Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday Videos from Kentucky Performance Products: Peep Riders’ Final Ocala Jockey Club Preparations

By on Nov 13, 2019 3:00 pm -

The last long format event in the U.S. is upon us this weekend in the form of the Ocala Jockey Club Three-Day Event, which kicks off in Reddick, Florida today with the first horse inspection. Whether riders have been planning for this event as a year-end goal or they’re rerouted from Fair Hill, here’s a behind the scenes look at some of the hard work that has gone into preparing for this 2019 season finale event.

#OJC3DE: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Mexico’s Daniela Moguel and Cecelia had a last gallop in prep for the CCI4*-L:

Cecelia getting ready for Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event 😎 #lovemymare #top #nextchallenge #eventing #3dayeventing #ocala #eventinglife

Posted by Daniela Moguel on Thursday, November 7, 2019

The second iteration of the Mars Bromont Rising Program wrapped up at Mardaza Farms:

The last day of the Mars Bromont Rising U25 was a complete success and I owe a huge thank you to everyone at Mardanza that helped us to pull this off while also running their own businesses and preparing for the Jockey Club International.I know I must make the people in my life a bit mental when we decide to take on things like this on top of of already hectic schedules, but I am so grateful to be in a position to host something like this due to great people in my own life. In turn I’m inspired by people like Peter, Valerie, Steve, Sue, Chris, Max, Leslie, Jim, Jackie, Brian, and so many others that give their time to developing future riders and horsemen.So many people love to be frustrated with the direction our sport is going. They especially love to point out all the things others are doing wrong. That’s only ok if you roll up your sleeves and jump in to do something about it. Steve, this program is your brainchild and you are the example of a busy successful person paying it forward. From the North American Eventing community, THANK YOU!

Posted by Sara Kozumplik Murphy on Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Kyle Carter is got in some skinny-schooling with CCI4*-S entrant Reddy or Not:

Posted by Kyle Carter on Monday, November 11, 2019

CCI4*-L competitors Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and Favian got some lessons with Brian Murphy in:

Favian #flying over some 4* fences today in a lesson with @brianconormurphy 🤩 Wonderful week of prep at Mardanza Farms getting ready for OJC 🏆 #grateful #perfectpracticemakesperfect #justdoit

Posted by Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride on Monday, November 11, 2019

Elisa Wallace made time for some bareback and bridleless practice on her Mustangs Fledge and Rune. They’ll be performing a demo on Saturday. 

A little practice with the bestest boys ❤️❤️. #fledgeandrune #saveahorserideamustang #ojcdemo

Posted by Elisa Wallace Eventing on Sunday, November 10, 2019

Jessica Phoenix tuned up CCI4*-S entrant Humble GS over fences:

Perfect boy – Humble GS – ❤️🇨🇦

Posted by Jessica Phoenix – Phoenix Equestrian Team on Tuesday, November 12, 2019

And FEI first-timer Kirsten Schuitema serenaded One Sly Fox while icing his legs after a gallop:

How do you ice your horse after galloping ….. with serenading of course!!! So proud of these two who are about to contest their first FEI competition at the Jockey Club!!! Friends say she is so lucky to have found Tango!! I say he is so lucky he found her! No one else would have put up with his Demon antics!! #velcrobutt

Posted by Shanon Baker on Sunday, November 10, 2019

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USEF Bans Use of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) in Competing Horses

By on Nov 13, 2019 1:02 pm -

The USEF Board of Directors voted to prohibit the use of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) in horses competing at licensed competitions. The prohibition goes into effect December 1, 2019; however, due to the length of time it takes for MPA to clear a horses’ system, sanctions for positive test results will go into effect June 1, 2020. MPA is now classified as a Category III substance, punishable with a penalty range starting at a three to six month suspension and a fine of $3,000 to $6,000 for a first offense.

Following reports of equine fatalities and anaphylaxis related to MPA use, the USEF’s MPA panel met October 22 and further analyzed MPA usage in competition horses. The panel reviewed a recent petition by veterinarians requesting that the USEF ban MPA – the petition was supported by documentation citing 23 MPA-related fatalities over the past three years, research on MPA’s efficacy, and results from the collection of MPA medication reports.

The panel determined MPA has no therapeutic use in competition horses, because it does not interrupt estrus in mares – its original intended purpose. MPA is not approved by the FDA for equine use and its use has been associated with several cases of anaphylaxis and fatality. With this analysis, the panel unanimously voted to recommend MPA be added to the USEF’s prohibited substances list.

