Classic Eventing Nation

Monday News & Notes Presented by Fleeceworks

By on Aug 26, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo via Great Meadow International on Facebook.

With so many events, and major ones at that, happening this weekend how many volunteers do you think were out there making at all happen? Frankly, I can’t even hazard a guess, but each and every one of them deserves a huge ‘thank you’ for donating their time and energy to make it all a success.

National Holiday: National Women’s Equality Day

Major Weekend Events:

MARS Great Meadow International [Website] [Final Scores]

Millstreet International Horse Trials – Ireland [Website] [Live Final Scores]

Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials – Scotland [Website] [Final Scores]

U.S. Weekend Results:

Town Hill Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. II [Website] [Final Scores]

Caber Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

The Event at Archer [Website] [Final Scores]

Your Saturday News & Notes:

The eventing community is mourning the sudden loss of Ann Haller. A woman who gave so much to the sport, Ann was working at Great Meadow International this weekend as the press officer and cross-country controller shortly before passing away at a local hospital. EN sends its sincerest sympathies to Ann’s family and friends. [In Memoriam: Ann Haller]

We have previously shared the story of 10-year-old legally blind eventer Kyra Barrett, who participates in the sport with the aid of her coach on a guide horse and verbal commands. Earlier this year, Equestrian Canada approved the use of a guide horse and certified her for para-equestrian classification, but recently reversed the decision based on a complaint from another rider about Kyra receiving an unfair advantage. Kyra is entered in an event this weekend, and her family is hoping that Equestrian Canada will reconsider before then. [10-Year-Old Legally Blind Horse Rider Barred from Equestrian Competition]

New Zealand event rider Ginny Thompson knows that achieving dreams means making sacrifices and working hard. Two years ago she made the big move from her home country to England to make her five-star dreams come true and test her mettle against the best event riders in the work. [The Lengths That Ginny Thompson Has Gone For Her 5* Dream]

Animal rights protestors jumped the fence and entered the arena during the competition at the FEI European Jumping Championships in Rotterdam. The protestors had anti-equestrian sport verbiage written on themselves and signs. Denmark’s Marc Houtzager was in the ring in the middle of his round with Sterrehof’s Calimero and maintained incredible focus despite the crowd’s gasps and nearly crossing paths with the woman to jump a clear round with only time. Video is below. [Incident during Marc Houtzager’s round]

Monday Video: Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof’s Calimero jump an incredible clear round despite a protestor crossing their path:

😱IDIOTS disturbing Round B of 🇳🇱Marc Houtzager and he manages to ride a superb clear round with Stoeterij Sterrehof Calimero, https://www.horsetelex.com/horses/pedigree/495677/sterrehof-s-calimero! Way to go Marc!! Congratulations, also to owner Stoeterij Sterrehof and breeder De Wiemselbach! ✨🔝🍀✨🍀✨🍀🇳🇱😃

Posted by Horsetelex on Sunday, August 25, 2019

MARS Great Meadow International Sunday Recap

By on Aug 25, 2019 11:27 pm -

It’s been a tough day at MARS Great Meadow International, but a great one as well, and we’d be remiss not to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of the event’s human and equine athletes. We thank our good friends at USEA for sharing the following recaps of Sunday’s cross country action, which saw the conclusion of the CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S divisions:

Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection, winners of the MARS Great Meadow International CCI4*-S. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Wire-to-Wire CCI4*-S Win for Symansky and Under Suspection at MARS Great Meadow International

After a spring of bad luck and poor timing, Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection (Contender x Naomagic I) took home the win today in the CCI4*-S at the MARS Great Meadow International in The Plains, Virginia on a score of 27.0. A girth irritation necessitated Mary Ann Ghadban’s 15-year-old Holsteiner mare’s late withdrawal from the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in April, but this weekend the pair was back on top. Read more …

Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras finished third in the division. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Mia Farley and BGS Firecracker finished 6th in the division. Photo by Shelby Allen.

CCI4*-S Final Top 10:

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Pick Pocket, winners of the MARS Great Meadow International CCI3*-S. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Pick Pocket Take Home the CCI3*-S Win

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Pick Pocket (Chacco Blue x Bracklin Mystique), Lee Lee Jones’s 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, maintained their lead in the CCI3*-S to take home the blue ribbon on a score of 30.2 after picking up a single time fault on David O’Connor’s cross-country track today. Read more …

Buck Davidson and Electric Lux finished third in the division. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and Favian finished 6th in the division. Photo by Shelby Allen.

CCI3*-S Final Top 10:

Read EN’s CCI2*-S report here.

Go Ann. Go Eventing.

MARS Great Meadow International: Website, Results, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Caroline Martin and Will Faudree Find Top 5 Finishes in Millstreet CCI4*-L

By on Aug 25, 2019 10:13 pm -

Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack finished an impressive 3rd in the Millstreet CCI4*-L. Photo via Caroline’s Facebook page.

The U.S. had a very solid weekend abroad at Ireland’s Millstreet International Horse Trials. Of the six pairs contesting the four-star divisions, all six walked away with nary a jump fault deducted — well-played!

CCI4*-L

Yesterday we reported on the results of the CCI4*-S, which saw Liz Halliday-Sharp finish two horses in the top 10 — Cooley Quicksilver was 7th on a final score of 43.1, and Burghley-bound Deniro Z was 10th on 44.4 — and one more in the top 20, Carpe Diem IV, who was 2nd heading into cross country but picked up 24 time faults. The CCI4*-S was also contested by Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan, who finished 18th on a final score of 50.6. The pair scored a 34.6 in dressage, then turned in a clear show jumping round followed by a cross country performance with 16 time faults.

Today saw the conclusion of the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L, and heading into show jumping both Americans in the division were very much in the hunt. Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack, who added 0.4 cross country time faults to their dressage score of 37.5, were in 5th; Will Faudree and Pfun, who scored a 38.8 in dressage then posted a clear cross country round with no time, sat 7th. Both pairs jumped clear show jumping rounds inside the time to move up into 3rd and 5th final placements respectively.

