Classic Eventing Nation

Twin Rivers: Thieriot Stutes, Billys and Burnell Out in Front After Cross Country

By on Mar 1, 2020 10:06 am -

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Yesterday being Leap Day, there was some leapin’ going on during the Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials: over Hugh Lochore’s upper level cross-country courses and in the standings.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin overtook the top spot in Advanced. Although the previous dressage leader, Mai Baum, is perfectly fine, Tamie Smith opted to end the Pan Am Games team gold medalist’s weekend after their 18.4 dressage test.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Smith remains in hot pursuit of the win with Ruth Bley’s En Vogue. The top nine of the 12 remaining Advanced pairs jumped clean, but incurred significant time faults in this early season outing. En Vogue was the exception with just 1.6 in this column.

Tamie Smith and En Vogue. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Tamie Smith and En Vogue. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Helen Bouscaren and Ebay moved up into third, adding 12 time penalties to their dressage score for a 35.6. The leaders have a 27.8, followed by Smith and En Vogue’s 30.

Helen Bouscaren and Ebay. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Helen Bouscaren and Ebay. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Having the lead is second to having Chatwin back to his old self, says Thieriot Stutes. After finishing fourth at the Luhmühlen 5* in Germany last June, Chatwin was sidelined most of the rest of the year with severe health issues stemming from a case of enteritis. For a long stretch, his survival was all the rider and the Chatwin Group cared about. Thieriot-Stutes was “not going for broke,” but there were moments when her partner of six years seemed to be on today’s course. All of it indicating Chatwin has put the problem behind him. “Just being here is spectacular,” said Thieriot Stutes. The pair is on the US Developing Rider Training List and has Land Rover Kentucky in their sights if all proceeds as hoped.

Megan Sykes and Kaylawna Smith-Cook celebrated their first Advanced level completion today. They are sixth and eighth, aboard Classic’s Mojah and Passepartout, respectively.

Lauren Billys & Castle Larchfield Purdy. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

In the Intermediate, overnight leader, junior rider Jordan Crabo, had a fall on course. She’s fine, but out of the running. Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy got their Olympic year off to a great start in taking the lead. With their qualification to represent Puerto Rico in Tokyo already assured, Billys was able focus on a general goal of “being a faster and more efficient rider and preparing myself and my horses to be more forward.” That was no problem for Purdy, who crossed the finish line with just a .4 time penalty, for a 28.2 going into show jumping.

“It’s an interesting season because it’s a slow burn to get all the way to Tokyo,” Billys explained.  “I ran Purdy here at Intermediate to see where he is in terms of fitness and to focus on things I need to improve. Today was a good indicator that he is feeling well and is happy to do his job.”

A sliver of time penalties knocked Eneya Jenkins and Lawtown Boy out of their lead: they stand in second just 0.2 penalties behind.

Eneya Jenkins and Lawtown Boy. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Intermediate’s third-ranked pair is Billys again with her “pocket rocket,” Can Be Sweet. At “maybe” 16 hands, “He’s very different from Purdy, but he’s turning out to be very suited for the upper levels.”

Lauren Billys and Can Be Sweet. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

There were few changes in the standings at Preliminary’s Open and JR/YR divisions. Amateur Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill were double clear to hold the lead on their dressage score in the Open division. Their coach, professional Bec Braitling, and Kirschblute 3, had just 1.2 time faults to stand second and James Alliston and Calero were double clear for third. Less than three penalties separate the top three.

Lauren Burnell and Bec Braitling. Photo by Kim Miller.

Burnell credited the lead completely to her horse. “He is calm and just loves his job,” she said. “On cross country, he goes fast and stares for the flags. I just love him!” Burnell and Arnell Sporthorses are based at Twin Rivers Ranch, but Freedom Hill isn’t one of those horses who needs a special routine to get tuned up for competition in his own backyard. “Wherever he is, it’s a show.”

Bruce Hill & Bossinova. Photo by Kim Miller.

Bruce Hill and Bossinova‘s double clear cross-country moved them from second to first in the Prelim Jr/YR standings, while Haley Turner and Shadow Inspector‘s modest time faults lost them the overnight lead. Kathryn Canario and Kiltubrid Rhapsody held their third spot, while this division, too, is tightly bunched. No room for a rail from anyone in the top three over Jose Nava’s show jumping route if they want to win on Sunday.

