Classic Eventing Nation

2020 Tokyo Olympic Games Officially Postponed to 2021

By on Mar 24, 2020 11:36 am -

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games have officially been postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee made the announcement following a conference call with Japanese officials this morning.

From their joint statement:

“President Bach and Prime Minister Abe expressed their shared concern about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, and what it is doing to people’s lives and the significant impact it is having on global athletes’ preparations for the Games.

“In a very friendly and constructive meeting, the two leaders praised the work of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and noted the great progress being made in Japan to fight against COVID-19.

“The unprecedented and unpredictable spread of the outbreak has seen the situation in the rest of the world deteriorating. Yesterday, the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the COVID-19 pandemic is ‘accelerating.’ There are more than 375,000 cases now recorded worldwide and in nearly every country, and their number is growing by the hour.

“In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today, the IOC President and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.

“The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present. Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan. It was also agreed that the Games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.”

The decision comes the morning after the US Olympic Committee’s call to postpone the Games, a sentiment shared by several National Federations. Canada and Australia said they would not send athletes to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games unless it was postponed until 2021; Ireland and Great Britain also indicated that they were considering withdrawal; and New Zealand was also vocal in its call for postponement.

The USEF responded as follows:

“We received official confirmation today from the IOC and Organizing Committee for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games that in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic both organizations have jointly decided to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to 2021. Prioritizing the safety and health of athletes, staff, and spectators is paramount during this challenging time, and we applaud and support their difficult decision.

“The postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is unprecedented in modern history, and we know that there will be many challenges ahead, but remain committed to working with the USOPC and the FEI to ensure the success of our teams and athletes in 2021.

“We are deeply disappointed for our athletes and their teams, the coaches, support staff, horse owners, sponsors, and USET Foundation donors and supporters who have wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to the Olympic and Paralympic dream, but in the face of adversity, our athletes continually persevere and we know they will be prepared to represent our country to the best of their abilities next year.

“We also understand that this decision will impact many, and as we wait to understand the revised approach of the IOC and Organizing Committee in the coming weeks, we will continue to provide updates and information to our athletes, stakeholders, sponsors, and fans. This is a trying time for our community and we look forward to the incredible feeling of watching our athletes inspire others and embody the Olympic and Paralympic spirit next year in Tokyo.”

[JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND THE TOKYO 2020 ORGANISING COMMITTEE]

Hope Springs Eternal: A Glimpse at Maryland CCI5* Updates on Cross Country

By on Mar 24, 2020 11:00 am -

Photo via Major League Eventing on Facebook.

While the fate of summer and fall eventing hangs very much in flux right now due to the coronavirus pandemic, we still hold onto a pinky full of hope that we’ll yet see the first running of the new Maryland CCI5* at Fair Hill in Elkton, Md. The event, scheduled for October 15-18, currently stands alone as the only North American five-star to run in 2020, should things return to some semblance of normalcy in time.

In the meantime, Rob and Karen Bowersox of Major League Eventing went out for a spin around the developing cross country track, designed by Ian Stark and built by Eric Bull/ETB Construction, treated us to a glimpse at the latest updates:

Top secret spy photos of the new Maryland 5* at Fair Hill! After walking this course the terrain will be a great test…

Posted by Major League Eventing on Sunday, March 22, 2020

The terrain will undoubtedly play a hefty role for riders on course:

A little glimpse of how the undulating terrain at Fair Hill will test the competition and will surely make the Maryland…

Posted by Major League Eventing on Sunday, March 22, 2020

The USEA’s Jessica Duffy recently sat down with Ian Stark to discuss the development of the track, which will contain plenty of “rider frightener” fences (this quote should give you a hint: “To put it bluntly – frighten the **** out of the riders and make it safe for the horses”).

Take a look at some other recent development and construction updates from Fair Hill:

It was a beautiful day in Fair Hill to wander about, checking out the new Maryland 5 Star cross country features built…

Posted by Fair Hill International on Saturday, February 22, 2020

Awesome aerial photos taken THIS MORNING by Steve Horah!!

Posted by Maryland 5 Star on Friday, January 31, 2020

Organizers have released a statement informing followers that, as of now, plans continue full steam ahead for the inaugural event with full precautions being taken in the meantime. We hope to see you all in Maryland this fall!

