Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday Video from Flexible Fit Equestrian USA: Quarantine Like Arnold Schwarzenegger (& His Mini Donkey)

By on Mar 17, 2020 5:42 pm -

Stay at home as much as possible. Listen to the experts, ignore the morons (foreheads). We will get through this together.

Posted by Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday, March 15, 2020

Let’s all try to be a little more like  Arnold Schwarzenegger — stay home and love on your pets. He’s quarantining with miniature pony Whiskey and miniature donkey Lulu.

We can all fulfill our personal responsibility to our friends and neighbors by spending more time at home. Hang in there, EN. We will all come out stronger on the other side of this.

Flexible Fit Equestrian: Redefining Comfort & Quality at an Affordable Price. Learn more at www.ffequestrian.com.au. 

 

10 USEA Events Remain on the April Calendar (For Now)

By on Mar 17, 2020 5:17 pm -

As of today, March 17, a total of 22 USEA-recognized events in March, April and May have been canceled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can view those events here.

Ten events remain on the USEA calendar for April and, being outside the mandatory USEA two-week suspension window, they are taking a wait-and-see approach. With those opening dates already upon us or fast approaching some events have issued statements regarding their game plans and refund policies for those who may be considering entering.

April 8-12: Ocala International 3-Day Festival of Eventing
Released March 16

Thank you for your patience.

We are closely monitoring the situation and the CDC recommendations. At this time, the Florida Horse Park gates will be closed until April 1 and all events are canceled.

We have not yet made a final decision on the Ocala International Festival of Eventing held April 11-13.

Look for an announcement to be coming by next Monday, March 23.

Stay safe, wash your hands, and ride your ponies at home!

April 18-19: River Glen Spring H.T.
Released March 14

In light of the recent announcement by USEF to not issue points from March 16 to April 16, and keeping the health and safety of our competitors, families, and staff in mind, we are at this point planning on holding our April 18-19 Spring Horse Trials. We are closely monitoring the situation and will post updates as needed.

These are very uncertain times right now. I think we will have a better understanding of where things are headed over the next 2 weeks. Hopefully the measures we are all taking now will curb the spread of Covid-19, and in a few weeks we can all start to cautiously return to normal activities.

April 18-19: Plantation Field Horse Trials
Released March 17

These are very uncertain times right now. I think we will have a better understanding of where things are headed over the next two weeks. Hopefully the measures we are all taking now will curb the spread of COVID-19, and in a few weeks we can all start to cautiously return to normal activities.

As of now, the April 18-19 Plantation Field Horse Trials lies outside the current recommended USEF and USEA event cancellation policies. We all know that could change, but we are hoping to be able to run the event. There will be significant steps taken to be sure we are following all recommended guidelines to keep everyone safe. The welfare of our volunteers, competitors, and support staff is of utmost concern.

We want to assure competitors that if you enter, and we are unable to run due to federal, state, local, or federation directives, refunds will be issued. If in fact things settle down and the competition is held, it may fill quickly as it will occur the first weekend after the suspension period ends. I encourage you to enter without fear of losing your entry fee.

Please be conscientious over the next few weeks and do your part in stomping down the spread of this nasty virus. Fingers crossed we will see you in April.

Other events taking place in April that haven’t yet canceled or issued statements at the time of this publication:

We’ll keep you posted on all the latest. Go Eventing.

Pine Hill H.T. Is Canceled or Postponed

By on Mar 17, 2020 4:57 pm -

Marcella Pinell & Amplified on course at Pine Hill. Photo by Kate Boggan.

We are saddened to share the latest victim of COVID-19’s impact on U.S. eventing: Pine Hill Spring Horse Trials, scheduled to take place on April 4 in Bellville, Texas. Today the event released the following statement:

“In the 25 years of my involvement with the Pine Hill Horse Trials we have never had to completely cancel or postpone a USEA sanctioned event. This is even with 9/11, Hurricane Ike, Phil’s Passing in 2011, droughts and wildfires, Hurricane Harvey, tornadic thunderstorms, and flooding. So cancelling our April 4 USEA Spring Horse Trial due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus is a new and somber milestone for us.

