Classic Eventing Nation

Friday Video from SmartPak: High Drama (and High Winds) at Hartpury

By on Aug 16, 2019 5:00 pm -

Harry Meade and Tenareze at Hartpury. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Here at EN, there are few things we love more than a Harveywetdog video. It doesn’t get much more comprehensive, really – you get to see every rider, and you get to see multiple angles and several different approaches at every fence. For me, as an eventer in the UK, his back-catalogue is a unique and useful way for me to pick new courses to run at, and it’s also a great – and totally free! – way to learn from the comfort of my sofa.

So when David and I crossed paths in the media centre at the NAF International Hartpury Horse Trials, I was delighted – the stage was set for a hard-fought competition over a relentlessly tough course, and I welcomed the opportunity to be able to analyse it more closely after the fact.

Now that we’ve well and truly closed the book on Hartpury, we know how it all played out – and to no one’s surprise, it was hugely influential. Hartpury may ‘only’ be a CCI4*-S, but it’s very much designed with a certain autumn five-star in mind, and course designer Eric Winter ensures that horses and riders are thinking positively from the word go. Like Burghley, it’s a test of stamina and balance, making use of the undulations of the Gloucestershire countryside, and like Burghley, it doesn’t shy away from using maximum dimensions to really get horses in the air. Many of the horses we saw tackle it are entered for major long formats in the coming month or so, and so it provided an invaluable opportunity to watch them run and get an idea of their form as we head into autumn.

But it would be rude of me not to share the wealth, wouldn’t it? So pour yourself a glass of wine, settle in, and check out some of the world’s best horses over one of the summer’s beefiest four-stars. (And yes, you’ll get to see that fence – and you’ll get to see some of our chosen riders jump it, too!) Don’t forget to give David’s Facebook page a ‘like’, particularly if you’re based outside of the UK and want an incomparable insight into what we get up to on these shores.

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

 

 

Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Big Money for Kentucky-Breds

By on Aug 16, 2019 3:00 pm -

We’re inching ever-closer to 2019 Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover, which will be held October 2-5 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. As always, there are various monetary prizes up for grabs to top-placing horses in various categories.

This year’s biggest prize, $6,500 cash sponsored by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, Inc. (KTOB), will be awarded to the highest-placed Kentucky-bred at the competition. It’s fitting that the largest special award will be a highly competitive one — Kentucky-breds typically make up about one-third of all Makeover entries, according to RRP. Similarly, Kentucky-breds typically make up the largest percentage of North American Thoroughbreds born each year. Of the 20,800 Thoroughbreds born in 2019, a whopping 41% can call the Bluegrass State their Old Kentucky Home.

In that vein, this week our OTTB Wishlist brings you three Kentucky-breds looking for their next gig:

Cardinal Coach Mac. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Cardinal Coach Mac (POINT OF ENTRY – ASPEN WHISPER, BY MR. GREELEY): 2016 16.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

This tall and flashy guy goes by “Big Mac” around the barn — a fitting nickname for the 16.3-hand gelding. This three-year-old raced 7 times and earned a respectable $54,395 in those few starts. Despite winning his maiden and placing respectably in his other starts, Big Mac actually has a little more ‘whoa’ than ‘go’ under saddle so he is retiring without any known issues so that he can hopefully find a career that he likes a little better.

Big Mac is a goofy but polite gelding who is the low man on totem pole in the field. He has adjusted to life off the track seamlessly and even though he’s not an alpha horse, that doesn’t stop him from playing and having a good time in turnout. Despite being young and still very green, Big Mac is already very relaxed while working under saddle, giving to the bit, and brave.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Cardinal Coach Mac on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption

Souperfast. Photo by Second Stride Inc.

Souperfast (BROKEN VOW – PLAYA MAYA, BY ARCH): 2011 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Souperfast was indeed that for a good while, winning 7 out of his 29 career starts and earning just over $288,000. Since his racing performance started to drop off recently, his owners wanted to give him a chance to also be successful off the track as well and are looking to rehome him while he is sound and has unlimited potential for a second career. Souperfast arrived very recently to Second Stride and hasn’t had  full entry evaluation yet, but so far he seems to have no limitations. He was extremely well-behaved for his first ride off the track and looks like a kind-eyed gentleman who aims to please.

