Classic Eventing Nation

Red Hills CCI4*-S/Advanced Cross Country Live Updates

By on Mar 7, 2020 11:26 am -

The B element of fence 18 on the CCI4*-S course. Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1… GO! Have a great ride! Chinch is on site and ready for an exciting cross country day at the 2020 Red Hills International Horse Trials. While there is no live stream, EN will provide minute-by-minute updates of the CCI4*-S and Advanced classes right here. The four-star begins at 11:00 a.m. followed by the Advanced at 12:56 p.m.

The CCI4*-S track is 3795 meters to be run in 6 minutes and 29 seconds, but beating the clock is famously difficult here, so expect time penalties to be influential today. Check out our full course preview at this link.

Red Hills International: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

2:32 Here’s your top ten from both divisions. The CCI3*-S division has just gotten underway, stay tuned for reports later today!

 

1:55 Alyssa Phillips’ time as 7:06 — that puts her into the lead in the Advanced division with Oskar! Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous are currently second.

1:52 Will Coleman and Don Dante are hunting the fences. They’re clear through 18.

1:51 Clayton finishes clear with FE Stormtrooper.

1:50 Liz Halliday-Sharp zooms through the upper water with Flash Cooley.

1:49 Clayton Fredericks and FE Stormtrooper are clear through the upper water.

1:48 Marilyn Little finishes clear. We eagerly await their time.

1:44 We’ve got three left in the Advanced as Marilyn heads toward the finish.

1:42 Marylin Little and RF Scandalous are clear through 7.

1:38 Lucia Strini and MTF Cooley Classic have a stop at the Boathouse Water at fence 10C, the brush heading out of the water.

1:37 The force was with Meg and Anakin. They finish clear in a time of 7:55

1:33 Steph Cauffman is home clear with a time of 7:43. Meg Kep is clear so far through the upper water with Anakin.

1:30 Beautiful riding through the upper water for Steph Cauffman!

1:29 Jennie Brannigan lays down a clear round with Twilightslastgleam with a time of 7:12.

1:27 Steph Cauffman and Chatsworth Third Revolution are clear through the coffin.

1:25 Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam are the first out on course in the Advanced.

1:20 Brandon McMechan and Oscar’s Wild are our CCI4*-S leaders after cross country with the fastest trip of the day! Hallie Coon & Celien are second and Sharon White and Cooley On Show are third. The Advanced will start NOW with no break between divisions.

1:19 Jessica Phoenix finishes her fourth jumping clear of the day with Humble GS. Her time of 7:08 giver her a score of 48.2.

1:13 Last pair are on course! Here goes Jessica Phoenix and Humble GS.

1:12 Bobby Meyerhoff and Fotuna finish with a time of 6:54. They add 9.2 time penalties.

1:07 Gabby Ruane finishes clear with a time of 7:26 that gives her 22.8 time penalties.

1:00 Emily Hamel and Corvett go clear through the upper water. Gabby Ruane is on course now. 6th overnight, she’s the only one left who could go ahead of Brandon.

12:59 Leslie Law QC First Class finish clear with a time of 7:14
12:56 Jessica Phoenix is out on the course again with her fourth entry, Wabbit.

12:54 Karl finishes 33 seconds over the time.

12:52 Alex Green and Fernhill Limited Edition are clear through the Boathouse water  Karl Slezak is clear through the upper water at 18

12:48 Leah Lang-Gluscic and AP Prime retire at fence 17.
12:44 Kyle Carter and Reddy Or Not finish clear with a time of 7:25.

12:36 Third-placed Jennie Jarnstrom and Calicia C have scratched. Jennie had a fall earlier in the day, she is ok but out of caution withdrew this 4* ride.

12:31 Hallie Coon and Celien have finished clear! She finished 28 seconds over, just beating Sharon White, who was 32 seconds over. That puts her in second a score of 42.6  Brandon McMechan is our new leader!

12:30 Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre Finish clear. They added 10.4 time penalties.

12:27 Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain  Jack finish clear with time penalties added.

12:24 Chris Talley and Unmarked Bills finish clear with just five time penalties.

12:20 Jessica Phoenix has a stop with Bentley’s Best at the corner at 14B. She elects you retire.

12:16 Good riding from Jennie Brannigan. Bliss III takes a flier into the upper water.