“We have new jumps, new courses, and new footing in our jumper arena and we were so excited to share these improvements and changes with our Area V competitors. Up until today we thought we might be able to hold the show but the rapid spread and efforts to contain and ‘flatten the curve’ of the virus have finally reached a level that directs us to put the safety and well-being of our competitors, officials, and volunteers (as well as their families) first and foremost by limiting exposure.

“All competitors that have entered the show need to be reassured that we will not be keeping any of your entry fees. We understand we are all in for some hard times with a wounded economy and we want to make sure we support you so that you continue to support us when we get back to normalcy whenever that may be. For those who sent personal checks – I have not deposited any of them and will destroy them. For those who paid by credit card on X-entry – I will need 2-3 weeks to process that money through the Pine Hill account and send out refunds. For those who used an Entry Certificate won at one of the Area Eventing Association banquets – we will extend the one year limit to include April 2021.

“We will explore options for a makeup date and if it is feasible we will get the word out.

“Thank you so much for your understanding and continued support of Pine Hill. Be Safe and Stay Healthy!”

View a full list of canceled or postponed USEA events, which number 22 as of the time of this publication, here. Go Eventing.

Winona H.T. Is Postponed

By on Mar 17, 2020 2:14 pm -

Winona Horse Trials, originally scheduled for May 8-10 at Stone Gate Farm in Hanoverton, OH, is sadly among the list now numbering over 20 USEA events that have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. We are glad, however, to hear that they are seeking a postponement date.

Owners Jackie and Dave Smith issued the following statement:

“It’s hard to believe that the Winona Horse Trials is being added to the ever-growing list of competitions adversely affected by the Coronavirus.  Due to the latest updates and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Ohio, it is with great sadness and frustration that the Winona Horse Trials scheduled for May 8-10 at Stone Gate Farm will not run in May.  However, we do plan on running at a later date.

“We currently have the approval of the USEA Area VIII Chairman to change the date and a formal request has been sent to United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and United States Eventing Association (USEA).  We hope to make a formal announcement soon, but with the upcoming opening date just around the corner we wanted to give our riders a heads up. 

“We’re looking forward to celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Winona Horse Trials with all our loyal competitors, volunteers, officials, friends and family even if it has a little later than originally planned.

“In the meantime, stay safe, stay strong and stay sane … ride on!!

“Dave & Jackie”

We’ll share that postponement date when it becomes confirmed. Please keep an eye on the Winona H.T. Facebook page for updates. Go Eventing.

An Open Letter During COVID-19: We Will Overcome

By on Mar 17, 2020 1:28 pm -

Amy Nelson & Hummingbird’s Mendacium. Photo courtesy of Amy Nelson.

In recent weeks we have become intimately familiar with terms like “social distancing” and “quarantine.” Gatherings have been banned, businesses forced closed and some of the biggest events in the sport have been canceled worldwide. Even the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event announced its first ever cancellation in 42 years.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Things are changing by the hour, with new information and rules to follow. But one thing is constant: As equestrians we have always been a resilient group of people. On a daily basis we face adversity, like injuries, or falls, or inclement weather, and somehow we rise above it all to push forward in a sport that we love.

These are uncertain times. I am not aiming to be a doomsdayer, but to be honest, none of us knows the true scope of what is about to happen. In the world, but also in the sport we love. But count on this — we will continue to love our sport, and ride our ponies, and connect (virtually) with others who are the same. It is vital in today’s world that we ENJOY THE JOURNEY.

Amanda Kothe & Valentino’s Day. Photo by Becca Greene.

Many of us thrive on competition. We love the thrill of cross country, the comradery of the sport, and the time spent with our horses with the wind in our ears as a crowd (or our small group of family and friends) cheers us on. I do not know when these will happen again. I am hopeful we will be back to showing in no time, but as in the sport eventing itself, there are no guarantees. What I do know is every time you put a foot in the iron and swing your leg over, you should smile.

