Classic Eventing Nation

Clinics for a Cause: Program to Benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s COVID Relief Fund

By on Apr 22, 2020 3:36 pm -

Photo by Torey Lockwood.

The Online Riders Collective is proud to launch Clinics for a Cause to help mitigate the struggles equestrians are facing due to COVID-19. From not being able to ride to facing lost income, riders and equine business owners are experiencing unprecedented challenges. Clinics for a Cause invites riders to submit video to the top trainer of their choice in any discipline for just $25. The proceeds go to benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s COVID-19 relief fund for equestrian business owners.

Riders can choose from world-class professionals including Boyd and Silva Martin, Lauren Sprieser, Don Stewart, Sissy Wickes, Lendon Gray, Laura Kraut, Norman Dello Joio, Phillip Dutton, Jennie Brannigan, Louise Serio, Sandy Ferrell, Val Renihan, Jamie Bissell, and more. Alice Bruno, Jess Clawson, and Sissy Wickes founded Clinics for a Cause in March 2020 and have already seen an enthusiastic response from the equestrian community. “This program has accelerated at a pace we could not have anticipated just two weeks ago,” Bruno said. “We are thrilled to be part of the #HorsemenHelpingHorsemen mission of the Equestrian Aid Foundation.”

Sissy Wickes has been instrumental to the project from the beginning. “Our equestrian industry has a long history of stepping up to help those in need. I am proud to say that Clinics for a Cause is another example of the generosity of spirit that pervades our community. I am honored to be a part of raising money for the EAF as they financially support our community,” she said.

The Equestrian Aid Foundation, founded in 1996, provides emergency, lifesaving financial grants to horsemen and women coping with loss of income due to catastrophic injury or illness. EAF invests in the future of its recipients, giving them the resources to recover and thrive in the
face of adversity.

Through its Disaster Relief Fund, the Equestrian Aid Foundation assists equestrian communities in the aftermath of natural disasters or other events unpreventable through reasonable cautionary measures. EAF has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by offering grants to equestrian professionals in unexpected financial crisis due to industry cancellations, closures, and shutdowns. For more information, please click here.

“This is a time when our community is coming together to find new ways to stay connected,” said EAF founder R. Scot Evans. “It’s a time to reflect, a time to learn, and most importantly, a time to support each other. We are so appreciative of the clinicians who have stepped forward to offer their years of knowledge and professional depth. They are turning this uncertain time into a period of growth.”

Professionals in any discipline who are interested in participating as trainers should send an email to [email protected] to be added to the roster. Trainers will be promoted through ORC and EAF and will promote this important fundraising effort through their social media audiences.

Visit onlineriderscollective.com to sign up for a clinic. Follow the ORC on Facebook and Instagram @onlineriderscollective, and the EAF @equestrianaidfoundation.

To Never Take a Moment for Granted Again

By on Apr 22, 2020 3:05 pm -

Emma Young, a freshman Equine Business Major at Otterbein University, rides on her intercollegiate dressage and eventing teams, and also fox hunts. She reflects on this recent turn of events below. View Emma’s previous blog entries here. 

Photo by Emma Young.

Six weeks ago I was in Aiken with my college eventing team. We were showing, cross country schooling, and having the time of our lives with no idea how drastically our lives were about to change. Just one short week later I was home not sure what was going on, when I would be going back to school, or how this would affect my show season. A few days later my school moved all classes online for the remainder of the year and I moved out of my freshman dorm a month and a half early. Along with that news, the remainder of my riding lessons were canceled, my IDA (Intercollegiate Dressage Association) season was done, and I was making arrangements for my horse to leave my college barn.

My heart breaks for those who have had even more loss than me. I feel for fellow classmates and friends who had to leave behind the horses they lease. I’m so sad for the seniors who had planned so much for their last couple months only to have the reality of the end come early. It’s awful that there are so many goals that have been broken and shows that will never be. My heart aches for everyone who has had to leave so much behind.

Photo by Emma Young.

The past month has been a whirlwind of emotions and happenings. Never in my wildest dreams (or nightmares) did I expect my riding season or freshman year of college to end this way. During these weeks I’ve continued to work on my schoolwork, drill my dressage, and most importantly reflect on how I’m never going to take a moment for granted again.

I’m never going to take riding lessons or horse shows for granted again. I’m never going to take car rides and trips to the tack store for granted. I’m going to enjoy every second I can be around horses and people and when we aren’t all six feet apart. I promise I won’t complain about 8 a.m. lectures or nights I’m up until 1 a.m. studying. I’ll just be happy to be at school. I won’t be frustrated with traffic jams or restaurant waits. I won’t complain about having work. I’ll just be happy that business is thriving, that people are out, and that I can make money again.

I promise as things return to normal to remember these times when we lost everything normal about our lives. I won’t forget missing my friends or in person classes. I won’t forget missing lines and stores and traffic. I won’t forget the feeling of not being able to hug those I love or being with my family on Easter. I won’t forget this time when the best way to care for those I love was to stay away from them. Everytime we get to be with loved ones and do something we love we are so lucky.

Photo by Ondine Eardley.

I can’t wait until we can gallop around cross country and ride down the centerline again. I can’t wait until I can see my friends in person and not just on a screen. I can’t wait until there are more social media posts in my feeds about horse shows and celebrations and congratulatory messages than there are about sadness and social distancing. I can’t wait to hug my Grandma, to eat in a crowded cafe, to watch Kentucky in person, to fox hunt, to horse show, to ride with friends, to go to stores, to go to potlucks, to go to school again. Winnie the Pooh once said, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” But this isn’t goodbye.

I’ll get to do everything I miss again someday. It might take time for people to hug. It might take time for there to be crowds again. It might take time to financially be able to do everything we did before. It might take some time, but when everything returns to normal and we start complaining about school and work and crowds remember how you felt when those things were non-existent.

As we are slowly released back into the world again I promise to never take a moment for granted.

 

Sara Gumbiner and Her Five Star Mount #larrythetiger Is EVERYTHING

By on Apr 22, 2020 2:34 pm -

We’re all just so grateful for a little glimmer of light, a little glimmer of HOPE, a little giggle if we’re lucky, this week. And alas, all of the above has arrived in these photos from Sara Gumbiner.

Sara and her five-star mount Polaris are our sport personified — “Larry” isn’t the keenest pupil on the subject of dressage, but he’ll do what he gotta do to get to that cross country start box. They’re perennial fan favorites at Kentucky, finishing the event on a clear with time cross country score in 2018 and 2019. No doubt they would have rocked it in 2020.

From Polaris’ team:

“To honor what would have been LK3DE Jog day and to bring a smile to those with the quarantine blues, we would like to share Sara Gumbiner’s visit with Carole Baskin and her five star mount #larrythetiger with Joe Exotic as a spectator showing off there would be jog outfit!”

Love it. Go Eventing (Someday!)

Join Robin Moore of World Equestrian Brands & Kim Severson on FB LIVE at 1:30 EST!

By on Apr 22, 2020 1:36 pm -

Join Robin Moore of World Equestrian Brands and three-time Kentucky champion Kim Severson at 1:30 p.m. EST for a Facebook live on saddle fitting. 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! Tune into EN’s Facebook page at 1:30 here.

Saddle Fitting Q&A with World Equestrian Brands and Kim Severson

Join us for a Q&A all about saddle fit and why it’s so important to do regular checks on your equipment, featuring Kim Severson Eventing and @World Equestrian Brands owner Robin Moore.

LEATHER CARE PACKAGE GIVEAWAY! We’re giving away a Leather Care Package (https://worldequestrianbrands.com/product/amerigo-mini-care-set/) from World Equestrian Brands to a lucky viewer of this video!
To enter, comment your answers to the following questions:
1) What year(s) did Kim Severson and Winsome Adante win Rolex Kentucky?
2) What 4 brands does World Equestrian currently carry?
Winner will be tagged tomorrow!

Don’t forget to shop World Equestrian Brand’s Virtual Kentucky Store and save 30% all week! Shop here: https://worldequestrianbrands.com/kentucky/?coupon-code=30KY2020

Posted by Eventing Nation on Wednesday, April 22, 2020

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! Tune into EN’s Facebook page at 1:30 here.

Go Shopping. Go Eventing!

Editor’s Choice: My Top 5 Virtual Vendor Village Deals for Wednesday

By on Apr 22, 2020 1:12 pm -

Each day we’ll be bringing you new deals from over 30 companies via EN’s inaugural Virtual Vendor Village (shop Wednesday’s deals here), and each day I’ll be sharing my top five favorite deals of the day. Here we go, for Wednesday!

P.S. You can check out Jumper Nation editor Lynn Mueller’s top 5 picks here, and Horse Nation editor DeAnn Long Sloan’s top 5 picks here.

Omega Alpha: It wouldn’t be Kentucky Week without our annual “Pick ‘Em Contest, Presented by Omega Alpha” — this is its 8th year running! Usually we have readers share their picks to win the event, using predicted finishing scores as a tie-breaker, but this year we’re just going to have to use our imaginations a little. We’re asking readers who they think WOULD have won Kentucky, and their answer enters them into a raffle for a “Guts to Win” prize pack valued at $300. (I couldn’t resist peeking in on the entries thus far, and whodathunkit, Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg are running away with the lead. No write-in votes for me and Princess? Maybe next year. *sigh* ) While you’re at it, visit Omega Alpha and use the promo code EN10 to get 10% off all orders over $40 + free shipping in North America. And be sure to tune in to EN’s Facebook page on Saturday at 11 a.m. for a Omega Alpha sponsored “virtual autograph signing” with Canadian five-star superstar Selena O’Hanlon! 

Hylofit: Speaking of our virtual Kentucky frontrunner, how do you think Boyd keeps his horses so fit? “For me fitness is one of the most important things … To be one of the best in the world, it’s the attention to detail. It’s not just riding well, it’s this feeling of being exact in your training. Linking up with products like Hylofit is trying to hone in and make everything more exact, more polished, more streamlined. It’s a wonderful instrument to really let me know exactly how hard to push them in their fitness work, and then I’ve got a clear understanding of how fit they are.”

This week, Hylofit is offering 20% off its heart monitors with code HYLOEN. Go get yours now, and maybe give that guy a run for his money next year!

C4 Belts: A wise man once said …

I think this is pretty solid advice for the COVID-19 pandemic, too. Today, you can get 15-23% off sock bundles from C4 Belts, which I didn’t even know had a mind-blowing sock department as well! This Pony Ninja Sock & Belt Combo is mine all mine. Or do I want the one with the unicorns, or the sushi … Y U MAKE ME MAKE HARD CHOICES LIKE THIS C4?!?!

ENO: I don’t mean to get all apocalypse-y on you guys, and I’m not, like, a prepper or anything, but since all this craziness has been going down my husband and I decided that we’d just feel better if we had a “bug-out bag” ready — in the event that society collapses completely and we have to head for the hills (AKA the back pasture of my pony’s boarding barn). And in that bag is my ENO hammock, which has seen me through much happier times like my annual trek to Bonnaroo and countless backyard naps. You can string it up anywhere and, boom. I’ve even seen people string them up inside their horse trailers at events! I’ve taken mine around the world, literally …

Here I am at the 2018 American Eventing Championships at the Colorado Horse Park. I was two months pregnant and soooooo morning sick, so whenever I got a moment I’d sneak off to my little ENO hammock in the woods for a nap.

Still morning sick, but at least not working this time! This is from a vacation at Hunting Island in South Carolina that same fall.

And I’m sure my trusty hammock will see me through the end times, too. No pesky virus-apocalypse-scenario gonna get between me and a good nap! And this week you can get 20% off online orders using promo code FEST2020. (Bummer of a code, ENO! I was sooooo stoked about seeing Lizzo at Bonnaroo this year….)

Sport Horse Nation: One more amazing deal for you fine folks! Not to toot our own horn or anything, but bear with me here for a moment as we toot our own horn.

Sport Horse Nation, EN’s classified site, is offering 50% off new ads this week. I might be biased, but I think SHN is the best eventing matchmaker service in the biz. After all, it’s how I found my pony soulmate Princess.

OK, toot toot! Gotta run. Facebook LIVE with Robin Moore of World Equestrian Brands and three-time Kentucky champion Kim Severson ’bout to start at 1:30 p.m. EST. Last plug: 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! Tune into EN’s Facebook page at 1:30 here!

Go Shopping. Go Eventing!

 

Banixx Antibacterial Spray: A Must-Have in Any Equine First Aid Kit

By on Apr 22, 2020 9:33 am -

Keep your horse and pets in top shape with Banixx® antibacterial / antifungal Spray. Proudly made in the USA, this easy-to-use formula is steroid-free and gives clinically proven relief from a myriad of infection and injuries. With no fragrances to alarm, this gentle non-irritating formula won’t sting or stain your hands, pet, barn or furniture. This unique, earth-friendly solution is a must-have for every first aid kit.

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

  • Scratches
  • Rain Rot
  • Fungus
  • Cuts, Wounds, Punctures
  • Thrush & White Line Disease
  • Dog / Cat Ear Infections
  • Hot Spots
  • Itchy Skin
  • Ringworm
  • Rashes & Sores

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

EN’s 8th Annual Kentucky Pick ‘Em Contest, Presented by Omega Alpha

By on Apr 22, 2020 8:42 am -

Take your best guess!

It wouldn’t be Kentucky Week without our annual Pick ‘Em Contest brought to you by Omega Alpha. This year is a little different, being as there IS no Kentucky, so we’re going to have to use our imaginations!

So … who do you think WOULD have won the 2020 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Get your calculators, Excel spreadsheets, FEI rider rankings, Magic-8 Ball, lucky T-shirt, maybe say some “Hail Mary Kings” and attempt your best prediction. At stake: a Guts to Win Prize Pack from Omega Alpha valued at $300. 

Here’s how you play: Share the name of the horse/rider combination you think would have won in the Rafflecopter widget below. We’ll select a winner at random! The contest is open through midnight on Sunday, April 26. Submit a new entry each day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While you’re at it, visit Omega Alpha and use the promo code EN10 to get 10% off all orders over $40 + free shipping in North America.

 

Go Eventing!

EN Virtual Vendor Village: Wednesday’s Deals!

By on Apr 22, 2020 1:01 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 virtual “autograph signings,” live Q&As with top five-star riders and flashback watch parties.

Here’s a roundup of everything happening today:

WIN THIS:

MEET & GREET: Join Robin Moore of World Equestrian Brands and three-time Kentucky champion Kim Severson at 1:30 p.m. EST for a Facebook live on saddle fitting. 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! Tune into EN’s Facebook page at 1:30 here, and watch the replay here.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday’s Deal Summary!

  • AtelierCG: 15% off with code BEYOU
  • Banixx: 10% off + free shipping at Valley Vet
  • C4 Belts: Sock bundles 15-23% off (no coupon required)
  • 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 + free memory rear inserts included with purchase of ANY sheepskin Perfect Balance half pad with code LRK3D3; additional deals here
  • Hats by Katie: Free shipping with code LRK3DE
  • Hound & Hare: 30% off all in-stock Sporting Hares blazers, vests, and puffer jackets
  • 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 including $9 bargains + 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: Big coupon coming soon! Learn more about Empower Topline Balance
  • Omega Alpha: 10% off orders over $40 + free shipping with code EN10
  • Perri’s Leather: Cotton leads with snap only $5 (regularly $8.50) with code LEAD
  • HandsOn Gloves: 20% off with code KY20
  • Ride Heels Down: 20% off “Heels down, bottoms up!” 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: 50% off accommodations (call 484-356-3173 and mention EN Virtual Vendor Village)
  • Tapestry Equine Products: 10% off + free shipping with code LR2020
  • Voltaire: 20% off accessories + free shipping
  • I Love My Horse Eventing Boutique: 20-50% off select breeches + free shipping (email [email protected] or text 727-871-5729)
  • World Equestrian Brands: 30% off (see website)

Wednesday News & Notes from Ecovet

By on Apr 22, 2020 12:01 am -

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Happy what-would-ordinarily-be Land Rover Kentucky jog day! I chose today’s lead photo in honor of the jog queen herself, Lainey Ashker, who has graced the strip many times with her imaginative and fashionable outfits. If I could give you another pair of Dubarrys, Lainey, I would.

If you’re suffering from Kentucky withdrawals this week, trust me when I say that the EN team is with you 100% of the way on that. We’re working hard behind the scenes to bring you the best Virtual Vendor Village ever (click here if you haven’t run out of money yet), and there is plenty of vintage Kentucky content coming your way from all outlets to hold you over.

National Holiday: It’s Earth Day! Mother Nature is our greatest resource, and we owe it to her to take the best care of our environment possible. Let’s all do something today to create a habit of reducing waste tomorrow.

News & Notes:

The USEF Network will be doing a live re-broadcast of the cross country phase from 2012 Kentucky on their Facebook page Saturday at 10 am ET. In celebration of the event’s history as well as a salve for the gaps left behind by this year’s cancellation, you can view on-demand coverage of previous years in their entirety here.

Badminton Horse Trials will also be doing a re-broadcast of previous years’ competitions — and they want your help deciding which years to show. You can vote for your favorite year (and honestly, good luck choosing just three) here.

Do you want to take a virtual lesson with Irish eventing star Jonty Evans? Well, now you can! Jonty is offering virtual lessons to help keep his business afloat during lockdown. Many other riders have opted to offer virtual coaching, too, so be sure to keep an eye on social media for opportunities!

Is your equine first aid kit up to date? Get the rundown from The Horse on what you should have in your kit for treating minor wounds.

Wednesday Video: Improve your shoulder-out with Beezie Madden.

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

Tuesday Video from Flexible Fit Equestrian USA: The Toilet Paper Grid Challenge

By on Apr 21, 2020 10:06 pm -

We’ve got a new challenge for eventing nation with one of this season’s hottest commodities. Susan Thomas upped the ante for her student’s grid lesson. The whole Charbonnet Sport Horses crew gave it a go through the five jump efforts, and Sarah Beth Hood came out as as the TP Champion.

Go eventing.

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