Classic Eventing Nation

Lynn Symansky Does Double Duty in Great Meadow CCI4/CCI2*-S

By on Aug 23, 2019 6:26 pm -

Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection. Photo by Shelby Allen.

It was a good day at the office for Lynn Symansky at the 2019 MARS Great Meadow International. She danced to the top both the CCI4*-S and CCI2*-L with Under Suspection and Global Cassero 3, respectively, after dressage.

Mary Ann Ghadban’s “Pippy,” a 15-year-old Holsteiner (Contender x Naomagic I, by Exorbitant xx) heads up the feature class on a personal best score of 25. Lynn credits much of her advantage to recent dressage training with Jacquie Brooks.

“I ran into Jacquie Brooks in Lima and we talked about getting her to Virginia to do a session or two so Lauren [Kieffer] and I have been doing some dancing lessons. It is a fresh pair of eyes which was a big contributor,” she said.

“She has an approach that is universal, but she tweaks it for depending on how you have to ride each test. This point you know this horses well and you are trying to pick up things with things from each person you are working with. She (Jacquie) clearly did something right. It was probably the best test I’ve ever had on her.”

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Lauren Kieffer and D.A. Duras, having also benefitted from riding with Jacquie on the flat, improved their personal best at the level by an incredible four points today, landing in second on a score of 26.

Duras, an 11-year-old KWPN (Numero Ono x Medoc, by Quattro) owned by Debbie Adams and Jacqueline Mars, has come into his own this season after spending time on the sideline in 2018.

“He had a year off last year which honestly in hindsight was the best thing to happen to him. He’s come back really well,” Lauren said. “He’s a different ride for me. I’ve always had really blood horses in the past, so it’s taken me a while to figure out how to ride a warmblood.”

Lauren is also sixth with Jacqueline Mars’ Vermiculus on a score of 28.1.

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Doug Payne and Vandiver, a 15-year-old Trakehner (Windfall 2 x Visions of Grandeur, by Mystic Replica xx) who is owned by Doug, Jessica Payne and Debi Crowley, nailed a 27.5 today for third place — a pretty ideal start in the pair’s last preparatory run before Burghley in two weeks time.

“It’s a rewarding process,” Doug said. “For quite some time there I felt like we were patching it together rather than actively riding it. We’re finally getting to a place where we can further develop and tweak to approach his potential.”

Doug’s other ride in the division, Quantum Leap, is in 21st place on a dressage score of 36.3.

Colleen Rutledge holds fourth place with her own Covert Rights. She and the 13-year-old Thoroughbred Cross (BFF Incognito x Let’s Get It Right, by Covert Operations) earned a 27.9 in the first phase.

Buck Davidson and Park Trader. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The veteran partnership of Buck Davidson and Park Trader are in fifth place. The 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Master Imp x Ballyhast Polly, by Highland King) earned a score of 28.

Buck’s other two horses in the division, Carlevo and Errol Gobey, sit 8th and 25th, respectively.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Hannah Sue Burnett has two in the top ten. The Lukeswell Partnership’s Lukeswell is 7th on a score of 29.6, and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbor Pilot is 9th on a score of 30.7.

Will Coleman and The Conair Syndicate’s Tight Lines round out the top ten on a dressage result of 31.1.

The CCI2*-S division was Lynn’s for the taking after a red hot performance for a score of 21.4 — yes, you read that right — with Global Cassero 3, an 8-year-old Hanoverian (Conteur x Wahida, by Windhauch).

“To be honest it was not an amazing test for him – there is so much more quality in there. For him to have pulled that out on a not amazing test… He is such a looker. The horse is just stunning, it is like when you walk into a room with a beautiful man on your arm like my husband. He just turns heads everyday,” Lynn winked.

Katherine lent her the ride to help build her up-and-coming string, and now Lynn is looking to keep the ride with the help of new ownership. So if you want to get in with a quality horse on the ground floor here’s your chance! Many thanks to David Frechette for standing strong in the rain today to get this video of “Jerry” and Lynn.

Lauren Kieffer is in second with Get Gaudi on a score of 24.1, and Will Coleman sits third on a score of 25 with Chin Tonic HS.

