Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Nov 8, 2019 12:03 am -

Elisa Wallace’s Rune & Fledge have arrived in Ocala ready to do their mustang demo at OJC International! Photo by Rick Wallace.

I would really love to give my horse a vacation after his last event at VHT, but after two days off this little monster starts to go batty. He does not enjoy vacation and he does not do well with it, and becomes more destructive and weird each day that he doesn’t get worked. Honestly, I would love to give ME a small vacation at the end of the season, but I guess that’s not happening either.

National Holiday: National Cappuccino Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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]

News From Around the Globe:

Another record setting Rutledge: We are happy to share that Brian Rutledge, husband of five-star rider Colleen, is on the mend after a tough week. He wrote on Facebook, “Hi everyone! Well, I’m still kicking and still alive. I ended up having a quadruple bypass. The dr. told Colleen last night that they mostly see my condition in autopsies. I feel lucky to be here and will be changing a lot of things in my lifestyle. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers yesterday, I really do appreciate it. The nurses in the ICU said I set a record for getting out of the ICU after heart surgery (less than 12 hours)! I am now on the regular floor and hopefully will be out in a few days.”

No Stirrups November continues, and it doesn’t have to be awful. First of all, you’re not required to do your entire ride without stirrups, and you really shouldn’t in fact. However, adding some fun exercises with ground poles and transitions in for a short section can really help your seat and core strength. [6 Exercises For No Stirrup November]

Now that it’s dark earlier, you’ve got time for ridiculous horse movies, right? Settle in, because Horse Nation has compiled a list of basically every horse movie EVER, and given a short summary and a rating according to how terrible or great is it. Wow, there are so many.  [Almost Every Horse Movie Ever]

Winter riding. Oh man. Here we are already. Did you forget how much longer it takes to groom your horse and tack up in the winter? How much longer it takes to dress yourself when you’re going to the barn? Make sure you have a few extra pairs of gloves in different places, because you will lose several. [8 Things You’d Forgotten About Winter Riding]

Thursday Video from Professional’s Choice: Charlotte Dujardin is Happy to Be Back

By on Nov 7, 2019 5:00 pm -

“I absolutely love doing the big shows … the bigger the better for me.” Great Britain’s dressage darling, Charlotte Dujardin, has made a big return to the top levels of the sport with Mount St. John Freestyle, and she says “it’s great to be back” in a new feature with the FEI.

Contesting the World Cup series for the first time since Valegro, Charlotte says she feels her newest star, a 10-year-old Hanoverian mare owned by Emma and Jill Blundell who was Charlotte’s partner for WEG last year, is up to the challenge.

And for those of you planning a trip to the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas next year, Charlotte hints in this interview that she’d very much like to make a return to Vegas once more.

Volunteer Nation: 5 Events in Need of Helping Hands This Weekend

By on Nov 7, 2019 3:00 pm -

EN <3 Volunteers, too! And Old Bay Seasoning. Mmmm. Photo courtesy of Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm.

If you’re out and about volunteering this weekend, be sure to pack up some blankets and foot warmers! It seems that many areas have skipped fall and hurtled straight into winter, so it’s important for our volunteers to stay safe and warm. We may just be getting started with the colder weather, but there are still plenty of events coming down the pipe that need our support. Don’t forget, you can plan ahead and seek out events close to you by checking EventingVolunteers.com. Not every event uses EventingVolunteers.com, so if you don’t see your local event be sure to check their social media pages and websites to find out more about volunteering opportunities.

In advance of the Ocala Jockey Club International, happening November 14-17, there is also a need for volunteers before the event begins. You can sign up for more information here and learn more about what positions are available here.

Here’s a rundown of what events need volunteers this weekend:

Event: Texas Rose Fall Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, November 9 through Sunday, November 10
Address: 14078 State Highway 110 N, Tyler, TX, 75704
Positions available: XC Jump Judges

Event: Majestic Oaks Recognized Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, November 10
Address: 17500 N US Highway 441, Reddick, FL, 32686
Positions available: SJ Jump Crew

Event: Full Moon Farm Fall Horse Trials
Date(s) volunteers needed: Sunday, November 10
Address: 4326 Louisville Rd, Finksburg, MD, 21048-2723
Positions available: XC Jump Judges, SJ Jump Crew

Event: Waredaca Purina Checkerboard Fall Challenge – Challenge Finale
Date(s) volunteers needed: Saturday, November 9
Address: 4015 Damascus Rd, Laytonsville, MD, 20882
Positions available: XC Jump Judges, XC Starter, Parking Steward, SJ Scribe

