Classic Eventing Nation

USEF Issues Clarification Regarding USEF Licensed & FEI Eventing Competitions

By on Mar 13, 2020 8:01 pm -

Earlier today USEF announced: “Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all USEF owned events, selection trials, training camps, clinics, and activities will be suspended for the next 30 days. USEF strongly recommends that competition organizers suspend all USEF licensed competitions across the country for the next 30 days and that equestrians do not compete for the next 30 days.”

Jenni Autry, USEF Managing Director of Eventing, subsequently issued the following clarification.

“Dear all,

“Following today’s announcement from the USEF President and CEO regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic and USEF Licensed Competitions, I am reaching out to clarify how this will impact U.S. Eventing.

“Effective Monday, March 16, all USEF training camps, clinics and activities will be suspended for 30 days through Tuesday, April 14. All High Performance Open Forums scheduled during this time period are cancelled.

“The USEF strongly recommends that Organizers cancel all competitions running within the next 30 days, and the FEI strongly recommends that Organizers should cancel all events for the next four weeks. However, all USEF Licensed Competitions and U.S. FEI competitions can still run during the next 30 days if the Organizers still choose to run. 

“For competitions that do run, no National MERs can be obtained during the 30-day period. However, all FEI MERs earned within the 30-day period will still count for qualifications, including Olympic qualifications. All FEI points earned within the 30-day period will still count for the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings. All prize money earned in both National and FEI divisions during the 30-day period can still be paid out.

“Please be advised that the USEF strongly recommends that athletes do not compete for the next 30 days. If you do choose to compete, it is your responsibility to monitor each competition’s current status. USEF recommends that you take immediate steps to limit your exposure to COVID-19 and practice social distancing. Click here to read recommendations to limit exposure.

“The USEF and FEI are closely monitoring the situation, which is evolving by the hour. Please check the USEF website daily for any changes. If you have any questions, please reach out to me directly via email at [email protected], on my office line at 859-225-2052 or on my mobile at 717-254-9630.

“Sincerely,
Jenni Autry
USEF Managing Director of Eventing”

The major takeaway: no competitions are automatically cancelled, and all MERs at FEI competitions will still count for qualifications. It’s only National MERs that are affected.

Go Eventing.

 

Friday Video from SmartPak: Liz Halliday-Sharp & Cooley Quicksilver’s Ocala II Win

By on Mar 13, 2020 7:30 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver at the $20K Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix earlier this month, where they finished 5th. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver have won the Advanced-Intermediate division at this weekend’s Ocala II H.T., whose upper level divisions concluded on Friday. The 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Womanizer x Kylemore Crystal, by Kreggan Diamond), owned by The Monster Partnership, moved from 3rd after dressage to 2nd after show jumping, ultimately landing the top spot on cross country day thanks to a clear round with 0.4 time penalties.

It’s been such fun watching this horse grow up from the Le Lion ranks, a bit whiter each year, and Liz looking sharp in a pinque coat too! Here are their rounds from Ocala, thanks as always to our stalwart patron saint of eventing videography David Frechette:

Liz also won the Advanced combined test with Fernhill By Night, adding one rail to their impressive dressage score of 23.9.

Advanced/Intermediate Final Results:

Ocala Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Pan American Gold Medal Winner Absolute Liberty Passes Away at 17

By on Mar 13, 2020 4:45 pm -

Buck Davidson and Absolute Liberty, photo by Bill Olson

We are saddened to report that former Buck Davidson ride Absolute Liberty, owned by Sharon Will, has passed away at the age of 17. Buck posted a statement on his Facebook page explaining that “Libby” was struggling with “medical issues that could no longer be maintained to keep her comfortable”.

It is with great sadness that I share that Absolute Liberty had to be put down the other day due to some medical issues…

Posted by Buck Davidson Eventing on Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Absolute Liberty was an Oldenburg mare (Chestnut Lady x Aberjack) who was partnered with Buck for the entirety of her international career. Buck and Libby represented the U.S. on the 2011 Pan American Games team in Guadalajara, Mexico, bringing home an individual bronze and a team gold medal.

