Classic Eventing Nation

Weekend Winners: Coconino, Maryland, Champagne Run, Huntington Farm, Genesee Valley Hunt

By on Jul 15, 2019 9:00 am -

Every event on the USEA calendar is special in its own way, and I love learning about their histories and hearing stories from events past. A great resource for this is the USEA’s Events A-Z series, which is 90 events strong and counting. I think they’re up to “R” now with still a good chunk left to go, a testament to how active the eventing scene in our country has become.

We love sharing YOUR stories about what makes your favorite events so special here on EN. For instance: Brant Gamma’s photo essay on South Farm H.T. in Middlefield, Ohio, which we shared on EN yesterday. I’ve never had the pleasure of attending that particular event personally, but I felt like I got to experience the venue vicariously through Brant’s words and vibrant images. (View more images from South Farm at Brant’s website here.)

Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto is another photographer who has been generous in sharing her photos with EN. She’s always quick to send us winner photos or a selection of photos to use in a “Who Jumped It Best?” feature. She’ll often send a note about the event as well; this weekend she was out and about at Huntington Farm H.T. in South Strafford, Vermont, another event with a long-running legacy — the first horse trials on the property took place in 1969! “So cool to have all that history on the property and still be running today!” Joan says. We thank Joan for sharing photos from the event, which you can view below.

An extra special congratulations to our lowest scoring winners in the country this weekend, both of them from Champagne Run H.T. at the Kentucky Horse Park: Sherry Pound with Gestalt, winners of the Senior Beginner Novice Rider-B division, and Erin Buckner with Picassi, winners of the Junior Beginner Novice Rider-B division. Both finished on an impressive penalty score of 21.8.

It was a long way to come, glad we didn’t balls it up. Thanks to Carsten Meyer and Clark Montgomery👍😁

Posted by Sherry Pound on Sunday, July 14, 2019

Your weekend winners:

Huntington Farm H.T. [Final Scores]
OP: Kylie Lyman & Gran Corazon Bf (40.1)
JT: Ayden Schain & Pyxylated Magic (33.1)
OTA: Barbara Fitch & Donte (28.6)
OTB: Paige Vezina & Irish Sea (31.2)
JN: Annabelle Sprague & Meadowlark (29.8)
ONA: Bryn Lauer & Dare to Dream (31.9)
ONB: Katie Murphy & Joshua Tree (26.0)
ONS: Bevin Dugan & North Star (33.7)
JBNA: Benjamin Carlan & Don’s Grey Galvin (32.2)
JBNB: Hannah Williams & Turnup (29.8)
OBNA: Samantha Baer & Aurora Borealis (31.1)
OBNB: Lisa Niccolai & Celtic Kharacter (32.2)
OBNC: Thomas Davis & Boston Bullet (28.6)

Coconino Summer II Classic 3DE & H.T. [Final Scores]
Advanced CT: Katherine Rivera & Royal Lufttanzer (35.4)
Open Intermediate: James Atkinson & Fleur de Lis (37.4)
Preliminary CT: Brittany Flynn & Cabarette Z (34.0)
Open Preliminary-Training: Summer Peterson & Lochlann Fiona (51.9)
Training Open: Taylor Timmerman & Snifters Spirit (27.5)
Training Rider: Angelika Beutel & Alwin (24.1)
Training 3-Day: Jennifer Miller & Bon Bon (30.0)
Novice Junior: Natalie Nabor & Lonely Soldier (27.9)
Novice Rider: Tatiana Larson & Eloquent (25.0)
Open Novice: Angelika Beutel & O’Sullivan (25.0)
Novice 3-Day: Leslie Villela & Diesel (27.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Heather McWilliams & Southern Soiree (26.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Angela Carmitchel & Dubai Kalei (30.5)
Beginner Novice 3-Day: Eileen Morgenthaler & Chicago GS (23.6)
Open Intro: Max O’Krepki & Hazlewood (31.9)

