Classic Eventing Nation

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!

CHIO Aachen to Go Virtual in 2020

By on May 29, 2020 3:00 pm -

This year, the “O” in CHIO Aachen stands for “Online.” After being canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic,  the “Concours Hippique International Officiel” is now being staged as the “Concours Hippique International Online” this year, scheduled to take place Aug. 4-9 in Aachen, Germany.

“Of course, nothing excels the real CHIO Aachen,” said Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV). But in the absence of the live event, cutting-edge technology will keep the spirit of the event alive.

The event was intended to host a Nations Cup CCIO4*-S, CCI3*S and CCI2*S. Now, “CHIO Aachen Digital” will feature a combination of virtual experiences, social media, sport and entertainment. In addition to a virtual eventing competition, there will be dressage and show jumping challenges with international top riders, plenty of fan involvement, a mobile phone game and a German vs. Dutch National Cup for four-in-hand driving. Competition highlights from past years will also be shown plus new commentary from athletes.

“We have been relying on state-of-the-art technology and innovations for many years already to present our unique sport in the best light and to also make it more transparent and thus more easily comprehensible, of course,” said Michael Mronz, General Manager of Aachener Reitturnier GmbH. In this way, together with the official technology partner SAP, the organizers developed the judging app for the dressage competitions, a technology that has since been implemented worldwide and will be adapted for implementation during the CHIO Aachen Digital.

“Of course, we would have all preferred a live event at our traditional showgrounds,” said Carl Meulenbergh, President of the ALRV. “However I am convinced that we will be able to bring a great deal of the legendary CHIO Aachen atmosphere to the people’s homes in the scope of this digital event.”

Over the coming days and weeks, details about the CHIO Aachen Digital will be announced on its social media platforms and on the website at chioaachen.de.

 

5 Helpful Tips When Buying an Equestrian Property

By on May 29, 2020 1:00 pm -

Have you been daydreaming about owning your own farm? Equestrian properties specialist KiamaLise Herres shares some tips for finding the right farm fit and streamlining the buying process. 

Dream farm alert! “Misty Ridge Farm (Tenino, Washington) is a magnificent and inviting estate. The home is adorned with European finishes, stained glass doors, and a slate roof. This perfectly appointed equestrian estate is surrounded by a private wildlife preserve creating a peaceful and quiet oasis with covered riding arena (70×168), finely appointed barns with sand walk-outs, heated tack room and automatic hay feeders. The 16 acres of grounds include multiple pastures, hayfield, and enchanting forests.” Editor’s note: much respect for this video, which starts not with a tour of the house but of the horsey amenities. Priorities, amiright? Now, I just need to come up with $2.1 million dollars …. view the listing here. 

I love my job of helping people buy and sell equestrian properties. This is a challenging niche but one I’m very passionate about, as are my clients. It is such a joy to be part of making someone’s lifelong dream of owning their own horse property become a reality. However, this is one of those endeavors where a buyer, if they aren’t working with an equestrian property specialist, may not know what they need to know until it’s too late. Many learn the hard way. To avoid some common pitfalls when purchasing an equestrian property, here are five helpful tips to get you on your way.

1. Hire the right agent.

Most people don’t realize that some real estate agents specialize in the equestrian market. If you are buying a horse property that is already set up perfectly for you (do these even exist?) then you’re all set. But, more likely you need to add an arena, increase the barn size, or put in paddocks. You will need an agent who can help you determine if these changes are even possible. A dentist and heart surgeon are both doctors, but I would only go to one to fill a cavity!

Choose your representative wisely. Is your agent of choice a horse person? Do they understand the requirements of your discipline? Do they understand the particular restrictions of each county? Most people’s biggest investment of their life is their home, and so often they never properly interview their agent. Here are some questions to ask when interviewing prospective agents:

  • Do you specialize in equestrian properties?
  • Do you have horses of your own?
  • Do you have your own horse property?
  • How challenging is it to find what I want in the areas where I’m looking?
  • How many equestrian properties a year do you sell?

Often finding the perfect horse property takes time. If you do your homework likely you will find an agent who will not only serve you well, but become a great resource long after the property closes.

2. Get to know your county or city permitting department.

Once you and your agent have identified a property that seems like a good fit, take the time to make an appointment at your permitting department at the local jurisdiction to which the property belongs.

Your permit department can answer most of your questions regarding allowed use of the property and identify any future “red flags” for building barns or arenas. If the property already has a barn and arena make sure they are permitted. If you buy a property whose outbuildings are not permitted, find out if this will restrict your use of them, affect insurance, or challenge any future plans you may have for the property.