The team here at EN extends its condolences to the Will family, the Davidson team, and everyone who knew and loved Absolute Liberty.

Equine Coronavirus vs. COVID-19: Two Distinctly Different Diseases

By on Mar 13, 2020 4:00 pm -

Palm Beach Equine Clinic is equipped with secure isolation stalls and follows strict biosecurity measures. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

The recent spread of the novel coronavirus has raised serious concerns as the status continues to evolve. As equine veterinarians, Palm Beach Equine Clinic would like to address the questions and concern raised by horse owners regarding the potential impact of this disease on the equine industry.

Coronaviruses include a large group of RNA viruses that cause respiratory and enteric symptoms, and have been reported in domestic and wild animals. Equine Enteric Coronavirus and COVID-19 are both coronaviruses, however, they are distinctly different viruses.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infectious disease experts, and multiple international and national human and animal health organizations have stated that at this time there is NO EVIDENCE to indicate that horses could contract COVID-19 or that horses would be able to spread the disease to other animals or humans. Equine enteric coronavirus and COVID-19 are NOT the same strain, and there is no indication that either are transmissible between species.

Therefore, it is important to concentrate on the health of our equestrians by being precautious and following recommendations from public health officials. Palm Beach Equine Clinic will continue to make every effort to stay informed on the developments with COVID-19, and will continue to provide expert veterinary care to all horses regardless of the status of this disease.

A Profile of Equine Enteric Coronavirus

Equine coronavirus is an enteric, or gastrointestinal, disease in the horse. There is NO EVIDENCE that equine enteric coronavirus poses a threat to humans or other species of animals.

  • Transmission: Equine coronavirus is transmitted between horses when manure from an infected horse is ingested by another horse (fecal-oral transmission), or if a horse makes oral contact with items or surfaces that have been contaminated with infected manure.
  • Common Clinical Signs: Typically mild signs that may include anorexia, lethargy, fever, colic or diarrhea.
  • Diagnosis: Veterinarians diagnose equine enteric coronavirus by testing fecal samples, and the frequency of this disease is low.
  • Treatment and Prevention: If diagnosed, treatment is supportive care, such as fluid therapy and anti-inflammatories, and establishing good biosecurity precautions of quarantining the infected horse. Keeping facilities as clean as possible by properly disposing of manure will help decrease chances of horses contracting the virus.

Information for this notice was compiled using the following sources: Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center and American Association of Equine Practitioners, Equine Disease Communication Center.

[Jump Media]

 

Carolina International CCI & H.T. Is Canceled

By on Mar 13, 2020 2:50 pm -

2019 CCI4*-S winners Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We regret to share that the 2020 Carolina International CCI and H.T., scheduled for March 19-22 in Raeford, NC, has been canceled.

Carolina is a major fixture on the U.S. spring eventing calendar, featuring CCI4*-S,CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S international divisions and Training through Advanced national horse trial divisions.

The event issued the following statement:

“Following directives from the FEI and the USEF today, the decision has been made by the Carolina International Organizing Committee to cancel the Carolina International CCI and HT on March 19-22, 2020.

“The Carolina Horse Park is set up and ready for competition, so it greatly saddens the CI Organizing Committee and Carolina Horse Park Officials to make this decision. However, the health and well-being of all Carolina Horse Park visitors is our highest priority. It is our hope that our proactive approach in canceling the event will help reduce the spread of the virus.

“Currently we are working on as generous a refund policy as possible. We hope to have those details ready within the next few days and appreciate your patience during the process.

“For more information, visit www.carolinainternationalcci.com or contact Jane Murray at 978.578.1043 or [email protected].”

Click here for a rolling list of equestrian events that have been canceled or postponed.

FEI, USEF Urge Shut-Down of All Competition for 30 Days

By on Mar 13, 2020 2:18 pm -

National and international governing bodies of equestrian sport have issued strong directives for organizers to suspend competitions for at least the next 30 days in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

From a letter sent to members by USEF:

“Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all USEF owned events, selection trials, training camps, clinics, and activities will be suspended for the next 30 days. Additionally, USEF strongly recommends that competition organizers suspend all USEF licensed competitions across the country for the next 30 days and that equestrians do not compete for the next 30 days. For those competitions that do run, there will be no accumulation of points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF awards programs, USEF owned event [Editor’s note: this includes the Futures Team Challenge, which is canceled], or selection to a US team during this 30-day time period. This includes USEF National Championships.”