Said USEF president Murray Kessler, “In 2017, we debated the use of this substance and its efficacy, but now, with numerous fatalities associated with the use of MPA, this decision became clear: MPA must be banned. I commend the Panel for confronting a difficult task that involved very strong opinions on both sides of the issue from our membership. The information clearly supports the prohibition of this substance and I am proud of the decision of the Board of Directors. USEF has a responsibility to ensure the welfare of our horses, and the loss of one horse resulting from the use of a non-therapeutic substance such as MPA is one too many.”

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Finger Lakes Finest For You

By on Nov 13, 2019 11:00 am -

With just three weeks left of the 2019 meet at the Finger Lakes Racetrack in Farmington, New York, owners and trainers are beginning to think about their impending moves south to warmer climates. Before the track closes for the season, they’ll often asses each of their charge’s potential as a racehorse and if they don’t seem promising enough to continue their training down south they will opt to list them for sale.

Lucky for you, that means there are a large number of fabulous horses that the volunteers of Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds have been busy listing. Come and get ’em!

Queen Alexandrina. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds,

Queen Alexandrina (AFLEET ALEX – RAGIN CAJUN, BY EL CORREDOR): 2016 16.1-hand New York-bred mare

Not all queens have to be divas, and Queen Alexandrina proves it. Her super sweet temperament easily won over the FLF volunteers and her handler called her just a “cool horse” who is great to work around, chill, and had not bad habits. Queen Alexandrina won one race and that remains the only time she has hit the board in her 14 starts. Her calling may not be at the racetrack, but her nicely sloped shoulder and powerful hind end suggest that she may have some innate jumping ability. Maybe she could be a cross country queen?

View Queen Alexandrina on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

English Manor. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

English Manor (TOCCET – RUNAWAY FIELDS, BY RUNAWAY GROOM): 2010 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Who is in the market for a fantastic war horse? (The answer to that should be: Everyone!)

When you think of an English manor, what kind of adjectives does it conjure? Classy and regal to name few, perhaps? This gelding is just that. “Manor” is a gentleman and a scholar of the track, racing a total of 113 times and winning an impressive $343,450 over his career. He’s been a durable, reliable athlete for his connections who have decided that he’s paid his dues on the track (even though he won his most recent race!) and it’s time for him to find a second career while he still has a lot left to give.

Located at Finger Lakes Racetrack in Farmington, New York.

View English Manor on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Sarah’s Rainbow. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbred.

Sarah’s Rainbow (SHACKLEFORD – DISTINCTIVE FLAG, BY DISTINCTIVE PRO): 2016 16.2-hand New York-bred mare

Even on a chilly and blustery day, Sarah’s Rainbow was the picture of sweetness and politeness. Her trainer introduced her as “The quietest, sweetest, most easy going, innocent, 3-year old filly I ever met. A doll!” and she certainly didn’t disappoint! Sarah’s Rainbow began her racing career late last fall at more competitive tracks like Aqueduct and Belmont Park, but even after making the move to Finger Lakes she still hasn’t been able to hit the boards. While racing may not be her preferred sport, Sarah’s Rainbow is a lovely athletic type with endless potential once she finds her calling.

Located at Finger Lakes Racetrack in Farmington, New York.

View Sarah’s Rainbow on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.

Terrifying Cavalry Training Tips Part 3: Water Jumps

By on Nov 13, 2019 9:00 am -

In honor of Veterans Day and in the spirit of celebrating eventing’s military roots, each day this week we are republishing a section of Wylie’s 2015 series “Terrifying Cavalry Training Tips.”  From death-defying drop banks to gridlines that are literally on fire, this week we’ve been having a look at the madness that is military horse training.

Modern eventers may be a little bit wackadoodle-doodle-doo, but it’s not our fault, really. The condition is hereditary, and if you’ve been following along with this week’s Cavalry Training Tips series you know who left us their insanity inheritance.

Today’s topic: water jumps.

Water jumps are standard cross-country fare at every level these days but this hasn’t always been the case. Let’s kick things off with a canter back in time to the eventing competition at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

The cross-country course was a doozie, a five-phase test that spanned 36 kilometers (22 miles) with a time limit of just over two hours. It took two years to construct and contained many “new and unusual kinds of jumps,” including fence #4, the WORLD’S FIRST OFFICIAL WATER JUMP.

Nobody saw this thing coming.

