Classic Eventing Nation

A Very *Chef’s Kiss* Italian Team Announced for European Championships [Updated: 08/14]

By on Aug 9, 2019 12:30 pm -

Simone Sordi and Amacuzzi. Photo courtesy of FEI/Libby Law.

Hollow out your cheese wheels and pass us the extra virgin (that’s olive oil, you heathens) – the Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri has announced its squad of six riders for this month’s European Championships in Luhmühlen (28 August – 1 September). Congratulations to:

  • Vittoria Panizzon and Super Cillious, owned by Lucy Allison, Deborah Bevan, Juliet Donald, and the rider
  • Umberto Riva and Tim de la Lande, owned by Claudio Riva
  • Pietro Roman and Barraduff, owned by Antonella Ascoli
  • Arianna Schivo and Quefira de l’Ormeau, owned by Thomas Bouquet and the rider
  • Simone Sordi and Amacuzzi, owned by Maria Giovanna Mazzocchi
  • Giovanni Ugolotti and Note Worthy, owned by Andrew Cawthray

[8/14 update: Marco Biasia and Junco CP will replace Umberto Riva and Tim de la Lande on the Italian squad.

“Sadly no [European Championships] for us,” said Umberto in a statement on his personal Instagram account. “Tim did not full recover after [his] last competition at [Haras du Pin] and the short period of time left to the EU event leaves us with no other choice. We will be taking care of Tim and make sure he will be back stronger than ever before!”

New call-up Marco has a wealth of team experience: he’s competed at four senior European Championships (2001, 2003, 2007, and 2011) and four World Equestrian Games (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010), though this will be a first call-up with new ride Junco CP, who finished 24th at last year’s WEG with Spain’s Carlos Diaz Fernandez. In four internationals together so far, they’ve finished inside the top twenty at each – though their last international run, at Pratoni CCI4*-S in June, did see them clock up twenty penalties across the country.]

Italy is one of several nations that will be fighting for a Tokyo qualification in Luhmühlen, though they’re hedging their bets – they’ve fielded a team at every leg of the FEI Nations Cup series so far, and in doing so, they’ve accumulated enough points to lead the standings. With three legs left to go and the Swedes hovering just five points behind, it’s no sure thing, but it’s an impressive insight into chef d’equipe Kathrine Lucheschi‘s commitment to the cause.

The team is headed up by stalwart Vittoria Panizzon, who has represented Italy in two Olympics (2008, 2012), a World Equestrian Games (2014), four senior European Championships (2005, 2007, 2013, 2017) and two Young Rider Europeans (2003, 2004), as well as innumerable Nations Cups. Her ride at Luhmühlen isn’t top horse Borough Pennyz, but rather the British-bred Super Cillious. At just ten years old, he’s already notched up top ten finishes in CCI4*-S competitions at Blenheim, Belton, and in the Nations Cup at Camphire, and an exciting CCI4*-L debut saw him take eleventh place at Blenheim last year.

Giovanni Ugolotti, too, has amassed some crucial team experience, riding for Italy at the 2014 World Equestrian Games and both the 2013 and 2015 European Championships, but it’ll be a first championship call-up for new ride Note Worthy, previously piloted by Oliver Townend. They head to Luhmühlen off the back of an eighth-place finish at Camphire, which helped the Italian team to third place in the Nations Cup.

Arianna Schivo and Quefira de l’Ormeau. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Arianna Schivo also brings forward championship experience, though unlike Vittoria and Gio, hers has been in tandem with her named horse: she and Quefira de l’Ormeau have competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, last year’s WEG, and two European Championships (2015, 2017). This spring, they finished just outside the top 20 at Badminton. Pietro Roman and Barraduff are a similarly experienced duo – they joined Arianna and Quefira at all four championships. Their last international run was at Luhmühlen, where they finished ninth in the tough CCI4*-S class.

Umberto Riva will be making his senior championship debut after a successful under-18s career that saw him contest two Junior European Championships (2009, 2010) and two Pony Europeans (2007, 2008). The 27-year-old will ride Tim de la Lande, a 12-year-old Selle Français on whom he took the ride at the end of 2017. Since then, they’ve maintained a spotless cross-country record at internationals, jumping clear – and fast – around tracks including Boekelo CCI4*-L and Luhmühlen CCI4*-S. The other two phases aren’t quite as strong, but as far as senior championship debutantes go, they’re a promising pair. Simone Sordi will be making his second championship appearance – he and Amacuzzi started at, though didn’t complete, Tryon last year. This season, they can boast a top-twenty finish in Luhmühlen’s CCI5*-L.