Fresh from a third-place finish at the CCI2*-Short at Fresno County Horse Park, the partnership of 15-year-old Hill and Bossinova is still quite new. It’s been smooth sailing, including today over the new cross-country track. “They did a great job redesigning the course,” said Hill. “It’s straightforward and fun, but nothing super hard or scary.”

Comments about the courses’ suitable were echoed by riders at several levels. All expressed excitement about further changes that will be revealed for April’s Spring International, featuring the inaugural CCI4*-Long division. Today’s tracks were praised as appropriate for the start of the season.

Derek and Bea di Grazia are fourth and fifth at Intermediate, with Ringwood Justice and Ringwood Isabelle, respectively. Land Rover Kentucky and Olympic course designer Derek di Grazia said: “It was a nice galloping course: a good confidence builder for the horse’s next event.” For riders, Bea di Grazia added: “It was good for rusty people to learn to gallop at something and there was nothing too tricky. It was a great opportunity to practice getting your eye back.”

Bea di Grazia and Ringwood Isabelle. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Derek di Grazia and Ringwood Justice. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The competition continues with show jumping today for the upper levels, while the lower levels tackle cross country. Best of luck to all! Go Eventing.

Twin Rivers: Website, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

 

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Mar 1, 2020 12:01 am -

Sara Gumbiner and Polaris. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Today is a hard day. I didn’t personally know Katharine, but my heart goes out to her loved ones. Us eventers all share a common love of horses — a love that connects us all. We lost one of our own yesterday. Please join me in sending condolences to Katharine’s tribe. Hug your friends. Hug your ponies.

National Holiday: National Minnesota Day

Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Live Scores, Entry Status, Tickets, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

U.S. Weekend Action:

Twin River Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Rocking Horse III H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sporting Days Farm March H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links: 

Tokyo Talk: Five Months to Go

Halliday-Sharp Takes Her Second $50,000 LiftMaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field Title

Mark Todd to don jockey silks for Irish challenge race

Lyle Enters 80 Percent Club With CDI4* Grand Prix Special Win At AGDF

Coronavirus Raises Questions About 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

Tears as Thug the €1 showjumper saved from slaughter reunited with former rider

Grand-Prix Eventing kicks off with Martin and Tsetserleg leading the way

Sunday Video: The Horsepesterer caught footage of Marilyn Little and Kitty this weekend:

Katharine Morel Dies in Cross Country Accident at Rocking Horse H.T.

By on Feb 29, 2020 9:12 pm -

Katharine Morel and Kerry On. Photo by Lisa Madren.

We are devastated to report that Canadian eventer Katharine Morel died today in a cross country accident at Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. in Altoona, Florida. She and her horse, Kerry On, an 8-year-old Thoroughbred mare, fell at fence 8 in the Open Intermediate B division. Kerry On did not survive the accident.

The USEA released the following statement:

“It is with our deepest regret that we announce Katharine Morel and her 8-year-old Thoroughbred mare Kerry On suffered a rotational fall at fence eight of the Intermediate level cross-country course while competing at the Rocking Horse Stables Winter III Horse Trials on February 29, 2020. The horse suffered fatal injuries and passed shortly after the fall. The rider was immediately transported by Lake County EMS to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. The United States Eventing Association, Rocking Horse Stables Organizing Committee, and competition officials send our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Katharine Morel.”

Katharine and Kerry On placed 4th in their Open Intermediate division at Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. earlier this month. Katharine was 33 years old.

EN extends our condolences to Katharine’s family and friends in this very difficult time.

[Horse and Rider Fatalities at Rocking Horse Winter III H.T.]

 

Liz Halliday-Sharp Claims Back-to-Back Wins in $50k Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Feb 29, 2020 5:41 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Defending champion Liz Halliday-Sharp felt the pressure when she left the start box at the $50,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field. After overnight leader Boyd Martin withdrew, the inaugural winner had no one to beat but herself on the cross country. Partnered with Deniro Z, she went 2-0 at the Aiken, S.C. venue.

