Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday Video from FLAIR: Tokyo Olympics Explain Equestrian Sport

By on Mar 5, 2020 4:30 pm -

I love how, with each Olympic Games, new amateur experts on all the various sports emerge. Like Leslie Jones, or my husband who watches 45 minutes of curling on NBC and can suddenly mansplain the complex nuances of this winter sport involving, from what I can tell, ice, a rock and a broom. (And yet, I can’t remember the last time he offered to sweep around the house. *Sigh*)

With each Olympic Games comes an opportunity to gain new fanhood for our sport — but first, we have to convey to them what the heck is going on. Hence the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games “One Minute, One Sport” series of videos, which explain each sport in the span of 60 seconds AKA the average global attention span.

Their bit for equestrian is above, or watch it in the native language here.

See more of Tokyo’s best attempt to explain eventing to the general populous here. Go Eventing!

Equestrian Is Approved for 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile

By on Mar 5, 2020 3:20 pm -

Carlos Lobos Muñoz and Ranco of Chile at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Equestrian was among the 28 Olympic and five non-Olympic sports approved by members of the Pan Am Sports Executive Committee today for inclusion in the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

The inclusion of equestrian sport — and especially eventing — in an international games format is never something we should take for granted, as we require significant resources (read: land). Consider the difficulty we have had in securing host cities for the World Equestrian Games, which will for 2022 be split between Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy (eventing and combined driving) and Herna, Denmark (jumping, dressage, para dressage and vaulting).

According to a statement released today by the Pan Am Games:

Much consideration was given to the merits, benefits and difficulties of each sport currently on the sport program and those sports which have found new footholds in the Olympic Movement thanks to the innovative approach of Olympic Agenda 2020.

Following in the footsteps of the IOC, Panam Sports has taken the very difficult decision to maximize the resources of each Host Nation, approving the sport program of Santiago 2023 based on the realities and challenges of Chile. In accordance with Olympic Agenda 2020, Games should not require significant investment in resources and infrastructure that do not comply within the sustainable capabilities of the Host City.

Did reading that make you sweat a little? Did me!

The nation of Chile currently has one FEI event, Quillota Horse Trials (April 17-19, 2020), which hosts CCI1*, CCI2*-S and CCI4*S levels. Quillota is located about an hour and 40 minutes outside of Santiago, which makes us think they may be planning to stage the equestrian events there.

Carlos Lobos Muñoz and Ranco were the highest placed Chilean finishers at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, completing in 9th. Luis Alfonso Larrondo Muñoz and Puerto Octay finished in 18th, and the other two team members, Carlos Villarroel and Guillermo Garin Heyermann, were eliminated cross country.

Chile did not qualify a team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The nation does leads the way for an individual slot via the Central/South America region, with Carlos Lobos Muñoz and Ranco sitting atop the list of athletes from unqualified nations.

The following sports were approved for the 2023 Santiago Pan Am Games: athletics, archery, badminton, baseball/softball, basketball, boxing, canoe, cycling, equestrian, fencing, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, karate, modern pentathlon, roller sports (artistic skating, speed skating and skateboarding), rowing, rugby sevens, sailing, soccer, sport shooting, surfing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, water skiing, weightlifting, wrestling and volleyball. Other sports may be added so long as quality infrastructure could be guaranteed without additional investment by the host city. Final approval will take place at the next Pan Am Sports Executive Committee meeting in Cali, Colombia in the first week of June.

More information is available at the Pan American Games website here and the Santiago 2023 website here.

[Pan Am Sports Defines Santiago 2023 Pan American Games Sport Program]

 

Easy Gorgeous Tail Care! Brought to You by Banixx

By on Mar 5, 2020 3:00 pm -

Getting a tail into A+ condition, and maintaining it, takes some effort; however, the results are truly worth it! Picture you and your horse coming down the center line with a FABULOUS, full, swinging tail. It just punctuates your turnout!

If you are starting fresh with a very unkempt tail (hairs matted to the tailbone) you will likely have to sacrifice some hair to get that tail on the ‘right track.’ Once you have the tail under control, life gets much simpler!