Lawton Chloe, ridden by Australia’s Chris Burton, won the section after jumping an immaculate clear round. In 2nd was Ryuzo Kitajima of Japan and Cekatinka JRA, who finished 8th with Tim Price at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon.

 

What a weekend! A huge thank you to Liz Halliday for riding James since Aachen. I’m so lucky to be able to go away and not sit on him for a month and he feels better than I left! Couldn’t of done it without you❤️. Thanks Casey McKissock and Eric Duvander for all the coaching this weekend! Good boy James !!

Posted by Caroline Martin on Sunday, August 25, 2019

Will shared on Facebook: “What a week at Millstreet! Pfun was amazing all weekend. Finishing on his dressage score to sit 5th. A HUGE thank you to his amazing mom Jennifer Mosing for letting him come “home” to compete and show Ireland what a star he is. We could not do it without our entire team at home and on the road. Thank you all so much for believing in us. We will see you soon!”

CCI4*-L Final Top 10:

CCI3*-S

Meanwhile the final section of cross country for the Eventing Ireland CCI3*-S wrapped up, with Australia’s Kevin McNab and Fernhill Tabasco taking the win. A fast clear round saw him finish ahead of Great Britain’s Millie Dumas, and Daniel Brown was the top Irish rider in 3rd. Kevin also finished 4th for good measure; Kevin has won more vital points to maintain his position at the head of the leaderboard for the €10k Horse Sport Ireland Eventing Challenge 2019, with the final standings to be decided at Ballindenisk International Horse Trials in late September.

CCI3*-S Final Top 10:

Georgia Bartlett and Spano de Nazca. Photo courtesy of Millstreet International Horse Trials.

CCI3*-L

Georgia Bartlett and Spano De Nazca won the Horse Sport Ireland CCI3*-L after jumping a great clear round this morning in the Green Glens Arena.

Georgia, aged 19, got her week in Millstreet off to a winning start when she picked up one of the best turned out combination awards at the First Horse Inspection, sponsored by Connolly’s RED MILLS. Two-time Junior European Eventing medalist, she is based in Newbury, Berkshire.  The clear round over the James Tarrant designed showjumping track saw Georgia rise from 5th to the top of the podium.

Overnight leader Harry Meade (GBR) rolled two poles to finish 3rd. One fence down on his 2nd place horse was enough for him to maintain that position. Michael McNally finished best of the Irish challengers in 4th overall.

In Closing

As the last of over 300 horse boxes exited the Green Glens Arena on Sunday evening, Event Director Thomas Duggan was grateful to all those that pulled together to make the event happen:

“On Tuesday morning we asked for the co-operation and support of those coming to Millstreet and everybody delivered. Our crew on the ground, led by Mike Etherington-Smith pulled out all the stops to ensure that the event went ahead as planned and we have experienced world-class competition at every level.

“The Event Rider Masters brought a new dimension to eventing in Millstreet and engaged viewers and supporters of the sport around the world. We are extremely grateful to all the owners, riders, grooms, officials, volunteers and supporters that played their part during the past five days and are already looking forward to 2020 when hopefully we will enjoy more favorable weather conditions.”

Millstreet International Horse Trials: Website, Results, Event Rider Masters, ERM Live Stream, Non-ERM Live Stream

In Memory of Ann Haller

By on Aug 25, 2019 8:36 pm -

Ann Haller and Carol Kozlowski present the first Roger Haller Educational Fund scholarships for event officials during the 2016 USEA Convention. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The eventing community lost a national treasure today. We are devastated to share the news that Ann Haller, one of the most effervescent personalities and hardest working servants of our sport, died while in The Plains, Virginia, for Great Meadow International. As a friend, mentor and inspiration to so many, she will be terribly missed.

The USEA shared the following remembrance this evening:

The USEA is very sad to announce that Ann Rickard Haller died suddenly today with what appears to be complications related to an ongoing medical condition. Ann was working as the press officer and cross-country controller at Great Meadow International this weekend and passed away at a local hospital.

Ann was involved in so many aspects of eventing and was truly at the heart of the sport. She embodied the real spirit of an eventer with a “get it done” attitude pitching in to make sure whatever needed to get done was done.

Ann worked in the press office at many events around the country including the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Fair Hill International, Rebecca Farm, NAYC, World Equestrian Games, and the USEA American Eventing Championships, just to name a few. She often multitasked as the cross-country controller or took on other roles as needed.

A self-declared “army brat,” Ann grew up all over. She was a graduate H-A pony clubber from Hood Pony Club (Texas) and was a member of more than half a dozen pony clubs. She continued to be involved in Pony Club for over 25 years as an instructor, clinician, coach, National Examiner, Chief Horse Management Judge, past member of the USPC national eventing and horse management committees, and past member of the USPC Board of Governors. She was a Level II USEA Certified Instructor as well as being a USPC Level IV National Examiner, and an FEI Steward. In 2006, she was inducted into the USPC Academy of Achievement.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Roger Haller, who died in 2016. She leaves behind a multitude of friends, her horse Master of the House, and a huge hole in the eventing community.

Indeed. We are joined by the community in extending our deepest condolences to all of Ann’s family and connections.

[In Memoriam: Ann Haller]

That’s a Wrap for 2019 Land Rover Blair Castle International

By on Aug 25, 2019 4:12 pm -

Sunday saw the finale of international divisions at Land Rover Blair Castle. Here’s a recap of the CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, CCI2*-L results.

Emilie Chandler & Gortfadda Diamond. Photo by Julia Shearwood.

CCI4*-L: Emilie Has a Real Diamond

Emilie Chandler won her first ever CCI4*-L event here at Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials with Maria Doel’s Gortfadda Diamond, a horse who she believes has real 5* potential.