Chris Barnard is busy laying out a beautiful show jumping course for these competitors, and they’ll take it on tomorrow beginning at 8 a.m. with the two-star group. Stay tuned for much more from #MARSGMI.

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

Friday Video from SmartPak: Your Weekend Live Stream Hookup

By on Aug 23, 2019 4:44 pm -

We have the Millstreet ERM live stream above queued up to Liz Halliday-Sharp’s dressage test today with Fernhill By Night. The pair scored a 29.4 to sit in 13th place heading into show jumping tomorrow. Press play to watch! 

Happy almost-weekend! Time to fire up the laptop and settle in for some vicarious eventing action. Here’s what is on the lineup:

MARS Great Meadow International is streaming its CCI4*-S at EQSportsNet. It’s not free, but EQSportsNet and the USEA are offering a special 50% discount on EQSportsNet subscriptions by entering EQUSEA2019 in the redeem coupon section when signing up for a subscription. With this discount, subscribers will get a Silver Access subscription for $5 a month through the end of the year or a Gold Access subscription for $12.50 a month through the end of the year. Subscriptions can be cancelled at anytime.

Dressage wrapped up today — full report forthcoming! — and, #protip, TheHorsePesterer aka David Frechette has been busy videoing tests — check out his YouTube channel here. CCI4*-S show jumping takes place on Saturday from 3:26 to 5:26 p.m. Cross country follows on Sunday from 11:57 a.m. to 2:03 p.m.

Links: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Millstreet International Horse Trials in Ireland is live streaming its non-ERM divisions on their Facebook page here. If you’re up early, you can catch our U.S. representatives’ cross country rounds: Will Faudree and Pfun, who are sitting in 20th position after dressage on a score of 38.8, go at 10:12 local time (5:12 A.M. E.S.T.); and then at 10:48 local time (5:48 E.S.T) Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack, 16th after dressage on 37.5, will go out on course.

You can watch the Event Rider Masters division for free at the website here. If you missed the dressage live stream, you can re-watch it: session 1, session 2. See Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night’s test up above! ERM show jumping takes place on Saturday from 9:05 – 10:27 a.m. local time (4:05 – 5:27 a.m. EST); ERM cross country — check out the course — follows on Sunday beginning at 11:15 a.m. local time (6:15 a.m. EST).

Links: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Event Rider Masters, ERM Live Stream, Non-ERM Live Stream

Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials in Scotland is being broadcast on Horse & Country TV, which also requires a subscription. On Saturday, CCI2*-L cross country begins at 5 a.m. EST followed by CCI4*-L at 9 a.m. EST and CCI3*-L at 10:30 a.m. EST. On Sunday, CCI4*-S cross country begins at 5:30 a.m. EST and CCI4*-L show jumping begins at 10:15 a.m. EST.

Links: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, Live Stream, Cross Country Course Previews, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Go Eventing.

Dunnabeck, Five Points Cancel Horse Trial Divisions Due to Lack of Entries + Stone Gate Farm H.T. Update

By on Aug 23, 2019 3:30 pm -

Photo via the Dunnabeck H.T. Facebook page.

We are very sorry to share the news that two USEA horse trials, Dunnabeck Horse Trials and Five Points Horse Trials, have cancelled horse trial divisions at their upcoming events due to lack of entries.

On Tuesday Dunnabeck H.T. in Carbondale, Illinois, announced that its Sept. 7-8 horse trials would not run due to lack of entries. From the event’s website:

“We want to thank everyone for their support over the years. Dunnabeck is exploring new dates and new opportunities. We will be issuing FULL refunds to everyone who has submitted payment via check or Xentry this year.”

As an alternative the event announced that it would be hosting a mini trial and combined test on Saturday, Sept. 14. Divisions include Poles (6″), Green as Grass (18″), “Intro” Starter (2′), Starter (2′-2’3″), Beginner Novice (2’3″-2’7″), Novice (2’6″-2″11″) and Training (3’3″). Closing date is Sept. 9. View more information and access the entry form here, and keep an eye on Dunnabeck’s Facebook page for future announcements.