A Letter from the Maryland Horse Council: Essential COVID-19 Information for MD Equestrians

By on Mar 24, 2020 9:00 am -

Maryland’s eventing community is an incredibly vibrant and active one, and we know that many of our readers hail from the state. Accordingly, we are sharing the following letter, issued on Monday by Maryland Horse Council President Neil Agate and Executive Director Carrie Hull, which addresses some of the most critical points relevant to the horse community and industry.

Dear Maryland Horse Community,

First and foremost, we sincerely hope you, your families, and your beloved horses are safe and healthy as we face some of the most unprecedented times in modern history. The COVID-19 crisis has affected every aspect of our local horse community and it is our responsibility as the Maryland Horse Council to provide you with the most relevant and up-to-date information. You can easily find all official information from our governor and the state here. Today, we have highlighted the most critical points relevant to the horse community and industry:

WE ARE WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO GET ANSWERS TO YOUR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS, SPECIFICALLY ABOUT WHAT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES ARE ALLOWED AT BOARDING FACILITIES BY NON-CAREGIVING STAFF, INCLUDING VISITATION OF HORSES, RIDING WHILE ON-SITE, AND ACCOMPANYING FARM OPERATORS/CARE GIVING STAFF DURING VETERINARY AND FARRIER APPOINTMENTS, ETC. WE WILL PUSH OUT THOSE ANSWERS TO YOU AS SOON AS WE HAVE THEM.

Governor Larry Hogan held another press conference this morning to issue a new Executive Order closing all non-essential Maryland businesses, organizations, establishments, and facilities at 5pm on Monday, March 23rd. This new order closes all other businesses not defined by federal guidelines as critical infrastructure sectors. Agriculture is considered a critical infrastructure sector. We are awaiting additional insight from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, expected later this afternoon, on the specifics of equine related operations permissible at this time. Care of your equines is considered an essential activity per guidance received from the Maryland Department of Agriculture on Sunday, March 22nd.

We are fielding a number of questions specifically related to the permissible activities at boarding operations. At this time, lesson programs, camps, clinics, horse shows, and other social and sporting activities and events are deemed non-essential. Additional guidance specific to the number and permissible activities of people allowed on the property of a facility strictly used for boarding horses is forthcoming.

Governor Hogan also stated that at this time, he is not ordering a “shelter-in-place” mandate but said, “unless you have an essential reason to leave your house, you need to stay home.”

Governor Hogan, in conjunction with Commerce Secretary Schulz and Labor Secretary Robinson, announced several business relief programs including the Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund and the Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund. Information on these programs can be found here.

Additional information on how Marylanders can help during the COVID-19 crisis can be found here.

At this time, it is highly recommended for all Marylanders, including horse owners, to follow Governor Hogan’s request to stay home. We will update the horse community as soon as more specifics are released by MDA.

Please click here for more COVID-19 information that includes useful links to federal guidelines and previous communications from the Maryland Horse Council.

Sincerely,

                                                                                  
Neil Agate                                                                               Carrie Hull
President                                                                                Executive Director
Maryland Horse Council                                                         Maryland Horse Council

[ESSENTIAL COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR MARYLAND’S HORSE COMMUNITY]

USOC Calls for Postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

By on Mar 24, 2020 3:31 am -

The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has now added its voice to the ever-louder chorus of national federations advocating for the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The decisive stance comes after a poll of Team USA hopefuls revealed significant concerns about their ability to train and prepare for the Games, the health and safety of athletes and fans, team selection and qualification, social responsibility and more. (Download the COVID-19 Team USA Athlete Survey results.)

The USOC released the following statement on Monday night:

“We are thankful to the 1,780 Team USA athletes for sharing their voice and honest input with us as we address the issues related to COVID-19 and the Tokyo Games, and make good on our promise to put athletes first. We are now confident that we have heard a wide range of viewpoints and understand the diversity of challenges our athletes face.

“We regret that there is no outcome that can solve all the concerns we face. Our most important conclusion from this broad athlete response is that even if the current significant health concerns could be alleviated by late summer, the enormous disruptions to the training environment, doping controls and qualification process can’t be overcome in a satisfactory manner.

“To that end, it’s more clear than ever that the path toward postponement is the most promising, and we encourage the IOC to take all needed steps to ensure the Games can be conducted under safe and fair conditions for all competitors. We look forward to their feedback and direction, and stand ready to work in support of Team USA and in full cooperation with the global community.”

Canada and Australia have said they will not send athletes to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games unless it is postponed until 2021. Ireland and Great Britain have also indicated that they are considering withdrawal.

