Classic Eventing Nation

Monday Video from CLM DWN: A Mare’s Guide to Social Distancing

By on Mar 16, 2020 5:30 pm -

The perfect description of a mare’s “love language” 😅Allyson Lockhart Thomas Armstrong

Posted by Ashley Wyss on Saturday, March 7, 2020

Social distancing is hard and unnatural, but necessary right now. It’s the one thing we all have control over that will help #flattenthecurve and slow the spread of COVID-19, buying our healthcare system time to adapt and treat patients to the best of their ability without being totally inundated all at once. For a fabulous explanation of why and how social distancing works, check out this Washington Post article.

Since social distancing can be a bit awkward for us humans, let’s take our cues from creatures who already have a healthy regard for personal space: mares. This mare, in particular, is happy to show you exactly how close you’re allowed to to get. Six feet, please!

COVID-19 Forces Cancellation of 2020 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event

By on Mar 16, 2020 3:45 pm -

The 2020 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (April 23-26) has been cancelled.

After releasing an update of sorts earlier today…

We will release an official statement on the status of LRK3DE 2020 and the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix in the next few days. Admittedly, as a small nonprofit organization, we may not be as nimble or as fast as for-profit companies in situations like this. Please be patient with us while we work through the details of this unprecedented situation. Thank you! You truly are the BEST fans all year.

… the event conceded, which makes sense being a major sporting event that attract tens of thousands of spectators, in light of the CDC’s recommendation that gatherings with over 50 people be canceled for 60 days.

Equestrian Events Inc. (EEI) has announced cancellation of this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ and Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. The events had been scheduled for April 23-26 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“This marks the first cancellation in the event’s 42-year history, but the worldwide health crisis and concerns about the spread of COVID-19 make this the only decision possible,” said Lee Carter, EEI executive director. “This is incredibly disappointing to everyone on so many levels, but the health and well-being of everyone—spectators, volunteers, athletes, staff and officials—is our number one priority and given the current situation, there really is no choice.”

“Sporting events and large public gatherings are being called off all across the country and it is with deep regret, and with the highest concern for all our patrons, that we take this step,” said Mike Cooper, EEI president. “With the recommendation by the CDC to cancel or postpone events with guests for the next eight weeks, it became apparent that this was the only acceptable course of action.”

Refund options for ticket holders will be announced soon.

Kentucky’s State Health Operations Center is operating at Level 1, its highest activation level. COVID-19 was first detected in a Kentucky resident on March 6; at the time of this publication, there have been 21 reported cases and the state reported its first death, who had other medical conditions, today in Bourbon County, a 66-year-old man.

Governor Andy Beshear (brother in-law of eventer five-star eventer Emily Beshear) has been lauded for his calm but urgent approach, empowering the state’s public health officials to speak frankly about the outbreak and taking appropriately aggressive steps to mitigate it including closing restaurants and bars to in-person service, closing schools and closing the State Capitol closing to nonessential personnel. View the full list of mitigation efforts here.

Other upcoming equestrian sporting events in Kentucky include Keeneland’s Spring Meet (April 2-24), which was cancelled today, and the Kentucky Derby, which will be making an announcement this week.

You can view a rolling list of canceled or postponed events here.

Stay well, EN. Go Eventing.

 

 

 

British Eventing Issues Indefinite Cancellation of Forthcoming Competitions

By on Mar 16, 2020 3:34 pm -

The British season has been put on hold as the spread of COVID-19 quickens, putting the running of major internationals like Thoresby Park – which replaces Belton – in question. Photo by William Carey.

British Eventing has issued a statement confirming that it will follow the lead of several other major eventing nations in cancelling all forthcoming competition, effective immediately.

The statement comes just hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised citizens to work from home, avoid all non-essential travel and contact, and confirmed that those considered ‘at-risk’ – including pregnant women, over-70s, and people with pre-existing health conditions – will be asked to stay home for 12 weeks.