Bear in mind, the county or city will most likely not give you a completely clear answer on building viability for things like a barn or arena for properties that don’t currently have a permitted arena or barn. They most likely will say you will need to apply for the proper studies to be conducted and permits before they commit, and you can’t do that until you own the property. However, they should be able to explain the zoning and use permitted on the property.

They can also tell you if there are any critical areas or wetland areas identified on the property that could raise challenges in the future. If there is a well and/or septic on the property they can explain what the building setbacks are and how far away you must keep your horses from those utilities. It’s tempting to skip this step especially if you are looking at a piece of property that seems to have clear open pasture space, but some counties and cities are more strict than others and it would be awful to buy the place only to find out there is a large critical area buffer on the property preventing you from having what you want.

3. Hire the right lender.

All lenders are not created equal. Please, please, please do your research long before you ever begin looking at properties. I like to work with a local mortgage broker who has loan products specifically for horse properties. A mortgage broker’s job is to shop for your needs and find you the loan product that best suits you and the type of property you want.

A mortgage broker has access to many loan products. A bank will only have their own loan products. If you choose a big bank, know that they most likely will not have local underwriters, and often also shy away from properties over 15 acres, with arenas and dozens of stalls. Residential lenders often do not want to make loans on anything that looks like it could be developed for additional housing or could be used for a business, like boarding or training. If you plan on making money on the property or if it has been used commercially in the past, a regular conventional loan may not be approved. Many horse properties have accessory dwelling units like mobile homes for the caretakers. These can also pose a challenge for conventional loans. Ask your lender what type of loan products they have that can address these potential obstacles.

4. Understand the limitations of the property.

You know that saying about fitting a square peg into a round hole? I see a lot of properties where someone is trying to put way too many horses onto a place that really can’t accommodate them. This is a surefire way to beat up your property quickly! Understand the topography of drainage and the water table before purchasing. I’ve seen 5-acre properties maintain 20 horses beautifully and I’ve seen 20 acres properties ruined by 5 horses. It’s all about managing mud, keeping up with maintenance, rotating your pastures, fencing and the like. If the property doesn’t look like it will work for your end goal, keep looking. If you outgrow the property, sell it and find something that is a better fit. Know how to work your property or it will quickly be working you.

5. It’s all about balance.

The biggest challenge I have as an equestrian properties’ specialist is finding equestrian properties that have balance. More often than not, we find properties that have great horse amenities but the home is subpar, or the home is great, but the set up won’t work well enough for the horses. Keep in mind that if the property is even close to balancing out, you may need to put a little work into it to achieve perfect balance. If it looks achievable and within your budget then jump on it!

KiamaLise Herres is an Equestrian Properties Specialist with Windermere Bellevue Commons and Windermere Equestrian Living. She is a mother of two wonderful children, and she lives on her horse farm in Monroe, WA with her husband, 6 horses, 2 dogs and their trusty barn cat. Visit her website at EnchantingHomesandFarms.com. 

Full-Steam Ahead: Why Top Eventers Choose Haygain – Team USA Edition

By on May 29, 2020 11:00 am -

Top riders leave nothing to chance when it comes to their equine athletes’ well-being. It’s no surprise that respiratory and digestive health rank among their top concerns, and many have adopted Haygain hay steamers into their management programs.

U.S. eventers Buck Davidson, Will Coleman, Liz Halliday-Sharp, Sinead Halpin, Caroline Martin, Lauren Nichols, Kristin Schmolze, Tamie Smith and Frankie Thieriot-Stutes all swear by the steamers for improved health and performance.

Learn more about the benefits of steaming here. In these videos, some Team USA riders share in their own words why they steam.

Haygain is a science driven company with the horse’s health as the primary focus.

We are committed to improving equine health through scientific research, product innovation and consumer education in respiratory and digestive health. Developed by riders, for riders, we understand the importance of clean forage and a healthy stable environment in maintaining the overall well-being of the horse.

Our Haygain hay steamers are recommended by the world’s leading riders, trainers and equine vets and ComfortStall® Sealed Orthopedic Flooring System is used and recommended by leading Veterinary Hospitals, including Cornell University.

USEA Extends Qualification Period for 2020 AEC

By on May 29, 2020 9:20 am -

Julia Spatt & 501 Macintosh. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) has extended the qualification period for the 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds.