New Zealand released a statement this morning supporting postponement as well, reiterating the need for a swift decision:

“New Zealand athletes have long prepared for a July 2020 Olympic Games however the Olympic Movement is founded on humanity and that, right now, must come first.

“As the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission, and on behalf of New Zealand’s Olympic athletes, we are asking the IOC to immediately confirm a postponement, using the following four weeks to clarify details.”

On Sunday, the IOC said it was starting to look into scenarios for “modifying” the current plans for the Games, which are scheduled to start on July 24. On Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe conceded that it was possible the games might be postponed, and IOC member Dick Pound stated unofficially that the Games are going to be postponed, likely to 2021.

[Statement From USOPC Chair Susanne Lyons And CEO Sarah Hirshland On The Survey Of Team USA Athletes Related To COVID-19 And The Olympic And Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020]

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Mar 24, 2020 12:01 am -

Doug Payne and “Kenny.” Photo via Marilyn Payne.

This week the Payne family said goodbye to a very beloved horse, Kensington III, who lived to the age of 31. “Kenny” was born at their Applewood Farm, and was considered the King of the property. Kenny took Doug Payne to his first event, the Preliminary at Pleasant Hollow, where they finished second. From there, he went through Fourth Level dressage before becoming a schoolmaster to dozens of riders.

Marilyn shared: “He was an amazing teacher who not only gave confidence to beginner riders but also showed advanced riders how to do flying changes, piaffe and passage, even when they didn’t realize they asked for it! But what Kenny really enjoyed most was showing off in our annual Christmas Gymkhana where he and my husband Dick ( who rode once a year!) would beat everyone including Holly and Doug in almost every event! I doubt there will ever be another horse who has had such a positive influence on so many people! We were so lucky to be a part of his life!

Rest in Peace to this special horse.

National Holiday: National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day

Tuesday News:

We’re all working hard to stay positive, but here’s a few tips to keep you motivated. [Top 10 Tips for Staying Positive During the Pandemic with Melissa Stubenberg]

Have you recently transitioned to remote working? Feeling lost and confused? Here are some solid strategies to be your best self, while adjusting to a new home office. [Welcome To My Life: 6 Work-From-Home Tips For A New World]

Phillip Dutton shares his experience with the pandemic and planning for a very uncertain future. [Planning And Perspective With Phillip Dutton]

Hot on Horse Nation: Advice for Equine Business Owners During COVID-19

Tuesday Video: Hylofit tips from Lainey Ashker:

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Who Bucked it Best? With Laura Collett

By on Mar 23, 2020 5:00 pm -

Who doesn’t need a little laugh this afternoon? British five-star eventer Laura Collett had some pretty spicy horses when she legged her string back up and schooled them over fences for the first time after their winter break. Watch the video and then vote on which of Laura’s three mounts — London 52, Cleomina and Dacapo — displayed the most impressive acrobatics. Honestly though, the real winner of this contest is Laura’s incredible seat!

Tokyo Olympics: Ireland, GB & USA Respond to 4-Week Deadline, IOC Member Says ‘Postponed’

By on Mar 23, 2020 3:59 pm -

Chris Burton and Santano II representing Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Canada and Australia have said they will not send athletes to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games unless it is postponed until 2021. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The past 24 hours have seen mounting impatience within the Olympic community following the IOC’s announcement of a four-week deadline to make a decision about the fate of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Cancellation, the IOC has staunchly maintained, is not an option, but postponement or a scaled-down Games are possible alternatives.

An interview with veteran IOC member Dick Pound with USA Today today further muddled the issue, as he stated that the Games are going to be postponed, likely to 2021, with the details to be worked out in the next four weeks.

“On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided,” Pound said. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.”

In late February, Pound dismissed the idea of delaying the Games until 2021, saying they were more likely to be canceled than postponed. Tokyo Organizing Committee officials subsequently described his comments as “speculation.”

No official comment from the IOC has been released.

In the eyes of a growing number of national federations, four weeks is too long to leave athletes in the lurch, potentially endangering their own health by continued training. This is coupled with broader concerns that the Games themselves would be a petri dish for global spread of COVID-19. Canada and Australia have said they will not send athletes to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games unless it is postponed until 2021.

The IOC has requested feedback from national federations on the impact COVID-19 has had on sport and athletes.

The Olympic Federation of Ireland has said it will begin collecting input for the IOC, but that its decision about whether to participate in the Games may be independent of the IOC’s decision about the Games.

