Adapting to our new normal……#keepsmiling
Posted by Anna Alice Meynell on Friday, March 27, 2020
Telecommuting has become the new normal for many as they begin to WFH full time. But is it working from home or working from horse? Who’s to say.
Thanks Anna Alice Meynell for this little piece of fun for this weekend. Go eventing.
It’s our responsibility to practice social distancing during this time. Here’s how eventers are doing it, with a few #EventerProblems along the way:
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To ride or not to ride? Well, that question has been answered for me. As of 5 p.m. Friday, March 27, the barn where I board my horse, Beau, was closed to visitors in response to the COVID-19 threat.
The same day, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued a statewide, 30-day, stay-at-home order — an order that permits outdoor activities. The decision to close the barn had been made several days prior to the Governor’s announcement based on recommendations by the NC Horse Council, which advised “to cease all unnecessary operations and activities, engage in horse care activities ONLY, and close your facilities to all but essential staff.”
To some it may seem like an obvious choice to close the barn, but it was an agonizing decision for our barn manager, who debated and considered every angle for days. She knows as well as we all do that the horses are family. They are also our peace, our emotional relief, our escape, our therapy. But the barn isn’t a safe place anymore. We’ve already been on restricted hours to minimize contact between barn staff and boarders. Now, the barn is off limits entirely (except in the event of an emergency), and we don’t know for how long.
It sucks. And I’m sad. Like, really sad. But the whole world sees the importance of minimizing contact with one another, and our boarders are all for it. Not one of them expressed anger at the decision. On the contrary, they applauded the barn manager making that call.
At least half of the boarders who come to the barn regularly are over 60, and some boarders are essential employees who have been working in their offices since the start of this mess. My own part-time job in town has remained open, and while our blessed little community is trying to support small businesses, the risks of those interactions cannot be entirely eliminated, no matter how often we sanitize all the things.
As much as we consider the barn to be a sanctuary, it is not immune to COVID-19. Think about how many things we touch there, from halters to stall doors, all the gates and latches, the hose, the bathroom door, brooms, pitch forks, buckets. It is impossible to keep everything clean enough to protect each other and – above all – protect the barn staff. Because if they go down, what then? The fear of the barn staff or other boarders getting sick far outweighs the frustrations of not being able to ride.
When we first got the news that the barn would be closed to boarders, my initial reaction was passive: “Yea, that felt inevitable. Bummer, but I get it.” The next day, as I planned my last visits to literally say goodbye to Beau for who knows how long, I got really, really sad. Until now, the pandemic hasn’t affected a whole lot of my day-to-day routine. I felt a little bit like I was watching everything unfold from a distance, safe in my little mountain town. But it’s here now. It’s all around us.
I’m not just sad for myself (In fact, it feels very selfish and silly to be sad about not being able to go to the barn to see my horsey, given the realities other people are facing around the world.) but this whole tragic situation. I feel sad for the medical professionals who can’t hide from danger at home, for those unlucky individuals who are sick and afraid, for the innumerable businesses that have had to shut down, likely to the detriment of their future.
I’m also feeling some shame, because I was one of the people early on who felt fairly underwhelmed by the threat of the virus and was pointedly annoyed by the media hype. Don’t @ me. I know now I was wrong.
But not all hope is lost. There are many reasons to feel a lot of pride. We’re seeing communities big and small come together to take care of each other. Locals are calling into small businesses, buying gift cards and advancing big tips. Farmers and restaurant owners are giving free meals to children who are missing out on their school lunches. Major corporations like Ford, Tesla, and Dyson are restructuring their assembly lines to manufacture much needed medical supplies. In the clutches of a global pandemic, it’s the humanity we’re witnessing that gives me hope.
So even though I’ll miss Beau tremendously, I think I can manage to be “horse-less” for a little while. By all of us doing our part and making the most of these – let’s be honest – shitty circumstances, we’ll come out the other side better for it, with renewed motivation and appreciation for what we have.