12:12 Sharon White and Cooley On Show finish clear! They have a time of 7:01. That gives them 12.4 time penalties tentatively.

12:08 Ashley Kehoe finishes with a time of 7:47. Everyone is clear so far, but the time is once again proving difficult to achieve.

12:07 Overnight leaders Sharon White and Cooley On Show now on course!

12:06 Maya Black narrowly avoids disaster at the Boathouse Water. She comes out of the tack, but sticks the landing. Nice save!

12:05 Nilson da Silva finished 22 seconds over with a time of 6:51.

12:03 13th-placed Ashley Kehoe and Kiltealy Toss Up are clear through the double banks at Pebble Hill.

12:02 Brandon McMechan comes home clear with the fastest round of the day so far at 6:35

11:59 Brandon McMechan and Oscar’s Wild are clear through the upper water. Riders cross through this complex twice, and it’s riding well so far.

11:57 Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration are tearing around the course. They’re clear through 16 so far.

11:56 Bobby Meyerhoff finishes clear. He does have time penalties. Tentative time TBD.

11:53 Jessica and Pavarotti finish clear with a time of 7:05. That tentatively gives her 14.4 time penalites Bobby Meyerhoff and Albano are clear through the upper water at 18.

11:45 Jessica Phoenix kicks things off for the four-star group with Pavarotti. We are 45 minutes behind the schedule, but will continue to run horses at three minute intervals.

11:26 a.m. Due to holds during earlier divisions, we are running about 30 minutes behind. Stay tuned for an estimated 11:30 start time.

Tour the Red Hills CCI4*-S Cross Country Course

By on Mar 7, 2020 8:55 am -

Pebble Hill, fence 10 ABC on the CCI4*-S course. Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

It’s cross country day at Red Hills International Horse Trails and we have a very exciting lineup for you today. Mike Etherington-Smith returns for the fifth year as course designer for the CCI4*-S folks, laying out a test that will surely keep tailgaters on their toes all afternoon.

Exploring the magic of Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, it’s easy to forget that we’re here for a competition. The flagged fences weave and dart through gorgeous, established Live Oaks dripping in Spanish Moss like garland hung for a year-round celebration. The park is maintained by the City of Tallahassee, Leon County and the Northwest Florida Water Management District, whose top crew has produced a fabulous surface for galloping.

The Big Leap In, fence 16. Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

The entire track is 3795 meters to be run at a 570 meters per minute. There are 23 labeled fences and 35 jumping efforts. Riders will be aiming to come home in 6 minutes and 40 seconds, but the time is famously difficult here, with only five riders finding it possible in the event’s 21-year history. Last year, Selena O’Hanlon became the first to beat the clock three times.

The first of two angled tables jumping into the Boathouse Complex. Photo by Shems Hamilton/Red Hills.

This year’s course shares similarities with the 2019 edition, following it the same direction. For fence-by-fence insider tips,scroll down for a tour of the course from CrossCountry App featuring commentary from Mike ES. It also includes beautiful photos from Shems Hamilton, who has served as the fabulous volunteer photographer for Red Hills for many years. You can view all the Red Hills courses on CrossCountry App’s website.

The CCI4*-S cross country starts at 11:00 a.m. There is no live stream, but EN will be providing live updates, so tune in here for the minute-by-minute action.

Red Hills International: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Mar 7, 2020 12:01 am -

Don’t forget to mind your melon today and every day! Photo via EN archives (because why wouldn’t we have an archived photo of a cat with a melon on its head?)

March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month and the Jockeys’ Guild will be raising awareness for this super-relevant cause by declaring today Brain Injuries Awareness Day and having jockeys in major stakes races across the country wear blue arm bands. Here at EN, we’re strong proponents of wearing your helmet every ride, every time. We also hope that the research being done to increase the safety of our sport will extend to further develop even safer, more effective helmets. Mind your melons, everyone!

National Holiday: It’s also National Flapjack Day, which is what your brain will be if you don’t wear your helmet.

U.S. Weekend Action: 

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

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

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

Saturday Links:

USEF Letter to the Members Regarding the Coronavirus Outbreak

US eventing community acts to improve safety after rider’s death

Coronavirus: Smaller FEI Sports Forum goes online; what about the Olympics?