[Campionati Europei: Ecco la Short List Degli Azzurri]

Eight Yellow Cards, One Warning Issued to Eventers at Pan American Games

By on Aug 9, 2019 10:42 am -

Jose Enrique Mercado Suarez and Tehuacan (MEX). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The FEI issued eight yellow cards and one recorded warning to eventers during the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. No yellow cards were issued to riders from the USA, Brazil, Canada or Guatemala.

The following riders received yellow cards:

  • Luciano Claudio Brunello (ARG) and Maria Tereza — Dangerous riding / riding too fast
  • Rodrigo Martin Abella Lemme  (URU) and SVR Arbitro — Dangerous riding / series of dangerous jumps
  • Guillermo Garin Heyermann (CHI) and Bipolar — Dangerous riding / continuing after three refusals
  • Alva Pierola Hans Chener (PER) and Continera Z — Dangerous riding / continuing after three refusals
  • Cardenas Salazar Marcelino (PER) and Vento — Dangerous riding / series of dangerous jumps
  • Carlos Narvaez (ECU) and Que Loco — Dangerous riding / continuing after three refusals
  • Jose Enrique Mercado Suarez (MEX) and Tehuacan — Dangerous riding / endangering the public (jumped rope)
  • Carlos Villarroel (CHI) and Quilano — Abuse of horse / excessive use of whip

In addition, one rider received a recorded warning:

  • Juan Carlos Tafur Eisenmayer (COL) and Blue Moon — Dangerous riding / series of dangerous jumps

Of the yellow-carded riders, Luciano Claudio Brunello finished 16th, Marcelino Cardenas Salazar withdrew at the final horse inspection, and Jose Enrique Mercado Suarez finished 10th. The others were eliminated on cross country.

Of 42 starters, that’s about 21% of the field or one in every five riders. Six of the 10 nations fielding teams were affected. Significantly more yellow cards were issued at the Pan American Games than at any other FEI event in the past 12 months.

These troubling statistics seem symptomatic of a broader problem. We all appreciate that it’s so important to involve new flags in international eventing, but how can we do so in a safe and inclusive manner?

The FEI has issued 48 yellow cards and 35 recorded warnings thus far in 2019. The FEI’s list of yellow cards and sanctions is updated weekly during the eventing season and can be viewed on the FEI’s website.

Product Review: Correct Connect Reins

By on Aug 9, 2019 9:00 am -

Photo courtesy of Correct Connect.

How many times as a rider have you heard from your coach or trainer, “shorten your reins!” If you have been riding or teaching riding lessons for any period of time you now this quote well. Thanks to Correct Connect, there is now a tool to help you train rein length and connection.

Correct Connect was developed by 1996 Olympic eventing team member Jill Henneberg. After competing at the top level for many years as well as coaching, Jill saw a need to help her students better understand the feel of a true consistent connection. This is when Correct Connect reins were developed.

The Correct Connect system is really easy to use, which is one of the best perks of the whole concept. The main package comes with a set of reins and gloves. The reins stick to the gloves with velcro. The velcro pieces in the gloves are strategically placed where the rein should sit in your hand and fingers. Now I know what you are thinking, what if I need to shorten or lengthen my reins during my ride? The velcro is strong, but not so strong that you cannot easy move your hand if needed.

The original glove has larger patches of velcro; there is also a Lite glove where the velcro patches are slimmer. I tried riding with both and can definitely see where for a rider that struggles with rein length the original glove would be a good place to start and as that rider gets more confident with the feel of the connection they could graduate to the Lite glove.

Buck Davidson is a huge believer in the Correct Connect system and a partial owner of the company and says that Correct Connect has helped him and his students tremendously in dressage by teaching proper rein length and allowing relaxation through the arms and elbows to create a consistent connection with the horses mouth.

Over fences many riders feel that recovery is faster and they are able to better stay with their horses over all phases of the jump.

Photo courtesy of Jimmie Schramm.

Another added bonus of the Correct Connect rein which I did not even think about until it happened while I was riding was velcro in the rain! One issue as a rider is trying to hold on to slippery reins when it is raining or your horse is particularly sweaty. The reins stayed grippy while riding and it was much easier to keep a hold of the reins and contact even though it was raining.

As if you needed another reason to try these reins out, one last added bonus is that the price is very affordable! For $99 dollars you can get the reins and gloves. I am definitely sold on this product as a training tool and also as a competitive edge in inclement weather. For any trainer or rider, check out this system and keep these as a staple in your tack room.

Visit the Correct Connect website here.

Go Eventing.

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Aug 9, 2019 12:03 am -

Photo via Lynn Symansky.

USEA Groom of the Year Kendyl Tracy is saying goodbye to the grooms life after six years with Lynn Symansky, and saying hello to starting her own training and sales business. Kendyl has groomed at the top level ever since I’ve known her, and is impeccable in her dedication to the sport, but is also a very talented rider and trainer herself, and I know I’m not alone in wishing her the best with her new ventures!