Yesterday Five Points H.T., held at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, North Carolina, announced the cancellation of the horse trial divisions for its Sept. 7-8 event. From the Carolina Horse Park Facebook page:

“Due to a severe drop in entries, the Five Points Horse Trials organizing committee has made the difficult decision to cancel the horse trial (A,I,P,M) classes of this competition. Full refunds will be made to current entries within the horse trial divisions.

“All Combined Tests, YEH and FEH divisions will run as scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8, respectively. In addition, we are now offering a Derby Cross competition (I,P,M,T,N, BN) on Sunday, Sept. 8. The Derby Cross ($75 entry fee) will feature outstanding course design and décor with a mix of show jumps and cross country fences including combinations, water complexes, banks, ditches, grob and mounds all within the Montrose Pool Field.

“Please understand the Five Points Organizing Committee deeply regrets having to make this late decision, yet we are committed to offering a streamlined group of classes that will allow horses and riders to compete and experience an outstanding day of sport.

“It is best to contact Sarah Thomas by email at: [email protected] to discuss refunds as well as Combined Test, YH and Derby Cross entries.”

Photo courtesy of Stone Gate Farm.

These events aren’t the only horse trials that are struggling. Jackie Smith of Stone Gate Farm H.T, to be held Sept. 14-15 in Hanoverton, Ohio, reached out to EN for help draw attention to how fragile many of favorite events are — Stone Gate Farm included.

“Our fall horse trials has been struggling for entries the last few years, but compared to our spring event which was the biggest one ever, this is a little disconcerting,” she says.

Whether the reason has to do with back-to-school, competition from the American Eventing Championships (Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at the Kentucky Horse Park), or otherwise, Jackie says, “Whatever the reason, we’re way down on entries. The same thing happened last year so in order to save a little money we have made it a one-day. However, it’s as much work preparing the farm for 70 entries as a 170 entries.  You do the math. Like the others I should cancel, but I won’t but a few more entries would really help.”

Entries for Stone Gate Farm H.T. will be accepted through Sept. 3, with entries made after the Aug. 27 closing date to be made via Xentry including a $25 late fee. On-ground stalls are still available. Due to lack of entries, the YEH and NEH classes have been cancelled but the FEH (yearling through 4-year-old) classes will still run on Saturday, Sept. 14. Also on Saturday, show jumping schooling rounds begin at 3 p.m.; online signup is available via the SGF website. USEA Starter through Prelim horse trial divisions will take place on Sunday, Sept. 15 — view the Omnibus listing here.

Now more than ever, Go Eventing.

Twin Rivers Appoints Hugh Lochore as New Cross Country Course Designer

By on Aug 23, 2019 1:52 pm -

Photo by Marcus Greene Photography.

Twin Rivers Ranch is excited to welcome Hugh Lochore as their new cross country course designer for the Intermediate through CCI4* levels, beginning immediately with their September International event. This will be the first time FEI divisions will be included in the Fall Horse Trials in several years as the organizing committee expanded the program following record entries at their April FEI event.

“We are very excited to welcome Hugh to our team at Twin Rivers. We look forward to having some new eyes on the property to get a fresh crack at the courses,” Twin Rivers organizer Connie Baxter said. “This fall will allow Hugh to get used to the property and the flow of the show, in order to really put forward a new vision for 2020.”

Lochore is excited to bring his experience to Twin Rivers in Paso Robles, CA. Having designed all over the United States, and the world, he has an amazing eye for developing courses which incorporate the natural terrain of a property, creating a positive flow for both horses and riders. Lochore is visiting the venue and is excited to continue to work with Tommy Nenneman and his team of course builders, at Twin Rivers to get a feel for the courses and elements at the venue.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to design courses at Twin Rivers and work with the Baxter family. I have been a fan of this venue for quite a long time, and I look forward to the opportunity of utilizing some of the wonderful elements already present while adding my own touch to the courses at this prominent West Coast venue,” Lochore added.

This fall, competition at the family-owned and operated ranch located in the heart of the Paso Robles wine country will begin Thursday, September 19th with the West Coast Future Event Horse Championship. Jeff and Connie Baxter, owners of Twin Rivers Ranch, have hosted eventing competitions since 2004 and with more record-breaking numbers predicted, they are excited to welcome competitors to the first fall FEI event that Twin Rivers has hosted in several years.

In addition to the exciting competition spectators can enjoy in person, Twin Rivers will also be bringing back the live stream for the FEI divisions after an overwhelmingly positive response at the April event. Sponsorship packages are available with 30-second commercial opportunities on the live stream. For more information contact [email protected]. Viewership was extremely high during the April event and Twin Rivers is looking forward to providing the same high-quality coverage in September.

Twin Rivers Ranch appreciates the generosity of the following sponsors: APF, Estrella Equine Hospital, Ice Horse, Professional’s Choice, Riding Warehouse, and Whirlwind Excavating.

For the full schedule and results, as well as to learn more, please visit the Twin Rivers Ranch website.

[Twin Rivers Appoints Hugh Lochore as New Cross Country Course Designer]

 

Daisy Berkeley Blooms in Blair Castle CCI4*-S Dressage

By on Aug 23, 2019 1:38 pm -

Daisy Berkeley and Ballinteskin Cooper S. Photo by Douglas Lamont courtesy of Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials.

Daisy Berkeley slipped into the lead late in the afternoon in the CCI4*-S class at Scotland’s Land Rover Blair Castle International Horse Trials, and is in first place going into tomorrow’s show jumping phase.

Riding Ballinteskin Cooper S, a 10-year-old owned by Daisy and her mother Caroline Dick, Roxana White and Mary Scott-Gall, Daisy scored 30.4 – just a fraction of a penalty more than the two riders who share second place on 30.5, Astier Nicolas and Sam Ecroyd.

Daisy, who was part of Britain’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2008 Olympics, said: “The only mistake he made in his test was jogging a bit after I got a fly in my eye, and I prefer him a bit sharp because it meant he had a lot more presence.

“He’s an awesome jumper and a lovely mover. I thought coming to Blair would bring him on before he goes to Blenheim for the CCI4*-L, and I love it here. I’ve brought my eight-year-old daughter, Mary, with me, and she says it is the best holiday ever!”

Frenchman Astier Nicolas, a narrow second in this class on the grey eight-year-old Babylon De Gamma and also in the lead in the CCI3*-L aboard Lumberton, set the standard when first to go at 9 a.m. this morning.

“Our test wasn’t perfect – he’s a bit of a weak baby – but soon he’ll be very good,” said Astier, team gold and individual silver medallist at the 2016 Olympics. “He’s very talented, and one of the best horses I’ve ever sat. He’s my biggest hope for the future.”

Both Daisy and Astier complimented the ground conditions at Land Rover Blair Castle, saying that the going underfoot was “beautiful.”

Sam Ecroyd also scored 30.5 on Davinci III, while Polly Stockton and Mister Maccondy are very close behind in fourth on a mark of 30.8.

There are no changes to the leaders of the other three international classes at Land Rover Blair Castle after the second day of dressage. Emilie Chandler sits on top in the CCI4*-L with Gortfadda Diamond with a score of 31.8, ahead of Louisa Lockwood with Diamond Ructions on  33.3.

In the CCI3*-L, Greta Mason with Cooley For Sure and Sarah Holmes with Lowhill Clover hold joint-second place with 32.2 behind Astier Nicolas and Lumberton on 31.5.

And Aberdeenshire’s Emma Murray is still at the head of the CCI2*-L with 28.6 on Wainthropp. Again, two riders share second place in this section: Germany’s Josephine Schnaufer with Ronaldo IV and Britain’s Polly Stockton with Sir Alfred II, both of whom scored 30.5.

Cross country commences shortly after 10 a.m. on Saturday morning with the CCI2*-L, followed by the CCI4*-L and then the CCI3*-L. The showjumping phase of the CCI4*-S takes place tomorrow with cross country on Sunday.

Read our day one dressage report here.

