Classic Eventing Nation

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Experience Pays

By on Jan 11, 2020 1:00 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Experienced horses are incredible teachers with a wealth of knowledge to share. Here’s five horses listed for sale on Sport Horse Nation who could teach you a thing or two:

Boyd Martin and Contestor at Jersey Fresh in 2019. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Contestor

Contestor, who has competed up to the 4* level, is a 16.3, 2007 KWPN Oldenburg Gelding by Contango (by Contender) out of a thoroughbred mare, Jer’s Princess. He is the perfect horse for a young rider or adult amateur who wants to move up the levels with a very experienced, easy to ride horse that can win. He is soft to ride in dressage consistently receiving scores in the 20’s and low 30’s. And he is brave to the jumps, Boyd Martin trained him from a 5-year-old to the 4* level. He is currently with a dressage rider focusing on his dressage and would also make a great dressage horse. Located in Aiken, SC.

Elbaran. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Amateurs Dream Horse: Packer with 2* Experience

“Elbaran” is a 16.2, 11 year old KWPN gelding. He is very fancy on the flat with the ability to do straight dressage. A careful yet brave jumper, he will help you out in a miss. He has successfully competed up to the 2* level and is now looking to teach someone the ropes at the lower levels. Located in Ocala, Fl.

Second Amendment. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Experienced competitive Prelim gelding

SECOND AMENDMENT
16.3hh 2007 bay Holsteiner x TB gelding and a full brother to ‘Magnum Martini’ who competed for Brazil at the WEGs 2018.

‘Gunnar’ has competed extensively at Prelim throughout Canada and the USA most recently finishing 2nd in the Open Prelim at Oakhurst. With the bravery and scope for the upper levels, Gunnar is a true athlete who would suit both a capable junior /amateur looking for experience or a professional looking for an upper level mount. Easy to clip, shoe, load and do in every way. X rays available. Price will increase as he goes up the levels with Selena O’Hanlon this year. Located in Ocala, Fl.

Romolos Friar. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Upper level event horse Looking for a great home with ambitious Rider

Romolos Friar aka Tucker is a proven 2* and 3* horse with multiple riders. 11 YR old gelding with tons of scope he’s perfect for a young rider or any ambitious rider looking to learn and compete and move up the levels. Smart and talented gelding very careful and safe over fences. Tucker has also spent time show jumping at the 1.15 and 1.2 m events this fall in Ohio and GA with great success. Friendly and fun horse in the barn. Great to clip, ship, and enjoy his fun personality, he’s also very Sound, and has great feet. Looking for a great home with lots of love and time to keep him in a strong program. Price neg to the right home; asking 30,000 for sale, will also consider a lease at 12,000 or lease to own to find him the best home. Horse with a lot of potential and fun. More video and pic available to whatsapp. Located in Tennessee.

Could’ve Ben and Jerry’s. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Experienced 3*** Eventer

Could’ve Ben and Jerry’s is a 2006 Zangersheide Gelding with experience through 3***. Super fancy on the flat, a careful jumper and bold XC he would be an ideal partner for Young Riders or someone wanting to compete at the FEI levels. A super horse on the flat with scores in the low 20’s, Newton has multiple placings at Intermediate. He is fit sound and ready to compete. All the talent to compete at Advanced/4****.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

International Horse Community Rallies to Aid Australian Fire Relief

By on Jan 11, 2020 11:00 am -

Photo courtesy of EFRA.

Devastating bushfires continue to burn in Australia as two of the largest blazes merged into one Thursday night, creating a new “megafire” that spans 1.5 million acres. The death toll has risen to include at least 25 people, and at least 14.5 million acres have been destroyed. The University of Sydney has estimated that up to 1 billion animals have been affected or killed by the blaze.

Many Australian eventers have suffered from the summer bushfire, including five-star eventer Megan Jones, whose Hallmark Farm facility burned shortly before Christmas. In an effort to aid the affected equestrian community, a fund, The Equestrian Fire Relief Australia fund was launched fundraise for emergency relief.

Riders from around the world have heralded the creation of the Fund. EFRA Ambassadors include esteemed equestrians such as Martin Fuchs (SUI), Christian Ahlmann (GER), Patrick Kittel (SWE) and his wife Lyndal Oatley (AUS), Michael Jung (GER), Ingrid Klimke (GER), Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), Andrew Hoy (AUS), Chris Burton (AUS), William Fox-Pitt (GBR), Sam Watson (IRL), David O´Connor (USA), Astier Nicholas (FRA), Carl Hester (GBR) and Charlotte Dujardin (GBR).

Australian Olympic gold medalist Andrew Hoy has been especially supportive of the initiative. “To see my home country going up in flames, to see the suffering of people, wildlife, and all other animals is just devastating. I have received so many messages from people suffering losses across the affected areas and I am heartbroken for all of them,” he said.

“The Australian Equestrian Community so urgently needs the help of the international equestrian community – financially, but also morally! I hope with this campaign we will be able to make a difference, show our support, and get much-needed finances to the people affected.”

Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin have also extended support and heartfelt messages to their home country.

“For anyone that has horses in their life, they can truly understand the absolute devastation that is being felt by the fires in Australia. There is an absolute helpless feeling across a sunburnt country. I have personally been through the horrors of fire, and it is something that can truly destroy the spirit. In my experience, the only thing that kept me going was the support of the equestrian community that is worldwide. I urge anyone to contribute to this heartfelt fund.” Boyd said.

Fundraising is the EFRA’s primary goal, but they also have hopes of providing moral support during this distressing time. All funds raised by the EFRA will be dispensed via local emergency and recovery committees in Australia.

Based in Canberra, Jocelyn King, a Canberra local equestrian, will act as the EFRA Coordinator supported by volunteers nationally and internationally along with Kiah Consulting and Kiah Equine and the Advisory Board for the Fund, John Glenn (Chairman), Mike Etherington-Smith, Stuart Tinney, and Stefanie Hoy.

How You Can Help

Donations of any size are welcomed at this link. To date, the Fund has raised $57,803.55.

Want to help with the rehabilitation of wild animals? WIRES Wildlife Rescue is on the ground helping injured wildlife, while WWF Australia has pledged to restore the homes of koalas, giving the species a chance of survival. Finally, the Australian Red Cross is providing emergency relief for those affected by the devastation.

[International Equestrian Community Comes Together to Support Australian Fire Relief]

#EventerProblems Vol. 210, Presented by Haygain: An Ode to Blankets

By on Jan 11, 2020 9:00 am -

“This is why we can’t have nice things ” — every person who has ever put a blanket on their horse.

To horses, blankets are like ordering hash browns at Waffle House. Smothered, covered, chucked or diced? Coming right up! But we don’t have to tell y’all twice. Here’s your latest batch of blanket (nightmare) inspired #EventerProblems:

Haygain is a science driven company with the horse’s health as the primary focus.

We are committed to improving equine health through scientific research, product innovation and consumer education in respiratory and digestive health. Developed by riders, for riders, we understand the importance of clean forage and a healthy stable environment in maintaining the overall well-being of the horse.

Our Haygain hay steamers are recommended by the world’s leading riders, trainers and equine vets and ComfortStall® Sealed Orthopedic Flooring System is used and recommended by leading Veterinary Hospitals, including Cornell University.

Saturday Links from Nupafeed USA

By on Jan 11, 2020 12:01 am -

Alex:Maryland 5 Star: "What is Jumping, Alex?"How many of you yelled the answer before Brad Rutter on last night's…

Posted by Maryland 5 Star on Friday, January 10, 2020

“What is: None of the Jeopardy! producers consulted an actual eventer when writing this question, Alex?”

If you watched the Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time special tournament on Thursday, January 9th then you probably shouted when you saw this question come up in the Double Jeopardy round under a category called “It Comes Third.” They definitely got the concept of eventing right, but we don’t really call it endurance day much any more and I would consider endurance riding a whole other sport. ‘A’ for effort though, and a fist pump for main stream media coverage.

National Holiday: National Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Majestic Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Demo Horses and Riders Needed for the 2020 USEA Educational Symposium with Andreas Dibowski

International Equestrian Community Comes Together to Support Australian Fire Relief

Not Sure How To Help Australian Fire Victims? These Equestrian Brands Are Making It Simple

My Toughest Dressage Training Challenge: Curing a Tongue Problem

Rule Refresher: Qualifications

Above-Ground Burial for Horses

Saturday Video: One of our favorite super mares is back in the ring!

Friday Video from SmartPak: Lights, Camera, Auction with Elisa Wallace

By on Jan 10, 2020 5:58 pm -

Ever wondered what it’s like to head to a specialist auction, checkbook in hand? Intimidated by the idea of sifting through hundreds of viable candidates? Five-star eventer and expert Mustang-wrangler Elisa Wallace takes us behind the scenes as she goes shopping for a client in Las Vegas. Learn how she narrows down the options, the dos and don’ts of sussing out suitability, and, of course, the all-important art of bidding.

Though Elisa’s video focuses on a largely Western-based auction, her tips and tricks – and the experience of the auction itself – are much the same as the busy and star-studded event horse auctions at Monart, Goresbridge, and beyond. Busy planning a 2020 trip to find your next superstar? You’ll find plenty to help and inspire you here. If you can’t go eventing, you might as well go shopping, right?

 

2020 U.S. Eventing Season Kicks Off This Weekend at Majestic Oaks!

By on Jan 10, 2020 11:00 am -

Joe Meyer, shown here with Fernhill Freestyle at Majestic Oaks H.T. in January 2019, has seven horses entered in this weekend’s horse trials including his five-star partner Clip Clop. Photo by Jenni Autry.

This weekend’s Majestic Oaks Horse Trials marks the very first horse trial of the 2020 U.S. eventing calendar year. The event in Reddick, Florida, is ringing in the new year with a bang, with some 180 horse/rider combinations contesting Starter through Prelim levels.

To sweeten the pot, a total of $4,125 is up for grabs between the Jan. 11-12 and March 20-22 events. Points are awarded to the 1st through 6th place finishers in each division, with points to accumulate from the January and March events. Prize money will be awarded to the the winning rider/horse combinations after the conclusion of the March Horse Trials. Click here for more info.

It’s always fun to look at these early season event starter lists, to see who’s knocking off the dust and getting a jump start on the year. This weekend’s entries include a lot of babies and green beans as well as some five-star veterans: Lauren Kieffer has her now 18-year-old 2016 Rio Olympic Games mare, Veronica, entered in Open Prelim. This will be their first outing since mid-2018, the year they posted a top 10 finish at Badminton. Another five-star horse we haven’t seen out in a long while (since Majestic Oaks last January, actually, where they won the Intermediate-Prelim division) is Clip Clop, now 17 — he’s also entered in Open Prelim with Joe Meyer. Kevin Keane‘s former five-star mount, Fernhill Flutter, is also still going strong at 18 years old, and is entered in Open Training-A with Natasha Erschen.

The busiest rider of the weekend will be Caroline Martin, who has nine horses entered. Joe Meyer has seven, and both Alex Green Kerby and Alex O’Neal have four.

Best of luck to all, and have fun out there! P.S. The event could still use a few volunteers — you can sign up via Eventing Volunteers here.

Majestic Oaks is located at 17500 N US Hwy 441 / Reddick, FL 32686. For more information, visit the website here.

Go Eventing at Majestic Oaks!

Majestic Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

 

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Jan 10, 2020 9:30 am -

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

This week in horse health news, we’re focusing our attention on the devastating and heartbreaking brushfires that are ongoing in Australia. It’s been estimated that over one billion animals, primarily wildlife and livestock, have already lost their lives as a result of these fires. Health concerns from fire are pretty obvious, but the massive amount of smoke produced from these fires poses a health concern as well. Here are a few articles about both and how we can help treat and protect our equine charges.

An article on the treatment of horses burned in a major grass fire has been made available for free. Many peer-reviewed journal articles are only available with paid access to the journal, but in the midst of the devastation of the current brushfires in Australia Equine Veterinary Education is giving open access to the article “Findings and strategies for treating horses injured in open range fires” by Elizabeth Woolsey Herbert so that it can be easily referenced by veterinarians who may be dealing with similar injuries currently. The article was originally published in September 2017 and describes the treatment of horses with significant burn injuries from the Pinery brushfires in South Australia in November 2015. [Equine Veterinary Education]

Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and vice versa. Though fire is the more imminent threat, smoke inhalation can be detrimental to health too.  While the fire itself poses an immediate threat to the lives of any being in its path, the smoke produced in these brushfires contains particles that can irritate and damage the lungs after it is breathed in. Horses, even with their huge lung capacity, are of course not immune to the respiratory distress caused by smoke. One previous study found that horses who continued to exercise in an area affected by wildfires exhibited coughing both at rest and during exercise and showed signs of inflammation in their respiratory tract similar to that of asthma. In order to avoid respiratory damage from its advisable to keep animals inside when possible and keep outdoor exercise to a minimum. [How wildfire smoke affects pets and other animals]

Smoke is just one cause of air pollution and air pollution in general may be linked to Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) in horses. Researchers from the Ontario Veterinary College are beginning to investigate the link between air pollution and EPIH in racehorses running at Woodbine and Woodbine Mohawk Park. Over the next two years, they will scope thousands of horses and draw samples from track veterinarians while monitoring the air quality data from weather stations close to the track. EIPH can shorten the career of racehorses and sporthorses or, at worst, lead to death from a hemorrhage. [Air pollution’s link to pulmonary hemorrhage in horses under scrutiny]

As horse owners and competitors, we want to give our equine athletes every opportunity to feel and perform their best. Keeping up to date with the latest news in horse health and medicine is an important part of that, and it’s why Medivet Equine is bringing you the latest in horse health news each week.

Following the medical model of “do no harm”, MediVet Equine develops scientifically based therapeutics enabling the horse to call on its own healing ability, thus achieving its full performance potential. MediVet Equine provides effective, all natural, drug free products and lab services designed to optimize the overall health of performance horses. They specialize in regenerative treatments that help the body heal itself to get stronger naturally. Boyd Martin has several of his top competitive mounts on MediVet ACS, and has had terrific results!

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jan 10, 2020 12:03 am -

Just an Olympic rider enjoying his morning cup of coffee with a view. Photo by Andrew Hoy.

Yesterday I played the treacherous game of “is-the-dirt-road-melted-yet”, which might be familiar to some of you. I live on a lovely dirt road, which is very useful for fitness in the winter, but after a snow it can be slightly risky. The shaded parts get pounded down by cars, and then turns into a hard sheet of ice, which you have to delicately tiptoe around, and hope to god your horse doesn’t spook and kill you both. Winter is so fun!

National Holiday: National Bittersweet Chocolate Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Majestic Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Fitness fitness fitness…this is what makes the winter world go ’round! Formulating a competition plan for your year is hinged on your ability to form a proper fitness plan to accompany it, and that starts in the winter. This is built over weeks and weeks, but having a base knowledge of where to start and how to customize a plan for each horse is key. [Planning Your Horse’s Fitness Regime]

What makes British showjumping star Ben Maher tick? Turns out he prefers salad to pizza, Netflix to Amazon, and if he had to be a film star, it would be Hugh Grant in Notting Hill. Get to know him better in this quick-fire interview with Horse & Hound. [Ben Maher In Short]

Thoroughbred racehorse aftercare is simply a massive project. There are thousands of thoroughbreds every year that retire from their racing careers, and responsibly finding homes for all of them is an enormous task, even with all of the organizations dedicated to just that. Learning more about the process is integral to ensuring success in the future. [Emptying The Ocean With A Teaspoon: Thoroughbred Aftercare]

Best of Blogs: How to Actually Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

 

Thursday Video from Professional’s Choice: The Madden Method for Blanketing

By on Jan 9, 2020 5:00 pm -

We have a special edition of Beezie and John Madden’s popular video series, “The Madden Method” for you today, EN! Even the more casual show jumping followers will likely recognize the name Authentic. Best known for helping Beezie win two Olympic medals (2004 and 2008) and two WEG medals (2006), countless Grand Prixs, and Horse of the Year honors on multiple occasions, the KWPN gelding is a world famous name who currently lives in well-deserved retirement on “Madden Mountain” in Cazenovia, New York. And in this latest video, Authentic is the star of the show as the resident field horse/young horse babysitter.

To blanket or not to blanket — it’s the age old debate that horse owners muddle over each winter. There are several schools of thought on the concepts of blanketing and clipping, and of course there is a horse’s natural body chemistry to factor in as well. This is where Madden head girl Becky Huestis focuses the latest Madden Method video. Becky takes us through the ins and outs of horse’s winter coats, clipping, and blanketing throughout the winter. If you haven’t watched any of the Madden Method videos, we highly recommend them, not only for the tips and advice but also for the great explanation of the “why” behind the method.

Becky also lists out some best practices for field horses in the winter as well as tips for managing their comfort both inside and out during colder temperatures. Bookmark this and be sure to check out the rest of the Madden Method videos here.

Your Horse Spooks — Should You Worry? Brought to You by Banixx

By on Jan 9, 2020 3:00 pm -

Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Horses are flight instinct animals – OK, we all know that. But spooking does not always make sense — the horse may pass that same space daily, the object has always been there, but your horse spooks.

Types of spooks include new experiences, a quick flash, movement, or loud noise, eye/eyesight problems, and pain. Riding a spooking horse can be disruptive, exasperating and, at times, scary. It’s always a good idea to work with your veterinarian to rule out health issues (pain, eyesight). Sometimes, with a spook, your horse just needs a moment to ‘absorb’ the experience and can continue.

When you last dealt with a spook, how did you react? This is a good time for some self reflection. What were the circumstances? Did you look around to see what the horse spooked at … and abandon your horse as the wheels are falling off? Did you get after the horse … in an attempt to punish him?

Here are some tips for the next spook:

Calmly keep the feet moving, particularly the hind feet, but they need to move in a rhythmic beat, not a frantic scramble. Consider a leg yield. The feet are connected to the brain. When the feet move in rhythm, the brain quiets and is receptive to input. As best you can, do NOT pull on the reins. Other exercises are: turn on the forehand, side passing, shoulder-in, etc. anything that you can do to redirect his attention to YOU, and get the feet moving.

You may not be effective close to the scary object, so move away from it – but, with an exercise! Quietly work on the exercise and soften when your horse responds correctly. Try not to pull on the reins unnecessarily. You may not be able to work around the scary place today, or tomorrow, but, stick with the plan in a quiet fashion to build trust and confidence. Recognize that improvements come slowly, and, there is NO quick fix!

The speed of your success depends upon history, personalities, effectiveness of your exercises and patience. Be open to change if past exercises did not work. After it is all said and done, do you now have a better partnership with your horse? We hope so!

Happy Riding! Brought to you by Banixx.

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