National Holiday: National Book Lovers Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

GMHA Festival of Eventing H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Otter Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Woodside Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Area VII YR Benefit H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

WindRidge Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Spring Gulch Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Applewood Farm FEH/YEH & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe: 

The dressage world was rocked yesterday as Olympic veteran Michael Barisone was charged with attempted murder after shooting client Lauren Kanarek twice in the chest at his barn in New Jersey. Newest reports say that Lauren has emerged from emergency surgery but still remains in critical condition. Michael represented the US in the 2008 Olympics and helped coach riders to achieve the bronze medal in 2016 in Rio.  [Michael Barisone Charged with Attempted Murder]

More interesting research emerges on the use of stem cells in healing tendon injuries in horses. Canadian researchers are about to begin clinical trials using allogeneic umbilical cord blood stem cells to treat superficial digital flexor tendonitis or bowed tendons in horses. The goal of the team from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is to develop a readily available treatment to prevent the formation of scar tissue and create good quality tendon tissue to replace the damaged tissues, which are less prone to re-injury. [Tendon Injuries and Stem Cell Treatment]

If you’re in Florida this month, go be a volunteer in Ocala!  Volunteers are needed for our Ocala Summer Horse Trials II, August 17-18th. Dressage and Show Jumping will be running Saturday, and Cross Country will run exclusively on Sunday. Signing up is easy with Eventing Volunteers online, just a few easy steps and you’re on your way. [Volunteer for Ocala Horse Trials]

What happens when you cross one Olympic gold medallist with the full sibling of the winningest dressage horse in history? You get U-Genius, the son of Carl Hester’s Olympic mount Uthiopia out of Valegro’s full sister, Weidyfleur II. Is he this best bred horse in the world? Quite possibly. [Dressage Superstar in the Making]

 

Thursday Video from Ecovet: Nations Cup Game Plan with Michael Jung

By on Aug 8, 2019 6:45 pm -

Get inside Michael Jung’s head. The FEI joined him on a course walk at Strzegom’s Nations Cup earlier this summer to hear more about why he participates in the series, what he keeps in mind and why you should always have a plan B.

Some animals (and people) are more attractive to insects than others. In our equine friends, coat color, level of activity, carbon dioxide output and odors secreted by the horse all play a role. Find out how you can make the flies get lost at eco-vet.com.

Hartpury: Funnell Pips King at Post in Dressage Showdown

By on Aug 8, 2019 5:27 pm -

Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“The first Hartpury I ever came to, it was just a little event in the back field – there wasn’t an indoor or anything, it was just a very small agricultural centre,” says Pippa Funnell with a smile. Now, of course, the NAF International Hartpury Horse Trials looks rather different – held within the grounds of a university campus, best known for its industry-leading equine degrees, it’s one of the best-equipped internationals going.

As you stand atop the mound overlooking the expansive, green-fringed outdoor arena, the international-standard indoor, a bevy of classrooms and lecture theatres, and one of the best-stocked equine therapy centres in the world, you can be forgiven for thinking, “seriously – people go to university here?!” It’s hard to imagine anyone doing a keg stand here (not least because this is England, not an American Pie film), or stumbling bleary-eyed out of residence halls at 2 in the afternoon. In today’s sparkling sunshine, it’s all rather joyous and surreal, the architectural embodiment of two fingers up at anyone who ever said you can’t go to college for horses.

“It’s astonishing how it’s grown over the years,” Pippa says. “It’s one of our top venues in the country now – we come here jumping, too. We’re so lucky to have it.”

Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It’s not just a sightseeing trip for the enormously experienced British stalwart, though. A characteristically competitive score of 24.8 with MGH Grafton Street started Pippa’s day on an enviable – and not unfamiliar – track.

“He’s a really good boy, and he’s improving and getting stronger with every test he does,” says Pippa. “He’s always been pretty solid in this phase, so it’s just about getting the other bits together – but he’s improving, and fingers crossed by the time I get to Burghley he might be good. We’ll see!”

She also rode the nine-year-old Maybach to a provisional top-ten spot, scoring a 28.8 despite a break in the counter-canter.

“He wouldn’t have the same strength, but I was really delighted with his trot work. He just got a little bit bright in his canter and struggled a bit with that counter-canter. He recovered it, but a lot of his issue is just getting stronger. The system I’m doing with him is absolutely right, and now it’s just about being patient and not getting too greedy.”

Armed with an endless string of homebred and sourced showjumpers and eventers at her Surrey base, Pippa is arguably one of the country’s leading producers of young horses. When you see her ride two very different horses, each occupying a different end of the experience spectrum, it’s easy to see why.

