Classic Eventing Nation

Win This Four-Book Bundle from Horse and Rider Books (a $140 Value!)

By on Apr 24, 2020 9:59 am -

Come and get ’em! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Our show season may have ground to a halt but that doesn’t mean we have to stop learning and improving ourselves as riders and horsemen. This four-book bundle from our good friends at Horse and Rider Books gives you some homework to do while you’re homebound.

The set includes:

That’s a $140 value! Enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below by visiting Horse and Rider Books on Facebook (a “likes” are appreciated but not required) or following them on Twitter. The giveaway is open through Sunday, April 26 at midnight EST. We’ll select a winner at random!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 While you’re at it, keep an eye on EN’s Virtual Vendor Village for a new book deal each day. Friday’s spotlight is on “Two Brains, One Aim: A Riding Coach’s Key Concepts for Bringing Horse and Rider Together (and Ending in Success!)” by four-time Olympic eventer Eric Smiley with Ellie Hughes. Get 20% off + free shipping with code KYBK20.

Go Shopping. Go Virtual Eventing!

EN Virtual Vendor Village: Friday’s Deals!

By on Apr 24, 2020 12:03 am -

Been missing out on shopping the vendors of spring events? We are very excited to present the inaugural Eventing Nation Virtual Vendor Village, a week-long online opportunity to score fantastic deals and discover new products from our favorite brands. It’s also a great way to show our support for equestrian businesses that have had to close down shop due to coronavirus restrictions. It truly does take a “village”!

The Virtual Vendor Village is taking place right here on EN from Monday, April 20 through Sunday, April 26. Throughout the week, over 30 companies are offering a “Deal of the Day” on their products — which means you’ll want to check in on their “booths” daily to make sure you don’t miss a sale! Expect deep discounts, special promotions and product giveaways. PLUS! We’ll be hosting live Q&As with top five-star riders and flashback watch parties.

Here’s a roundup of everything happening today:

WIN THIS:

MEET & GREET: Tune in to EN’s Facebook at 4 p.m. EST for a Facebook LIVE session with World Equestrian Brands rider Buck Davidson. WEB is giving away an Amerigo leather care package to one viewer everyday, so submit a question to Buck for a chance to win! While you’re at it, be sure to check out World Equestrian Brands’ Virtual Kentucky Store for some amazing discounts on products from Amerigo, E.A. Mattes, Equilibrium and Vespucci!

WATCH PARTY: USEF Network is rolling out its Land Rover Kentucky archives this week! If you’re not already a USEF member, use promo code ENLRK3DE to access. Watch top dressage tests from the past decade and vote for your favorite here.

TODAY’S DEALS: Welcome to Friday’s Deals! Click on each brand’s “booth” tile to be taken directly to the featured item or brand website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday’s Deal Summary!

  • AtelierCG: 15% off with code BEYOU
  • Banixx: 10% off + free shipping at Valley Vet
  • C4 Belts: Spend $100, get a free solid belt + buckle of your choice with code CHOICE20
  • Ecovet: 30% off with code Virtual30
  • ENO: 10% off with code Fest2020
  • Equine Therapy International: 15% off special
  • FITS Riding: 20% off with code ENFITS20
  • FLAIR Strips: Special discount at checkout with code LRK3DE
  • Fleeceworks: 10% off all orders all week with code LRK3D10; Free Easy Care Bamboo Slippers with orders over $100; 15% off Easy Care Bamboo Quilted Pads with code LRK3D5; additional deals here
  • Hats by Katie: Free shipping with code LRK3DE
  • Horse & Rider Books: 20% off + free shipping with code KYBK20
  • Hound & Hare: 20% off all in-stock heeled and flat Regina boots by Fairfax & Favor
  • Hylofit: 20% off heart monitor with code HYLOEN
  • Ice Horse: Free HoofWraps Soaker with purchase with code HWS
  • Jane Heart Jewelry: 15% off all rings with code ring15
  • Kerrits: Tent sale deep discounts + 50% off winter tops and jackets + free saddle pad with all orders over $250
  • Kentucky Performance Products: 20% off + free shipping with code LRK3DE2020 (excludes Equi-Jewel)
  • Legends: Save $5 on Legends GastroCare
  • ProElite Senior: Save $2 per bag
  • Martin Collins: 15% off CLOPF Fiber May through July with code KY2020
  • Nupafeed: 15% off with code LR2020
  • Nutrena: $10 off 1 bag SafeChoice Perform (click on tile for coupon)
  • Omega Alpha: 10% off orders over $40 + free shipping with code EN10
  • Perri’s Leather: 1″ leather turnout halter only $49.95 (regularly $69.95) with code LEATHER
  • HandsOn Gloves: 20% off with code KY20
  • Ride Heels Down: 20% off “X, halt, salute, breathe” tee (coupon not required)
  • SmartPak: Enter to win a $500 gift card (click tile to enter)
  • Sport Horse Nation: 50% off classified ads with code VENDORVILLAGE
  • Stable View: 25% off Stable View short sleeve t-shirts (click on tile above to purchase)
  • Tapestry Equine Products: 10% off + free shipping with code LR2020
  • Voltaire: 20% off accessories + free shipping
  • I Love My Horse Eventing Boutique: Buy 2, get 10% off Goode Rider show shirts + free shipping (email [email protected] or text 727-871-5729)
  • World Equestrian Brands: 30% off (see website)