We are the lucky ones. We can still ride. Our passion cannot be quarantined. Our love for horses cannot be canceled. Many sports are not so lucky — weightlifters are forced to stay away from the gym. Swimming pools are on lockdown. Gymnasts are sent home. But riding will continue. Gridwork will happen. Jump schools and dressage practice and long hacks in the field will go on. At the very minimum, our beloved horses will still be cared for and nurtured (and we can sneak soft nose kisses and comforting neck hugs). Do not forget why you got into the sport in the first place. Stay connected with your riding friends remotely.  This is not the end of the world, nor is it the end of our sport. It is a temporary change.  But we will keep going. Because we are equestrians.

3 … 2 … 1 … Enjoy the ride.

Amy Nelson & Hummingbird’s Mendacium. Photo by Darryl Dragoo. 

First CCI4*-S of the British Season, Thoresby Park, Is Canceled

By on Mar 17, 2020 10:54 am -

The day after British Eventing issued the cancellation of all forthcoming competition, effective immediately, The Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park has confirmed that it will not run.

Thoresby Park, a new fixture that was to host the first CCI4*-S of the British eventing season, was scheduled for March 27-29 in north Nottinghamshire. The CCI4*-S division had 130 entries, with over 700 more entries spread across other FEI and horse trial divisions. We will be excited for its new debut date next year, April 1-4, 2021.

The event is run by BEDE Events, which also runs Osberton H.T. (Oct. 2-6) and Firle Place H.T. (May 9-10).

A statement released this morning from BEDE Events:

In light of the UK Government’s most recent announcement, and following discussions with the sport’s governing body, British Eventing, BEDE Events has made the sad but inevitable decision to cancel The Eventing Spring Carnival in 2020.

The welfare of competitors, supporters and visitors is paramount and the government’s advice has been to minimise social contact and non-essential travel. With restrictions on the support of the emergency services, the responsible decision is to take all action necessary not to further
burden the NHS or risk members’ safety at events.

Stuart Buntine, MD of BEDE Events would like to thank all the businesses, volunteers, organisations and competitors who have been so supportive.

“We will keep you posted on the status of eventing, and let you know when we are able to reopen and leap into action again.”

For further information email [email protected].

Visit the Thoresby Park website here.

Kentucky Derby Postponed from May 2 to Sept. 5

By on Mar 17, 2020 10:19 am -

With yesterday’s news of the cancellation of the 2020 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and the first COVID-19 related death in the state, an announcement regarding the fate Kentucky Derby was imminent.

Churchill Downs released a formal statement this morning:

The 146th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to September 5, 2020 and the 146th Longines Kentucky Oaks will be rescheduled from May 1, 2020 to September 4, 2020. These dates are contingent upon final approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission which we expect to receive on Thursday, March 19.

Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO, Bill Carstanjen, stated: “Throughout the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority has been how to best protect the safety and health of our guests, team members and community. As the situation evolved, we steadily made all necessary operational adjustments to provide the safest experience and environment. The most recent developments have led us to make some very difficult, but we believe, necessary decisions and our hearts are with those who have been or continue to be affected by this pandemic.  

Our team is united in our commitment to holding the very best Kentucky Derby ever and certainly the most unique in any of our lifetimes. While we are always respectful of the time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby, our Company’s true legacy is one of resilience, the embracing of change and unshakeable resolve.”

The postponement marks the first time the Derby will not be held on the first Saturday in May since 1945, when it was postponed to June 9 after the government issued a ban on horse racing due to World War II.

For the latest information on Derby Week, Spring Meet and details on ticketing as well as other relevant information regarding this change, you can visit KentuckyDerby.com/updates.

Full Gallop Farm March 29 H.T. Is Canceled [Updated]

By on Mar 17, 2020 9:49 am -

Update: Full Gallop Farm will not be hosting the schooling show, but will be hoping to postpone the event. 

Among the events falling within the USEA two-week suspension window is the Full Gallop Farm March II H.T. the final weekend of the month in Aiken, SC. New Event Horse, Young Event Horse and Dressage Test of Choice classes were take place on Saturday, March 28; the Starter through Preliminary horse trial divisions were to take place on Sunday, March 29.