“The government advice has been to minimise social contact and non-essential travel, and the restrictions on the support of the emergency services means that the responsible decision is to take all action necessary not to further burden the NHS or risk members’ safety at events,” says the statement. “We thank all of our members, organisers, officials, volunteers and staff for their support during these unprecedented times.  We will continue to monitor the situation and will resume sporting activity as soon as we are able.”

Refunds will be delivered in full to entries made prior to ballot dates, while those entries now post-ballot will be refunded less the abandonment insurance fee.

Though no prospective end date has been set for the cancellations, they will likely continue beyond the end of March, putting a stop to the first CCI4*-S of the British season at new fixture Thoresby Park.

We’ll be keeping you updated with any further information as we receive it.

[BE COVID-19 statement]

Twin Rivers Ranch to Postpone April FEI Event

By on Mar 16, 2020 1:50 pm -

Beautiful Twin Rivers Ranch. Photo courtesy of Twin Rivers Ranch.

More news of the COVID-19 ripple effect continues to hammer the eventing community, and Twin Rivers Ranch is the latest to make a statement regarding changes to its schedule. Long has the West coast waited to add another CCI4*-L event to its calendar, and the excitement surrounding the inaugural CCI4*-L at Twin Rivers in Paso Robles, Ca. has been palpable.

Now in light of the most recent updates and recommendations in managing the spread of COVID-19, Twin Rivers has stated that it is in the process of postponing its April FEI and national event to, pending final approval, June 4-7:

“Since the statements from FEI and USEF on March 13 and USEA on March 14 regarding COVID-19, Twin Rivers CCI & HT is currently working through the process of postponing our event to June 4-7. We are awaiting final approval from FEI, USEF and USEA. We would offer the same levels as before, Advanced-Beg. Novice nationally and international levels of CCI4*L, CCI3*L, CCI2*L, CCI4*S, CCI3*S. We are offering two options to our competitors: you can ask for a refund less the office fee or you can have your entry remain for this postponed date. Please email Christina at [email protected] with your entry requests.

We are also cancelling the Fundraiser Combined Test on April 4-5, refunds less the office fee will be issued.

We are actively trying to do what is best for the health and safety of our competitors, staff, officials and volunteers at this point. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and look forward to seeing you in June or another future event at Twin Rivers.

The Baxters & Staff”

We will continue to provide the latest updates on event schedules and/or cancellations — and you can find a rolling list of events and shows affected by the virus in this post.

As an additional piece of food for thought, it’s important to remember that event organizers are working tirelessly to come up with the best, most plausible solution for their show. Cancelling or even postponing a show has massive and potentially devastating effects for all involved, and there is no better time for us to stick together as a community and remember what matters the most. Thank you to all organizers, volunteers, officials, and everyone else involved with rolling with these punches!

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Ocala, Pine Top, MeadowCreek Park

By on Mar 16, 2020 1:00 pm -

I can’t quite believe that this is to be my last Weekend Winners post for…the foreseeable future. Just when things should be the perfect amount of chaotic here at EN, we’re entering into an unprecedented period of downtime instead. Never fear, though, as we’ll have plenty of content coming your way to help you keep your sanity. In the meantime, let’s celebrate our final weekend of winners. Until next time, y’all!

This weekend’s lowest score award goes to Liz Halliday Sharp and Shanroe Cooley, who won their Open Training division on a finishing score of 20.5. Liz Halliday Sharp ended her abbreviated spring season on a high note, winning four divisions at Ocala II Winter Horse Trials at Florida Horse Park.