Located in Prospect, Kentucky.

View Souperfast on Second Stride, Inc.

Tuaandtwentysix. Photo by Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Tuaandtwentysix (GIANT’S CAUSEWAY – SEA OF SHOWERS, BY SEATTLE SLEW): 2016 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

Another easy-going chestnut gelding, “Tua” came to the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center straight off the track in June and has never looked back. While Tua simply loves being the center of attention and being pampered, he’s also curious and willing to work. He is just as happy being under saddle and learning how to be a riding horse as he is being cuddled in the barn. Tua raced just six times, never with any remarkable placings.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Tuaandtwentysix on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Aug 16, 2019 1:30 pm -

We have an eclectic mix of tidbits for you this week in Horse Health News brought to us by our friends at MediVet Equine. Let’s get to it:

A half-brother to the late great Theodore O’Connor was saved by the surgical team at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Hospital earlier this year. Three-year-old “Henry,” who is by the Cornell Equine Park’s Dutch Warmblood stallion Waterford and out of the 13.1-hand Chelsea’s Melody, who was also Theodore O’Connor’s dam, somehow impaled himself on a fence shortly after being turned out one day. His owner, Dr. Sonja Lawlis, herself a Cornell-educated veterinarian, immediately called the team at Cornell’s Equine Hospital. After removing the piece of wood, they performed surgery to clean and repair the wound, then provided months-long intensive supportive care and fought an antibiotic-resistant infection. [Cornell Chronicle]

Equine influenza has wreaked havoc in several areas of the world this year, but the hardest hit is likely West Africa. The outbreak, which spanned from January through June of this year, took the lives of nearly 60,000 in the countries of Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso. The outbreak was initially thought to be strangles, but veterinarians from the international animal charity Spana were able to finally submit samples to the Animal Health Trust in June leading to a confirmed diagnosis of equine flu. The diagnosis should help veterinary professionals and local communities better manage the aftermath of the epidemic and future outbreak scenarios. [HorseTalk]

Aloe vera is commonly used in barns as a supplement to help soothe and/or prevent ulcers, but is it really safe and is it really effective? Dr. Anthony Blikslager, a professor of equine surgery and gastroenterology at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, weighs in and says maybe not, but really it’s hard to know since there have been no peer-reviewed studies involving the use of aloe vera in horses. [The Horse]

Jon Holling’s OTTB Blog: Ragtime Rebel’s Show Jumping Dress Rehearsal

By on Aug 16, 2019 10:00 am -

EN is delighted to follow Jon Holling’s blog chronicling his journey with upper-level prospect Ragtime Rebel, a 5-year-old OTTB gelding he found through the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center. Ragtime Rebel (Union Rags X A.P. Elegance, by A.P. Indy) is Kentucky-bred and last raced in April 2018. Click here for his Equibase profile, and here for his introduction post. Take it away, Jon!

Jon Holling and Ragtime Rebel. Photo by Lisa Madren.

We are in the count down to Rebel’s next recognized horse trial. He heads out to the Ocala Horse trials on August 17 and 18th. So with that in mind we took Rebel over to jump around at Chris Barnard and Justine Dutton’s Nottinghill jumper show.

It was a great experience for Rebel. His first course was pretty good but he was a little tight and nervous. The great part about taking these young horses like Rebel to the jumper shows is that you can go in and jump multiple rounds. So after his first trip around, Rebel and I patiently waited for our second course. As luck would have it during that break that the neighbors across the street decided it was time to breeze their Thoroughbred on the track.

Poor Rebel hardly knew what to do with himself. The flashback was almost too much for his little 5-year-old self to handle. However, after he was informed that he would not in fact be going out for a race around the track, he actually put in an even better second course. He gave me pretty consistent jumping efforts and tried his hardest to make good shapes over the jumps. I did get one cannonball over the oxer before the double of verticals, and then at the butterflies of doom, just two fences from the finish, we had an unfortunate rail.

All in all I was really pleased with his effort all day. Here is the video from Rebel’s second round. Wish us luck at the Horse Trial!

Your FEI European Championships for Ponies Live Stream Hook Up

By on Aug 16, 2019 8:00 am -

Rocket blasters: engaged! Derda Agata of Poland and Kosma compete in FEI European Championships for Ponies jumping. Photo by Leszek Wójcik / FEI.