Team Poland celebrating their Olympic qualifying win at Baborówko in 2019. M&R Photo.
Last year at Baborówko, Team Poland stamped its ticket for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games by winning the CCI04*-L qualifier, marking their first chance to fight as a team at the Olympic Games since Athens in 2004.
This year is a different story. The 2020 Olympic Games has been postponed to 2020, and all Polish spring 4* events have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
🇵🇱Strzegom Horse Trials (April 17-19: CCI4*-L, CCI3*-L/S, CCI2*-L/S)🇵🇱
“The unprecedented situation we’ve recently been experiencing with the COVID-19 pandemic limits our everyday work and sports plans for 2020 season that was just about to start. We are keeping the situation both in Poland and Europe under constant review, but recent updates are most alarming. Considering all above, running the National Eventing Competition 4th-5th April and Strzegom Spring Open 17th-19th April is simply impossible.Therefore, we have decided to postpone both events. We hope that we will be able to host both events as soon as the epidemiological is under control. All our decisions will be communicated on our Fb pages.We wish you all patience, determination and most of all health! Hoping to meet you soon in Strzegom!”
🇵🇱Sopot (April 23-26: CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-L/S and April 30-May 3: CCI4*-L/S, CCI3*-L/S, CCI2*-L)🇵🇱
“Ladies and gentlemen, due to the pandemic of SARS-Cov-2, taking care of the health and safety of competitors, viewers and employees, the board of track has decided to cancel this year’s international and national eventing competition sopot tour 2020. We hope that the situation will be under control soon, and we will all meet at the Autumn Edition of Eventing Sopot.”
🇵🇱Equestrian Festival Baborówko (May 21-24: CCI4*-L/S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIYH2*-S)🇵🇱
“In consequence of the global epidemiological situation, making it our priority to take care of the health and safety of our riders, audiences and all people involved in the organization of the event, we have decided to cancel Equestrian Festival Baborówko, that was due to take place in the second half of May 2020.
“Taking into consideration the epidemiological threat, we have made the decision to cancel this year’s Equestrian Festival Baborówko. We believe that the world will soon return to its normal rhythm, but as for now our thoughts go out to public health workers, and we ourselves are taking necessary hygienic precautions to assure that Baborówko Equestrian Centre can safely function on a daily basis and we can continue to carry out ongoing investments.”
You can view a rolling list of canceled events here.
Mia Farley and BGS Firecracker finishing second in The 2019 Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International CCI4*-L. Photo by Abby Powell.
The USET Foundation has named Mia Farley as the recipient of the 2020 Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant.
Awarded annually, the grant is given in honor of Amanda to provide financial assistance to an up-and-coming rider who has the talent and determination to one day represent the United States in competition. Mia will receive $5,000 to go toward training expenses. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, funds will be available this year or next year.
Mia Farley popped up on EN’s radar back in 2014, and her performance has only improved since. She was named Emerging Athlete Eventing 18 Program in 2014 and is currently on the US Equestrian Emerging Athlete Eventing 25 Program. Originally from San Clemente, California, Mia now trains on the East Coast with the O’Connor Event Team.
Her 2019 season secured her this distinction. She had eight top-15 finishes at International events, culminating with a second place result — on her dressage score — at The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International Three-Day Event CCI4*-L with BGS Firecracker, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Mia and Paddy Byrne.
“It is an honor [to receive this grant],” said Farley, of San Clemente, Calif. “The fact that they recognized me and what [I accomplished] last year is huge. This is a big deal for me and really special. I have talked to a couple people [about how to use it], and the most beneficial thing would be to possibly go overseas and get some experience and see how it all works.”
Congratulations, Mia!
Photo by Shana Rantala.