The pair had the luxury of three fences in hand over runners-up Rosa Onslow and Diamond Sundance going into the show jumping arena but they required none of this buffer, concluding their Blair campaign with a classy clear round, although like all competitors in this small class, they picked up time faults.

“I’m thrilled he jumped clear,” admitted Emily. “This win is really special as I think an awful lot of him and I’ve not been this close to a big win since finishing second in the U25 Championship at Bramham in 2002.”

Gortfadda Diamond was none the worse for wear after posting the fastest cross-country time on Saturday.

“He felt quite bright in the collecting ring,” said Emily, “and I was almost thinking I should have worked him harder. He’s just an amazing horse – he’s come on so much in the last year and I’m very proud of him.”

Scotland’s Rosa Onslow and Diamond Sundance added just .8 of a time penalty to their two-phase score to finish second, with Simon Grieve and Mr Fahrenheit III third.

Astier Nicolas and Babylon de Gamma. Photo by Douglas Lamont.

CCI4*-S: French rider Crowned Scottish Open Champion

Speed and accuracy across country handed French Olympic gold medallist Astier Nicolas victory in the CCI4*-S at the Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials.

Astier and the exciting grey eight-year-old Babylon De Gamma had dropped from second after dressage to fourth with a pole down in Saturday’s showjumping phase. But they were the fastest of the class round Land Rover Blair Castle’s director and cross-country course-designer Alec Lochore’s track, picking up just 5.6 time-faults, and when leader Daisy Berkeley was not quite so fast aboard Ballinteskin Cooper S, the 30-year-old Frenchman climbed to the top of the podium.

It was Astier’s second Land Rover Blair Castle victory in as many visits; he took the CCI4*-L here on Quickly Du Buguet in 2014.

“It feels very exotic to be Scottish Champion!” he said. “Babylon is a top horse – I’ve always said so, and he showed it again today. I didn’t rush him cross-country, but he was always going smoothly; he did it easily and recovered really well afterwards. He showed pure class.”

Sam Ecroyd finished second, 0.4 penalties behind Astier, on Vicki Irlam’s Davinci III, a new ride for him this season.

Equal second after dressage with the eventual winners, Sam and the 13-year-old gelding showjumped clear but were a little steadier across country for 10 time-faults.

“I don’t know him hugely well yet, but he improves every single time I ride him,”said Sam.

Daisy Berkeley was initially awarded 15 penalties for missing a flag at a skinny brush corner coming out of the Malcolm Lochan water complex, but those were taken away on appeal to the ground jury and she finished third on 10-year-old Ballinteskin Cooper S, who is owned by Daisy, her mother Caroline Dick, Roxana White and Mary Scott-Gall.

Local rider Wills Oakden, who is based in Perthshire, took fourth on Debbie Whalley and Liz Magennis’s nine-year-old Oughterard Cooley. A clear showjumping round and eight cross-country time-faults moved him up from ninth after dressage.

Wills, the highest-placed Scottish rider, said: “I’m delighted with him; he’s a cross-country machine, which is what Blair is all about.”

And Northumberland’s Jessica McKie achieved her best result to date with fifth place on her mother Tockie’s Ask The Boss.

Land Rover Blair Castle’s cross-country tracks, which utilise the varied and demanding terrain surrounding the castle, are never to be underestimated, and the CCI4*-S course caused a few problems. William Fox-Pitt, three times a winner here, was unseated in the later stages of the course from Yes I Can, seventh after dressage.

Eleanor Hope & Limestone Romeo. Photo by Julia Shearwood.

CCI3*-L: Eleanor’s Birthday Hopes Come True

Eleanor Hope celebrated her 20th birthday in fine style at Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials, winning the CCI3*-L class on Limestone Romeo.

Eleanor, a student at Reading University, was 13th after dressage with a mark of 36.1, but added nothing to that score to take her first senior international title.

“I’m very relieved – I didn’t expect it and it’s a very good birthday present,” said Eleanor. “The second and third riders both jumped clear and I knew I couldn’t even have a time-fault.”

Eleanor’s parents, Margaret and Simon, bought eight-year-old Limestone Romeo from the Goresbridge Going For Gold sale as a five-year-old, and Eleanor has produced him through the grades herself.

Victoria Wilson was second, just 0.6 of a penalty behind Eleanor, on Dont You Know. Victoria, 20, finished on her dressage score of 36.7 at her first long-format three-star event.

“I only came here for a qualifying score – I can’t believe it,” said Victoria. “He’s phenomenal – he’s the only horse I have to event, I did my first ever British Eventing competition on him; he’s taken me all this way and I hope we’ve got much further to go.”

Third was Ashley Harrison, who also completed on her dressage score (38) on Zebedee IX. It made up for quite a dramatic week for the 26-year-old: Ashley’s lorry broke down on the way up to Land Rover Blair Castle from her Hampshire home, she dropped her phone in the loo and Zebedee IX lost a shoe yesterday after the cross-country.

“But this makes up for it – it’s a brilliant event and I’ll definitely be back,” she said. “He made the cross-country feel as easy as it could be yesterday.”

Charlotte Parry-Ashcroft’s showjumping clear on Wil Jack B King meant she rose from seventh to fourth, while Emma Hobday and Shadow Copperwood finished fifth.

Hayden Hankey & Cartown Galaxy. Photo by Julia Shearwood.

CCI2*-L: A First Three Day Win for Hayden Hankey

Hayden Hankey scored his first ever international win in the CCI2*-L class at Land Rover Blair Castle. The Cheshire-based 39-year-old was foot-perfect in all three phases on the six-year-old Olympic Lux mare Cartown Galaxy and stayed on his dressage score of 30.6, rising from fourth after dressage to the top spot.

“It really is a great feeling – anyone can win a one-day event, but to win a three-day is very special,” said Hayden, who has made his mark in all aspects of horse sport, from showing to race-riding to eventing and showjumping.

