Classic Eventing Nation

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!)

Liz Halliday-Sharp (Now a Full-Time U.S. Eventer!) to Host Instagram Live Session Today at 3 PM EST

By on Apr 9, 2020 2:27 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver at the MARS Wellington Eventing Showcase in February 2020. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Need some human interaction — at least of the virtual variety? Our friends at Athletux are continuing their Instagram live Q&A series through the coming week, with sessions that should be fun AND educational. For each session, tune into to the Instagram link LIVE.

Today’s session features Liz-Halliday Sharp, who by the way is now based full-time in the States after spending the majority of her time in the UK for the last 20 years! She and her team will split their time between the existing home of HS Eventing in Ocala, FL and a new facility opening in June 2020 in Lexington, KY.

“Basing full time in the U.S. is something I am very excited about,” Liz says. “Our new set up in Lexington is going to be incredible, and it has been amazing to build our own barn and equestrian facility for the first time. I look forward to building a client base in what I feel is one of top places in the world for equestrian sports. This facility coupled with our farm in Ocala will allow us to train to the highest possible level year-round here in America.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Zat the MARS Wellington Eventing Showcase in February 2020.. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The new facility, Blue Fox Farm (6105 Sulphur Well Rd.) offers 117 acres of amenities. A 20-stall barn is currently under construction which will attach to a large indoor arena featuring state of the art dust free footing and large windows allowing for maximum ventilation throughout. Horses will additionally enjoy ample large turnouts and paddocks, as well as a large covered walker with enclosed lunging area. New housing is currently also being built for staff, along with a new hay barn to accompany the large Tobacco Barn used as equipment storage currently on the property.

“Not only does Blue Fox Farm create an environment I know all of our horses and clients will love, but it will have some of the top training amenities in the area, making it the all-around package that we always dreamed of,” Liz says.

HS Eventing will offer full training, board and trailer in lessons. Liz Halliday-Sharp is now accepting new clients and horses of all levels at Blue Fox Farm — for a full list of amenities and pricing, please contact Liz via email at [email protected] or via phone at 858.504.1151.

Be sure to tune in for Liz’s live Q&A today! You can connect with her Instagram directly here:

Followed in the coming week by:

Go Eventing.

Big news from Athletux! The Equestrian Marketing Firm has recently restructured its business model to focus on three main areas: equestrian brands, athletes and events. This is a particularly exciting development for brands, who will benefit from Athletux’s wealth of industry insight to help build their image, maximize use of social media platforms and email marketing campaigns, manage sponsored riders, assist with graphic design and more. Learn more by visiting the just-launched new Athletux website here.

Event Horse Madness: The Final Four

By on Apr 9, 2020 12:48 pm -

From 32 down to four seriously star-powered options – and now it gets difficult. With one horse to represent each region, will you follow your heart or your flag? It’s the Final Four – and it’s well and truly business time.

HOW IT WORKS

32 of the world’s best event horses will come together in an NCAA-style bracket, with the winners of each bracket advancing to the next round and facing a formidable new opponent. In order to avoid a year-long argument amongst team EN — and because we’d really, really love to bypass any aggressive comments chastising us for missing anyone — we pull our contenders from the Olympic rankings, which are updated to the end of 2019. Then, we use those rankings to fill four categories, as follows:

  • Seven horses from North America
  • Seven horses from the UK and Ireland
  • Seven horses from continental Europe
  • Seven horses from New Zealand/Australia

“But that doesn’t equal 32,” we hear you protest. And you are not wrong, you little math whizzes. The next step is to find the four best-ranked horses from the rest of the world. Each of them will then be added to one of the above groups in chronological order, and seeded based on their position in the rankings.

These horses represent the top ranked six of each of their global regions. If a horse has since been sold to another region, they’re skipped over. (Before you come for us, know that this only happens in one case — and its previous rider is still represented by another horse in the bracket.)

Once pulled from the rankings, each horse is given a seed number within its group. The higher their position within the Olympic rankings, the higher their seed number. Winners of five-stars or major championships in 2019 will automatically be given top seed.

HOW THE WINNER IS CHOSEN

It’s all popular vote, baby, so the fate of your favourite is entirely in your hands. We wholeheartedly encourage as much devious social media campaigning as you fancy undertaking. This is, after all, Very Serious Bizzness: the winner will get full bragging rights as the EN readers’ favourite horse in the whole WORLD.

Each round will open up for voting as follows:

Round of 32, Part 1: Wednesday, March 18
Round of 32, Part 2: Friday, March 20
Sweet 16: Thursday, March 26
Elite 8: Thursday, April 2
Final 4: Thursday, April 9
Championship: Saturday, April 11

TODAY’S LINE-UP

Good luck, folks, that’s all we’re going to say. Today, we see US National Champion Tsetserleg go head to head with Swiss superstar Colero, while quirky boi pin-up Reve du Rouet takes on the ‘occasionally outrageous’ Ascona M. There’s no easy way forward – but we believe in you. Persevere and stay strong.

‘In It for the Riding’ With J. Michael Plumb, Brought to You by Banixx Horse Care

By on Apr 9, 2020 9:00 am -
JMP,Michael Plumb,Banixx,riding

J. Michael Plumb watching one of his students ride. Photo by Shellie Sommerson.

We ride for different reasons, and those reasons can change over time. So, I asked J. Michael Plumb (JMP) what he likes to work on when not preparing for a competition … and … now that he no longer competes, he brought it up — being ‘in it for the riding.’ But what does that mean?

What do you need to work on? This is not, “Oh, I curl my wrists.” Or “I look down when I ask for the canter.” This is digging deep and doing some real soul-searching. Sometimes it’s not so pretty and quite uncomfortable, too.

‘In it for the riding’ to become a better rider. ‘In it for the riding’ for your horse. Really improving your horsemanship communication skills.

Here are some exercises that can help us all become better equestrians:

  • Riding without stirrups, with a relaxed lower leg, is a great way to work on position and use of aids. Leave your stirrups on your saddle (if your horse will not tolerate them or cross them over in front of the saddle) — this is not “No Stirrup November.” Benefits of this include sitting in balance and practicing using your seat and legs. If you can only do this safely at the walk, then so be it; if you can do this at the trot, then great; moreover if you can canter this way safely, then, super.
  • Holding the reins in one hand and putting your other hand behind your back is a good ‘test’ of testing whether you are riding with seat and legs — or are you riding using only your hands? Try doing the same exercise and using your free hand to hold the pommel of the saddle to pull your seat down into the saddle. This is a great exercise to find your seat in the saddle.
  • Practice downward transitions without your reins. Can you go from a trot to a walk with just your seat, legs and core (without your hands)? How about a halt transition, keeping your horse straight, and not pulling on the reins?

As JMP went on to say, “Without competitions, or even schooling shows, we can really focus on what the *horse* needs.” What does your horse need? Mine has a great walk, but not so-great canter which sometimes makes it hard to find my spot to a jump … Guess what we are working on?! (Jumping is not the correct answer.)

Take your horse and these exercises out of the ring. Can you go out on the trails and practice the same? Getting our horses out of the ring is so good for their minds! Always keep safety as a priority.

Additionally, is your horse more relaxed at the end of your session? If not, look back at what you can do differently tomorrow to help your horse understand what you are asking. Try smarter, not harder.

Dare yourself to be better with your equitation, with your horsemanship. And, dare yourself to be better…

So many riders’ plans have been upended in these uncharted waters in which we find ourselves. Take this opportunity to make lemonade out of lemons and use this precious time to work on your horse and yourself. You might surprise yourself and your horse!

If you missed the last installment with JMP, you can read it here: Back to BASICs with J. Michael Plumb.

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

Spring Gulch H.T. Is Postponed

By on Apr 9, 2020 8:23 am -

Spring Gulch H.T., scheduled for May 16-17 in Littleton, Colorado, has been postponed.

CCC President Dani Sussman and Organizer Andy Bowles released this statement today:

“After great consideration of the current moving targets of this pandemic and with the health and safety of everyone concerned, the Board of Spring Gulch Horse Trials and organizer Andy Bowles have regrettably decided to postpone the May Horse Trials until hopefully early July. Our aim is to work closely with the Area IX Council, USEA and USEF to finalize a date to run in July if possible. We will also be looking at adding some combined test days into the calendar once the climate allows to help prepare competitors to get ready to start competing again.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support and we hope that during these unknown times everyone stays safe. We look forward to seeing you once we get through this.”

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

Be well. Go Eventing (Someday!)

 

Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

By on Apr 9, 2020 12:03 am -

Good finds on a hack. Photo by Kate Samuels.

This time is awful and hard and stressful in so many ways, and the way I survive is trying to get the most satisfaction out of the little things. The spring weather is absolutely brilliant, my horses are fat and happy on new grass, and I get to do a lot of hacking through the woods and fields, which everyone enjoys. And sometimes I find half a deer skull, which I take home and my dog really enjoys that as a chew toy!

National Holiday: National Unicorn Day🦄

News From Around the Globe:

Best of Blogs: Now Is The Time For Horse People To Take Care Of Each Other

When eventers can’t compete, they get creative. Enter, the virtual CCI5* three day event. The entrants will video and ride their dressage tests, which will be streamed and judged live, and then the show jumping and cross country phases will be completed by the riders … on foot. Don’t worry, the trot-ups will also be included, and the whole thing is a charity event for the COVID-19 related NHS fund. [Top Riders Gear Up for Virtual Event]

Bored? See if you’re smarter than a 12-year-old Pony Club C+ rider. Take this quiz on your knowledge, and hope you get it right! [Pass your Pony Club Rating]

What does the equestrian life look like during this pandemic? We’ve examined what this means for businesses, what it means for boarding barns/boarders and what it means for those who school and lease horses. But what are the implications of COVID-19 for those of us who own our horses, keep them on our own properties and are their primary caretakers? Send us your personal experiences and thoughts for this glimpse into the world today. [Horse Nation Wants Your Feedback]

Alex Titan, a brazilian Physical Education master degree student, needs our help. His research is about emotional development through equestrian practice, and your response to his survey could provide valuable information. Here are the links: [Brazil] [English] [Spanish] [French] [Portuguese] [Italian]

What we’re watching: A new episode of The Jon & Rick Show airs today at 6 p.m. EST, featuring special guest Dr. Mark Hart and  more. [Watch]

And! A new Athletux Instagram Live Q&A session featuring Liz Halliday-Sharp. The topic: “Finding the Perfect Bit For Your Horse.” Tune in at 12 PST/3 PM EST on Liz’s Instagram @lizhallidaysharp. [Watch]

What we’re listening to: What Did You Miss? USEA Podcast Episodes #250 – #254

Featured video: 

US Equestrian Offers Health Insurance Benefits to Members & Discounted Membership Fee

By on Apr 8, 2020 11:21 pm -

Earlier this year, US Equestrian launched a  new health insurance benefits program for members, including options for medical, dental, vision, life, disability, business, pet, and more. These benefits are accessible to all competing members and paid-fan members.

In an effort to provide emergency relief, US Equestrian is offering a discounted fan membership now through June 1. Members with a free promotional fan membership can upgrade, and new members can join, for just $20 with the discount code RELIEF. Click here to find out more and to sign up.

US Equestrian’s insurance benefits give members Affordable Care Act compliant insurance benefits at discounted rates typically only given to large employers.

Members can also take advantage of Teladoc service for just $8.95/month. This service gives members access to licensed physicians over phone or video chat, eliminating the need to visit an office for certain healthcare needs, including prescriptions.  For those enrolling in an individual medical plan, telemedicine service is included at no additional cost.

“We are so pleased to be able to offer these insurance benefits to our members,” says Kelly Bolton, Director of Human Resources for US Equestrian. “In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that access to health care is a serious concern for many Americans, especially those who may not have employer-based insurance benefits. We are able to offer our individual members affordable group rates, and small business owners can enroll to provide coverage for their employees. Additionally, our Teladoc service allows members to consult with a licensed physician without physically visiting a medical facility.”

We believe our members should have the opportunity to access affordable health coverage and are proud to offer this comprehensive benefits plan to all paid USEF members. With the rollout of this new program, US Equestrian has created a dedicated 24/7 member benefit hotline, where benefits specialists can help you navigate the different coverage plans that best fit you and your business. To reach the USEF member benefit hotline, call 1-800-349-1082.

In addition to insurance benefits, fan members of US Equestrian receive access to on-demand and live event streaming from the USEF Network; educational videos from the US Equestrian Learning Center; US Equestrian Magazine; MemberPerks discounts on a wide variety of products and services; and more. To access these benefits as a fan member, use the discount code RELIEF through June 1, 2020.

To learn more about US Equestrian’s new member benefits, please visit www.usef.org/insurance or call our 24/7 dedicated member benefits hotline at 1-800-349-1082.

A Message from Stable View Farm About May Shows

By on Apr 8, 2020 6:45 pm -

We are happy to share the following message from our friends at Stable View Farm:

“In an attempt to restart equestrian activities at Stable View, we are going to eliminate late fees during May on all of the events referenced below. In addition, we are delaying final acceptance of entries to the latest date possible. Please check back on May 1 for a further update regarding the status of our May shows.

“Subject to the present restrictions being lifted, the latest date for accepting entries for our Schooling Dressage Show on May 13th will be May 10th.

“For the Eventing Academy on May 23rd and 24th, in terms of Schooling on the 23rd, as usual, sign up in advance or on the day. For the unrecognized event on the 24th, entries will be accepted through May 20th with no late fee.

“For the Schooling Hunter Jumper Show on May 30th, as usual, sign up in advance or on the day with no additional fees.

“If possible, please enter early as this will help us plan in terms of officials, arenas, and levels of staffing. If we cancel an event, Stable View will continue with its full refund policy.

“Our present view is that there could be only one or two days notice prior to restrictions being lifted. As a result, we thought that it would be good to share our preparedness to reopen equestrian activities at Stable View at the earliest opportunity. Please continue to follow your local guidelines regarding social distancing and gatherings. We look forward to seeing you back at Stable View soon.”

You can view more information at the Stable View Farm website here.

Go Eventing (soon, we hope!)