Classic Eventing Nation

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…

Spring Gulch H.T. Is Postponed

By on Apr 9, 2020 8:23 am -

Spring Gulch H.T., scheduled for May 16-17 in Littleton, Colorado, has been postponed.

CCC President Dani Sussman and Organizer Andy Bowles released this statement today:

“After great consideration of the current moving targets of this pandemic and with the health and safety of everyone concerned, the Board of Spring Gulch Horse Trials and organizer Andy Bowles have regrettably decided to postpone the May Horse Trials until hopefully early July. Our aim is to work closely with the Area IX Council, USEA and USEF to finalize a date to run in July if possible. We will also be looking at adding some combined test days into the calendar once the climate allows to help prepare competitors to get ready to start competing again.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support and we hope that during these unknown times everyone stays safe. We look forward to seeing you once we get through this.”

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

Be well. Go Eventing (Someday!)

 

Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

By on Apr 9, 2020 12:03 am -

Good finds on a hack. Photo by Kate Samuels.

This time is awful and hard and stressful in so many ways, and the way I survive is trying to get the most satisfaction out of the little things. The spring weather is absolutely brilliant, my horses are fat and happy on new grass, and I get to do a lot of hacking through the woods and fields, which everyone enjoys. And sometimes I find half a deer skull, which I take home and my dog really enjoys that as a chew toy!

National Holiday: National Unicorn Day🦄

News From Around the Globe:

Best of Blogs: Now Is The Time For Horse People To Take Care Of Each Other

When eventers can’t compete, they get creative. Enter, the virtual CCI5* three day event. The entrants will video and ride their dressage tests, which will be streamed and judged live, and then the show jumping and cross country phases will be completed by the riders … on foot. Don’t worry, the trot-ups will also be included, and the whole thing is a charity event for the COVID-19 related NHS fund. [Top Riders Gear Up for Virtual Event]

Bored? See if you’re smarter than a 12-year-old Pony Club C+ rider. Take this quiz on your knowledge, and hope you get it right! [Pass your Pony Club Rating]

What does the equestrian life look like during this pandemic? We’ve examined what this means for businesses, what it means for boarding barns/boarders and what it means for those who school and lease horses. But what are the implications of COVID-19 for those of us who own our horses, keep them on our own properties and are their primary caretakers? Send us your personal experiences and thoughts for this glimpse into the world today. [Horse Nation Wants Your Feedback]

Alex Titan, a brazilian Physical Education master degree student, needs our help. His research is about emotional development through equestrian practice, and your response to his survey could provide valuable information. Here are the links: [Brazil] [English] [Spanish] [French] [Portuguese] [Italian]

What we’re watching: A new episode of The Jon & Rick Show airs today at 6 p.m. EST, featuring special guest Dr. Mark Hart and  more. [Watch]

And! A new Athletux Instagram Live Q&A session featuring Liz Halliday-Sharp. The topic: “Finding the Perfect Bit For Your Horse.” Tune in at 12 PST/3 PM EST on Liz’s Instagram @lizhallidaysharp. [Watch]

What we’re listening to: What Did You Miss? USEA Podcast Episodes #250 – #254

Featured video: 

US Equestrian Offers Health Insurance Benefits to Members & Discounted Membership Fee

By on Apr 8, 2020 11:21 pm -

Earlier this year, US Equestrian launched a  new health insurance benefits program for members, including options for medical, dental, vision, life, disability, business, pet, and more. These benefits are accessible to all competing members and paid-fan members.

In an effort to provide emergency relief, US Equestrian is offering a discounted fan membership now through June 1. Members with a free promotional fan membership can upgrade, and new members can join, for just $20 with the discount code RELIEF. Click here to find out more and to sign up.

US Equestrian’s insurance benefits give members Affordable Care Act compliant insurance benefits at discounted rates typically only given to large employers.

