Classic Eventing Nation

Tiptoeing Towards Tokyo: Individual Quotas Confirmed for Olympic Eventing

By on Feb 18, 2020 9:00 am -

Dutch National Champions Merel Blom and Ceda clinch a spot for their country as the Tokyo individual allocations are confirmed. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It was starting to feel like rather a long wait since our last update on the trail to Tokyo, wasn’t it? But when it rains, it really does pour, and news of the confirmed team and individual quotas for the equestrian events broke today amid a flurry of controversy for show jumping.

After some consternation over last-minute ranking shows, which were kept hush-hush — open only to entries by invitation, and not announced as counting towards the rankings until after the date of closure — the FEI has decided to remove the shows in question from contention, rejigging the individual allocations. For an in-depth dive into the curious case of the under-the-radar qualifiers, click over to this incredibly thorough article by the queen of investigative equestrian journalism, Pippa Cuckson.

Carlos Lobos Muñoz and Ranco will earn Chile an individual spot at Tokyo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

When we last checked in on the Tokyo allocations within our own sport, we were still awaiting confirmation of the individual slots granted, a process that began in earnest after the confirmation that all the qualified teams would in fact be present and able to take up their tickets.

At that point, we were only able to provide educated conjecture about how the individual slots would be allocated — but as usual, Eventing Nation ends up being the friend you hate to invite over to binge-watch your favourite television programme.

Our spoiler-filled guide to how the spots would be allocate proved to be right on the money. To read the piece in full, click here – otherwise, hang onto your hats, and we’ll rehash who’s nabbed a golden ticket.

The first 14 individual places are awarded by region. The Olympic rankings are split into seven regional zones, each of which will be eligible for two individual spots. These will be decided by the horse-and-rider combinations who are best ranked within those regions. Those combinations will earn a place for their country – it’s crucial to note that they don’t necessarily earn the spot for themselves. Ultimately, that decision will come down to each national federation.

This is how it breaks down:

A – North Western Europe: Tim Lips and Bayro top the bill for unqualified nations in Region A, so they earn the Netherlands an individual spot. Tim Lips also sits second on this list with Eclips – but an athlete can only earn one place for his nation, so it skips him and goes down to the third best-ranked horse-and-rider combination from an unqualified nation. That’s Merel Blom and Ceda – so both of the Region A individual places will go to the Netherlands. Reserves (in order of priority): Finland, Denmark

B – South Western Europe: Karin Donckers and Fletcha Van’t Verahof top the list of unqualified NOC athletes for this region, which means that Belgium takes an individual slot. (No, we don’t know why Belgium counts as Region B and not Region A either.) The second spot goes to Spain, earned by Francisco Gaviño Gonzalez and Source de la Faye. Reserves (in order of priority): Austria, Belgium

C – Central & Eastern Europe and Central Asia: We’re looking at a Russian clean sweep here – Alexandr Markov and Leader top the bill, followed by Valery Martyshev and Primero. Of course, Russia has been banned from competing in Tokyo due to their ongoing doping scandal – but athletes will be allowed to compete under a neutral flag if they have a clean sheet, and so these two spots will effectively be taken up by the Olympic flag, as we’ve seen in similar situations in the past. Reserves (in order of priority): Kazakhstan, Lithuania

D – North America: The USA takes a team spot, so there’s just one country left in Region D. Canada will take two individual spots, earned by Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes and Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges. Reserves (in order of priority): N/A (only Canada features on the rankings list for Group D.)

E – Central and South America: Chile leads the way for this individual slot, with Carlos Lobos Muñoz and Ranco sitting atop the list of athletes from unqualified nations. Puerto Rico takes slot two, with Lauren Billys and Castle Larchfield Purdy sitting second. Reserves (in order of priority): Ecuador, Mexico

F – Africa and the Middle East: Victoria Scott-Legendre and Song du Magay top the bill for Region F, earning South Africa an individual place. The second goes to Pakistan, thanks to Usman Khan and Azad Kashmir. (see notes below) Reserves (in order of priority): Zimbabwe (no other countries feature on the rankings list for Group F.)

G – South-East Asia and Oceania: India will take a spot as the result of solid efforts by Fouaad Mirza and Fernhill Facetime, while Thomas Heffernan Ho and Tayberry take the second for Hong Kong. (see notes below) Reserves (in order of priority): N/A (no other countries feature on the rankings list for Group G.)

After the allocation of these places, the final six are awarded based on the full, unsegregated Olympic ranking list. A nation can field a maximum of two individual athletes, and so we’ll be skipping the Netherlands, Russia, Canada, and of course all the nations sending teams. The final six looks like this:

  • Miloslav Prihoda Jr and Ferreolus Lat earn a place for the Czech Republic
  • Alexander Zelenko and Carlo Grande Jr earn a place for Belarus
  • Aliaksandr Faminou and Martinie earn a second place for Belarus
  • Peter Flarup and Fascination earn a place for Denmark
  • Miroslav Trunda and Shutterflyke earn a second place for the Czech Republic
  • Lea Siegl and Fighting Line earn a place for Austria

Reserves for these final six individual slots are as follows, in order of priority: Austria, Ecuador, Finland, Denmark, Finland, Belgium. Reserves will be used if a country isn’t able to field an individual athlete, a scenario that may not be beyond the realm of possibility for the fledgling eventing nations on this list.

Czech Republic will be making its first Olympic eventing appearance since the 2008 Beijing Games, while both Hong Kong and Pakistan will make their Olympic eventing debut this summer.

Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges of Canada. Photo by Jenni Autry.

What’s Next?

Each NOC, or national governing body, has until the 16th of March to confirm their individual allocations. Any unconfirmed allocations after this deadline will be reallocated using a reserve system.

Now, potential candidates for Tokyo will have until the 1st of June to achieve their Olympic qualifications and make themselves eligible for selection. Need a refresher on the Minimum Eligibility Requirements? Here’s how they work:

  • Combinations must achieve an MER at both a CCI4*-S and a CCI4*-L, or they can achieve a standalone MER at CCI5*-L
  • An MER, or qualifying result, must include a dressage score of 55% or better (penalty score 45 or below), a clear cross-country round with 30 or fewer time penalties (if at four-star) or 40 or fewer time penalties if at five-star, and a showjumping round with 16 or fewer jumping penalties
  • The combination can knock one frangible, earning 11 penalties, and still use the result as an MER. A second 11 penalties, a 15, or a 20 will render the result invalid for qualifying purposes
  • The qualifying period for Tokyo MERs spans from the 1st of January, 2019 – 1st of June, 2020

The final list of horse and rider combinations for each discipline will be announced on the 6th of July. No, we won’t judge you if you set a countdown on your phone.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Feb 18, 2020 12:01 am -

Otis welcomes baby sister Abel. Photo via Equestrian Sports NZ.

It’s a big week for baby announcements around Eventing Nation, and we’ve got another special bundle of joy to add to the mix. Please join us in welcoming Abel Price! Jonell Price gave birth Monday, February 10th to a healthy baby girl. Luckily, no C-section was needed in this case — the recovery time would delay spring competition plans of course. Congratulations to Tim, Jonelle and big brother Otis!