[Daisy blooms at Blair: day two of dressage]

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

CCI4*-S Dressage Top 10: 

US Equestrian Names Nations Cup Team for Boekelo CCIO4*-L

By on Aug 23, 2019 12:33 pm -

Image via US Equestrian.

US Equestrian has just named the U.S. Nations Cup team for Boekelo CCIO4*-L, which takes place Oct. 10-13, in Enschede, the Netherlands. Erik Duvander will serve as the chef d’equipe.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations will compose the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team:

  • Jennie Brannigan (West Grove, Pa.) and Stella Artois, the Stella Artois Syndicate’s 11-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred mare
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp (Ocala, Fla.) and Cooley Quicksilver, the Monster Partnership’s eight-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding
  • Frankie Thieriot Stutes (Occidental, Calif.) and Chatwin, the Chatwin Group’s 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding

The following combination has been named as the traveling reserve:

  • Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markel’s 13-year-old German Sport Horse gelding

The following combinations have been named as alternates:

  • Matt Flynn (Reddick, Fla.) and Wizzerd, A. Patrick Flynn, Kathleen Flynn, and Merry Go Round Farm’s 10-year-old KWPN gelding
  • Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.) and Danger Mouse, her and Sherrie Martin’s 11-year-old Warmblood gelding

Boekelo also serves as a test event for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The competition is testing the new Olympic team format, which means there are only three riders on the team and no drop score.

Under the new Olympic team format, the traveling reserve is still a very critical fourth member of the team. The way Boekelo is testing the format will differ from the Olympics, as the reserve for Tokyo will only step in should one of the three team horses be unable to continue on to the next phase (due to elimination, unsoundness, etc). For Boekelo, the traveling reserve will compete in all phases, and their score can be substituted in as a counting score should one of the three team members be unable to continue (due to elimination, unsoundness, etc.)

There are a number of rules that dictate how substitution will work at the actual Games. Full FEI Regulations for Equestrian Events at the Olympic Games are available here. Click here for a direct link to the Games rules. View more information about the FEI Eventing Nations Cup the Netherlands here.

[US Equestrian Announces Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ the Netherlands]

 

Great Meadow International CCI4*-S Cross Country Course Preview

By on Aug 23, 2019 11:00 am -

Fence 22AB.

With a new date and new divisions, the MARS Great Meadow International also welcomed David O’Connor as the new cross country course designer in 2019. He takes the reins from Mike Etherington-Smith, who served the venue in its first four years.

The track remains similar to past years, with the start and finish only slightly relocated on the steeplechase side of the property. There are 23 numbered fences with 33 jumping efforts sprinkled across the Northern Virginia countryside, well known for its rolling terrain which can make the time more challenging for competitors. Historically, around 10-12% of riders complete inside the time, so we’ll be closely watching our pathfinders to see how David’s track compares.

Previous courses here have seen a clear jumping rate trending around 70%, but last year saw that number drop significantly, with only 40% getting around without jumping penalties. Almost half the field fell victim to the brush corners inside the ring, which are featured again on this course. Just outside the Fleming arena, the MARS brush corners (11AB) are now flagged to allow a direct, more challenging line, or a longer, more curved alternate route.

Cross country for the CCI4*-S division begins Sunday at noon. You can watch it all via EQSportsNet’s live stream. Scroll on to follow our fence-by-fence preview:

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

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Aug 23, 2019 9:00 am -

It’s going to be a bit of a bullet-point bonanza This Week in Horse Health News, presented by our friends at MediVet Equine, because we have two big, multifaceted topics to cover this week!

First up, since summer isn’t quite over yet all those nasty mosquito- and fly-borne diseases are still running amok. That means cases of infectious diseases are still popping up around the country and it’s our due diligence to keep tabs on them. Here is your quick-and-dirty update on what’s happening:

  • Louisiana has had a wet summer and is subsequently seeing an increase in mosquitos and mosquito-borne diseases. Since June, 18 horses in Louisiana have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE). One horse also tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). None of the affected horses were vaccinated. [Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry]
  • Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) has been confirmed in 7 states since late June: Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming, and most recently, Utah. Texas and Colorado have been the hardest hit, but fortunately the number of new cases seems to be winding down and the number of facilities being released from quarantine is going up. [USDA Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) Situation Report – August 19, 2019]
  • A horse and a mule on the same property in Wisconsin recently tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). These are first cases of EIA in Wisconsin in the last 15 years. [The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection]

Next up, the 15th Conference of the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) took place at the University of Guelph, in Ontario, Canada earlier this week and The Horse was on hand to bring readers some tidbits from the latest research discussed. Here are some of the most interesting highlights of of the conference proceedings that pertain to sport horses:

  • A researcher from Aarhus University in Denmark studied how increased rider weight affects horses during a dressage test. She found that adding up to 25% more weight to the rider’s bodies, so that the rider-to-horse weight ratio reached up to 23%, did not increase stress indicators in the horse. The study only looked at the acute effects of weight increase, not long term effects. More detail about the data collection can be found here.
  • Also out of Denmark, a veterinarian found an easy way to check your balance in the saddle — take two bathroom scaled and stand with one foot on each. Is there more weight on one side? Using a pressure mat placed under the saddle, the study found that riders who stood crooked on scales also sat crooked in the saddle and the average difference between side was 7 lbs.
  • A horse’s body weight is just one of many other factors that affects how footing surfaces act on the body. A researcher from the University of Guelph found that softer footing might put more stress on a heavier horse’s musculoskeletal system than firm footing during the mid-point of the horse’s stride.
  • Another researcher from the University of Guelph is investigating how strain on a horse’s leading limb varies depending on whether the horse is galloping on a straight line or a curve. Most catastrophic injuries to North American racehorses occur to the left forelimb — could this be because North American races are run counterclockwise? We’ll have to wait until the research is finished to find out.

[The Horse]

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Aug 23, 2019 12:03 am -

Photo by Matt Brown.

Want to be a working student for one of the top riders in the country! Now is your chance to be that girl sweeping hay out of the loft! Matt Brown is looking for an enthusiastic young person to join his team in Pennsylvania, just a few days a week. You can part time it there and learn a ton, while still doing your own thing. Don’t miss this opportunity!

National Holiday: National Sponge Cake Day

Major Weekend Events:

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

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

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

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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]

News From Around the Globe:

Sadly due to lack of entries, Five Points Horse Trials has been cancelled. The event announced yesterday that they will still be providing combined tests for all of the levels, and a derby cross event for select levels, as well as their FEH and YEH classes, but no horse trials this year. [Five Points HT Cancelled]

Equestrian pursuits are often labelled as being only for the super rich, but is that really true? A recent study into the socioeconomic status of equestrians across five countries (US, UK, New Zealand, Canada & Australia) found that almost all of the respondents identified as middle class, with only 10% reporting more than $100,000 a year income. Three quarters of respondents said they feel emotionally supported by family and friends, but not financially. [Socioeconomic Status of Equestrians]

Who is *officially* the world’s most handsome horse? I mean obviously I think it’s my horse, but apparently it’s this Friesan stallion Frederik The Great, who resides in Arkansas and competes in dressage. Known as the Real Life Black Beauty, Frederik has insanely long mane that reaches his fetlocks, and has also appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. His earnings from media appearances, social media ads, and photoshoots are about $20,000 a month, which is certainly more than I can say for any of my lazy bum horses. [The Most Handsome Horse in the World]

Best of Blogs: TB Makeover: The Intersection of Courage and Fear

 

Phillip Dutton & Fernhill Pick Pocket Power to Great Meadow CCI3*-S Dressage Lead

By on Aug 22, 2019 6:36 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Pick Pocket. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Phillip Dutton is no stranger to the pressures of riding for owners, but he’s got an extra special one to impress this weekend: his stepdaughter Lee Lee Jones. She, her grandmother Annie Jones, and Caroline Moran are the proud owners of the MARS Great Meadow International CCI3*-S dressage leader, Fernhill Pick Pocket.

“Ollie,” the 8-year-old irish Sport Horse (Chacco Blue x Bracklin Mystique, by Solitair), produced the only sub-30 score for the top of the class with a first phase result of 29.8.

“He’s very correct and beautiful mover and does everything well. It actually wasn’t mistake free — we broke in the counter canter, but the exciting part is that he’s going to be pretty spectacular one day when he finally gets a bit more education in him,” he said. “We’re all excited because he’s improving each week and we’re going to take our time. He’s not that mature a horse. Because of Lee Lee’s accident and all that he’s missed a bit of training. But I think he’s going to be a top of the line horse.”

Phillip says Great Meadow is another important stepping stone in the horse’s career, so he’ll be thinking of the future when he heads out on cross country later in the weekend.

“He’s a good jumper, but he gets a bit strong. He’s probably not up to going as fast as I need to at this stage. I don’t want to go fast and lose the rideability of him because I don’t think that’s good long term. I’ll give him a good run, but won’t break any records,” he said.

Lee Lee bought Ollie as a 4-year-old from Carol Gee and produced him up to the training level before her accident in 2016. The following spring, Phillip took over the ride, bringing the horse along slowly and methodically. For a man who rides many, many nice horses it’s hard to miss the twinkle in his eye when he talks about Ollie’s potential.

“He’s a real athlete, and there’s a not a jump too hard for him,” he said. “He’s careful, he can jump a big jump. He’s actually pretty quick on the cross country — it’s mainly the rideability. He’s also naturally really gifted on the flat. Those are all good traits to have.”

Caitlin Silliman and Ally KGO. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Caitlin Silliman put the polish on to pilot Ally KGO to a personal best International score on 30.2 points for second place.

Morgan McCue produced the 8-year-old Trakehner (Hirtentanz 2 x Annabel Lee, by Butow), who is owned by her Q-Brook Stables, through the training level before handing over the reins to Caitlin. She admits it’s been a “slow climb” up the levels, but with the big picture looming, the mare shone in a big way today.

“I haven’t had her at a big competition, so we’ve been working a lot on her focus and being confident in a big atmosphere. She was very focused in there — lot’s of little mistakes, but nothing huge,” Caitlin said. “It’s been a slow climb up the level, but we’ve got big plans for her. She loves the sport and tries very hard.”

Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride and Favian. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“It was a hot day to be a Black Beauty,” said Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride of her own 11-year-old Oldenburg (French Kiss x Risiko, by Relevant), Favian. This pair also joined the PB club today, earning a 30.8 on the flat for third place.

Valerie, who splits her time between playing judge and competitor, bought the horse from Tamie Smith three years ago, challenging her with an entirely different kind of ride. “I’m used to all of my Ferrari Thoroughbreds. It took me a long time to figure out how to deal with his massive stride. It doesn’t have the Thoroughbred anxiety as an engine so you have to create that,” she said, but today it looked like she cracked the code.

“It was a super accurate test. He was so steady, I could go for everything. I knew he would probably come back easily too — he’s 60% warmblood. The conditions were in my favor today.He didn’t have a whole lot of pizzaz for his trot, but everything was super steady. I’m so proud of him for putting in such a mistake-free test.” she said.

Clayton Fredericks and FE Cold Play. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Clayton Fredericks took hold of fourth place with his own FE ColdPlay. He and the 7-year-old German Sport Horse are breathing down the neck of our top three with a current score of 30.9.

Sharon White and her up-and-coming Claus 63, a 7-year-old Holstiener (Catoo x Tina II, by Levisto), sit fifth on 31.5 penalty points.

Boyd Martin and Contestor. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Contestor leads the Windurra pack in 6th as Boyd Martin’s top-placing horse after dressage. Denise Lahey’s 12-year-old KWPN (Contango x Jer’s Princess, by Killer Jer) earned a score of 31.6.

Boyd is also 7th with Ringo Star (31.9), 12th with Bonito (32.7), 14th with Carlsburg (33.4), and 25th with Maya (35.7).

There’s a hot race for 8th place with a three way tie shared between Daniel Clasing & MW Gangster’s Game, Buck Davidson & Electric Lux, and Emily Bradford & The Disco Traveler all on a score of 32.2.

These guys enjoy a day off tomorrow before Saturday’s show jumping.

Go eventing.

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