Classic Eventing Nation

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

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.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

Carolina Horse Park. Photo by Allie Conrad Photography.

The Carolina Horse Park has partnered with the Rick Herrema Foundation in an effort to promote Rick’s place, a 50-acre interactive greenspace 5.5 miles from Ft. Bragg, NC, that serves military families. The shared goal is to promote interactive outdoor activities for service members in the Sandhills region.

In 2006, Sergeant 1st Class Richard J. Herrema died during an Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment, but his legacy and generous spirit will live on through Rick’s Place. He is remembered by friends and family as a positive, selfless and energetic man. The most important things in his life were his family and his faith.

To learn more Rick Herrema Foundation click here.

National Holiday: National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day

Events Closing This Week: Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T.

Tuesday News:

Five-star event horse Mr. Potts has taken on a new role in the hunt field. He’s being loaned out this season to fieldmaster Alan Nolan, who didn’t have a suitable horse. [Former five-star eventer delights his fans out hunting]

Let’s give a warm EN shoutout to John Bandrofchak, USEA’s Volunteer of the Month! [John Bandrofchak: USEA’s Volunteer of the Month Presented by Athletux]

Who doesn’t love beautiful pictures of horses prancing? The Chronicle was on site to cover the U.S. Dressage Finals, and they have some beautiful images to share. [Weekend Sights From The U.S. Dressage Finals]

Tuesday Video

Monday Video from CLM DWN: Recreating an Iconic WWI Photo

No doubt you’ve seen the photo: an aerial shot of soldiers standing at attention to form the shape of a horse’s head and neck. It is shared heavily on social media around Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day each year, but what’s the story behind the photo? On the photo’s 100th anniversary last year, a regiment of the British Army’s Royal Engineers recreated the picture and told it’s story.

To all who have served — both human and equine — we thank you.

Recreating an iconic WW1 photo from 100 years ago

Today, we not only remember the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in WW1 but also the horses, mules and donkeys.#RemembranceDay 🐴

Posted by World Horse Racing on Saturday, November 9, 2019

CLM DWN inflammation, pain, and stress with an all natural, FEI legal, line of healing and calming liniments, solutions, and gels for sport horses. Cut recovery time by HALF! 

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: Majestic Oaks, River Glen, Texas Rose, Full Moon Farm

It was a bit of a quieter weekend was the feature with just a handful of recognized events running. Many riders are beginning to make their annual treks down to #EventingSunnyFL or wherever their warm weather homing beacon may lead them. Others are getting in those last few shows before the cold hits — whatever your winter plans may be, here’s to another successful eventing weekend!

We had quite a few contenders for our lowest score for the weekend, but the winner of the weekend is Abigail Dennis who earned a 22.2 in the Open Beginner Novice at Majestic Oaks with Threat Level Midnight. Well done!

Majestic Oaks H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Preliminary: Michelle Zhuravlev and Spectacular Tap (35.7)
Preliminary Rider: Ryan Wood and Galway Blazer (38.1)
Open Training: Tik Maynard and SW Completely Cooley (27.1)
Training Rider: Laura Del Ponte and Sir Windsor (37.4)
Novice Rider: Tessa Geven and Tullymor’s Houdini (24.5)
Open Novice: Werner Geven and Shiny Marqee (26.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Sophia Carattini and Artax (33.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Abigail Dennis and Threat Level Midnight (22.2)

River Glen H.T. [Website]  [Final Scores]

Show Photographer: WNC Photography

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Flying high after a fab weekend at River Glen HT with an incredible barn fam and three super special horses. I loved watching everyone have a successful weekend while enjoying competing a bit too! @elizabethsenecal allowed me the ride on her fabulous mare, Kontiki, who finished 2nd in the Training division after a very competitive 26 in the dressage. Prix and Prez took on their first novice level competition with super dressage tests and impressive jumping rounds. Prix won the division and Prez wasn’t far behind, finishing 4th. I am beyond excited for the future, glad to be surrounded by this incredible barn fam, and thankful for everyone who makes my crazy life work. I’m a lucky girl! 😍🦄🦄🦄 #ParlezClear #PrettyClearCandidate #Kontiki #TeamClearEquestrian #ClearViewHomebreds @forestiersellier @flairstrips