National Holiday: National Drink Wine Day

Events Opening This Week: The Fork at TIEC, CDCTA Spring H.T., Chattahoochee Hills H.T., Pine Hill Spring H.T., Spring Bay H.T.

Events Closing This Week: Southern Pines H.T., Red Hills International H.T., Full Gallop Farm March H.T., Red Hills International H.T.

Tuesday News: 

Did you ever have an inspiration board growing up? If not, now’s the time to invest, and we’ve got just the stuff to stock it with. Start with Andreas Dibowski’s words of wisdom from the first day of the USEA Educational Symposium. [Andreas Dibowski’s Words of Wisdom From Day 1 of the 2020 ICP Symposium]

Speaking from clinicing with the best, riders in Aiken, S.C. were in for a treat last week with lessons from 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games individual and team silver medalist Padraig McCarthy. [Know Your Track And Your Canter: Lessons From Padraig McCarthy In Aiken]

An Olympic eventer and top tier steeplechase jockey walk into in educational forum … No really though, Andrew Nicholson and Robbie Power were presenters at the recent International Eventing Forum at Hartpury College in England and each talked about the essentials for the perfect showjumping round. Robbie is a former show jumper as well, and the two athletes found many parallels between their respective sports. [Andrew Nicholson and Robbie Power on what makes the perfect jumping round]

Tuesday Video: I don’t know about you, but I truly can’t get enough of these Madden Method videos:


Congrats to the 2019 Area VI Awards Winners!

By on Feb 17, 2020 5:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Area VI.

Area VI presented its 2019 Year-End Awards at a banquet last Saturday evening in Fresno on the heels of a year that saw California riders continuing to prove that — from Charlotte Babbitt‘s individual CCIJ2*-L gold at NAYC to Tamie Smith‘s team gold at the Pan American Games — they can go head-to-head with the best in the country and beyond.

As a website whose team is largely based on the East Coast, EN is perpetually fighting an uphill battle to give our West Coast eventing friends the coverage they deserve. We rely heavily on dispatches from our writer/photographer/media friends — I’m looking at you, Kim Miller and Sherry Stewart! — to keep us well-informed, as well as the tremendous communication efforts provided by riders, event coordinators and all the myriad individuals who help our sport thrive from coast to coast.

We owe an extra special thank-you to Ride On Video, whose live streams and video coverage help bring West Coast competitions to life for those of us following from afar. Owners Bob and Debi Ravenscroft take obvious joy in the work of capturing the memories of riders doing what they love on film.

Debi posted to Facebook last week, “One of the things that Bob lovingly and painstakingly does every year is create the end of the year award video for Area VI. He pours himself into it as a gift to the Area. What many people don’t know is Bob worked in music for many years. He took his knowledge of music and video and created the 2019 Area VI Awards video. He redid the music to make it match the video or vice versa. Please watch this with your volume on and enjoy. Congratulations to all Area VI Awards recipients. Ride On Video thanks you, the members of Area VI, for being our horse family.”

Check out this video, and view all Area IV leaderboards here. Congrats to all of the 2019 winners!

Area VI 2019 Awards Video

And thank you, Ride On Video! West Coasters, be sure to check out their brand new Frequent Flyer Club at an event near you.

We are always so happy to be at a horse show! 🎉We are are even happier to give back to our beloved riders! 💕 Look for…

Posted by Ride On Video on Thursday, February 13, 2020

Go Eventing.

Photo courtesy of Area VI.

Find a 2020 T.I.P. Eventing Award Competition Near You!

By on Feb 17, 2020 3:38 pm -

2019 Beginner Novice Junior 14 and Under Championship T.I.P. Champion Chambery with Sierra Thomas and Reserve Champion Inanewyorkminute with Catherine Frank. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

It’s pretty wild to wrap one’s mind around the amount of momentum the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) has gained since it was launched by The Jockey Club not quite a decade ago. T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at sanctioned horse shows, performance awards, and non-competition awards — and the number of participating shows and horses continues to swell each year.

Last week T.I.P. announced that it has approved nearly 7,000 awards and classes at more than 1,400 shows in 41 states and six Canadian provinces in 2020. Awards are available in virtually every imaginable discipline including, of course, eventing. To be eligible for T.I.P. shows, a Thoroughbred is defined as any horse that has been registered with The Jockey Club or a foreign Thoroughbred stud book recognized by The Jockey Club.

This year’s eventing T.I.P. calendar is massive, stretching from coast to coast and well into Canada. A full calendar of shows offering awards is available here. We created a map and listed participating schooling and recognized horse trials below — see the calendar for combined tests and additional disciplines.