“When you like a horse as much as I like her [Cartown Galaxy, whom he bought last year on a trip to Ireland to judge at Dublin Horse Show], you ride with so much more confidence.”

Scottish rider Morven Pringle, who is based in Moffat, was very emotional about her second place. The 24-year-old was riding Miss Contender, who was owned and ridden by Morven’s best friend Natasha Galpin, who was killed in a fall on the gallops in January.

“Natasha rode Miss Contender here last year,” said Morven, for whom it was a best international result so far. “She was brilliant in every phase – I’m so pleased with how she’s gone.”

The pair also completed on their dressage score, 31.8, to rise up from fifth after dressage in this 70-strong class.

Germany’s Josephine Schnaufer took third place on Viktor 107, while Aimee Penny was fourth on Gary Power’s PSH Deneb.

“She’s an angel – one of my favourites,” said Aimee, who works as first rider at Power Sport Horses in Wales.

Polly Stockton and Sir Alfred II, who led after dressage and cross-country, tipped one showjump and dropped to sixth place behind Hayden Hankey and his second ride, DHI Homana. Hayden was also ninth on Fools In Love.

This report has been adapted from a press release.

Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials: Website, Results, Cross Country Course Previews, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Burghley Drawn Order Is Live With 12 American Pairs

By on Aug 25, 2019 10:52 am -

Will Coleman and Tight Lines will the pathfinders of the U.S.’s 12-strong contingent at the 2019 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Sure, we’ve got a lot of ground to cover between now and Land Rover Burghley, taking place Sept. 5-8: the European Championships and the American Eventing Championships will be dueling headlines this upcoming week, and heck, between the finales of Great Meadow, Millstreet and Blair Castle today I’ll be breathing a sigh of relief if we make it to Monday morning. But ready or not, the Burghley drawn order has already posted which means it’s time to strap in.

A glance at the 80-strong entry list is enough to make your hair stand on end. It’s a who’s-who of British eventing, with some international guest appearances including the Price dream team, who look to be rolling up with their entire stable, as well the largest U.S. Burghley contingent in recent memory if not in history.

Repping for the stars and stripes (well, technically Dom is repping Australia but there are stars and stripes in that flag too and we’re claiming him anyway):

  • Andrea Baxter and Indy 500
  • Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot
  • Will Coleman and Tight Lines
  • Buck Davidson and Jak My Style
  • Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack
  • Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z
  • Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby
  • Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus
  • Doug Payne and Vandiver
  • Dom Schramm and Bolytair B
  • Chris Talley and Unmarked Bills

The running order (U.S. pairs in bold):