Members can also take advantage of Teladoc service for just $8.95/month. This service gives members access to licensed physicians over phone or video chat, eliminating the need to visit an office for certain healthcare needs, including prescriptions.  For those enrolling in an individual medical plan, telemedicine service is included at no additional cost.

“We are so pleased to be able to offer these insurance benefits to our members,” says Kelly Bolton, Director of Human Resources for US Equestrian. “In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that access to health care is a serious concern for many Americans, especially those who may not have employer-based insurance benefits. We are able to offer our individual members affordable group rates, and small business owners can enroll to provide coverage for their employees. Additionally, our Teladoc service allows members to consult with a licensed physician without physically visiting a medical facility.”

We believe our members should have the opportunity to access affordable health coverage and are proud to offer this comprehensive benefits plan to all paid USEF members. With the rollout of this new program, US Equestrian has created a dedicated 24/7 member benefit hotline, where benefits specialists can help you navigate the different coverage plans that best fit you and your business. To reach the USEF member benefit hotline, call 1-800-349-1082.

In addition to insurance benefits, fan members of US Equestrian receive access to on-demand and live event streaming from the USEF Network; educational videos from the US Equestrian Learning Center; US Equestrian Magazine; MemberPerks discounts on a wide variety of products and services; and more. To access these benefits as a fan member, use the discount code RELIEF through June 1, 2020.

To learn more about US Equestrian’s new member benefits, please visit www.usef.org/insurance or call our 24/7 dedicated member benefits hotline at 1-800-349-1082.

A Message from Stable View Farm About May Shows

By on Apr 8, 2020 6:45 pm -

We are happy to share the following message from our friends at Stable View Farm:

“In an attempt to restart equestrian activities at Stable View, we are going to eliminate late fees during May on all of the events referenced below. In addition, we are delaying final acceptance of entries to the latest date possible. Please check back on May 1 for a further update regarding the status of our May shows.

“Subject to the present restrictions being lifted, the latest date for accepting entries for our Schooling Dressage Show on May 13th will be May 10th.

“For the Eventing Academy on May 23rd and 24th, in terms of Schooling on the 23rd, as usual, sign up in advance or on the day. For the unrecognized event on the 24th, entries will be accepted through May 20th with no late fee.

“For the Schooling Hunter Jumper Show on May 30th, as usual, sign up in advance or on the day with no additional fees.

“If possible, please enter early as this will help us plan in terms of officials, arenas, and levels of staffing. If we cancel an event, Stable View will continue with its full refund policy.

“Our present view is that there could be only one or two days notice prior to restrictions being lifted. As a result, we thought that it would be good to share our preparedness to reopen equestrian activities at Stable View at the earliest opportunity. Please continue to follow your local guidelines regarding social distancing and gatherings. We look forward to seeing you back at Stable View soon.”

You can view more information at the Stable View Farm website here.

Go Eventing (soon, we hope!)

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: A Serious Blast from the Past

By on Apr 8, 2020 5:44 pm -

Welcome to England in the spring of 1990. The calendar is rife with much-loved events – including Badminton, Bramham, and the now-defunct Windsor international – and many of today’s stars are just cutting their teeth on the cross-country field. Many others haven’t even been born yet. In today’s video, we settle in for an in-depth look at that spring, courtesy of the wonderful old Horse Trials Review. Packed with competition footage, interviews, behind-the-scenes peeks, and a young Pippa Funnell (still Nolan, back then) on her Pony Club-turned-5* mount, it’s an absolute romp through the ‘golden era’ of eventing, whether you lived through it yourself or simply love to dive into the past. At over an hour, the programme gives you plenty of time to wonder just how some of the ladies involved crammed their perms into their crash helmets. Perhaps that truly is the last great mystery in eventing.

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Jumper Nation Clinic: A Do-Try-This-at-Home Exercise from Phillip Dutton

By on Apr 8, 2020 5:26 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Z at the Wellington Eventing Showcase in February 2020. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

EN’s sister site Jumper Nation has teamed up with top, respected riders who we love for both their horsemanship and their creativity with exercises they use at home. Each week, they’ll be bringing us a new grid or exercise to try at home. You’ll be primed and ready for the show ring when we are able to get out there again! This week’s exercise comes from Phillip Dutton.