The original qualification period of May 27, 2019 – August 18, 2020 has now been stretched to include results as far back as March 1, 2019 in consideration of those whose spring season was affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The new qualification window is March 1, 2019 – August 18, 2020. 

The AEC Organizing Committee and the USEA Board of Governors decided on this modification after considering data from last year’s championships.

“The data showed that there are currently more riders and horses qualified for the AEC for 2020 than there were at this time last year for the 2019 AEC,” explained USEA CEO Rob Burk. Currently, over 2,200 riders and 2,500 horses are already qualified to compete.

“However, the USEA still wanted to be sympathetic to the members who lost part of their 2020 competition season, and extend the qualification period back to March 1, 2019 to compensate for the time that was lost from 2020.”

The 2020 AEC will take place August 25-30, 2020 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The USEA is working diligently to provide a safe competition environment. To read more about their COVID-19 resources, click here.

Go eventing.

 

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on May 29, 2020 12:03 am -

Photo courtesy of Tryon International Equestrian Center FB.

Tryon International Equestrian Center reopens this weekend, with an unrecognized competition, and a USEF rated competition on June 3rd. In accordance with the USEF rules and recommendations by the CDC and the WHO, they announced that TIEC is officially a mask mandatory zone, as many other competition venues have also declared. You can read more about their announcement here. Let’s help everyone stay safe and keep our public places open by doing our part and wearing our masks!

National Holiday: National Coq Au Vin Day

News From Around the Globe:

The Australian people are rallying to save the wild brumbies. The Australian Brumby Alliance (ABA) had taken Parks Victoria to court over the latter’s plans to remove all the wild horses from the Bogong High Plains, in the Alpine National Park, Victoria, and reduce the population of the eastern Alps. This would mean a mass slaughter of wild horses that Australians are eager to prevent. [Together We Can Save Them]

Even in the eventing world, Devon memories are abounding. One horse that crossed disciplinary boundaries is certainly Sapphire. A mare like no other, Sapphire changed the world for not only McLain Ward, but all of us. Just a few short years ago, she enjoyed a massive retirement ceremony in the Dixon Oval, and we all cheered and wept. [Remembering Sapphire’s Magical Devon Evening]

Something to dream about once travel restrictions are lifted: Horse Safari! We’re claiming it as the next big thing, and not just because we all want to be like Charlotte Dujardin galloping through fields of giraffes. What better way to experience wildlife in Africa than on the quiet back of a trusted horse? I can’t think of one. [Horse Safari Dreams]

Thoroughbred, and their advocates, deserve all the love we can give them. Applications for The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program’s (T.I.P.’s) two annual awards, the Thoroughbred of the Year Award and the Young Rider of the Year Award, are now available online. Applications are due June 30, 2020. [TIP]

Featured Video: Relive the $50,000 Arena Eventing at The Devon Horse Show!

Relive the $50,000 Arena Eventing at The Devon Horse Show!

Watch more of the #DevonHorseShow Takeover on at www.usef.org/network!

Posted by USEF Network on Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Rebecca Farm Announces Updates to 2020 Format

By on May 28, 2020 6:18 pm -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic that has forced the cancellation, rescheduling, and reformatting of events around the world, the organizing committee at Rebecca Farm today announced some major updates to the 2020 event.

Hosted in Kalispell, Montana and originally scheduled this year for July 22-26, Rebecca Farm is an annual destination event for over 600 competitors and thousands of spectators. This year, however, will look much different as the event adjusts to new social distancing regulations. Notable among the changes are:

  • No spectators
  • Only national divisions, Beginner Novice through Advanced, will be run (this event typically hosts a CCI2* – CCI4*S/L in addition to three-day and national divisions)
  • Entries will be limited to 300
  • The event will run over three days, July 24-26

A release posted on the Rebecca Farm website and social media is as follows:

“The Event at Rebecca Farm will have a new feel this year. This has been a difficult decision, but with the current pandemic situation at hand, we feel that the correct and ‘common sense’ direction to take. We are developing a plan to host a shorter, smaller and more focused competition. We will be using state and local protocols to help guide us through this. Safety is paramount at Rebecca Farm, for both equine and human participants. This also includes our devoted and supportive Flathead Valley Community.

Many of you plan your calendar based on coming to Rebecca Farm. We understand and share in your disappointment as we love to have you all here. The Event is our favorite time of the year. It would be irresponsible for us to host 600-700 horses and riders, thousands of spectators, social functions and a shopping fair during these uncertain times. We are asking that spectators not come out to the Event as we try to keep things safe for everyone.

We plan to run only national divisions, BN-A. This will be the first event for many riders in the west and the courses will reflect that. Our cross country course will be moderate for the levels. Entries will be limited to 300 and the competition will run over three days, Friday July 24-Sunday July 26. All of us are looking forward to hosting a wonderful, fun and safe competition.

Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for more information. We are evaluating as things change. Please be patient as we analyze and strategize in the best interest of horses, competitors, volunteers, owners, officials and enthusiasts.”

If Rebecca Farm is on your calendar, you’ll want to be sure to enter right away once the event opens on June 9. For more updates on the latest changes to the competition calendar due to COVID-19, click here.

Troubles Loading in the Trailer? Some Tips – Brought to you by Banixx Horse Care

By on May 28, 2020 5:39 pm -
Banixx,horsemanship,training,scratches,wound,trailering

Please get in! Pretty please! Photo by Shellie Sommerson.

There is almost nothing worse than your horse not getting on the trailer when you need to be somewhere on a schedule and … your horse simply will not cooperate. Ugh!!! What steps can you take to keep this from happening in the future?

Most trailer loading issues really have nothing to do with the trailer. The problems start with ground manners or lack thereof and your inability to direct your horse’s feet. You need to be able to influence your horse’s feet to move in the direction you want. Don’t plan to work on trailer loading skills when you need to be somewhere within a certain time frame. Practice when you are not in a hurry.

So, how do you resolve trailer loading issues?

Tools: Rope or leather halter, lead rope (about 8 to 12 feet long) and gloves.

It is really important that your horse respect and respond to you but NOT be afraid or reactive! A respectful and responding horse will move methodically. A scared and reactive horse will move quickly and unexpectedly – not safe for either of you!

Your focus should not be on getting the horse in the trailer but your horse staying out of your personal space, you being able to control the direction of his feet and you being able to touch him (even when he may not be able to see you). In your mind, remove the goal of getting your horse on the trailer as this will inhibit progress.

Personal Space

Does your horse get in your space? Bring his head over toward you, crowd you with his shoulder and/or turn away?

The first step is to teach your horse to stay out of your personal space. Think of a circle, like a hoola-hoop that stays around you. Your horse should not enter that space unless invited into it. If he breaks that rule, deliver a little bump on the lead line. A bump, not a jerk.  Remember, your feet should NOT be moving backward/forward! But his feet should move! When he starts to give you the right response, stop asking – stop the queuing – when you stop queuing that tells him he is doing what you want. Practice this in both directions. Your goal is to have a horse that keeps the ‘distance’, follows the lead line around the circle without pulling or cutting in, and continues stepping forward until you ask him to stop. And this leads you into the next step – Managing the feet.

Managing the Feet

Your horse’s feet, NOT your feet! You need to be able to control your horse’s feet forwards and backward in a straight line. A great exercise is to line your horse up next to a fence line (I should not need to say this – but please stay away from wire fences). Teach your horse to step forward one step at a time and backward one step at a time off very slight pressure on the lead line. If your horse gives you a hint or thought of the direction you ask, then stop asking when he starts trying. It is VERY important to release the pressure as SOON as your horse even starts to give you the response. You control the number of steps in each direction. The goal is for your horse to stay straight, that is where the fence line comes in handy. Work on this from the off-side and the on-side. Once you are successful at this exercise, then move off the fence line and practice this in the open.  Practice this exercise facing your horse with your focus (energy, if you will) is on his hind feet (the motor). If you can draw your horse forward and step him backward, then you can walk him up to the trailer and do the same whether you are beside him or facing him. That brings us to the third skill – Touching.

Touching

Get your horse comfortable being touched on his sides, hips, backs of the legs – this will come in handy when you have to do anything behind the horse (butt-bar, etc.) where he may not be able to fully see you. This is a huge piece for safety! Your horse needs to know that he is safe with you, even if they cannot see you – ever so important with trailering. He needs to know that you are not a threat and trust that you are not putting him in a threatening environment. A relaxed horse is the goal.

On to the Trailer

When working at the trailer, put your trailer in an area where the footing is good. Parking in a vacant paddock is great (close the gate just in case your horse happens to get away from you); stay away from gravel and pavement if you can as bad footing can add an element of distress or discomfort.

