Classic Eventing Nation

Celebrate the Save: Nominate a Rider for the Ride EquiSafe Best Save Award at Maryland International

By on Jul 2, 2024 1:14 pm -

Ask most eventers to show you their favorite competition photo and you might be surprised– it’s most likely one of them nearly falling off and saving it at the last moment. These miraculous saves are often displayed like badges of honor, as they should be. It takes perseverance, determination, and a great relationship with your horse to make it through the sticky moments.

We’ve all had those moments. Moments where your plan doesn’t quite work out the way you hoped, pretty riding goes out the window in favor of a little cowboy moment, and you try not to make too much eye contact with your trainer after you cross the finish line.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be perfect all the time in order to be a great rider. Sometimes what makes a rider great is their stickability– their ability to stay on, no matter what. Let’s celebrate each other’s achievements. With a little help from Ride EquiSafe, we want your help in finding one rider who had the best save in any division at the Maryland International on July 5th through the 7th.

If you saw someone pull off an amazing save, get them the recognition they deserve! Use the form below or click here to nominate them (or yourself!). You can nominate any rider, whether you know them or not. All you need to nominate someone is their rider number and division name, although we’d love it if you had their name and contact information. If they win, they’ll receive a $250 gift card to Ride EquiSafe, your go-to store for high quality research-backed safety equipment.

Find the nomination form here.

Bert Wood Novice Stakes To Be Featured at 2024 Woodside Summer Horse Trials

By on Jul 2, 2024 12:30 pm -

A Novice rider on the cross-country course at the 2023 Woodside Spring H.T.
The Bert Wood Novice Stakes will spotlight the level at the 2024 Woodside Summer H.T. Tina Fitch Photography.

The Bert Wood Novice Stakes will bring FEI-level prize money and a big-event atmosphere to eventing’s Novice level, as well as honor the extensive contributions that cross-country builder and designer Bert Wood has made on the sport, at the Woodside Summer Horse Trials from August 9-11.
Entries opened on June 25 and will close on July 23 for the second of three USEA-recognized events that will take place at The Horse Park at Woodside in California in 2024.

“The Horse Park has always been committed to the ongoing development of horse and rider in the sport of eventing,” said Steve Roon, Executive Director of The Horse Park at Woodside. “Each level has its own unique set of challenges that are a step-up from the previous level in terms of the height of jumps and complexity and precision of movements, and we want to honor how proud we at The Horse Park are of the dedication of riders and horses at each level of eventing. It doesn’t just magically happen, so we need to celebrate the work that got them there.”

The first event of the year at The Horse Park, the Woodside Spring Horse Trials from May 24-26, was highlighted by the inaugural Laughing Monk Modified Match. Modified Horse and Modified Rider divisions served as the event’s showcase classes, putting the spotlight on the Modified level that serves as a key stepping stone for horses and riders moving from eventing’s lower to upper levels.

Bert Wood. Victoria Klein photo.

The Horse Park’s final event of the year, the Woodside Fall International from October 4-6, will feature FEI competition up to the four-star level.

Organizers decided to make Novice the showcase level of the Woodside Summer Horse Trials to celebrate one of the lower levels of eventing that serves as a backbone for the sport. And, naming the Novice Stakes after Wood was a natural fit for the team at The Horse Park.

“What I appreciate is that he cares as much about the lower levels as the upper level,” said Victoria Klein, who serves on the Board of Governors of The Horse Park at Woodside. “He knows that the upper levels get taken care of, and he recognizes that it’s the lower levels that really support this whole sport. There are a multitude of entries that make it work, and he really wants to always give to them in the design and the interest of the jumps as best he can.”

The Bert Wood Novice Stakes will feature a total purse of $6,000 divided among the Amateur and Junior and Senior Novice Rider divisions. There will be a breakfast of bagels, lox, and mimosas served during show jumping in the Laughing Monk Grand Prix Arena on the Sunday of the competition. The event will also bring awareness to a charity founded by Bert and his wife, Kris—the Cowboy And Rousseau Animal Assistance Fund (CARAAF) that offers financial assistance for families with rescue dogs that have medical needs.

Victoria Klein (left) and Steve Roon of The Horse Park at Woodside honor the
contributions of Woodside’s cross-country building crew led by Bert Wood.
Tina Fitch Photography.

The knowledge Wood has brought to cross-country building and design over three decades in the sport is rooted in working with some of the giants of eventing: from Pete Costello, the first four-star (now five-star) builder at the Kentucky Three-Day Event; to apprenticing in England with Mike Etheringon-Smith, the cross-country designer for multiple five-stars and Olympics; to working alongside David Evans, Derek di Grazia, Captain Mark Phillips, Ian Stark, and more.

“We’re at 30 years of Bert building and designing on the West Coast,” Klein said. “I’m really happy to recognize this landmark and show him some well-deserved appreciation for what he’s done for eventing in the West. I’m not sure how many people know that he has built and designed at every venue in California and many beyond. He started many of the courses from dirt, such as Rebecca Farm, Twin Rivers, and Copper Meadows. When The Horse Park at Woodside reopened in 2005, he was starting the cross-country courses again from scratch for us. I’m also excited about celebrating and recognizing the true foundation of our competitions—the Novice level. I think the two recognitions are perfectly suited for each other. And who doesn’t like money purses, bagels, lox, and mimosas?”