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Open Intermediate: Erin Pullen and Foreign Affair (36.4)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Jesslyn Woodall and The Luckdragon (43.9)
Open Preliminary: Hope Walden and DHI Zatopek B (31.7)
Preliminary Training: Jorge Martínez Castrejón and Chalok (32.9)
Open Training: Elissa Gibbs and Voltaire’s Masterclass (26.1)
Jr. Training Rider: Jessena Defler and Gasparo van de Falieberg (28.9)
Sr. Training Rider: Rebecca Geringer and Hakuna Matata (36.4)
Novice Horse: Alexa Ehlers and Parlez Clear (30.7)
Novice Rider A: Julie Upshur and Doc Daneka (25.7)
Novice Rider B: Madelyn Cease and Charlie (27.9)
Open Novice: Jennifer Coleman and SS Palantir (23.6)
Beginner Novice Horse: Erin Pullen and Lance’s Empire (29.5)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Piper Uhl and Finnegan (24.0)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Olivia McQuarrie and Suite One (33.3)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Hannah Tabor and Tator Chip (31.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Rebecca Hoos and Ramble On (23.3)
Starter Test A: Madeline Thompson and Southern Heritage (30.8)
Starter Test B: Abby Vaughn and Determined Again (32.0)

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Open Intermediate: Julie Norman and La Sonrisa (53.0)
Open Preliminary: Ellen Doughty-Hume and Salic Hellraiser (60.8)
Preliminary Rider: Chloe Johnson and I Spy HX (35.8)
Junior Training: Hannah Page and WHF Wilhelmina (28.1)
Open Training: Kadi Eykamp and Ole Boy (33.3)
Preliminary/Training: Erin Roof-Wages and Semisonic Rembrandt (39.0)
Senior Training: Melissa Rickman and Malachi Constant (36.1)
Training Horse: Nicole Hatley and High Class (31.9)
Junior Novice: Taylor Tiberg and Valedictorian (33.8)
Novice Horse: Nicole Hatley and Biscotti (34.2)
Open Novice: Stephanie Bradshaw and Sunny’s Secret (25.7)
Senior Novice A: Madeleine Wilson and Mozart’s Symphony (36.0)
Senior Novice B: Nicole Breaux and That’ll Do The Trick (26.4)
Intro A: Charlotte Bigby and DaVinci (39.2)
Intro B: Kyla Tovar and Moylough Dapple (28.1)
Junior Beginner Novice A: Avery Eisenman and MDS Marigold (27.3)
Junior Beginner Novice B: Kate Bell and Daphne AS (26.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Lynne Partridge and Cassander Z (28.9)
Senior Beginner Novice: Katherine Letcher and Rendition (38.3)

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Show Photographer: GRC Photo

Preliminary/Training: Nora Battig-Leamer and Dubai Storm (30.4)
Open Training: Woodge Fulton and High Seas (29.1)
Training/Novice: Miriam Bolyard and Quest in Time C (33.4)
Training Rider A: Saskia Paul and Colby (38.3)
Training Rider B: Jackson Dillard and Layla Q (31.3)
Novice Rider A: Caroline Brown and Sydney (32.4)
Novice Rider B: Payton Myers and Tekkenistic (23.6)
Novice Rider C: Samantha Potts and Leonero 54 (24.1)
Open Novice A: Mackenzie Williams and Get Serious (30.0)
Open Novice B: Diane Zrimsek and Coronado Charlie (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Brooke Bayley and Blue Label (27.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Jackson Dillard and Mary Alice Brown (25.3)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Tammy Murphy and Killian (23.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Margot Kakou and In the Mick of Time (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Luba Abrams and Hucy (31.4)
Starter: Virginia Reeser and Augustine (25.3)
Intro A: Azaree Lintereur and High Expectations (26.8)
Intro B: Emma Bomse and FMF ZZ (31.0)

Terrifying Cavalry Training Tips Part 1: Down Banks

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.” Today we start with part 1: down banks!

From “Riding Forward: Modern Horsemanship for Beginners” written in 1934 by Vladimir Littauer, Captain, 1st Hussars, Russian Imperial Cavalry. Photo from imh.org.

“Red on right” and “white on left” are relatively new developments in the history of cross country riding. “Insanity in the middle,” on the other hand, is a centuries old tradition. And nobody did insane better than old-school cavalry riders.

I’ve made a case for this before on multiple occasions. If you’re into vicarious thrills, check out my roundup of terrifying cavalry jumps as well as this account of the military only 1936 Berlin Olympics eventing competition, a true survival-of-the-fittest affair.

Cavalry riders underwent intense training, and by “intense” I mean “deathwish-esque.” I thought all you modern-day crazies out there might enjoy a highlight reel of some of the zanier exercises. Maybe you can incorporate them into your own training program! (Just kidding: Do NOT try this at home.)

Let’s kick the series off with some down banks.

Every officer of the Italian Cavalry School in Pinerolo was required to go down “the descent of Mombrone” before they left the school. The 20-foot drop from the window of a ruined castle about three miles from Pinerolo was considered a test of nerve. Source: lrgaf.org

Every officer of the Italian Cavalry School in Pinerolo was required to go down “the descent of Mombrone” before they left the school. The 20-foot drop from the window of a ruined castle about three miles from Pinerolo was considered a test of nerve. Source: lrgaf.org

How do you train a horse to agreeably slide off the edge of the earth? I suppose, like anything else, you start small. A nice civilized staircase, perhaps, as demonstrated in this 1920s video from the Prelinger Archives. Thank goodness we have since invented brushing boots.

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Next, move on to a steeper, more rustic grade, as seen in this excerpt from a 1914 video of U.S. Army Cavalry training exercises at Fort Crook, Nebraska, courtesy of Critical Past.

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Once they’ve mastered the bum-scoot technique down, you can start adding speed. Going downhill fast! (Har-har.) From the Prelinger Archives:

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Eyes up! Lean back! Or don’t. U.S. Cavalry circa 1931 via British Pathe:

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Whoops!

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And, this 25-foot plunge via the US Cavalry:

drop1

Next, incorporate a water element. From the Prelinger Archives:

2

Soon, with proper training, your horse will be fully trained to leap enthusiastically into any treacherous abyss. From the Prelinger Archives:

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Stay tuned for more inadvisable training tips courtesy of the godfathers of our sport coming at you daily this week. Go Eventing!

Veteran’s Day News & Notes from Fleeceworks

Tim and Cheryl Holekamp. Photo by Jutta Bauernschmitt – Fotografie, via Facebook.

Yesterday during the 57th Trakehner Stallion Licensing in Neumünster, Germany, Tim and Cheryl Holekamp were named German Trakehner Verband Breeders of the Year for the achievement of breeding and starting Tsetserleg (Windfall x Thabana, by Buddenbrock). This is the first time American breeders have received this distinction. Christine Turner purchased “Thomas” from the Holekamps as a 5-year-old, eventually paired him with Boyd Martin, and, as they say, the rest is history!

National Holiday: Veteran’s Day

U.S. Weekend Results:

Majestic Oaks H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

River Glen H.T. [Website]  [Final Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

The U.S. Dressage Finals took place at the Kentucky Horse Park this weekend and The Chronicle of the Horse‘s Lindsay Berreth was on hand to document the action. From amateurs to professionals, an Amish Auction pony to a flashy Friesian cross, stop by COTH to catch up on all the coverage. [U.S. Dressage Finals]

How does one rack up the penalties on cross country? Let me count the ways … Brush up on how penalties are scored during the cross country phase in the USEA’s latest edition of Rule Refresher. Don’t forget: it can differ between the levels! [Rule Refresher: Cross-Country Scoring]

Blanketing. It feels it it should be simple, but it’s so not. Is my horse too hot? Too cold? What exactly is “Denier” anyway? TheHorse.com has your one-stop-shop article to answer all your blanketing questions. [Horse Blanketing FAQs]

Monday Featured Video: In honor of the horses who have served our country:

Balancing Riding, Fitness and Nutrition

Photo by Lauren Mahr.

Balancing your riding with a cross-training routine isn’t about finding a way to squeeze everything into your schedule and having a healthy diet 100% of the time. It’s more about finding the right balance of riding, fitness, and nutrition that works for you and your life.

We like to think of cross-training for equestrians as a sliding scale. On one side, you have the motivated beginner rider who is only able to ride 1-2 times per week and may not have their own horse/pony to practice on. For this rider, we typically recommend a well-rounded cross-training routine with strength training and cardio workouts ~5 days per week in addition to a healthy diet.

Photo by Lauren Mahr.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have the professional who rides 5+ horses per day, teaches lessons, shows frequently, and has very little free time or energy. For this rider, we suggest focusing on a healthy diet and incorporating a stretching routine at the beginning or end of each day. Although we believe cross-training is important, it’s more important to prevent extreme fatigue and burnout. It’s all about looking at the big picture and prioritizing your physical and mental health.

Somewhere in the middle of the scale we see our junior or amateur rider who is in school or has a full-time job. Things can get tricky here, and there is a lot of variables that will help determine what balance of riding, fitness and nutrition will work best for you. Finding time to do strength training and cardio workouts when in school or work all day can be difficult. Try to find 1-3 days per week to do a quick at home workout or stretching session.

Photo by Lauren Mahr.

Balancing a healthy diet with the equestrian lifestyle can be a challenge. We recommend focusing on a diet rich in whole grains, veggies, fruits, and lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, etc. There is absolutely nothing wrong with listening to your cravings and indulging in ice cream, pizza, etc. when you want it! It’s all about finding a balance and not restricting yourself from having the foods you crave. It’s also to remember that we are athletes, just like our horses, and food=fuel. If you find yourself feeling excessively fatigued and low on energy after riding, exercising, etc. you may not be eating enough calories. We recommend seeing a registered dietician or checking out The Fit Equestrian’s 1-on-1 counseling sessions to learn more about your personal nutritional needs.

Photo by Lauren Mahr.

What works for you right now may not work for you in six months. Changes like transitioning from high school to college, starting a new job, riding a new horse, showing more or less frequently, and more can affect your balance of riding, fitness, and nutrition more than you may think. Maybe you spent all summer riding three horses every day and showing every weekend. Getting to the gym was probably low on your list of priorities. Now, you’re back at college in the fall riding 1-2 times per week on your college team, but eager to continue improving and stay in shape. This rider would greatly benefit from starting a cross-training routine and exercising 4-5 times per week, even though they didn’t need to all summer.

Photo by Lauren Mahr.

You know yourself better than anyone else, and it’s important to listen to your body! Do what feels right for you and your personal goals.

About The Fit Equestrian: Founded by Lauren Mahr, The Fit Equestrian provides exercise + nutrition guidance for equestrian athletes to help release their full potential in the saddle and inspire a healthy + happy lifestyle. We believe in cross-training and eating whole foods, but we also believe in balance and eating dessert.

Weekend Instagram Roundup: Fun at Full Moon Farm + More

We’re coming to the end of another memorable season of eventing, but it’s not quite over yet, and y’all are squeezing out every bit of run, jump and gallop that you can. Here’s your collection of social media memories from the weekend that was:

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

River Glen H.T. [Website]  [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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so so so much love

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the best boys 😁

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Blue is his color.

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novice move up complete. love this horse!💜💜

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#countryboybrewing

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Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Black Beauties

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.

So these listings below might all technically be dark bay, but you know what else they all do have in common? They’re quite striking and all listed for sale on Sport Horse Nation. Read on to see the listings and click the link for more information.

Sommersby. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Quality Young Horse – WINNING Record Through Training

“Sommersby” 5 yo 17 black Oldenburg gelding. Quality young horse that has been professionally produced. Fabulous gaits, dressage scores consistently in the low 20s. Great to jump, fabulous to gallop! Ready for Prelim/2* this spring. Versatile gelding that could easily step into the hunter or dressage ring. Located in South Carolina.

Poptart. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Poptart

Poptart is a 2010 German Riding Pony mare standing at 14.1hh. She is by the super pony sire Popeye and has competed in some low level dressage and jumping shows. Poptart is a super mover and shows great technique over jumps. Straight forward to ride, hacks out. Easy keeper. Located in Pennsylvania.

Archie. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

6 yr old 17 hand Thoroughbred Gelding – upper level potential

Archie (JC name Arch of Honor) is a 6 year old dark bay TB gelding and is a MASSIVE 17 hands. Last raced 10/7/2019 so is RRP Makeover eligible. He has had some cross training while racing and is started over jumps and has been on a few trail rides etc, though still considered green. Tons of ability and potential and very sound – no issues racing but not real competitive in it anymore and I think he would rather do something else.

The good: He is fun to be around with a quirky personality. Gorgeous. Sound. NOT a hot horse to ride, pretty mellow. Good feet. Natural at jumping.

The bad: He is a controlled cribber with a collar. He is annoying, though NOT dangerous for the farrier.
This is a very talented horse that could go right up the levels with just a little time put into his dressage and some practice jumping – he is a natural at jumping and enjoys it. Located in Pennsylvania.

Looking Good FLF. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Lovely Dressage horse ready to Event!

Looking Good FLF is a 6 year old 16.1 hand American Warmblood gelding. He has shown USDF recognized First level with scores as high as 68%. Lots of unrecognized horse show experience, LG is a perfect gentlemen to trailer/braid/ etc and is sound barefoot. He has been XC schooling several times, and is fine with drops/ditches/water. Jumping bigger every week, LG is ready to go eventing. He hacks alone or in company. Would be well suited to an ambitious amateur or teen looking to have fun and come home in the ribbons. Located in Maryland.

Marvelous Reward. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Mild and tall gelding

Marvelous Reward is a 16.3 hand 2015 unraced Thoroughbred dark bay gelding. Marvin has the mind of an aged draft horse in a 4 year old TB body. We have never sat on a more sensible 4 year old. He has been showing at starter trials (EL and BN levels) and jumper shows since March and has acted like a schoolmaster at them since day one. He often scores in the 20s in dressage and always jumps a clean cross country. He is absolutely honest and brave. Great indoors or out, loves hacking around. Great for toddlers to be around and be led around on. He is extremely quiet and sensible, despite his young age, and would be suitable for an adult amateur to ride. I feel Marvin would excel as a foxhunter but can easily continue showing in all rings as he is so willing and mild (and a really great XC horse!). Trailers perfectly, stands for everything, super easy to have around, anyone can handle. He is sound and healthy. He is very personable and has no vices. $12,500. Located in Augusta, WV, 28 miles west of Winchester, VA. 309-376-2144. **If you email and don’t get a reply in 12 hours please call/text**

Midas Well. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

2013 TB Gelding 17.3 Super Brain, Lovely Movement, Brave Jumper

Midas Well, “Tristan” is a lovely restarted 6 yo 17.3 hh OTTB, last raced in June of 2019. He has a super personality and is very trainable. Lovely on the ground and under tack, he will hack out alone or in company. Uphill and balanced walk/trot/canter on the bit, has a soft mouth and elastic gaites. Started over small fences, schooling ditches, banks, brush, logs, etc. Trailers and stands tied to the trailer easily. This horse would be suited for an ambitious amateur in a solid program or a professional looking for a fun horse to bring along. Has all the pieces to be a top-level eventing prospect.

Located in Lexington, KY. 917-822-2332. [email protected]. Price: $13,000.

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.

#EventerProblems Vol. 201, Presented by Haygain: Drop Your Stirrups

November? How about NO! vember. Daylight Saving time ending on day three of No Stirrup November feels like a cruel twist of fate because we know you faithful eventers will be out there with your legs burning in the dwindling twilight hours no matter the physical (or emotional?) toll required. The good news is your kind of crazy isn’t alone, as evidenced from the latest collection of #EventerProblems:

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#eventerproblems #horselife

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My coach was up yesterday but I was due to be away all day, so I’d asked him to give Wally a jump for me. Luckily I made it back just in time to see him pinging round 1m20+ and even had a little (very little) jump myself at the end. Probably the most inappropriately dressed rider and I don’t think Wally approved🤣 . . Have a great Monday everyone, it is STILL raining here and is officially the start of winter take in ☹️ . . . . . . . #showjumper #training #eventer #eventerinthemaking #eventersofinstagram #eventersdoitbetter #eventerproblems #irishdraught #fedontopspec #irishthoroughbred #bay #baygelding #thebestbay #baybaycakes #scottishlife #countrylife #countryblogger #countrylifestyle #horsesofinstagram #showjumping

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