Jan. 5: Full Gallop Farm Schooling HT & CT (Aiken, SC)
Jan. 17: The Grand Oaks HT (Weirsdale, FL)
Jan. 18: LEC CT & Schooling Dressage (Folsom, LA)
Jan. 18: Stable View Aiken Opener HT (Aiken, SC)
Jan. 19: Full Gallop Farm CT/Dressage/Jumpers (Aiken, SC)
Jan. 15: Iron Star Winter Wonderland Schooling Show (Havana, FL)
Jan. 26: Full Gallop Farm Recognized HT (Aiken, SC)
Feb. 1: Sporting Days H.T. (Aiken, SC)
Feb. 4: Full Gallop Farm YEH Series Competition (Aiken, SC)
Feb. 5: Full Gallop Farm Recognized HT (Aiken, SC)
Feb. 6: Ocala Winter I HT (Ocala, FL)
Feb. 12: Full Gallop Farm Schooling HT & CT (Aiken, SC)
Feb. 25: Full Gallop Farm Recognized HT (Aiken, SC)
Feb. 25: Full Gallop Farm YEH Series (Aiken, SC)
Feb. 29: Sporting Days HT (Aiken, SC)
March 5: Red Hills international HT (Tallahassee, FL)
March 6: Full Gallop Farm Young Event Horse Series (Aiken, SC)
March 7: Full Gallop Farm Recognized HT (Aiken, SC)
March 7: Southern Pines HT (Raeford, NC)
March 11: Full Gallop Farm Schooling HT & CT (Aiken, SC)
March 12: Ocala Winter II HT (Ocala, FL)
March 15: Red Gate Farm Starter HT (Bluemont, VA)
March 18: Carolina International (Raeford, NC)
March 21: MDHT Starter HT #1 (Adamstown, MD)
March 21: Poplar Place March HT (Hamilton, GA)
March 21: Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show (Temecula, CA)
March 22: Full Gallop Farm Schooling HT & CT (Aiken, SC)
March 27: Morven Park Spring HT (Leesburg, VA)
March 27: Texas Rose Horse Park Spring HT (Tyler, TX)
March 27: Stable View Spring HT (Aiken, SC)
March 28: Fleur de Leap (Folsom, LA)
March 28: Full Gallop Farm Young Event Horse Series (Aiken, SC)
March 28: Paul Frazer Memorial Combined Test and Dressage Show (Lexington, KY)
March 28: SWDEA Spring Schooling Show (Tallahassee, FL)
March 29: Champagne Run Mini Trial (Lexington, KY)
March 29: Full Gallop Farm Recognized HT (Aiken, SC)
April 1: Locke Meadows Combined Test (Berryville, VA)
April 4: Dressage at Blue Goose Schooling Dressage & CT (Cochranville, PA)
April 4: Middle Tennessee Pony Club Mini Trials (Nashville, TN)
April 5: CDCTA Spring Horse Trials (Berryville, VA)
April 8: Ocala International 3-Day Festival of Eventing (Ocala, FL)
April 10: CDCTA Spring Dressage Show and CT (Columbia, MO)
April 11: Iron Star Spring Fling Schooling Show (Havana, FL)
April 11: MDHT Starter Horse Trial #2 (Adamstown, MD)
April 14: Autumn Riders Horse Shows (Freehold, NJ)
April 18: Eagle View Schooling Horse Trials (Wichita, KS)
April 18: Longleaf Pines Horse Trial (Raeford, NC)
April 18: River Glen Equestrian Spring HT (New Market, TN)
April 18: Sporting Days HT (Aiken, SC)
April 19: Hunt Club Farms Starter Trial (Berryville, VA)
April 25: Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring HT (Leesburg, VA)
April 25: University of New Hampshire Spring HT (Durham, NH)
April 25: Waredaca Starter HT (Laytonsville, MD)
April 26: Full Gallop Farm CT/Dressage/Jumpers (Aiken, SC)
May 1: The Spring Event at Skyline (Mount Pleasant, UT)
May 2: Dressage at Blue Goose Schooling Dressage & CT (Cochranville, PA)
May 2: MREC May HT (Maple Ridge, BC)
May 2: Poplar Place May HT (Hamilton, GA)
May 2: Totally Awesome Horse Show Dressage/CT Series (Snow Camp, NC)
May 2: Waredaca HT (Laytonsville, MD)
May 2: Wayne Eventing Derby (Wayne, IL)
May 2: W.E. Cadora (Maidstone, ON)
May 6: Jersey Fresh International (Allentown, NJ)
May 7: Spokane Sport Horse Farm International HT (Spokane, WA)
May 8: Foundation Charity Horse Show (Romney, IN)
May 8: Texas Rose Horse Park HT (Tyler, TX)
May 8: Winona HT (Hanoverton, OH)
May 9: Flying Cross Farm May Mini Trial (Goshen, KY)
May 9: Mill Creek Pony Club HT (Kansas City, KS)
May 9: SPEA May WHES (Raeford, NC)
May 10: CDCTA CT Dressage and Combined Training Association (Westbrook, CT)
May 10: Flying Cross Farm June Big Mini Trial II (Goshen, KY)
May 10: Riga Meadow Combined Test (Millbrook, NY)
May 15: Mustang Powder Back to Back HT (Chase, BC)
May 16: Autumn Riders Horse Shows (Freehold, NJ)
May 16: CDCTA Combined Test 1 (Reston, VA)
May 16: Eagle View Schooling HT (Wichita, KS)
May 16: Greater Dayton (Fairborn, OH)
May 16: IDCTA Dressage and CT (Barrington, IL)
May 16: LEC Horse Trial in a Day (Folsom, LA)
May 16: Lynnleigh Farm May 2-Phase (Sandy, UT)
May 16: Spring Gulch Horse Trials (Littleton, TX)
May 16: Treasure Hill Farm Summer Schooling Series (Salem, CT)
May 17: Stable View Eventing Academy Schooling HT (Aiken, SC)
May 17: Full Gallop Farm CT/Dressage/Jumpers (Aiken, SC)
May 17: IDCTA Dressage and CT (Barrington, IL)
May 17: Mustang Powder Back to Back HT (Chase, BC)
May 17: Red Gate Farm Starter HT (Bluemont, VA)
May 21: Virginia HT (Lexington, VA)
May 22: MayDaze HT (Lexington, KY)
May 23: Grandview (OEA) (Hawkestone, ON)
May 23: MDHT Starter HT #3 (Adamstown, MD)
May 23: Spring Chicken (Wasatch PC) (Ogden, UT)
May 29: Poplar Place June HT (Hamilton, GA)
May 30: GMHA HT Series (South Woodstock, VT)
May 30: Minds Eye HT (Sturgeon County, AB)
May 30: Ocala Summer HT I (Ocala, FL)
June 6: Dressage at Blue Goose Schooling Dressage & CT (Cochranville, PA)
June 6: Jump 4 Joy (KDEA) (Wichita, KS)
June 6: Mahan Farm’s Spring Into Summer (Tallahassee, FL)
June 6: Middleburg HT (The Plains, VA)
June 6: MREC June HT (Maple Ridge, BC)
June 6: River Glen Equestrian June HT (New Market, TN)
June 6: Totally Awesome Horse Show Dressage/CT Series (Snow Camp, NC)
June 6: Waredaca Starter HT (Laytonsville, MD)
June 7: Full Gallop Farm Schooling HT & CT (Aiken, SC)
June 9: GVRDC Spring HT (Geneseo, NY)
June 13: Full Gallop Farm Young Event Horse Series (Aiken, SC)
June 13: Golden Spike HT (Ogden, UT)
June 13: Honey Run HT (Ann Arbor, MI)
June 13: LEC Combined Test and Schooling Dressage (Folsom, LA)
June 13: Queeny Park HT (Ballwin, MO)
June 13: Seneca Valley Pony Club HT (Poolesville, MD)
June 13: SPEA June WHES (Raeford, NC)
June 13: The Hill at Graywall Farms (Connecticut, CT)
June 14: Bucks County Horse Park USEA Recognized Event (Revere, PA)
June 14: Caledon (OEA) (Caledon, ON)
June 14: Champagne Run Mini Trial (Lexington, KY)
June 14: Full Gallop Farm Recognized HT (Aiken, SC)
June 14: Hidden Creek Equestrian Center Dressage & CT Show (Kunkletown, PA)
June 14: Valinor Farm USEA HT (Plymouth, MA)
June 17: Midsouth Pony Club Rallies and HT (Lexington, KY)
June 20: Cherrylane (OEA) (Guelph, ON)
June 20: Cochrane HT (Cochrane, AB)
June 20: Lynnleigh Farm June 2-Phase (Sandy, UT)
June 20: Treasure Hill Farm Summer Schooling Series (Salem, CT)
June 20: USEF/USEA Stable View Summer HT (Aiken, SC)
June 21: Autumn Riders Horse Shows (Freehold, NJ)
June 21: Kent School HT (Kent, CT)
June 21: Treasure Hill Farm HT (Salem, CT)
June 21: W.E. Cadora (Maidstone, ON)
June 26: Fox River Valley Pony Club HT & CCI (Barrington Hills, IL)
June 26: Freedom Fest 2 Phase (Mount Pleasant, UT)
June 27: Flying Cross Farm June Big Mini Trial (Goshen, KY)
June 27: Full Gallop Farm Open Show, CT and Dressage Tests (Aiken, SC)
June 27: Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials I (Allentown, NJ)
June 27: Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer HT (Leesburg, VA)
June 27: RREC Show Series (Felton, MN)
June 28: Dreamcrest (OEA) (Post Perry, ON)
June 28: Flying Cross Farm May Mini Trial II (Goshen, KY)
June 28: Full Gallop Farm CT/Dressage/Jumpers (Aiken, SC)
June 28: MCTA Starter HT (Monkton, MD)
July 1: Locke Meadows Combined Test (Berryville, VA)
July 3: Maryland International (Adamstown, MD)
July 4: Southlands 2&3/4 Phase Event (Vancouver, BC)
July 5: Equestran Dressage 1 (Vaudreuil, QU)
July 5: Full Gallop Farm Schooling HT and CT (Aiken, SC)
July 5: Larkin Hill HT (North Chatham, NY)
July 5: Pipestave HT (West Newbury, MA)
July 5: Will O’Wind (OEA) (Mono, ON)
July 7: Champagne Run at the Park HT (Lexington, KY)
July 10: MDHT USEA #2 (Adamstown, MD)
July 11: CDCTA Combined Test 2 (Reston, VA)
July 11: Genesee Valley Hunt HT (Geneseo, NY)
July 11: Hidden Creek Equestrian Center Dressage & CT Show (Kunkletown, PA)
July 11: MREC Mrs.T Memorial HT (Maple Ridge, BC)
July 11: SPEA July WHES (Raeford, NC)
July 12: Bronte Creek (OEA) (Hamilton, ON)
July 12: CDCTA CT Dressage and Combined Training Association (Westbrook, CT)
July 13: USPC Festival (Lexington, KY)
July 18: Course Brook Farm HT (Sherborn, MA)
July 18: Dressage at Blue Goose Schooling Dressage & CT (Cochranville, PA)
July 18: Essex HT (Far Hills, NJ)