It’s pocket rockets on parade at the FEI European Championships for Ponies, which is underway this week at Strzegom in Poland. These are SERIOUS ponies, y’all. If these young riders were old enough to drive cars, they’d have bumper stickers that say “My pony could beat up your horse.”

All three Olympic disciplines are represented. Denmark won gold in the dressage competition, with individual tests taking place through the weekend. Jumping is underway, with the team final taking place this morning and individual rounds continuing on Saturday and Sunday. You can find live streams of both dressage and jumping at the FEI European Championships for Ponies Youtube playlist here.

Eventing dressage, run as a CCI2*-L, has concluded, with 15-year-old Sophia Rössel of Germany and Camillo WE holding the overnight lead on a score of 25.4. Cross country takes place tomorrow beginning at 15:00 local time (9 a.m. EST) with show jumping to follow on Sunday at 10:00 local time (4 a.m. EST).

The FEI knows what we want — PONIES!!! — and when we want it — NOW!!! — and so they’re kindly live streaming all three eventing phases. Re-watch eventing dressage and set your alarms this weekend to watch these tiny titans of our sport do their thing.

FEI European Championships for Ponies: Website, Entries, Schedule, Cross Country Order of Go, Live Scores, Team Results, Live Stream

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Aug 16, 2019 12:03 am -

Motivation for your weekend.

I like to mix my riding with my other hobbies, one of which is baking. I had three birthdays this week of family and friends, so I’m really on overdrive for baking. If anybody here has heard of Momofuku Milk Bar, I’m embarking on making one of her famous multilayered birthday cakes, and since I ride all day, I have to make several pieces each night and then assemble on the birthday. Yesterday I made two parts, today I’ll make two more, and tomorrow I’ll make the cake and assemble! It’s good to have hobbies.

National Holiday: World Honey Bee Day

Major Weekend Events:

Bromont CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

Full Gallop Farm August H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

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

News From Around the Globe:

Unfortunately we won’t get to see the great Classic Moet rock around Burghley this fall. Molly picked up a small puncture on her knee during cross country at Gatcombe earlier this summer, and it required surgery to flush the joint to ensure her recovery. She’s doing well and on the mend, but won’t make it to Burghley, which is too bad because it’s a course made for a mare like her! [Classic Moet to Miss Burghley]

Michael Barisone was denied bail in his recent attempted murder court case. The judge ruled that he was a threat to both himself and the community, marking that he was disturbed by Barisone repeating “I’ve had a good life” on the day of his arrest. Lauren Kanareck’s family released a statement yesterday saying that she was in stable but serious condition. [Olympic Rider Remains in Jail]

Boarding your horse is a constant struggle in many areas of the country. Not having your horse at home means you’re trusting other people with the daily care of your beloved friend, and sometimes it’s not quite the right match. Knowing how to determine if the care is good quality is an important skill, and seeing the signs of a bad boarding situation is imperative to your horse’s wellbeing. [8 Warning Signs You’re In A Bad Boarding Barn]

Has your horse used Kinesiology tape yet? Mine has! Kinesiology tape is more than just a way to look like an athlete; it has a number of therapeutic properties. It decreases pain, increases muscle strength, improves blood and lymph circulation and adds stability to joints by increasing proprioception. Unlike conventional athletic tape, which applies pressure and acts like a brace, kinesiology tape stretches along the longitudinal axis of the muscles, which allows it to provide support during exercise without restricting motion. [How to Use Equine Kinesiology Tape]

Video: Kristin Starr sent us this video of her student, 17-year-old Jr. Novice Rider Hannah Boucher, doing the viral “The Git Up Dance” challenge at a cross country derby this past weekend. Git it, girl.

 

Thursday Video from Ecovet: Behind the Scenes at Windurra

By on Aug 15, 2019 5:00 pm -

Unlike many sprawling equestrian estates, Boyd and Silva Martin’s farm Windurra might feel more at home to the everyday rider. With workmanlike shed row barns and ample turnout, horses are allowed to be horses.

Picking a favorite part of the farm is difficult, but you could choose between the 30 acres of pristine cross country schooling, a mile-long synthetic gallop for all weather conditioning and 3,000 acres of protected hacking land as a next door neighbor.

