Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Feb 21, 2020 12:03 am -

Just some buddies together on a chilly barn day. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Even though now the calendar has many more events prior to Pine Top, I will always think of Pine Top Advanced as the first big event of the year. It’s the real, old school first Advanced of the year, anyway. Also, the two times in my life when I have been the coldest have also been at this competition, which tells you something about the wisdom of trying to go south to stay warm!

National Holiday: National Sticky Bun Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Pine Top Farm Adanced H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop February II [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Irish Olympian Padraig McCarthy recently lent his wisdom to riders in Aiken for a two-day jumping clinic. With one day of show jumping at Five Henry Stables and one day of cross country at Full Gallop Farm, riders from Novice to Advanced learned about his emphasis on holding one track between jumps, establishing a bouncy canter, and keeping confidence through all exercises. [Clinic Report: Padraig McCarthy]

College students take note! Brook Ledge Horse Transport is giving one lucky student a round-trip horse ticket to anywhere from anywhere for the next college year! Open to any incoming or current college student under the age of 24, this opportunity is perfect for the young equestrian who doesn’t have the means to get their horse to a far away college. You don’t even have to be on an equestrian team to qualify, so check it out! [Brook Ledge 2020 Road Scholar]

We’re all suckers for horse movies, let’s face it. Even though they always feature excessive whinnying (PLEASE STOP), we just can’t help ourselves. This year, we look forward to Dream Horse, which is the true story of a Welsh bartender who rallies her whole small town to chip in money towards breeding and racing an unlikely champion racehorse. [Dream Horse Comes to Theaters in May]

 

 

 

Thursday Video from FLAIR: Pine Top Prelim Helmet Cam

By on Feb 20, 2020 4:30 pm -

Earlier this year, 19 year old Olivia Coolidge packed her bags and her spicy pocket rocket of a Thoroughbred, Bold Impression, and headed east from Kansas to South Carolina, joining up with the Windurra USA team as a new working student. Olivia and “Benny” enjoyed a smashing debut at the Preliminary level over the last season and wasted no time in collecting their first east coast win at Pine Top Intermediate earlier this month.

Liz Crawley Photography.">

Peep that FLAIR strip! Olivia Coolidge and Bold Impression, photo by Liz Crawley Photography.

Adding just a bit of time on cross country, Olivia and Benny handily made quick work of the track and also show jumped clear inside the time to secure the Preliminary Rider division win on a final score of 40.7. Big congrats on the first of many, Olivia!

Disgusting, Dirty Tack? Easy Winter Tack Care, Brought to You by Banixx

By on Feb 20, 2020 3:00 pm -
Banixx,tack,horse,wound care,scratches,healthy

Disgusting tack! Photo courtesy of Banixx.

Tack stiff, grungy and basically…nasty?!

What You Need: Wash cloths (a little abrasive, not soft), hand towel, glycerin saddle soap bar, tack conditioner of your choice and water.

How you do it:

  1. Pull the straps out of the keepers each time, and once a month remove reins and the bit to really clean and check the integrity of your equipment.
  2. Scrub the tack with a wet washcloth and glycerin saddle soap – a washcloth gets the grunge off the leather better than a sponge. Repeat if needed.
  3. Wipe down with hand towel to remove excess water and saddle soap.
  4. Using your hands, apply the tack conditioner – use your hands so the conditioner gets on the tack and not soaked into a cloth or sponge.
Banixx,tack,horse,wound care,scratches,healthy

Clean tack! Photo courtesy of Banixx.

Extra tips:

  • If warm water is not available at your barn, then bring some from home in a thermos.
  • A scrubby pad (like kitchen scrubby) may be warranted for really grungy tack.
  • A cap full of ammonia in about three quarts of water (small bucket) can be a good rinse off (first step) for horribly dirty tack.
  • A hex screwdriver is handy for cleaning out the holes.
  • Texas Pete’s Hot Sauce will get brass sparkling but be sure to rinse it off well as it will burn a horse’s sensitive skin and irritate eyes.
  • The more often glycerin saddle soap is used the more supple your tack will be.
  • The thicker tack conditioners (paste rather than liquid), such as Oakwood, are great in wet conditions! If you get caught in the rain, no worries! Wipe the tack off with a hand towel and the tack will be smooth and supple, not be crusty or stiff when it dries.

Brought to you by Banixx – the #1 trusted solution for equine and pet owners!