Event: Waredaca Purina Checkerboard Fall Challenge – Challenge Finale
Date(s) volunteers needed: Today through Sunday, November 10
Address: 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC, 28376
Positions available: XC Steward, Crossing Guard, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Score Runner, Dressage Score Runner, Dressage Steward, Hospitality Steward, SJ Jump Crew, XC Finish Timer

Thoroughbreds in the Spotlight at Ocala Jockey Club: RRP Charity Golf Classic + $15K Incentive

By on Nov 7, 2019 1:43 pm -

Being a Thoroughbred farm in the heart of Thoroughbred country, the breed is close to the heart of Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event. Here are some ways that Thoroughbreds will be taking the spotlight at the fourth annual event, which is fast-approaching Nov. 14-17, 2019.

Retired Racehorse Project Charity Golf Classic

If you’re local to the Ocala, Florida area, or coming into town for the Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event, then don’t forget your clubs!

Join your fellow equestrians and Thoroughbred enthusiasts for a golf tournament to benefit the Retired Racehorse Project on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Taking place at the beautiful Golden Ocala Golf Club (8300 NW 31st Lane Road, Ocala, FL 34482), the RRP Charity Golf Classic will be a four-player scramble-format tournament, with lunch served at 11:30 and a shotgun start at 12:30. Stick around for awards, refreshments and cash bar upon conclusion!

The RRP Charity Golf Classic is generously sponsored by I Love My Horse Equestrian Boutique & Tack and Buck and Andrea Davidson.

Entry is $150 per player (includes lunch, golf cart and prizes) and many other sponsorship opportunities are available!

Contact Terry Welsch ([email protected]) or Jen Roytz ([email protected]) for more information or to reserve a sponsorship or playing spot.

[RRP Charity Golf Classic]

Phillip Dutton will be competing Sea of Clouds, The Sea of Clouds Partnership’s 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Malibu Moon x Winner’s Ticket, by Jolie’s Halo), in the CCI4*-L. Sea of Clouds won a whopping $200 in his two starts on the track before beginning training with Phillip as a 4-year-old — he’ll have a chance to one-up those career earnings at OJC next week! Photo by Alison Green/Jersey Fresh.

Thoroughbred Eventing Champion Division

Ocala Jockey Club International Three-Day Event is once again giving away $15,000 in prizes to top-placing Thoroughbreds in each of the four FEI Divisions (CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI4*-L) to compete in the Thoroughbred Eventing Champion category.

This incentive was launched in 2016 with the intention of highlighting and rewarding the use of off-track Thoroughbreds in second careers. The idea worked: 27% of that year’s OJC event were Thoroughbreds, compared to an average of just 6.5% in two other Ocala three-day events. Similar numbers have participated in each successive year of the event.

Thoroughbred Eventing Champion Division and T.I.P. Program Links: Thoroughbred Prize Eligibility Form, T.I.P. Information Page, T.I.P. Eligibility Form, T.I.P. Number Online Application, Tattoo Number Lookup, Thoroughbred Registered Name and Racing Record Search

[Thoroughbred Eventing Champion Division]

Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event: Website, Entries, Schedule, Live Scoring

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

By on Nov 7, 2019 12:03 am -

Winner of the VHT doggy costume contest: Margaret! Photo from Whitney Weston Eventing.

Of all the people in this world who don’t like daylight savings time in the fall, my horses are top of the list. They firmly believe that dinner time is being unnecessarily delayed and they are NOT pleased. I have one horse who has some sort of military accuracy clock inside his head, and as dinner time approaches, he begins stall walking. Now, he stall walks for an hour or more, and hasn’t adjusted. It’s so great. I just love it so much. (Deep sarcasm).

National Holiday: National Men Make Dinner Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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]

News From Around the Globe:

Pippa Funnell has been nominated as Britain’s Sports Action Woman of the Year, following her incredible comeback victory at Burghley this fall. Fourteen years after her last five star win, 50-year-old Pippa is back on the top of the sport, and fulfilling all of our dreams. Let’s help her win! [Help Pippa Win BT’s Sport’s Woman of the Year]

Riding through the winter has so many fun aspects. Wearing ten thousand layers, slogging through mud at the gateways, trying to ride in the pitch dark, so much fun! Extra points for working in an office during the day and trying to figure out how to ride before or after work, and also not offend your coworkers with your twenty-seven jackets. [9 Things Horsey People Say in the Winter in the Office]

Ah, No Stirrup November has arrived again. While we here at EN do not condone full commitment (please use your stirrups to warm up and let your horse loosen his back!), we do think no stirrup has its place in the world. Jitterbug also has a great guide to making the most of this exercise. [Jitterbug’s Guide to No Stirrup November]

French rider Thibault Fournier is making great steps (literally) in his recovery. He has awoken from his coma, and has now begun physical rehabilitation, including his first steps. The 24-year-old was the youngest winner of Pau last year, but was unfortunately injured in a fall at Pompadour Horse Trials in October. [Thibault Fournier Continues Recovery]

Featured Video:

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Reliving Fair Hill Cross Country Day (Again!)