  • Hand pick debris from the tail.
  • Wash with Banixx Medicated Shampoo, which is loaded with marine collagen as a moisturizer and conditioner. Be sure to wash the dock (boney part) of the tail too! Banixx Medicated Shampoo is particularly helpful to resolve unhealthy skin and the dock of the tail. (I find that using a bucket with soap and water to dunk the tail in allows me to get the tail saturated and down to the skin). Use caution and keep safety as your priority if you do this–you don’t want to surprise your horse.
  • Rinse well.
  • While the tail is still wet, saturate with a conditioner (equine specific or human hair conditioner), use your fingers to work through some of the tangles, then finish up with a thick toothed comb, carefully working  from the bottom of the tail to the top, to avoid losing precious hair. This step may need to be repeated if you have a nasty, problem tail.
  • Once the tail is dry, work on any remaining tangles with your fingers, and massage in a leave-in conditioner.

OK, now you have that fabulous tail — how do you maintain it? Nope, not the Tail Fairy – sorry! But here are some tips ….

Daily

  • Hand pick out bedding, grass, pine straw, weeds, etc.
  • With a soft brush and or small towel clean the underside of the dock of your horse’s tail, and with your hands check the dock of the tail. This accomplishes a few things — One, this is the quickest way to find ticks and other insect bites/issues. Two, the dirt and dander that accumulates under the dock of the tail causes the horse to itch … and scratch/rub out his tail.

Weekly or every two weeks

  • Wash the tail and be sure to get the dock of the tail clean. The frequency of this will depend on how dirty your horse gets.
  • With your hands, work a leave-in conditioner throughout the tail, starting at the dock of the tail and working down to remove tangles

Prior to a competition

  • Wash, condition and work out any tangles with your fingers. Allow the tail to dry. Don’t allow your horse to roll while the tail is still wet, it will attract and hold grime much more easily.
  • Spray with a leave-in conditioner that does not build up/feel ‘thick’ on the tail hairs.
  • Trim, cut and/or pull for a final preparation.

Wrapping or bagging a tail – An avenue to grow or preserve a tail is to wrap or bag it. If you choose this option (or want to test it), allow your horse to get used to this before attempting to ride him with his tail wrapped or bagged – or you might get a big surprise when he smacks himself with the wrap. Any bands/ties to contain the tail should cloth coated and not have metal (like the people hair bands).

Take the tail down (out of the bag) every few days otherwise the tail will suffer damages from being tied up for too long.

Lotions and potions – Stay away from oily lotions and potions in sunny conditions as they will burn the hair and attract dirt.

Bleached/discolored hair – Let those hairs grow out, or strategically clip them off (in moderation) or dye them. If you want to attempt to dye the tail to address bleached hair, proceed with caution. Use gloves, separate out the hair you want to dye (test a small area first) and apply the hair dye with a toothbrush. Be sure to read and follow the package instructions.

And with this easy tail maintenance regime, go for it! Just trot down that center line and WOW the other competitors right along with the Judge!

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By the Numbers: Red Hills CCI4*-S

By on Mar 5, 2020 12:52 pm -

The stage is set for Red Hills! Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

Red Hills marks the official 4* start to the North American calendar every year, featuring a star-studded line-up and a notoriously tight cross-country track. 2020 marks the fifth year that the course will be designed by Mike Etherington-Smith, who has surely but slowly put his stamp on the course. East coast favorite Chris Barnard designs the show jumping, which will return this year to the final phase for both the Advanced and CCI4*-S divisions.

The general rule at this event is that time is king at Red Hills, and it is true that getting close to the time here will make or break your chances. However, the dressage has historically played a huge part as well; every winner save one of both the Advanced and CCI4*-S divisions since 2015 have been in the top two after dressage. Only Lauren Kieffer and Veronica have bucked this trend … they were third after dressage in the 2016 Advanced before taking the win.