“When you ride so many different horses each day, one of the things you always have to bear in mind is that you might have a system you believe in, but every horse is so individual in the way they think and how they’re built that you have to change the way you ride to help them,” she explains. “99% of horses don’t want to be naughty – it’s up to us to get inside their heads and work out how to get the brain on side. The brain comes on side when you ride them to help them, to help their physical build. Some people might have come out of that test on Maybach and been cross about the fact that he’d changed, but actually, he didn’t change because he’s naughty, he changed because he struggles to sit in the canter. Where I possibly went wrong is that I spent five minutes too long on him – that’s it. He had a bit of time off in the spring and although he’s cardiovascularly fit, he’s lost some of that topline muscle tone. It’s a bit of a thinking game – you have to think about each individual horse.”

Emily King and Brookleigh. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Despite an enormously successful day, Pippa certainly can’t rest on her laurels – Emily King and Brookleigh might have to be content with second place overnight, but their score of 24.9 keeps them well in the hunt. This will be a fourth international start for the pair after a tendon injury saw the seventeen-year-old gelding sit out three seasons. Earlier this summer, though, he proved that the break hadn’t dulled his competitive spirit when he added just a single time penalty to his dressage score of 23.6 to finish third in Bramham’s CCI4*-S.

“It’s so nice to go out there and feel like he’s enjoying his job – he had a bit of a wiggle at one point, but it’s great, because it shows how well he’s feeling,” says Emily, who made her five-star debut aboard the former Clayton Fredericks ride in 2015, finishing fourth. They then headed to their first Badminton in 2016, producing the goods yet again to lie second after dressage. But it wasn’t to be: a fast and classy clear round across the country was scuppered by a surprise fall at the penultimate fence. But after three years without her horse of a lifetime, Emily isn’t wasting a moment on regrets.

Emily King and Dargun. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Emily also sits equal third on 25.4 with Dargun, her 2018 Bramham Under-25 winner.

“It’s so lovely to just have my two boys here this week,” laughs the 23-year-old, who left her family home in Devon to set up shop with boyfriend Sam Ecroyd in Cheshire last year, and is kept busy producing, competing, and selling a string of exciting young horses.

Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Emily shares third place with Australia’s Kevin McNab, riding Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam. This is one of a small string of horses provided for Kevin by the luxury footwear company, which also owns some of Holly Woodhead’s mounts, as well as several international showjumpers.

“[The partnership with Scuderia] is something we’ve been working on for a few years, and it’s really coming along now,” says Kevin. “It’s gradually getting to the point where we’ve got some horses to a fun place, so the work is beginning to show, but it’s actually not that new of a relationship.”

Originally produced by Hannah Bate, Don Quidam contested the Blenheim eight-and-nine-year-old class in 2017 before Kevin took over the ride. He returned to international competition the following autumn, showjumping internationally in Lier before making a calculated ascent back to four-star. Though Kevin opted to withdraw him before cross-country in his last run at Barbury, he’s enjoyed three top-ten finishes at CCI4*-S (Luhmühlen, Burnham Market) and CCI4*-L (Sopot) previously this spring.

Will Furlong and Collien P 2. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Young British rider Will Furlong showed a continued proclivity for this phase with Collien P 2. The 2019 season has seen the pair push their low-30s scores down into the 20s, and while today’s score of 26.5 doesn’t quite match the lofty heights they hit when posting a 23 at Burnham Market this spring, it does set them up well for their week. They sit fifth at the halfway stage.

Consistent dressage performers Millie Dumas and Artistiek lie in sixth place provisionally on a score of 27.5, while Will Rawlin and his Bramham podium partner VIP Vinnie showed that they’re not just a flash in the pan. Their score of 27.8 sees them hold onto seventh place.

James Avery and Aloha. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

New Zealand’s James Avery proved the potency of a new partnership, delivering a classy test with Aloha for a 28.1 and overnight eighth. This is just James’ third international with the fourteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse, the ride of which he took over from Matt Heath at the beginning of this year. They’ve racked up top three finishes in three-stars at Tattersalls and Camphire, and this weekend, they’ll make their four-star debut as a partnership. This is one of those interesting horses who seems to have been ridden by just about everyone at some point – he was produced by Jonelle Price, and then briefly ridden by Irish rider Brian Cournane and Oliver Townend before Tiana Coudray took over in 2015. She had the ride for a year, and then the gelding had a year out before Matt took over. Now, with James in the irons, he seems to be going the best he ever has: in their two internationals together, they’ve produced dressage scores well below his average and they’ve delivered two FODs – the only FODs of Aloha’s career.