Maryland Summer II H.T. [Final Scores]
Open Intermediate-A: Sara Kozumplik Murphy & Devil Munchkin (25.9)
Open Intermediate-B: Sharon White & Claus 63 (35.4)
Junior Young Riders Open Preliminary: Sloane Pierpont & Indie (32.2)
Open Preliminary-A: Charlotte Collier & Fidelius 35 (31.3)
Open Preliminary-B: Kurt Martin & D.A. Lifetime (24.5)
Preliminary Rider: Zehra Gundogan & Captivate (28.9)
Junior Open Training: Stephanie Cordell & Codename Toby (29.5)
Modified-A: Julia Luce & A Proper Gentleman (34.5)
Modified-B: Kimmy Cecere & Carrowgar Crannagh Hugo (27.4)
Open Training-A: Stephanie Sills & Mille Neuf Cent (25.7)
Open Training-B: Mia Farley & Northern Victory (27.4)
Open Training-C: Ryan Wood & Ben Nevis (28.3)
Training Rider-A: Julie Miller & Chalie (32.6)
Training Rider-B: Cindi Moravec & Holloway (32.8)
Junior Open Novice-A: Olivia Dutton & Iniesta (33.6)
Junior Open Novice-B: Kate Thresher & Silver Bop (31.2)
Novice Rider-A: Lucia Scarpinato & West Wind Z (31.1)
Novice Rider-B: Sadie Phifer & Gusty Day (26.2)
Open Novice-A: Elizabeth Olmstead & Waterline (26.2)
Open Novice-B: Francesca Broggini & Esuberanza (29.8)
Open Novice-C: Courtney Olmstead & Douce (26.2)
Open Novice-D: Mogie Bearden-Muller & Quebracho Z (24.3)
Beginner Novice Rider-A: Allison Schroeder & Third Time’s A Charm (32.8)
Beginner Novice Rider-B: Sheri Birmingham & Sterling’s Bailero (29.2)
Junior Open Beginner Novice-A: Kelsey Ann Quinn & Sir Winsome (28.3)
Junior Open Beginner Novice-B: Berkley Gardner & Chillie (32.2)
Open Beginner Novice-A: Michele Kuchta & Cadillac Boy (26.4)
Open Beginner Novice-B: Autumn Rae & Che Bella (28.3)
Future Event Horse – Two Year Old: Emeraude Sharer & Ciel d’Emeraude
Future Event Horse – Three Year Old: Caitlin Kuczynski & VH St. Kohltrane
Future Event Horse – Yearling: Ivan Espada & Arden Nike
New Event Horse: Sabrina Morris & Be Audacious
Young Event Horse – Four Year Old: Michael Pendleton & Mystic Fair
Young Event Horse – Five Year Old: Cornelia Dorr & Brush Dance

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Final Scores]
Intermediate/Preliminary: Alexandra Knowles & Looks Like Lotte (39.9)
JYO Preliminary: Madeline O’Brien & Casarino (26.5)
Open Preliminary: Rebecca Hoos & Donnerstorm II (31.5)
Preliminary Rider: Maria Moraniec & Ditch (34.8)
Preliminary/Training: Nicole Aden & Illustrator (30.8)
Junior Training Rider: Kate Kirchdorfer & Galway Bay Cooley (29.8)
Open Training: Alexa Ehlers & FE Clear The Calendar (24.2)
Senior Training Rider-A: Seth Cooley & CRMightyAbleZaneGrey (42.6)
Senior Training Rider-B: Nicole Kowalski & BallinAgore Knight (26.4)
Training Horse: Jennifer Coleman & SS Willow (26.1)
Training/Novice: Melanie Helms & R Pair A Dice (32.5)
Junior Novice Rider-A: Grace Fiedler & Fanfare VT (30.2)
Junior Novice Rider-B: Isabel Brunker & Allia (26.2)
Novice Horse-A: Erin Pullen & Koko Chanel (28.1)
Novice Horse-B: Megan Moore & Master Higgins (27.1)
Open Novice: Bonnie Bowman & Steel Driven Dreams (25.0)
Senior Novice Rider-A: Kelly Rover & Fifth Avenue (24.1)
Senior Novice Rider-B: Carla Jimmerson & Valley Creek Carlin LeBeau (23.3)
Junior BG Novice Rider-A: Macie Sykes & Delilah’s Boy (27.5)
Junior BG Novice Rider-B: Erin Buckner & Picassi (21.8)
Junior BG Novice Rider-C: Sally Smedley & Golden Ticket CR (30.8)
Open Beginner Novice-A: Hannah Reeser & Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (22.0)
Open Beginner Novice-B: Erin Wages & Light the Lights (29.3)
Senior BG Novice Rider-A: Cathrine Wunderlich & Concatulations (28.5)
Senior BG Novice Rider-B: Sherry Pound & Gestalt (21.8)
JR Starter: Hannah Tabor & Tator Chip (30.0)
SR Starter-A: Meriah Senogles & Wallador EVN (30.6)
SR Starter-B: Shannon Reed & Inherbiggirlpants (27.8)