Despite that, this year may be the year the streak is broken; the top contenders are all tightly clustered together and much will ultimately depend on how difficult the time actually is to make.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

DRESSAGE

Look for Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti to lead the way after dressage. This pair is the only pair in the field to clock in an expected score over 70%. They’ve scored over 70% in seven of eight outings at this level over the last two years and while they don’t tend to flirt with the low twenties, they do have an extremely consistent record between 27 and 30 penalties.

QC Diamantaire moved up to the level in 2018 and really started showing promise on the flat last year under rider Sydney Elliott. Although he lacks consistency in scoring range, he broke the 70% mark twice in 2019 and kept his average for the year at a promising 31.3 penalties.

Jessica Phoenix will be back in the top five with Bentley’s Best as well, a horse who has an extensive A/4* career but was focused on Pan Am selection last year. This pair shows strong consistency, scoring between 29.3 and 33.8 in two thirds of their career starts at the level.

A full 35% of the field could put in expected scores over 65%, but spectators should make time to watch the flashy Hallie Coon and Celien and the reliable Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes.

Hallie Coon and Celien. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

CROSS COUNTRY

Despite leading dressage, Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti are fairly likely to accumulate a moderate number of time penalties, enough to drop them out of the top five. Another pair likely to drop from the top five down a few places is Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes, who are more likely to put in a steadier round.

Meanwhile, two pairs that are likely to score well inside the top 10 on the flat will be propelled to the top two positions. Both Hallie Coon with Celien and Sharon White with Cooley On Show will be hot on the heels of the leaders after day one with scores expected of less than 34 penalties each. These two pairs won’t have the fastest runs of the day but a minimum of time penalties combined with solid day one scores will put them into a head to head battle for first on the final day.

Meanwhile, Sydney Conley-Elliott and QC Diamantaire has the ability to maintain a top placing; last year this pair picked up the pace in their last two outings, finishing within 15 seconds of optimum at Stable View 4*-S and Fair Hill 4*-L. This was the first time this young horse had been asked for speed, and he rose to the occasion nicely.

With dressage averages at sub-35, look for Brandon McMechan with Oscar’s Wild and Leslie Law with Voltaire de Tre on cross-country day to rocket up the ranks to inside the top five. Pairs like Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack and Charlotte Collier with Clifford M will use their pace to creep up into the top ten as well after being mid-pack after the flat.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Jenni Autry.

SHOW JUMPING

Some of the better jumpers will be able to make some progress on the final day, with about 20% of the field expected to jump clear. Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack should make their way up into the top ten with a clear round; this horse hasn’t had a single rail in nine rounds at the A/4*-S level.

Both Hallie Coon with Celien and Sharon White with Cooley On Show will continue to duke it out for the top spot; less than a rail will likely separate this pair after cross-country. These two are almost evenly matched in this phase, with Cooley On Show jumping clear in 69% of his rounds at this level while Celien jumped clear in four of her six outings at this level last year.

PREDICTIONS:

WINNER

It’s a bit of a coin toss between the top two pairs but ultimately I think the dust will settle with Sharon White and Cooley On Show taking home the win. While both good jumpers, Celien has consistently pulled a rail when cross-country is the last phase, including both of her rails in 2019. A clear round will clinch the top spot for fan favorite Cooley On Show.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

FASTEST CROSS-COUNTRY ROUNDS

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Magnum’s Martini have the best speed rating in the field, finishing as either the fastest time of the day or within fifteen seconds of optimum in each of their last four outings at this level. If anyone makes the time this weekend, it will be them.

Nilson Moreira da Silva and Magnum’s Martini (BRA). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

NEW TO THE LEVEL

Keep an eye out for Maya Black and Miks Master C, who finished fifth at Pine Top in the horse’s first Advanced start last month. Matching their scores across the board there consistently put them inside the top ten in my calculations. While it’s difficult to compare the two venues off one run, their dressage score of over 65%, cross-country pace that would put them in single digit penalties, and clear round in the stadium would propel them to a solid finish.

Maya Black and Miks Master C. Photo by Abby Powell.