Missed last week’s grid?  Check it out here, courtesy of Caitlyn Shiels and True North Stables.

 This exercise consists of:
  • Oxer, set 18 yards on a curve to vertical, 18 more yards on a curve to another oxer
  • Note that the vertical is perpendicular to both oxers
  • Ride your horse on the line that you decide: Direct-three, four-strides, or five-strides
  • The distance between each vertical and oxer is set at 18 yards total (54′), on a “square” curve/turn, which will help you fit either the four or five-strides in
  • Note that the direct three-strides requires careful direction so you avoid a run out and the horse doesn’t get confused

Phillip explains: “This exercise helps in training of the horse and rider to control and balance on a turn, using leg yielding through leg to hand communication. Practice being able to ride your horse on the line you decide. Each turn can be ridden on three, four, or five strides. Three strides is very direct. Four strides is a nice, square turn. Five strides is a very wide, leg-yielding-out turn.”

About Phillip Dutton Eventing

Phillip Dutton Eventing is based out of True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania and Red Oak Farm in Aiken, South Carolina.  With his vast experience in both eventing and also competing in show jumping, Phillip coaches numerous adult amateur, High Performance riders, and upper-level professionals.

About Phillip Dutton

Originally from Australia, Phillip Dutton moved to the United States in 1991 to train in a more internationally competitive environment and to prepare for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, where he rode on Australia’s gold medal eventing team. In total, Phillip represented Australia in three Olympics and four World Championships after his move to the US.  He became an American citizen in 2006 and changed his competitive nationality so that he would be eligible to represent his adoptive home, the USA.  As of 2019, Phillip has ridden in every Olympic Games since his first team appearance for Australia at Atlanta in 1996, winning individual bronze at Rio in 2016. He additionally has won the USEA Leading Rider of the Year title 13 times and has held numerous top world rankings (FEI #1 World Eventing Rider in 2005, #2 in 2016, and #4 in 2017).

To learn more about Phillip Dutton, click here and be sure to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Go Jumping!

You Suck: An Eventer’s Ode to My Crappy Ankles and the Coronavirus

By on Apr 8, 2020 1:23 pm -

Bear in his new home, Le Cheval de Boskydell, where he is under the immacualte care and training of our new trainer, Jill O’Donoghue. Photo courtesy of Meagan DeLisle.

In early February, I sat down at my computer and mapped out my entire competition schedule for the spring/early summer season, and I am sure I am not the only eventer who did so. We all had big dreams and big plans for the year. Mine included finalizing my qualifications for the 2020 American Eventing Championships early on by putting in two more clear cross country rounds, and then just working on fitness until August rolled around. My sweet horse Bear is nearing 23 now (and that is to our best guess, haha, there is some discrepancy as to his age), and while he looks as fit as can be, continuing at novice or going past it is out of his comfort zone. The goal? Kill it at the AECs and let my tailless wonder retire on our farm, all while shopping for a new competition horse to step in and take his place when the time came. 

I had no clue that just a week later the coronavirus would make its way into the United States, or that two weeks later I would put myself out of competition for some time by tearing not one, but two of the ligaments in my left ankle after taking a small tumble at HITS Ocala (lesson learned ladies and gentlemen, don’t try and land on your feet — especially if your ankles suck at being ankles). 

I gave myself 10 minutes to freak out, and then I met with my orthopedic to make a plan. “My year-end championships are in August,” was the first thing I said when he opened the door to my exam room. “I need to be in the saddle before June to be fit, ready, and fully qualified. This is the first time I have ever qualified, and the only chance I have of competing with this horse.”

My sucky ankles just one day after the injury. Photo courtesy of Meagan DeLisle.