The 104 strong CCI4*-S is fully stocked with major names, among them some of the horse-and-rider combinations we’ll be watching at the Longines FEI European Championships and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Among tomorrow’s showpieces are Sarah Bullimore and Reve du Rouet, first reserves for Great Britain’s Luhmühlen squad, as well as Piggy French and her two top horses – Burghley-bound Badminton victor Vanir Kamira and team ride Quarrycrest Echo. We’ll also get a chance to see World Number One Tim Price, who brings forward Bango and Ringwood Sky Boy, both of whom head to Burghley next month. Tom McEwen and Tina Cook will also enjoy final runs on Toledo de Kerser and Billy the Red, respectively, before a trip to Luhmühlen in two-and-a-half weeks’ time. We’ve got two Americans in the mix, too – Lexi Scovil will ride Chico’s Man VDF Z, while Katherine Coleman pilots Monte Classico.

There’s no live stream from Hartpury, unfortunately, but keep it locked on to EN – we’ll bring you everything you need to know from this pivotal event.

Until tomorrow – Go Eventing!

The top ten after the first day of dressage at Hartpury.

Hartpury: Website, Ride Times, Course Preview, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

US Equestrian Announces 2019 Eventing Training List Updates

By on Aug 8, 2019 4:54 pm -

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg weren’t on the original 2019 eventing training lists, but between winning the national five-star championship at Kentucky and double-gold at the Pan Am Games they got fast-tracked to Elite status. Looking forward to the next stop on their Tsetserleg World Domination Tour! Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

US Equestrian has just released updates to the 2019 eventing training lists, which are structured following the new U.S. Eventing Pathway Program. Spearheaded by U.S. Eventing Performance Director Erik Duvander, the program is designed to create a “culture of competitiveness” and provide a more clearly defined pathway for U.S. event riders.

The program restructured the training lists into Elite, Development Pre-Elite and Development Potential groups, and also includes the Emerging Athlete training lists. Click here to read more about the U.S. Eventing Pathway Program.

The 2019 lists have been updated from previous lists announced in December 2018.

Elite Training List: 

The Elite Program aims to support athlete and horse combinations demonstrating the ability to contribute to medal-winning potential at the World Championship level, measured against world-leading performances and looking to compete at the next Olympic or World Championship. The following combinations have been named to the Elite Training List:

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Z, Thomas Tierney, Simon Roosevelt, Suzanne Lacy, Caroline Moran, and Ann Jones’s 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding

Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Tsetserleg, Christine Turner’s 12-year-old Trakehner gelding

Development Pre-Elite Training List

The Development Pre-Elite Program aims to identify and support athlete and horse combinations that have the perceived potential to meet Elite status within the next two to four years, with the target of competing on a championship team in the next four to six years. The following combinations have been named to the Development Pre-Elite Training List:

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (Ocala, Fla.) and Deniro Z, The Deniro Syndicate and Ocala Horse Properties’ 11-year-old KWPN gelding

Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.) and Islandwood Captain Jack, Caroline and Sherrie Martin’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Long Island T, Long Island T Syndicate’s 13-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred gelding, as well as On Cue, Christine Turner’s 13-year-old English Sport Horse mare

Doug Payne (Aiken, S.C.) and Starr Witness, Doug Payne, Laurie McRee, and Catherine Winter’s 8-year-old KWPN mare, as well as Vandiver, Debi Crowley, Jessica Payne, and Doug Payne’s 15-year-old Trakehner gelding

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

Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, Va.) and Under Suspection, Mary Ann Ghadban’s 15-year-old Holsteiner mare, as well as RF Cool Play, The Donner Syndicate LLC’s 11-year-old German Sport Horse gelding

Frankie Thieriot Stutes (Occidental, Calif.) and Chatwin, The Chatwin Group’s 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding

Development Potential Training List

The Development Potential Program aims to focus athletes on education aimed at equipping them with the necessary tools and skills to have the perceived talent to reach Elite status in the next four to eight years, with the goal of Pre-Elite targets by the age of 30. The following athletes have been named to the Developing Potential Training List:

Maya Black (Clinton, Wash.)

Jenny Caras (Cartersville, Ga.)

Katherine Coleman (New Orleans, La.)

Hallie Coon (Ocala, Fla.)

Sydney Elliott (Bossier City, La.)

Matthew Flynn (Reddick, Fla.)

Ariel Grald (Vass, N.C.)

Allie Knowles (Lexington, Ky.)

Alex O’Neal (Reddick, Fla.)

U.S. Equestrian announced the 2019 Emerging Athlete Eventing 18 and Eventing 25 Program participants in December 2018.

[US Equestrian Announces Updates to Training Lists for U.S. Eventing Pathway Program]

 

Hartpury 2019 Kicks Off With Burghley Young Event Horse Qualifiers

By on Aug 8, 2019 3:30 pm -

Caroline Powell and Legally Grey. Photo courtesy of Hartpury Horse Trials.

The eventing superstars of tomorrow were the opening act for the 2019 NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials, taking place Aug. 7-11 in Gloucestershire, Great Britain. The Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Qualifier 4- and 5-year-old classes took place Wednesday, with Caroline Powell and Rodney Powell taking top honors in each class respectively.

Many of us associate Caroline with her great grey partner and fan favorite Lenamore, with whom she won Burghley in 2010. For the 4-year-old qualifier she brought forth a new prospect in Legally Grey, also grey but with silver dapples revealing of his youth. The gelding, who is by the Thoroughbred stallion Munther, scored consistently across the three sections to win on a total score of 80. Her nearest rival was Caroline Harris with W Be Individual, who finished on a total score of 76.

Rodney and Wanham Freebie, winners of the 5-year-old qualifier. Photo courtesy of Hartpury Horse Trials.

In the 5-year-old qualifier, Rodney and Wanham Freebie finished in top spot with a score of 88. Wanham Freebie is by Ramiro B, sire of top event horses including Ballynoe Castle RM, a Team USA veteran who was 3rd at Kentucky in 2014; Cooley Master Class, who won Kentucky in 2018 in his four-star debut; and Cooley SRS, who finished 2nd at Badminton in 2018 in his four-star debut. Ramiro B passed away in 2018 but his legacy continues with a number of exciting young horses such as this, and Wanham Freebie’s connections have high hopes for the bay gelding’s future.

British-based U.S. eventer Tina Coudray and Cabaret finished in second on a score of 81. Tiana had two other horses in the 5-year-old class, Jomink PFB and Enha Louvo, who finished 7th, and another horse in the 4-year-old class, B.B Geneveive.

“We always enjoy seeing so many talented young horses at our Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers,” said Philip Cheetham, Hartpury’s Equine Director. “We wish all those horse and rider combinations who qualified today the very best of luck at Burghley in the autumn.”

Photo courtesy of Hartpury Horse Trials.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, the first horse inspection took place for the NAF Five Star Mpower CCI2*-L and NAF Five Star Superflex CCI3*-L. Two horses were spun at the first horse inspection, one from the 2* competition and one from the 3* competition. Dressage got underway in both long-format competitions on Thursday alongside the NAF Five Star Magic CCI4*-S.

Tilly Berendt will be sharing dispatches from the event throughout the week, so do check back!

Go Eventing.

NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials: Website, Schedule, CCI4*-S Start Times, Live Scores

Brazil Takes Team Gold, U.S. Wins Bronze in Pan Am Show Jumping

By on Aug 8, 2019 1:00 pm -

Brazil took team gold, followed by Mexico for silver and the U.S. for bronze in 2019 Pan American Games show jumping. Photo by Yael Rojas / Lima 2019.

After taking team silver in eventing and bronze in dressage, Brazil capped an impressive two weeks at the 2019 Pan American Games with a gold medal — and a third ticket to Tokyo — for its jumping squad. Mexico and Canada also clinched Olympic qualification slots, finishing in 2nd and 4th place respectively, and the U.S. squad won bronze.

Team medals for this year’s Games in Lima, Peru, were awarded yesterday. The four-rider Brazilian squad of Marlon Modolo Zanotelli with Sirene de la Motte, Eduardo Menezes with H5 Chaganus, Rodrigo Lambre with Chacciama, and Pedro Veniss with Quabri de L Isle finished on a team total score of 12.39 points.

“We came here to qualify for Tokyo; that was the main goal and, of course, to chase this gold medal,” Menezes said. “It was a long journey to get here. It was an amazing journey together with these guys. This medal just gives the perfect end to it.”

Pedro Veniss of Team Brazil. Photo by Yael Rojas / Lima 2019.

It was a tight battle for silver, with Mexico ultimately claiming runner-up honors and the second of three available Olympic qualification slots on a 22.97-point score. The Americans, already qualified for Tokyo due to their gold medal at the 2018 WEG in Tryon last September, finished with the bronze medal on a team total of 23.09 points, while fourth-placed Canada secured the final Olympic qualification on a 30.21-point team total.

Erynn Ballard from Team Canada. Photo by Vidal Tarqui / Lima 2019.

 

Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, the U.S. team of Lucy Deslauriers, Alex Granato, Eve Jobs, and Beezie Madden put in solid performances.

“We came here for a medal, that’s what you always do in a championship, and we went away with a medal,” said Ridland. “We were a little bit disappointed because we were in the fight for the gold until the end, and then the silver slipped away. What I’m most proud of is that all four of the riders were an essential part yesterday, putting us where we were, and today as well. Everybody participated in a group effort, and I’m very proud of that.”

Team USA bronze medal winners, from left to right: Beezie Madden, Alex Granato, Eve Jobs and Lucy Deslauriers. Photo by Yael Rojas / Lima 2019.

For three out of the four U.S. riders, this was their first championship competition. As part of the long-term plans for the U.S. Jumping Team to give more experience to up-and-coming riders in team competition, these Games showed the strength of the pipeline of riders ready to join championship teams.