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Final Scores]
Open Modified: Lucien Rouse & Stravinsky (42.7)
Open Training: Daisy Trayford & Milo Diamond (38.1)
Open Novice A: Farley Wagner & In The Groove (32.4)
Open Novice B: Sarah Kirk & Bogart (36.2)
Open Novice C: Lilly Johnsen & Wilson (34.7)
Open BNovice A: Corrinne Lauze & Anam Cara (30.8)
Open BNovice B: Lilli Smith & Wild For Summer (27.0)
Open BNovice C: Bonnie Alves & Escujour RGS (30.3)
Open BNovice D: Anne Eilinger & Bruichladdich (28.8)
Open Intro A: Carol Kozlowski & Kieran (34.8)

Congrats to all. Go Eventing!

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jul 15, 2019 12:01 am -

Life is good when you’re the #1 eventing dog in the world. Photo via Team Price on Facebook.

Don’t pretend you’ve never taken a look at the beautiful, fluffy and clean shavings in your horse’s stall and legitimately gotten jealous of the absolute luxury you treat your horse to. Though you’ve immaculately banked, picked and fluffed your equine buddy’s stall to perfection, there’s a good chance your own bed at home, with it’s five-year-old low tread count sheets, remains unmade and with a nice pile of dirty and/ or clean laundry at the foot of it. Ah, the things we do for our horses.

National Holiday: I LOVE HORSES DAY (Yes, for real!)

U.S. Weekend Results:

Coconino Summer II Classic 3DE & H.T. [Final Scores]

Maryland Summer II H.T. [Final Scores]

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Final Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T. [Final Scores]

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Final Scores]

Your Monday News & Notes:

The young Brits were victorious this weekend at the FEI Young Rider European Eventing Championships. After an influential day of cross country, during which the German team who lead after dressage fell out of the competition, team France and Great Britain were left to battle it out for the gold on the final day of competition. [‘It’s a dream come true’ — British young riders win a medal of each colour at eventing Europeans]

Ashley Stout deserves to be remembered for the fearless and kind-hearted young woman that she was. Her family, friends and community are still deeply in mourning for Ashley, who died on Thursday in a riding accident, but are finding some small comfort in sharing their memories of her. Her autopsy, completed of Friday, determined the cause of head was due to a skull fracture. Our very deepest sympathies continue to be with Ashley’s family and friends.  [Friends, horse riding community remember ‘fearless’ Port Matilda teen killed in accident]

Stable View in Aiken will be the final training site for the U.S. Eventing Team before they head down to Peru for the Pan American Games. The team will have a few final days of training sessions beginning on July 23rd. Though the training sessions will be closed to the public, there will be a public send-off party on July 24th which tickets can be purchased for through the Stable View office. [U.S. eventing team for Pan American Games will train in Aiken]

Monday Video: The youngest Rutledge daughter, 11-year-old Ciana, moved up to Novice this past weekend at the Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm II. She finished on her dressage score for second place in the Junior Open Novice-B division. Way to go, Ciana!