FEI Issues Clarification After Confusion Over Snaffle-Link Ban

By on Feb 20, 2020 1:00 pm -

Discrepancies during mandatory bit checks have prompted the FEI to reiterate their 2019 changes to bit rules for eventing dressage. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Fédération Équestre Internationale has republished their FAQ on tack and equipment following ‘inconsistent application’ of the rules throughout the previous year of competition – but this republication has led to some confusion after the news was widely shared from a post on the Eventing Riders Association International Facebook page.

“We have received confirmation from the FEI regarding the use of the French Link for Eventing Dressage,” reads the ERA post. “It is not allowed for the Dressage test. The 2020 Eventing Rules Annex A – Permitted Bits does not include any diagram with a “plate” section in the bit under “permitted mouthpieces”, therefore any bit with a “plate” is currently not allowed. All permitted bits for eventing Dressage are included in Annex A of the Eventing rules. If a bit is not included in this Annex, it means that is not allowed for Eventing Dressage. We would advise all FEI competitors to carefully consider Annex A of the Eventing Rules, to ensure they are fully informed as to which bits are and are not permitted.”

 

 

Though the post has caused something of a stir on social media today, it’s actually not a new rule – control plates were banned in the 2019 FEI rule changes.

“Following inconsistent application of the rules in 2019, especially the Annex A of the FEI Eventing rules, the latest version of the FAQ on tack and equipment was republished on Wednesday including a reminder that only bits listed in Annex A are allowed for Dressage tests,” a representative of the FEI explains. “Posts on social media have highlighted in their update that the French link is not allowed, such as the post from ERA GB. All information included in that post is correct.”

It’s important, too, to note that these rules are for FEI eventing competitions. That means that if you’re competing in a national level event, sanctioned by USEF or British Eventing, you will be running under different rules, with different legalities. Unsure? Just double-check the rulebook before you pack your tack trunk. For example, Equestrian Canada’s rules for dressage bitting in eventing line up with the FEI’s rules. [USEF Rules for Eventing] [Equestrian Canada Rules for Eventing] [British Eventing Rules]

Hell hath no fury like a comment section scorned (or mildly confused), so allow us to tackle some of the most common questions that have cropped up today.

This rule just applies to Dr Bristol bits, right? 

Nope. This rule applies to any bit with a control plate – that is, a flat central joint. French links are out.

But wait – I don’t like the action of a single-jointed bit! Is that all I’m allowed now?!

No, you can still use a double-jointed bit (or even a straight mouthpiece!) – the central piece just needs to be rounded, like a lozenge or a roller. Here are the permitted mouthpieces for FEI eventing dressage:

Ugh, why would the FEI move the goalposts now, when the season is just about to start?

They haven’t, actually – this rule has been in place for a while, but there were so many issues with inconsistencies that they’ve reissued a clarification now. What this will hopefully mitigate is the issue wherein a rider is allowed to use a certain bit at one competition and then eliminated for the same bit at the next one.

Does this mean I’m not allowed to use my French Link for my Beginner Novice next weekend?

No. These are FEI rules, so they’re applicable to 1*, 2*, 3*, and 4* competitions. National level competitions will be governed by USEA/USEF if you’re in the States, Equestrian Canada for Canadians competing in their home country, British Eventing if you’re in the UK, and so on. If it’s a Pony Club competition, you’ll need to follow Pony Club rules. Likewise, these rules are for eventing – if you’re competing in pure FEI dressage, you’ve got your own set of rules to follow.

Okay, I think I might need a refresher on the rules. Any idea where I can find them?

Sure thing – it’s always a great idea to have a pre-season skim read. Here’s the latest version, with all the changes and mark-ups in red for ease of use. Happy reading!

Volunteer Nation: How You Can Help These 3 Events This Weekend

By on Feb 20, 2020 11:00 am -

Chris Quinn has been named this month’s USEA Volunteer of the Month presented by Athletux Equine! Click to read her story:

Posted by United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) on Friday, February 7, 2020

Meet Chris Quinn, this month’s USEA Volunteer of the Month. If you are local to the Aiken area, you’ve likely seen Chris out and about volunteering or taking photographs. Chris enjoys volunteering — and has tackled just about every volunteer job there is — because it gives her a chance to help her friends and fellow competitors enjoy the sport they share together.

“I have to think my favorite part of the sport is the helpfulness of all the competitors with each other, the support that they give each other, with no agenda other than goodwill,” Chris said in an interview with the USEA. You can read the full profile on Chris here — and don’t forget to nominate your favorite local volunteer for future recognition!

It’s time to gear up for another weekend of eventing, and we have three recognized events in need of volunteer help. We’re also going to start listing out upcoming events in the near future, as signing up early can help volunteer coordinators get organized more quickly. Don’t wait — sign up as soon as you can so that you can have first dibs on the job you want, and you’ll make your volunteer coordinator very happy! In addition, if you find yourself at an event with a couple hours to spare, stop by the show office and inquire about any help they may need. Chances are, they’ll take you up on the offer.