As a reminder – your initial goal is NOT to get your horse in the trailer; that will come. Your goal is to be able to accomplish the above exercises. In your first session, plan to introduce your new method to your horse, practice the exercises and breath.  The number of sessions you and your horse need will depend upon how well you two are able to do the exercises, and how well you can keep your emotions out of the mix.

Whether your trailer is a front-load or a side-load, the guidelines remain – Personal Space, Feet and Touching. Begin with leading your horse up to the trailer near the opening to let your horse investigate. When he investigates, he needs to stay near the trailer and fairly ‘lined’ up. Reward him with a pause/rest and a scratch. If he steps sideways without being rude, that is okay, just queue him to come forward and straight (even if it is a forward thought or a shift in his body weight forward). Once he starts to think forward relax your queue Thinking forward when asked is the key and that is VERY important for you to be good with your timing – stop asking when he starts trying. Then let him rest or pause. If he backs up, go with him, then queue him to step forward again. Do not be in a hurry to go right back to the same location that you were before. What you want and need is that your horse thinks forward when you queue and you stop asking when he starts trying. If he stops, that is okay; if he backs up, then go with him and you may need to put his feet to work on a circle (think hoola-hoop exercise from earlier) and then re-present the trailer.

Once he is half-way in the trailer, don’t get greedy. Any time he will stand part way in the trailer, use that time to scratch and rub him! That Touching part! Also, frequent rests will reinforce that where you ask him to go, he can step there and stay there without leaving. Once he comes up and stands part-way in the trailer and waits, then ask him to back off one step at a time. This part comes in handy so that you can ask them to come out of the trailer quietly (horses totally new to trailering can sometimes get on and then are challenged to get off – that part of the training process alleviates that issue). When you want the horse to back out of the trailer, you can teach your horse to back up with a voice command and a queue such as lifting his tail. Continue with the forward and backward. Pick a point to stop for the day, then come back the next day and start from the beginning.

When your horse steps up into the trailer, don’t be in a hurry to get that butt bar up. Move the butt bar around so it makes some noise, etc. and when your horse keeps his feet still (and is in the trailer comfortably), then put the butt bar up. He may rush out when he hears the butt bar moving around; that is alright. Just go back to the same process and same steps as before. Your quietness and consistency will help him understand that he is safe.

Additional Points

When a horse steps methodically forward and backward at the trailer, and is not afraid, he will watch out for his own self and this can really reduce accidents/injuries. Whereas, a horse that is worried and scared might move quickly and step of the edge of the trailer or ramp and bump into the divider.

If your horse gives to slight pressure on the lead line/halter – this will save you when you forgot to unhook/untie.

Summary

The three basic keys to remember – your horse respecting your personal space, your ability to control your horse’s feet and your horse being comfortable with you touching him even when he may not be able to see you. These are key to developing a horse that loads quietly and safely. This takes time and effort; however, if you practice the exercise correctly these steps will provide positive results.

For a Horse Trailer Safety Checklist, please check out this blog.

Brought to you by Banixx – The #1 trusted solution for equine and pet owners! Learn more about Banixx  by clicking here:

Thursday Video: Pulling Manes with Courtney Carson

By on May 28, 2020 5:24 pm -

#ProGoomTips Mane Pulling

With shows on the horizon again, now is the perfect time to think about getting your horses ready for the ring. This week Courtney Carson, head groom at DPEquestrian LLC, shares her tips on mane pulling! #ProGroomTips

Posted by US Equestrian on Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Pulling manes is a skill most eventers are at least somewhat familiar with, but it’s not everyone’s favorite task. Whether you suffer from pull-happy fingers and end up with no mane (no, I’m not speaking from personal experience) or aren’t sure how to pull correctly, pro groom Courtney Carson has some advice for pulling best practices in this new video. Watch and learn!

#EventerProblems Vol. 228, Presented by Haygain: Horse Girl Summer

By on May 28, 2020 1:15 pm -

So hot girl summer doesn’t include a farmer tan? Let’s make it horse girl summer then. Here’s how y’all are celebrating with the latest batch of #EventerProblems:

Haygain is a science driven company with the horse’s health as the primary focus.

We are committed to improving equine health through scientific research, product innovation and consumer education in respiratory and digestive health. Developed by riders, for riders, we understand the importance of clean forage and a healthy stable environment in maintaining the overall well-being of the horse.

Our Haygain hay steamers are recommended by the world’s leading riders, trainers and equine vets and ComfortStall® Sealed Orthopedic Flooring System is used and recommended by leading Veterinary Hospitals, including Cornell University.