“That’s how I wanted it to be,” Liz smiled of her back-to-back wins. “We have such a great partnership, and he’s such a good friend of mine as well. He was just magic. The horse just keeps getting better. He’s so adjustable this year, so I didn’t feel like I was going crazy. I galloped fast in between, but I never felt like I was taking a risk. I didn’t have any fences that weren’t as I planned, so that’s super when you can still set them up a little, but you’re still that far under the time. He’s just a great horse. It’s a pleasure to be here riding him.

Starting the weekend in third place, she and the 12-year-old KWPN (Zapatero VDL x Zonne-Trend, by French Buffet xx) owned by Ocala Horse Properties and The Deniro Syndicate, moved up after each phase, finally securing the win on their dressage score of 31.1.

“You always feel pressure when you’re in the lead. I knew the time was tight but I didn’t think it was quite as tight as Wellington because some people were way under, so it sort of felt like if I was smart I’d be inside the time, but you never know. It was a tough enough course to ride,” she said. Coming in fifteen seconds under the time, the duo were also the fastest combination of the day.

“It’s a lot of fun here because you’ve got to zoom through the different arenas, so it’s a very different feel to running through Wellington. I think the course was a bit stronger this year than last year, which is cool. I think it’s good for all of us. Certainly the show jumping was a real test for all of us, which we all need to do: to be put out of our comfort zone and under pressure, and that’s why we come to these things,” she said.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

U.S. Eventing legend Phillip Dutton produced two double clear rounds aboard both Z and Fernhill Singapore to earn second and third place, respectively.

Fernhill Singapore, an 11-year-old KWPN (Sinapore x Riedellia, by Animo) owned by Ann Jones, Thomas Tierney and David Vos, was first to go. He jumped clear to finish on a score of 33.1.

With the intel from his first ride, Phillip made easy work of his second attempt with The Z Partnership’s 12-year-old Zangersheide (Asca X Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z). He and his World Equestrian Games partner eight seconds inside the time to close their weekend out on 32.6 points.

“You can only deal with what happens on the day and they both went well. I thought Liz rode beautifully so it was a good finish. It rode a bit quicker than I expected, we had to go a little bit faster than we did in Florida but it’s a little bit later in the year so that’s good,” he said. “I’ll probably go out a little slower next time and get them back to settling down but I think it’s been a huge success for the sport and for the town; it brings a lot of new people, and people that get to see the sport this way and I think it’s pretty exciting having it in reverse order.”

Will Faudree and Caeleste. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing & Sterling Silver Stables’ 13-year-old Holsteiner (Contender x Happygolucky, by Lucky Lionel) Caeleste took four place. The pair rocketed around Capt. Mark Phillips’ track inside the time for a finish on 33.6 points.

Lauren Nicholson and Veronica. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Dressage winners Lauren Nicholson and Veronica, an 18-year-old KWPN (Pacific x Kimbel, by Ferro) owned by Team Rebecca, slotted into fifth place. In addition to their one pole down yesterday, they added 1.2 time penalties today for a final result of 34.8.

Mike Pendleton and Steadie Eddie. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Mike Pendleton piloted Steady Eddie into sixth place after jumping double clear for a final score of 35.2.

Buck Davidson finished 7th and 8th with Carlevo (35.3) and Jak My Style (35.6). Doug Payne finished 9th with five-star partner Vandiver on a score of 39.9. Clayton Fredericks closed out the top ten with FE Stormtrooper after 2.8 time penalties for a score of 40.7.

Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Live Scores, Tickets, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Preview the $50K Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field Cross Country

By on Feb 29, 2020 11:59 am -

Bruce’s Field. Photo by Shelby Allen.

From The Wilcox to Hitchcock woods, the cross country course at the $50,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field is undeniably Aiken. As the only showcase for the snowbird paradise city, course designer Capt. Mark Phillips and course builder Eric Bull have dedicated the project to honoring the city.
The course is similar to last year, but defending champion Liz Halliday-Sharp says this year feels a bit tighter, and predicts that the time may be harder to achieve. Riders will want to come home in less than 4 minutes and 3 seconds. Here’s a look at the course, and you can find a gallery at the end of this post:
We can confirm 12 combinations have withdrawn, including overnight leaders Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Boyd has said that “Thomas” ran at Pine Top just six days ago, so in the interest of best preparing him for Kentucky, he’s opted to sit this one out.
Start time for cross country is 2:34 p.m. with Allie Knowles and Morswood as the first to go. You can watch it on EQTV or right here on EN.