Ocala Winter II H.T. [Website] [Results]

Advanced CT: Liz Halliday Sharp and Fernhill By Night (27.9)
Advanced/Intermediate: Liz Halliday Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver (29.3)
Intermediate Horse: Liz Halliday Sharp and Cooley Stormwater (27.4)
Intermediate Rider: Kimberly Be’gin and Ballinagore Rock Quality (51.6)
Open Intermediate: Hannah Sue Burnett and Lukeswell (35.1)
Open Intermediate Jackpot: Buck Davidson and Copper Beach (33.0)
Open Preliminary: Joe Meyer and Kindred Spirit II (28.4)
Open Preliminary Friday A: Kelly Prather and Catch Me Cooley (23.9)
Open Preliminary Friday B: Alex Green Kerby and Maximum Fernhill (20.8)
Open Preliminary Jackpot: Leslie Law and MTH Shannondale Khaleesi (24.6)
Preliminary Horse: Jennie Brannigan and Amazing Anthem (32.6)
Preliminary Rider A: Makayla Rydzik and Fluorescent Adolescent (35.9)
Preliminary Rider B: Kiersten Miller and Mama Mia (25.2)
Modified A: Lauren Yeagy and Bacardi III (29.5)
Modified B: Kendal Lehari and Iron Lorde (26.7)
Modified C: Emily Coulter and Artibella (27.8)
Open Modified Jackpot: Leslie Law and Shirsheen Ice (29.8)
Jr. Training Rider: Emeline Gilbert and Herr Winzig (21.2)
Open Training A: Mia Farley and VC Caalif Elmy (24.3)
Open Training B: Hannah Sue Burnett and Leo Distinction (31.4)
Open Training Friday: Liz Halliday Sharp and Shanroe Cooley (20.5)
Open Training Jackpot: Mia Farley and Northern Victory (21.7)
Sr. Training Rider: Rebecca Puglisi and Rosie’s Little Miss Liberty (33.6)
Training Horse A: Kurt Martin and Miss Peny Lane (28.6)
Training Horse B: Beth Murphy and Jimba (25.5)
Training Horse C: Maxine Preston and Wants To Be Cooley (25.7)
Jr. Novice Rider: Olivia Iskra and Princeton Pride (31.0)
Novice Horse A: Alex Green Kerby and J-Truman (30.5)
Novice Horse B: Lee Maher and Redfield Escape (23.3)
Novice Horse C: Megan Edwards and The Immigrant (22.6)
Open Novice A: Jane Musselman and Engapore (21.9)
Open Novice B: Jennie Brannigan and FE Subiaco (22.9)
Open Novice Jackpot: Lillian Dobat (22.4)
Sr. Novice Rider A: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (24.5)
Sr. Novice Rider B: Erin Walker and Rock On Cooley (31.7)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Ella Marinucci and Close Watch (35.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Michelle Mercier and Tullibards Chance Taken (24.7)
Open Beginner Novice Jackpot: Savannah Fulton and Cash Point (22.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Robin Barr and Tout Fini (22.5)

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate: Boyd Martin and On Cue (35.4)
Open Intermediate B: Daniel Clasing and Greek Empire (32.2)
Open Intermediate C: Nicole Parkin and Lander (38.3)
Open Preliminary A: Ashley Adams and Charly (27.8)
Open Preliminary B: Elizabeth Bortuzzo and Royal Archie (26.1)
Preliminary Rider A: Laura Douglas and Sophia Fab (34.6)
Preliminary Rider B: Meghan Marinovich Burdick and London ROF (40.1)
Jr. Training Rider: Sophia Kager and Little Miss (39.7)
Open Training A: Ryan Wood and Ben Nevis (29.3)
Open Training B: Boyd Martin and Penhill Celtic (27.6)
Open Training C: Lillian Heard and Cooley Greystones (26.2)
Preliminary/Training: Daruish Keyhani and B.E. Cruiseland (36.1)
Sr. Training Rider A: Will Englehardt and WEC Emperor of Hope (45.3)
Sr. Training Rider B: Lyndsay Poole and Celtic Forte (39.7)
Jr. Novice Rider: Avery Grantham and BeauJeste (30.5)
Open Novice A: Matt Brown and Sunsprite’s Huatulco (22.8)
Open Novice B: Matt Brown and RH Independence (24.8)
Sr. Novice Rider A: Stephanie Counts and Emillion To One (35.7)
Sr. Novice Rider B: Caroline Gregory and Forever June (31.9)
Training/Novice: Isabel Brunker and Allia (30.5)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Emma Potts and Boomtown II (30.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Jennifer A. Scherrens and RME Brave (33.6)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Chacea Sundman and Blew By You (31.4)