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Apr 24, 2020 12:03 am -

Social distancing is a little hard with this one! Photo by Sara Kozumplik Murphy.

Yesterday, I was referred to as a “pro” at quarantine. I wish I could say this is the first time in the past few weeks that somebody has casually mentioned to this to me, but it is most definitely not. I also have this feeling that I should be a little offended, but I am not at all. And they’re right, I am a pro at quarantine, and while I miss a lot of things (competing) I’m doing alright with my ponies and my hobbies and my hacking.

National Holiday: National Hairball Awareness Day

News From Around the Globe:

All of the Kentucky memories are flooding in. In 2010, before going viral was a thing, Josh Walker took a special photo of a young pony clubber patting Karen O’Connor’s Mandiba after dressage at Kentucky. That young pony clubber, Keely Bechtol, has continued to pursue her equine passion, fueled in part by that special memory. [The Pat Seen Around The World]

Who doesn’t remember Tullibard’s Hawkwind from 2012 Kentucky? I certainly remember watching Jordan Linstedt Granquist, a relative unknown from the west coast, and seeing how she trusted Jack so much on that cross country course. That year was particularly rough for cross country, and while they racked up 79 time penalties, they went clear and our hearts were filled. [Tullibard’s Hawkwind Proved the Naysayers Wrong]

Talk Nerdy to Me:  13 Perfectly Horsey Quotes From Books

Weird horsey records, you got me. The longest horse, the shortest horse, the oldest horse, the tallest horse, the highest jump by a mini horse, the oldest winning racehorse (19!), the fastest 10 meters on HIND LEGS!? Okay, this is too weird. [22 Flabbergasting & Bonkers Horsey Records]

Not sorry at all:

 

 

Thursday Video from FLAIR: Quarantine Races – Boys vs. Chatwin

By on Apr 23, 2020 11:02 pm -

We’d love nothing more to see Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin cantering up the centerline at Kentucky this week. Or at the just canceled Luhmühlen, where they finished 4th last year. Or anywhere, really. Heck. Alas, it isn’t meant to be … but this video is a delightful consolation prize.

Frankie pitted son Drake and nephew Beaux against Chatwin for an impromptu race and … well, we think Chatwin, a legitimate five-star horse who has averaged 2.2 cross country time faults per event across his FEI career, probably could have tried harder.

“Go Chatwin, get ’em!”

“He’s gonna get you. He’s coming … he’s going to eat your burrito … here he comes … you better run … he’s coming!”

“Chatwin! You lost!”

Enjoy.

Shop Bargains at Every Price in The Kerrits Tent Sale

By on Apr 23, 2020 10:33 pm -

Our friends at Kerrits have rolled out the red carpet for EN’s Virtual Vendor Village. If you’re missing 3-day events, try their 7-day event! Their Tent Sale is offering incredible bargains at every price: $19 tops, $39 tights, $59 breeches and more. Shop now—these deals won’t last! CLICK HERE to enter the tent sale.