By on Nov 6, 2019 4:30 pm -

To be totally honest, we’re still not ready to be done reliving Fair Hill 2019. Luckily, we’ve got fabulous eventing enthusiasts and spectators who have uploaded their own angles on the competition to YouTube for all to enjoy!

Young rider Grace Gorham was there on Saturday (don’t miss her interview with three-star rider Cosby Green, as well!) and captured a great overview of cross country day. She takes us around the tracks, including visits to the most influential questions on the four-star course, and gives us an up-close look at the vet box. Thanks for sharing, Grace!

#DuttaFHI: Website, CCI Results, YEH Results, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

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Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: A Winner Once Again

By on Nov 6, 2019 12:30 pm -

Success is what everyone is after, isn’t it? But success takes on so may different forms that sometimes it isn’t obvious what it looks like. At the racetrack, it seems pretty cut and dry: winning races or finishing in the money equals success and the more the better, of course. Some Thoroughbreds find a moderate amount of success at the track by placing well in a handful of races. Some manage to win one and then are never able to replicate that feat.

One of the beautiful things about taking in a Thoroughbred off the track is that it gives them the chance to be a winner once again in a second career. This week we’re featuring three OTTBs who have clocked at least one win during their racing career. Could one of them win your heart as well?

Frogman Mel. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Frogman Mel (STORMY ATLANTIC – STOLEN HUMOR, BY DISTORTED HUMOR): 2011 17.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Don’t pass over this special warhorse! Named after a family friend who served in the US Navy, Frogman Mel’s career on the track spanned over 69 races, many of which where Claiming races and he did change hands several times, but his connections kept track of him. He was claimed for the final time by his longtime trainer and his namesake’s son who wanted to secure his future. “Froggie” went on to race several more times before his connections decided to retire him sound find him a home through MMSC.

As warhorse who remained successful throughout much of his career, Froggie is the type of horse who loves to have a job. He’s already enjoyed some letdown time, but it happy to be back under saddle and in work. It will take time for Froggie to learn a whole new way of carrying himself as a riding horse and developing the musculature to do so, but he has unlimited potential and a real drive to go to work every day.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Frogman Mel on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Mighty Might. Photo via CANTER Chicago.

Mighty Might (FORT PRADO – NEAT, BY MIZZEN MAST): 2016 16.0-hand Florida-bred gelding

This mighty looking three-year-old hit the board a couple of times in his 18 race career, including a single first-placed finish. However, his recent spat of back-of-the-back finishes signals to his trainer that he’ll likely be better suited to another career. Mighty Might has no physical limitations and his only vice is that he sometimes cribs mildly only after eating peppermints, which are of course his most favorite treat! Don’t let that stop you though — Mighty Might will make up for it by being your best friend. His connections say he has one of the biggest personalities in the barn and truly loves people.

Located at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, Illinois.

View Mighty Might on CANTER Chicago.

Honeydukes. Photo via CANTER PA.

Honeydukes (BIRDSTONE – ABOUND, BY SMART STRIKE): 2013 15.3-hand Pennsylvania-bred mare

After earning $106,471 in 35 career starts, Honeydukes was brought back to the farm for some downtime in June. This sweet girl is absolutely adored by her connections and has turned into a barn favorite off the track as well. The farm manager has enjoyed riding “Dukes” around the farm, including though open fields. She’s been free-jumped as well and doesn’t bat an eyelash at whatever new challenge is presented to her. Her connections think that her sweet and sensible nature would make her an ideal choice for a young rider or amateur’s first restart project.

Located in York Springs, Pennsylvania.

View Honeydukes on CANTER PA. 

A Call for Vintage Area I Eventing Photos!

By on Nov 6, 2019 9:00 am -

Joan Davis from Flatlandsfoto competing at UNH Horse Trials in 1976(?)

In celebration of 60 years of eventing, Joan Davis from Flatlandsfoto is collecting old photos from Area I USCTA/USEA events to share in a slide show presentation during the 2019 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention. Can you help?

  • Photos should be of good quality as well as on the larger size so they are suitable for the big screen.
  • Please include the rider’s name, horse’s name, event and year when known.
  • Photos can be emailed to [email protected]. Please note “Photos for National Meeting” in the subject line so any emails landing in the spam folder can be rescued.
  • Deadline for this project is November 20th.  Feel free to email Joan directly with any questions.

Speaking of the Annual Meeting & Convention, it’s fast approaching! Can you believe the first meeting was held in 1959? Come celebrate the USEA’s 60th anniversary in Boston Dec. 12-15, 2019. Registration and more information is available here.

 

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Nov 6, 2019 12:01 am -

It’s not easy having the stall right next to the feed room! #Scooby #pleeeeeeeeease #cavalor

Posted by Will Coleman Equestrian on Monday, November 4, 2019

Nearly a week after Halloween, the way I stare at my almost-empty candy bowl is somewhat reminiscent of the way Will Coleman’s mount Scooby stares at the feed room. It’s one thing to avoid temptation by not buying the candy in the first place but once it’s in the house, I just can’t bring myself to say no.

National Holiday: Saxophone Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

The best news of the week that Thibault Fournier is up and walking. The young Frenchman inspired last year at Pau, winning at his first attempt at 5* on home soil at only 23 years old. Despite a serious fall on October 13 that left him in a coma, Thibault is now up and taking steps. [He Has an Iron Will]

Have Area I vintage eventing pics to share? In celebration of 60 years of eventing, Joan from Flatlandsfoto is collecting old photos from Area 1 USCTA / USEA events to share in a slide show presentation during the annual meeting in Boston Dec. 12 – 15. Photos should be of good quality as well as on the larger size so they are suitable for the big screen. Please include the rider’s name, horse’s name, event and year when known. Photos can be emailed to [email protected]. Please note “Photos for National Meeting” in the subject line so any emails landing in the spam folder can be rescued. Deadline for this project is Nov. 20th. Feel free to email Joan directly with any questions

Fireworks are the bane of every horse owner and barn manager. They aren’t any better in Britain. Samantha Perkins thought she was home free when it was raining at 7 pm but was called back to the barn when non-stop fireworks seriously alarmed all her horses. Taking a video and posting on social media seemed like a good way to get the message out but she never expected the video to go viral. [It Sounded Like a War Zone]

Three surgeries and a divorce can’t keep Kelly Smith out of the saddle. Kelly has been riding the ‘weird ones’ since she was a kid and her mare Shangri-La was no exception. After bouts of vertigo lead to brain surgery and she was grounded for a year, she decided to take care of her chronic back pain and got back surgery at the same time. Now she’s back to riding her mare’s son Demon. [From the Beginning]

Wednesday GIF: Brought to you by The Internet

Tuesday Video from Flexible Fit Equestrian: Frosty Fun at VHT

By on Nov 5, 2019 5:00 pm -

Fernhill Fugitive Intermediate XC Helmet Cam VAHT 2019

Ride around the Intermediate XC course with Mr. Jack-in-the-box and I in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Virginia Horse Trials! 🏔I left in the 45 seconds before leaving the start box because Jack is just SO FREAKING ADORABLE! This horse was bouncing up and down, about 4 inches off the ground, in place, wanting to leave the start box. I am so happy that I can be a part of this horse's absolute love for the sport. Honestly, nothing made me happier than feeling how excited he was to head out on XC. That is the best feeling in the world, to see how much your horse loves his job. 🏇♥And yes, Jack and I went out while there was still frost on the ground! That was a first for me! We were the 3rd pair to head out of the start box that morning. While I was in the warm-up, I heard the announcers state that "the jump judges are all in position, and the ice has been broken out of the water complexes". 😱❄🧊The only thing I could think of at that point was "Dear God, please don't let me fall off in the water complexes…" 🙈🤣We took our time around the course, I just wanted a clear round on our first Intermediate to end the year, plus Jack's fitness isn't up to par since he's dealt with hoof soreness issues all summer. So thrilled to have our first Intermediate under our belts! I'm sure we'll be rocking around them consistently next year! 😁

Posted by Michael Willham Eventing on Monday, November 4, 2019

“While I was in the warm-up, I heard the announcers state that, ‘the jump judges are all in position, and the ice has been broken out of the water complexes.’ The only thing I could think of at that point was, ‘Dear God, please don’t let me fall off in the water complexes…'”

That was Michael Willham’s last thought before he left the start box with Fernhill Fugitive at Virginia Horse Trials. They were the third pair to tackle the Intermediate course on a morning so chilly that frost dusted the rolling hills of the Virginia Horse Center. Take a look at their lovely ride from Michael’s point of view.

Flexible Fit Equestrian: Redefining Comfort & Quality at an Affordable Price. Learn more at www.ffequestrian.com.au.