The Woodside Summer Horse Trials will offer competition from Starter through Intermediate. There will also be team challenges for adult, intercollegiate, and interscholastic eventers.

Full Moon Farm Eventing Foundation to Increase Access to Horse Sports

By on Jul 2, 2024 9:30 am -

Many are familiar with Full Moon Farm. We’ve seen the Fulton family establish a well-known and respected lesson program, horse trial location, and community based at their farm in Carroll County, MD.

Full Moon Farm was established in 1994 by Karen and Stephen Fulton, and has been a resource for those in the community looking for equestrian opportunities. Karen and Stephen also raised their two daughters, Grace and Savannah (Woodge), at the farm in the heart of equestrian sport, with Grace going on as an event rider and polo player, and Woodge riding through the 5* level in Eventing.

Now, 30 years into business, Full Moon Farm is looking to expand. Recognizing the limitations to accessing equestrian sports, the Fulton family and Full Moon Farm community have established the Full Moon Farm Eventing Foundation (FMFEF), which strives to promote good horsemanship, prevent marginalization, and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion.

FMFEF will collaborate with Full Moon to provide access to camp, boarding, and entry fees. Photo from Karen Fulton.

“It all started with a pride flag that we had flown on our flag pole,” Karen stated. “Our boarders purchased it for us a few years ago, and while we’re conscious of any endorsements of political candidates at our business, Grace and Woodge encouraged us to hang up the flag on our pole. Flags can be powerful things, and once we did, it was amazing [to me] the number of people that noticed it – in a positive way. It got us thinking, the inclusivity that our barn has always practiced should be formalized.”

“Everyone at the farm has always strived to be inclusive and welcoming,” Grace commented on Full Moon Farm’s atmosphere. “This is a bit more of a way to get people who may not be aware of our offerings… or of riding… or in the typical demographics of the sport to the farm. We want to find those people, and get them involved.”

The workings of Full Moon Farm and the Foundation are complimentary, with the first few initiatives being within efforts already in place.

“Summer camps have always been going on,” Karen said. “So we’ve built on that current offering to have a couple of scholarships. Or covering board, entry fees…These first stages will be additives and supplementary to what we’re already doing.”

The FMFEF wants to provide opportunities for those not otherwise aware of the sport to participate. There’s an application process for the scholarship, with a Google Form for participant selection. While the process is still evolving with the Foundation being so new, the application asks about how the mission statement will align with participant values, or how the scholarship will impact participants’ lives.

The Foundation will provide insight and education into the equestrian industry. Photo from Karen Fulton.

Of course, these efforts do not come without challenges.

“Our challenge is getting information out to the people that need it!” Karen commented. “How do we connect with people not within the sport already? We do have some connections to other nonprofits for sports in the Baltimore area to collaborate and broaden horizons, but are hoping to get the information out to as many people as possible.”

The FMFEF is still new, just recently receiving 501(c)(3) status through the state of Maryland, with IRS paperwork pending for Federal status. However, as the Foundation continues to develop and grow, there are plans beyond current scholarship opportunities.

“We’re hoping this will be a supplementary community engagement tool,” Grace stated. “It’s meant a lot so far, seeing how many people are reaching out and offering to volunteer. It’s not only for the outward community, but is also building community internally as well.”

The Full Moon Farm community is already developing and supporting the Foundation’s efforts. Photo from Karen Fulton.

“We’ll be looking towards some stand alone events and fundraisers in the future as well, as the Foundation gets going,” Karen said.

“It’s meaningful when kids start riding at five, and continue until they go to college. It’s a bigger measure of success compared to the number of boarders or wins we have,” Karen said.

As the Foundation looks at measuring success, looking towards that continued involvement will be key. “Involvement with people that have never touched a horse, seen a horse – it’s such an impactful moment. Right now, we’re looking to get more people involved with the things we’re doing, people that aren’t aware of the sport, or typically have access to such opportunities. Long term, as this grows, we have the space and facilities to offer more.”

For more information on the FMFEF, please see their website, or email [email protected]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jul 2, 2024 7:29 am -

With just over two months to go until action begins at Defender Burghley 2024, here’s a few snapshots of what is going…

Posted by Defender Burghley Horse Trials on Monday, July 1, 2024

This week, I’m trying my best to stop humming the Marseillaise and daydreaming of Paris for at least a few days, because I’m heading to one of the greatest events in the world – Germany’s CHIO Aachen, which brings together the very best of all the Olympic disciplines (and some besides – there’s also combined driving and vaulting on the go!) in a venue that can only reasonably be described as Disneyland for horsey folks. It’s an extraordinary place, with permanent stadiums, an equine walk of fame, stunningly maintained facilities, shopping that will make you have a little cry, and horses, as far as the eye can see. Perfect. No notes. I can definitely get my head out of the Paris clouds for a few days for that. Keep it locked onto EN this week for full reports from the eventing, starting with Thursday’s first horse inspection, and a closer look at how life unfolds in this special place.

Aachen this week, Paris in a few – and in the meantime, all the autumn events are hard at work getting ready for their own time in the spotlight. Derek di Grazia and his crew touched down in Burghley last week to start moving some timber, and judging by the pensive faces in the photos shared by the event, he’s cooking up something serious. It’s hard to imagine anything after the Olympics right now, but how lucky are we to have the likes of Burghley, Maryland, and Pau on the horizon to ease us out of our post-Paris blues?