Revealed: The secret to getting your horse on the bit, naturally

Mary Quarles: USEA’s Volunteer of the Month presented by Athletux

New grassroots eventing team competition introduced

From Untacked: From Stable To Shelf (Breyer Animal Creations)

Saturday Video:

Marilyn Little Seeing 20/20 in Advanced + More From Dressage Day at Red Hills

By on Mar 6, 2020 7:44 pm -

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous stepped into a familiar role today at the Red Hills International Horse Trials, leading a three-day event after the first phase. A score of 20 in the dressage, the best score all day across all divisions, has them topping the advanced.

“She’s great in this phase. We have our own goals that we’ve set for Kentucky, and this was very much a stepping stone on the path,” she said.

The 14-year-old Oldenburg (Carry Gold x Richardia, by Lario), owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars and Phoebe and Michael Manders is aimed at Kentucky next month and this weekend is a key prep for all three phases.

“I rode her very conservatively today. I have to be able to train her on days like today, so for me to be able to ride conservatively, she has to think about discipline and exactly where she’s putting her feet,” Marilyn said. “She was quite fresh, but she was still a very different horse than she was two years ago. I’m looking forward to where she can be by April.”

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Alyssa Phillips is second with Oskar, an 11-year-old Holsteiner owned by Alyssa and Julie Phillips. They laid down a 24.1. Oskar moved up to the Advanced level last fall at The Jockey Club, and he bested that dressage result by over 10 points today.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Flash Cooley. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Flash Cooley, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Pru Dawes and Liz, are third on a score of 30.5.

Will Coleman and Don Dante are fourth on a score of 31.1, and Clayton Fredericks is fifth with FE Stormtrooper on a score of 31.6.

More you need to know:

The CCI3*-S is headed up by Robin Walker aboard SBT Barolo, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Robin Walker, Roger Schramm and Alston Kerr. Their 28.3 was unmatched throughout the division.

Kyle Carter is second with Gaillards Lancer on a score of 28.6, and Rebecca Brown sits third with Dassett Choice on an even 30.

Jonathan Holling leads the Open Preliminary division with Kilkenny Mile. They earned a 20.8, and held the record for lowest score of the day until they were usurped by Marilyn and “Kitty.”

Cross country kicks off here in Tallahassee tomorrow with the Preliminary riders beginning at 8:30 a.m. Here’s a schedule:

Preliminary: 8:30 – 9:20 a.m.
CCI2*-S: 9:24-10:34 a.m.
CCI4*-S: 11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Advanced: 12:56 – 1:32 p.m.
CCI3*-S: 2 – 3:24 p.m.
Intermediate: 3:24 – 4:04 p.m.

Go eventing.

Red Hills International: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

An Update on Frangible Fundraising Efforts & the USEA’s Plan Forward

By on Mar 6, 2020 7:17 pm -

In the wake of last weekend’s tragedy, both the eventing community and its governing body have moved forward with a positive, constructive momentum that spells, in no uncertain terms, that the time for action is now. Around $85,000 has been raised toward the implementation of frangible technology nationwide thanks to YOUR incredible generosity, and a fast-acting safety plan emerged from a two-hour USEA safety meeting last night.

Jon Holling, Chair of the USEA’s Cross Country Safety Committee, and USEA President Max Corcoran shared updates in this video:

Jon reports that, between the USEA’s Frangible Fence Research initiative and the Frangible Fences for Eventing US GoFundMe, around $85,000 has been raised toward frangible implementation. He’s at Red Hills International this weekend and says, “We would really like to get that by $100,000 by the end of the weekend.” So if you haven’t already, use the links above to DONATE NOW!

Max reports that the USEA Cross country Safety Committee had a long but very productive meeting last night, with a wide variety of stakeholders represented. They were able to put together two working groups to expediently create and enact some changes to our safety protocol.

One group is working on putting together a list of Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) for the day of the competition, as it’s happening. “If you don’t meet specific standards — whether that is a specific dressage score or a certain amount of rails in the show jumping — maybe potentially that’s not your day,” she says. “Maybe it’s not safe for that horse and rider combination to go on to the cross country.”

They’re also working on revamping rider categorization, inspired by the FEI’s system. “Maybe we have to do more Training levels before we go Preliminary, and more Preliminaries before you can go Intermediate,” she says.

Max gives a nod to the incredible effort to implement frangible technology — “There is a lot we can do, and a lot more we can do … new developments are coming out all the time.”