No. – HORSE – RIDER – OWNER(S)
1. BANGO (NZL) – Tim Price – The Numero Uno Syndicate
2. ULISES – Oliver Townend – Mrs Diana Ridgeon & Mr Paul W Ridgeon
3. WALDO III – Emma Hyslop-Webb – Rider
4. BRADELEY LAW – Michael Owen – The Jenning’s Syndicate
5. STINGER (SWE) – Ludwig Svennerstal – Skanegardar AB
6. BILLY WALK ON – Pippa Funnell – Mrs Barbara Walkinshaw & Mr Nicholas Walkinshaw
7. MAJAS HOPE – Pippa Funnell – Mr Marek Sebestak & Rider
8. ARCTIC SOUL – Gemma Tattersall – The Soul Syndicate & Rider
9. PSH GAZELLE – Izzy Taylor – Mr Gary Power
10. TORONTO D AUROIS (FRA) – Arthur Duffort – Mr Paul Gatien & Miss Julie Gatien & Rider
11. HD BRONZE – Harry Mutch – Mrs Carole Mutch
12. COLLIEN P 2 – Will Furlong – The Acorn Syndicate & Rider
14. SIMPLY CLOVER – Hazel Towers – Rider
15. BILLY THE RED – Kristina Cook – Mrs Elisabeth Murdoch
16. TOUCH TOO MUCH – Caroline Clarke – Mrs Penny Clarke & Rider
17. CES BALLYCAR CHIP – Patricia Pytches – Rider
18. MGH BINGO BOY – Nicky Hill – Rider
19. TIGHT LINES (USA) – William Coleman – The Conair Syndicate
20. GOLDSMITHS IMBER (FRA) – Arthur Chabert – Rider
21. DHI BABETTE K – Becky Woolven – Mrs Julie Record
22. PRIORSPARK OPPOSITION FREE – Eliza Stoddart – Mrs Anne Staley & Mr Bruce Staley
23. INDY 500 (USA) – Andrea Baxter – Rider
24. CHARLES RR – Alicia Hawker – Mr Robert Hawker
25. WII LIMBO – Georgie Spence – Miss Lucy Fleming & Mrs Samantha Wilson & Mrs Suzanne Doggett & Mr Russell Spence
26. CONTINUITY – David Britnell – Rider
27. TEMPLAR JUSTICE – Katie Preston – Mrs Trish Preston & Mr Rick Preston & Rider
28. LEAMORE MASTER PLAN (USA) – Ariel Grald – Miss Annie Eldridge
29. REVE DU ROUET – Sarah Bullimore – Christopher & Susan Gillespie & Mr Brett Bullimore
30. HARELAW WIZARD – Ben Hobday – Mr Charles Robson
31. EVENTO – Francis Whittington – Ms Sarah Arrowsmith
32. BOLYTAIR B (AUS) – Dominic Schramm – Naked Horse Eventing Syndicate
33. ON THE BRASH (NZL) – Caroline Powell – Mrs Sarah Tobey & Mrs Sue Smiley
34. CREDO III – Richard Skelt – Mrs Una Roe & Mr Neil Todd
35. UNDALGO DE WINDSOR – Ginny Howe – Rider
36. SHANNONDALE QUEST – David Doel – Ms Gillian Jonas
37. VANDIVER (USA) – Doug Payne – Mrs Debi Crowley & Mrs Jessica Payne & Rider
38. FELDALE MOUSE (AUS) – Isabel English – Ms Sarah English
39. IVAR GOODEN – Imogen Murray – Mr Aivar Ward & M S Team
40. SARAH D’ARGOUGES (FRA) – Sebastien Cavaillon – Mr Michel Lancelot
41. CARRYON BOBBY BOY – Julia Norman – Mrs Diana Wethered
42. XAVIER FAER (NZL) – Tim Price – Mrs Trisha Rickards & Mrs Nigella Hall & Rider
43. COOLEY MASTER CLASS – Oliver Townend – Mrs Angela Hislop
44. GLENFLY (BRA) – Marcelo Tosi – Mr Marcelo Tosi
45. DENIRO Z (USA) – Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp – The Deniro Syndicate & Ocala Horse Properties
46. CHEQUERS PLAYBOY – Dee Kennedy – Rider
47. RICKER RIDGE RUI (NZL) – Samantha Lissington – Mrs Christine Quigley & Rider
48. DE BEERS DILLETANTE – Rebecca Gibbs – Miss Sarah Bliss
49. THE RUTMAN – Simon Grieve – Mrs Joanne Rutter
50. UNMARKED BILLS (USA) – Chris Talley – Unmarked Bill Syndicate
51. ABSOLUT OPPOSITION – Nana Dalton – Mileys Friends & Rider
52. HARBOUR PILOT (USA) Hannah-Sue Burnett – Mrs Jacqueline Mars
53. TALENT – James Sommerville – Mrs Jennifer Sommerville & Rider
54. STAR NOUVEAU (NZL) – Ginny Thompson – Mrs Elaine Butterworth & Mr Anthony Quirk & Rider
56. COSSAN LAD – Kirsty Short – Miss Amy Burbage & Rider
57. COOLYS LUXURY – Tom D Crisp – The Luxury Syndicate
58. EFRAIM – George Hilton-Jones – Mrs Isabelle Hilton-Jones
59. JAK MY STYLE (USA) – Bruce Davidson Jr – Mrs Kathleen Cuca & Mr Roberto Cuca
60. ALFIES CLOVER – Richard P Jones – Mrs Dinah Saunders & Mrs Sandra Martin & Rider
61. LCC BARNABY (USA) – Lillian Heard – Rider
62. THE LION – Matthew Heath – Mrs Emma Clarke & Mrs Clare Davis & Rider
63. VANIR KAMIRA – Piggy French – Mr Trevor Dickens
64. BLACKTHORN CRUISE (NZL) – Dan Jocelyn – Mrs Panda Christie & Rider
65. CAMEMBERT – Emily Philp – Mr Nigel Philp
66. CLASS AFFAIR – Zara Tindall – Gleadhill House Stud Ltd
67. MIND ME (SWE) – Johan Lundin – Mrs Lili Skarby
68. FAERIE DIANIMO (NZL) – Jonelle Price – Mrs Jacky Green & Mrs Trisha Rickards & Rider
69. WONT WAIT (FRA) – Clara Loiseau – Mrs Isabelle Peters
70. IRON IV – Selina Milnes – Mr William Rucker
71. CAPTAIN JACK (USA) – Savannah Fulton – Full Moon Farm Syndicate
72. VENDREDI BIATS – Kitty King – Mrs Sally Eyre & Mrs Samantha Wilson & Mrs Diana Bown & Mrs Sally Lloyd-Baker
73. VERMICULUS (USA) – Lauren Kieffer – Mrs Jacqueline Mars
74. PENNLANDS DOUGLAS – Emma Hyslop-Webb – Rider
75. JIMS PAL – Michael Owen – Miss Ashleigh Dean
76. BALHAM MIST (SWE) – Ludwig Svennerstal – Mr Andrew Ayres & Svennerstal Eventing
77. MGH GRAFTON STREET – Pippa Funnell – Jonathan and Jane Clarke
78. BILLY WALK ON – Pippa Funnell – Mrs Barbara Walkinshaw & Mr Nicholas Walkinshaw
79. SANTIAGO BAY – Gemma Tattersall – Ms Caroline Teltsch
80. SPRINGPOWER – Izzy Taylor – Jeremy and Andrea Brereton & Ms Linda Mars
81. BALLAGHMOR CLASS – Oliver Townend – Miss Karyn Shuter & Mrs Angela Hislop & Mrs Val Ryan
82. RINGWOOD SKY BOY (NZL) – Tim Price – Mrs Varenna Allen & Mr Robert Taylor & Rider

So five U.S. dressage rides on Thursday, seven on Friday … in our professional option, you’re probably just want to go ahead and take both days off work. Keep it here for plenty of pre-coverage as well as live coverage during the event from the one and only Tilly Berendt. Go Eventing!

Burghley Links: Website, Entries, Timetable, Tickets, EN’s Coverage

[Burghley Drawn Order]

#EventerProblems Vol. 193, Presented by Haygain: The Hardest Part About Riding…

By on Aug 25, 2019 10:00 am -

… Is the ground.

Or so the saying goes. Other runner ups include: sitting the trot, the weather, the fungus, the unruly horse, etc. There are 193 volumes (!) chronicling the difficulties of our sport, here’s your latest batch:

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I really couldn’t make up my mind about this helmet pompom thing, so I decided to convert my current helmet cover to have removable pompom options. And then I couldn’t narrow down what color pompom I wanted, so I bought… 5. Sewed the snaps onto the cover and the pompoms and OMG this might be the best weird thing I’ve ever done. Now I can go with no pom OR I can just snap on whichever one I feel like wearing that day, without ever having to change my cover! Favorite DIY ever, and it was cheap. God I love being an eventer. 😂🤪 Which one is your favorite??? #pompomclub #helpmeicantstop #helmetpom #pompom #doilookmorebritishyet #crosscountry #eventer #eventing #helmetcover #equestrian #horsediy #eventerproblems #floofy #equestrianblogger #horseblog