Back several years years ago when I first began eventing my horse, I stressed a lot about missing a day of riding and it felt like the end of the world if I wasn’t going to be able to keep to the training schedule I painstakingly planned to prep us for our first show of the season. But living in New England, it was just the nature of the beast that my training plan would nearly always be disrupted in the spring by a late-season Nor’Easter that dumped feet of snow or me catching a bad cold or the flu and being totally out of riding commission for a bit. I would stress and stress that my horse was going to forget everything she had ever learned during that week off, and every single time I got back on I’d be absolutely tickled that it felt like she hadn’t forgotten a thing and picked up right where we left off. Frankly, sometimes she felt even better than where we had left off!
If you’re dealing with having to give your horse an extended period of time off right now, sure, you might have to do a little extra low and slow work when you start back up to regain their fitness. But rest assured that they’ll still be there, ready and willing to work, maybe even with a bit of extra pep in their step, when the time comes to get back on. Take a deep breath. Not being able to ride right now isn’t the end of the world.
National Holiday: National Something on a Stick Day
Saturday Links:
When Your Barn Closes, Be Kind to Your Barn Owner
USEA Extends Suspension of Recognizing Events
A War Sans Cavalry: Horse Ownership in the Age of COVID-19
Mia Farley Awarded Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant
Appreciating Privilege And Perspective Amidst Coronavirus Anxiety
Event rider who recently gave birth recovering from serious injuries after fall
Featured Clinician: Lucinda Green
Saturday Video:
In the face of adversity, some men crumble, and some men host pretend international competitions from the comfort of their own homes, or something like that. Welcome to the inaugural Wood Lane Stables International, which takes us to the heart of Hardy country in deepest Dorset, and to the home of eventing legend William Fox-Pitt.
Here he is in all his glory! Today, he hangs up his hat and acts instead as international dressage judge. We’re pretty confident his test sheet comments are going to be something to behold.
And here’s the illustrious test writer – none other than award-winning groom and all-around gem Jackie Potts. We reckon this woman of many talents can probably outpace us in the shorthand stakes, too, and we’re not even mad about it.
First in the ring is Bella Innes-Ker, who won Blenheim’s CCI4*-L in 2018 with Carolyn. Today, though, she’s riding this striking grey, who’s just shot to the top of our Christmas lists.
Travelling groom and Geordie free spirit Adam Short delivers his first test of the day aboard Secret Night. Here’s his post-ride interview with Wood Lane head honcho Alice Fox-Pitt.
Who would dare argue with the judge? But William turns out to be less scarier than expected, offering advice and even allowing riders to view their test sheets before they bring forward their second rides.
The next test is a special treat for everyone – it’s double WEG medallist Cool Mountain, still looking excellent at the age of 20 and teaching the Wood Lane students a thing or two about life and dressage. Sign us UP.
Team USA throws its hat in the ring next, with Lexi Scovil delivering a smart test on Fox-Pitt homebred Atlantic Vital Spark. Not too shabby for a catch ride.
You can’t keep a good man down, and you can’t keep this Geordie out of the ring – Adam Short returns for his second ride of the day, this time aboard Olympic Test Event competitor Summer at Fernhill.
Ahead of her second ride with new mount Cool Rock Cooley, Bella Innes-Ker touches base with Alice.
Team Japan’s Kazuma Tomoto puts superstar Bernadette Utopia through her paces ahead of her test, proving once again why he’s one of the most formidable new names on the circuit.
He might be a new ride for Bella, but Cool Rock Cooley certainly impresses in the ring.
He did not come to PLAY, guys. King Kazu and Bernadette Utopia throw down the gauntlet late in the day.
Kazu catches up with Alice, and look – it’s really, truly okay if you have a little cry over this one. On a serious note, the postponement of the Olympics affects everyone, but it’s particularly heartbreaking for Team Japan’s eventers, who have given up their lives to their team’s medal efforts. Even so, Kazu is all class in the face of disappointment, and he shows here exactly why he’s one of the sport’s best-loved characters. Stay sunny, Kazu:
Back to business, now – and it’s all change over in the judge’s chair. There’s some dodgy tactics going on over there.
William catches up with wife Alice after his test aboard the gorgeous Baxter, who had been aimed at the 2* at Tattersalls this spring.
It’s a truly global competition here, with four continents represented at Wood Lane Stables:
Every competition must have a prize-giving – and this one’s a social distancing special! We’ve got 2* winners, 4* winners, and elbow-bumps galore:
And that’s all from a very exciting first annual Wood Lane Stables International! Thanks to the gang at Fox-Pitt Eventing for the laughs — and remember, folks, this is proof that even if you can’t go eventing, you can still Go Eventing. Happy Friday!
Photo courtesy of the USEA.
Following the lead of US Equestrian, The U.S. Eventing Association has suspended all recognized events through May 3, 2020.
This applies to all events with divisions that fall under USEA jurisdiction (Training level and below) as well as USEA recognized educational activities, Young Event Horse, Future Event Horse, and New Event Horse competitions.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a historic and unprecedented impact on all aspects of lives around the world and the U.S. eventing community is no different. The USEA is closely monitoring the recommendations of the CDC as well as federal, state, and local guidelines and will continue to communicate with our members throughout this trying time.
“The USEA strongly recommends competitors NOT attend events before May 3 and that organizers NOT offer any type of competitions or activities at this time. Competitions that choose to run before May 3 will do so without USEA recognition or liability insurance coverage. Competitors attending those events will not be able to earn year-end or leaderboard points, USEA Classic Series qualifications, or USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) qualifications.”
Read the complete statement here.
The USEA Board of Governors is monitoring the situation and will continue to assess as the May 3 deadline approaches. A formal process is also in the works to reschedule competitions affected, and organizers will be notified when that process becomes available.
The USEA will refund organizers’ registration fees to all organizers that were already paid to the USEA for events that were scheduled to take place between March 16 and May 3. USEA starter fees are to be refunded to entered competitors by competition organizers.
[USEA Extends Suspension of Recognizing Events]
J. Michael Plumb. Photo courtesy of Banixx.
With usual competition schedules we can easily get in the mode of ‘training for the next event/show’ rather than training our horse. With the current COVID-19 concerns riders are sharing their exercises – jumping and flat alike. But what comes before those exercises? I asked J. Michael Plumb (JMP) what he likes to work on when not preparing for a competition (a little background — he is ASPCA Maclay Champion 1957, the only U.S. athlete to compete in eight Olympic games, the first equestrian to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, U.S. Combined Training Association’s “Leading Rider of the Year” 10 different times, and many more accomplishments).
His answer was rather blunt – “What we always work on around here: the B-A-S-I-Cs!”.
What are the basics? We have the dressage pyramid – Rhythm, Relaxation, Connection, Impulsion, Straightness, Collection. A great starting point! Can you walk, trot canter with rhythm? If not, start where you can, is it the walk? or the trot? that is easiest for you and your horse? Start with your horse’s most comfortable/best gait.
How is your connection — leg/seat to rein? Is he bouncing off the contact? Over-flexing? Encourage your horse to take contact with just the outside rein and work with a counter-bend to help strengthen the correct connection. Then go straight, and slowly slide into a shoulder-in, then work your way back to the counter bend. Play with those exercises until your horse takes a feel of that outside rein while you can push him with your seat and legs. Once you have the connection established with the outside rein, you can begin to work on a connection with the inside rein as well. Don’t hesitate to go back to just the outside rein at any time – that is the starting point.
When riding straight – is your horse really straight, and, with a solid connection? Back to the above exercises, those will help you achieve straightness.
Geometry, geometry, geometry! Circles are not eggs. Straight is not a squiggle. Practice geometry every time you ride, and it will become second nature.
And, very importantly, work on the relationship between you and your horse (horse and rider).
If you are wondering where you need to start with your horse, look at the comments on your last few dressage tests? Any repeated comments? Scores that seem to repeat (that you want to improve)? For each movement read the “Directive Area” on the dressage test … How are you scoring? And what are the comments? That information should tell you what to work on.
Jumping – a ground rail, raised rail, pile of rails, whatever … can you walk, trot and canter the element straight (really straight), on a bend (as in a circle)? Sharpen the pencil here! Work on yourself to ensure you give your horse the correct aides. Are you using your leg to straighten or bend, or your hands? Getting it right with a ground rail or small obstacle prepares us for correctness over larger obstacles.
For your horse’s mental health, and yours, be sure to get out of the ring and hack your horse if you have the location to do so safely!
And, was your ride a ‘deposit in the bank’ or a ‘withdrawal’? Did your horse settle more and more through the ride and become more settled, and quiet in his mind?
Of special note: JMP rides five to eight horses and works with multiple riders EVERY DAY. He will be 80 on March 28, 2020 – so stop making excuses for not riding your horse! As the expression goes … “Just Do It!”
Brought to you by Banixx – the #1 trusted solution for equine and pet owners! Learn more about Banixx by clicking here.
No Kentucky for Us this year:( Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
If it hasn’t gotten to a neighborhood near you yet, it will — the shutdown of everything. Maybe not everything, and far enough away to be safe, but still. You’re stuck inside or at home, and the season has just started — but now it’s not. What to do?
Oh, your trainer probably has a lot of ideas — not all of them probably charitable, me thinks. And your horse also has some ideas — along the lines of more carrots and less work. His ideas are probably going to work out for him if you’re in a lockdown area.
So here’s a little help.
First of all, Miss Eventer Princess, download or get out your rulebook, and read that sucker! Why? Why not? Know what you are doing. USEF Rules For Eventing — if everyone read it, we wouldn’t need TDs — right? (Insert really big smiley face here). And the recently controversial Eventing Annex 1 (bits, read the whole thing please). Another important read for eventers: the USEA Cross Country Course Design Guidelines. (Know what you are jumping).
Are you in envy of riders who get those grants? Did you know you might be eligible for one, too? Read through the USEA Foundation’s website and check out the rules for the grants they administer here. Are you a high schooler? Did you know you can get a letter in riding as a sport, for school? Yes, the information is here. And you may be eligible for a USEF grant, here. More scholarships and grants: The Plaid Horse, Michael Nyuis Scholarship. Take a look at the American Horse Trials Foundation page to learn about putting together you own account for fundraising. Southern California Equestrian Sports here is a similar organization.
Want to relive some back-when-it-was-Rolex videos? How about some of the older ones on YouTube, check these out: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Oh and let’s include Fair Hill! Here’s something from 1993: one of the nine shows that USEV produced for cable television in the early ’90s. RNS Video saved them and uploaded them to YouTube, in several pieces to get around the 10-minute limit — the show runs somewhere in the 54 minute range. “I shot, directed, did the editing and graphics and co-hosted the show. Since it had such limited airtime in the ’90s, and the horse sport television industry is more or less non-present, I’m going to upload these here for those who want to enjoy them. Keep in mind this is ’93 and it’s the rules for that time when three-day was really three-day long form. Enjoy!”
Fair Hill 3 Star CCI: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 with Dr. Kent Allen in there and a view of the vet box, part 5, part 6 with Karen O’Connor, part 7 with Bruce Davidson and part 8.
And Buzzter Brown has a Fair Hill 2009 cross-country set here: 2010 part 1 and part 2, 2010 is a single video here, and 2011 is also one video, here.
Past history of the USEA? Here’s a pdf with some early history.
How about you? Let’s talk riding fitness: apps, articles, and how to do it at home by yourself. Laura Crump Anderson’s blogs are right here on EN: Obliques, Strength Training, Partner Up, The Plank, 20-Minute Fitness, Mounting Block Calves, Mindfulness, Rest and Recovery (a particularly good one, I think).
So that’s good for a start! And you know I’ll have more!