My husband sighed, but my orthopedic just laughed. “Done and done,” he said as he explained to me a new surgery option that would just have me out for six short weeks. The rehab would be intense, but my ankle would be better than ever. We scheduled the surgery for two weeks later (his earliest availability), and I was on my way dreaming of cross country runs at the Kentucky Horse Park and hopefully low dressage scores. 

And then, the coronavirus actually became a thing. As my surgery date crept forward, several people reached out to me curious as to if my surgery was still on the schedule. I began to panic. They wouldn’t ACTUALLY cancel my surgery, would they? I mean, I could barely walk, surely they saw this as an essential surgery, right?

Wrong. At 7:02 PM the night before my surgery, the hospital called me. The first positive testing in the county had come back, and all non-essential surgeries were off the docket. I cried myself to sleep that night knowing that this was just the beginning and that it would get much worse before it could get better. I was so close. 

I know that I am lucky in some aspects that my surgery was canceled. I know that there was an inherent risk of myself or my surgical team coming into contact with COVID-19. I know that surgical supplies need to be saved for life-threatening cases. Trust me; I know all of this. But that doesn’t mean that this absolutely does not suck. 

I am an active person. My solace is riding, and that is gone for who knows how long. My jumper mare is still in Florida, and I took Bear, my eventer, to Illinois for boot-camp so that once I was healed and ready to go, so was he. For a while, I could visit Bear a few times a week, but then the need to quarantine became so urgent that I knew I could no longer put my wonderful barn family at risk. So here I am, stuck at home, barely able to walk, unable to care for my farm and its many inhabitants and unable to ride or see my horses. And it sucks. My husband has been wonderful dealing with my roller coaster of emotions and helping care for everything at home and on the farm. I know I haven’t been an easy patient. In fact, my doctor refers to me as “his worst patient.” Sorry, Wayne. 

So what does one do when the world seems to stack against them? Again, I gave myself some time to be mad, sad, and everything in between. I let myself curse the world, and then I let myself draw inward and eat as much ice cream as I possibly could handle. Then I looked myself in the mirror one day and said, “suck it up, buttercup. Life sucks. Make it suck less.”

So I ordered a TON of books and have dedicated this time to reading and learning and betting myself as a horsewoman, even when I cannot be around a horse. I finally learned about conformation and how to assess it thanks to Deb Bennett’s “Principles of Conformation Analysis,” and I took note of some barn management skills I can implement at home with Cherry Hill’s “Horsekeeping on a Small Acreage.” I re-read and sticky-noted the crap out of one of my favorites, “World-Class Grooming” by Cat Hill and Emma Ford. 

Trying to find my happy place by reading one of my all-time favorite books, “World-Class Grooming” just minutes after my hospital cancelled my surgery, while my husband tries to cheer me up with YouTube videos. Photo courtesy of Meagan DeLisle.

I subscribed to YouTube after YouTube of professional riders who I admire and have watched thousands of helmet cams, counting the strides between combinations and feeling the way an upper-level rider executes their plan. I watch Dressage riders explain and dissect difficult movements so I can better my scores when the time comes. I assess show jumping rounds one-by-one, watching old live feeds, and understanding why a rail came down and how it could have been prevented. 

I have cleaned my tack so thoroughly that it looks brand new. I have organized my show trunks so that when the season finally comes around, I have everything in its place. With the help of my husband, we have combed through my truck and trailer, making sure that all is in working order for when I am finally able to go show. And I have scoured the internet looking for the perfect scooter to take to shows with me so that even though I might be in recovery and unable to show, I can still go and live in the moment with my friends and teammates and scoot around the grounds as best as possible.

Don’t get me wrong — I am still sad and frustrated, and the hospital probably hates me because I call weekly hoping for an update only to hear, “sorry, Meagan, still not happening anytime soon.” I still think my ankles and the coronavirus absolutely suck. I still don’t understand why any of this happened to me, to my country, to my sport. But at the end of the day, I am healthy. I am alive. And I am going to make the best of this. Because my ankles and the coronavirus might suck, but my life doesn’t have to. 

