Classic Eventing Nation

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Mar 8, 2020 12:01 am -

Who says Brits can’t yee haw? When Tom McEwen’s martingale was causing problems this spring, he obviously undid his reins mid-ride, took it off and rode a few fences with it in his mouth?? Sure, right. What else would you do.

National Holiday: International Women’s Day

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]

Sunday Links:

Brandon McMechan and Oscar’s Wild Take the Cake

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

Beautiful Bargain: Red Hills competitor shares the story of her $750 horse

Red Hills Trials competition underway in Tallahassee

Hot on Horse Nation: 6 Things You Can Say About Your Horse (but Not Your Girlfriend)

Red Hills: Kyle Carter & Gaillard Lancer Lead the CCI3*-S Class

By on Mar 7, 2020 9:36 pm -

Kyle Carter and Gaillard Lancer. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Spectators couldn’t have asked for a prettier Saturday at the 2020 Red Hills International Horse Trials, home to the mecca of Tallahassee tailgating. Horse enthusiasts and eventing regulars alike crowded around water jumps to whoop and holler for their favorite combinations.

Kyle Carter and Gaillard Lancer 9-year-old KWPN (Diardo x Urlanto) emerged as the leaders of the CCI3*-S division after battling David O’Connor’s cross country.

“I brought him here last year to do the one-star and we didn’t get around the course,” Kyle laughed. “So we had a lot of regrouping to do last year. Coming into this the plan was to go out on cross country today and not help him as much and try to let him see the combinations and deal with them a little more on his own.”

Luck was more on their side this year. They jumped clear with 4 time penalties to take control of the division on a score of 32.6. Gaillard Lancer is owned by Savannah Blackstock, who is currently sixth in the division with GarryNdruig Albie. The horse is now going on the market, but Kyle confirmed to EN that his dream would be to put together a partnership to keep the ride.

“We bought the horse for her, but she’s just a bit strong and cheeky, so I started riding him and he pretty much went from strength to strength,” Kyle said. “I think he could win a medal at the Worlds or Olympics.”

Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Christina Henriksen is second on a score of 33.9 with her own JTH Zest, a 9-year-old British Sport Horse (Zamboucca x Maybee Baybee). Lauren Nicholson was third and fifth with Landmark’s Monte Carlo and Vermiculus, respectively.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Seeking Fortune. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Photo by Shelby Allen.Liz Halliday-Sharp had a classic switcheroo in the CCI2*-S division. Her dressage winner Cooley Seeking Fortune, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Heritage Fortunus x Jade des Cotes) owned by Ocala Horse Properties, dropped into second, by her second-placed Cooley Be Cool, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Heritage Fortunus x HHS Carlota) owned by Ocala Horse Properties and The Monster Partnership, took over the lead.

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

Brandon McMechan & Oscar’s Wild Motor to Red Hills CCI4*-S Lead

By on Mar 7, 2020 4:37 pm -

Brandon McMecahn and Oscar’s Wild. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Today was Os(k)ar’s day as we saw two horses of the same name leading the feature classes at the 2020 Red Hills International Horse Trials. Brandon McMecahn and Oscar’s Wild lead the CCI4*-S and Alyssa Phillips and Oskar lead the Advanced.

Brandon proved that speed was king today on Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country track. He and Oscar’s Wild, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred (Whiskey Wisdom x Rax) owned by Michael and Glenn McMechan laid down the fastest trip of the day, coming home just three seconds over the time. Their red hot performance launched them from 18th after dressage into the top spot.

This is the pair’s second season at the level, having made their four-star debut here last year where they finished seventh.

“I have a great horse – today is his birthday, so he wanted to celebrate by putting in a nice, fast round for me,” Brandon said. Happy Birthday, Oscar!

Hallie Coon and Celien. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Tied dressage winners Hallie Coon and Sharon White both settled into second and third place, respectively.

Similarly to the first phase, they were again close to identical today. Hallie was only just faster, finishing four seconds ahead of Sharon, for second place with Celien, a 13-year-old KWPN mare (Tenerife VDL x R Quicksilver, by Hamlet) owned by Hallie & Helen Coon. They added 11.2 time penalties for a two-day score of 42.6.

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

Sharon White and Cooley On Show are third. She and the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ricardo x Jogantina, by Grand D’Espange), who Sharon owns herself, accumulated 12.8 time penalties for a score of 44.2.

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

Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre saw themselves move from 14th to 4th after cross country. He and Tre Brook’s 11-year-old Selle Francias (Gentleman IV x Jasmina du Fresne, by Socrate de Chivre) added 10 time penalties to sit on 45.8 points.

Chris Talley and Unmarked Bills. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Chris Talley and the adored 11-year-old off-track Thoroughbred Unmarked Bills also benefitted from a speedy trip. The second fastest of the day, they jumped 17 spots to land fifth with 8 time penalties added for a score of 47.5.

With five rides in the division, Jessica Phoenix’s best trip was aboard her own Pavarotti for sixth place after adding 14.4 time penalties. She’s also 8th with Humble GS (48.2), 12 with Watson GS (52.7), and 22nd with Wabbit (61.5). She retired with Bentley’s Best on course today after having a stop at 14B.

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Emily Hamel sits in seventh with Corvett, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Corrido x Tina XII, by Clearway) owned by Black Flag Option LLC. They added 12.4 time penalties for a score of 48.

Maya Black piloted Miks Master C. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Maya Black piloted Miks Master C, an 8-year-old Swedish Warmblood (Mighty Magic x Qui Luma CBF, by Flyinge Quite Easy958) owned and bred by Laurie Cameron to 9th place on a score of 49.6, and Charlotte Collier and Clifford M, her 14-year-old Holsteiner (Cristo 5 x Naomi IV, by Carpaccio), hold 10th on 50.5 points.

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The time was equally influential for the Advanced division, and once again we saw the fastest pair — Alyssa Phillips and Oskar — take over the lead.

At 7 minutes and 9 seconds, Alyssa and the 11-year-old Holsteiner owned by the rider and Julie Phillips added 14.8 time penalties to sit on a score of 38.9.

Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Overnight leaders Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous, a 14-year-old Oldenburg (Carry Gold x Richardia, by Lario), owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars and Phoebe and Michael Manders, took an easy, confident trip around today, picking up 21.2 time penalties. That drops them to second place on a score of 41.2.

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

Liz Halliday-Sharp cruised around with Flash Cooley to hold their third place position. The 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Pru Dawes and Liz had 15.6 time penalties for a two-phase result of 46.1.

As predicted, the clock was the most significant obstacle riders faced today. Of the 29 horses in these two divisions, only three had jump penalties. Of the majority who went clear, only Brandon had less than 10 time penalties.

More quotes from the top

Brandon McMechan: “It really started to click in the last few years. I don’t have to take a lot of time setting him up. I think that’s probably the biggest think – we aren’t out there arguing. We’re out there as a team… after years and years of practice. I was hoping for a better performance yesterday after the dressage, but he won’t win the dressage. Today is the day he makes up ground.”

Hallie Coon: “She was a bit sleepy. We weren’t really set up timing-wise because of what was happening because of the holds, so I got out a bit too early. It was a hurry up and wait situation. Her warm up is so fine tuned at this point – we’re an old married couple, so I know exactly how long it takes,” she said. “I struggled to get her out in front of my leg, but she was such an honest horse. She picked up on the questions and takes care of it no matter where she is as long as I get her there and give her a decent ride.”

Sharon White: “He’s so much fun to ride, so it was definitely a good time. I think the time is just hard, but everyone is in the same boat, so it’s hard for everybody. I wouldn’t have wanted to go any faster on my horse. Mike ES said it best. He designed the course to have riders knock some cobwebs off, and that was perfect. It rode very well.”

Go eventing.

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

 

 

 

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.

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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.