July 18: Grandview (OEA) (Hawkestone, ON)
July 18: Jump 4 Joy (KDEA) (Wichita, KS)
July 18: Lynnleigh Farm July 2-Phase (Sandy, UT)
July 19: NorthWestEquest HT (Debden, SA)
July 19: Stable View Eventing Academy Schooling HT (Aiken, SC)
July 19: Full Gallop Farm Schooling HT & CT (Aiken, SC)
July 24: Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials II (Allentown, NJ)
July 25: Glenarden (OEA) (Fergus, ON)
July 25: Horse Aid Live CT & Dressage Show (Lexington, KY)
July 25: Hunt Club Farms HT (Berryville, VA)
July 25: Treasure Hill Farm Summer Schooling Series (Salem, CT)
July 26: Oakhurst (OEA) (Ottawa, ON)
July 26: Treasure Hill Farm HT (Salem, CT)
July 26: W.E. Cadora (Maidstone, ON)
July 31: EHSC Schooling Dressage & CT (Edinboro, PA)
August 1: Dressage at Blue Goose Schooling Dressage & CT (Cochranville, PA)
August 1: Hunt Club Farms Starter Trial (Berryville, VA)
August 1: River Glen Equestrian Summer HT (New Market, TN)
August 1: Red River Equestrian Center Show Series (Felton, MN)
August 1: Equestran Dressage 2 (Vaudreuil, QU)
August 2: Erie Hunt and Saddle Club Mini Trial (Edinboro, PA)
August 2: Full Gallop Farm Schooling HT & CT (Aiken, SC)
August 2: Glen Oro (OEA) (Hawkestone, ON)
August 2: Red Gate Farm Starter HT (Bluemont, VA)
August 3: Full Gallop Farm CT/Dressage/Jumpers (Aiken, SC)
August 7: Area VII Young Rider Benefit HT (Centralia, WA)
August 7: Buster Creek HT (Rocky Mountain House, AB)
August 7: GMHA HT Series (South Woodstock, VT)
August 8: CDCT Keepin’ It Casual Show (Ithaca, NY)
August 8: Jump 4 Joy (KDEA) (Wichita, KS)
August 8: Spring Gulch HT (Littleton, TX)
August 9: Champagne Run Mini Trial (Lexington, KY)
August 9: Stable View Eventing Academy Schooling HT (Aiken, SC)
August 9: Lanes End (OEA) (Bobcaygeon, ON)
August 10: GVRDC Fall HT (Geneseo, NY)
August 13: W.E. Cadora (Maidstone, ON)
August 14: Campbell Valley HT (Langley, BC)
August 15: Full Gallop Farm Young Event Horse Series (Aiken, SC)
August 15: Lynnleigh Farm August 2-Phase (Sandy, UT)
August 15: Nancy F Newton Memorial CT and Dressage Show (Lexington, KY)
August 15: Ocala Summer HT II (Ocala, FL)
August 15: Waredaca HT (Laytonsville, MD)
August 16: Autumn Riders Horse Shows (Freehold, NJ)
August 16: Eagle View Schooling HT (Wichita, KS)
August 16: Full Gallop Farm Recognized HT (Aiken, SC)
August 21: Alhambra Summer Event (Red Deer, AB)
August 21: The Event at Archer (Cheyenne, WY)
August 21: Town Hill (Lakeville, CT)
August 22: LEC Horse Trial in a Day (Folsom, LA)
August 22: Serenity Valley Farm CT (Dayton, OH)
August 22: SPEA August WHES (Raeford, NC)
August 22: Wits End (OEA) (Mulmur, ON)
August 23: Hidden Creek Equestrian Center Dressage & CT Show (Kunkletown, PA)
August 29: Cherrylane (OEA) (Guelph, ON)
August 29: Course Brook Farm HT (Sherborn, MA)
August 29: Iron Star Back to School Bash Schooling Show (Havana, FL)
August 30: Stevens Creek (OEA) (Ottawa, ON)
September 5: Chardon Valley HT (Decatur, MI)
September 5: Five Points HT (Raeford, NC)
September 5: Seneca Valley Pony Club HT (Poolesville, MD)
September 5: Treasure Hill Farm Summer Schooling Series (Salem, CT)
September 6: Bucks County Horse Park USEA Recognized Event (Revere, PA)
September 6: Treasure Hill Farm HT (Salem, CT)
September 11: Flying Cross Farm HT (Goshen, KY)
September 11: Foundation Charity Horse Show (Romney, IN)
September 11: The Event at Skyline (Mount Pleasant, UT)
September 12: CDCTA Fall Dressage Schooling Show and CT (Columbia, MO)
September 12: GMHA HT Series (South Woodstock, VT)
September 12: Great American Pumpkin (Wasatch PC) (Ogden, UT)
September 12: KDEA Dressage & CT (Wichita, KS)
September 12: MDHT Starter Horse Trial #4 (Adamstown, MD)
September 12: Poplar Place September HT (Hamilton, GA)
September 12: Stone Gate Farm HT (Hanoverton, OH)
September 12: Totally Awesome Horse Show Dressage/CT Series (Snow Camp, NC)
September 13: Autumn Riders Horse Shows (Freehold, NJ)
September 13: CDCTA Fall HT (Berryville, VA)
September 13: Glen Oro (OEA) (Hawkestone, ON)
September 19: Alhambra Fall Event and Championships (Red Deer, AB)
September 19: Fleur de Leap HT (Folsom, LA)
September 19: Lynnleigh Farm September 2-Phase (Sandy, UT)
September 19: Marlborough HT (Upper Marlborough, MD)
September 20: Bronte Creek (OEA) (Hamilton, ON)
September 20: Full Gallop Farm Schooling HT & CT (Aiken, SC)
September 20: NPASS Championship Show @ Hidden Creek (Kunkletown, PA)
September 20: Oakhurst (OEA) (Ottawa, ON)
September 20: Queeny Park Mini Event (Ballwin, MO)
September 23: MCTA Jenny Camp HT (Joppa, MD)
September 23: W.E. Cadora (Maidstone, ON)
September 24: Stable View Oktoberfest Horse Trials (Aiken, SC)
September 25: FEH Qualifier in September (MDHT) (Adamstown, MD)
September 26: Central FEH Championships (TBD, TX)
September 26: Dressage at Blue Goose Schooling Dressage & CT (Cochranville, PA)
September 26: East Coast FEH Championships (Adamstown, MD)
September 26: Grandview (OEA) (Hawkestone, ON)
September 26: MREC Mary Swanson Memorial HT (Maple Ridge, BC)
September 26: Red River Equestrian Center Show Series (Felton, MN)
September 26: TBEA Fall Finale (Sherwood, OR)
September 26: The Event at Archer (Cheyenne, WY)
September 26: University of New Hampshire Fall HT (Durham, NH)
September 27: ESDCTA NJ HT (Allentown, NJ)
October 1: Locke Meadows CT (Berryville, VA)
October 1: Morven Park Fall HT (Leesburg, VA)
October 1: Spokane Sport Horse Fall Event (Spokane, WA)
October 3: Dressage at Blue Goose Schooling Dressage & CT (Cochranville, PA)
October 3: East Coast YEH Championships (TBD, MD)
October 3: Heritage Park HT (Olathe, KS)
October 3: Mahan Farm’s Beat the Heat (Tallahassee, FL)
October 3: West Coast FEH Championships (TBD, CA)
October 4: CDCTA CT Dressage and Combined Training Association (Westbrook, CT)
October 4: Kent School HT (Kent, CT)
October 4: Ottawa Fall Finale (OEA) (Ottawa, ON)
October 4: Will O’Wind (OEA) (Mono, ON)
October 9: MDHT USEA #3 (Adamstown, MD)
October 9: Glenarden (OEA) (Fergus, ON)
October 10: Greater Dayton (Fairborn, OH)
October 10: Middle Tennessee Pony Club Trials (Nashville, TN)
October 10: Ocala Fall HT (Ocala, FL)
October 10: Ride For The Roses 2020 (Auburn, WA)
October 10: SPEA October WHES (Raeford, NC)
October 17: Eagle View Schooling HT (Wichita, KS)
October 17: Hunt Club Farms HT (Berryville, VA)
October 17: Lynnleigh Farm October 2-Phase (Sandy, UT)
October 17: MDHT Starter Horse Trial #5 (Adamstown, MD)
October 18: Autumn Riders Horse Shows (Freehold, NJ)
October 18: Stable View Eventing Academy Schooling HT (Aiken, SC)
October 22: Waredaca HT (Laytonsville, MD)
October 24: The Grand Oaks Horse Trials (Weirsdale, FL)
October 25: Full Gallop Farm Open Show, CT and Dressage Tests (Aiken, SC)
October 25: Red Gate Farm Starter HT (Bluemont, VA)
October 29: Virginia Horse Trials (Lexington, VA)
October 31: MDHT Starter Horse Trial #6 (Adamstown, VA)
October 31: Octoberfest CT (Lexington, KY)
October 31: Octoberfest Dressage & Mini Trial (Lexington, KY)
October 31: Series Awards Lynnleigh Farm 2-Phase (Sandy, UT)
November 1: Full Gallop Farm Recognized HT (Aiken, SC)
November 1: Series Awards Bucks County Horse Park Schooling HT (Revere, PA)
November 6: SPEA November WHES (Raeford, NC)
November 7: DVCTA Harvestfest Dressage Show and CT (Cochranville, PA)
November 7: River Glen Equestrian Fall HT (New Market, TN)
November 7: SWDEA Year End Show (Tallahassee, FL)
November 7: Texas Rose Horse Park Fall HT (Tyler, TX)
November 7: Waredaca Starter HT (Laytonsville, MD)
November 7: WHES Championships (Raeford, NC)4
November 14: LEC CT and Schooling Dressage (Folsom, LA)
November 15: Stable View Eventing Academy Schooling HT (Aiken, SC)
November 15: Red Gate Farm Starter HT (Bluemont, VA)
November 15: Dressage at Blue Goose Schooling Dressage & CT (Cochranville, PA)
November 21: Series Awards Red Gate Farm (Bluemont, VA)
November 30: IDCTA Year End Awards (Multiple, IL)
December 5: Fleur de Leap (Folsom, LA)
December 5: Sporting Days H.T. (Aiken, SC)
December 12: Dressage at Blue Goose Schooling Dressage & CT (Cochranville, PA)
December 13: Stable View Eventing Academy Schooling HT (Aiken, SC)
December 20: Full Gallop Farm Open Show, CT and Dressage Tests (Aiken, SC)
December 31: Series Awards Dressage at Blue Goose (Cochranville, PA)
December 31: Stable View Series Awards Eventing Academy Schooling HT (Aiken, SC)

In addition, T.I.P. will host two championship horse shows at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2020 in conjunction with New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Shows. The first championship horse show will be held September 4-6 and offer classes for hunters, jumpers, Western pleasure, and English pleasure, and the second championship horse show will be held October 4 and offer classes in dressage, Western dressage, and a combined test. A class list is available here.

T.I.P. also announced its youth ambassadors for the 2020 T.I.P. Youth Ambassador Program. The 13 ambassadors come from eight states and two Canadian provinces and cover multiple disciplines. The following are the 2020 T.I.P. youth ambassadors:

  • Kat Abrams – Florida
  • Carley Allington – Indiana
  • Lottie Crawford – Virginia
  • Amy Demetrick – British Columbia
  • Megan Farnsworth – Washington
  • Payton Gunther – Illinois
  • Julia House – Maine
  • Katie Kalfayan – New Jersey
  • Morgan Presley – Georgia
  • Julia Rivera – Quebec
  • Emma Scheier – New Jersey
  • Isabela Wade – Georgia
  • Rhiannon Williams – Georgia

Additional information about the Youth Ambassador Program is available here.

Learn more about the T.I.P. program, view participating horse shows, and apply for a T.I.P. number at the website here.

Go Thoroughbreds. Go Eventing!

 

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Jon Holling and Ragtime Rebel at Ocala

By on Feb 17, 2020 1:00 pm -

It’s been a moment since we’ve heard an update on Jon Holling‘s newest OTTB prospect, the now 6-year-old gelding Ragtime Rebel (Union Rags X A.P. Elegance, by A.P. Indy) that he found through the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center. Rebel enjoyed a nice off-season vacation after his Training level debut in November and has come out swinging this season with a great Training level run at Ocala Winter I H.T. last weekend.

In Jon’s latest YouTube vlog, he analyzes the footage from this latest outing, from a somewhat spooky dressage test, to a foot-perfect show jump round, to a workmanlike cross country performance. The pair finished double clear in both jumping phases to finish on their dressage score for 7th place in their division. We’re looking forward to seeing Jon and Rebel out and about this season!

You can catch up on Jon’s previous OTTB Blogs here.

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Fresno, Paradise Farm, Rocking Horse

By on Feb 17, 2020 9:00 am -

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day weekend than…at a horse show? Hey, I can’t think of much better, personally. But here’s a shout-out to the horse husbands, wives, and families that came out to support us crazy eventers this weekend. At least chocolate candy travels well.

We were treated to a pair of sub-20 finishing scores this weekend, one belonging to Amber Levine and I’M Jaguar, who won the Open Training at Fresno on a 19.8. On the opposite coast and besting Amber by just a hair were Doug Payne with Quiberon, who won an Open Novice division on a final score of 19.3. Take a look at Doug’s test:

As promised , the 19.3

Posted by Elizabeth Callahan on Friday, February 14, 2020

And let’s take a look at the rest of our winners from the weekend. Congratulations to all!

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

CCI3*-S: James Alliston and Lilly (35.4)
CCI2*-S: Meg Pellegrini and Dasset Ricochet (30.6)
Advanced: Gina Economou and Exclusive (42.6)
Open Intermediate: Helan Bouscaren and Ebay (25.5)
Open Preliminary: James Alliston and Czechers (36.5)
Preliminary Rider: Taylor McFall and High Times (29.8)
Jr. Training Rider: Tyler Leary and Made You Look (30.0)
Open Training: Amber Levine and I’M Jaguar (19.8)
Sr. Training Rider: Sara Kelson and Rhonaldo (27.3)
Jr. Novice Rider: Clara Marks and Hawk Action (26.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Lauren Henry and Ohmy (25.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Maguy Palluel and Native Heart (28.1)
Introductory A: Caroline Dein and Master Twain DF (37.3)
Introductory B: Randi Roehn and Wall Street (29.2)

Paradise Farm H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

Friday Intermediate Preliminary: Erin Risso and Sportsfield Enquiry (50.0)
Weekend Intermediate Preliminary: Nicole Parkin and Lander Van Het Heekse (40.7)
Friday Open Preliminary: Arden Wildasin and Watch Out (29.7)
Friday Preliminary Rider: Brittany Crandall and Cooley Almighty (31.0)
Weekend Preliminary: Emily Beshear and Silver Night Lady (42.6)
Friday Preliminary Training: Rachel Miles and Zane (27.0)
Friday Open Training A: Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Tick Tock (26.0)
Friday Open Training B: Olivia Dutton and Iniesta (26.2)
Friday Training Rider: Shelley Onderdonk DVM and Chester K (28.1)
Weekend Open Training: Emily Beshear and LVS Jackson (31.7)
Weekend Training Rider: Jackson Dillard and Layla Q (32.9)
Friday Novice Rider: Margaret Schneck and Islandwood Border Patrol (27.4)
Friday Open Novice A: Alyssa Peterson and Excel Star Renaissance (25.7)
Friday Open Novice B: Doug Payne and Quiberon (19.3)
Weekend Novice Rider A: Darci Phelps and Sandro Street (32.4)
Weekend Novice Rider B: Bailey Yablonovitz and Fiddlers Choice (33.1)
Weekend Open Novice: Alexandra Macleod and Independence Day (28.3)
Friday Beginner Novice Rider: Alana Moro and Southern Star (31.8)
Weekend Beginner Novice Rider: Kelsie Johns and The Dark Knight (35.5)
Friday Starter: Joanne Blackmore and Special Agent Cody (36.9)
Weekend Starter: Rachel Krieser and B.E. Excalibur (42.2)

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

Advanced Test A: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me (36.9)
Advanced Test B: Buck Davidson and Carlevo (38.8)
Open Intermediate A: Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle (34.2)
Open Intermediate B: Kimmy Cecere and Landmark’s Monaco (29.1)
Open Intermediate C: Jennie Brannigan and Bliss III (36.1)
Open Intermediate D: Savannah Blackstock and Garryndruig Albie (36.0)
Open Preliminary A: Lucia Strini and Cooley For Keeps (27.9)
Open Preliminary B: Will Zuschlag and Quintana K (33.3)
Open Prelim – Friday A: Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Otta B Quality (27.1)
Open Prelim – Friday B: Angelika Beutel and Alwin (31.5)
Open Prelim – Friday C: Allie Knowles and Ramdam de Mons (30.0)
Preliminary Horse A: Bobby Meyerhoff and Caso (25.4)
Preliminary Horse B: Jessica Phoenix and Tell Me (30.2)
Preliminary Rider A: Mimi Bilodeau and Make My Day (32.1)
Preliminary Rider B: Madeline O’Brien and Casarino (25.0)
Jr. Training Rider: Emeline Gilbert and Herr Winzig (30.2)
Open Training A: Andrea Davidson and Mr. Poppers (21.8)
Open Training B: Dana Cooke and FE Santos (25.7)
Open Training C: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley (26.8)
Sr. Training Rider: McKenna Martinez and Commitment (36.3)
Training Horse A: Tik Maynard and Galileo (20.5)
Training Horse B: Hallie Coon and Cavu 54 (29.0)
Training Horse C: Buck Davidson and DHI Showman (31.7)
Jr. Novice Rider: Avery Daigle and Fernhill Tick the Box (29.3)
Novice Horse A: Megan Edwards and Kip to the Beat (30.7)
Novice Horse B: Beth Murphy and Jimba (23.3)
Open Novice A: Madeline Carey and Eckland’s Redino (23.8)
Open Novice B: Jacob Fletcher and WT Caden (29.0)
Sr. Novice Rider: Erin Walker and Zydeco Nights (26.2)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Sophia Hand and OMG He’s Totes Adorbs! (29.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Caroline Teich and Salt Air Swagger (27.5)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider: Susan Martin and Alice Alice (24.0)

View this post on Instagram

I am absolutely over the moon about this weekend! Tick tock threw down a beautiful test to score a 29.3, had a great sj round, and a fast but safe and fun xc run to bring home the blue with no penalties added to our score! I can not thank my dad enough for all the support, my wonderful trainer @rbriding, @ash.worth for all of her help, and of course my bestie @kenna_not_dinna and her mom ❤️ Tick tock is headed back to Texas for a well deserved break , while Rizzo and I will continue to grow our partnership here in Florida!🥳 It was great to watch /hang with @carlyblankeventing, @lone_star_eventing @kpm.eventing @mojoeventing @fran.spoltore @adsequestrian ( Can someone explain to me how my 14.3 hand pony looks bigger/ as big as Rizzo who is 16 hands?😂🤪) #averysdoitbest #fernhillsporthorses #fernhilltickthebox #ride4ashley #ride4grady #frscheckitoutnow #sprinkleofpixiedust #rbriding #fernhillfierce ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ @polos_over_bros Avery17 for 15% off🎊 @ellanyequestrian Avery10 for 10% off!💛 @msvids_ ambassador☑️ @thepamperedponytreats sponsor 🛍

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

View this post on Instagram

just another weekend 🌞

A post shared by hayden jones ☆ (@haydennjoness) on

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Feb 17, 2020 12:01 am -

Welcome to the world, Hunter Fredericks and Mia Sprecher!

Another batch of brand new baby eventers have joined us over the last few days and we could not be be more pleased to welcome them to the world! Both bundles of joy made their grand entrances on February 12th: Mia Sprecher was born to Kate Chadderton and Larry Sprecher, while Hunter Fredericks was born to Lisa Baker and Clayton Fredericks. Biggest of congratulations to both families!

National Holiday: Presidents Day

U.S. Weekend Results:

Rocking Horse Winter II: [Website][Final Scores]

Paradise Farm H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.: [Website][Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

The 2020 USEA Educational Symposium starts today! The ICP Symposium with featured clinician Andreas Dibowski runs today and tomorrow, while Wednesday and Thursday are dedicated to the YEH and FEH programs respectively. You can view the schedule here and make sure you keep tabs of the USEA website for the latest happenings. [USEA Educational Symposium]

Beezie Madden announced her semi-retirement over the weekend, beginning after the Tokyo Olympics this summer. After a legendary career, the prolific show jumper’s name is recognized by an equestrian no matter their discipline. Once this year’s Olympics are over, which would be Beezie’s fifth, she will focus of developing horses and riders to the championship level. [Madden To Change Sport Career Direction After Tokyo]

An Olympic eventer and top tier steeplechase jockey walk into in educational forum … No really though, Andrew Nicholson and Robbie Power were presenters at the recent International Eventing Forum at Hartpury College in England and each talked about the essentials for the perfect showjumping round. Robbie is a former show jumper as well, and the two athletes found many parallels between their respective sports. [Andrew Nicholson and Robbie Power on what makes the perfect jumping round]

Monday Featured Video: February is Equine Dental Awareness month! Elisa Wallace gives us an update on one of her Mustangs, who had surgery to remove an infected tooth:

James Alliston, Meg Pelligrini Top Fresno County Horse Park CCI2*-S & CCI3*-S

By on Feb 16, 2020 6:50 pm -

CCI3*-S winners James Alliston & Lilly. Photo by Sherry Stewart

The very first FEI event of 2020 got ticked off the calendar this weekend at Fresno County Horse Park in California. The event’s CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S and Advanced divisions wrapped up on Saturday with Intro through Intermediate horse trials divisions continuing today.

As an East Coaster, FCHP looks like an entirely different planet. The sepia earth, the industrial “steel forest” backdrop … I mean, it’s no Rebecca Farm, but there’s something striking about it nonetheless. Formerly known as Ram Tap, FCHP is the second longest continuous three-day event in the country — the first edition of Ram Tap was in 1957. The construction of a high speed rail through the grounds nearly derailed (no pun intended!) the event a few years back, but thanks to the heroic efforts of John Marshall, a real estate developer and lower level eventer, the event not only survived but continues to thrive today. In fact, the rail viaduct ended up being pretty on-brand with the FCHP’s train theme!

Choo-choo! Full speed ahead (last one, promise) to a recap of the CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S and Advanced action. Many thanks to EN’s great friend and photographer extraordinaire Sherry Stewart for the lovely pics and dispatches from the field!

CCI3*-S

James Allison & RevitaVet Oreo. Photo by Sherry Stewart

James Alliston posted the only double-clear rounds of the CCI3*-S division with his two mounts, Lilly and RevitaVet Oreo, to finish 1st and 2nd respectively. 

James and Lilly, an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare (Check In x Contender) owned by Kelly Maddox, have been on a roll, winning their first two Intermediate horse trials together last fall at Twin Rivers and FCHP. She looks like a sassy sort of lady with a penchant for let-me-at-it head tossing and dramatic tail flips. A win at her very first three-star is impressive, and we’ll look forward to watching this exciting partnership develop.

RevitaVet Oreo is a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare by Golden Master, owned by James and Gillian Webster. FCHP marked her three-star debut as well, with her stablemate edging out the win by just three-tenths of a point. So close! It’s been a while since we’ve seen her out — their last start was The Spring Event at Woodside last May — so we’re glad to see her back on form.

James also won the Open Preliminary division on Czechers. (Sidenote: We spotted one Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin in the division — they won the dressage but were under strict orders to “trot” cross country so collected 14 time penalties to finish in 4th.)

“James was in the moment on all the rides I saw,” Sherry reports. “My friend Lee thinks he would be a great whitewater kayaker because he can maintain a low center of gravity despite those looong arms and legs.” Well, should you ever need a backup plan, James!

Alexis Hellfrich & M Creme De La Creme SE. Photo by Sherry Stewart

Alexis Helffrich and another three-star debutante M Creme De La Creme SE, an 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Clare De Lune SE x  Zathalida, by Cathalido) owned by Rose Sullivan, round out the top three. The pair had the lead through dressage and show jumping but picked up 12.4 cross country time faults to drop two spots. FCHP is a lucky venue for this pair — they won the CCI2*-S here last February.

CCI2*-S

Meg Pellegrini and Dassett Ricochet, her own 8-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Cabachon x Pilar, by Kalibar), scooped the top CCI2*-S honors. The pair was 2nd after dressage but posted double-clear show jumping and cross country rounds to slide into 1st on a final score of 30.6 after dressage winners Alexis Helffrich and Graceland’s Lincoln had an expensive rail.

This is a fairly new partnership for Meg, who acquired the horse in October, but they seem to be clicking — this is their second win in a row, having bested the Prelim division at Galway Downs last month. Rebecca Braitling was his previous rider and developed him through the two-star level. We were also excited to see Meg and 2019 USEA Pony of the Year Ganymede out and about in the Intermediate division. Nobody is more fun to watch than that pair! Look at them going for it in the Intermediate at Galway Downs. You know you love it. Meg also finished 3rd in Intermediate on RF Eloquence.

Double-clear jumping rounds paid off for 2nd placed Anna Parson and Crescendo, moving them up from 7th after dressage. In 3rd place is Bruce Hill with Bossinova, who added just 1.6 show jumping time penalties to their dressage score of 32.6.

ADVANCED

Gina Economou & Exclusive. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Gina Economou and Exclusive were the best of five Advanced division starters. The pair scored a 33.0 in dressage, posted a fault-free show jumping round, then added 9.6 cross country time penalties to win on a final score of 42.6. Exclusive, Gina’s own 11-year-old Dutch gelding (Marlon x Julia S, by Concorde), is her main FEI-level squeeze and they’ve been doing very well from themselves at the four-star level. Sherry reports, “Gina talked to her horse the whole way around and it had everyone smiling. What a great start to the season for her.”

Erin Kellerhouse & Woodford Reserve. Photo by Sherry Stewart

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve were the only other finishers in the division, adding 0.4 show jumping and 14.4 cross country time penalties to their dressage score of 29.6 to finish second. It was their first crack at the level for this experienced partnership and we hear they had “a careful, classy round.” Sounds like you’ve got yourself an Advanced horse, Erin — congrats!

Elsewhere in the division, dressage leaders Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo received a technical elimination on cross country after missing the second-to-last fence on course. “She had a picture perfect round up to then,” Sherry says. “As Christina Grey said, everyone was gutted for her.” Madison Temkin and Dr. Hart‘s day came to an early end at fence #12ABC, a log/gate/chevron combination; she bounced back and finished 2nd in Open Prelim with Dubaï. Maddy Mazzola and So Cool were eliminated at fence #15AB, a pyramid to corner combination.

Fresno County Horse Park has another busy schedule in store for 2020 chock full of clinics, combined tests, and horse trials with both national and international levels. Go Eventing on the West Coast.

Course Maps via Cross Country App: CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, Advanced, Intermediate, Prelim

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.: Website, Results

All Your FCHP Winners:

CCI3*-S: James Alliston & Lilly (35.4)
CCI2*-Short: Meg Pellegrini & Dassett Ricochet (30.6)
Advanced: Gina Economou & Exclusive (42.6)
Open Intermediate: Helen Bouscaren & Ebay (25.5)
Open Preliminary: James Alliston & Czechers (36.5)
Preliminary Rider: Taylor McFall & High Times (29.8)
Jr. Training Rider: Tyler Leary & Made You Look (30.0)
Open Training: Amber Levine & I’M Jaguar (19.8)
Sr. Training Rider: Sara Kelson & Rhonaldo (27.3)
Jr. Novice Rider: Clara Marks & Hawk Action (26.9)
Novice Horse: Jennifer McFall & Hallelujah DF (25.7)
Open Novice: Amber Levine & Shannondale McGyver (28.8)
Sr. Novice Rider: Anne Johnson & Grandios Sky (25.7)
Jr. Beg. Novice Rider: Mia Brown & Duke HW (27.8)
Open Beg. Novice: Lauren Henry & Ohmy (25.0)
Sr. Beg. Novice Rider: Maguy Palluel & Native Heart (28.1)
Introductory A: Caroline Dein & Master Twain DF (37.3)
Introductory B: Randi Koehn & Wall Street (29.2)

CCI3*-S Final Top 10

 

CCI2*-S Final Top 10

Photo Gallery: Snapshots from Rocking Horse Winter II

By on Feb 16, 2020 2:23 pm -

What better way to spend a weekend than with a few hundred of your closest friends at Rocking Horse? Lucky for us, the talented Lisa Madren was on site to capture shots of all the action. Enjoy her photos below and give Lisa a big thank you when you see her out at the next one! Click here to catch up on our Advanced coverage.

Go eventing.

Rocking Horse Winter II: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores

Best of HN: I Am a Rock, I Am an Island — Feelings of Isolation in Horseback Riding

By on Feb 16, 2020 11:00 am -

Canva/sergio_kumer/CC.

Horseback riding can be an incredibly lonely sport. Although I do not believe this is unique to riding and can be true of many individual sports, those of us reading (or writing, as the case may be) Horse Nation are bound by our common passion for horses. Therefore, of course, that is the sport that we get.

So, back to it. Horseback riding can be an incredibly lonely sport. Even if you are still in the point in your riding career when you get to be on a team — whether it’s an IEA or an IHSA team — when it comes down to it, it’s still just you and your horse in the arena, on the course or on the trail. Although some disciplines can argue that a judge was biased, being a successful competitor boils down to how strong of a performance you and your horse can pull off when it’s go time.

What’s worse is that you have to watch everyone else and their horses compete before or after you, so you usually know exactly where you stack up in the placings. Sometimes this is a difficult pill to swallow. It can make every mistake stand out in your mind. Every bobble. Every missed lead. Every hesitation. Every knocked rail. Every possible deduction.

Pixabay/CC

We get really good at beating ourselves up over these things. We look at others and see them succeed — or seem to succeed — and it becomes easy to feel alone in our mistakes. We see riders who make it look easy, who are further along in their careers, who have more finished horses or who just plain had a better ride, and it’s easy to feel that our mistakes are unique to us. It’s easy to feel as though we aren’t making the sort of progress we feel we ought to be making. It’s easy to forget that pretty much every rider has been there — wherever your “there” is in that moment.

Even worse is if something more major goes wrong. A tack failure. A buck. A rear. A fall. These are the times when, once we’ve decided that we and our horses are okay, we often feel the most embarrassed and alone. Coming off sucks enough when there aren’t many people around to see it. It sucks exponentially more when it’s witnessed by a group of people. Those are the times when you’d rather curl up in the fetal position under a blanket than spend the rest of the day being asked, “Are you alright?” Or being told, “Oh, you’re the one whose horse (fill in the blank).”

Canva/Groomee/CC

As riders, we’ve been taught to dust ourselves off and get back on since day one. We pride ourselves on getting back in the saddle despite pain, nerves and doctors’ orders. But the truth is, even though we may get back on our horses, ride on and be stronger for it (eventually), in those moments of complete and utter chagrin, we feel as lonely as we ever feel. And that feeling can linger until we feel we’ve outridden our shame (despite being told there’s no shame to be had).

These feelings of isolation also arise in moments that have very little to do with the riding itself. They can rear their ugly heads when we start comparing our tack, our trailer (or lack thereof), our truck (or lack thereof), our training, our horse’s training, our horse’s pedigree or any number of things to those of other people. It’s easy to feel as though you’re not good enough or that you don’t belong. Even when you’re doing well, imposter syndrome is very real.

So, how do we get past these feelings of unease and the loneliness that can arise despite being surrounded by like-minded people?

First and foremost, we pick up each other. If you’re actively competing, cheer on your fellow competitors. Applaud the efforts and the less-than-perfect tries — these are the building blocks to making progress and moving forward. There isn’t any one of us who has gone into the arena and had a perfect ride every time (if you have, please, let us know who you are and what your secret is!). Even if you’re not a competitor, you know we all have our moments with our horses. Let your trail partners know you’ve been there and encourage them to keep going.

Second — and this may seem trite — but be kind. None of us know the other’s story. We may feel inadequate because we didn’t have access to coaching and training or we may feel like we are lesser because we haven’t figured things out on our own. We’re all carrying our own set of baggage, branded by our experiences. Be that as it may, we’re in the same arena as our fellow riders and being given the same opportunity to succeed. Be kind and give each other the respect they deserve. Horseback riding can be hard. For as much as we all love it, the moments of frustration are overwhelming. Let people know that they have the space to work through that and they’re not alone in it.

And finally, for Pete’s sake, take a breath and be able to laugh at yourself. When we all take ourselves too seriously and work to look like we haven’t been there and we haven’t made mistakes, we make those who are going through them feel even more isolated. Share the stories of your mishaps, let people know what you’ve learned from them and let them know they aren’t alone.