Watch the $50,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field Live Stream

By on Feb 29, 2020 10:29 am -

Bruce’s Field is once again hosting its Grand-Prix Eventing showcase which is underway now at the Aiken Horse Park in South Carolina. It’s a who’s-who of eventing, with American greats like Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin among the entrants, all with an eye on the $50,000 purse.

The competition will run in a two-day format, with dressage and show jumping held on Friday and cross country on Saturday. If you can join us in Aiken for the weekend, then be sure to tune into EQTV‘s live stream broadcast. Here’s their weekend schedule:

FRIDAY
Dressage: 7:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Show Jumping: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. EST

SATURDAY
Cross country: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. EST
Presentation of Awards: 4:45 p.m. EST

Eventers are once again riding to raise money for local charities, but this year in a team format. Each team of riders will support two charitable organizations based here in Aiken. Here are the team rosters:

Team Red — Aiken Civil Ballet & Friends of the Animal Shelter

Phillip Dutton* & Fernhill Singapore — Team Captain
Phillip Dutton & Z
Mike Pendleton & Steady Eddie
Colleen Loach & Qorry Blue D’Argouges
Daniela Moguel & Cecelia

Team Orange — Equine Rescue of Aiken & Mental Health America

Liz Halliday-Sharp* & Carpe Diem IV — Captain
Liz Halliday-Sharp & Deniro Z
Will Faudree & Caeleste
Mallory Hogan & Clarissa Purisima
Allie Sacksen & Sparrow’s Nio

Team Yellow — Aiken Volunteer Mounted Unit & Tri-Development Center of Aiken 

Doug Payne* & Quantum Leap
Doug Payne & Vandiver
Clayton Fredericks & FE Stormtrooper
Anna Loschiavo & Spartacus Q
Arden Wildasin & Il Vici

Team Green — Brothers and Sisters of Aiken County & Megiddo Dream Station

Ryan Wood* & Powell
Ryan Wood & Rembrant
Nilson de Silva & Rock Phantom
Lillian Heard & LCC Barnaby
Lauren Nicholson & Veronica

Team Blue — Aiken Steeplechase Association & Great Oak 

Boyd Martin* & Long Island T
Buck Davidson & Carlevo
Buck Davidson & Jak My Style
Sar Gumbiner & Polaris
Dana Cook & FE Mississippi

Team Purple — The First Tee & USC Aiken Equestrian 

Allison Springer* & Business Ben
Allison Springer & Sapphire Blue B
Jules Ennis & Cooley O
Allie Knowles & Morsood
Colleen Rutledge & Covert Rights

 *Denotes team captain. 

Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Live Scores, Ride Times, Entry Status, Tickets, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

If We Build It, Will You Come? A New Home for Eventing in Western PA

By on Feb 29, 2020 9:00 am -

A quick online search showed proof of the decline of eventing in Western Pennsylvania. Permissions had to be granted by USEA for Western Pennsylvanians to be given the choice of Area II or Area VIII for USEA competitions due in part to participation and accessibility issues. Very few eventing-focused shows, let alone recognized shows and three-phase events, have taken place in Western Pennsylvania in recent years. Was it all a lost cause? Oh, Western Pennsylvania. Where do you fit in?

It was this seemingly dismal position I lamented as my 13-year-old son, Dash, decided that eventing is surely, aside from riding broncs, the greatest way to satisfy his primal need for adrenaline. With “Mean Mom” taking broncs off the list of options, “Ambitious (maybe insane) Mom” stood in a cross country boneyard listening to the faint ghosts of a Western PA remembered only by a select group of older-generation eventers who haven’t yet relocated to more southern states. And what I heard from those whispers of days gone by was, “people are better than you expect.”