“We have heard the latest update from the IOC regarding the Games, and we await in due course further information from them,” OFI President Sarah Keane said. “However, we need to consider what’s right for our athletes, coaches, federations and all involved in supporting the system in Ireland at this time. This does include considering if our potential Olympians can and/or should continue to engage in organised training for the foreseeable future. 

“This may go against the grain of what they are used to doing day in day out, however at this time all options must be considered which we will do in conjunction with our Member Federations, athletes, Sport Ireland and other stakeholders. We can and are providing input into the IOC as the ultimate decision making body for the 2020 Olympic Games. However, we can make decisions in Ireland for the best of Team Ireland and all involved.”

You can read the full statement here.

The British Olympic Committee will host a conference call with the Olympic officials tomorrow, Tuesday March 23. “The call will primarily be used to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on domestic sport and athletes, specifically in light of updated Government advice and the closure of elite training facilities across the UK,” a statement released by Team GB today reads.

In an interview with Sky Sports News, Hugh Robertson, chair of the British Olympic Committee, expressed concern that if the virus continues the way the government has predicted there is no way the nation will be able to send a team.

“And I base that on two things. Firstly, I don’t see any way that the athletes and Team GB could be ready by then,” he said. “Elite training facilities are perfectly understandably and quite correctly closed around the country, so there is no way they could undertake the preparation they need to get ready for a Games.”

“Second, there is the appropriateness of holding an Olympic Games at a time like this,” he said.

“We can’t see any way that this can go ahead as things are constituted at the moment and I expect we will be joining Canada and Australia shortly,” Robertson said.

The U.S. Olympic Committee responded to yesterday’s IOC statement with a lighter hand than Ireland or Great Britain, but is firm in its commitment to doing right by Team USA athletes.

USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland and USOPC AAC Chair Han Xiao shared the following statement:

“The progress reflected in today’s IOC update to the global athlete community is an important step in providing clarity, but our athlete community continues to face enormous ambiguity surrounding the 2020 Games in Tokyo. Having spent countless hours communicating with IOC leadership, our peers around the world, our NGBs and the athletes we serve, we know the difficult obstacles ahead and we are all appreciative that the IOC has heard our concerns and needs, and is working to address them as quickly as possible.

“Every day counts. We remain steadfast in our recommendation that Team USA athletes continue to heed the advice of public health officials and prioritize their health and wellness over all else. At the same time we are eager to continue to explore alternatives to ensure all athletes have a robust and fulfilling Olympic and Paralympic experience, regardless of when that can safely occur. Together we will find solutions that keep the spirit of the Games alive.”

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games are scheduled to begin on July 24.

Checking in with U.S. High Performance Riders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By on Mar 23, 2020 3:00 pm -

Eventers are a resilient lot but, when your life revolves around the cross country start box a forced hiatus is never easy. Despite an uprooted competition season and an uncertain outcome for the Olympic Games, it sounds like our top U.S. riders are making the most of the situation. We checked in on the social media feeds of Eventing High Performance Training List riders for updates on what they’ve been up to during these unprecedented times.

ELITE TRAINING LIST

The team here at True Prospect Farm is trying to maintain as normal a routine as possible under these difficult…

Posted by Phillip Dutton Eventing on Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Boyd Martin: “Obviously the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works, but over the years I’ve often been pushed to master the art of not getting too worried about things that are out of your control. We plan to spend the next months training hard with the horses I am fortunate that all the prelim/Intermediate horses are in ‘flying change boot camp’ with Silva. It can often be a lengthy process, teaching the horses how to do flying changes, but Silva is a master at putting flying changes on the horses … As for the spring season, we will just wait to see how this outbreak continues. I’ll most likely be looking for a little teaching, in obviously small groups and out in the open, in driving distance of the farm.” – From “Windurra Eventers Migrating North,” 3/19/20 

 

PRE-ELITE TRAINING LIST

🔹NLE is grateful we don’t have to stay far from our horses and we have them to lean on during this time.

🔹Kiss your…

Posted by Next Level Eventing on Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Social distancing

Posted by Jennie Brannigan on Sunday, March 22, 2020

 

TKS Cooley having a play this morning with XC Advisor Ian Stark. Bummed we can’t take this horse to Carolina next week but for right now we understand the importance of staying put! Stay safe and sane everybody!

Posted by Will Coleman Equestrian on Sunday, March 15, 2020

Making the most of our time off. We hitched a ride with Carl and Joan Hampf to check on the farm progress. Can’t…

Posted by DPEquestrian LLC on Saturday, March 21, 2020

Sonoma county friends- if you’re not sure what to do with your horses now because of corona virus- I have been doing the…

Posted by Frankie Thieriot Stutes on Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Stay well out there, EN! Go Eventing.

From the Archives: Ballynoe Castle RM, Training Level Packer

By on Mar 23, 2020 1:00 pm -

While we’re experiencing the downtime that is the forced cancellation of the foreseeable show season, we here at EN want to help keep you entertained. With that in mind, we’ll be republishing some of our most popular stories in the coming weeks. Do you have a favorite story from EN? Tip us by emailing [email protected] so we can add it to our list.

Team Reggie! Buck Davidson, Kathleen Murray, Cassie and Carl Segal. Photo via Kathleen Murray.

This post was originally published on January 31, 2017.

Buck Davidson’s head groom of many years, Kathleen Murray, has had the ride of a lifetime with Ballynoe Castle RM. The USEA’s all-time leading points earner and the holder of countless eventing accolades, “Reggie” is a fan favorite and a much loved pet at BDJ Eventing.

Because of the dedication Kathleen showed to the Irish Sport Horse gelding throughout his career, both Buck and owners Carl and Cassie Segal thought it fitting to say “thank you” by giving her the ride on Reggie this winter.

Kathleen and Reggie’s first competition together came this past weekend at Rocking Horse Winter I, where they competed in the Training Rider division. Leading through the first two phases, Kathleen’s watch unfortunately failed to start when she left the box on cross country, causing her to pick up some time penalties. Nonetheless, it was a great weekend (and a weird role reversal!) for the whole BDJ camp who came to cheer this pair on.

Like a pro! Photo courtesy of John Clarke.

Like a pro! Photo courtesy of John Clarke.

“I was pretty nervous,” Kathleen recalled. “But I also feel like I know Reggie so well that even though I haven’t ridden him as much, aside from trotting and hacking, I could know what to expect. As soon as he goes in that ring, he knows his job. I think the work in our test was probably better than anything at home — at home, he just trots around like a pony!”

In a twilight zone worthy role reversal, it was Buck who stepped up to pick up the grooming backpack for Kathleen this weekend, even coming to the show early on dressage day to take Reggie for one of his “nature walks” that Kathleen always did before dressage for Buck.

Put (my studs in), Coach! Photo via Kathleen Murray.

Put (my studs in), Coach! Photo via Kathleen Murray.

“He took it very seriously,” Kathleen laughed. “We have a lot of different things we do, and he nailed all of them. He even put my studs in for me and got my horse ready for cross country. For dressage, he knew exactly who was in front of me and what ring I was in, so I think he had been studying the program.”

On cross country, Kathleen said Reggie came out of the box like he was going Advanced. “He definitely thought we were going Advanced, but once we got over the first jump you could feel him say, ‘Oh, OK. Training level. Got it,'” she said. “Unfortunately, my watch never started and because we’d started off quick, by the time I realized my watch hadn’t started I thought maybe I would come in too fast so I slowed down.”

The BDJ crew follows Kathleen and Reggie on cross country. Photo courtesy of John Clarke.

The BDJ crew follows Kathleen and Reggie on cross country. Photo courtesy of John Clarke.

Regardless of the time penalties, Kathleen still came off the course with a big smile on her face — and she gets to do it all over again at the Ocala Horse Properties Horse Trials next month. Once the winter season comes to a close, it’s time for the grand finale: the test ride at Rolex Kentucky. How has that practice been going?

“Well, we’ve been focusing more on the Training level frame,” Kathleen said. “Obviously, the CCI4* test is much different, but we will definitely be practicing it.”

Kathleen and Reggie would also go on to ride the test ride at Kentucky that spring, the same weekend Reggie was honored with a formal retirement ceremony. Reggie now enjoys his full retirement with occasional nature walks and is looking forward to the release of his very own inspired Breyer model. 

Safety Matters: Four More EquiRatings Stats You Can Calculate

By on Mar 23, 2020 11:00 am -

Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam. Photo by Nico Morgan Photography.

Earlier this month, EquiRatings began posting a series of metrics that each rider can calculate for themselves. By making these data points easy to understand and calculate, the idea is to use the information to encourage rider responsibility and safety.

We started with the 6 Run Average, which is used to calculate a horse and rider’s average dressage performance as a benchmark.

View this post on Instagram

This week, we'll be introducing each of our five DIY metrics that you can put to work for yourself. It's our philosophy that in order to manage improvement, you must measure progress, starting with where you are now. We've developed, honed, and challenged this set of five metrics to help YOU take ownership of your journey and confidently manage your progress, regardless of whether you’re a grassroots rider or aiming for Olympic gold. We start with the 6RA. You've heard us talk about this metric before and it's become the first tool in our set. Check out our stories to see #SleepingSam tell you all about it. #equiratings #eventing #simplemetrics #6RA @ingridklimke @sapsports @julia_krajewski @michaeljungofficialnews @olivertownendofficial @andrewsmcconnon

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Let’s move on to the jumping phases and some metrics you can tabulate using your competition record. Take a moment to click through each slide on the Instagram posts embedded below for a deeper dive:

Cross Country Jumping: XCJ10

This metric is once again quite simple, intended to put hard numbers in front of us. The XCJ10 is a gauge of your clear jumping rate. EquiRatings has identified a sample size of 10 as a more accurate data set from which to pull your jumping rate.

To calculate your XCJ10, take a look at your last 10 cross country rounds (or use whatever you have on your record, if less than 10). Add up the number of rounds you finished with no jumping penalties, and convert that number to a percentage by multiplying it by 100. If you’ve jumped 10 cross country rounds with no jumping penalties, your XCJ10 score is 100%.

Cross Country Time: True Speed Rating (TSR)

View this post on Instagram

Day 3 of Simple Metrics week and we’re evaluating cross country time. The True Speed Rating (TSR) captures your speed across the country. We know riders don’t push for the time on every run, for tactical and training reasons, and this metric takes that into account. Know this number to gain valuable clarity on how you’re consistently performing against the clock, stay keen to inefficiencies, and track improvement. Get started with your TSR – it’s simple, tested, AND informative – but, once again, check out our stories to hear #SleepingSam dig a little deeper into analyzing your speed. (And don’t worry, we’ll be saving this week’s content, including the videos, as a story highlight.) #equiratings #eventing #simplemetrics #TSR

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Now let’s talk about time and speed on cross country. Educating riders on riding safely at increased speeds is a crucial step in an eventer’s education. Developing a “feel” for speed will help riders understand better how to efficiently manage the clock and ride smartly, not just mach 5.

The EquiRatings True Speed Rating (TSR) is designed to track your performance against the clock and track improvements in speed as well as efficiency. For this measurement, you’ll want to look at your best six times from your last 10 runs. Add up the time penalties from those six runs, then divide that number by six. A lower number is better here.

Let’s say a horse collects 4, .4, 2.8, 6, 4.4, and 3.2 time penalties in its last six fastest rounds. These numbers give that horse a TSR of 3.5. By calculating your TSR periodically, you can track trends in your riding and make adjustments accordingly.

Show Jumping: SJ6

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Day 4 of Simple Metrics week and we’ve arrived at the show jumping phase. The SJ6 measures your show jumping performance by averaging your recent jumping penalties. Like the 6RA, it sounds especially simple and that’s because we’ve worked to keep it that way without compromising accuracy. Find out where you are with this number now. Then, as you train and gain experience, track this metric over time to evaluate the results of your efforts. Take hold of the SJ6 to get a strong start and then watch our stories to hear #SleepingSam explain how we expand on this metric to capture variance in course difficulty. (And yes, we’ll be saving this week’s content, including the videos, as a story highlight so you can always check back.) #equiratings #eventing #simplemetrics #SJ6

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Next, we move on to show jumping metrics. This is a similar metric to the 6RA, taking the average of jumping penalties over your last six rounds. Once again, six is designated as an ideal sample size so that accuracy is not compromised. To measure your SJ6, add up the number of jumping penalties you’ve accumulated in your last six runs, and divide by six. Similar to the other metrics, your SJ6 can be tracked to monitor trends in your riding and performance.

Overall Performance: OBP6

Last but not least, we end with an all-encompassing metric that gauges horses’ and riders’ overall capability and performance. The Opponents Beaten Percentage (OBP6) measures your performance by stacking it against that of the opponents you’ve bested. Once again, this measure will look at your previous six runs. If you’ve got less than six, just use what you do have (the recommended minimum from EquiRatings is three).

To calculate your OBP6, add up the total of opponents that you placed higher than in your last six runs in which you started cross country. Divide this total by six, then multiply by 100 for a percentage, to get a clearer picture of your OBP6.

For more data focused content such as this, be sure to follow EquiRatings here.