Try This DIY Bit Wipe/Hand Disinfecting Recipe/Drinking Game

By on Apr 8, 2020 10:35 am -

We love sharing innovative (and fun!) ways eventers are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Send yours to [email protected]! 

Today’s submission comes from EN blogger Julie Howard, whose “Confessions of a ‘Master’ Event Rider” series you can revisit here. Consider this a DIY edition, as Julie explains: “Gentle readers: we ‘master’ (read: ‘old as dirt’) event riders need to save money where we can. When we can’t hobble out to the paddock any more, we all have to retire, right? Which requires a savings account with actual money in it. So I cut costs where I can. With these unprecedented times, resourcefulness is the watchword. I’ve developed some DIY strategies both to save but to keep myself entertained while I’m NOT COMPETING my hair trigger, fire breathing, cross country machine who is incapable of relaxing and doing a decent dressage test OTTB. Combining DIY wit my love for beer (what event rider doesn’t love beer?!) with crafting this handy dandy useful item. What’s not to love?!”  

Photo courtesy of Julie Howard.

My bit wipe recipe:

Viva paper towels
Alcohol
Peppermint extract
Empty wipe container, like Clorox wipes

Cut the paper towel roll in half using a serrated knife.

Open a beer.

Using hot water trickling out of the faucet, wet the paper towel roll from the top (so that the center roll is facing the top). Make sure to get the center roll first and wet that thoroughly. Don’t get the paper too wet you can always add more water later. The hotter the water the better the roll will release its glue. This glue does not taste good to your horse. Trust me on this. Once center roll starts to separate from the paper, pull it out carefully.

Drink your second gulp of beer.

Pull a few towels out of the center. Now you can squish the paper roll into the wipes container. You can always use a roll that has been partially used so it is smaller. You needed to wipe up the beer you spilled anyway. Try not to waste beer being all DIY and such.

Survey your handiwork. Congratulate yourself for wrestling the roll into the wipe container by chugging the rest of the beer you didn’t spill. Open another because clearly you didn’t drink a whole one because you spilled it.

Now carefully pour the alcohol (not the beer) onto the top of the paper roll. This helps the wipes not get moldy. Celebrate this simple feat by swilling some hops.

Photo by Julie Howard.

Add some drops of peppermint extract. Your horse will thank you for the peppermint goodness that is now her bit. You’re welcome.

Label your container “bit wipes” (not to be confused with “butt wipes”). Nobody wants a peppermint butt especially sitting in a saddle. Your horse might disagree but don’t give in. You’re in charge, remember.

Survey your handiwork and pat yourself in the back, while simultaneously not spilling any more beer. That sh*t’s valuable and you never know when you’re going to fall off and need an adult beverage to get the courage to get back on the next day.

The wipes are a little fragile (like your ego, you beer spiller). When you use them you’ll need a few and pull them out carefully. Don’t go all whackadoodle on them or they may break and you’ll have a useless ball of sh*tty peppermint paper. You will be mad and nobody needs that negativity in their life. You’ve got enough problems trying to explain your horse obsession to non-believers.

Once you have wiped off your bit, which is the point, now isn’t it Karen?!, you can use these to wipe your hands and be all happy that you’ve disinfected your hands. So what if you have streaks of green slobber on your hands now. Let’s not get all crazy about it since we horse people know you eat sandwiches after cleaning your stall and forget to wash your hands first. No fake news there.

Here’s a picture of me with my horse Sweetie at Hitching Post pre-social distancing. Her bit is VERY clean! Photo courtesy of Julie Howard.

Don’t forget to reward yourself with a nice cold one for surviving another day as a crazy bit wipe making handwiper DIY horse riding goddess that has nothing to do with any tiger king.

Be kind, be safe, and go eventing (someday!)
#eventingnation