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Chloe Johnson and I Spy HX (30.5)
Open Training: Amanda Merritt and Flat Gone (33.4)
Preliminary/Training: Carson Crowel and Levity (27.7)
Training Rider: Julianna Pohoski and Lil Jet Setter (30.9)
Jr. Novice Rider: Avery Daigle and Fernhill Fierce (27.1)
Open Novice: Christine McCarter and Glenlord’s Laralie (27.9)
Sr. Novice Rider: Debra Dealcuaz and Fernhill Flyer (32.4)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Avery Wagner and Shamrock Sherman (36.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Brittany Caflisch and When Stars Align (29.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Casey Locklear and FLS Major Bounce (31.3)
Starter: Kaetlyn Perkins and Blye Eyce (34.2)

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I am so very proud and over the moon with how this weekend went! Rizzo and Tick tock finished on their dressage scores of 27.1 and 27.9, to take home first and second! (With Rizzo winning by .8😂) Such a great first show back in Area V and a great way to end our novice debut (if corona allows us to run our first trainings🤪) Oh and my team for junior team challenges with Kenna and Anna took home first this weekend! 🥳🥳🥳👏 Thanks @rbriding for helping make this all possible! Great job to @csj.eventing @kenna_not_dina @hpage.eventing @eadeventing @ellesnyder_eventing @val_eventing @amweventing @eventing.dewey @ampeventing @cameventing @mojoeventing @eventing.with.jules #averysdoitbest #fernhillsporthorses #fernhilltickthebox #ride4ashley #ride4grady #frscheckitoutnow #rbriding #fernhillfierce #areav #areaiii #rideforkatharine #rideae #americanequus #americanequuschosenrider ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ @polos_over_bros Avery17 for 15% off🎊 @ellanyequestrian Avery10 for 10% off!💛 @msvids_ ambassador☑️ @thepamperedponytreats sponsor

A post shared by Avery Daigle🇺🇸 (Area V) (@eventing.my.mares) on

Chattahoochee Hills, Stable View Will Not Run Upcoming Horse Trials

By on Mar 16, 2020 11:00 am -

Following the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation to halt any events of 50 people or more for the next eight weeks, both Chattahoochee Hills as well as Stable View elected to cancel their upcoming horse trials.

Chattahoochee Hills released the following statement regarding its April 3-5 event:

“Following the latest announcement from CDC it is with a heavy heart that Chattahoochee Hills must announce that the April International Horse Trials will in fact not run. For the good of all mankind we must adhere to protocol set out by the worlds leading authorities and help with the movement to get COVID-19 under better control.

“There has been a lot of positivity shown towards Chatt Hills and Stable View hanging in there as long as possible, but also a fair amount of negativity. I hope the masses can understand that our determination comes out of a positive outlook on life and that inevitably this decision was coming. We had time to take a deep breath and make decisions in a timely manner, whereby other events did not have this luxury.

“We are working with the USEF and the FEI towards salvaging some positive sport, made in a responsible manner, hopefully starting with our May 16-17 Horse Trials — 8.5 weeks from now.

“Best of luck to all, in getting through the next 8 weeks,

Hugh Lochore”

Stable View also released its own statement regarding the Designer Builders’ CCI-S 1*, 2*, 3* and 4* that was to run March 28-29:

“As a result of advice from the CDC, Stable View has decided to postpone the Designer Builders CCI-S 1*, 2*, 3*, 4* that was to be held on March 28th and 29th. We feel that in spite of overwhelming support from Riders at all levels, the CDC’s advice is unequivocal in a manner that was not present with previous guidance.