To clarify: All FEI MERs, prize money, points will still count; only National MERs, prize money and points are impacted.

Competition suspension is NOT a mandate but, for those who do choose to compete or host events, USEF urges immediate steps to limit exposure and create social distancing.

“We are counting on you to make responsible decisions based on the information available, the conditions in your geographic area and the recommendations from your local public health authorities. USEF will continue to assess the situation on a daily basis and will update our position as circumstances warrant.”

Read the full USEF letter here.

The FEI has emailed national federations imploring them not to run FEI events:

“We as a community have to make our contribution to limit the spread of this virus, as the sooner it can be contained the sooner we will be able to get back to normal life and normal sport. And this is something that every other sport is doing.

“The FEI appreciates the amount of work and incredible investment every Organiser puts into their Event. While the FEI does not itself organise any FEI Events, in light of the escalating numbers of persons affected by the virus and the restrictions imposed by national governments, the FEI strongly recommends that Organisers should cancel all events for the next four weeks until a reassessment of the situation can be made.” 

FEI calendar fees for events canceled because of COVID-19 will be waived. FEI says it is currently accessing the impact of event cancellations on other areas such as ranking points, MERs for the Olympic Games and qualifications for FEI Championships.

Read the full FEI letter here.

Additionally, the European Equestrian Federation and International Jumping Riders Club have called on national federations both within and beyond Europe to halt competitions from today through the end of April.

Clearly this has tremendous implications for our sport and its athletes. We will explore those in greater detail soon, as well as share more information as it becomes available.

Click here for a rolling list of equestrian events that have been canceled or postponed.

Volunteer Nation: 3 Events That Need Helpers This Weekend

By on Mar 13, 2020 12:52 pm -

Another perk of volunteering? Photo ops like this. Photo via Kristina M. on Facebook.

There are three recognized events happening all around Eventing Nation this weekend, and although we face some uncertain times with the effects of the coronavirus COVID-19 felt all over the world, we will continue to provide updates on the events that are running.

If you’ve been considering volunteering but are nervous about doing a task for the first time, that’s OK! The USEA has put together a helpful guide that collects training video links into one place for all potential volunteers. This information can come in handy as you gear up for your shift. And don’t worry about trying something new! That’s one of the best parts about volunteering — the opportunities are endless.

Here are the events seeking volunteer help this weekend:

Event: Pine Top Spring HT
Dates: Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15
Address: 1432 Augusta Hwy, Thomson, GA, 30824
Position(s) Available: XC Jump Judge, Dressage Bit Check, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe

Event: MeadowCreek Park Spring Social Event
Dates: Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15
Address: 1342 Hwy. 14 , Kosse, TX, 76653
Position(s) Available: Event Prep – General, General Announcer, Parking Steward, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Warm-up, Floater, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Warm-up, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up

Event: Ocala Winter II HT
Dates: Today through Sunday, March 15
Address: 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala, FL, 34480
Position(s) Available: XC Decorator, Dressage Score Runner, SJ In Gate, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, Dressage Check-in, XC Warm-up, SJ Score Runner, SJ Scribe

Events Coming Up Next Week:

Majestic Oaks Recognized HT (FL)
Poplar Place Farm March HT (GA)
Carolina International CCI (NC)
MDHT Starter Horse Trial (MD)

Reddick, FL-Area People: Check Your Pastures for Jennie Brannigan’s Horse

By on Mar 13, 2020 12:15 pm -

Photo via Jennie Brannigan’s FB page.

Jennie Brannigan had a horse jump out of her property on the Wednesday evening, March 11, and she’s not yet been able to locate her. Reddick, Florida-area folks: please keep an eye out and check your pastures for a stowaway!

She is a bay mare with a torn Cool Coat on. “She is a loved horse that is the last foal out of a very special mare to all of us … if you have any information I am begging you to call,” Jennie says.

Photo via Jennie Brannigan’s FB page.

Animal control and the police have been alerted. Despite a day of searching, at time of this publication (Friday noon) the mare is still missing.

The address of Jennie’s farm is 13701 NW 87th Ave Rd., Reddick, Florida, 32686. Please call 858-344-0404 with any information.

[Jennie’s Facebook Page]

Audrie Stanka and Zach Brandt to Host Monthly Fundraising Clinics for Frangible Fences

By on Mar 13, 2020 10:19 am -

Photo courtesy of Audrie Stanka.

The day took a devastating turn on Saturday, March 7 at Rocking Horse Stables in Altoona, FL. After a tragic accident took the lives of both Katharine Morel and her mare, Kerry On, the eventing community was spurred to action. A fundraiser supporting the installation of frangible technology on every cross country course has gained momentum thanks to the power of social media.

Audrie Stanka and Zach Brandt were competing at Rocking Horse the weekend of the accident. After Audrie watched one of her best friends gallop out of the start box after the accident, she knew she needed to do something, anything, to help.

“I’m guilty of this too, but every time something terrible happens, it seems that it gets talked about for a few days, and then nothing,” Audrie said. “I wanted to do more than that, so I started thinking of a way we could help raise money for frangible fences.”

The resulting project is a monthly fundraising clinic, slated to be held at Sweet Dixie South in Ocala, will kick off on Saturday, March 21 and is currently accepting participants. Both Audrie as well as Zach are offering dressage, show jumping, and cross country lessons at all levels for a donation of $40 for a lesson with Audrie and $60 for a lesson with Zach. All participants need to do is show proof of donation to the Frangible Fence Fund, as 100% of the proceeds from these clinics will be donated directly to this initiative.

Our #FRANGIBLEFENCEFUND clinic Sweet Dixie South in March 21 has a handful of spots left! Come for a really fun,…

Posted by Audrie Stanka on Monday, March 9, 2020

“I’m not a super top rider, and I don’t have a ton of money I can donate, but what I do have a lot of is time,” Audrie explained. “And this felt like a way to keep this topic fresh in our minds. With this clinic, you can learn to ride safer and more effectively while also supporting safety in the sport. This needs to stay a part of our conversation.”

Audrie and Zach have high hopes for the clinic, which may expand to having different clinicians if there is enough interest and demand. There are still spots open for the first clinic on March 21. To sign up or obtain more information, you can contact Audrie Stanka directly on Facebook or through the Zachary Brandt Eventing page.

Do you have a creative fundraiser for the Frangible Fence Fund? Share it with us by emailing [email protected].

Event Rider Masters Cancels 2020 Season Over COVID-19 Threat

By on Mar 13, 2020 7:27 am -

The popular ERM series won’t run in 2020 due to the rising threat of coronavirus. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

The Event Rider Masters series is the latest equestrian sporting event to fall victim to the mounting threat of COVID-19, or coronavirus. The 2020 iteration of the series, which was recently shortened to four legs to accommodate this summer’s Olympic Games, would have been its fifth year running.

The decision to cancel this year’s series was made after a full risk assessment in line with the recommendations of several national and global health organisations. As the ERM is effectively a travelling roadshow of equestrian sport, it was decided that for the safety of all involved, the series would need to be shelved for the year.

“The ERM 2020 series is spread over three countries, all of whom are currently affected by COVID-19, and involves a team of 60 people travelling from six different countries,” says the ERM in an official statement. “The ERM riders throughout each season represent at least 20 different nations. The logistics of moving the multinational production team from venue to venue is impossible to implement in a manner that has an acceptable risk level. As a result of this assessment, it is clear that there are too many risks associated with conducting the ERM series this year and regrettably, ERM has made the decision to cancel the 2020 series.”

The four host events – Burnham Market and Chatsworth in the UK, Arville in Belgium, and Haras de Jardy in France – are currently still scheduled to run as planned, though France’s government limitation on gatherings over 1000 people could see the latter run behind closed doors. The ERM has confirmed its intention to run as normal in 2021.

For an up-to-date list of global equestrian events affected by COVID-19, click here.