A number of companies have stepped up to donate a portion of their proceeds to fundraising effort, and there is a tee-shirt sale benefit underway as well. Click here to order.

And, finally, Max says the USEA is going to try to re-energize the fact that officials have the ability to give other people a radio and deputize them to keep an eye on riders in warm-up or on course at events. “If something doesn’t look like it’s going right — and that one official that may be busy doing something else or is not in the right field — they also have the ability to report in. So we have more eyes on the ground to keep more things safe.”

Earlier this week, the Thoroughbred racing podcast “At the Races” hosted by Steve Byk had chair of the FEI Eventing Committee David O’Connor on the show to discuss the distinct difference in public reaction to last weekend’s tragedy and the less sympathetic public reaction to the losses that have occurred in the horse racing world in recent months and years: “Saddened when hearing of the tragic loss of Canadian eventer Katherine Morel and her OTTB mare Kerry On on cross country at Rocking Horse Trials III on March 2, Steve was struck by the immediate, sympathetic reaction without rancor from those in the eventing world to the horrific accident. It was a stark contrast to the far more vehement negative public reaction that has accompanied the sudden breakdowns and deaths of Thoroughbreds during horse racing and training, and particularly those that occurred in such inordinate numbers last year at Santa Anita Park in California.”

(Listen to the episode here — it’s worth it.)

David’s viewpoint was straightforward yet illuminating — in eventing, we address the safety issues facing our sport head-on, with transparency and honest discourse that seeks real solutions. That approach, as opposed to finger-pointing and cover-up, lends itself to respect, empathy and constructive problem solving efforts. Certainly, we’ve seen that approach in action this week.

He used an interesting analogy to explain eventing’s multi-faceted approach to solving the problem of safety: Swiss cheese. If you layer two slices of Swiss cheese on top of each other, there are probably still some holes. But if you overlap enough pieces on top of each other, the holes disappear. To wit: there is no one single solution, but if we layer several contributing solutions together, we can get closer.

More ideas and improvements will certainly emerge, but as it stands, it seems like we’re on the right track. As Max says, “This is some good stuff, we’re moving forward, so let’s all stick together and try to keep our sport safe.”

Frankly, I’ve never been prouder of our sport and our community. Go Eventing.

 

 

Red Hills: Sharon White & Hallie Coon Tied at Top of CCI4*-S

By on Mar 6, 2020 6:06 pm -

Hallie Coon and Celien. Photo by Shelby Allen.

It’s a battle of the best at the 2020 Red Hills International Horse Trails in Tallahassee, Florida, where not not one, but two riders share the leading role of the CCI4*-S division after dressage. Sharon White and Hallie Coon sit on an equal result of 31.4.

Like any good perfectionist, Hallie is pleased with her result, but yearns for even more magic on the flat this season with longtime partner Celien, a 13-year-old KWPN mare (Tenerife VDL x R Quicksilver, by Hamlet) owned by Hallie & Helen Coon

“She lit up in there a little. She spooked in her first walk pirouette, which she hardly ever spooks. I was a little unhappy with moments, but I think the rideability and the connection is getting better. Hopefully in the future we will be able to focus more. She was just very exuberant, but you can’t hardly ever be mad at her she’s such a good girl,” she said.

Sharon White and Cooley On Show. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The always affable Sharon White says this weekend is about enjoying the ride with her Cooley On Show or “Louie.” Sharon says the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ricardo x Jogantina, by Grand D’Espange) was very “genuine” and that dressage is very much a sport of inches, and today’s focus was on the journey and always getting just a bit better. Tomorrow, she says, is about having fun.

“I will enjoy the horse. I think footing is perfect. The rain yesterday is made it ideal for, us so I will let him have fun. It will be a good day to let him go shed a few pounds,” she laughed.

Breaking the tie will first come down to cross country time penalties. Assuming both riders finish clear, whoever is closest to the optimum time will advance in the standings, so must be both quick and cognizant of the clock.

Jennie Jarnstrom and Calicia Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Jennie Jarnstrom was all smiles with her own Calicia Z after their test produced a score of 32.2 for second place. The 9-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare (Papillon Z x Cassidy, by Perell) is a second generation homebred for Jennie, making today’s success even sweeter.

“She was born right at my house,” Jennie said proudly. Her mother bred the sire, Papillion, and Jennie brought him over from Sweden to breed with the mare Cassidy in the states.