Dash jumping his Morgan, Deluca, on the cross country course at Lions Head Farm, owned by Heidi Shultz of Apollo, PA. Photo by Nicole Coleman-Hammett.

In that boneyard, by my side, were Heidi Shultz and Lex Molnar. We were on a cross-country-course-turned-bird-sanctuary at a public park in Allegheny County, where actual remnants of jumps lay at our feet. It was a real life, “If you build it, they will come” moment. Or maybe it was the start of my midlife crisis. I believe that while I was perhaps the more sentimental of the three of us due to my aforementioned “hormonal imbalance” and desperation to keep Dash from hopping onto the rodeo circuit, the young women by my side still felt the call of honoring the past and embracing future possibilities just as much. And what we proceeded to do was form an incorporated membership association, Western Pennsylvania Eventing Association (WPEA). Me, for Dash. Heidi and Lex, for the love of the sport. The combination has been a whirlwind of magic, self-doubt and elation.

Several years ago, a former WPEA closed its doors. With permission to recycle the name, exactly $0, zero members, and zero board members, the three of us, as Founding Members, opened for “business” on July 29, 2019, unofficially. September brought our first meeting where we had four additional board members, an advisory team, and youth ambassadors. In October, we hosted an open house and accepted our first paying members, and in November we hosted an admittedly chaotic cross derby that somehow everyone enjoyed so much that we are repeating the insanity on our 2020 schedule, again set to be generously hosted at Heidi’s facility (and the location WPEA calls “home” for business purposes), Lions Head Farm in Apollo, PA.

Youth Ambassador saddle pad featuring WPEA logo. Photo by Nicole Coleman-Hammett.

Following the cross derby, memberships began steadily coming in and we were humbled by the support and excitement. Then came the notable support of Rolling Rock Hunt Pony Club, Royalty Stables, and Keystone Equestrian Center offering WPEA-sanctioned shows. Again, we found ourselves humbled. Then, as we added an educational points program called LEGS, an acronym for Learn, Engage, Grow, Serve, it allowed WPEA and small local venues to “sanction” educational and service-driven opportunities such as clinics, summer camps, and volunteerism at local shows. These LEGS points earn our members points towards year end awards designed to acknowledge personal growth, education, and service. Again, the support poured in. Again, I would sit in happy tears as people exceeded my expectations.

Then came THE BIG ONE. WPEA’s Board of Directors had been presented with the opportunity to free lease the most magical diamond in the rough I had ever seen. Fort Armstrong Horsemen’s Association of Crooked Creek Horse Park, under new and invigorated leadership and at the suggestion of an outgoing board member who had a heart for the magical 60+ acres in question, invited us to present a free lease proposal at an open meeting. The acreage is known as their “Trail Head” location and sits removed from their primary grounds, providing a quiet but accessible location off the beaten path. Here was the literal “Build It” moment.

Future site of WPEA cross country course. Photo by Nicole Coleman-Hammett.

But could an association in its infancy bite off such a huge piece of cross country land? The question left me absolutely sick. What if we could build an association but not the many required jumps or arenas? What if we couldn’t maintain the land well enough? What if members didn’t come through for us? What about fundraising? What if we did the work, raised the money, bought the insurance, and no one came? What if my near-midlife-crisis-energy fizzled out before we gave to our members what we had envisioned? What if an association just shouldn’t grow this quickly? What… if… we… fail? But, decision time has arrived.

So now, we look at the only evidence we have at our disposal. We are legally incorporated. WPEA members are still offering up support. Our community is consistently excited. Memberships are still steady. Western Pennsylvania eventers still have no eventing space to call their own. Dash is still not allowed to ride broncs. So, I am doing what any Marketing Coordinator born on February 29th would do. I am giving myself the gift of giving. I am announcing THE LEAP of a lifetime on my Leap Year Day Birthday. WPEA is thrilled to announce: We are gifting WPEA members and Fort Armstrong Horsemen’s Association members the promise of polishing that diamond in the rough on the acreage at Crooked Creek. WPEA is planning a ribbon cutting celebration and lots of work days requiring what we have already experienced from day one: People being better than we ever expected. We anticipate the work days and fundraisers will enable us to build, first a cross country course, followed by show jumping and dressage arenas. WPEA is building and we hope you will come!

Dash and his horse Deluca enjoying a ride at Lions Head Farm. Photo by Nicole Coleman-Hammett.

WPEA’s slogan is, “Where Tradition Meets the Future,” we believe now is the time to honor those whispers of the past while promoting our sport through education, youth development, and schooling level shows that will revitalize eventing in Western PA. And now is WPEA’s time to so humbly thank our members, our board, advisors, youth ambassadors, sanctioned venues, our local pony clubs (Rolling Rock Hunt Pony Club, Brush Run Pony Club, Harts Run Hunt Pony Club), even a few 4H clubs with interest in our sport, Western Pennsylvania Dressage Association and Three Rivers Equestrian Association for setting examples of consistently offering opportunity to our area’s riders, several local stables owned by our members and leaders (Lions Head Farm, Fadeaway Farm, Stonewall Stables, Royalty Stables, Keystone Equestrian Center, Dewalt Stables, Breezewood Equestrian, Lunar Hill Equestrian, and a steadily growing list of others), Jackie Smith of Stone Gate Farm for her wisdom and inspiration, Dover Saddlery Pittsburgh, Maggie Blaetz for her assistance with our lease proposal, and certainly Fort Armstrong Horsemen’s Association who exemplified exceeding expectations by giving WPEA the opportunity to build a tangible dream on the land at Crooked Creek (Armstrong County). We invite everyone to stay tuned as WPEA takes the leap on this Leap Year Day!

Follow our progress on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wpeainfo or email us at [email protected] for information or to become a member.

Twin Rivers: Smith, Crabo & Burnell Lead Winter Horse Trials After Dressage

By on Feb 29, 2020 7:44 am -

Tamra Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Dressage day at the Winter Horse Trials saw Tamra Smith take familiar positions on familiar horses in the Advanced Division. She and Pan Am Games team gold medal partner, Mai Baum, owned by Alexandra Ahearn, earned an 18.4 from Ground Jury member Sue Smithson to lead the 13-horse field. And she’s third aboard Danito and sixth on En Vogue, with a 20.2 and a 28.4 respectively. Both are owned by Area VI’s Owner of the Year Ruth Bley.

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Smith credits Mai Baum’s terrific test to a winter focused on connection, throughness and strength. “He has this flamboyant movement, but he didn’t have the core strength and fitness. We’ve changed up the fitness routine, and it’s had great results.”

Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Slotting into second is another familiar pair, Frankie Thieriot-Stutes and Chatwin, with a 20.2.

Helen Bouscaren and Ebay are fourth and Auburn Excell Brady is fifth with BSP Tuxedo.

En Vogue and Danito were originally entered in the Intermediate division, but when Smith saw the Advanced cross-country course, she moved them up to get the experience of the new Advanced dressage test and for the show jumping mileage. “The course is big, but it’s not overly technical,” she said. “It’s beautiful and a nice first Advanced for the season. I knew they wouldn’t be in over their heads.”

Jordan Crabo & Over Easy. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The Open Intermediate division is tightly bunched after dressage, also in front of judge Smithson. Young rider Jordan Crabo and the veteran mare Over Easy lead on a 25.9 score. “She was awesome,” said the young Crabo of her mom Barb Crabo’s Swedish Warmblood. “I think it was our best test yet. She was very up and tried her heart out.”

Of Saturday’s course, Crabo said, “It looks really beefy! I’m going to be feeling some butterflies in the morning. Otherwise, it looks like a very fun course with areas that we haven’t ridden before.”

Eneya Jenkins and Lawtown Boy. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Eneya Jenkins is second thanks to the 26 score she earned with her own Lawtown Boy, one of three horses she’s riding in this division with 20 pairs.

Lauren Billys and Can Be Sweet. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Lauren Billys and Can Be Sweet are third on a 26.4. Billys is also in the fifth spot with her 2016 and already-confirmed 2020 Olympic partner, Castle Larchfield Purdy.

Open Preliminary has a distinct home field advantage after dressage in front of Ground Jury member Vicky Stashuk-Matisi. Amateur rider Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill lead with a 24.1, followed by professional Bec Braitling and Pamela Duffy-Trotter’s Kirschblute 3, with a 25.2. Burnell is a principal owner of Arnell Sporthorses, whose head trainer is Braitling, and the sales and development program is based at Twin Rivers Ranch. James Allison and Calaro are third with a 26.7 among 35 contenders in this division.

The new “Burghley Flyover” at Twin Rivers. Photo by Kim Miller.

Since hosting its first event in 2004, the Baxter family has steadily built Twin Rivers Ranch into the premiere eventing venue they envisioned when they purchased 500 acres in Coastal Central California in 2001. The inaugural Spring International CCI4*-L, April 9-12, will mark a major milestone in the realization of those early visions, and this weekend’s Winter Horse Trials gives exhibitors a good glimpse of some of venue’s latest, exciting upgrades. An element tentatively titled the “Burghley Flyover” is not being used this weekend, but illustrates the unique elements that have been dreamed up for the CCI4*-L. An expanded quarry section, now called “The Chasm,” will be in action Saturday, with new multiple entry and exit points for most levels. A favorite Twin Rivers feature, “Jeff’s Hot Tub” water complex, has ample new options, too.

Heather Morris watching dressage. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Eventing Riders Association of North American president Shannon Lilley applauds the Baxter family’s endeavors. “I have to hand it to them for all that they have done for the betterment of our sport. Especially when this is their home, their own property.” Lilley describes the Baxters as among those “who can see things from 20,000 feet above the ground in the sense that what they are doing has a rising tide lifts all boats effect.”

Competition continues Saturday with cross-country for Training through Advanced; while Training through Introductory show jump.

Twin Rivers: Website, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Feb 29, 2020 12:01 am -

Libby Head and Sir Rockstar fly over the Cottesmore Leap — the most famous leap we can think of! Photo via Libby on Facebook.

It comes around once every four years — Happy February 29th, a.k.a. Leap Day! Do we have any citizens of Eventing Nation out there celebrating birthdays today? What about event horses born on this date? Let us know and allow us to be the first to wish you the happiest of birthdays!

National Holiday: Leap Day

Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Live Scores, Entry Status, Tickets, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

U.S. Weekend Action:

Twin River Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Rocking Horse III H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sporting Days Farm March H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Sir Mark Todd to race against Irish Eventing riders at Dundalk Stadium in Event Riders Challenge Race

How horses see the world: Jump colours need a rethink, say researchers

The Value of Preventive Performance Exams for Your Sporthorse

A Comparison of Smartphone-Based ECGs for Horses

New joint approach for British Olympic equestrian disciplines

Saturday Video:  Tokyo is the first Olympics and Paralympics to create animated pictograms for each sport. You can check out each Equestrian discipline starting at 1:23 in the video below!


Boyd Martin Makes His Move in Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Feb 28, 2020 7:30 pm -

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Shelby Allen.

It was a craps game this afternoon at the $50,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field. Michel Vaillancourt’s course carefully collected the leaderboard, shook it up and scattered the results like a dice role, shuffling the deck to reveal Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg as the new leaders.

Our Pan American double gold medalists Boyd and “Thomas,” Christine Turner’s 12-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall x Thabana, by Buddenbrock), jumped double clear — to remain on a score of 30.7 — and all seems right with the world.

“It’s the biggest track he’s jumped since last year. The biggest track I’ve jumped since last year as well, so it’s good to be back in the swing of things,” Boyd said.

Welcome back, you two. To be fair, their two-phase result was hard-earned as they were one of only five pairs to jump faultlessly. “The dressage was like that a bit too,” Boyd said of the course’s difficulty. “A lot of electricity in the ring, big jumps, tough technical course with lots of long strides then short strides… it was a real mega course. I was thrilled to leave them up.”

Spoiler alert: You can expect another leaderboard change tomorrow, as Boyd’s already planned to withdraw both Thomas and Long Island T, who is in 13th place.

