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
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.
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,…
“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].
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.
We are deeply saddened at the loss of a great influence in the eventing world, as Patrick (Packy) McGaughan passed away Thursday night in his sleep at the age of 56. Packy was known for his humor, his passion for coaching, and his honest evaluations of the sport of eventing and competitions at home and abroad. He rode with Jack LeGoff on the US Team in the ’80s, and helped win a Team Gold in the 1987 Pan American Games. He will be deeply missed. [Packy McGaughen 1963-2020]
As major sporting organizations around the world continue to announce suspensions, postponements and cancellations due to the spread of the coronavirus, the equestrian world is feeling the effects as well. We are receiving updates from major competitions like Carolina International and Kentucky Three-Day Event that they are still planning on going forward, but all competitors who feel even a little sick are encouraged to PLEASE stay home, and everyone is to practice lots of hand washing and social distancing at competitions. Keep an eye on our continuously updated list here: [Equestrian Events Canceled or Modified]
Two jumps and a simple but difficult exercise from the reigning world champion? Sign me up, I’m all about minimal jump setting for maximum results. Ros Canter shows you how to achieve a number of training goals with horses of all levels with just two jumps in your ring, and gives you goals for both horse and rider as you proceed. [Ros Canter’s Useful Jumping Exercise]
Eventing legend Blyth Tait has retired from the sport for the second time, at the age of 58. He was considering a fifth Olympics at Tokyo later this year, but upon consideration, realized that he was happier to hand the reins over to young talents than pursue another overseas adventure. Blyth won team and individual gold at the 1990 WEG on Messiah, individual gold in the 1996 Olympics on Ready Teddy, won team and individual gold in the 1998 WEG, team silver and individual bronze in the 1992 Olympics, as well as two wins at Burghley in 1998 and 2001. [A Legend Retires]
We are greatly saddened to report the sudden passage of Patrick “Packy” McGaughan, who passed away in his sleep at age 56. Well known and widely respected for not only his accomplishments in the saddle but also for his coaching and analysis of the sport, Packy was a stalwart presence in our community.
Packy McGaughan was a member of the gold medal winning U.S. eventing team at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indiana, where he also finished third individually aboard Tanzer. Packy’s contributions to the sport as a rider, a mentor, a coach, and many other roles will continue to have a lasting impact on future generations of event riders. He will leave a large hole, and our condolences are with his family and friends during this time.
Emilee Libby and Jakobi, winners of the Galway Downs International Horse Trials CCI4*-S in March 2019. This year’s edition, scheduled to take place March 27-29 in Temecula, CA, will be closed to the public. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
With sporting events around the world being cancelled in response to coronavirus, the eventing community is anxiously awaiting news about the fate of our own competitions. At the time of this publication, Copper Meadows H.T. (March 14-15 in Ramona, Calif.) is the only USEA recognized event to have been postponed or cancelled. Click here to view a rolling list of equestrian events worldwide that have been cancelled, postponed or closed to spectators.
Nine FEI events are scheduled to take place in the U.S. in March and April: Carolina International (March 19-22 in Raeford, North Carolina), Stable View Spring CCI (March 27-29), Galway Downs International (March 27-29), The Fork at TIEC (April 2-5 in Mill Spring, NC), CHC International at Chattahoochee Hills (April 3-5 in Fairburn, GA), Ocala International (April 9-12), Twin Rivers CCI & H.T. (April 9-12 in Paso Robles, CA), Fair Hill/5* Test Event (April 1o-12 in Elkton, MD), and the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (April 22-26 in Lexington, KY).
Four of those events have issued statements in response to the coronavirus pandemic. We encourage you to keep an eye on their websites and social media channels for further updates.
“As news of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to increase concern throughout the United States, the Carolina International CCI and HT is on schedule to run on March 19-22, 2020. The Carolina Horse Park is working hard to ensure the safest environment for everyone that visits the Park. Moving forward Park Officials and the Carolina International Organizing Committee will continue to monitor information from the CDC, North Carolina Officials, and USEF as we move forward and consider additional steps as they may become mandated or necessary.
“To protect against exposure risk, the Park is taking all available precautions and following rigorous sanitary protocols. We encourage people that are feeling ill to remain at home. For those attending the event, please stay 6 feet away from other people when possible and wash your hands regularly. The use of hand sanitizer is a necessity and cleaning surfaces touched regularly by people is also highly recommended.
“The CI Organizing Committee is carefully following state health guidelines and is working proactively with healthcare liaisons, public officials and healthcare officials in the area as well as our safety coordinators to ensure we are in compliance with state regulations. The Carolina Horse Park looks forward to hosting our competitors, owners, and spectators on March 19 – 22.
“For more information, visit www.carolinainternationalcci.com or contact Jane Murray at 978.578.1043 or [email protected].”
“As concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have become daily news, Stable View would like to assure our supporters that our competitor’s interests are always our number one concern. To that end we will continue to adhere to the most stringent sanitary protocols, and follow advice from trusted veterinary and health professionals. At this time Stable View plans to run all scheduled hunter/jumper, eventing, and dressage events. However, should organizations such as the CDC, USEF, or other governing bodies issue statements that would mandate an event’s cancellation, Stable View is adopting a full-refund policy for all entry fees. In this, and all decisions made by Stable View, you should feel secure in your commitment of time and resources, knowing that we are here for the long-term, and hope that you are too.
“Please call 484-356-3173 or email [email protected] with questions.”
“With the recent developments on the COVID-19 and with the statement from the Governor in mind we will be taking these steps to ensure our upcoming Galway Downs International Horse Trials is a biosecure show with the health of the riders and horses as they are our number one priority.
“To coincide with the Governor’s recommendation we will be changing the schedule of our show to limit the amount of people on the grounds. In order to do this we will be splitting the divisions to run two separate shows, a Thursday-Friday show and then a Saturday-Sunday show. We are in the process of reworking the schedule and will send out an update once we have that finalized.
“We will also be closing the show to the public and only allowing competitors, family members, officials, and volunteers to attend. The volunteer meeting we normally have in the MD Barn will be hosted in a larger more open area. We will be canceling both our Welcome Party as well as our Competitor Party. We will be regularly disinfecting all public areas as well as providing hand washing stations at all common areas. In line with best practices if you are sick or have had contact with someone showing symptoms in line with the COVID-19 we ask that out of an abundance of caution you do not attend the event.
“We have a known audience that we trust to make the right decision on whether or not they are in proper health to attend the event. Galway Downs will be running a Live Stream for our FEI divisions for anyone who is not able to attend but wants to watch all the action.
“We look forward to seeing you all at the end of the month!”
“Since 1978 EEI has put on the Kentucky Three-Day Event every year without cancellation. We know the coronavirus and the travel ban have created a lot of questions and anxiety regarding this year’s event. We are closely monitoring the situation and in constant communication with state and local officials to determine the best path forward.
“As of today, March 12, the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event will continue as scheduled. We know how important this event is to our fans, our competitors, our organization and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We have 41 days remaining before the event and a lot can change.
“Decisions EEI makes regarding the event will be made keeping in mind the health and well-being of our guests, our volunteers and our competitors. Should it become necessary for us to cancel the event, EEI will contact each of our ticketed customers with their available options.”
“…We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and we are getting regular updates from experts in the field as well as consulting with peers through our professional networks and organizations. We are taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of all Tryon Resort guests and employees.
“In response to the guidelines provided by NC Governor Roy Cooper, Tryon Resort’s March 14th events featuring The Cat in the Hat, Touch A Truck, and Community Yard Sale and the March 21st Viking Dash are cancelled. At this time, all other events on the calendar for this year are still planned to proceed as scheduled. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed. We will communicate any additional cancellations as decisions are made.”
Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
The Badminton Horse Trials social media team has been treating us to some throwback videos of past winners on cross country. If you missed the recent release of William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning’s winning round, click here to watch it.
Andrew Nicholson and Nereo. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.
This week, we have two more winner’s rounds for you to relive from the archives: Michael Jung’s 2016 win with La Biosthetique Sam as well as Andrew Nicholson’s win in 2017 aboard Nereo. These two legends of the sport will most certainly never be replaced, and it’s a privilege to have seen rides such as these during these two incredible horses’ careers. Enjoy!
This week our Wednesday lunchtime video treat is the 2017 winner's cross country round – a brilliant round featuring an all-star commentary team to boot! Partnered with Nereo, Andrew Nicholson finally won his first #BadmintonHorseTrials title after 36 attempts. What a performance it was and made for a truly memorable Badminton.If you want to come and witness the incredible atmosphere of Badminton for yourself this year, make sure you buy your tickets before our Early Bird Discount ends at the end of March. You can book online now via: bit.ly/BHT_tickets2020
Last week we shared William Fox-Pitt Eventing's fantastic 2015 cross country performance with Chilli Morning.Today's Wednesday lunchtime treat is a return to German rider Michael Jung's 2016 storming cross country round with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW.They went on to jump a superb clear in the final Show Jumping phase to not only secure the Badminton trophy, but also the ROLEX Gram Slam – the most valuable prize in Eventing – for consecutively winning Burghley, Kentucky and then Badminton Horse Trials. Not only is it wonderful to watch 'Michi' and Sam's breathtaking round but it is lovely to hear the wonderful voice of our much missed friend, Mike Tucker.
Cribbing, also known as crib biting, aerophagia and wind sucking, is a behavioral situation in which the horse is most likely relieving stress. Historically we thought was that horses cribbed to receive a high or euphoria but, new studies (which vary) suggest that a horse cribs for stress relief.
Cribbing happens when a horse puts its front incisors over an edge (such as a board) and pulls back, arching his neck, and sometimes ‘taking in’ air.
A long time ago, cribbing was considered an unsoundness. In 1889, a colt that cribbed was returned from Scotland to Belgium (no small journey) because it was deemed unsound as a ‘crib-biter’. Interestingly, wild horse/horses observed in the wild do not crib. Yep, we ‘caused’ it!
So, what are some causes of cribbing?
Horse management/maintenance: Long stretches of time with no forage and little to no interactions (boredom and stress).
Possibly genetic predisposition: Some horses may inherit their cribbing behavior; these horses start cribbing at a young age. Thoroughbreds, more than warmbloods and Quarter Horses, and possibly following certain bloodlines (per a Japanese study of 1,500 Thoroughbreds with a 1 percent rate of cribbing, but 7 or 8 percent within certain bloodlines), may be more prone to this habit.
Diet: High grain diet/low forage. Especially when this is started at a young age, this seems to increase the frequency of a young horse starting to crib.
Pain: Likely related to confinement after an injury.
Is it contagious?
Apparently not, since many companions of cribbers do not take up the habit. Companionship can help reduce cribbing and is a suggested management step.
How to manage the cribbing?
Cribbing has been called a behavioral disorder, and a harmful addiction; however, thoughts on this are changing. Rather than attempting to stop or curb the behavior, letting the horse crib is growing. The following are steps recommended to limit cribbing.
Keeping forage available all the time, which is, after all, what nature intended
Having companionship for the horse – can be a goat, chicken etc.
Reducing surfaces that the horse can ‘latch’ onto are becoming more accepted practices.
Cribbing collars are an option and have been widely used. There are several types, but they do not eliminate the urge, they just make the action of cribbing painful or uncomfortable. Some consider this option tormenting, due to the thought that a horse cribs for stress relief, as opposed to an addiction that they might become ‘weaned from’.
Is cribbing harmful to the horse?
Cribbing may result in increased colic, gastric ulcers, weight loss, wearing down of the upper incisors (checking these teeth is a quick way to check to see if a horse cribs), under development of some neck muscles and over development of others, weight loss/eating challenges, damage to fences, barn, etc., and flatulence.
The above problems all fall in the category of damage; however, the degree must be weighed against the value of the horse. For example, is this horse a fantastic babysitter for your other horses or for his/her rider? Is this horse a great performance horse? Is this horse a great producer? Is this horse your unicorn? Does this horse show great promise? Look hard enough and you will find a blemish in everything. Okay, so with cribbing we do not have to look hard, but is it really a reason to turn away? In the past, multiple horses that led in their sport were cribbers… many major competitions, including the Olympics, would very likely have been different if those horses were passed over due to their cribbing.
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Following an announcement this morning from California Governor Gavin Newsom urging the cancellation or postponement of non-essential gatherings through at least the end of March, Copper Meadows Horse Trials (Ramona, Ca.) has announced it will not run this weekend in an email sent to competitors:
“The California Department of Public Health banned the non-essential gatherings of 250 or more people last night. And after checking the footing and the weather forecast (calling for more rain), the decision was made to not hold the event this weekend and look into the possibility of alternative dates.”
Copper had consolidated the weekend’s event into a two-day format in anticipation of heavy rainfall hammering southern California this week. Further updates will be provided on the status of postponement. The cancellation comes as the latest in a wave of equestrian events and other large group events that have announced postponements or abandonment as an effect of the worldwide spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. The NBA announced the suspension of its season following last night’s games, and Major League Baseball announced the suspension of operations this afternoon.
For more of the latest news on equestrian events affected by COVID-19, click here.