Riders will be repaid in full, all entry, stabling, bedding and accommodations fees ASAP.

Unlike certain other facilities, Eventing at Stable View is not crowd sourced, thus with few spectators it was considered unlikely that contamination would occur.

At this time we would like to thank many Riders, Owners, Grooms and those in the Eventing Community who supported our stand. We will run future dates on our Eventing Calendar ASAP.

We will be continuing with our full refund policy which we would suggest corrects a legacy issue within the Eventing industry that brings it into disrepute – Riders being charged for services not rendered.

The Boyd Martin, ETB Schooling Field at Stable View will remain open – cost $60 per horse. The new Rider Lounge with toilet and shower facilities will be available for use.

Please contact 484-356-3173 or email [email protected] with further questions.”

The USEA has suspended all recognized events from March 16-30. Additionally, the FEI and USEF have issued a recommendation that all competitions be suspended for the next 30 days (through mid-April).

The following events have been fully or partially canceled, postponed or modified in format as of 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 16.

Click here for a rolling list of equestrian events that have been canceled or postponed.

The Event Cancellation Triad: Two Helpful Explanations

By on Mar 16, 2020 9:15 am -

Over the past few days we’ve all been doing the mental math on how a triad of COVID-19 announcements issued by FEI, USEF and USEA will impact various events. With the three organizations’ responses differing, we thought it wouldn’t hurt to share a refresher on what each organization does/is responsible for. USEA Area II chair Melissa Stubenberg beat us to the punch, issuing this email to Area II eventers on Saturday. We couldn’t have explained it better ourselves — see below. 

The latest episode of Eventing Podcast offers a great breakdown as well. Nicole speaks with USEA CEO Rob Burk and USEF Managing Director of Eventing Jenni Autry to clarify the current position on eventing throughout the U.S. — you can listen in here. 

Hi Everyone,

I’m sure by now you all have seen the multiple emails about COVID-19 precautions (so I will not repeat them all). We have also had several recent decisions by the USEA, USEF and FEI. I will try and break it down and simplify it—so please note this is a simplification. Our sport has several governing bodies. Each horse trial is also a private business that has licenses from the various governing bodies to host events. Therefore, whether an event runs or not is ultimately the decision of each organizer.

As of today, the USEF (which licenses govern Modified through Advanced levels) has basically suspended events for 30 days starting March 16. If an event chooses to run, the results will not count for year end awards or national qualifications—-so it would be as if you were running those national levels at an unrecognized schooling show.

As of today, the USEA (which licenses govern BN through Training) has suspended events for two weeks starting March 16. As above, if an event chooses to run, it would be as if you were attending a schooling show. Area II will follow the USEA with respect to our year end awards, so any results will not count during the USEA suspension period.

As of today, the FEI (which licenses govern the FEI divisions) has strongly encouraged cancellation of events for 30 days but has not taking any other action. If an event chooses to run FEI levels, those will count for FEI purposes only at this time. There is some confusion for the impact for NAYC and Chris Donovan will be working on that clarification for impact for NAYC so those involved in that program will be hearing from her.

All events are also subject to any state or local restrictions on large gatherings. So each organizer will also have to comply with those restrictions.

Refund policies for each event depend on the events. I know this is an important topic for competitors but it really does depend on the individual events and what they are able to refund (beyond the nominal drug and USEF/USEA fees). I have also been in discussions with the Area II organizers and we have discussed more specific effects of the various suspensions with them, such as insurance coverage.

All these restrictions are fluid and very subject to change. I will try and keep the post on the Area II Facebook Page updated as well as a post on to the Area II website.

We all must also make decisions based on our individual risks. These are challenging times. I can say that that all the Area II organizers are working hard to do what is best for both the community and the sport.

Horses still need to be cared for everyday, so please consider those who care for your horse (if it is not yourself). We are lucky in a sense that we all should already be accustomed to taking precautions with our horses with respect to contagious diseases … and now need to make sure we are taking similar precautions with ourselves. Some in the area make their living with horses, I personally will still be taking lessons and training (unless I’m sick) but we each must make our own decisions.

As of the time of this email, the following Area II spring events have cancelled: Carolina International, The Fork at TIEC, Morven Park and CDCTA. Fair Hill has cancelled all its National levels but is still considering whether it can hold the CCIS4* (or other FEI levels). If Maryland closes all state parks, Fair Hill will be fully cancelled. (Editor’s note: You can view a complete list of USEA recognized events that have been canceled, postponed or modified as of this morning here.)

Please be safe everyone!

Melissa Stubenberg
Area II Chair

Resources: USEF: Corona Disease Resources, USEA: Event Responses to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Mar 16, 2020 12:49 am -

My husband Tommy and our son Thomas at the MARS Eventing Showcase earlier this year. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

When your life revolves around something that is, suddenly, pulled out out from underneath you, it feels … well … fill in the blank with your own emotions here. But listen, my eventing family: this, too, shall pass.

Take some time. Take a breath. Take stock of your life and loved ones. We’ll come out the other side, and stronger.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Ocala Winter II H.T. [Website] [Results]

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Website] [Results]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Results]

News & Notes: 

The following events have been fully or partially canceled, postponed or modified in format as of Sunday evening, March 15.

Resources: USEF: Corona Disease Resources, USEA: Event Responses to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

A bit of levity for you:

“Cheltenham’s horsey set unmoved by some poxy little global pandemic: Outside world can only look on aghast as festival continues amid coronavirus crisis.” [Irish Times]

And… this:

Stay safe out there EN! Go Eventing.

Cancellations Update: Poplar, Majestic Oaks, Galway, Rocking Horse, Morven, Spring Bay, Fair Hill

By on Mar 15, 2020 6:56 pm -

A number of USEA events put their hands up over the weekend, as the USEA suspended all recognized events for two weeks and the USEF and FEI urged the cancelation of events for 30 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following events have been fully or partially canceled, postponed or modified in format as of Sunday evening, March 15.

Seven more events — Poplar Place, Majestic Oaks, Galway Downs, Rocking Horse, Morven Park, Spring Bay and Fair Hill — released statements over the weekend. Please visit the USEA website for a complete list of statements from events.

March 21-22: Poplar Place Farm March H.T. – Canceled
Released March 14

Based on recent directives from USEF and USEA, Poplar Place Farm will have to cancel our March Horse Trials. Watch for email from the show secretary regarding entry credits.

We were set to run but the health and safety of our competitors, officials, and employees are most important. Thank you for your support.”

March 21-22: Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks – Postponed
Released March 14

Majestic Oaks is following the recommendations from the USEF, USEA and all government agencies with respect to hosting events where there are gatherings of people. Therefore our March Horse Trials is postponed.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this is creating or causing anyone who had set aside March 21-22 2020 as an opportunity to compete in our Horse Trials.

March 27-29: Galway Downs International H.T. – Canceled/Postponed
Released March 14

With the most recent directives from FEI, USEF and USEA we have no choice but to cancel our March 27th-29th International Event and Horse Trials.

Given the unique circumstances we are requesting to add in an International CCI-S 2*, 3*, and 4* event to our existing OI-Intro recognized Spring Horse Trials on May 1st-3rd as well as add an Advanced horse trials.

For those entered into next weekends cancelled event (March 27th-29th) you will have the following options available to you:

Option one: Your existing entry and stabling to be used to compete in our unrecognized March 27th-28th Prelim-Intro horse trials. This would also move any existing consumables (hay, shavings, RV). During this show we will be proceeding with our previous plan to make it a biosecure event.

Option two: Entry credit less stabling to be applied to May 1-3 International Event and Horse Trials. This would also moving any existing consumables (hay, shavings, RV).