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On my way home from my lesson on the island, it was so great getting to have my boy for a brief visit at my parents farm (which was supposed to be a calming over night lay over at Oma and Opas😂😂). Felt so odd to see a horse there but so good….. well, that was the calm before the storm. I now know, he only likes his “kind”.😅🤷🏼‍♂️ Something about 50some swinging udders with bells didn’t settle well with him. 😜😂 He channeled his inner eventer and managed to “escape” the situation, jumping from pasture to pasture. 😂😂 🐄 😱 #blessyou #hedoesntliketheudderkind #byefelicia #itsauddercattastrophe #jumpingeveryfenceinhispath #nottodaybessy #eventerproblems

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Chin Tonic HS Wins International Debut in Great Meadow CCI2*-S

By on Aug 25, 2019 7:34 am -

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Will Coleman’s up-and-coming partner Chin Tonic HS made a smashing impression in his FEI debut at the 2019 MARS Great Meadow International, winning the CCI2*-S class on his dressage score.

Will has been carefully bringing the 7-year-old Holsteiner (Chin Champ x Wildera, by Quinar) along from the beginning, with support form Vicky Castegren, whose Hyperion Stud owns the horse. While Vicky didn’t breed this horse, she sourced him as a 2-year-old.

“We are really excited about him. He’s a lovely type. He’s as good a horse  on the flat as I’ve ever had. He’s really taken to the sport,” Will said. “This is a really fun horse for us because it’s a great representation of the type of horse [Vicky’s] trying to breed—a great athlete with a great mind.”

The pair started the weekend with a 25 in the first phase and added nothing to it over fences, finally moving into the top spot after a clear cross country trip nine seconds under the time.

“He probably can even do better, but he did a very nice test, and I thought he jumped a a super show jump round. On the cross country he continues to get better,” he said. “We’ve taken our time. We’re under no pressure to rush him up the levels. We’re giving him as much time as he needs. I think that patience is starting to bear fruit.”

Lynn Symansky had SpectraVET Tempranillo. Photo by Leslie Mintz.

Lynn Symansky had SpectraVET Tempranillo on her side this weekend, and the red headed chestnut mare used her powers for good, finishing in second place. The 8-year-old KWPN (Boss x Zadina Mail VDL, by Chin Chin) went penalty free for a final result of 26.1.

“She’s such a chestnut mare. I’ve struggled with that one the most—to get her to be on my page because most of the time we’re on hers,” Lynn said. “She’s very careful, so we came into the final water and she jumped so big over the lip into the water. She catapulted and then continued to bronc her way. She certainly does put her flair into everything she does.”

Catherine Pournelle and MTF Cooley Knight finished in third place. The 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Lancelot x Sea Bright Clover, by White Clover) finished on his dressage score of 27.9.

Lauren Kieffer and Get Gaudi. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Overnight leaders Lauren Kieffer and Get Gaudi, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Alicante HBC x Second Floor, by Faram) came home down on the clock, picking up four time penalties to finish in fourth place on a score of 28.1.

Jennie Brannigan and Hopscotch completed in fifth place on their dressage score of 29.3. This is an exciting finish for owner Nina Gardner, who also bred the 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood. Sired by Special Memories, Hopscotch is out of Vidalia, one of Nina’s former three-star horses in Phillip Dutton’s barn. Hopscotch is Vidalia’s first foal to compete at FEI level.

Overnight leader Lynn Symansky had two rails with Katherine Coleman’s Global Cassero 3 before going on to a double clear cross country. They finish in sixth place on a three-phase result of 29.4.

Allison Springer and Crystal Crescent Moon. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Sydney Hagaman piloted her Charmeur to a clear round with 2.8 added time penalties for 7th place on a score of 29.9. Allison Springer and Nancy Winter’s Crystal Crescent Moon came home clear inside the time for 8th place (30.2).

MARS Great Meadow International: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

 

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Aug 25, 2019 12:01 am -

Photo courtesy of TIEC.

The Tryon International Equestrian Center is running the first edition of the Blue Ridge Mountain Horse Trials, Sept. 14-15, and they’ve got a special deal to incentivize riders: $100 off your stabling! They’re hosting Beginner Novice through Advanced divisions, which are all riding on the White Oak Course, the site of the 2018 World Equestrian Games. Entries close August 27th, so time to jump on it. All entries received to date will receive an automatic rate adjustment. [Blue Ridge Mountain Horse Trials]
National Holiday: National Kiss and Make Up Day

Major Weekend Events:

MARS Great Meadow International [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Millstreet International Horse Trials – Ireland [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Event Rider Masters] [ERM Live Stream] [Non-ERM Live Stream]

Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials – Scotland [Website] [Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

U.S. Weekend Action:

Town Hill Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. II [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Caber Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

The Event at Archer [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Symansky and Under Suspection Claim the MARS Great Meadow International CCI4*-S Lead 

Twin River Appoints Hugh Lochore as New Cross-Country Course Designer

Emilie Chandler holds lead in CCI4*-L at Blair: ‘He kept galloping all the way’

Farewell to Olympic medal-winner and ‘horse of a lifetime’

‘Expensive’ horses and Facebook trolls: H&H responds

Sunday Video: 

Competition Heats Up on Day Three of Land Rover Blair Castle International

By on Aug 24, 2019 9:18 pm -

Emilie Chandler and Gortfadda Diamond. Photo courtesy of Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials.

The action continued on Saturday at Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials in Perthshire, Scotland. Here’s your recap!

A Class Apart: Emilie Chandler Retains Lead in CCI4*-L

Emilie Chandler proved a class apart across country in the CCI4*-L at Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials, and has a sizable lead going into the final show jumping phase.

Leicestershire-based Emilie was much the fastest of the class, adding just 3.2 time-faults to her dressage score of 31.8 on Maria Doel’s 10-year-old Gortfadda Diamond. She has 13.1 penalties in hand over second-placed Rosa Onslow and Diamond Sundance.