Many thanks to our dear friends at Noëlle Floyd for sharing this — be sure to subscribe, both to their gorgeous magazine and to their YouTube channel for more fantastic content.

Ecovet is the only fly repellent that improves insect-related skin sensitivity. Learn more at eco-vet.com.

In Memory of Jeffie Wilkins Chapin: 1987-2019

By on Aug 15, 2019 4:34 pm -

Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at the GMHA Festival of Eventing. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

We continue to grieve the loss — and celebrate the life — of Jeffie Chapin, who suffered a fatal accident on Sunday at the Green Mountain Horse Association Festival of Eventing in South Woodstock, Vermont.

Jeffie’s passion and spirit are beautifully articulated in her obituary:

“What is most important to understand is that Jeffie lived her dream, a dream she had from her earliest days, to be surrounded by horses. She had her own horses, she lived on a beautiful horse farm in Wenham, MA, she worked hard every day for her horses, donkey, dogs, and cats, and she found a husband in Deacon who shared these loves with her. Few of us actually know our life dream. From her earliest days as a child, she actually knew precisely what her dream was, and she achieved it. On her last day, Jeffie was doing exactly what her life dream had in store: she was in an equestrian competition with her horses alongside of her husband and her dogs. Jeffie’s dream has now become eternal.

“Jeffie was a teacher. She possessed deep insights into her students in the classroom and in the riding ring. Her humility, kindness, tenacity, honesty, love, and intelligence caused her to be remarkably successful helping children. She taught at the Carroll School in Lincoln, MA, Brookwood School in Manchester, MA, and Bentley Academy Charter School in Salem, MA. Additionally, she helped hundreds of young children acquire a love of horses and all the work and satisfaction that derives from helping animals.”

You can read the full obituary, as well as send flowers, sign her memory book and view memorial arrangements, here. Services will be held on Friday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. at The Myopia Hunt Club at 435 Bay Road in South Hamilton, MA.

Jeffie’s family and close connections have responded to the tragedy of her passing with an enormous grace that is befitting of the Jeffie’s own nature. In a touching effort to continue Jeffie’s legacy, the Chapin and Wilkins families have established the Jennifer Wilkins Chapin Foundation, which will award grants and stipends in support of deserving young riders in the Northeastern U.S. Tax-deductible charitable contributions in memory of Jeffie can be made by check and mailed to: Jennifer Wilkins Chapin Foundation / 110 Larch Row / Wenham, MA 01984.

On behalf of the eventing community, we extend our deepest condolences to Jeffie’s friends and family. And a thank-you to Jeffie for exemplifying what is special about our sport and our community — the expression on her face while tackling these jumps at GMHA says it all.

Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at the GMHA Festival of Eventing. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at GMHA in 2018. Photo by Morgan Mindrebo / Flatlandsfoto.

Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at GMHA in 2018. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at GMHA in June 2019. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

Go Jeffie. Go Eventing.

Who Jumped It Best: The Ultimate Rider-Frightener at Hartpury

By on Aug 15, 2019 2:00 pm -

Who Jumped It Best?

There are certain fences that every rider wants a photo over. At the uppermost levels, Burghley’s Cottesmore Leap and Kentucky’s Head of the Lake top the bill, while Withington Manor’s iconic ditch-and-table has been the subject of many a Brit’s profile picture. While covering the NAF International Hartpury Horse Trials last weekend, I came across a new addition to my own (admittedly extensive) wish-list.

Fence 16, the Birketts Bunker, came two-thirds of the way around Hartpury’s CCI4*-S track. Set just two fences after the influential corner question at 13 and 14, it provided a short reprieve from accuracy questions – instead, the focus here was on forward, bold riding. Like Belton in the spring, Hartpury is a CCI4*-S that’s designed to be a funnel to a five-star. And, like Burghley to come, it relies on enormous galloping fences interspersed with tough combinations – and a clever use of terrain – to do so.