Option three: Receive any association fees back and consumables (hay, shavings, tickets, RV). Stabling and entry fee will be lost.

Please contact Rick Dunkerton at [email protected] with what option you would like to proceed with and we thank you all for your support and understanding in this very unique time.

Thank you,
Kellerhouse Presents Team

March 27-29: Rocking Horse Spring H.T. – Canceled
Released March 14

Official Rocking Horse statement regarding coronavirus (COVID-19): In light of the current concern with the coronavirus outbreak, Rocking Horse Spring Horse Trials will now run as a schooling show on Saturday, March 28 & Sunday, March 29, 2020 in accordance with strict guidelines from The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a competitor decides at any time to scratch their Spring entry before the start of the show, they will be issued a full refund on their entry or it can be forwarded to a future schooling show or recognized show. Please take a moment and notify us how you’d like to proceed with your entry: email us at [email protected].

We will continue to monitor the situation and if any changes should be made, we will be sure to notify you all immediately! Stay safe! Thank you – Rocking Horse Staff

March 28-29: Morven Park Spring H.T. – Canceled
Released March 14

Out of an abundance of caution and compliance with the USEF and USEA requests to suspend equestrian competition, the 2020 Morven Park Spring Horse Trials will be canceled. The annual eventing competition has been held since 1974 and sees hundreds of equestrians competing in dressage, show jumping, and cross-country at one of the first recognized competitions of the season. Spring Horse Trials was scheduled to be held March 28 and 29 at the Morven Park International Equestrian Center.

“In our 46 years of hosting Horse Trials we’ve never had to cancel before,” said Sheryl Williams, Morven Park’s Executive Director. “We’ve seen rainstorms, out of season temperatures, and even a little snow, but there’s no way to weather this. We share in the disappointment felt by the riders that were scheduled to compete, and the owners, trainers, volunteers, and sponsors who have been so supportive of the Morven Park Horse Trials over the years.”

Due to the extenuating circumstances of this cancellation, Morven Park has chosen not to follow the protocol stated in our Omnibus listing and will issue everyone a full refund for their entry and stabling. There will be no administrative fee taken from your refund. Please email [email protected] with the correct name and mailing address that you would like your refund sent to, and we will start to process those on Monday, March 16th.

At this time, we are also canceling our Open Cross-Country Schooling Day on March 30th. We are extremely saddened to be unable to host this event, but hope that everyone will come out to support all of our upcoming equestrian events that are still scheduled to take place starting on April 18th.

In the coming months, Morven Park International Equestrian Center is looking forward to welcoming riders and spectators at the upcoming Summer Show Series for hunter/jumpers, the fourth season of Polo in the Park, and in October for the Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials and CCI.

April 4-5: Spring Bay H.T. – Canceled
Released March 13

It is with the deepest regret I have to announce that we will be canceling Spring Bay this year. Between the USEF announcement and the fact that the Lexington County Parks Department is closing Masterson Station to all organized groups, we have no choice.

We were so excited to offer a good competition, not to mention the first Modified level in Area 8. I know many of us are reeling from the news of so many competitions being lost this spring and the impact of all of this will be unfolding over the next little while.

Everyone will be notified by email with further details and we appreciate your patience as we sort it all out. Rest assured, we will be back and we look forward to seeing you in 2021!

April 10-12: Fair Hill International April H.T. and CCI-S 
Released March 14

Official Statement Regarding COVID-19:
It is with regret that we announce the cancellation of the National Divisions of our April Recognized Horse Trials, scheduled to be held April 10 – 12, 2020 at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Management Area in Fair Hill. In compliance with the current Maryland State Of Emergency regulations, as well as US Equestrian directives, we feel it is in the best interest of competitors, officials & volunteers to cancel our National divisions at this time.

Fair Hill International is also scheduled to hold FEI divisions (CCI-S 4/3/2*) that same weekend. We will have an announcement on Monday regarding the status of the FEI divisions, as we work to figure out all the details with FEI, USEF, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Please stay tuned.