“I’m thrilled – he gave me a fantastic ride,” said Emilie. “He never really tired and kept galloping for me. I think he’s real class – an out-and-out event horse who’s good in all three phases.

“It was a good cross country course: very fair, and I like the way this year the course made sure they had got their blood up before they went uphill.”

Rosa, 20, recently represented Britain at the Young Rider European Eventing Championships in The Netherlands on 13-year-old Diamond Sundance. This is their first CCI4*-L competition, and they were clear across country with 11.2 time-faults. Simon Grieve and Mr Fahrenheit III are in third place after collecting 13.2 time penalties.

Daisy Berkeley & Ballinteskin Cooper S. Photo by Iain Campbell.

Daisy Rides Her Luck in the CCI4*-S

Daisy Berkeley has held on to her lead in the CCI4*-S after showjumping with a clear round on Ballinteskin Cooper S. The 10-year-old threw Daisy up into the air over fence three and it wasn’t the smoothest round they have jumped together, but they never looked in danger of touching a pole and remain on their dressage score of 30.4.

“I nearly fell off over fence three – both my knees came off the saddle and my hat tipped forward over my eyes,” admitted Daisy, who has won several team medals for Britain at major championships in the past. “But he has so much scope and wasn’t ever going to touch a fence. Now I am going to have to go fast across country tomorrow!”

Sam Ecroyd also showjumped clear on Davinci III and is in second place, just 0.1 of a penalty behind Daisy. Third is Perthshire’s Wills Oakden, whose clear round on Oughterard Cooley means he stays on his dressage mark of 34.2 and climbs up from ninth place after the first phase.

There were just seven showjumping clear rounds in Land Rover Blair Castle’s large, atmospheric arena. France’s Astier Nicolas, who was in joint second place with Sam after dressage, tipped the second part of the double and is now in fourth place with Babylon De Gamma, while Northumberland rider Jessica McKie’s clear on Ask The Boss means she is in fifth place.

The CCI4*-S competitors tackle course-designer Alec Lochore’s cross-country track at 10.30am on Sunday morning, and the showjumping phase of the three long-format international classes follows on from that.

Eleanor Hope & Limestone Romeo. Photo by Iain Campbell.

Hope Springs in the CCI3*-L

Tomorrow (Sunday, 25 August), could be a very big day for Eleanor Hope. It’s her 20th birthday – and she heads the CCI3*-L going into showjumping.

Eleanor, who has travelled up to Land Rover Blair Castle from Aylesbury, was 13th after dressage on eight-year-old Limestone Romeo with 36.1, but a clear cross-country round within the time has propelled her up to first.

“He was point and shoot today,” said Eleanor, a student at Reading University. “His dressage is improving, but he just loves to jump. He’s a good showjumper – I’m not so good. Hopefully he will help me out tomorrow.”

Cross-country speed was significant in this class. Victoria Wilson, now second on Don’t You Know, just 0.6 penalties behind Eleanor, and Ashley Harrison (Zebedee IX), third, shot up from 14th and 15th places after dressage. French duo Astier Nicolas and Lumberton, leaders going into cross-country, had a run-out at the brush corner coming out of the water.

Polly Stockton and Sir Alfred II. Photo by Iain Campbell.

No Margin for Error in the CCI2*-L

Polly Stockton, who already has two international wins at Land Rover Blair Castle to her credit, is in pole position in the CCI2*-L with Sir Alfred II. She shared second position after dressage with Germany’s Josephine Schnaufer (Ronaldo IV) on 30.5; both riders went clear across country with no time-faults, but Polly was closer to the optimum time so officially took the lead.

Josephine, who is also in fifth place on seven-year-old Viktor 107, said: “I bought Ronaldo IV from the Czech Republic as a seven-year-old. He wasn’t at all easy at the beginning but is getting better and better – he’s a real pleasure to ride now.

“I thought it was a technical, tough CCI2*-L track when I walked it, but it was really fun to ride. The questions were clear to the horses.”

This is Josephine’s third visit to Land Rover Blair Castle, and she said: “It is one of the nicest events, and really good preparation for horses for the future.”

Hayden Hankey and the six-year-old mare Cartown Galaxy are just 0.1 penalties behind Polly and Josephine in third place.

“I bought her last summer when I went over to Ireland to judge hunters at Dublin Show,” said Hankey. “She’s one of the best I’ve ridden – straight, fast and brave.”

Rose Macpherson & HHS Canya. Photo by Douglas Lamont.

Equine ‘Allsorts’ Impress on Day Two of the Grassroots Championships

Rose Macpherson and HHS Canya retained their overnight lead in the BE100 Scottish Grassroots Championship after they posted one of only seven clear rounds in this morning’s show jumping phase, which again took  place in Land Rover Blair Castle International’s imposing main arena.

The seven-year-old has the pedigree for the job, being by Shane Breen’s Nations Cup ride Can Ya Makan. However, Rose admitted that the mare can be very sharp and, while genuine, likes to have a good look at anything that she doesn’t feel looks ‘quite right’.

“This was the biggest arena she’s been in and it was certainly a real eyeful for her,” Rose said.

The pair heads into tomorrow’s cross-country phase on a score of 25.3, a full five penalties ahead of closest rivals, Crieff-based Eilidh Macaulay with Rockcon. Reckcon is another mare with impressive show jumping lines – she is by William Funnell’s long time partner Billy Congo and out of Billy Rockaway, herself by Cevin Z.

A clear round from Emma Buchanan and Blaze ensured they retained the third place they had held after dressage on 30.5.

The rest of the leader board was shuffled quite considerably but the competition is far from over. There are just over 10 penalties between the top 15 going into the cross-country and the track will inevitably play a big part in the final standings.

“I think it’s a strong track,” said Rose Macpherson. “There are several technical questions and I think the water will be influential as a lot of the horses at this level just won’t have seen the number of spectators that those fences attract.”