 

Kerrits Tent Sale Daily Deals: 

Tuesday, April 21 — Select $9 products 

Wednesday, April 22 — Deals on Animals to Wear 

Thursday, April 23 — $59 tights and breeches 

Friday, April 25 — Winter Tops and Jackets up to 50% off 

Saturday, April 25 — Griptek Breeches for $79

Sunday, April 26 — Competitor Koats for $69

CLICK HERE to shop.

 

All Your Banixx Needs on the Go: New Travel Sizes Coming Soon

By on Apr 23, 2020 10:32 pm -

Banixx® Horse and Pet Care Spray Travel Size 2oz. — Available online now

Packaged in a handy 2oz size bottle, this travel / trail Banixx® packs the same punch as all the larger versions. Whether you’re out on the trail with your horse or on a hike with your pet. Banixx® easily fits into your pocket or saddle bag as a First Aid fix for any injury or scrape you may come across on your journey.

Safe around the Eye, Non-Toxic, Temperature tolerant, Rapid Results, Vet recommended. Use for:

  • Dog Ear Infections
  • Hot Spots
  • Itchy Skin
  • Cat Ear Yeast Infections
  • Ringworm
  • Sores
  • Cuts, Wounds & Rashes

Banixx® Medicated Shampoo Travel Size 4oz. — Coming Soon Online 

Introducing NEW Banixx® Medicated Shampoo, Soap-Free and ultra-enriched with Marine Collagen with its sea-sourced amino acids that repair tissue/damage while moisturizing the infected hair/skin. Cells need to remain moisturized for quickest repair; dried out or dried up tissue tends to be brittle and takes much longer to regenerate. It’s a favorite product of Veterinarians, Dog groomers and any-one who wants a pet-friendly shampoo. Our soap-free formula contains 4% chlorhexidine that delivers a punch to bacteria/fungus i.e. infection. Being soap-free means that the skin/hair never gets dried out or dried up. You can use it more frequently, with no downside, as a safe effective skin/hair treatment for horses, dogs, other pets and livestock in the recovery of multiple fungal & bacterial skin conditions. Veterinarian recommended for:

  • Rain Rot (Rain Scald)
  • Scratches
  • Girth, Mane, Tail Itch (Sweet Itch)
  • Cannon Keratosis (Cannon Bone Crud)
  • Dermatitis (including skin fungal infections)
  • Dog Ringworm
  • Dog Skin Yeast Infections / Itchy Skin

A soap-free shampoo that does NOT contain paraben, sulfate, alcohol or steroids. No harsh detergents, so it will not dry out your furry friend’s skin or coat. Use for spot treatments or all-over.
Proudly made in the USA.

Banixx® Wound Care Cream Travel Size 2oz. — Coming Soon Online 

Introducing our NEW Banixx® Wound Care Cream, ultra-enriched with Marine Collagen with its sea-sourced amino acids that repair tissue/damage while moisturizing the infected skin. Cells need to remain moisturized for quickest repair; dried out or dried up tissue tends to be brittle and takes much longer to regenerate. It’s non-sticky, non-oily and can be used for all pets- large & small. Moreover, with its 2% chlorhexidine, marine collagen and essential extracts such as Aloe Vera, Eucalyptus oil, Chamomile & more, it’s a Veterinarian’s choice for use as a safe, effective skin / infection treatment for horses, dogs and small pets in the recovery of multiple fungal & bacterial skin conditions such as:

  • Horse Scratches
  • Dog Skin Yeast Infections / Itchy Skin
  • Wounds, Cuts, Rashes & Scrapes
  • Girth, Mane, Tail Itch & Sweet Itch
  • Ringworm – any species
  • Dermatitis (including skin fungal infections)

Contains no paraben, alcohol or steroids. Creates a protective, invisible, barrier against germs, dirt and debris. Proudly made in the USA.

CLICK HERE to find out where to shop. (Hint! Valley Vet carries Banixx and they’re offering 10% off this month!)

USEF Network Kentucky Dressage Watch Party: Best Test of All Time?

By on Apr 23, 2020 6:02 pm -

Photos via the EN archives.

Is there a hole in your heart today where the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event sandbox should be? Same.

Lucky for the Swiss cheese-hearted, throughout this week USEF Network is allowing us to take a road trip down memory lane, rebroadcasting footage of legend Kentucky performances from the past decades.