“Thomas ran in the Intermediate just six days ago at Pine Top in Georgia, so he’s had a cross country ride not long ago, and I’m really trying to set him up well for Kentucky, and it would be an act of madness to sprint him around the cross country here six days after he’s had a run. The other bloke, he’s had sore heels, and he missed a bit of work this week. Two poles down — we’re out of it so I’ll just run him next week,” he said.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

That leaves the door wide open for defending champion Liz Halliday-Sharp. This year she’s brought forward two rides: Deniro Z, who sits second and Cooley Quicksilver who is 16th.

Liz was tied with Boyd after dressage, but one second t0 many in the show jumping bumped her just behind the leaders on a score of 31.1 with the 12-year-old KWPN (Zapatero VDL x Zonne-Trend, by French Buffet xx) owned by Ocala Horse Properties and The Deniro Syndicate.

“I’m furious at myself for that,” she said of the 0.4 time penalties. “It’s been interesting this year because ever since Deniro did Burghley, he’s completely changed to jump. He’s really polite now, and he used to land and go, so I have this believe as to where I’m going to be. More than one time working this year I’ve ended up adding a stride in a combination, which I’ve never done in my life because the horse is so waiting for me that if I don’t move a bit when I land I’m like ‘Whoa!’

“It was one hundred percent my fault. The horse jumped great. It was a tough course to ride — it put pressure on you. So I’m owning the one second that’s one hundred percent Halliday-Sharp. We’ll keep working — I’d rather him be polite, and now I just have to learn to ride my polite horse. “

Liz describes herself as ‘competitive,’ and has assured us she’s gunning for a back-to-back win tomorrow as a prep for the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

“I’ll run him quick for the time. This is what we planned this year to do Wellington and this as runs for him instead of Pine Top because he’s really good on a big, galloping track, so it’s good for him to do these nippy tracks where you put the pressure on and turn him tight. It’s good practice for both of us,” she said.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Shelby Allen.

It was a good day in the office for Phillip Dutton who moved Z and Fernhill Singapore into third and fourth place, respectively. The Z Partnership’s 12-year-old Zangersheide (Asca X Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z) went double clear to remain on 32.6, and Fernhill Singapore, an 11-year-old KWPN (Sinapore x Riedellia, by Animo) owned by Ann Jones, Thomas Tierney and David Vos, added just 0.4 time penalties for a score of 33.1.

“It was a difficult show jumping track but the rails were spread evenly around so I think Michel got it about right. The show jumping standard in eventing, just like all the other phases, is getting stronger and stronger. I think everyone handled it pretty well,” he said. Phillip also confirmed that both his horses will compete tomorrow.

“I’ve targeted these two horses to do the Showcase in Wellington and then this Eventing Grand Prix, the idea being that it’s good to practice your skills under pressure,” he explained. “It’s reasonably difficult doing the five star test in the dressage and then a bigger show jumping and the cross country shouldn’t be that taxing on the horses because it’s quite short.”

Will Faudree and Caeleste. Photo by Shelby Allen.

A double clear round boosted Will Faudree and Caeleste from 11th to fifth place. Jennifer Mosing & Sterling Silver Stables’ 13-year-old Holsteiner (Contender x Happygolucky, by Lucky Lionel), who began her career with Kitty King, stays on her dressage score of 33.6.

Lauren Nicholson and Veronica. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Dressage winners Lauren Nicholson (née Kieffer) and Veronica had one pole down in the second half of the course to drop into a tie for fifth with Faudree.

Erin Sylvester-Kanara and Paddy The Caddy. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Erin Sylvester-Kanara and Paddy The Caddy took over seventh place as one of the five double cleans on a score of 35.1. Mike Pendleton and Steadie Eddie are eighth. They jumped clear, but added 1.6 time penalties to sit on 35.2 points.

Buck Davidson took ninth and 10th with Carlevo and Jak My Style, respectively. Carlevo, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Eurocommerce Caresino x  Ramateulle, by  Levernois) owned by Carlevo LLC, dropped on rail and added 0.8 time penalties for a score of 35.3. Stablemate Jak My Style left all the poles up, but racked up 1.2 time penalties for a score of 35.6.

The cross country gets underway tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. It will all be streamed live, so tune in at this link to watch the action unfold.

Go eventing.

Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: Website, Live Scores, Entry Status, Tickets, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter