Classic Eventing Nation

Calling All Amateurs! 2021 USEA Worth the Trust Scholarship Applications Now Available

By on Apr 10, 2020 4:33 pm -

Worth the Trust at Kentucky in 1997. Photo by Brant Gamma.

If you are an amateur eventer who could use a little help funding your eventing education, consider applying for a USEA Worth The Trust scholarship.

About the Scholarship: New for this year, the Worth the Trust Young Adult and Adult Amateur Scholarships — previously awarded separately — have been consolidated into a single educational scholarship in the amount of $4,000. The scholarship can be applied toward a variety of training opportunities such as clinics, working student positions, and private or group instruction, or to learn from an official, course designer, technical delegate, judge, veterinarian, or organizer.

This scholarship is provided by Joan Iversen Goswell in honor of her horse, Worth the Trust, who won the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 1997 with Karen O’Connor.

Eligibility: The scholarship is available to riders 16 years old or older as of Jan. 1, 2021 who have declared amateur status with the USEA. Applicants must complete 10 hours of volunteer work with a national or local charitable organization, any minority/disadvantaged group, or local eventing association or horse trials.

How to Apply: Applicants should submit an essay explaining why the scholarship is important to him or her, how they intend to use the funds, and their riding and competing experiences. The deadline for applications is Oct. 5, 2020. Applications are available here.

The recipient of the scholarship will be announced at the 2020 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, Dec. 10-13, 2020 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Contact Nancy Knight for more information at (703) 669-9997 or [email protected].

 

[Applications for the 2021 Worth the Trust Scholarship Now Available]

Flora Lea Spring H.T. Is Canceled

By on Apr 10, 2020 1:29 pm -

Flora Lea Spring Horse Trials, scheduled for May 23-24 in Medford, New Jersey, has been canceled.

The event issued the following statement today:

“After careful consideration Flora Lea has decided to cancel their spring horse trials, originally scheduled for May 23 & 24, 2020.  It seems the responsible thing to do with the pandemic looming over all of our existences.  Flora Lea has been running an USEA event since 1975 and has only cancelled one time, due to a ‘100 year flood’ that hit NJ.  We hope that all is well by September and that we can be up and running our Fall horse trials.

“We will also cancel our June 21st YEH competition but will hope to run the August competition.

“Very sincerely and with regrets,
Debbie Adams”

You can view a complete list of canceled and postponed events here.

Be well. Go Eventing (Someday!)

NAF Virtual Eventing Brings Stars of the Sport to your Sofa

By on Apr 10, 2020 12:10 pm -

Gemma Tattersall is no stranger to spring five-stars – and she’ll be fighting for the virtual title this year. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

So we won’t have any five-stars to obsess over this spring, and you know what? It’s crap. It’s utter rubbish. It truly is. But you know what’s not crap? The fact that we’re all going to get to be a part of the eventing world’s creative revolution. Things might be very, very different from how they normally are right now, but our global eventing family isn’t going to take it lying down – and some of the ideas we’re seeing blooming around us are things we’ll be talking about for a long time to come. So instead of ruing what could have been, we’re going to embrace what will be. Top of our list? The first-ever virtual CCI5*, to be held May 6-10.

What is it?

The brainchild of Uptown Eventing’s Rachel Wakefield-Wynne, Virtual Eventing – sponsored by NAF – has been created with a few things in mind: to provide motivation for top riders stuck at home, to entertain the masses, and to raise much-needed funds for doctors and nurses around the world in the fight against COVID-19. In fact, every country represented in the virtual line-up will receive a charitable payout – and we hear that many of the riders are willing to accept bribes in exchange for donations.

The idea just got real, someone has donated £500.00 for time me to trot up in a outfit of your choice for Virtual 5*…

Posted by Emma Hyslop-Webb on Friday, April 3, 2020

Cool, very into bribery. So how does it work?

Well, just like the real deal, Virtual Eventing consists of three unique phases, plus a first horse inspection – but that, Rachel promises us, will be a trot-up like we’ve never seen before. On Thursday and Friday, competitors will ride the 5* B test for a judging panel made up of Annabel Scrimgeour, Les Smith, and Jane Tolley, while Saturday’s cross-country challenge will include a mysterious – and totally bonkers – set of challenges against the clock, in keeping with current recommendations to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risk. Finally, Sunday will see competitors tackling an unmounted showjumping course designed by an FEI course designer. All of the action will be live-streamed thanks to Chilli Pepper TV, bringing some classic insanity and fierce competition straight to your sofa. (And yes, we’ll be covering it all – you can’t keep EN away from an event!)

Ah, an emotional 20,000 word article on a virtual event. Good. So who’s entered, anyway?

Entries have now closed and currently look jam-packed with superstars representing eleven countries. Boyd Martin heads a trio of impressive US entries with his National Champ Tsetserleg, William Fox-Pitt, Gemma Tattersall, and Laura Collett – who will ride ultimate hunk London 52 – spearhead a strong British effort, and France’s Tom Carlile brings forward one of our top mare crushes, the nine-year-old Birmane. Meanwhile, the thunder is being well and truly BROUGHT from Down Under, with three Aussie entries and counting. Stay tuned for more entry list news and – of COURSE – a form guide for your pre-event perusal. Could we resist? Never.

How can I follow along?

Give Virtual Eventing’s Facebook page a like and follow the event, too, for all the latest news directly to your feed. Want to donate? Click here to donate to an individual rider’s fundraising page, or scroll down to chuck a few pennies in the event’s hat. 100% will go to charities supporting doctors and nurses around the world – and that’s something we can truly get behind! There’ll also be a virtual tradestand village held throughout the event, bringing you many of the crazy deals and discounts you can expect from a trip to a 5*.

We’ll be bringing you plenty more news, information, and coverage as we inch closer to the big week. Go (Virtual) Eventing!

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Backstretch Workers Benefit from a Generous Donation

By on Apr 10, 2020 9:00 am -

585 men and women live and work on the backstretch of Belmont Park caring for the some 1,300 equine athletes who train and race there. At the time of writing, 20 of those faithful backstretch workers have thus far testing positive for COVID-19 and one, we are deeply sorry to hear, has passed away as a result of the virus.

While some racetracks have already had their meets cancelled and grounds vacated, such as fellow Empire State venue Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, which will be home to a 1,000-bed temporary hospital for the surge of COVID-19 patients expected this month, closing down Belmont Park isn’t as simple given the number of people who call it home. Stabling and training at Aqueduct, on the other hand, was already closed permanently as of January 1st of this year, whereas Belmont Park keeps a mostly year-round operation.

We’re happy to hear though, that the Belmont Park backstretch workers are getting some assistance from the The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation in the form of 1,000 donated face shields, which are produced by Kroop’s Brands. While Kroop’s normally makes goggles for racing and skydiving, they’ve converted their production to creating face shields to help address the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) at this time.

How can you help the racing industry? If you’ve got room for a new prospect, consider taking in one of these OTTBs:

Perfect Joke. Photo via New Vocations.

Perfect Joke (GIANT SURPRISE – EMILY HA HA, BY BRIGHT LAUNCH): 2015 16.2-hand New York-bred gelding

What’s not to love about a five-year-old, 16.2-hand, beautifully built bay gelding? Perfect Joke is no joke — he ticks all the boxes for some of the most desired features in a event prospect. “Perry” is a laidback, easy-going goofball around barn and an athletic and engaged learner under saddle. What more could you want?

Located in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.

View Perfect Joke on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Quenlenny. Photo via Second Stride.

Quenlenny (GHOSTZAPPER – KEY APPEAL, BY SUCCESSFUL APPEAL): 2014 15.3-hand New Jersey-bred gelding

Quenlenny last raced in January 2019 and has only recently made his way to Second Stride. They’ve put him under saddle and found that he’s sound and ready for a new job in any discipline. Quenlenny has a great attitude and work ethic — a hallmark of his sire.

Located in Prospect Kentucky.

View Quenlenny on Second Stride Inc.

Bluff Justice. Photo via CANTER Kentucky.

Bluff Justice (ELUSIVE BLUFF – YOU BE READY, BY MORE THAN READY): 2017 16.2-hand Indiana-bred gelding

This CANTER-owned three-year-old looks like a super type and has a great brain as well. His last race was in January of this year, retiring sound and is even going barefoot currently. His CANTER caretakers and riders say he has a huge canter step and think he’ll make an excellent sport horse. He’s being offered at a steal of a deal for a quick sale right now, but his price will increase as his training continues.

Located in Versailles, Kentucky.

View on CANTER KY.

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Apr 10, 2020 6:00 am -

Times are tough, but there’s inspiration all around us. One of my personal heroes is Jessica Thoma, a Tennessee eventer who had both legs and her left arm amputated in 2017. We’ve followed her story here on EN (see #TripleAmputeeEventer Jessica Thoma Is Determined to Return to the Start Box and #TripleAmputeeEventer Scores 8.5 on Rider Position in Show Ring Return) and her resilience, determination and uncrushable sense of humor continually remind me that we can overcome whatever obstacles we face. Check out this video of her just cantering along, nbd!

National Day: Good Friday

News & Notes from Around the Globe: 

There’s lots of good reading happening on the USEA website right now. A couple educational ones from the past couple days: “How To Take Your Horse’s Vital Signs” with Michelle Gardner DVM and “The Basics of Training Your Young Horse to Conquer Skinnies” with Liz Halliday-Sharp. [USEA]

Likewise, there are some great COVID-19 resources and stories over at Horse & Hound. Check out “‘Don’t give your vet the virus’: video series aims to help horses, owners and vets,” “Godsend for charities as brokers award grants, Pammy Hutton: Covid-19 puts our horses’ lives at risk,” and “New app allows eventing fans to play along with simulated Event Rider Masters on Easter Sunday.” [H&H]

Last but not least, our friends at The Chronicle of the Horse are doing great work during this crisis. Don’t miss “Am I Covered? Equine Liability Insurance During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” “Now Is The Time For Horse People To Look After Each Other” and “Horses Have Been Training Us For This All Along.” They also have a podcast going — check out the latest episode here. [COTH]

Just in on Jumper Nation: “Down Time Is the Perfect Time to Improve Your Riding: Get 1:1 Virtual Training with Geoff Teal“

Hot on Horse Nation: “Selling Horses During the Pandemic: A Must-Have Contract Clause“

Featured Video: 

Thursday Video from FLAIR: The Madden Method for Shoulder-In

By on Apr 9, 2020 5:00 pm -

One of the best tools for achieving balance and self-carriage is the shoulder-in movement. A basic yet challenging lateral movement, the shoulder-in is famous for its effects of lifting the front end and creating more impulsion in the hind end.

Of course, the shoulder-in can also be challenging to learn, particularly when both horse and rider are unfamiliar with the movement. Right now, many of you may be looking for some details to perfect in the interim between competition seasons.

Beezie Madden was kind enough to help us out with some basic tips for achieving a shoulder-in for the latest Madden Method video. These videos are full of helpful advice on everything from barn management to starting young horses — we highly recommend giving them a good study!

Event Cancellations/Postponements: WindRidge, Equestrians’ Institute, GMHA

By on Apr 9, 2020 3:44 pm -

The following events have been canceled or postponed:

May 9-10: WindRidge Farm Horse Trials – Canceled

May 29-31: Equestrians’ Institute H.T. – Canceled

“The EIHT Organizing Committee has decided to cancel the spring horse trial scheduled for May 29-31 at the Horse Park due to the many uncertainties and risks surrounding the COVID-19 epidemic. Our highest priority is the safety of our riders, families, volunteers, and staff. Given the limited number of people allowed in gatherings and that the virus outbreak is not yet widely under control, we feel this is the best course of action to preserve the wellness of everyone involved.

“It is our sincere hope that we will be able not only to host our fall horse trial on September 18-20, but also some small schooling shows in the summer, if the situation allows. We want nothing more than to be with you and your horses and have fun. But, until then, please stay safe and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”

May 30-31: GMHA Horse Trials – Postponed (Tentative Reschedule Date: June 27-28, 2020)

You can view a complete list of canceled and postponed events here.

Be well. Go Eventing (Someday!)

Liz Halliday-Sharp (Now a Full-Time U.S. Eventer!) to Host Instagram Live Session Today at 3 PM EST

By on Apr 9, 2020 2:27 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver at the MARS Wellington Eventing Showcase in February 2020. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Need some human interaction — at least of the virtual variety? Our friends at Athletux are continuing their Instagram live Q&A series through the coming week, with sessions that should be fun AND educational. For each session, tune into to the Instagram link LIVE.

Today’s session features Liz-Halliday Sharp, who by the way is now based full-time in the States after spending the majority of her time in the UK for the last 20 years! She and her team will split their time between the existing home of HS Eventing in Ocala, FL and a new facility opening in June 2020 in Lexington, KY.

“Basing full time in the U.S. is something I am very excited about,” Liz says. “Our new set up in Lexington is going to be incredible, and it has been amazing to build our own barn and equestrian facility for the first time. I look forward to building a client base in what I feel is one of top places in the world for equestrian sports. This facility coupled with our farm in Ocala will allow us to train to the highest possible level year-round here in America.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Zat the MARS Wellington Eventing Showcase in February 2020.. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The new facility, Blue Fox Farm (6105 Sulphur Well Rd.) offers 117 acres of amenities. A 20-stall barn is currently under construction which will attach to a large indoor arena featuring state of the art dust free footing and large windows allowing for maximum ventilation throughout. Horses will additionally enjoy ample large turnouts and paddocks, as well as a large covered walker with enclosed lunging area. New housing is currently also being built for staff, along with a new hay barn to accompany the large Tobacco Barn used as equipment storage currently on the property.

“Not only does Blue Fox Farm create an environment I know all of our horses and clients will love, but it will have some of the top training amenities in the area, making it the all-around package that we always dreamed of,” Liz says.

HS Eventing will offer full training, board and trailer in lessons. Liz Halliday-Sharp is now accepting new clients and horses of all levels at Blue Fox Farm — for a full list of amenities and pricing, please contact Liz via email at [email protected] or via phone at 858.504.1151.

Be sure to tune in for Liz’s live Q&A today! You can connect with her Instagram directly here:

Followed in the coming week by:

Go Eventing.

Big news from Athletux! The Equestrian Marketing Firm has recently restructured its business model to focus on three main areas: equestrian brands, athletes and events. This is a particularly exciting development for brands, who will benefit from Athletux’s wealth of industry insight to help build their image, maximize use of social media platforms and email marketing campaigns, manage sponsored riders, assist with graphic design and more. Learn more by visiting the just-launched new Athletux website here.

Event Horse Madness: The Final Four

By on Apr 9, 2020 12:48 pm -

From 32 down to four seriously star-powered options – and now it gets difficult. With one horse to represent each region, will you follow your heart or your flag? It’s the Final Four – and it’s well and truly business time.

HOW IT WORKS

32 of the world’s best event horses will come together in an NCAA-style bracket, with the winners of each bracket advancing to the next round and facing a formidable new opponent. In order to avoid a year-long argument amongst team EN — and because we’d really, really love to bypass any aggressive comments chastising us for missing anyone — we pull our contenders from the Olympic rankings, which are updated to the end of 2019. Then, we use those rankings to fill four categories, as follows:

  • Seven horses from North America
  • Seven horses from the UK and Ireland
  • Seven horses from continental Europe
  • Seven horses from New Zealand/Australia

“But that doesn’t equal 32,” we hear you protest. And you are not wrong, you little math whizzes. The next step is to find the four best-ranked horses from the rest of the world. Each of them will then be added to one of the above groups in chronological order, and seeded based on their position in the rankings.

These horses represent the top ranked six of each of their global regions. If a horse has since been sold to another region, they’re skipped over. (Before you come for us, know that this only happens in one case — and its previous rider is still represented by another horse in the bracket.)

Once pulled from the rankings, each horse is given a seed number within its group. The higher their position within the Olympic rankings, the higher their seed number. Winners of five-stars or major championships in 2019 will automatically be given top seed.

HOW THE WINNER IS CHOSEN

It’s all popular vote, baby, so the fate of your favourite is entirely in your hands. We wholeheartedly encourage as much devious social media campaigning as you fancy undertaking. This is, after all, Very Serious Bizzness: the winner will get full bragging rights as the EN readers’ favourite horse in the whole WORLD.

Each round will open up for voting as follows:

Round of 32, Part 1: Wednesday, March 18
Round of 32, Part 2: Friday, March 20
Sweet 16: Thursday, March 26
Elite 8: Thursday, April 2
Final 4: Thursday, April 9
Championship: Saturday, April 11

TODAY’S LINE-UP

Good luck, folks, that’s all we’re going to say. Today, we see US National Champion Tsetserleg go head to head with Swiss superstar Colero, while quirky boi pin-up Reve du Rouet takes on the ‘occasionally outrageous’ Ascona M. There’s no easy way forward – but we believe in you. Persevere and stay strong.

‘In It for the Riding’ With J. Michael Plumb, Brought to You by Banixx Horse Care

By on Apr 9, 2020 9:00 am -
JMP,Michael Plumb,Banixx,riding

J. Michael Plumb watching one of his students ride. Photo by Shellie Sommerson.

We ride for different reasons, and those reasons can change over time. So, I asked J. Michael Plumb (JMP) what he likes to work on when not preparing for a competition … and … now that he no longer competes, he brought it up — being ‘in it for the riding.’ But what does that mean?

What do you need to work on? This is not, “Oh, I curl my wrists.” Or “I look down when I ask for the canter.” This is digging deep and doing some real soul-searching. Sometimes it’s not so pretty and quite uncomfortable, too.

‘In it for the riding’ to become a better rider. ‘In it for the riding’ for your horse. Really improving your horsemanship communication skills.

Here are some exercises that can help us all become better equestrians:

  • Riding without stirrups, with a relaxed lower leg, is a great way to work on position and use of aids. Leave your stirrups on your saddle (if your horse will not tolerate them or cross them over in front of the saddle) — this is not “No Stirrup November.” Benefits of this include sitting in balance and practicing using your seat and legs. If you can only do this safely at the walk, then so be it; if you can do this at the trot, then great; moreover if you can canter this way safely, then, super.
  • Holding the reins in one hand and putting your other hand behind your back is a good ‘test’ of testing whether you are riding with seat and legs — or are you riding using only your hands? Try doing the same exercise and using your free hand to hold the pommel of the saddle to pull your seat down into the saddle. This is a great exercise to find your seat in the saddle.
  • Practice downward transitions without your reins. Can you go from a trot to a walk with just your seat, legs and core (without your hands)? How about a halt transition, keeping your horse straight, and not pulling on the reins?

As JMP went on to say, “Without competitions, or even schooling shows, we can really focus on what the *horse* needs.” What does your horse need? Mine has a great walk, but not so-great canter which sometimes makes it hard to find my spot to a jump … Guess what we are working on?! (Jumping is not the correct answer.)

Take your horse and these exercises out of the ring. Can you go out on the trails and practice the same? Getting our horses out of the ring is so good for their minds! Always keep safety as a priority.

Additionally, is your horse more relaxed at the end of your session? If not, look back at what you can do differently tomorrow to help your horse understand what you are asking. Try smarter, not harder.

Dare yourself to be better with your equitation, with your horsemanship. And, dare yourself to be better…

So many riders’ plans have been upended in these uncharted waters in which we find ourselves. Take this opportunity to make lemonade out of lemons and use this precious time to work on your horse and yourself. You might surprise yourself and your horse!

If you missed the last installment with JMP, you can read it here: Back to BASICs with J. Michael Plumb.

Brought to you by Banixx – the #1 trusted solution for equine and pet owners! Learn more about Banixx  by clicking here…