This fence is a classic rider-frightener: it’s objectively enormous, with an almost bottomless ditch that I couldn’t even fit in my photos. Its hefty timber lends it a timeless feel, although I can guarantee that not a single one of the 90 or so riders who tackled it on Saturday were thinking too much about its aesthetics. Instead, it was all about the attack. We saw a couple of different rides to this fence – there were the final-stride fixers, who turned to the fence and upped the impulsion dramatically, and there were the cool and collected types, who maintained their pace throughout the turn and popped the fence out of stride. (We also saw plenty of helicopter horses, who couldn’t resist the opportunity to bascule their way into another galaxy…!) Despite its dimensions and its general vibe of “thanks, but no thanks”, the Birketts Bunker, like many rider-frighteners, didn’t cause any issues. And boy, oh boy, did it make for some fun photos.

I couldn’t resist hunkering down against the wind here to snap a few horses and riders inspecting the ozone layer. So now it’s over to you, readers – take a look at the photos below, and then scroll down to vote on the pair that you think makes the best overall impression.

Lauren Blades (GB) and Jemilla. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Holly Needham (GB) and Forever Noble. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Millie Dumas (GB) and KEC Deakon. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Bubby Upton (GB) and Cannavaro. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sarah Bullimore (GB) and Corouet. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tim Price (NZ) and Bango. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

James Avery (NZ) and Aloha. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tina Cook (GB) and Billy the Red. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

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

Lexi Scovil (USA) and Chico’s Man VDF Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

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

Previewing the Bromont CCI4*-S Entry List

By on Aug 15, 2019 11:30 am -

Boyd Martin and Contestor, winners of the Bromont CCI4*-S last year. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

After Bromont CCI and Little Bromont in June, the final installation of Bromont’s summer event series — Bromont CCI-S — takes place this weekend, Aug. 16-19, in Bromont, Quebec. The event offers CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCIU253*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIU252*-S and Open Training divisions, as well as a new-for-2019 Open Preliminary division.

Bromont is a destination event — where would you rather spend the dog days of summer than a cool, charming mountain village in Canada? And of course the venue, with its great footing and inspired courses, is a draw in and of itself. Derek Di Grazia has been Bromont’s cross country course designer since 2009 and we can expect him to set a challenging track with the help of builder Jay Hambly and his team, utilizing the spectacular hills and natural water features Bromont has to offer. Sue Ockendon, the event organizer, spares nothing to bring in the best officiating from around the world. Prizes for a win at Bromont CCI-S include a free entry in any of the FEI divisions in 2020, including the Under 25 divisions.

Let’s have a look at this year’s CCI4*-S field, a mix of horses making their debut at the level as well as more seasoned combinations.

  • Matt Brown & Big Berry
  • Lillian Heard & LCC Barnaby
  • Holly Jacks-Smither & More Inspiration
  • Holly Jacks-Smither & Candy King
  • Brooke Massie & Serendipity
  • Michael Nolan & SBT Good Guy
  • Jessica Phoenix & Wabbit
  • Jessica Phoenix & Dr. Sheldon Cooper
  • Jessica Phoenix & Bogue Sound
  • Jessica Phoenix & Watson GS
  • Dom Schramm & Bolytair B
  • Ronald Zabala-Goetschel & Wundermaske
  • Ronald Zabala-Goetschel & Pats Jester
  • Ronald Zabala-Goetschel & The Apprentice

A few notes of interest:

The Apprentice — previously owned by Caroline Martin and campaigned through the five-star level by Buck Davidson — is a relatively new ride for Ronald Zabala, who purchased the horse this year. This is second international start together, the first being Jersey Fresh where they finished 9th in the CCI3*-S.

Matt Brown seems to have a good thing going with Big Berry, who will be making his four-star debut. The horse, formerly competed by Piggy French, was 11th in the Bromont CCI3*-S earlier this summer. Matt also has Super Socks BCF, who had an extended layup after finishing 6th at Kentucky in 2017, entered in the Open Prelim. It’s their second horse trial back — we’ve missed you, Super Socks!

Dom Schramm and Bolytair B are hitting up Bromont on the homestretch to Burghley, where they’ll be making their second five-star start.

Jessica Phoenix is the busiest rider of the division, with four horses entered, all of whom have experience at the four-star level. Her show jumping ride times: 9:30, 9:45, 9:59, 10:19 — boom, boom, boom, boom.

Dressage for all divisions takes place on Friday, with show jumping to follow on Saturday and cross country on Sunday.

Go Eventing.

Bromont CCI-S: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores