extreme social injustice embedded in American policy and tradition. We are an insular community with a gross amount of wealth and white privilege, and thus we choose the path of ignorance.”

If you read nothing else today, read this story from The Chronicle. Then read Tilly’s News and Notes from yesterday. I would like to echo Tilly’s aim to keep Eventing Nation a safe space for horse enthusiasts of any color. Our sport is not immune from these injustices that we see every day, but we can work together to create a more equitable space.

Go eventing.

National Holiday: National Leave the Office Early Day (erm, read the room national calendar!)

Tuesday News: 

COIVD-19 will likely sent ripples through our event calendar for the rest of the year. There have been many changes to upcoming events. You’ll find a complete list of cancellations here.

Top dressage rider Juan Matute Guimón has woken from a medically induced coma following a brain bleed. The most recent scans “couldn’t have been better” and though he remains on a ventilator, he is sitting up and interacting with his family. [Top rider takes ‘huge step forward’ in recovery from brain bleed]

When you make a riding mistake, it’s important to learn how to improve. But it’s equally important to be able to move on and not dwell on previous error. This is a brain exercise that you can perfect at home so you’re ready the next time you hit the saddle. [When You Make a Mistake, What Do You Do With It?]

Tuesday Video: A fun swap.

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Bounce It Out With This #GOTD

By on Jun 1, 2020 5:00 pm -

Enjoy another #GOTD to get you riding forward and in a super balance!

Posted by Laine Ashker Eventing and Dressage on Saturday, May 30, 2020

Lucky us, Lainey Ashker has filmed yet another installation of her famous #GOTD (Grid of the Day) series, and we are #Thankful for some arena exercise inspiration. These bounces are set at a forward-riding distance and help the rider hold a strong position while pushing their horse forward and into the contact as they ride to a one-stride and bounce out over an oxer.

Kick on and enjoy!

2020 MARS Essex Horse Trials Is Canceled

By on Jun 1, 2020 2:40 pm -

Ryan Wood and Ruby, winners of the $20,000 Preliminary division at the 2018 Mars Essex Horse Trials. Photo by i{mpack}t studio courtesy of Mars Essex Horse Trials.

The coronavirus outbreak has forced the cancellation of this year’s MARS Essex Horse Trials Country Weekend.

Scheduled for July 18-19 at historic Moorland Farm in Far Hills, New Jersey, the MARS Essex Horse Trials features Beginner Novice through Advanced divisions. Benefiting the Greater Newark LifeCamp in Pottersville, New Jersey, the event offers a variety of family friendly activities including a classic car show, farm stand, demonstrations, vendors and the Willow school Children’s Activity Center.

“This is disappointing for all of us” said Ralph Jones, President of the MARS Essex Horse Trials. “We considered various ways where we might be able to proceed but none with which we felt completely comfortable. In the end, nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our 300 competitors, 182 volunteers and nearly 5,000 spectators and that is the overriding factor.”

“We want to thank MARS Equestrian™, our title sponsor as well as AIG, Peapack Private Wealth Management, Running S Equine Veterinary Services, RWJ Barnabas Health, Open Road Auto Group for the continued support and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for a great event at Moorland Farm in 2021!”

For additional information, please visit www.essexhorsetrials.org.

Exercises to Build Riding Skills Even If You Have No Horse

By on Jun 1, 2020 9:40 am -

This article is the first of a three-part series on exercises you can do without a horse, if your horse is injured, or without a riding facility written by Cristal Mariposa and republished courtesy of Equestrian Marketing Firm Athletux.

This training exercise will do a lot to help you advance your jumping skills. Whether you’re taking riding lessons or your horse is out with a minor injury, you can still noticeably improve important jumping skills.  It can also be done in your yard or even in your living room too!

You can practice this exercise on foot without a horse, or if your horse is injured but can be ridden at a walk.  This training exercise addresses:

  • Approaching a fence
  • Form in front of and over a fence
  • Continuing on to the next jump

Before we begin, let me explain what is meant by a “ride to” point.  This is something such as a tree, barn, or some other specific landmark off in the distance that can be used as an object to sight and riding towards.

The following training exercise was indispensable to me for maintaining a straight line of approach, keeping my eyes up in front of a fence, and helped me stay relaxed on a jump course.  However, even though this is a training exercise, I still use “ride to” points for riding a cross country course.  In this case I select my “ride to” points during the coursewalk and then use them when I’m on course.

Jumping With An Approach Off A Turn

  • Start by indicating what would normally be your jump using a ground pole, making a line in the sand, or sprinkling flour if your footing is grassy.
  • At 36 or so feet stand directly front and center to the “jump”. Pick an object in the distance past and 90 degrees to the jump. In other words, the object needs to be straight in front of you coming out from a turn.  The object should also be eye level with your head up.  This is your “ride to” point that you will look at as you ride forward toward your jump.  If you have limited distance past the jump (such as in your living room), don’t worry.  Just pick a “ride to” point as far as you can after your jump.  What’s most important is to choose a “ride to” point that’s eye level with your head up.
  • Next, stand in the spot where you will commence turning. Walk forward to the place where you would start looking around your turn This is where you should be looking at your fence in order to place your horse straight to the jump.
  • After completing your turn, look at your “ride to” point beyond the fence and go directly towards it.  Continue looking at your “ride to” point as you step over the fence.

Do NOT drop your eyes to look at the jump.  Ever.  Dropping your eyes will cause your shoulders to drop forward in front of the jump. Believe me, even if you’re lucky to have an experienced (and forgiving) horse, you don’t want this habit. It’s hard to get rid of and you’ll eventually pay for it if you don’t.

  • Once you get the hang of a single turn exercise, then you can add a second “obstacle” on a left or right-hand turn after the first jump. Follow steps 1 – 4 to the second jump. When adding a second jump remember to look at your next fence one stride out and as you’re going over the jump. This gives your horse a heads up as to where he/she will be going next.

Jumping With A Bending Line

  • Complete steps 1 – 4.
  • In this exercise you will already have a second obstacle in place on a bending line.
  • A stride before your first fence, look toward your next jump on your bending line.  You should decide beforehand where your bend will be. Again, this will give your horse a heads up as to the direction she/he will be heading.
  • When you have completed your bend look at and go towards your established “ride to” point after the second fence.

It’s surprising how much this training exercise can help your riding skills continue to progress even if you don’t have a facility, a horse, or your horse is nursing an injury.  I think once you are back in the saddle, you’ll feel a difference!

The next article of this series will address how to avoid depending on the reins to get results that don’t work at all the way we think!

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. 

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jun 1, 2020 5:00 am -

View this post on Instagram

Oakland, CA 2020 🐎🤎✊🏾

A post shared by The Yee-Haw Agenda (@theyeehawagenda) on

Last week was a long and achingly sad one, marked by an enormous blow to human justice and the completely unnecessary death of a man who didn’t need to die.

“This is a website about eventing,” some of you might comment, “so stick to writing about horses.”

I hear that, and I politely decline. We all owe it to our communities, to one another, and to ourselves to speak up, but also to know when to stay quiet and listen. That’s something I’m working on, and all of us at Eventing Nation hope we can build a safe space for our fellow equestrians — or aspiring equestrians — from every and any background and of any colour. This is our space, and there’s room for everyone at our table — even if that means we take our conversations wider than the bubble of the eventing industry. We hope you’ll join us, learn with us, and be a positive part of the movement.

National Holiday: It’s National Olive Day. Do you love them? Do you hate them? They were the one food I couldn’t stomach for 24 years, and then I went on a holiday to the Greek islands and forced olives into my face until I liked them and that, folks, is your Monday-anecdote-that-no-one-asked-for-brought-to-you-by-Fleeceworks.

Your Monday reading list:

It feels hard to think about anything else in the wake of the tragic and senseless death of George Floyd. This might not be equestrian-related reading, but it’s human-related reading, and that’s important. I consider myself a staunch and outspoken anti-racist, but I’m also a white woman living in a privileged industry, and that means that I don’t always get it right. I appreciated this piece, which explains how we can all help in terrible situations like this one — and how those of us in a place of privilege can become better allies to our fellow human beings. [People Are Protesting the Unjust Death of George Floyd]

Eventing is a remarkably gender-progressive sport, but where racial diversity is concerned, it’s still lacking. Shaquilla Blake shares her experiences as a Black adult amateur rider in this world where few look like her, and we’re glad for her presence at the table. [We Need More Diversity in Equestrian Sport]

This New York Times piece is a 2018 vintage, but a great read and beautifully photographed. In it, you’ll get to know the Compton Cowboys — a group of men in one of California’s most notorious neighbourhoods who are turning preconceptions on their heads and challenging the idea of a whitewashed wild west. [For the Compton Cowboys, Horseback Riding is a Legacy, and Protection]

If you’re anything like me, you’re obsessed with Refinery29’s Money Diaries series. This one has a horsey angle — it follows the income and outgoings of a Montana-based rancher for the week as she juggles long days in the saddle with tackling her 20s. [A Week in Montana on a $28,000 Salary]

It might be a bit of wishful thinking, but the Young Horse World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers are still on the calendar for this year. US Eventing takes a closer look at all the horses eligible for the Holekamp/Turner grant to contest the CCI3*-L for seven-year-olds. Prepare yourself for Allison Springer’s Connemara. [Race to Le Lion: Riders share their excitement]

Monday video from Fleeceworks: Your passport to Le Lion

Has the above got your hopes up for some French eventing action this autumn? Yeah, same. Might as well while away the long hours of your Monday with a full recap of all the 2018 cross-country action, then…!

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on May 31, 2020 12:01 am -

The quarantine haircut from hell. Photo by Shelby Allen.

With salons closing, people have gotten a little desperate (crazy?) with their hair lately. I’ve seen quite a few makeovers fueled by box dye and kitchen scissors, but none come close to my mom’s pony, Annabelle’s, forelock. Mom, if you’re reading this, a career as a professional groomer probably isn’t in your future.

National Holiday: National Smile Day

Sunday Links: 

New guidance on riding and coaching in Scotland as lockdown eases

USEA Approves New Qualification Period for 2020 AEC

MACTA Cross-Country Schooling Day a Success Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

Upperville And Loudoun Benefit Canceled

Pomp And Circumstance And A Wheelbarrow

What It’s Really Like to Train with Roger Yves Bost

Sunday Video: Proof that Lainey Ashker is actually Snow White.

Laine Ashker Eventing and Dressage: where you can come to get your horse AND bird trained at the same DAMN time! #madskills #birdwhispering101

Posted by Lainey Ashker on Saturday, May 30, 2020

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on May 30, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo via Fair Hill International on Facebook.

Fair Hill announced yesterday that, unfortunately, all events scheduled to be held on the Fair Hill Department of Natural Resources property will be canceled for the month of June. This includes three June cross country schooling events, plus their June Starter Trials. July events are still tentative right now, so keep your fingers crossed!

National Holiday: National Hole In My Bucket Day

Saturday Links:

FEI publishes return to play policy as equestrian adapts to “new normal”

Straightness Basics: How Jane Ehrhart Gets Horses and Riders Show-Ring Ready

A cross-country machine who’d take off on the road out hacking: five-star horse put down

BLM Tests Fertility Drug to Control Wild Herd Growth

Just In on Jumper Nation: Kaley Cuoco Makes a Big Bang to Connect the Equestrian Community

Saturday Video:

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: A Trio of Three-Year-Olds

By on May 29, 2020 11:23 pm -

Three sort of seems like a bit of a magic number in the horse world. After all, if you’re bringing up a youngster three-years-old tends to be the age where you can really start thinking about starting to teach them some really fun stuff! This week we’ve lined up three off-the-track Thoroughbreds looking for new homes and new jobs who are all three-years-old:

Country Berti. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Country Berti (COUNTRY DAY – WHIRLIE BERTIE, BY STORMIN FEVER): 2017 15.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

“Country Berti is a 15.2h, 2017 gelding by Country Day out of Whirley Bertie. “Berti” has settled in well and is happily turned out barefoot with 2 buddies currently. Though small in stature, he’s full of athleticism and personality! He’s still learning about all the things life has to offer (such as the wonders of fly spray and fly masks) so he’ll likely do best, at least for now, with a confident and patient person. And while we have no idea what he might want to do in his next career, one thing is for sure – we love seeing his cute face and ears everyday and we know you will too!”

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Country Berti on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Tiz Included. Photo via Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.

Tiz Included (INCLUDE – TIZ CAMERA READY, BY TIZNOW): 2017 15.3-hand New York-bred mare

“Tiz Included came to us from our friends at Beyond the Wire. She showed no racing ability in only three starts for a top stable, and her connections retired her rather than try  to get a win– or even a check LOL. She came off the trailer like a champ, went right out and put her head down to graze- no fuss or drama. For her first ride she stood like a pro at the mounting block and nicely walked, trotted, and cantered around the ring- and didn’t give anything a look at all. See the video! This filly is a clean slate and could go in any direction. Lovely mover, super sweet, and very willing. Clean and sound, no vices.”

View Tiz Included on Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.

Located in Warwick, Maryland.

Elusive Secret. Photo via CANTER Chicago.

Elusive Secret (CYBER SECRET – PRESTIDIGITATOR, BY CRAFTY SHAW): 2017 15.2-hand Arkansa-bred mare

“Elusive Secret, barn name “Ellie,” is beloved by her racing connections. However, after 7 races and not a lot of indication that she will be competitive at the track, her owner is starting the search for a potential non-racing home for this young, attractive sport horse prospect.

At just three years old and lightly raced, Ellie is a blank slate. We were told she has no injuries and is believed to be sound. This lucky filly is getting the chance to “just be a horse” at a farm in Barrington Hills, where she’s enjoying lots of turnout and is said to enjoy naps in the sun.

She was described to us as being an athletic horse that likes to train. She was said to have no vices and loads great on a trailer.

As this is a 3 year old filly with a good amount of energy, no beginner riders or handlers will be considered. She needs a home that will help her realize her full potential as a sport horse – and that will include someone who is experienced with OTTBs.

When asking her owner if Ellie was “mareish” – we received the very honest and enjoyable response: “It depends on the day!” Ellie’s owner said she can be a total sweetheart / in your pocket love bug, but some days, she can also have her sassy mare moments! Who doesn’t love a mare that will keep you on your toes?!”

Located in Illinois.

View Elusive Secret on CANTER Chicago.

Friday Video from SmartPak: Take Vassily de Lassos for a Spin Around Tattersalls

By on May 29, 2020 6:50 pm -

In this week’s edition of Places We’d Have Been If The Happening Wasn’t Happening, we’re at the Emerald Isle’s finest showcase of top-level eventing action. Tattersalls is renowned for its beefy courses, its stunning setting and, of course, its jolly good craic — what happens at Tatts stays at Tatts, folks. But of course we’re not there — cue wine-drenched sobs — so instead, we’re reliving some of the action of years gone by. In doing so, we stumbled across this gem of a video from the CCI4*-L in 2018, in which Australia’s Andrew Hoy and his then up-and-comer Vassily de Lassos stormed around to finish fourth on their dressage score of 31.1.

Back then, the Tom Carlile-produced Anglo Arab was well on his way to collecting a stonking fan club, and rightly so — but in the two years since, he’s become something of a superstar. In fact, he hasn’t finished out of the top five in any of his international runs since. Now just 11, he’s an odds-on favourite to take a top spot at the Tokyo Olympics next year. Today, we’re outrunning the eventing blues by climbing in the driver’s seat and enjoying the best view in the house of that Tatts run. Go Eventing, and go Vassily!