Jessica Phoenix wins the award for busiest rider this weekend. She has five — yes five — horses entered in the CCI4*-S class. She is fourth with Humble GS (32.6), fifth with her own Pavarotti (33.3), seventh with Bentley’s Best (34.4), ninth with Watson GS (34.7), and 29th with Wabbit (43.9).

Gabrielle Ruane and Lismakeera Brewski. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Gabrielle Ruane is sixth with her own Lismakeera Brewski, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Carlo Bank x Droum Bridge Lass, by Kahtan). This duo, who moved up to the four-star level last year, earned a new personal best of 34.3 in their blossoming experience at this level.

Pretty in pink, Charlotte Collier piloted her own Clifford M into eighth place. She and the 14-year-old Holsteiner earned 34.5 — an eight point improvement on their debut at the level last November.

Kyle Carter and Reddy or Not. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Riding for Canada, Kyle Carter rounds out the top ten. He sits on an even 35 points with Reddy or Not, an 11-year-old Trakehner (Oskar II x Raven Riley, by Windfall).

Jennie Brannigan and Bliss III. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Looking down the leaderboard, Jennie Brannigan is 11th with Bliss III on a score of 35.4, Emily Hamel and Corvett are 12th with 35.6 points, and Ashley Kehoe and Kiltealy Toss Up sit 13th on a score of 35.7.

Leslie Law and Voltaire De Tre. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Leslie Law and Voltaire De Tre take 14th with their score of 35.8, and Holly Jacks-Smither and Candy King earned a 36.5 for 15th place.

Cross country four the CCI4*-S division kicks off at 11 a.m. tomorrow. While there is not live stream, we will be doing live updates on EN. Stay tuned for all the latest.

Red Hills International: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

 

 

Friday Video from SmartPak: Fly Through the Barocca CCI4*-L Cross-Country

By on Mar 6, 2020 6:02 pm -

As the British eventing calendar is pummelled by more and more cancellations (yes, that’s two out of my three runs so far abandoned, not that I’m counting or anything), the smug souls who decided to start their season in sunny Portugal are surely patting themselves on the back. We wouldn’t know for sure, because we’re only watching from afar – but all evidence posted by our friends at the Irish Eventing Times would suggest that there’s plenty of reason to do so.

Portugal’s premier event is a two-week extravaganza, jam-packed with hot competition from 1*-4* and featuring some of the sport’s biggest names, determined not to be struck out by a little bit of wet stuff falling from the sky. This week’s competition, which features the crown jewel 4*-L, also offers up an early chance to get Tokyo qualifications done and dusted – although eligible riders have until this summer to get their Minimum Eligibility Requirements banked, there’s much to be said for getting them in the  books nice and early, and then buying stock in bubble wrap.

Week one of Barroca belonged almost exclusively to Cathal Daniels, who ran away with top honours in the CCI2*-S (Shannondale Mari) and the CCI3*-S (OLS King Aragon). This week’s looking no different: he goes into tomorrow’s cross-country in top spot with OLS King Aragon, the only horse to post a sub-30 score in the CCI4*-L. We’ll bring you a full round-up of how the competition plays out, but in the meantime, enjoy this course preview – and a bit of much-needed escapism, if you’re stuck in England at the moment – from Irish Eventing Times. As you’ll see, the season opener doesn’t mess around – it’s full of airy timber and some combinations that will require positive riding and quick thinking. Somehow, we expect the European bronze medalist isn’t too worried.

Run fast, go well, and drink plenty of port, chums.

Teams Announced for USEF Futures Team Challenge at Carolina International

By on Mar 6, 2020 5:16 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the eventing athletes who will participate in the USEF Futures Team Challenge, a two-day training program and unofficial team competition, at the Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial, held March 19-22 in Raeford, N.C.

Launched in 2019, the USEF Futures Team Challenge is a key component of the U.S. Eventing Pathway Program and gives two teams of four athletes the opportunity to compete in a simulated team competition under the guidance of U.S. Performance Director Erik Duvander and U.S. Developing and Emerging Coach Leslie Law.

Athletes applied to compete in the USEF Futures Team Challenge and were recommended by the Performance Advisory Team for approval to an Ad Hoc of the Eventing Sport Committee. Based on the selection criteria for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™, athletes were selected based on their results, potential, willingness to learn and commitment to developing into future team athletes.

Erik Duvander’s Team:

  • Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.) with Danger Mouse, a 12-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin, or Islandwood Captain Jack, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin (CCI4*-S)
  • Dan Clasing (Lovettsville, Va.) with MW Gangster’s Game, a 10-year-old Anglo European gelding owned by Dan Clasing (CCI4*-S)
  • Allie Knowles (Lexington, Ky.) with Ms. Poppins, a 9-year-old Westphalian mare owned by Katherine O’Brien, Business Class, a 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding owned by Katherine O’Brien, or Morswood, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Katherine O’Brien (CCI4*-S)
  • Ellie O’Neal (Reddick, Fla.) with Zick Zack, an 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare owned by Sally Cox (CCI3*-S)

Leslie Law’s Team:

  • Fylicia Barr (West Grove, Pa.) with Galloway Sunrise, a 12-year-old American Warmblood mare owned by Fylicia Barr, Shannon Barr and Daniel Barr (CCI4*-S)
  • Woods Baughman (Lexington, Ky.) with C’est La Vie 135, a 12-year old Hanoverian gelding owned by Woods, Kim, and James Baughman (CCI4*-S)
  • Jenny Caras (Cartersville, Ga.) with Trendy Fernhill, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elyse Eisenberg (CCI3*-S)
  • Alyssa Phillips (Fort Worth, Texas) with Oskar, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Alyssa Phillips and Julie Phillips (CCI4*-S), with Bliss III, a 14-year-old KWPN mare owned by Alyssa and Julie Phillips, as a direct reserve (CCI3*-S)

“Yet again it was a very good group of combinations that put their names forward for selection,” Erik Duvander, U.S. Performance Director, said. “I believe both Leslie and I have strong teams, and I look forward to working with the athletes in a learning and competitive team environment.”

“This is a great opportunity for the athletes to learn and gain experience riding on a team before they potentially have the opportunity at a championship,” Leslie Law, U.S. Developing and Emerging Coach, said. “This is similar to how the Europeans use the Nations Cup series to develop their athletes.”

The USEF Futures Team Challenge will expand to the West Coast at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event, held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Temecula, Calif. Applications for Galway Downs will open in September.

“We hope to see the USEF Futures Team Challenge grow to include additional competitions in future years so more athletes have the opportunity to practice competing in a team environment,” Jenni Autry, U.S. Managing Director of Eventing, said. “We are incredibly grateful for the support we received from the USET Foundation to launch this program and are actively looking for increased support and potential sponsors so we can continue to expand the program.”

Learn more about the Carolina International at carolinainternationalcci.com.

Stay up to date on U.S. Eventing by following USA Eventing on Facebook and US Equestrian on Twitter and Instagram. Use #USAEventing.

The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members.

[Teams Announced for USEF Futures Team Challenge at Carolina International]

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Another Herd of Bays

By on Mar 6, 2020 9:00 am -

They may all share that (mostly) plain brown wrapper, but they come in all shapes and sizes and from all over North America, from Ontario to Louisiana! There’s something for everyone here in this edition of OTTB Wishlist: a high-earning stakes-placed professional, a still-on-the-track five-year-old, and an unraced filly. Come and get ’em!

Smooth Talk. Photo via CANTER PA.

Smooth Talk (COURT VISION – SEDUCTION, BY VICE REGENT): 2015 16.1-hand Ontario-bred gelding

Photos don’t do this gorgeous gelding justice (even though it’s still visible that he’s hunk) but you really need to watch his jog video because WOW — that walk and trot! Smooth Talk is a horse that has that sought after natural hind end engagement, which means he’ll probably be a stunner in the first phase. It’s not all about the dressage though, of course, and his naturally powerful hind end paired with a lovely should makes it look like Smooth Talk could have some excellent jumping talent as well.

“Vinny,” as he’s known around the barn, isn’t a bad race horse — he’s earned $65,746 in 13 starts — but he prefers to run on synthetic tracks, which don’t operate for another few months in Pennsylvania. Rather than hang on to him until then, his trainer is offering him up for sale. Her loss could be your gain!

Located in Grantville, PA.

View Smooth Talk on CANTER PA.