Events Opening Today: The Event at Archer, Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. – Pending USEF Approval, Waredaca Farm H.T. – Pending USEF Approval, Hunter’s Run H.T.

Events Closing Today: The Event at Rebecca Farm, Course Brook Farm Summer H.T., Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials II, Full Gallop Farm July H.T., Applewood Farm YEH & Mini Event, Silverwood Farm Summer H.T.

Tuesday News and Notes from Around the World: 

This week isn’t just about Aachen – it’s also a huge week for young riders. We’ll see the 2024 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships playing out at the Maryland International, and to celebrate the eve of this super showcase of the stars of the future, US Eventing has been catching up with some of its entrants, including 16-year-old Claire Allen, who’s loved making the move to the eventing world from hunter-land. Meet her here!

Just because I know we all love to stress ourselves silly with news of horses being horses, enjoy this nice little story of a horse fostering a little blackthorn like it’s a Tamagotchi he’s particularly fond of. I’m beginning to think they actually look for ways to rendezvous with their favourite vets.

The candidates for this year’s Thoroughbred Makeover are all in the thick of their season. COTH caught up with blogger Brit Vegas to find out how hers is getting on, and to unpack the importance of getting second-career Thoroughbreds out into the big wide world as much as possible. Even more than that, though, this is a poignant ode to pushing on when the road gets really, really tough.

Burnout is real, and it really, really sucks. If you’re a groom, it can be incredibly hard to manage, because time off is so rare – and so prevention is key. Top groom Anne-Marie Duarte shares her tips for looking after yourself even in the height of the season here.

Sponsor Corner: We’re in the final countdown to the start of the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the excitement is mounting with every moment. Thanks to Kentucky Performance Products, EN is bringing you all the action. Read this article before the first rider leaves the startbox to get caught up on the logistics of all three phases.

Watch This: 

Catch up with US chef d’equipe Bobby Costello after the US team’s mandatory outing:

New Zealand Names Experienced Squad for Paris Olympics

By on Jul 1, 2024 3:36 pm -

Tim Price and Falco. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

New Zealand will be represented in eventing and dressage at this month’s Paris Olympic Games. It’s a well-seasoned eventing team that will represent the nation, spear-headed by former world no.1 and 2, Tim and Jonelle Price, who are joined by Clarke Johnstone, and Caroline Powell as the alternate.

This will be Jonelle Price’s fourth Games – she was a member of the bronze medal-winning team at London (2012), competed at Rio (2016) where the team placed fourth, and Tokyo (2020) for a fifth team placing where she was the best-placed Kiwi in 11th spot. She was also reserve at Athens (2004).

Jonelle who hails from Motueka but lives in the UK with Tim and their two children, will compete aboard her 12-year-old Dutch-bred mare Hiarado with Grappa Nera as her reserve horse. “I am very delighted to be selected for my fourth Games,” says Jonelle. “The Olympic Games is the pinnacle of any sport and resonates so globally which makes it extra special. I am delighted for myself, the team, friends and family who have all been instrumental in our careers.”

Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera, who will be her direct reserve horse for Paris. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

She paid particular tribute to Hiarado’s owners David and Karie Thomson. “They have been such big supporters of New Zealand sport in general. I think this is really special for them too. We bought Hiarado two years ago specifically as a potential back-up (for Paris). I just happened to see this mare and really liked her.”

Jonelle says the mare is right up her street. “She has been nothing but magic since we bought her and gone from strength to strength. We are very well suited – she is gutsy, determined, feisty and strong-willed. We are a match made in heaven!”

World no.9 ranked Tim made his Olympic debut at Rio and also rode at Tokyo. He has been named aboard the 15-year-old German-bred Hanoverian gelding Falco with the 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding Coup de Coeur Dudevin his reserve horse.

“I am very happy and excited to be involved in the Kiwi team again. Both horses are in good form and healthy. Now it is about us binding together as a team and having that team result we are all so desperate for. We are all in a good place and a great bunch of people who are all bringing forward really exciting horses.”

Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

For Clarke Johnstone, the selection is extra special after a challenging year. “It has been an incredibly difficult year for me personally after the sudden death of my partner Codey at the end of 2023,” says Clarke. “Having the goal of the Olympic Games which we were both so invested in has kept me going the past six months and I have poured my heart and soul into training and competing my lovely horses this year to make our goal a reality. I know he would be so proud.”

The achievement is the culmination of years of “single-minded determination”, training and moving to the other side of the world to be in the best possible position to challenge for medals in Paris. Clarke is from Outram but is also based in the UK and lining up at his second Games after also debuting at Rio where his sixth individual placing was the best of the New Zealand riders. He will compete aboard the 14-year-old British sport horse Menlo Park who he says feels like he is peaking at the perfect time for Paris.

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The alternate combination is two-time Olympian Caroline Powell, who is originally from Christchurch, aboard Greenacres Special Cavalier with whom she recently won the CCI5* at Badminton. Caroline made her Olympic debut at the Beijing Games and won a team bronze at London in 2012.

