Classic Eventing Nation

Pine Top Spring H.T. Intermediate & Preliminary Report

While news of cancellations were swirling, competitors at the Pine Top Spring H.T. were busy enjoying a picture perfect day of going. All Intermediate and Preliminary divisions ran Friday in a one-day format. We round up the results.

Boyd Martin and On Cue. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Boyd Martin won the Open Intermediate A division with On Cue, a 14-year-old Anglo European mare (Cabri d’Elle x On High) owned by Boyd, Christine Turner, Thomas Turner, and Tommie Turner. Earning a 29 on the flat, their only faults were 6.4 time penalties on cross country for a final score of 35.4.

Ryan Wood was second with his own Rembrandt, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred (Galouet x Last Rose of Summer), adding only 3.2 cross country time penalties for a final score of 35.7.

Fernhill Pick Pocket. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Phillip Dutton was third on a score of 38 with Fernhill Pick Pocket.

Daniel Clasing and Greek Empire. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Open Intermediate B was topped by Daniel Clasing and Greek Empire. Produced through the three-star level by Katie Ruppel, the 10-year-old Thoroughbred (Dr. Caton x Pretty Gal) finished two seconds over the six-minute optimum time for a winning score of 32.2.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Boyd Martin took second and third in this group with Long Island T and Tsetserleg, respectively. The Long Island T Syndicate’s 14-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred (Ludwig von Bayern x Haupsbuch Highlight) finished on a score of 36.7, and Christine Turner’s Tsetserleg had a score of 38.

Nicole Parkin and Lander. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Canadian eventer Nicole Parkin claimed the Open Intermediate C division with her own Lander. She and the 9-year-old Belgian Sport Horse (Esprilio x Davina) rocked around Jeff Kibbie’s cross country track inside the time for a final score of 38.3. They was one of only two Intermediate pairs to achieve this feat. Elizabeth Bortuzzo and Belongs To Teufer, who were fifth in the A division, were also fast enough for this distinction.

Alice Roosevelt and Fernhill Zoro. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Alice Roosevelt and Fernhill Zoro, a 12-year-old Anglo European gelding (Verdi x Oronia 2, owned by Alice and Simon Roosevelt, finished second on a score of 40.3. Isabelle Bosley and Night Quality were third after adding 10.4 time penalties for a result of 43.5.

Ashley Adams and Charly. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Ashley Adams and Charly, Ashley and Roderick E. Stuart’s 7-year-old Westphalian (C-Trenton Z x Cora Lou), were the winners of Open Preliminary A, finishing on their dressage score of 27.8.

Elizabeth Bortuzzo won the Open Preliminary B class on her dressage score of 26.1, the lowest finishing score of the day, aboard Royal Archie, John Witte’s 7-year-old Thoroughbred (Archarcharch x Royal Trips). This is the pair’s second Preliminary win of the season at Pine Top.

Meaghan Marinovich Burdick and London ROF. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Meaghan Marinovich Burdick won the Preliminary Rider B division with London ROF, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Lexington x Natasha) owned by Stephanie S. Caston, after adding 11.2 time penalties for a finishing result of 40.1.

Laura Douglas and her own Sophia Fab took the Preliminary Rider A division. Bred by Laurie Cameron, the 13-year-old Hanoverian (San Brazil x S. Alcatrina), collected 1.6 cross country time penalties to finish on 34.6.

Many thanks to Glenn and Janet Wilson and their team for putting on a beautiful event. Good luck to all competitors riding over the next two days.

Pine Top Spring H.T.: WebsiteRide TimesLive Scores

Stable View Spring CCI-S Cancels National Divisions; FEI Divisions Still Open for Entries

We are sorry to report that Stable View in Aiken, SC, has canceled the national divisions of its March 27-28 event; the fate of the FEI divisions are still up in the air but currently accepting entries.