If you’re not already a USEF Member, you can use a special promo code for EN readers — ENLRK3DE — to watch all the videos for free!

Let’s start with dressage — and let’s start it with a poll. Of the following tests from 2011 to 2019, which do you think was the best?

Guess what? ALL of those tests, along with many more, are available on the USEF Network website. Click on any image below to be taken to the video of that test, or just head on over to USEF Network and go exploring yourself. You can even take a deep dive into ride reviews, favorite memories, interviews and other special features. Thank you for keeping the Kentucky spirit alive, USEF Network!

2011: Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2012: Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

2013: Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2013: William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2014: Allison Springer and Arthur. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2015: Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2015: Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2016: Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

2016: Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

2017: Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

2017: Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

2017: Tim Price and Wesko. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

2017: Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

2018: Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

2018:Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

 

2019: Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Go (Virtual) Eventing!

A Farewell to Fernhill Flutter

By on Apr 23, 2020 4:08 pm -

Kevin Keane and Fernhill Flutter at Kentucky in 2014. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Our sincere condolences to Fernhill Flutter‘s connections, who lost the 18-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding yesterday unexpectedly due to colic. Every effort was made to save his life, but during surgery it was found that the damage was too severe to fix.

“Butterfly” rose to the five-star level with owner Kevin Keane in the irons, completing Kentucky in 2014 — a memorably happy finish for Kevin’s many friends and supporters. They had several top finishes at the four-star level, cracking the top 10 at Bromont and Fair Hill. He went on to compete with Morgan McCue as well as Natasha Erschen, who has owned him since 2017 and competed him through the Intermediate level. Most recently he was being leased to a young rider, Nell Nicastro, and reportedly had a blast around Pine Top this spring at Training level.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy, who trained Natasha, recalls having Butterfly in the barn and says that “he was beautifully taken care of and loved deeply” by her.

“As many of you know Butterfly was a character,” Sara says. “He liked to pretend to be grumpy but was really quite a softy when you laughed at and appreciated him. He taught hard lessons, but he also made dreams come true, had a huge heart, and kept riders safe. Watching him and Kevin jump beautifully around Kentucky in 2014 was an inspiration to riders all over the world, especially those with a full time job. I’ll simply say that we are all heartbroken to lose this absolute legend of a horse and leave Tasha and Kevin who loved him the most take it from here.”

Kevin Keane on Fernhill Flutter jumping into the Head of the Lake at Kentucky. Photo by Cindy Lawler.

The story of Kevin and Butterfly is a sweet one. In 2010 Kevin came home from Rolex with a dream that has motivated so many riders to want to ride at the Advanced level … he wanted to jump around Kentucky himself! His coach, Phillip Dutton, found a horse in Europe through Carol Gee and in no time he was in England to try him out. Unfortunately he didn’t like him ONE BIT so of course in true Irish fashion, others were brought out of the stable for him to sit on. One of them was Butterfly.

“I got on him and only jumped four jumps, and the next day I got to go watch him compete in a small local horse trial,” Kevin says. “He had a very good professional on him but didn’t go clear on the cross country! However when I saw his gallop I bought him nonetheless, and the rest is pretty much history. He had his own peculiarities in that he would only jump from one type of ride, which was going forward to a deep distance. I learned accuracy from him or else I would have a 20 on my score card!”

“He had a beautiful mouth and a tremendous gallop that came from the mostly thoroughbred blood pumping through his veins. I learned a tremendous amount from him and was lucky enough to finish third in two four stars, and to finish in the top half at Kentucky, a week I will never forget. He ended up with Natasha, and she was so kind to him. She truly loved him.”

Fernhill Flutter and Natasha Erschen. Photo by Allison Green for Shannon Brinkman Photo.

Natasha shares her memory of this special horse, who touched so many lives: “Butterfly was a very special horse to many people and I was lucky enough to share a part of his life. He was a member of the family, my best friend and the best teacher I could of had. He taught me through the highs and lows of this sport. He took me to my first intermediate, my first three-star, and gave me my first FEI win, but he also showed me when I was wrong, which ended up teaching me the most.”

“He was also quite the character in the barn, whether he was licking my hand while pinning his ears back at the same time or walking himself in from his pasture to his stall in the morning, because he couldn’t wait to eat his breakfast,” she says. “He was addicted to Mrs. Pastures cookies and would get into the treat bucket almost everyday. I had many great memories during my riding career with him, but my favorite memories were simply being in his presence. I wished for many more years with him, but I will cherish every memory I was fortunate enough to have with him. He was loved by many and will always be remembered.”

Rest in peace, Butterfly.

Join Us for a Live Q&A with World Equestrian Brands Rider Sharon White

By on Apr 23, 2020 4:00 pm -

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

World Equestrian Brands’ live Q&A series continues today with five-star eventer Sharon White — we sure miss seeing you in the sandbox today, Sharon! Sharon and her brilliant Cooley On Show finished 8th at Kentucky in 2018,

Tune in at 4 p.m. for a Q&A session moderated by Sally Spickard. WEB is giving away an Amerigo leather care package to one viewer everyday, so submit a question for Sharon for a chance to win!

While you’re at it, be sure to check out World Equestrian Brands’ Virtual Kentucky Store for some amazing discounts on products from Amerigo, E.A. Mattes, Equilibrium and Vespucci!

Go Shopping. Go Eventing.

 

Bling Bling! A Special Virtual Vendor Village Discount from Jane Heart Jewelry

By on Apr 23, 2020 2:43 pm -

Photo courtesy of Jane Heart Jewelry.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Why not gift a special someone in your life with a beautiful creation from Jane Heart Jewelry. CLICK HERE to shop. You can save 15% on rings. Enter code ring15 at checkout. 

From Jane:

Hello from Arizona! I wish I was greeting you from my booth at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Trade Fair, but alas, I am stuck at home along with the rest of the (horse) world. This would have been my seventh year exhibiting and I’m sorry to not be there with you all to celebrate my birthday. I hope you all are safe and healthy. And I appreciate the opportunity to showcase my jewelry via the virtual Trade Fair graciously hosted by Eventing Nation!

The new Signet Ring. Photo courtesy of Jane Heart Jewelry.

I am excited to announce a new item of exclusive equestrian jewelry: Signet Rings. These beautiful and classic rings are individually hand-cast and polished in sterling silver by my master silversmith. They’re available with your choice of two or three engraved initials, or your favorite horse head from one of my Collections. As my special KY3DE offer, these rings along with all my other rings are 15% off, now through May 10th. 

Photo courtesy of Jane Heart Jewelry.

As an eventer, or a fan of watching eventing, you’re sure to find a piece of Jane Heart Jewelry which represents your love of the sport. My Hunter/Jumper Collection features pieces that capture all the excitement and energy of cross-country and showjumping. There are pendants, earrings, charms and rings to choose from with different horse heads. 

The precision and accuracy of Dressage draw many enthusiasts and are reflected in the items representing my Dressage Collection. Attention to detail is the hallmark of Jane Heart Jewelry; people often comment to me, “It looks just like MY horse!” From pendants to stock pins to bridle tags, you’re sure to find a special piece of Dressage jewelry to wear with pride. Customize your pendant with a hand-woven horsehair necklace for a truly unique look!

Photo courtesy of Jane Heart Jewelry.

One of the highlights of my 26 years in business is the creation of my Famous Racehorse Collection. In 2008 I was privileged to design horse jewelry that captures the likeness of Barbaro, the beloved Kentucky Derby winner. Following that was jewelry for Secretariat, Man o’ War, American Pharoah and Justify. Jane Heart Jewelry is proud to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these licensed designs to various equine charities, including the Secretariat Foundation, the  Permanently Disabled Jockey’s Fund (PDJF) and the Fund for Laminitis Research.

Photo courtesy of Jane Heart Jewelry.

My Breed Collections include Thoroughbred, Arabian, Quarter Horse, Friesian and others, with new designs continually being added. Other Collections include jewelry depicting donkeys and mules, dog breeds, foxes and silver crosses.

Whatever your choice of Jane Heart Jewelry, please keep in mind that I am always available for custom orders. Whether you’d like to add a beaded chain or horsehair, create your own charm bracelet, or just have a question, please give me a call at 602-300-5148 to discuss. I love hearing your ideas! 

Please visit janeheart.com to see all of my equestrian jewelry Collections. Enter code ring15 at checkout to save 15% on all rings, now through May 10th.