Full Gallop has issued the following official statement:

In response to the announcement from the USEA suspending all recognized events for two weeks and the USEF and FEI urging the cancelation of events for 30 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, here is Full Gallop Farm’s response and plan:

While the refund policy in the USEA omnibus clearly states that there are no refunds for competition cancellation, we felt it was in our community’s best interest to come up with a balanced plan that offered some form of return on your competition investment. We wish we could offer refunds, however, that is just not possible. There are many pre-show expenses that occur whether the competition is held or not.

Full Gallop Farm — Rescheduling of March Horse Trials

We are requesting a move of the current scheduled March 29th Horse Trials to a date TBD. Anyone who has prepaid to attend the March 29th Horse Trials will be issued a voucher to be used towards any upcoming events, shows, or cross-country schooling fees until March 31st, 2021.

The New Event Horse and Young Event Horse competition is cancelled and refunds will be issued for those entries that have paid.

Three Phase Schooling Show to Replace Horse Trials

We are scheduling a Three-Phase Schooling show on March 29, 2020. Registrations will be available at EventEntries.com as of March 17th after 10 a.m. All registrations must be prepaid.  If you cannot use EventEntries you can drop off an entry or email the entry and PayPal the entry fees using the “friends and Family” option to [email protected]. Those who have prepaid for the March 29, 2020 event may apply those fees for the schooling show and the difference in amounts will be issued in a voucher to be used towards any upcoming events, shows or cross country schooling fees until March 31st, 2021.

If you do not want a voucher, or to run the schooling event with a voucher for the difference, the other option you have is just to scratch your entry. If you decide to take this option be advised the only refund you will receive is your USEA starter fee of $25. The rest of the entry and stabling will not be refunded. 

Things are changing rapidly so watch for any updates.

Please email us at [email protected] with which option you would like exercise.

Visit the Full Gallop Farm website here and Facebook page here.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Mar 17, 2020 12:01 am -

Tracey Bienemann and Geoni. Photo by Amy Flemming-Waters / AFW Photography.

We are very sad to share the news that yesterday, March 16, Tracey Bienemann’s four-star horse Geoni passed away. “Geno,” a Thoroughbred by Grand Reward and out of Vopo, was 12. Together they competed through the CCI4*-S level. Our thoughts are with Tracey in this difficult time.

National Holiday: St. Patrick’s Day

Tuesday News: 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has encouraged all citizens to return home if desired, as border restrictions with the United States are expected to become more strict. If you are in the process of transporting horses back to Canada, please fill out this form in order to help EC track its out-of-country individuals [Registration of Out-of-Country EC Sport Licence Holders  ]

British Eventing has made the decision to cancel all upcoming competitions, effective immediately. While events close down, racing will continue without spectators, The British Horseracing Authority says. [Coronavirus: all eventing cancelled and racing goes behind closed doors]

As we stare into the face of hard times ahead, Sara Bradley shares a few touching thoughts on how we can support one other in order to come out stronger on the other side. [Horse People: Let’s Get Creative In Helping Each Other]

Tuesday Video: Meet another friendly face from William Fox-Pitt’s team:

Jersey Fresh Will Postpone 2020 International Event

By on Mar 16, 2020 5:46 pm -

The COVID-19 shockwaves continue with the announcement that Jersey Fresh International will postpone its upcoming event, scheduled to be held May 6-10, 2020 in Allentown, NJ. The organizers released the following statement this evening:

“Due to the latest updates and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State of New Jersey and Local Officials, it is with great sadness and frustration that the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event (JFI) will suspend competition scheduled for May 6-10 at the Horse Park of New Jersey due to the COVID-19 Virus.

The JFI Organizing Committee, along with the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and United States Eventing Association (USEA), will be looking for a future date to run JFI 2020, as soon as Federal, state and local authorities deem it safe to do so.

It is our commitment to reschedule JFI 2020 – if we are able, to help our Competitors gain qualifications for future international competitions. In the meantime, the JFI Organizing Committee and the Horse Park of New Jersey wish everyone in the Eventing community good health and a speedy end to this challenging time.”

Jersey Fresh now joins the long and growing list of horse shows and other sporting events that have been forced to postpone or cancel altogether, including the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. You can find the latest updates to that list here.