EXTENDING CLEAR JUMPING STREAKS

Only two horses in the field have never had a rail in their A/4*-S career, aside from the newcomer Miks Master C. Islandwood Captain Jack, ridden by Caroline Martin, has jumped clear in five A/4*-S starts and added another three clears in three 4*-L starts. Sydney Solomon and Early Review CBF have jumped clear in their four A/4*-S starts.

Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack. Photo by Jenni Autry.

BIGGEST MOVER

Sydney Solomon and Early Review CBF won’t catch your eye on the leaderboard after day one, but a solid record across the country and their excellent stadium record should help catapult them to a spot inside the top half of the field by Sunday.

OTHER DIVISIONS

  • Hannah Sue Burnett is making her comeback one step at a time after injuring her pelvis in the fall. She and the 2017 Red Hills CCI4*-S winner Harbour Pilot will be testing the waters in the CCI3*-S division.
  • Marilyn Little will bring RF Scandalous forward to contest the Advanced, likely looking for a solid cross country round to re-establish confidence and communication after a few hiccups in their win at the Wellington Eventing Showcase.
  • Will Coleman has been quietly bringing back the talented Off the Record after his 3rd place finish at Tattersalls CCI4*-L last May and will also be contesting the Advanced division with him this weekend.
  • The winner of last year’s CCI3*-L in Ocala, Flash Cooley, will be making his first Advanced start under Liz Halliday-Sharp.
  • Lauren Nicholson (nee Kieffer) has her trio of 5* horses competing; Landmark’s Monte Carlo and Vermiculus will contest the 3*-S while Paramount Importance competes in the Intermediate.
  • Kurt Martin‘s ride Delux Z will be competing in the Intermediate after taking 2019 off from competition.

Dressage takes place on Friday. Shelby Allen will be EN’s boots on the ground, bringing us all the action!

Red Hills International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores

Historic Former USET Headquarters Up For Sale

By on Mar 5, 2020 11:17 am -

Photo courtesy of Gathering Farm.

Gathering Farm, the former home of the United States Equestrian Team, has recently been put on the market. Situated 25 miles north of Boston, this oasis doesn’t just have a lovely outdoor arena and access to loads of trails. It features a stunning indoor arena with IGK footing and heated tackroom to get you through those cold winters in Massachusetts. It comes with a rich history and a storied legacy. And the time has come for someone new to carry on that legacy.

Tucked in the middle of an estate neighborhood, Gathering Farm is a rider’s oasis. Its 25 stalls and 17 acres of just what you need. Plus, it’s adjacent to the Essex County Trail Association trail system for miles of hacking. But, it is also a developer’s dream — a perfect property to gut and subdivide. And while we here at EN are not inherently against development, it would be wonderful if Gathering Place found a soft landing in the loving arms of an equine enthusiast.

Photo courtesy of Gathering Farm.

Gathering Farm began as a racing training and breeding facility. From the early 1900s through the 1960s, the Clark family ran their successful business on more than 100 acres with a mile long race track plus several breeding and training barns.

According to the farm’s website, “In the 1970s the US Equestrian Team (USET) moved their headquarters to the farm. Under the tutelage of the famous Jack Le Goff, riders from all over the country came to Gathering Farm to train in the sport of eventing.” You might have heard of some of the riders who trained at Gathering — you know, like Tad Coffin, Mike Plumb, Bruce Davidson and David O’Connor.

In 2001, the farm was purchased by Leslie and Tony Bartolotti with a mission to continue Gathering’s tradition of offering a premium boarding and training facility as well as creating “a fun and friendly atmosphere where both horse and rider come to learn and thrive.” In 2015, 70 inches of snow hammered the area collapsing the indoor arena at Gathering. The loss of that historic arena was devastating, but the Bartolottis managed to rebuild their arena bigger and stronger.

The new indoor arena. Photo courtesy of Gathering Farm.

Photo courtesy of Gathering Farm.

Babette Lenna has been the resident trainer for more than a decade.

“It is a very special place,” she said. “For me, having run the farm and built the business for the last 11 years for the Bartolotti’s, I always felt I was just filling the shoes of all the history that was before me. There is a powerful feeling that hovers over the farm and many a time standing in the outdoor ring looking out over the marsh I felt that feeling. Many greats have taught there and worked out of the farm and I always felt a responsibility to make the farm as good as we good in their honor.

“The Bartolottis put a lot into the farm over the 15 years that they have owned it to keep it moving forward. We all felt the farm was and is an extremely special place.  Maybe it was the history and maybe it is the location or maybe both. Either way I know there will never be another farm like it in the area that has had so many people try and make it be successful and carry itself from decade to decade.”

Photo courtesy of Gathering Farm.

But, alas, the time has come for them to sell, and Gathering Farm waits for what’s next. As it happens with so many farms, bits of Gathering were sold off over time. But the heart of her still remains, ready to take another generation of riders on their journeys.

Click here for the agents’ listing.
Click here for the Zillow listing.

Volunteer Nation: Four Events That Need Help This Weekend

By on Mar 5, 2020 10:03 am -

Thank you volunteers who kept things running smoothly and safely this weekend! Leslie van der Wal had the winning…

Posted by Twin Rivers Ranch, Equestrian Events on Monday, March 2, 2020

We love seeing volunteers celebrated for their hard work! Last weekend at Twin Rivers, it was Leslie van der Wal who was the big winner for a drawn prize recognizing her efforts helping out over the weekend. Enjoy, and thank you for volunteering, Leslie!

Time to rack up those volunteer points, EN! We’ve got four events on the docket for this coming weekend, all of which still have open positions for volunteers with some time to spare. We’ll also list the events coming down the pipe next weekend for those of you who prefer to plan ahead. Signing up early also helps the volunteer coordinator plan ahead, so anything you can do to sign up as soon as you can will help.

Click on the event name for more info, and keep an eye on eventingvolunteers.com for future listings in your area. And remember, the USEA wants to reward you for putting in volunteer hours. Not only do events run on the backs of volunteers, but there are some serious perks up for grabs for volunteers through the Volunteer Incentive Program!

Event: Red Hills International Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Sunday, March 8
Address: 1775 Miller Landing Road, Tallahassee, Florida, 32312
Positions Available: Inquire via Red Hills website or stop at the show office on the grounds

Event: Full Gallop Farm March Horse Trials
Dates: Saturday, March 7 through Sunday, March 8
Address: 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken, SC, 29805
Positions Available: XC Control Assistant, XC Jump Judges, XC Start Timer, XC Starter

Event: Southern Pines Horse Trials
Dates: Today through Sunday, March 8
Address: 2814 Montrose Rd., Raeford, NC, 28376
Positions Available: Event Prep – XC, XC Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, XC Starter, XC Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward

Event: MDHT Spring Forward Cross Derby
Dates: Saturday, March 7 through Sunday, March 8
Address: 1235 Park Mills Road, Adamstown, MD, 21710
Positions Available: All positions full at this time, but please stop by and check in with the office to find out if they need additional help!

Events Next Weekend:

Meadowcreek Park Spring Social (Texas) – March 13-15
Pine Top Spring HT (Georgia) – March 13-15
Ocala Winter II HT (Florida) – March 11-15
Copper Meadows Horse Trials (California) – March 11-15

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

By on Mar 5, 2020 12:03 am -

Nahhhh nobody has done this. No way.

The weather is the perfect kind of spring weather this week and I am living. It. Up. Baths for all the hairy horses, hacks through the woods and over the rivers, obsessively cleaning and conditioning all the tack I own, subsequently realizing that I own an insane amount of tack, and overall just enjoying the fact that I don’t have to wear twenty five layers. It’s the small joys in life.

National Holiday: National Cheese Doodle Day

U.S. Weekend Preview: 

Red Hills International H.T. (FL) [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm March H.T. (SC) [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Southern Pines H.T. (NC) [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Applications now open for the 2020 Wilton Fair International Grant! Open to riders under 27-years-old and younger competing at the CCI4* level and above, and be willing to apprentice with an approved trainer in Europe within 12 months. Intended to offset costs of living, training, and competing abroad for a talented young rider as they learn, and one incredible opportunity. Deadline is March 30th. [Wilton Fair International Grant Application]

At the heart of the bluegrass state sits Transylvania University, one of the top 100 liberal art schools in America and home to Transylvania University’s Eventing Team. Head coach, Tanya Davis, works round the clock at her barn, Three Day Farm, to keep the team in top shape. Transylvania University, fondly known as “Transy,” was founded in 1780, making it the 19th oldest university in the country. The eventing team was founded in 2012 as a varsity sport at Transylvania. [Transylvania Eventing Team]

Chelsea Smith has used her passion for horses to sustain her through struggles in her life, like most of us. For years, she’s been trying to start a family with her husband Mark, and through this journey, discovered that she has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, making fertility difficult. PCOS is related to nutrition and stress, so no more ramen noodles on the road at competitions for Chelsea, but at the same time, riding was her stress release. [Horses Help Smith Remain Positive]

New year, new ways for your horse to find dumb ways to hurt himself. We never want it to happen, but let’s face it, horses will be horses. Luckily, with the experts at Taylor Harris Insurance Services on your side, you can be prepared and protected should the worst come to be. Fill out a quote request in less than five minutes, and sleep easier tonight. [THIS Insures Top Eventers]

 

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: A New Kind of Jump Crew

By on Mar 4, 2020 5:00 pm -

Schaubild Asagao xx 👏

Posted by Stefanie Löhmann on Saturday, February 29, 2020

Who needs standards when you have a jump crew that can learn choreography?

There isn’t a lot of information to go along with this video, and I don’t speak German, but from what we can tell it appears that this horse is Asagao xx, a Thoroughbred stallion owned by Markus Hoffrogge who stands at stud at Krüsterhof in Voerde, Germany. Asagao xx has evented through the CCI2*-S level and seems to also have a penchant for showcases wherein he display a calm, cool and collected talent for jumping poles with human standards. That’s one focused horse and rider, along with a very brave and organized jump crew!

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Event Rider Masters Announces Shortened 2020 Season Amid Engagement Boost

By on Mar 4, 2020 1:47 pm -

A year for the books: the 2019 ERM series podium. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

As the European season whirs into motion, the popular Event Rider Masters CCI4*-S series is keeping one eye on the past as it delves into an in-depth analysis of key performance indicators over the previous seasons.

An industry-standard independent audit, conducted by SMG Insight, revealed an uptick in global fan engagement with the series through the 2019 season. The audit shows that digital audiences – that is, those who watch the series through an online streaming service, Facebook, or through the ERM website – are up 23.5% from 2018, while terrestrial television coverage was boosted by 72 hours, with the Lignieres-en-Berry final reaching a whopping 1.8m viewers on TV alone. Social media reach has doubled through 2019, while press readership is up by nearly 150%. In total, these engagement boosts represent an increased sponsor value of 16.1% – this means that the series is now worth an estimate £61.2m to advertisers.

So what does this mean for you, the viewer? Well, it’s a big step in the right direction for television coverage of our sport, as it showcases the viability of the sport on the silver screen and proves that eventing can make a splash globally.

In the wake of this announcement, the ERM has decided to amend its 2020 season plan, opting instead to deliver a shortened season of four legs, down from the six originally announced at the end of last year.

“We are excited to be entering our fifth year of existence, with continual improvement and innovation remaining core to the ERM organisation,” says Operations Director Paul Tapner. “We will continue to create exciting new innovations to the presentation of Eventing sport in 2020. For this Olympic year we have decided to condense and intensify the 2020 Masters season, providing a crescendo of sporting excitement into the Tokyo Olympics.”

Jardy will provide the stage for the action-packed finale of the 2020 series. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

The condensed season will begin in the UK at the Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International Horse Trials (April 10-11), a popular event on the British calendar and a new entry to the ERM line-up. Then, the series will head north-west to the Dodson and Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials in Derbyshire (May 16-17), which has previously acted as the series’ opener. The third leg will return to Belgium’s Arville Castle (June 27-28), while the finale will now be held at the popular Haras de Jardy venue just outside Paris (and just in time for Bastille day, with its July 11-12 spot on the calendar).

With four fixtures comes increased pressure for each performance to count – with no space to play catch-up, the new calendar removes any wiggle room and should dish up four exciting legs to keep us all occupied until we turn our attentions to Tokyo. In addition to a revised calendar, Tapner also promises a significant increase in television offerings in 2020.

“Every year the ERM series has increased its reach to global audiences. Through new live broadcast formats planned for 2020, ERM will continue to grow its fan base worldwide,” he says, attributing the series’ success to its mutually beneficial partnerships. “Independent analysis standard to the sports industry demonstrates that ERM provides enormous value to its sponsors. We have an exciting array of sponsors aligned with ERM for 2020 and we look forward to welcoming new sponsors for years to come.”

Visit the website here.

[ERM 2019 MEDIA STATISTICS AND A NEW LOOK 2020]

Will Coleman Makes It Three for Three at $20K Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix

By on Mar 4, 2020 12:08 pm -

Will Coleman and TKS Cooley. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Will Coleman was on a roll at yesterday’s $20K Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix, landing his second consecutive win on TKS Cooley, following his 2018 win aboard Gideon. Coleman, who is based out of Ocala for the winter season, went home with the lion’s share of the prize money, $6,600, as well as the $5,000 Travel Voucher awarded by EquiJet!

Coleman chose wisely in selecting TKS Cooley for this competition, as the bay Irish Sport Horse Gelding, owned by the TKS Cooley Syndicate, has never had a rail in his eventing career. Although they weren’t the fastest, this pair snagged the win as TKS Cooley laid down the only clear round in a thrilling jump-off performance. Coleman’s stellar ride was followed by Karl Slezak in second aboard his own Fernhill Wishes, and young professional Mia Farley stole third with her own BGS Firecracker.

Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Mia Farley and BGS Firecracker. Photo by Lisa Madren.

The grooms award went to Jennie Brannigan‘s groom, Tyler Held, who crafted a cool silver graphic of Brewster Walker Horse Transport’s logo on Ibella‘s hindquarters!

Photo by Lisa Madren.

The style award was rightfully given to third place finisher Mia Farley.

Photo by Lisa Madren.

Top 10 Finishers:
1. Will Coleman and TKS Cooley
2. Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes
3. Mia Farley and BGS Firecracker
4. Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye
5. Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver
6. Lauren Kieffer Nicholson and Paramount Importance
7. Rebecca Brown and Dassett Choice
8. Sharon White and Claus 63
9. Ali Knowles and Ms. Poppins
10. Hallie Coon and Cooley SOS

You can read a play-by-play of the action via EN’s live updates here.

Photo by Lisa Madren.

This event would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors. Leading the way for the seventh year in a row as Title Sponsor was Ocala Horse Properties, followed by Presenting Sponsors EquiJet, Light Speed Equestrian and Stellos Electric. Prix Sponsors were Wordley Martin Equestrian, Stadium Horse Trucks and Peak Performance (BW Furlong & Associates). Our Jump Sponsors were Mars Equestrian, Buckeye Nutritionals, Stubben NA, Fox Hill Forge, Joe Meyer Eventing and Lane’s Mark Farm. Many thanks also go out to course designer Chris Barnard and his jump crew, Brewster Walker Horse Transport, announcers John Kyle, Cathy Wieschhoff and Jon Holling, EQTV, Sidelines Magazine, Max Corcoran, Scott Keach, Denise Goyea, Lisa Thomas, Mid-Atlantic Equestrian and Madren Photography. There were many other volunteers behind the scenes and we thank all of you, as this event would not be possible without the collective efforts of our entire eventing community!

Many thanks to Lisa Madren of Madren Photography for the beautiful photography!

Go Eventing.

[COLEMAN SCORES BIG IN HIS 3RD CONSECUTIVE WIN AT THE OCALA HORSE PROPERTIES’ EVENTING PRIX!]