Designer Builders Stable View Spring CCI-S

“OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING COVID-19: Stable View has always made horse and human welfare its number one priority, and we have kept a constant watch on developments related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As previously stated, we had the full intention of running all events unless otherwise advised by governing organizations. Unfortunately, through statements made today by USEF and the FEI, as well as growing pressure from state and federal agencies, we now feel compelled to cancel all National Divisions for the next month. Full repayment will be made to all riders for all fees associated with these entries. This weekend’s Southern Comfort Dressage show remains unaffected.

“For the FEI event scheduled to run March 27-28, we are continuing to take advice. We have been told that upper level riders need to be able to run their horses, in case the Olympics still occur, and that we would be providing a needed service to these riders if the event proceeds. Having taken further advice, we have been told that the event would still count as an FEI qualifier, but not a USEF qualifier, and that we are still allowed to give prize money.

“If we do proceed, we would take as many precautions as possible, including canceling our vendor row and competitors party, and ordering extra hand sanitizing stations. Another option is to run a schooling event on the same course at a reduced entry price. Regardless of which direction we go, we would offer a full refund to riders who would prefer not to come. We are seeking further clarification and will make a further announcement ASAP. At present, our FEI event remains open for entries.”

As of this time, the following USEA recognized events have officially been canceled, postponed or modified.

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

Southern Arizona March H.T. & CDCTA Spring H.T. Canceled

We are very sorry to share the latest event cancellations due to coronavirus.

Southern Arizona March H.T. 

“Regretfully, SAzEA March Horse Trials (March 20-22, 2020) is canceled pursuant to directives from the USEF issued today regarding the COVID-19. 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.

“In the meantime, the SAzEA Cross-Country course stands ready for use. We are offering cross-country schooling for the next two weekends – March 14-15 and 21-22. The membership requirement is waived for these special schooling weekends although all the rest of our schooling policies will apply. If you would like to school or need stabling PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE in the SHOP at southernarizonaeventing.org

“We are very sorry to have to make this decision, but the health of our riders and community are our primary concern. We look forward to seeing you in SAzEA Horse Trials on November 20-22, 2020 at the Area X Championship.”

CDCTA Spring Horse Trials

“Due to the recommendations of the United States Equestrian Federation, CDCTA has decided to cancel the CDCTA Spring Horse Trials scheduled for Sunday, April 5, 2020 in Berryville, Virginia. With the extraordinary effects of the coronavirus throughout the country, we feel this is the best decision for all our competitors, officials, and volunteers.

“We will be refunding ALL entry fees and office fees for received entries. Please allow us 2-3 weeks to get all these checks mailed out. Please feel free to contact the secretary, Lisa Mendell, at [email protected] with any questions.

“We look forward to seeing all of you for our Fall Horse Trials scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2020. In the meantime, please enjoy your horses and stay safe and healthy.”

In accordance with the FEI, the USEF has issued a recommendation that all competitions be suspended for the next 30 days (through mid-April).

As of this time, the following USEA recognized events have officially been canceled, postponed or modified.

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

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

Photo via MM Events, LLC on Facebook.

Pine Top knows what prize the people really want! Seriously, I can understand why hand sanitizer is such a hot commodity right not, but I truly do not understand the stockpiling of toilet paper. I think anyone who has ever peed in a stall will tell you, going without isn’t going to kill you. I’m not saying it’s great, but it just seems like there are more important things to worry about.

National Holiday: Pi Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Rolling Updates: Equestrian Events Canceled/Modified Due to COVID-19

A Letter from the USEF President and CEO Regarding USEF Licensed Competitions – Updated with Clarification for Eventers

The Horse World Should Do Its Part To Help Slow The Spread Of Coronavirus

Safety Concepts for Every Ride: Simulations for Reducing Cross-Country Rotational Falls

British Eventing admits problems with new online entries system

Flags, Falls And Frangible Pins: Thoughts From The FEI Eventing Risk Management Seminar

Saturday Video:

USEF Issues Clarification Regarding USEF Licensed & FEI Eventing Competitions

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

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

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

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

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

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.