Here are the events this coming weekend that are seeking volunteer help:

Event: Pine Top Advanced HT
Date(s) volunteers needed: Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23
Address: 1432 Augusta Hwy, Thomson, GA, 30824
Positions Available: XC Jump Judge, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Full Gallop Farm February II HT
Date(s) volunteers needed: Wednesday, February 26
Address: 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken, SC, 29805
Positions Available: XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Scribe, Dressage Steward, Hospitality Helper, Floater, SJ In-gate, SJ Jump Crew, SJ Scribe, SJ Steward

Event: Three Lakes Winter II at Caudle Ranch
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, February 22 through Sunday, February 23
Address: 18543 State Road 19, Groveland, FL 34736
Please email [email protected] for more information on volunteer needs.

Event: February Western Dressage at Florida Horse Park
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, February 22 through Sunday, February 23
Address: 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala, FL, 34480
Positions Available: Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Scribe

Events Coming Soon – Sign Up Early!

Twin Rivers Ranch – Paso Robles, CA – February 28-March 1
Rocking Horse Winter III HT – Altoona, FL – February 28-March 1
Sporting Days Farm II HT – Aiken, SC – February 28 – March 1
Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field – Aiken, SC – February 28-29

First Look at Entries for the $20k Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational

By on Feb 20, 2020 9:00 am -

Will Coleman and TKS Cooley. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Making its return for the seventh year running, the Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational is a perennial tune-up and a great opportunity to win some cash and prizes for eventers spending the winter in Florida. We’ve got a first look at the early entries for the event, which will be held on March 3, 2020 at Southern Cross Equestrian in Reddick (13440 NW Hwy 225).

The brainchild of USEA president Max Corcoran and Olympic show jumper Scott Keach, the concept of the Eventing Prix Invitational was to provide an opportunity for event riders to get in some practice with some added atmosphere and pressure in the lead-up to the spring season. The intent was to simulate the atmosphere of the Grand Prix arena, and if you’ve ever attended or watched one of these events in person you’ll know that Max and Scott have accomplished their mission.

Take a look at video from last year’s Invitational featuring winners Will Coleman and TKS Cooley:

If you’re considering entering, you still can! Entries will be accepted through next Tuesday, February 25. You can view the full prize list and schedule here.

Take a look at who is slated to appear:

A total of 34 entries will be taken for this event, which features USEF recognized competition over a 1.30m track designed by Chris Barnard. This competition is open to horses and riders that have competed at the (Eventing) Intermediate Level or above in the previous 24 months but not necessarily as a combination. If there are more than 34 entries, they will be accepted based on the FEI Eventing World Ranking List.

Prize money will be distributed through 12th place individually, and EquiJet has also generously put forth a $5,000 voucher for the winner to use on a flight for their horse — quite the prize!

For those of us unlucky enough to winter outside of Florida, a free live stream will be provided by EQTV featuring commentary by John Kyle and Cathy Wieschhoff.

To learn more about the Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational and to submit your entry, click here.

Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

By on Feb 20, 2020 12:03 am -

If this isn’t the perfect post-clear-cross-country photo I don’t know what is. Photo by JJ Sillman.

The grass is coming up since winter never really happened in Virginia, and the daffodils are fully popping out of the ground, and honestly I don’t trust it. I still can’t believe we are just going to slide right into spring without some kind of retribution in the form of a horrible snow storm in late March. Maybe in April I’ll stop being suspicious, but for now I’m waiting.

National Holiday: National Love Your Pet Day!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Pine Top Farm Adanced H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop February II [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News from Around the Globe:

Important Bit Update: The FEI has confirmed that the French link mouthpiece is no longer permitted for FEI dressage tests. French link mouthpieces are still permitted for USEF National eventing competitions. Annex 1 of the USEF Rules for Eventing will be updated to include an illustration of the French link mouthpiece. Click here to view the full 2020 FEI Tack, Equipment & Dress FAQ.

As if you need another reason to go to Badminton this year, Valegro will be making an appearance! The 18-year-old superstar gelding will be leading the Parade of Champions on Thursday prior to the start of dressage for the event. [Valegro To Delight Fans at Badminton]

Florida Horse Park is on a quest to raise money for an Advanced course! They’ve raised something in the ballpark of $13,000 to date and are hoping to raise $75,000 by April 30, to go toward jumps, ground work and additional irrigation. Can you help? The Florida Horse Park is a non-profit 501(c)3, so every donation is tax deductible. They are also selling “jumps” for $2,000 — you (or your business!) can choose paint colors and perhaps even include a logo. Email [email protected] for more info. [Florida Horse Park]

Dating an equestrian can be an adventure to say the least. We can boggle your mind with our ability to back up a ridiculously huge trailer into a very small spot, we require little more than a beer and a pizza at the end of the day to keep us happy, and we can definitely help you move. However … there are some things about our lifestyle that might startle the muggles. [5 Reasons To Date an Equestrian, and 5 Reasons Not To]

High level hunter derby classes are amazing to watch, but the lower levels of that sport definitely get some flak for being, let’s say, less than exciting. Riders within the hunter world are even condemning the quest for the comatose hunter horse, and asking for a return of emphasis on learning to ride instead of only wanting to compete and win ribbons. [Hunters Past Present and Future]

Best of the Blogs: When Your Friend Stops Riding

Featured Video: The countdown is on … 49 days until the opening leg of ERM 2020, Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International (April 10-11). [Event Rider Masters]

Timetable Confirmed for Equestrian Events at Tokyo Olympics

By on Feb 19, 2020 1:00 pm -

Kazuma Tomoto & Tacoma D’Horset of Japan in the Ready Steady Tokyo Olympic Test Event. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi.

Along with its confirmation of the individual quota holders for this summer’s Olympic Games, the FEI and IOC have also released a revised version of the timetable for the equestrian disciplines in Tokyo. These changes come after research undertaken during last summer’s Ready Steady Tokyo test event and extensive feedback logged from riders, support teams, and veterinary experts were collated into a cohesive plan of action for beating the heat. As a result, the pivotal cross-country phase will be held first thing in the morning, allowing for increased standards of horse welfare and a consistently competitive climate.

The changes can be found in full here — but for now, let’s take a closer look at when our eventers will be at their busiest (and when you’ll need to plan your viewing parties, too, of course!). We’ve made sure to convert all the times into both British Summer Time and Eastern Daylight Time – for its part, Japan hasn’t observed a change of clocks since 1951, which can lead to some confusion if you’re trying to work out a schedule on the fly. The times you’ll find below are all correct — but do be sure to take note of the dates we’ve listed, as time-zones in the U.S. will often find themselves watching each phase a day earlier than scheduled.

THURSDAY

First horse inspection: 30 July, 9.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m Tokyo time (30 July, 1.30 a.m. – 3.30 a.m. BST/29 July, 8.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m. EDT)

FRIDAY

Dressage, day one (44 combinations): Morning session – 31 July, 8.00 a.m. – 10.30 a.m. Tokyo time (31 July, 00:00 – 2.30 a.m. BST/30 July, 7.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. EDT)

Afternoon session – 31 July, 17.30 p.m. – 20.10 p.m. Tokyo time (31 July, 9.30 a.m. – 12.10 p.m. BST/31 July, 4.30 a.m. – 7.10 a.m. EDT)

SATURDAY

Dressage, day two (21 combinations): 1 August, 8.00 a.m. – 10.30 a.m. Tokyo time (1 August, 00:00 – 2.30 a.m. BST/31 July, 7.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. EDT)

SUNDAY

Cross-country: 2 August, 7.45 a.m. – 11.15 a.m. Tokyo time ( 1 August, 11.45 p.m. – 3.15 a.m., 2 August BST/1 August 6.45 p.m. – 10.15 p.m. EDT)

MONDAY

Final horse inspection: 3 August, 9.30 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. Tokyo time (3 August, 1.30 a.m. – 3.00 a.m. BST/2 August, 8.30 p.m. – 10.00 p.m. EDT)

Showjumping (team final/individual qualifier: 3 August, 17.00 p.m. – 19.30 p.m. Tokyo time (3 August, 9.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. BST/4.00 a.m. – 6.30 a.m. EDT)

Showjumping (individual final): 3 August, 20.45 p.m. – 21.45 p.m. Tokyo time (3 August, 12.45 p.m. – 13.45 p.m. BST/3 August, 7.45 a.m. – 8.45 a.m. EDT)

Medal ceremony: ten minutes after the arena has been cleared, so approximately 22.00 p.m. Tokyo time/14.00 p.m. BST/9.00 a.m. EDT.