Caroline is excited to be back in the Olympic environment. “What an honour to represent my country again,” she said. “I can’t wait for the Games. It’s always a very special time.” Greenacres Special Cavalier is an 11-year-old Irish sport horse mare who Caroline has long believed in and carefully brought her through the grades. She and Lenamore won Burghley 5* in 2010, the same year she was part of the bronze medal winning team at the World Championships at Kentucky.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand high performance general manager Jock Paget, himself a team bronze medal winner from the London Olympic Games, said the eventing selection had been particularly hard.

“We had lots of strong combinations to choose from. It was the biggest selection headache I have witnessed in my time but we now have a really strong team who I think will be suitable for what we expect to go into in Paris,” he said. “Our reserve combinations are strong and committed to being in the best shape possible if called on for the games, and we are looking forward to getting into our final camp to finish our prep.” It was testament to riders and owners who had committed to being available for the Games and positioned themselves for Olympic selection.

Jock also praised the efforts of Melissa Galloway, who will represent New Zealand in dressage competition. “Melissa has been very targeted and dedicated throughout this campaign and I look forward to seeing her take the stage at her first Olympics.”

ESNZ chief executive Julian Bowden said it was exciting to have the team announced. “We know how tough the eventing competition will be this year but we have great experience in there and know they will give everything to get onto the podium,” he said. “It is fantastic to see all of Melissa’s hard work and dedication pay off with her selection. She’s no stranger to the big stage and I know we will all be cheering her on.”

NZOC chief executive Nicki Nicol extended her congratulations to the athletes. “We’re thrilled to have a strong and experienced equestrian team named for the Games,” said Nicki. “New Zealand has a proud equestrian history at the Games and we look forward to cheering these athletes on as they wear the fern and make us proud in Paris.”

The eventing competition at Paris 2024 begins on July 27 and the dressage on July 30, with competition to be held in the ground of the beautiful Chateau de Versailles.

To keep up with EN’s running track of teams and individuals named thus far, click here.

View more of EN’s coverage of the Paris Olympics here. We are pleased to bring you our Olympic coverage with support from Kentucky Performance Products.

Brazil Joins Paris 2024 Field with Eventing Team Nomination

By on Jul 1, 2024 3:01 pm -

Brazil has confirmed the four riders it has chosen to represent the country in Paris later this month, a roster that includes multiple former Olympians after the country qualified for a berth via the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Castle Howard Casanova. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The riders and horses chosen to ride in this Olympics for Brazil are:

Marcelo Carvalho Jorge with either Castle Howard Casanova, an 11-year-old Irish gelding owned by the Rider, Arabella and Hugo Mackenzie Smith, and Annabel Vere Nicoll or Kilcoltrim Kit Kat, a 15-year-old Irish mare owned by Helen and Alistair Mordaunt, Annabel and Alistair Vere Nicoll

Ruy Fonseca with Ballypatrick SRS, a 13-year-old Irish gelding owned by the Rider and Renata Rabello Costa

Rafael Mamprin Losano and Withington, a 13-year-old Anglo-European gelding owned by the Rider, Helen Tayton-Martin, and James Noble

Carlos Parro with Safira, a 12-year-old warmblood mare owned by the Rider and John Chambers

Ruy Fonseca and Ballypatrick Srs (BRA). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The Traveling Reserve member of the squad has not been designated and will be done by the Definite Entries deadline of July 8.

To keep up with our running track of teams and individuals named thus far, click here.

View more of EN’s coverage of the Paris Olympics here. We are pleased to bring you our Olympic coverage with support from Kentucky Performance Products.

Weekend Winners: Bouckaert + Area III Champs, Full Moon, Inavale, Larkin Hill, Coconino, & Twin Rivers

By on Jul 1, 2024 12:30 pm -

Hello, hello! We are back with our Weekend Winners! Personally, I’m so excited to spend some time with you all recapping another weekend of eventing.

We saw eventers across the country out competing, including our Area III Championship riders at Bouckaert Equestrian. It was an impressive showing from our Intermediate Championship winner, Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z (Chico’s Boy – Chardonnay Z, by Caretano Z), who finished on a 36.5 after adding just a handful of cross country time penalties. Lexi and “Sprout” are certainly an experienced pair, with a finish at the Kentucky 5* in 2022, and a recent 13th place finish in the 3*S at Tryon. We also saw Canadian A Squad member Karl Slezak secure the win in the Open Intermediate with Hot Bobo (Arkansas VDL – Taneys Leader xx, by Supreme Leader xx).

Congrats to all on successful weekends! As always, we’d love to give an extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Kathryn Richards-Ricks and VP Specialty, who won the Beginner Novice-Rider division at Coconino on a 17.2!