Like, literally.

water9

Many riders, not knowing how to approach such a jump, ran at it full-tilt, clearing the hurdle only to succumb to the drag of three-foot deep water and treacherously boggy footing on the other side. According to the official IOC report, of 46 horses who jumped into the pond, there were 18 horse/rider falls and 10 rider falls.

It’s worth noting that Germany wasn’t exactly in its “ethical prime” during this era. There was widespread speculation that the Germans, who claimed individual and team gold medals in all three equestrian disciplines, had known such a jump would be on the course and thus claimed an advantage.

You can see footage of the obstacle here. I can’t decide whose save is more amazing: the Italian’s…

water6

…or the Norwegian’s.

water7

But for sure my favorite moment is when the soggy rider marches off in disgust when his horse decides, post-fall, to seize the moment for a water break.

water5

To their credit these are war horses we’re talking about, not show ponies. It’s not like they had never gotten their feet wet before. But whereas you and I might introduce our green mounts to the joy of water with a creek crossing or splash through a baby water complex, a cavalry horse’s initial experience with water may have been a little more belly flop than swan dive.

water10

Portuguese Cavalry, 1917. Source: British Pathé.

As time went on, however, it appears that the cavalry came to embrace a happier, or at least less traumatic, approach to water familiarization. Peer pressure for the win!

water1

Royal Scots Greys and 2nd Dragoons Cavalry, Britain, 1936. Source: Critical Past.

water3

German Cavalry, 1939. Source: British Pathé.

water4

German Cavalry, 1939. Source: British Pathé.

There’s one in every crowd. One more #protip: modern riding instructors tend to frown upon stripping down to your tighty-whities mid-lesson.

Stay tuned for more military-inspired training tips and exercises you definitely shouldn’t try at home. Go Eventing!

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Nov 13, 2019 12:01 am -

The Hylofit System. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Have you been on the fence about getting the Hylofit system, it might be time to take the plunge because they’re in the middle of a big promotion to celebrate their first birthday. You can get the Hylofit system for $199 ($150 savings!) now through Friday. Click here to shop.

National Holiday: National World Kindness Day

Major International Events:

Australian International Three-Day Event [Website][Entries][Schedule][Ride Times][Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview: 

Ocala Jockey Club 3-Day International Event [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Wednesday News: 

The USEA Educational Symposium is officially in the books. The ICP Symposium will be held Feb 17-18, followed by the YEH Symposium on Feb 19 and FEH Symposium on Feb 20. [Announcing Dates and Details of the 2020 USEA Educational Symposium]

Canadian show jumper Nicole Walker has been provisionally suspended by the FEI following a drug test at the Pan American Games. She tested positive for tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. [Walker’s Positive Test From Pan American Games Puts Canada’s Olympic Show Jumping Qualification In Question]

How well do you know Gemma Tattersall? [9 things you didn’t know about H&H guest editor Gemma Tattersall]

Featured Video: Check out Sara Mittleider’s winning CCI4*-L cross country ride at Galway Downs International earlier this month with La Paz. The pair turned in double-clear jumping rounds to rise from 2nd after dressage into the top spot.

Oliver Townend Purchases Half-Brother to Cooley Master Class at Monart Sale

By on Nov 12, 2019 3:30 pm -

Could MBF Desert Dancer be Oliver Townend’s next five-star winner? Photo courtesy of the Monart Select Elite Event Horse Sale.

Oliver Townend laid claim to the top lot at this year’s Monart Sale, which took place in Co. Wexford, Ireland, Nov. 4-6. The horse, who was purchased by the reigning world no. 1 for a tune of €30,000: MBF Desert Dancer, a 3-year-old chestnut gelding who shares the same sire, Ramiro B, as Oliver’s back-to-back Kentucky CCI5* winner and European Championships ride Cooley Master Class.

The Monart Sale is among the equestrian world’s most well curated auctions. Every horse in the catalogue has been selected by a panel of five-star event riders — Polly Jackson (GB), Niall Griffin (IRL) and Bill Levett (AUS) — and vetted by former Team Ireland vet Marcus Swail.

Being a clearinghouse for top-notch prospects, this year’s auction was well attended by a who’s-who of European eventers. Notable buyers included Aoife Clark, Susie Berry, and Trish and Michael Ryan of Ireland; Kai Ruder and Julia Mestern of Germany; Emily King, Sam Ecroyd, Vicky Tuffs, David Britnell, and Vicky Brake of Great Britain; and Giovanni Ugalotti of Italy. The likes of Michael Jung and Astier Nicolas have previously purchased horses at Monart but were underbidders on several lots this year; Astier, however, did secure a horse for one of his clients.

We were excited to see several North Americans in the mix as well.

Megan Moore purchased lot 3 from Trade Horse Ltd.

Hallie Coon purchased lot 63 from Michael Griffin.

Sten-Ake Krist purchased lot 52 from Frank & Paula Cullen.

Canadian Karl Slezak always seems to pick up a lorry-full at Monart and this year was no exception. He purchased lot 44 from Lizzie Burcher, lot 62 from Martin Goff, and lot 78 from Creevagh Stables.

Fellow Canadian Sabrina Levere purchased lot 56 from Hugh Douglas.

This year’s Monart Sale saw the average price rise from €11,000 in 2018 to €13,000, setting a new record for the sale as it enters its 10th year. Sixty-three of the 90 horses presented to the auction were sold, bringing total auction sales to over €800,000.

“I was delighted with this year’s sale,” says organiser Niall Griffin. “Any sale where your clearance rate is over 70% is a good sale and the fact our average price was the highest it has ever been is a nice bonus. We had some amazing horses in it who have gone on to some fabulous riders, so we are very excited to see how they progress over the coming years.”

Previous sale graduates have gone on to big things, one U.S. import example being Charlie Tango, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan x Our Queen Bee, by Ricardo Z) purchased at the 2011 sale, who has had wins and top finishes at the four-star level with Heather Morris. Others include Bill Levett’s 2018 WEG mount Lassban Diamond Lift, Paul Tapner’s long-listed 2016 Rio Olympic mount Prince Mayo, Jonty Evans’ top 10 2016 Rio Olympic finisher Cooley Rorkes Drift, among many accomplished eventers and show jumpers.

Prior to Wednesday’s auction the organizing team had discussed how the quality of horses presented to that sale increases each year. “We had over 300 3-year-olds come forward, and the quality has increased year on year,” says Niall. “This year we’ve truly been able to pick the best of the best. Buyers will see that this year’s catalogue has a higher percentage of thoroughbred blood than previous years.”

Niall added “I have no doubt there are several horses that were sold on Wednesday that will like so many before them become household names in our sport.”

A full round up of all sold lots can be found here. The dates for next year’s sale are Nov. 2-4, 2020.

SmartPak SmartStride Ultra ‘Long Spot’ Contest: Top 15 Finalists!

By on Nov 12, 2019 2:00 pm -

British readers weren’t eligible for the contest since SmartPak doesn’t ship abroad, but this photo of Kirsty Short and Cossan Lad taking a flyer at Burghley definitely could have been a contender! Kirsty Short and Cossan Lad at Burghley Horse Trials. Photo by Amy Burbage.

Last week we asked EN readers to send us your best “long spot” photos for a chance to win a month’s supply of SmartStride Ultra Pellets from our friends at SmartPak. After reviewing several hundred entries of your horses doing their best superman impressions — “Long spot, or short airplane ride?” as one reader put it — we narrowed the field down to 15 finalists.

Click on the pictures to scroll through the gallery and cast your vote for best long spot!

BTW, we confirmed that all the horses pictures were able to safely put down their landing gear on the other side. Which seems like definite proof that horses, in fact, can fly.

Many thanks to our friends at SmartPak for sponsoring this fun edition of SmartPak Supplement Shellout. We’ll announce the winner next Tuesday, Nov. 19. Go Eventing!

 

Terrifying Cavalry Training Tips Part 2: Grid Work

By on Nov 12, 2019 11:30 am -

In honor of Veterans Day and in the spirit of celebrating eventing’s military roots, each day this week we are republishing a section of Wylie’s 2015 series “Terrifying Cavalry Training Tips.” Yesterday we tackled down banks — today we’re hitting up the grid! 

Don’t try this at home, ya’ll! Source: Flickr/Nicki/Creative Commons.

Even back in the black-and-white cavalry days, everyone understood how essential gridwork is to the training of horses and riders. I mean, you never know when you’re going to run into a triple combination of barbed wire fences out on the battlefield, right?

As such, the cavalry took its gymnastic training very, very seriously. For the second in our series of cavalry inspired training articles, we’ll take a look at some inspiring grid ideas that you should absolutely NOT try at home. Kind of like Jimmy Wofford’s gymnastic training manual, but for people who are completely insane.

Here we go!

EXERCISE #1: Jump multiple horses through a grid at once.

#ProTip: This is a great one for busy professionals looking to squeeze the most out of their day.

A

B

Royal Army Service Corps, Britain, 1950. Source: British Pathe.

EXERCISE #2: Enlist a pyromaniac trainer to set one of the fences on fire.

Pro tip: While any old straw-swaddled jump will do, keyholes are ideal. Nothing keeps a horse straight like an open flame! Plus, the next time your horse encounters this type of jump on course, he’ll be thinking, “Well, at least it’s not on fire.” Just watch your head!

C

D

Royal Army Service Corps, Britain, 1950. Source: British Pathe

EXERCISE #3: Same thing but while threading the needle with other riders.

#ProTip: Just try not to run into one another, m’kay?

grid2

grid3

Metropolitan Police, Britain, 2007. Source: FEI World Para Dressage Championships

EXERCISE #4: Vault off and back on in between jumps.

#ProTip: Land in the saddle, not behind it, to avoid being bucked off and/or your horse hating you forever.

F

grid1

16th Light Cavalry, India, 1935. Source: National Army Museum UK.

EXERCISE #5: Jump a moving gridline.

#ProTip: Survive this and you’ll never bat an eyelash over a false groundline ever again.

grid5

Life Guards, Britain, 1932. Source: British Pathe.

Well, that’s all the time we have for ill-advised training exercises today. Stay tuned for part 3, coming your way tomorrow!

Go Eventing.

Ohio Eventing Is Thriving at Stone Gate Farm Thanks to a Smith Family Effort

By on Nov 12, 2019 9:00 am -

Julie Allison braves the cold to contest Stone Gate Farm jumper derby on Nov. 9. Photo by Miranda Akins / Photography In Stride.

We were all saddened to hear the recent news that South Farm, an Ohio venue and staple of the Area VIII eventing calendar for 25 years, would no longer be hosting recognized or mini horse trials. But eventing is still going strong at a nearby venue, Stone Gate Farm, a 171-acre farm in the rolling hills of Columbiana County.

In 2019 Stone Gate hosted USEA recognized events in May and September, as well as a number of other schooling opportunities throughout the year: two mini trials, two hunter paces, two jumper shows and derbies, a combined test and event derby, a dressage fix-a-test, two mountain trail challenges and several clinics.

“Whew!” says Jackie Smith, who owns the farm with husband Dave, recounting the non-stop roster of activities. Which, lately, have been something of a team effort, led by whom Jackie calls “the next generation of organizers who will hopefully keep the sport of eventing alive and well in Ohio.”

Brandi Podboy and Who Dat. Photo by Miranda Akins / Photography In Stride.

“In early October my kids Kyle, Kevin and his wife Laura came to me and told me that people were asking for another jumper show at that farm and asked if we could do one,” Jackie says. “By that time I had just finished the last competition of the year and I had no desire to run another show.”

They told her not to worry — that they would run it themselves.

“As long as I didn’t have to do anything it was fine with me!” Jackie says. “Interestingly enough, they picked a date that I was going judging out of town. I’m not sure if it was by accident or intentional, but it definitely kept me from being tempted to ‘help.’

The October show went so well that riders requested yet another show in November. Jackie was skeptical: “They were extremely lucky that they had a beautiful warm day at the end of October in Northeast Ohio, but November definitely could be a little dicier.”

Once again, Stone Gate’s fledgling crew of organizers were not deterred.

“In fact they decided to up their game by adding optional cross country fences so riders could have one last hurrah!,” Jackie says.

Photo courtesy of Laura Ann Kosiorek-Smith.

Photo courtesy of Laura Ann Kosiorek-Smith.

Photo courtesy of Laura Ann Kosiorek-Smith.

This time, however, the weather didn’t exactly cooperate. “It was dry but down right cold — as in 22 degrees cold!” Jackie says. “The start of the show was moved an hour later to give the ring a little more time to thaw out so it could be dragged. By the time the show started is was a balmy 32 degrees and it never did get to the predicted high of 41.”

“Regardless, the footing was perfect, the courses were great and everyone took advantage of a few cross country jumps. Although I didn’t show, I took full advantage of the course they had set up the next day when it was a more comfortable 50 degrees. It was great fun!”

The Ohio eventing community is lucky to have the Smith family’s energy and enthusiasm for the sport.

“The kids are already making plans for having a Derby Cross in the spring when people are itching to do a little cross country but the footing isn’t good enough,” Jackie says. “Ah, the next generation of organizers at Stone Gate Farm … maybe someday I will be able to retire!”

Stay warm up there, you guys! Keep an eye on the Stone Gate Farm website and Facebook page for news about upcoming events.