Ciana our youngest (11 years old) moved up to Novice today for the first time and finished in 2nd place finishing on her dressage score !!

Posted by Colleen Rutledge Eventing on Sunday, July 14, 2019

France’s Gireg le Coz Scoops Surprise Victory at Event Rider Masters Jardy

By on Jul 14, 2019 7:51 pm -

Frenchman Gireg le Coz rode Aisprit de la Loge to the ERM Jardy win in just the horse’s second attempt at this level. They were the only combination to finish on their dressage score, which allowed them to climb from 11th place after the first phase into the top spot. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that an Event Rider Masters leg, quietly referred to as a dressage competition, must surely be in want of some serious excitement on the second day – and Leg Four at Haras de Jardy certainly didn’t disappoint.

After a heated battle between the boards yesterday, the scores were at an all-time low — and with the top 20 competitors sitting within two rails of one another, there wasn’t going to be any margin for error as we headed into the showjumping and cross-country phases today.

Just eleven horse-and-rider combinations would produce clear rounds inside the time over the poles, sending some well-placed combinations tumbling down the leaderboard and opening the door for others to begin their ascent. Among those major movers was Germany’s Felix Etzel, who toppled two rails with Bandit 436 and dropped from fourth place to twentieth. New Zealand’s Jonelle Price, hot in pursuit of valuable series points, delivered a clear round just outside the optimum time to move from fourteenth to ninth with Grovine de Reve.

But at the conclusion of the influential showjumping phase, the top of the leaderboard remained untouched: France’s Lt. Col. Thibaut Vallette and his Olympic partner Qing du Briot ENE HN had added just 1.6 time penalties to their dressage score of 23.2, keeping them less than one second ahead of second-placed Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V.

Thibaut Vallette and Qing du Briot ENE HN. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

But there’s no such thing as a certainty in eventing, and even less so in the fast-paced, high-tension tracks of the Event Rider Masters. Jardy’s course featured classic French design by Pierre Michelet — a true master of creating tough and technical tracks over flat landscapes, he created a veritable go-kart track with questions that didn’t relent until competitors had crossed the finish line.

Time would prove to be one of the most influential factors on the course, which saw 20 combinations come home clear but just two finish inside the optimum time.

Gireg le Coz and Aisprit de la Loge. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

One of those double-clear finishers was France’s Gireg le Coz, who rode his nine-year-old Selle Français gelding Aisprit de la Loge in just the horse’s second attempt at this level. They were the only combination to finish on their dressage score, which allowed them to climb from 11th place after the first phase to take the win.

“I can’t believe it,” says Gireg, who debuted the horse at the CCI4*-S level at the Arville leg of the 2019 Event Rider Masters series last month, finishing sixth. “My horse was amazing, from the dressage through to the end of the cross-country — he’s been so good. He’s only a nine-year-old, but he’s so honest.”

That honesty, and the horse’s careful production, allowed the pair to make light work of what could have been a sticky moment at the water: “I didn’t have the stride that I wanted, but he was very honest. He feels much more experienced now in jumping between the flags.”

Gireg takes home a cheque for €18,000 and collects valuable series points too – he now sits fourth in the 2019 rankings on 51 points. But will we see him at any more legs this year?

“Yes, I think so now,” he laughs.

Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

Just a tenth of a penalty precluded a win for 2017 ERM champion Gemma Tattersall and Quicklook V, who added 3.2 time penalties in a bold and determined trip across Michelet’s track.

“That [tenth of a penalty] will be my badly-ridden flying change,” laughs Gemma, who lost out on valuable marks in yesterday’s otherwise remarkable test when she earned fours for one of the changes. “She’s put in a great performance this weekend, and I’m so proud of her. There was a lot of determination [on course], to be honest. She gave me a bit of a heart attack near the end of the course – I lost my steering for some reason, but we managed to stay inside the flags!”

Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

Event Rider Masters debutante Felix Vogg showed off his considerable experience, partnering his World Equestrian Games mount Colero to third place after a classy, quick round saw them add just four time penalties to their 25.8 dressage.

“I think I have a pretty good horse — it was his first outing again after a big event,” explains the Swiss rider, who has recently relocated back to Europe after a stint in the US. He and Colero finished sixth at this spring’s Land Rover Kentucky CCI5*, marking a successful end to their time abroad.

Nevertheless, says Felix, “I didn’t expect [this result] when I came here — there are so many good riders and good horses, so I’m very happy.”

Last year’s winner Alex Bragg delivered one of the two double-clears of the day to finish fourth, this time riding the exciting young up-and-comer Alcatraz.

“You need a good horse, a nippy horse, and they need to be really genuine,” he says of Michelet’s testing track, which saw experienced competitors, including Tim Priceand Sarah ‘Cutty’ Cohen, falter. “The strides get so big when the horses are going fast, but you’ve still got to be able to adjust when you come around the corner. I’m thrilled with Alcatraz; to very nearly finish on his dressage score, bar that single second in the showjumping, is a real personal best for him, and I’m thrilled to be back on the podium.”

The shock withdrawal of series leader Chris Burton left the door wide open for a new face at the top spot, and consummate competitor Jonelle Price duly stepped up to the plate. She finished sixth with Grovine de Reve, adding 0.8 time penalties in the showjumping and a further 2 across the country, but putting her in the lead for the series title by 7 points.

“I’m really pleased with the horse,” she says of the young star. “Obviously in a field as competitive as the one we’ve got today, every second counts. He had a little look at the first water and needed a little reminder, but he’s a very genuine horse and I’m really excited to see where our relationship will go.”

Chris Burton drops to third in the 2019 leaderboard, while fellow Aussie Bill Levettslips into second place after a ninth-place finish today with his ERM specialist Shannondale Titan.

Click here to view final results, and click here to view the rankings following Leg 4.

What comes next?

The fifth leg of the 2019 Event Rider Masters Series heads to Ireland for the first time, as we make our debut at Co. Cork’s stunning Millstreet International Horse Trials. Expect fierce competition and one of the toughest cross-country challenges of the season as a first-class field takes to the fairytale grounds of Drishane Castle in hot pursuit of a place on the podium.

With two legs left to go, it isn’t over ’til it’s over. We’ll be bringing you all the action as it happens on eventridermasters.tv. Don’t miss it.

Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

Get involved!

Want to take a deeper dive into the world of ERM? Make sure you download EquiRatings Stacks, the high-stakes prediction game that can win you an iPad. Want to get ahead of the competition? Head over to the Prediction Centre to see how your favourites stack up against the competition. Then, jump into the SAP Spectator Judging app to see how you fare against our experienced panel of judges. Nail the predictions, win points, and earn fantastic prizes in our brand-new Fan League. Plus, don’t forget to check out — and donate to! — ERM’s 2019 charity, Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony.

This report is edited from a press release. 

#EventerProblems Vol. 187, Presented by Haygain: It’s Getting Hot in Herre

By on Jul 14, 2019 3:00 pm -

Alexa, play “Hot in Herre” by Nelly.

Summer brings it’s own share of sweat drenched #EventerProblems… From sunburns to sweet itch, more hours in the day means more opportunities for #EventerProblems to rear their head. Hang in there, friends.

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#eventerproblems

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Go Eventing.

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Sunday Video: Life in Balance With Emily King – ERM Jardy

By on Jul 14, 2019 11:00 am -

Emily King has one of the sunniest demeanors in the sport. Not unlike her mother, the legendary Mary King, the 23-year-old Brit seems to always be wearing a smile.

Emily contested Event Rider Masters Haras de Jardy this weekend with Brookleigh, a 17-year-old Westphalian gelding (Rockwell x Rieka, by Funkenspiel) owned by Jane Del Missier. Brookleigh was Emily’s first five-star horse, and it was a remarkable debut; the pair finished in fourth at Pau in 2015. They’re hot off a third place finish in the CCI4*-S at Bramham last month, and got off to a competitive start this weekend at Jardy — the pair was sixth after dressage on a score of 24.0 — but withdrew before cross country.