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. and Area III Eventing Championships (Chattahoochee Hills, GA) [Website][Scoring]

Intermediate Championships: Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z (36.5)
Open Intermediate: Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo (41.6)
Open Preliminary: Natalia Neneman and Lagans Ricardo Boy (32.4)
Preliminary Championships: Chris Talley and Fast Forward (28.8)
Modified Championships: Joe Meyer and Gold de Riverland (29.0)
Modified Rider: Elizabeth Vaughn and Kendji du Haut du Roy (34.3)
Open Modified: Nobie Cannon and WL Lucifer R (27.8)
Junior Training Rider Championships: Tessa Geven and Caheradoo Jack (31.0)
Open Training: Martha Lambert and Pappillon Van Het Hellehof (23.6)
Senior Training Rider Championships: Marisa Shulman and Samurai Sam (32.6)
Training Horse Championships: Cindy Rawson and Fourfields Classek (35.7)
Training Rider: Olivia Pratt and Ardeo San Diego (34.2)
Junior Novice Rider Championships: Kaitlyn Cobey and Sarrasin (30.8)
Novice Horse Championships: Ashley Greene and Galway Lad (29.4)
Novice Rider A: Ryan Ballou and Astaire (31.1)
Novice Rider B: Stella McGuire and Lucky Clover (36.4)
Open Novice: Ella Kay Lane and Dark Shadow’s (31.9)
Senior Novice Rider Championships: Susan Faulkner and HelloHello (27.2)
Beginner Novice Horse Championships: Miriam Offermanns and Totolly Tinker (24.4)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Robyn Stix and Je T’aime Opera (23.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Lydia Traynelis and Starlight (36.2)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider Championships: Stevens Moseley and SLE Ocean Ablaze (31.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Julie Richards and Fernhill C’est la Vie Z (27.1)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider Championships: Lydia Abernathy and Subtle Dream Unveiled (30.3)
Starter A: Macyn Wolpert and Hallelujah (33.0)
Starter B: Lara Shelnutt and Augustus RR (27.0)
Starter Rider Championships: Paige Markel and Tinkerbelle (32.7)

Full Moon Farm HT (Finksburg, MD) [Website][Scoring]

Modified/Training – Horse: Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Imagine (34.0)
Modified/Training – Rider: Marina Cassou and Castleturvin Mungo (40.6)
Open Training: Boyd Erik Martin and Shmick (30.1)
Training Rider: Jessica Werner and Hawkins (32.9)
Open Novice: Kelley Hutchinson and HSH Interesting (25.8)
Novice Rider: Emma Whitaker and HSH Golden Boy (30.7)
Open Beginner Novice A: Courtney Cooper and Excel Star Lyrical (28.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Diego Farje and Running Wave (32.1)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Carly Davis and Currabawn Dubh (32.0)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Ella Ruth Goodman and MHF Christine (24.7)
Starter Open A: Laura Kiff and Hunter (32.0)
Starter Open B: Lucy Leff and Amarillo (29.3)
Starter Open C: Savannah Fulton and Mr.O Brien (28.3)
Modified CT: Diego Farje and positivist (36.5)
Pre-Starter Open: Brielle Rainsberg and Riley (28.8)
Pre-Starter CT: Mary Greenberg and FMF Galahad (38.1)

Inavale Farm HT (Philomath, OR) [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz (36.2)
Jr/YR Open Preliminary: Ella Eisenbarth and Magic Mike (36.5)
Open Preliminary: Nicole Aden and Illustrator (32.9)
Open Training: Marc Grandia and Perluna (34.4)
Training Amateur: Lorilee Hanson and Mosaïque (31.4)
Training Junior: Alexis Johnson and Encore (34.4)
Novice Amateur: Andrea Nielsen and Nashville (24.2)
Novice Junior: Maiti O’Brien and Hillside Kannonball (28.6)
Open Novice: Holly Yoder and Irish Ellie (26.7)
Beginner Novice Amateur Div 1: Kimberly Johnson and Ascendance (26.8)
Beginner Novice Amateur Div 2: Brianna Spencer and Gaia (28.5)
Beginner Novice Junior: Emery Wells and Justa Little Pollyanna (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Catie Cejka and Pillow Talk SSH (34.4)
Open Starter Div 1: Virginia Bryant and King of the Bramble (28.7)
Open Starter Div 2: Georgia Buckland and Tip Top’s Versace (29.0)
Open Starter Div 3: Adisyn Mary and Whiskey Bent (30.7)

Larkin Hill H.T. (North Chatham, NY) [Website][Scoring]

Preliminary: Laurie Seely and Cadannus (27.8)
Modified/Training: Jebb Simpson and Grantstown Coney Street (31.0)
Open Training: Caroline Teich and Fürsten Dansil (31.2)
Novice A: Alexandra Naja and Who Can Charm (29.2)
Novice B: Caroline Teich and Fursten Liebling (26.1)
Open Novice A: Booli Selmayr and Montrichard SF (25.3)
Open Novice B: Alexandra Kavouksorian and C’est La Vie WE (28.6)
Beginner Novice A: Emerson Hover and Ace of Spades (28.1)
Beginner Novice B: Hannah Blaszyk and Time Management (32.7)
Open Beginner Novice A: Lydia Sarro and Consigo (32.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Booli Selmayr and Starlord (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice C: Jennifer Proctor and Cornmill Riley (33.8)
Starter A: Skylar Blass and Wraith PDF (43.3)
Starter B: Julianne Pangal and Brooklawn (32.7)
Starter C: Nancy Dempze and Excel Star Mesmerize (40.3)

Summer Coconino H.T. I (Flagstaff, AZ) [Website][Scoring]

HT-Intermediate-Open: Laura Sparks and Killossery Kitten (51.4)
HT-Intermediate/Preliminary-Open: Heather Drager and Winnsome (61.0)
CT – Preliminary: Annabelle Nieman and Jlo (46.6)
HT-Preliminary-Open: Ghislaine Homan-Taylor and Mt. Whitney (39.9)
HT-Training-Open: Taylor Lindsten and WonderElla (22.6)
HT-Training-Rider: Emily Barrett and Maximus (33.3)
CT -Novice: Denise Krause-Spangler and Ossian (30.4)
HT-Novice-Open: Emily Rosenbaum and Moonrise Kingdom (36.3)
HT-Novice-Rider: Jennifer Row and Bella Vida GWF (27.2)
HT-Beginner Novice-JR: Kyla Roberts and Wildflower (21.3)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open: Ghislaine Homan-Taylor and RSH Goliath (18.8)
HT-Beginner Novice-Rider: Kathryn Richards-Ricks and VP Specialty (17.2)
HT-Starter-Open: Joclyn Nelson and HS Cool River Noble (31.7)
Pre-Competition 1-Day: Clara Hoffman and Maximus (27.3)

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. (Paso Robles, CA) [Website][Scoring]

Advanced: Renee Kalkman and Flame Eternal (63.0)
Open Intermediate: James Alliston and Addyson (37.8)
Open Preliminary: Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild (28.8)
Preliminary Rider: Whitney Tucker Billeter and NC Sky High (30.9)
Open Modified A: Amber Birtcil and Milagro (23.8)
Open Modified B: Jillian Mader and Coolrock Wacko Jacko (25.7)
Training Rider: Julie Flettner and Excel Star Romeo (31.9)
Open Training: Rhiannon Gorin and Monbeg Finnegan (32.1)
Novice Rider: Lauren Klein and Little Ghost (28.1)
Open Novice A: Nikki Lloyd and Lacey (25.4)
Open Novice B: Rebecca Braitling and Brackenspa Valens (31.9)
Beginner Novice Rider: Michaela Smith and Cashmaker (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Lauren Henry and Rimrock (26.3)
Open Starter: Kendra Mitchell and Willy Von Wonder (27.0)

Alliston’s Busy Weekend, Braitling’s Return with 5* Mount, and Kalkman’s Advanced Victory Highlight Twin Rivers Summer H.T.

By on Jul 1, 2024 9:30 am -

James Alliston and Addyson. Photo by Ride On Photo.

As he was finishing tacking up his horse in preparation to navigate the cross country course at the 2024 Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials, James Alliston expressed concern about navigating the 101 Freeway. That’s because as soon as he crossed the finish line aboard Intermediate level winner Addyson (Ampere x Nickerbocker) at 10:38 a.m. on Saturday—his fifth cross-country round of the morning with three at Preliminary and two at Intermediate—the West Coast-based CCI5* rider had to drive 185 miles on the 101 Freeway from Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, CA, to San Francisco International Airport to catch a 4:35 p.m. flight to Frankfurt, Germany.

“One thing at a time,” Alliston said.

In Germany, Alliston is scheduled to reunite with Karma (Escudo II x Travita), with whom he won the U.S. Olympic Team’s mandatory outing at the Stable View Summer H.T. in South Carolina one week prior, to be part of the Defender U.S. Eventing Team at the CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S to be held from July 1-7.

“It’s exciting, and I’m really looking forward to it,” Alliston said. “I’ve not done that show, but everyone says it’s an incredible show. Cross country is very hard, I think, but the mandatory outing was a nice preparation.”

It’s certainly a robust time for Alliston, and the team at Twin Rivers ensured that it could be a productive event for him to ride five of his up-and-comers during a quick return to his home state before going back on the road.

“We created this weekend’s schedule to allow James to compete his five horses before flying to Germany,” Twin Rivers secretary Christina Gray of Gray Area Events said. “As a rider that is always so supportive of this venue, it was important for us to support him in keeping his horses and business going while chasing his team goals. We wish him the best of luck in Aachen.”

James Alliston and Addyson. Photo by Ride On Photo.

The Intermediate level won by Alliston and Addyson, a 13-year-old bay Oldenburg mare, with the quickest cross country round at the level was a who’s who of the best West Coast eventers. In second place were Twin Rivers-based Australian international rider Bec Braitling aboard Caravaggio II (Vangelis-S x Courtesan) in their first event since completing their first 5* together and Braitling’s first five-star in more than two decades at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.

“I thought that would be nice for him after Kentucky,” Braitling said about the first Intermediate that she and “Ernie” have done since 2022. “And at home, he’s always relaxed running here, so I thought that would be kind of fun. He felt just as fun as ever. After how nervous you get at the big ones, then this just felt so relaxed. I was like, ‘Don’t be too relaxed. You still got to ride around, you know.’ So, that was a good reminder. It was a great gallop. The ground was great. The course was really
educational. So, it was actually a really good run.”

Braitling said that she and Arnell Sporthorses’13-year-old black British Sport Horse gelding will next compete in the CCI4*-S at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Montana and aim for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in October.

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II. Photo by Ride On Photo.

“So, this was a good ‘welcome back from Kentucky’ but also ‘get ready for Rebecca,’” Braitling said.

Finishing third at Intermediate was 2023 Kentucky 5* winner Tamie Smith aboard Sumas Tina Turner (Quantino x Sumas Fanny Brice). Smith took over the mount on “Tina” this year after Julianne Guariglia’s 8-year-old chestnut Irish Sport Horse mare was previously campaigned at the two- and three-star levels in Europe by Australian riders Isabel English and Kevin McNab.

“It takes a good solid 12 months to get a really good partnership with them,” said Smith, who also rode Pierre’s Farceur du Bochard (Con Air x Ariane du Bochard) at Intermediate as part of their first year competing together. “The horses I feel like gain confidence when they have a partnership with the rider, and it just takes time. Tina had done quite a bit in her early stage, Pierre not so much, and so I’ve just decided to keep them both at the level. I feel like I’ll be at that level for a bit until I have the partnership with them where they’re not asking questions so much.”

The highest level offered at the Twin Rivers Summer H.T. was Advanced, and Renee Kalkman, who came to Paso Robles from British Columbia, Canada, won with her 13-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred gelding Flame Eternal (Flammabull x Silmarillion).

Renee Kalkman and Flame Eternal. Photo by Ride On Photo.

Kalkman started eventing with “Charlie” after he finished a six-race career with one win in British Columbia, Canada, in 2015.

“Honestly, I kind of bought him sight unseen,” she said. “I had purchased his half-brother, and when I went to pick up his half-brother, I noticed Charlie taking a nap in the stall next to him. I just took a liking to him. I liked his personality and said, ‘If you ever decide to sell this horse, I’ll come back and I’d like to buy him.’ Then, I got notified that he was for sale because, honestly, none of the jockeys could ride him. They told me he wanted to buck and play more on the track than run.”
They quickly progressed to compete in their first FEI event in 2018 and moved up to three-star in 2019. They stepped away from competition when Covid hit until returning in 2023.

“He’s been amazing,” Kalkman said. “He’s never had a cross-country jump fault his whole career. That’s totally his game. He participates. He looks for the flags. It’s his game all day long. He loves it. He’s easy to go quick on because he keeps his balance all the way around the course.”

Renee Kalkman and Flame Eternal. Photo by Ride On Photo.

Twin Rivers’ first USEA Young Event Horse qualifier of the year took place with Brackenspa Valens (Renkum Valentino x Roxsette) and Braitling topping the 5-year-old division. The reigning 5-year-old West Coast champion, Camelot PJ (Colman x Hauptstutbuch Evita), and Andrea Baxter were fifth in the Open Preliminary division won by Get Wild (Plot-Blue x Cantana) and Gabriella Ringer, the winners of the CCI2*-L at this year’s Twin Rivers Spring International.

“This was a pretty serious Prelim course, and they handled it like they’ve done it a million times,” said Baxter, who also rode youngsters The Big Easy (Mr Lincoln B x PLS Hippo Q) and Adventure (Avos Jordan Z x Rockmount Lillie) to top-10 finishes out of 19 in the Open Preliminary division.

Twin Rivers Ranch will next host the Twin Rivers Fall International from September 19-22. Then, the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse West Coast Championships will take place on October 25-26.

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. (Paso Robles, CA): [Website] [Results]

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Jul 1, 2024 5:50 am -

It’s the first of July today, and that means that now, we can officially say we’re heading to the Paris Olympics this month. OH, BOY. That fills me with both an absolutely ridiculous amount of kid-before-Christmas overexcitement, but also, it sort of gives me the fear: in the space of the next few weeks there’s a tonne of paperwork to get done, content plans to create, form guides to finalise, numbers to crunch, client contracts to tie up, projects to start, projects to finish, and road-trip playlists to plan (the most important job, I think). But who am I kidding? None of this stuff bothers me even a little bit. Every time I have to fill out some really tedious form on the Paris media hub it thrills me. You want me to submit my car’s license plate to the Paris Transport committee? You spoil me! I’ll be grabbing at every last morsel of joy over the next six weeks or so and spreading them as far and as wide as I can. I hope you’re ready!

In the pursuit of all that Paris excitement, we’re going to do a bit of an Olympic themed News & Notes today, with some updates from across the disciplines and a peek into how it’s all coming together. All together now: AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

National Holiday: It’s Canada Day! Good tidings to our friends north of the border.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. and Area III Eventing Championships (Chattahoochee Hills, GA): [Website] [Results]

Full Moon Farm HT (Finksburg, MD): [Website] [Results]

Inavale Farm HT (Philomath, OR): [Website] [Results]

Larkin Hill H.T. (North Chatham, NY): [Website] [Results]

Summer Coconino H.T. I (Flagstaff, AZ): [Website] [Results]

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. (Paso Robles, CA): [Website] [Results]

European International Events:

SemaLease Kilguilkey House International 1 (Ireland): [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Following his exceptional start in Tokyo, Snoop Dogg is putting his sports journo hat back on in Paris. He’ll be the Special Correspondent for NBC, and yes, I will absolutely be trying to meet him the whole time I’m out there. In the meantime, he’ll be trying to meet Suppenkasper, Steffen Peter’s dressage superstar, who went down in viral history as the ‘crip-walking horse’ in Tokyo, thanks to our favourite hip-hop dynamo. “I’m definitely trying to meet him. Hopefully he’s in the Olympics so I can say, ‘What’s happening?’ to him. Bring him a couple of carrots, some apples or somethin’, know what I’m saying?” says Snoop. Check out the full interview here.

Speaking of dressage-land, Charlotte Dujardin is a woman on a mission. The British equestrian is aiming to become her country’s most decorated female Olympian of all time. With six medals to her name already, she’s sharing top spot on the list with cyclist Dame Laura Kenny, so all she needs is one medal, of any colour, to make it happen and truly cement herself in the lore of her country. Here’s the full story.

Actually, let’s stay with dressage for a moment longer. It’s all kind of kicking off in Canada, where a successful appeal has been lodged by a reserve rider on the grounds of a conflict of interest of a selector. It all played out like this.

Here’s a great missive on women’s winning streaks in Olympic equestrian sport. Every day, I feel so grateful to be part of a world in which we actually have something like gender parity – and rightly so.

Need a great listen to start your day off right? This episode of the Olympic podcast is it. It focuses on the Olympic Refugee Team, which will have 36 members representing in Paris. If you’re not familiar with the team, prepare yourself to find your new favourite athletes while tuning in to the pod — because each and every one of these extraordinary competitors has also completed the Herculean task of getting themselves to safety from home countries that have become inhospitable. If anything encapsulates the intended spirit of the Olympics, it’s this. Listen here.

Morning Viewing:

The Champs-Elysee is closed to cars for the first time in – well, we can’t remember how long! The Place de la Concorde has been reshaped as the home of breaking. The Seine’s waters are clearer every day. There’s a tonne of change underway à Paris – here’s a look at how it’s all coming along.

Stable View’s First Adult Team Challenge Features Camaraderie and Team Spirit

By on Jun 30, 2024 9:30 am -

Three members of Team Amateur Hour posing in front of their jump.

The Summer Horse Trials was host to the first Stable View Adult Team Challenge. After much success at the USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Championships and Stable View Alumni Cup in May, the Adult Team Challenge was born. The Aiken Opener, the April CCI4*, the Summer Horse Trials, and Oktoberfest will all host these challenges. Ribbons and prizes are given to teams placing first through third. In addition, Diane Bird decorates the cross-country jumps. For this show she decorated one fence for each team.

The Summer Horse Trials saw ten teams compete. Victory Hill won on a final team score of 96.52. With only three team members they did not have a drop score; really putting the pressure on each rider. Every rider finished on their dressage score. Elizabeth Moore rode her own Obi 1 in the Novice. She shared, “I am always happy to come to Stable View even though we are “commuting” from the Raleigh area because I know it will be very well run and the footing will be excellent. This time was no exception, even though it was very hot and dry, they rolled the course and watered it in certain places as well as the arenas. Additionally, our course, which was designed by Mogie Bearden Muller, was very inviting and confidence-building for our horses. The show jumping warm-up was also nice in both the location and the similarity to the competition arena. We are super grateful for the organizers committing to have a team challenge and happy to have been fortunate to win it on this occasion! Thank you to everyone who made this happen!”

Claire Nestor rode a French Connexion in the Novice Rider Division. She said, “The team challenge was a lot of fun, it was nice to see as a barn we were all able to have consistent rides through each phase. This was my first time at Stable View and it did not disappoint. Between the volunteers being so kind, the beautiful facility, and having the opportunity to watch the Olympic team it made for a very memorable event. Winning the adult challenge was the icing on the cake, along with completing my AEC requirements!”

Alison Eyth and Bella Chloe also competed in the Novice Rider division. She shared, “It was a very well-run event and a lot of fun! We didn’t expect to see a jump named after our team – thank you for that surprise. The course was well-designed and it was a lot of fun to jump in the same arena that the Olympic team jumped in!”

Amateur Hour placed second in the challenge and finished on a 98.09. Andrea McAllister rode Call Me Commander in the Modified and finished on their dressage score. She shared, “We fully embraced our amateur status this weekend by (over) celebrating our successes and laughing together at our hiccups. In the end our incredible horses had our back and made us look pretty good! Team Amateur Hour really lived up to its name this weekend! The team consisted of four friends that met in North Carolina while training with Holly Hepp Hudspeth year ago, they have stayed in touch over the years, always trying to coordinate to go to the same shows. They all work full-time jobs and really bond about the sacrifices and coordination required to manage it all. When the team challenge came out, they jumped at the opportunity, even after a famous quote of the weekend, ‘You already stress yourselves enough, why do you want to add even more pressure?’

“I’m glad there was a drop score.” – after a team member had an unplanned swim at the water.

“I’m glad I chose the right team horse.” – after a team member got TE for jumping the wrong SJ on her other horse.

Allie Keresman and Will Power also finished on their dressage score in the Modified. Allie said, “Our team was made up of all adult amateurs which is where our team name “Amateur Hour” came from. We were all very excited to have a jump combination named after us on the cross-country course also. It was fun to compete as a team and cheer each other on all weekend. I love that more shows are doing Adult team challenges. As adult amateurs, we do this sport for fun after all!” Amanda Curtis and Theforgottenone also finished on their dressage score in the Modified. Jaime Daly and Anglico rode in the Training Division.

Team Thunder took the third-place honors. Brian Kilgo-Kelly and Caspian finished on their dressage score of 31.1 in the Training. Lauren Lindsay and FGF Nothing for Free also competed in the Training and only added one rail to their score. Darci Phelps and Sandro Street completed the Modified and Melissa Nice and Smokin Meers competed in the Intermediate. Darci shared, “It was really fun to cheer each other on.”

Start organizing your adult team challenge teams now for Oktoberfest, September 27th-29th.