Zapperini. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Zapperini (GHOSTZAPPER – BOBBY’S BABE, BY SMART STRIKE): 2013 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Zapperini has already proven himself as an athlete with lots of heart. This son of the famous Ghostzapper has ran in Stakes races up and down the east coast, winning $261,471 in 32 starts. On the ground, “Zane” has that been-there-done-that unflappable attitude that well-traveled race horses tend to have. He retired from racing sound and with know known injuries and he’s also a horse that really enjoys work and always has some pep in his step under saddle. Also described as a forward-thinking horse who’s curious and does well with new challenges, we can really see Zane excelling in eventing as a second career!

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Zapperini on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Charming Roberta. Photo via Second Stride Inc.

Charming Roberta (STAY THIRSTY – MUGWUMP, BY PLEASANT TAP): 2017 16.0-hand Louisiana-bred gelding

This young filly looks sweet and charming, indeed! Charming Roberta is un-raced, but does have published workouts, the most recent being February 29th of this year, so she is eligible for the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover if you’re an accepted trainer still looking for your horse. We don’t have too much information on this filly at this time since she’s a very new arrival at Second Stride, but we can see that she has a nice neck and shoulder and a very kind look in her eye.

Located in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Charming Roberta on Second Stride Inc.

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Mar 6, 2020 12:03 am -

Brandenburg’s Joshua, now 25, checking in from retirement at Hickory Hill! His career highlights include top five finishes in the 2003 Pan Am Games and Kentucky in 2006/2008, and a top 10 finish at his final five-star at Kentucky in 2009. Photo via @StephenBradleyEventing IG.

Red Hills weekend! A definitive weekend for so many horses and riders on the eventing circuit, and truly a destination event. I have been only twice, once as a groom and once as a competitor, and it’s an event like no other. The cross country there is its own kind of test, and is the first sneak peek we get of up-and-coming stars of the year. Can’t wait for Saturday!

National Holiday: National Oreo Cookie Day

U.S. Weekend Preview: 

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

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

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

News From Around the Globe:

Every horse person’s nightmare: a car crashing directly into the back of your horse trailer. June Russell lived that nightmare in June of last year traveling through Idaho with three horses in a four-horse slant trailer. A distracted driver went straight into the back at 80mph, killing one horse, and severely injuring the other two. June’s tricky show jumping mare was in the furthest stall, and miraculously recovered from her injuries. [Healing Home on the Range]

Former president of the FEI, Princess Haya, has been in hiding in the UK since April of last year. While the details were murky for many months, it has now been revealed that she fled there in fear of her life and the life of her children after many months of terror from her husband, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum of Dubai. [Princess Haya Escapes to England]

New year, new Retired Racehorse Project Makeover! Aubrey Graham has participated in the makeover for the past two years with young, lightly raced, red, and spicy Thoroughbreds, but her 2020 entry bucks all the trends. Vanderboom Ridge is a 2011 model, 17.1 hands, bay, ran 49 times, and is quiet as the day is long. Join them on Horse Nation as they blog their journey to the makeover! [Aubrey and Boomer: Road to RRP 2020]

Jamie McAllister, a Michigan eventer who rides with Jon Holling in Ocala during the winter, has created a t-shirt sale fundraiser for frangible technology to be used throughout all our areas at the Preliminary and above. “I travel all over the place and I would love to see our sport in the news for positive reasons and not for  tragedies,” she says. “Frangible technology isn’t the answer to all accidents, but it’s a good start.” [Order]

Featured Video: Summer’s coming, baby! Are you ready? That’s right. Despite the cold, wet, snow/rain/mud that has been plaguing many of us, summer is coming, and getting your body beach-ready can be quite the issue, especially when you spend all day in the barn.

Fortunately, Jordy Wilken and Roeland Disch here to give us some ideas on how to stay in shape and get ready for summer. — DeAnn Sloan

 

WOHEOOEEE 20.000 volgers!🎉🤩💙 Suuuuper bedankt allemaal! Om dat te vieren geef ik 3 keer een By Jordy eventingshirt weg 🍀 Van harte gefeliciteerd @x_sannie_xx , @kimdior.k en @jessicadobbe1 😃 Stuur je mij even een PM met je adresgegevens en welke maat je graag wilt hebben? Heel veel plezier ermee en op naar heel veel goede crossen 🙋🏼‍♂️🏇🏽
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Posted by Jordy Wilken eventing on Tuesday, February 25, 2020