“We were in a favorable position coming in, having already qualified for the Olympic Games, but we sent a team that we knew would be competitive for the gold medal, which it was,” said Ridland. “It was important to have them be able to ride side-by-side with Beezie and all her experience and have [alternate] Richard Spooner as part of the team and be absolutely instrumental all week long. To be able to have three riders that have never been in a championship before come away with a medal, that’s what it’s all about.”

The scores from Wednesday’s two rounds of team competition were added to Tuesday’s opening round scores (with a drop score from each) to determine the team medals.

Alex Granato and Carlchen W. Photo by Vidal Tarqui / Lima 2019.

The pathfinders for the U.S. in the team rounds were Alex Granato (Wellington, Fla.) and Carlchen W, an 11-year-old Mecklenburg gelding owned by Page Tredennick. They had four fences down for 16 faults in round one.

Granato believes he “overthought” his first round. “He is such a fresh, oversensitive horse, and I went in and put a little more pressure on him in some places that I didn’t want to,” he explained. “Going where I did in the team order, it was not my ideal plan to put pressure on my teammates.”

Riding out of the second spot in the team order, Lucy Deslauriers (New York, N.Y.) and Hester, a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Lisa Deslauriers, had an eight-fault performance.

Team USA’s Eve Jobs and Venue d’Fees des Hazalles. Photo by Yael Rojas / Lima 2019.

Eve Jobs (Los Altos Hills, Calif.) and her own Venue d’Fees des Hazalles, a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, put in a critical clear round for the U.S. in round one.

“I really owe that round to her because I was really nervous, and she helped me a great deal,” said Jobs of her horse. “She always fights for me, and that’s one of the things that I love so much about her. She wants to win just as much as I do.”

Beezie Madden and Breitling LS. Photo by Yael Rojas / Lima 2019.

With an additional clear first round for two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) and Breitling LS, Abigail Wexner’s 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion, the U.S. Jumping Team sat in second place on 10.09 penalties behind Brazil with 7.39 penalties and followed by Mexico with 10.97 penalties.

Granato and Carlchen W had a determined comeback in round two, finishing with just one fence down and a single time fault for a total of five faults. After adding to their previous total, they finished with 21.92 penalties.

“He felt a lot more level-headed this round,” said Granato after his second ride. “I would have liked to have started with that this morning, but it gave me something to dig in and fight for to have a better round. That is the end of our game [this week], so I feel like we’re going out on a really confident and strong note.”

Lucy Deslauriers and Hester. Photo by Vidal Tarqui / Lima 2019.

Deslauriers and Hester also had a significant improvement in round two, recording a clear round for the U.S. team. They finished with 9.32 penalties.

“There were three or four places where I wasn’t 100 percent satisfied with my ride, so I was just really focusing on fixing those things,” noted the 20-year-old Deslauriers. “These weeks [at a championship] really are ultimately about performing for your team, so I was just really happy that I could pick up from my two down in the first round and help them out a little bit.

Lucy Deslauriers and Hester. Photo by Yael Rojas / Lima 2019.

“Representing the United States at any level feels special and important,” Deslauriers continued. “When it goes well, it’s even better. To do it at a championship alongside one of my best friends and two other riders I’ve looked up to, there are no words.”

Returning in the second round, Jobs and Venue d’Fees des Hazalles tallied eight faults for a final total of 9.17 penalties, but a podium finish was a consolation to the 21-year-old riding in her first championship.

“It’s like a dream come true,” expressed Jobs. “I really wasn’t expecting this, especially to win a medal not only with people that I’ve looked up to in the sport for years, but with one of my closest friends; I can’t even put into words how happy I am.”

Eve Jobs and Venue d’Fees. Photo by Fidel Carrillo / Lima 2019.

With two fences down in the careful line across the middle of the arena that challenged many competitors, Madden and Breitling LS ended with eight faults, which gave them eight penalties overall.

“I think there was maybe just a little lack of focus at the first fence [down] and that maybe distracted him for the second fence,” said Madden of her two rails. “I can’t really say there was any really big mistake there. I thought he jumped well both rounds, and it just didn’t go my way that round.”

As the most experienced rider on the team who has competed in four Olympic Games and is at her third Pan American Games, Madden pointed out, “I think the Pan American Games are a super stepping-stone to the Olympic Games. You get the same team atmosphere, the same pressure, trying to win a medal here. People get excited about it. I compliment this venue. It’s fantastic and they’ve done a super job. I think we have a great team here. It’s been a super experience so far, and we look forward to Friday.”

Beezie Madden and Breitling LS. Photo by Vidal Tarqui / Lima 2019.

 

While all four U.S. riders finished Wednesday’s team competition in the top 35 individually, only three athletes from any one nation may advance to the individual final. The top three U.S. riders, who all finished in the top nine in the individual standings, will advance to Friday’s individual final where they will start on a clean slate for faults for the final two rounds.

Beezie Madden, Lucy Deslauriers, and Eve Jobs will return on Friday, Aug. 9, for the individual final, in which athletes will compete in the first round at 12 p.m. EST and the top 20 return for a second round to determine the individual medals.

View complete team results here.

[Bronze Medal Performance for U.S. Jumping Team at Lima 2019 Pan American Games]

[Pan American Games Lima 2019: Brazil punches ticket to Tokyo with team gold]

The Czech Republic and Norway Name Riders for European Championships [Updated 08/14]

By on Aug 8, 2019 11:00 am -

Eliska Opravilova and Dunkas A. Photo by Daniel Tarka.

It might be a far cry from the star-studded announcements delivered by the likes of Great Britain and Germany, but here at EN, we’re all about championing those nations and riders who are making their first bold strides on the path to world domination. We’ll see some of those developing nations represented at the European Championships, taking place from the 28th of August – 1st September at Luhmühlen in Germany.

While these countries won’t join the fight for those two coveted Tokyo qualifications – without fielding a full team here, they’ll be ineligible to do so — the Europeans offers them a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and exposure on the world stage. (There will also be a few individual spots up for grabs for NOCs who don’t earn a team spot for the Olympics — we’ll be looking at this in more detail later this season!)

Two such nations have confirmed the riders they’ll be sending to Luhmühlen later this month. First up is the Czech Republic, with two riders named – congratulations to:

  • Eliska Opravilová and Dunkas A, owned by the rider
  • Robert Pokorny and Floor, owned by Jezdecky Klub NH CAR, LTD

[8/14 Update: the Czech Republic will only send Eliska Opravilová and Dunkas A to the European Championships.]

30 year old Eliska has been eventing internationally for seven years, after a busy junior career that saw her turn her hand to national-level dressage and international showjumping competition, as well as an avid sideline in polo. Her partnership with the sixteen-year-old Belgian warmblood Dunkas A is a relatively new one: they teamed up in 2017, moving up to four-star (then three-star) at the end of 2018. Since then, they’ve notched up clear cross-country runs at Strzegom CCI4*-S, Baborowko CCI4*-S, and Sopot CCI3*-L, and ran well but picked up an unfortunate eleven penalties in the CCI4*-L at Strzegom earlier this summer.

Dunkas A, for his part, has rather a lot of experience: Eliska is his fifth international partner, and he’s been ridden under four flags. In 2010, he finished 35th in the Seven Year Old World Championship under Belgium’s Paul Laurijssen, before Dutch rider Raf Kooremans took the reins for the first half of the 2011 season, successfully moving the horse up to four-star (then three-star) in the process. That September, Marc Rigouts of Belgium took the ride over, managing top-twenty finishes at Montelibretti and Bramham. In 2012, he piloted Dunkas A at the London Olympics, although they retired in the showjumping. After sitting out the 2015 season, Dunkas A spent 2016 with Germany’s Jörg Kurbel before heading to his current rider.

Robert Pokorny‘s mare Floor, on the other hand, is one of the youngest horses in the competition — at just nine years old, she’s contested fourteen internationals thus far, all with Robert in the irons. She finished 21st in 2016’s Six Year Old World Championship, winning her next international start — a CCI2*-S at Feldbach — with a 30.8 FOD. She moved up to four-star this May, executing a slow clear in Baborowko’s CCI4*-S for 21st place. Then, she delivered another clear — this one slightly faster — at Strzegom CCI4*-L in June for 12th place. Like Eliska, Robert will be making his championship debut.

Norway’s Hans Bauer and Præstegaardens Leopold. Photo courtesy of Roger Svalsrød/hesteguiden.com.

Norway, too, has announced its sole representative for the Europeans: Hans Bauer will ride Præstegaardens Leopold, owned by Blakstad Rideklubb, in his second championship appearance. Hans and the thirteen-year-old Danish Warmblood — his only international ride — helped make Norwegian eventing history in 2017, when they were part of Norway’s first-ever Europeans team. The year prior, they were in the Scandinavian country’s first Nations Cup team, too, following it up with another team appearance at the series finale at Boekelo. Though their mid-30s dressage scores will stop them from competing with the likes of Ingrid Klimke and Michael Jung, Hans and his stalwart partner have proven their consistency across the country over and over again: they’ve produced the goods over some seriously tough courses, with an 86% clear rate over their international career.

To those intrepid riders putting in the work to get their countries on the map — we salute you. This year’s European Championships will be closely fought, but it’ll be special for more than just its medal-winning teams — the competition is a phenomenal stepping stone for the great eventing nations of the future. And that sort of progress is what we’re all about, folks.

[Ready for the European Championships]