The equestrian events will begin the day after the Games’ opening ceremony, which takes place in Tokyo on the 24th of July. Dressage will be the first discipline up to bat, covering the 25-29th of July and followed immediately by the eventing competition (30th July – 3rd August). Showjumping will close out the roster from the 4th-8th of August, followed by the closing ceremony on the 9th of August. Equestrian competition will take place at the Bajikoen Equestrian Park and the Sea Forest Cross Country venue.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: A Peek into the ICP Symposium

By on Feb 19, 2020 11:39 am -

The Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) portion of the 2020 USEA Educational Symposium wrapped up yesterday at Barnstaple South in Ocala, Florida. Participants and auditors are taking home some new knowledge thanks to featured clinician Andreas Dibowski, a multiple five-star winner and gold medal-winning member of 2008 German Olympic team.

Even if you weren’t able to attend the symposium, you can still benefit from some of the sessions and glean some nuggets of wisdom thanks to these videos posted from the sessions as well as the USEA’s fabulous coverage of the symposium. Take a peek at this collection of videos from the ICP Symposium and get your learn on! Don’t forget that the symposium continues the rest of this week with the YEH and FEH sessions as well.

Another clip from day one of the United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) #InstructorsCertificationProgram (ICP) dressage portion of the 2020 Educational Symposium. Stay tuned for show jumping and cross country tomorrow!

Posted by Equi Appraisal on Monday, February 17, 2020

One last clip from one of my favorite events of the year to sponsor, the United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) Educational Symposium. Here’s another round of show jumping with Olympic Gold Medalist, Andreas Dibowski. On to day two of the Instructors’ Certification Program!

Posted by Equi Appraisal on Monday, February 17, 2020

 

Advanced show jumping demo and discussion at the ICP Symposium in Ocala. Tomorrow is more show jumping and cross country!

Posted by Equestrian's Landing on Monday, February 17, 2020

ICP

Fun SJ exercise at the ICP symposium. So many nuggets of knowledge to take away from today. More sj and Cross country tomorrow

Posted by Pendragon Stud Equestrian Center on Monday, February 17, 2020

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Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Find Your Makeover Horse at Second Stride

By on Feb 19, 2020 11:00 am -

For the 616 accepted entries, 153 of those are eventing entries, to the 2020 Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover, the search is officially in full-force for their Makeover horse if they haven’t found one yet. Trainers have until July 31st to register their horses, but the earlier the better of course!

If you’re a trainer still looking for their 2020 Makeover partner, look no further than Second Stride Inc. — they have a number of good-looking RRP-eligible horses right now and a special offer for anyone aiming for the Makeover: they’ll reimburse your RRP entry free for any Second Stride graduate who completes the competition!

We’ve picked out three currently available RRP-eligible Second Stride horses who could very well be your Makeover match:

Mon Amour. Photo via Second Stride.

Mon Amour (SHACKLEFORD – ROMANTIC ROMANCE, BY RAHY): 2016 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred mare

Looking for a sweet filly to be the love of your life? Mon Amour is the one for you! This sweet-faced, keen-eyed four-year-old is just lightly raced with only one start on her record. Her owners decided immediately that she was too slow to keep in training. We’re betting she has some untapped sport horse potential wrapped up in that dark bay package though!

Located at Dale Romans Training Center in Goshen, Kentucky.

View Mon Amour on Second Stride Inc.

Keros. Photo via Second Stride.

Keros (FIRST SAMURAI – LIABLE, BY SEEKING THE GOLD): 2014 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

If you want a horse guaranteed to catch the judges eye, Keros is your guy! This gelding looks like a character out of a storybook and you can see the old Arab lineage of the Thoroughbred in him in profile shots. Keros made 7 total starts on the track, even hitting the board a few times, and is said to be very kind, easy to ride and handle. In the interest of full disclosure, his owners and trainer are choosing not to continue his training because of hoof problems they’ve had with him and recommend keeping four shoe on him. Keros last raced in July of 2019, so he has had lots of of time to rest and grow some foot, plus you can get your farrier on the case when you take him home.

Located at Moserwood Farm in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Keros on Second Stride Inc.

Walking Stick. Photo via Second Stride.

Walking Stick (HORSE GREELEY – REDIMERE, BY ORIENTATE): 2014 16.1-hand Indiana-bred gelding

Walking Stick may be an unassuming-looking chestnut gelding, but maybe he could turn into a jumping bean with the right person? Under saddle he’s a soft, well-balanced ride and is already pro at trotting ground poles without batting an eyelash. As a two-year-old, Walking Stick had throat surgery to remove a nasal cyst. The surgery left his face looking a little lumpy (but no less lovable!) but had no effect on his athletic ability, as he went on to win races post-surgery and finished is career with 18 starts and $81,360 earned.

Located at Moserwood Farm in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Walking Stick on Second Stride Inc.