All competitor entry fees for the National divisions will be refunded. We wish good health & safety to everyone.

 

Best of JN: Turning the Next Page: Joining the Nation Media Team as Editor

By on Mar 15, 2020 3:52 pm -

It was a typical Tuesday when, like clockwork, the Eventing Nation daily newsletter popped up in my inbox. I’m a former eventer who used to eat, sleep, and breathe cross country. With a prior horse, I had a rotational fall at a down bank that left both of us mentally scarred. I ended up carrying some of that mental baggage over to my current mare, and the anxiety started hurting us on cross country. Three years ago, I decided that it would be safer for both of us to switch disciplines to showjumping — a decision where we ended up thriving. I became more ingrained in the likes of a new set of favorite jumper riders and sites such as Jumper Nation.

Lynn Mueller on Miss Hot Rod. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

I never did completely leave the eventing world behind, though, thanks to the camaraderie of the sport, and I still keep up with happenings and favorite riders around the nation. Hence, the Eventing Nation newsletter still holds a near and dear place in my inbox.

A particular line in said newsletter caught my eye. Jumper Nation, one of Eventing Nation’s sister sites at Nation Media, was looking for an Editor. I was intrigued as I’d long harbored the writing bug and at the time had a release fast approaching for my second book on mental health awareness. Being involved in both the editing/writing and equestrian worlds would be a truly special way to combine both passions — not to mention that I’d always been a fan of Jumper Nation’s style, both in writing and aesthetics. I typed up an email to inquire about the role and hit “send.”

A series of conversations with the Nation Media team followed. Conversation flowed easily, a rarity in some of today’s social encounters. Maybe it was because we’re all equestrians at heart, or maybe it was because the Nation Media team is simply comprised of some of the most dedicated individuals I’ve met. Accepting the offer to become Jumper Nation’s new Editor felt like I’d at last found my niche.

Lynn Mueller on Miss Hot Rod. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

I’m an adult amateur through and through. I started riding when I was a little kid, taking lessons once a week in my soccer uniform and a borrowed helmet. My parents had simply wanted me to become more “well rounded” with my sports repertoire. The horse bug bit, much to their chagrin (as we all know that horses can be very expensive). It took me three years to learn how to post the trot because “up, down” was harder than “up, down, up, up, down, down,” but any time spent on the school horses at the stable was well worth it.

When I was 10 years old, I became a working student and learned how to wrangle ponies and Pine-Sol an entire barn to make the wood shine. I wasn’t able to afford my own horse until I was in my mid-20s and showed up (possibly unwisely) at Hawthorne Racecourse with a trailer, poking around asking random trainers if anything was for sale. I brought my “heart horse” home on that same day. He’s been gone for five years now, but I still miss him.  My current mare is a former racehorse, as well. I call her my “wild woman” because now that we do the jumpers, she is always itching for a jump-off…even if we’re at home doing ground poles.

Like the rest of us in the equestrian world, I’ve shed plenty of blood, sweat, and tears (quite literally) over my horses. Sometimes when (not if) I wind up in the dirt, I wonder why we even do this every day. I’m in awe of the glittering lights at the big horse shows but also enjoy just hacking on the trails and going to visit the neighboring cows — maybe even more so than the shows at times.

Lynn Mueller on Fahris. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

Thank you to John, Leslie and Meagan for our reflections on where Jumper Nation can (and will!) go. There is a TON to look forward to. Also, please join me in sending outgoing Editor, Meagan, the best of wishes in her next life chapter as she moves on to Phelps Media. I have no doubt that she will be a stunning asset to her new team.

I’m thrilled to join the Nation Media team and hope to truly grow our hunter/jumper community. After all, we’re all in this together: Amateurs, professionals, and everyone in between. We’re horse people.

Lynn Mueller with Miss Hot Rod. Photo by Juan Ramirez.

Go Jumping!