Fourteen year old Cameron Swales from East Lothian and Machno Showtime rose from equal fourth after dressage to the top of the leader board in the BE90 Championship, taking full advantage of those who were above them rolling poles.

The pair goes into cross-country on a combined score of 29.8, the same as second placed Gillian Edward riding Benny Station. However, Cameron and Showtime have the advantage courtesy of a faster show jumping round.

“I’m really pleased with him,” said Gillian after her round. “he found the arena very atmospheric yesterday and backed off a bit today – show jumping isn’t our strongest phase so I couldn’t be happier.”

Dressage leaders Leona Blacklaws and Shannondale Enya dropped to third after they lowered the final fence and now sit just .5 of a penalty ahead of fourth placed Rachael Aiton and Splash Of Fun on 30.5.

Proving that event horses can come from all backgrounds, 5th placed Ruby Red II, ridden by Cumbrian-based Claire Light, is an ex-trekking pony who only began eventing when Claire offered to do some rehab work with her for owner Deborah Hogg after the mare broke a leg.

“I persuaded Deborah to let me do some BE80(T) classes with her,” said Claire, “and she’s amazed us ever since. She gets so excited but we’ll have to go flat out tomorrow to get the time – she’s 100% cob but doesn’t seem to know it!”

The final cross-country phase for the BE90 section starts tomorrow at approximately 12.30, followed by the BE100.

Amy Ogilvie & L.A Diamond. Photo by Alasdair Lamont.

Grassroots Riders Rise to the Challenge

Competitors in the Scottish Grassroots Eventing Festival at Land Rover Blair Castle International performed their dressage tests in the main arena today, either side of the CCI4* short format riders. Hunter class winner from yesterday, Amy Ogilvie riding L.A Diamond, admitted: “It was pretty scary to be riding alongside William Fox-Pitt – fortunately ‘Erin’ behaved herself.”

West Lothian based Amy only started eventing in May, and this is L.A Diamond’s third ever event, having qualified for the Championships first time out, at Hopetoun.

Leading the BE90 class is 21-year-old Leona Blacklaws from Kincardineshire. Leona recently graduated from Glasgow University and is taking a year out to ride. Her partner is the seven-year-old mare Shannondale Enya.

“I’ve had her for two years, but it took a year to really get up and running and build her confidence,” Leona explained. “She can be spooky but was settled today so I was pleased with her test.

“I’ve done showjumping classes at Blair before but it’s been on my ‘bucket list’ to event here. I loved riding in the main arena!”

Sitting on a dressage score of 26.5, Leona has a narrow lead over second placed Rhyian Skinner who rode Watt The Fox to a mark of 28.0, while Amanda Waugh on Fan Daby Angus is still very much in the mix on 28.5.

Meanwhile the BE100 Championship is headed by last year’s BE100 Champion Rose Macpherson, this year riding HHS Canya. This combination has not been out of the top eight this season, and today posted a score of 25.3. Rose’s nearest rival is Lara Bayley Kerr riding Far N Away on 26.0, with Keeley Gordon (Thunder VII) and Emma Buchanan (Blaze) tied for third place on 26.5.

The Scottish Grassroots Championships showjumping starts tomorrow at 8.30am. They run across country on Sunday.

Rosie Findlater & Ffermyllong Spice Girl. Photo by Iain Campbell.

Young and Old Shine at Blair: Day Two Showing

It was another busy day of showing today with the NPS Scotland Finals and Silver Medal Championships taking place across three arenas. Some familiar faces from yesterday’s classes found themselves in the ribbons again, with prize winners, equine and human, ranging from yearlings to octogenarians. We caught up with a handful of the winners.

It was a Dumfries 1-2 in the Mountain and Moorland Senior Championships with Gillian McMurray’s Highland pony Trailtrow Tearlach adding to yesterday’s prize haul when he was crowned Champion. Richard Telford and Castle Neptune were Reserve Champions.

Both Gillian and Richard featured in several other prize givings throughout the day. Gillian and Trailtrow Tearlach were also crowned Senior and Overall NPS Scotland/Townhead Pet n Pony In Hand Mountain and Moorland Champions. Richard produced the six-year-old Connemara Castle Neptune and the six year old has enjoyed success in his five shows to date under the saddle.

Owned by Winsome Aird and bred by Henry O’Toole, Castle Neptune was only gelded in March:

“I’m so pleased with him,” said Richard. “He kept his balance really well but he still needs to strengthen up. He’ll go to HOYS and then have the winter off.”

He had to settle for the bridesmaids position again in the Mountain and Moorland Open Ridden Final, this time riding the eye-catching Highland gelding Jack The Lad Of Ednam House into Reserve Champion status behind winners Joanna Jack and Margaret Of Meggernie, another combination on Championship winning form yesterday:

“It’s amazing, I’m going to retire now,” joked Jo. “I’m just an amateur really.”

Eastlands Stud owner John Staveley belied his 85 years as he ran around the arenas, taking the NPS/Kilmannan Stud In Hand Silver Medal Rosette Championship with Eastlands Rashiebrae.

At the other end of the age spectrum six year old Rosie Findlater and her eight year old grey mare Ffermyllong Spice Girl, aka Molly, won both the Mountain and Moorland lead rein and overall led rein and first ridden championship.

Molly was Rosie’s Christmas present last year and, amazingly, the eight-year-old was only backed in April, having enjoyed a former career as a companion on a showjumping yard.

Juliet Rogers’ 12hh Exmoor stallion Barhill Danny was victorious in Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Pony not exceeding 12hh and was then subsequently crowned overall champion under Gail Whetter:

“I bred Danny out of my Riding Club mare,” explained Juliet. “He was her first foal. He’s had some kind of virus for the last four weeks and hasn’t been ridden so this was his first outing for a while and he was very pleased to be out and about.”

This report has been adapted from a press release.

Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Cross Country Course Previews, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram