Classic Eventing Nation

Surefire Farm Cancels September Event to Focus on June H.T.

By on Apr 11, 2020 6:15 am -

The Surefire Farm Horse Trials scheduled for September 25-27, 2020 in Purcellville, Virginia has been canceled.

The event released this statement:

“Surefire Eventing is looking forward to year 16 of our Spring Horse Trials, scheduled for June 19-21. Regretfully, however, we have made the decision to cancel our September event. Last year, with the Essex Horse Trials running the same weekend as our June Horse Trials, we were hurt financially to the point we were unable to carry our September event as we normally do. With so many events in Area II, as well as competition from Stable View in Area III, we’ve decided to focus on one event and put all our effort and resources into making the Surefire June Horse Trials as great as we can.”

[Surefire Farm to Cancel September Event]

 

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Apr 11, 2020 12:01 am -

Photo via Pippa Funnell on Facebook.

Some folks are lucky enough to be able to use this extra time at home to spend with their families. (Or, if you’re not stuck with your family in-person, we’ve all become well-versed at Zoom by now!) William Fox Pitt is enjoying spending some time with his daughter, Alice, reading some of Tilly’s Pony Tails, Pippa Funnell’s children’s book series, with her. Oh, you didn’t know Pippa Funnell wrote a pony-centric series of children’s books? Well, check them on this blast from the past website!

National Holiday: National Day of Silence

Your Saturday Links:

The March/April Issue of Eventing USA is Now Available Online!

New app allows eventing fans to play along with simulated Event Rider Masters on Easter Sunday

Cathal Daniels: The Olympic Dream is Alive and Well

‘Ten Foot Cops’: A Glimpse Inside New York City’s Mounted Police Unit

The Gratitude List

National Sporting Library And Museum Offers Virtual Tour

Hot on Horse Nation: Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: Classic Equine — Classic Equine is now making PPE masks for first responders.

Saturday Featured Video: Equestrians across all disciplines have been taking part in a charity effort known as Equestrian Relief, which benefits the UK’s National Health Service as they combat COVID-19 as teams of equestrians participate in challenges. Team Eventing took the lead in the Plankety Plank challenge, thanks largely in part to Oliver Townend who held a plank for THIRTEEN MINUTES. And you thought you had a strong core?

Friday Video from SmartPak: Socially Responsible Jumping Lessons

By on Apr 10, 2020 6:18 pm -

So our ‘new normal’ includes one-way systems and queues at the supermarket, McGyver-ed face masks and rubber gloves in situations that would normally never call for rubber gloves. It’s cool; we can cope with all this. But if you’re still able to ride, how do you deal with trying to maintain social distancing with your instructor? The German Instructor has a few ideas – although further testing may be needed, we suspect.

Calling All Amateurs! 2021 USEA Worth the Trust Scholarship Applications Now Available

By on Apr 10, 2020 4:33 pm -

Worth the Trust at Kentucky in 1997. Photo by Brant Gamma.

If you are an amateur eventer who could use a little help funding your eventing education, consider applying for a USEA Worth The Trust scholarship.

About the Scholarship: New for this year, the Worth the Trust Young Adult and Adult Amateur Scholarships — previously awarded separately — have been consolidated into a single educational scholarship in the amount of $4,000. The scholarship can be applied toward a variety of training opportunities such as clinics, working student positions, and private or group instruction, or to learn from an official, course designer, technical delegate, judge, veterinarian, or organizer.

This scholarship is provided by Joan Iversen Goswell in honor of her horse, Worth the Trust, who won the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 1997 with Karen O’Connor.

Eligibility: The scholarship is available to riders 16 years old or older as of Jan. 1, 2021 who have declared amateur status with the USEA. Applicants must complete 10 hours of volunteer work with a national or local charitable organization, any minority/disadvantaged group, or local eventing association or horse trials.

How to Apply: Applicants should submit an essay explaining why the scholarship is important to him or her, how they intend to use the funds, and their riding and competing experiences. The deadline for applications is Oct. 5, 2020. Applications are available here.

The recipient of the scholarship will be announced at the 2020 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, Dec. 10-13, 2020 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Contact Nancy Knight for more information at (703) 669-9997 or [email protected].

 

[Applications for the 2021 Worth the Trust Scholarship Now Available]

Flora Lea Spring H.T. Is Canceled

By on Apr 10, 2020 1:29 pm -

Flora Lea Spring Horse Trials, scheduled for May 23-24 in Medford, New Jersey, has been canceled.

The event issued the following statement today:

“After careful consideration Flora Lea has decided to cancel their spring horse trials, originally scheduled for May 23 & 24, 2020.  It seems the responsible thing to do with the pandemic looming over all of our existences.  Flora Lea has been running an USEA event since 1975 and has only cancelled one time, due to a ‘100 year flood’ that hit NJ.  We hope that all is well by September and that we can be up and running our Fall horse trials.

“We will also cancel our June 21st YEH competition but will hope to run the August competition.

“Very sincerely and with regrets,
Debbie Adams”

You can view a complete list of canceled and postponed events here.

Be well. Go Eventing (Someday!)

NAF Virtual Eventing Brings Stars of the Sport to your Sofa

By on Apr 10, 2020 12:10 pm -

Gemma Tattersall is no stranger to spring five-stars – and she’ll be fighting for the virtual title this year. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

So we won’t have any five-stars to obsess over this spring, and you know what? It’s crap. It’s utter rubbish. It truly is. But you know what’s not crap? The fact that we’re all going to get to be a part of the eventing world’s creative revolution. Things might be very, very different from how they normally are right now, but our global eventing family isn’t going to take it lying down – and some of the ideas we’re seeing blooming around us are things we’ll be talking about for a long time to come. So instead of ruing what could have been, we’re going to embrace what will be. Top of our list? The first-ever virtual CCI5*, to be held May 6-10.

What is it?

The brainchild of Uptown Eventing’s Rachel Wakefield-Wynne, Virtual Eventing – sponsored by NAF – has been created with a few things in mind: to provide motivation for top riders stuck at home, to entertain the masses, and to raise much-needed funds for doctors and nurses around the world in the fight against COVID-19. In fact, every country represented in the virtual line-up will receive a charitable payout – and we hear that many of the riders are willing to accept bribes in exchange for donations.

The idea just got real, someone has donated £500.00 for time me to trot up in a outfit of your choice for Virtual 5*…

Posted by Emma Hyslop-Webb on Friday, April 3, 2020

Cool, very into bribery. So how does it work?

Well, just like the real deal, Virtual Eventing consists of three unique phases, plus a first horse inspection – but that, Rachel promises us, will be a trot-up like we’ve never seen before. On Thursday and Friday, competitors will ride the 5* B test for a judging panel made up of Annabel Scrimgeour, Les Smith, and Jane Tolley, while Saturday’s cross-country challenge will include a mysterious – and totally bonkers – set of challenges against the clock, in keeping with current recommendations to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risk. Finally, Sunday will see competitors tackling an unmounted showjumping course designed by an FEI course designer. All of the action will be live-streamed thanks to Chilli Pepper TV, bringing some classic insanity and fierce competition straight to your sofa. (And yes, we’ll be covering it all – you can’t keep EN away from an event!)

Ah, an emotional 20,000 word article on a virtual event. Good. So who’s entered, anyway?

Entries have now closed and currently look jam-packed with superstars representing eleven countries. Boyd Martin heads a trio of impressive US entries with his National Champ Tsetserleg, William Fox-Pitt, Gemma Tattersall, and Laura Collett – who will ride ultimate hunk London 52 – spearhead a strong British effort, and France’s Tom Carlile brings forward one of our top mare crushes, the nine-year-old Birmane. Meanwhile, the thunder is being well and truly BROUGHT from Down Under, with three Aussie entries and counting. Stay tuned for more entry list news and – of COURSE – a form guide for your pre-event perusal. Could we resist? Never.

How can I follow along?

Give Virtual Eventing’s Facebook page a like and follow the event, too, for all the latest news directly to your feed. Want to donate? Click here to donate to an individual rider’s fundraising page, or scroll down to chuck a few pennies in the event’s hat. 100% will go to charities supporting doctors and nurses around the world – and that’s something we can truly get behind! There’ll also be a virtual tradestand village held throughout the event, bringing you many of the crazy deals and discounts you can expect from a trip to a 5*.

We’ll be bringing you plenty more news, information, and coverage as we inch closer to the big week. Go (Virtual) Eventing!

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Backstretch Workers Benefit from a Generous Donation

By on Apr 10, 2020 9:00 am -

585 men and women live and work on the backstretch of Belmont Park caring for the some 1,300 equine athletes who train and race there. At the time of writing, 20 of those faithful backstretch workers have thus far testing positive for COVID-19 and one, we are deeply sorry to hear, has passed away as a result of the virus.

While some racetracks have already had their meets cancelled and grounds vacated, such as fellow Empire State venue Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, which will be home to a 1,000-bed temporary hospital for the surge of COVID-19 patients expected this month, closing down Belmont Park isn’t as simple given the number of people who call it home. Stabling and training at Aqueduct, on the other hand, was already closed permanently as of January 1st of this year, whereas Belmont Park keeps a mostly year-round operation.

We’re happy to hear though, that the Belmont Park backstretch workers are getting some assistance from the The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation in the form of 1,000 donated face shields, which are produced by Kroop’s Brands. While Kroop’s normally makes goggles for racing and skydiving, they’ve converted their production to creating face shields to help address the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) at this time.

How can you help the racing industry? If you’ve got room for a new prospect, consider taking in one of these OTTBs:

Perfect Joke. Photo via New Vocations.

Perfect Joke (GIANT SURPRISE – EMILY HA HA, BY BRIGHT LAUNCH): 2015 16.2-hand New York-bred gelding

What’s not to love about a five-year-old, 16.2-hand, beautifully built bay gelding? Perfect Joke is no joke — he ticks all the boxes for some of the most desired features in a event prospect. “Perry” is a laidback, easy-going goofball around barn and an athletic and engaged learner under saddle. What more could you want?

Located in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.

View Perfect Joke on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Quenlenny. Photo via Second Stride.

Quenlenny (GHOSTZAPPER – KEY APPEAL, BY SUCCESSFUL APPEAL): 2014 15.3-hand New Jersey-bred gelding

Quenlenny last raced in January 2019 and has only recently made his way to Second Stride. They’ve put him under saddle and found that he’s sound and ready for a new job in any discipline. Quenlenny has a great attitude and work ethic — a hallmark of his sire.

Located in Prospect Kentucky.

View Quenlenny on Second Stride Inc.

Bluff Justice. Photo via CANTER Kentucky.

Bluff Justice (ELUSIVE BLUFF – YOU BE READY, BY MORE THAN READY): 2017 16.2-hand Indiana-bred gelding

This CANTER-owned three-year-old looks like a super type and has a great brain as well. His last race was in January of this year, retiring sound and is even going barefoot currently. His CANTER caretakers and riders say he has a huge canter step and think he’ll make an excellent sport horse. He’s being offered at a steal of a deal for a quick sale right now, but his price will increase as his training continues.

Located in Versailles, Kentucky.

View on CANTER KY.

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Apr 10, 2020 6:00 am -

Times are tough, but there’s inspiration all around us. One of my personal heroes is Jessica Thoma, a Tennessee eventer who had both legs and her left arm amputated in 2017. We’ve followed her story here on EN (see #TripleAmputeeEventer Jessica Thoma Is Determined to Return to the Start Box and #TripleAmputeeEventer Scores 8.5 on Rider Position in Show Ring Return) and her resilience, determination and uncrushable sense of humor continually remind me that we can overcome whatever obstacles we face. Check out this video of her just cantering along, nbd!

National Day: Good Friday

News & Notes from Around the Globe: 

There’s lots of good reading happening on the USEA website right now. A couple educational ones from the past couple days: “How To Take Your Horse’s Vital Signs” with Michelle Gardner DVM and “The Basics of Training Your Young Horse to Conquer Skinnies” with Liz Halliday-Sharp. [USEA]

Likewise, there are some great COVID-19 resources and stories over at Horse & Hound. Check out “‘Don’t give your vet the virus’: video series aims to help horses, owners and vets,” “Godsend for charities as brokers award grants, Pammy Hutton: Covid-19 puts our horses’ lives at risk,” and “New app allows eventing fans to play along with simulated Event Rider Masters on Easter Sunday.” [H&H]

Last but not least, our friends at The Chronicle of the Horse are doing great work during this crisis. Don’t miss “Am I Covered? Equine Liability Insurance During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” “Now Is The Time For Horse People To Look After Each Other” and “Horses Have Been Training Us For This All Along.” They also have a podcast going — check out the latest episode here. [COTH]

Just in on Jumper Nation: “Down Time Is the Perfect Time to Improve Your Riding: Get 1:1 Virtual Training with Geoff Teal“

Hot on Horse Nation: “Selling Horses During the Pandemic: A Must-Have Contract Clause“

Featured Video: 

Thursday Video from FLAIR: The Madden Method for Shoulder-In

By on Apr 9, 2020 5:00 pm -

One of the best tools for achieving balance and self-carriage is the shoulder-in movement. A basic yet challenging lateral movement, the shoulder-in is famous for its effects of lifting the front end and creating more impulsion in the hind end.

Of course, the shoulder-in can also be challenging to learn, particularly when both horse and rider are unfamiliar with the movement. Right now, many of you may be looking for some details to perfect in the interim between competition seasons.

Beezie Madden was kind enough to help us out with some basic tips for achieving a shoulder-in for the latest Madden Method video. These videos are full of helpful advice on everything from barn management to starting young horses — we highly recommend giving them a good study!

Event Cancellations/Postponements: WindRidge, Equestrians’ Institute, GMHA

By on Apr 9, 2020 3:44 pm -

The following events have been canceled or postponed:

May 9-10: WindRidge Farm Horse Trials – Canceled

May 29-31: Equestrians’ Institute H.T. – Canceled

“The EIHT Organizing Committee has decided to cancel the spring horse trial scheduled for May 29-31 at the Horse Park due to the many uncertainties and risks surrounding the COVID-19 epidemic. Our highest priority is the safety of our riders, families, volunteers, and staff. Given the limited number of people allowed in gatherings and that the virus outbreak is not yet widely under control, we feel this is the best course of action to preserve the wellness of everyone involved.

“It is our sincere hope that we will be able not only to host our fall horse trial on September 18-20, but also some small schooling shows in the summer, if the situation allows. We want nothing more than to be with you and your horses and have fun. But, until then, please stay safe and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”

May 30-31: GMHA Horse Trials – Postponed (Tentative Reschedule Date: June 27-28, 2020)

You can view a complete list of canceled and postponed events here.

Be well. Go Eventing (Someday!)