In this video filmed at Jardy, Emily opens up about her riding career and the learning curve of her partnership with Brookleigh, whom she calls her most special horse, “but don’t tell the others!” While roaming around the stables, blonde hair fluttering in the breeze, she also manages to look like she could be in a shampoo commercial … you’re an inspiration on all the levels, Emily!

Haras de Jardy: ERM Website, Event Website, Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream

Happy 25th Anniversary, South Farm H.T.! The Weekend in Photos

By on Jul 14, 2019 9:00 am -

Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

South Farm Horse Trials celebrated its 25th anniversary running last weekend and by all accounts it was a picture-perfect weekend. The 110-acre facility in Middlefield, Ohio, has been staging the event at the same farm in the same original format — dressage and cross country on Saturday followed by show jumping and awards on Sunday — for a quarter century … truly an impressive feat.

Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

South Farm hosts 18 equestrian events annually, including dressage shows, schooling jumper shows, USEA and USEF recognized Horse Trials, unrecognized Horse Trials, clinics, USPC events and EAGALA trainings. It’s well earned a reputation amongst riders as one of the most competitor-friendly venues around, with great footing and courses that are constantly being upgraded and improved.

One of our favorite photographers, Brant Gamma, was out and about last weekend’s event and kindly shared some gorgeous photos, as well as an inside look at what makes South Farm so special.

Owner Sarah Greer and Chris Gable have served as the event’s organizers for all 25 years. Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

The history of the farm, Brant explains, is quite interesting: “The South Farm records date to the early 1850s, but the land was originally part of the Western Reserve Connecticut Land Company in the early 1800s. Many of the farm buildings date to the early 1800s and the Civil War Era. What is now Sarah’s ‘office’ was originally the ‘summer kitchen’ in the 1800s, and was then not attached to the house.

“It still has the original chimney of stone from the farm. The huge farm house has three chimneys from three different eras. Each one depicts the era. The original Outhouse still stands (boys on one side and girls on the other) and they plan to renovate it to a pool house for the family and boarders.”

Another element of what makes the event so beloved is the attention bestowed upon it by the South Farm H.T. team.

From Brant: “It was an amazing feat for them to pull off and run it as scheduled after terrible flooding in Ohio. Sarah and Chris said that as late as Wednesday they still had not been able to get the hay cut from the cross country fields. I have amazing photos of Chris towing jump judges out of mud trying to get to their jumps. But the galloping lanes and jumps were in great condition by Saturday. John Williams is their cross country course designer, and he had to redesign the course because they could not use one entire field, and at the last minute, he volunteered to also come run and design the show jumping course so they could get cross country ready.”

John Williams and Sue Smithson. Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

Announcer Charles Pinell. Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

The courses were truly a sight to behold. “You never saw so many flowers on cross country and show jumping – all live,” Brant says. “Hundreds of flowers planted on the original cross country stone bank/walls and lining the water jump. It’s in one of the largest Amish communities in the country, and the Amish also pitch in. You see whole families on cross country.”

Open Training winners Kelly Ransom & Heart of Hollywood. Photo by Leah Prengaman for Brant Gamma Photos.

Molly Smith & Pop’s Loaf and Jug. Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

Open Novice winners Brandi Podboy & Tully Cross Discrete. Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

Jenna Myler & Sandpiper. Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

Open Training second place finishers Jane Papke & Robinstown Ballivor. Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

Open Preliminary winners Heather Strawbridge & Jonathan of Damascus. Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

Congratulations to all the winners — you can view complete scores from the event here.

South Farm H.T. [Final Scores]
Open Preliminary: Heather Strawbridge & Jonathan of Damascus (44.5)
Open Training: Kelly Ransom & Heart of Hollywood (28.6)
Training Rider: Ellen Super & Seattle’s Finest (29.8)
Novice Rider: Emma Feil & Hase (28.1)
Open Novice: Brandi Podboy & Tully Cross Discrete (28.8)
Beginner Novice Rider-A: Taylor Reis & Strong Royalty (25.3)
Beginner Novice Rider-B: Sarah Pickering & En Vogue (24.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Anne Kaufman & Motif CF (30.3)
Starter-A: Hannah Reeser & Augustine HOF (26.1)
Starter-B: Sloane Haddad & Star Top Brass (36.4)

Open Beginner Novice winners Anne Kaufman & Motif CF. Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

Photo by Brant Gamma Photo.

Learn more about South Farm by visiting the website here. Many thanks to Brant Gamma for sharing these images from the event — view more at the Brant Gamma Photos website here. Go Eventing!

Up Early? Pour Some Coffee and Catch the ERM Jardy Live Stream

By on Jul 14, 2019 1:54 am -

Fence 15 on the ERM Jardy cross country track. Photo via CrossCountryApp.

One thing I can tell you about having a two-month old baby is that I’ve been watching a LOT of European eventing live streams at odd hours. Up rocking a fussy infant back to sleep at 4 a.m.? If it’s a weekend, there’s a good chance that I can catch some action that I probably would otherwise have missed. Call it a lack of dedication, but even pre-baby I loved sleep too much to set a pre-dawn alarm to watch horses run and jump on the other side of the world. I mean, unless it’s Badminton, or Burghley, or Luhmühlen, or Pau, or ….

If you’re up early too, (or if you haven’t gone to bed yet — hey, I don’t know your life!) check out the Event Rider Masters Haras de Jardy live stream, as Leg 4 continues today with both jumping phases. Home-nation hero Thibaut Vallette and his long-time partner Qing du Briot ENE HN delivered a score of 23.2 to secure the dressage lead — if you missed Tilly’s recap of the dressage, check it out here.

First up is a tough show jumping track in the morning, and the competition will be heated as just one pole separates the top seven competitors, and two separate the top 20. That’s EARLY morning for those of us stateside; the show jumping will be broadcast live from 9 a.m. CEST/8 a.m. BST/3 a.m. EST. For a full list of showjumping start times, click here.

Next up the riders will tackle the twisty, technical cross country test designed by Rio Olympics course designer Pierre Michelet — click here to preview the course. That will be broadcast from 1 p.m. CEST/noon BST/7 a.m. EST.

Put on some coffee, or mix a mimosa if you’re feeling froggy (it’s 5 a.m. somewhere, right?), and let’s watch. Alléz Concours Complet!

Haras de Jardy: ERM Website, Event Website, Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream

 

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Jul 14, 2019 12:01 am -

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#ride4ashley #zeustheunicorn🦄😍

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The tributes keep rolling in for Ashley Stout, who sadly passed away earlier this week in a schooling accident as eventers share their photos with the hashtag #Ride4Ashley. The news of losing another UK eventer hit heavy yesterday morning, and there are no words to that can soften the impact of their loss. More than anything, our hearts hurt for their friends and family.

National Holiday: National Mac and Cheese Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Coconino Summer II Classic 3DE & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Sunday Links: 

Miller, Villela, and Morgenthaler Victorious on Final Day of Coconino Hylofit USEA Classic Series Three-Day

The Road to AEC: A Surprise

Brits impress on tough Young Rider European Eventing cross-country day

Retrained racing star Saphir Du Rheu storms around Barbury

Fire destroys part of historic French National Stud

Spotted On Course: Melemed’s Spreading Her Love Of Knabstruppers

Equestrians, Brace Yourselves for the Tough Talk from the Coroner.

The Life Of A Professional Isn’t As Glamorous As Social Media Makes It Look

Sunday Video: 

Thibaut Vallette Marches to Dressage Lead in Jardy Event Rider Masters

By on Jul 13, 2019 6:32 pm -

With seventeen horses and riders delivering sub-30 scores and offering up the lowest ERM venue average yet, it was going to take something seriously special to lead the first phase in the pivotal fourth leg of the 2019 series, which commenced today at Paris’ Haras de Jardy. And that’s exactly what Frenchman Thibaut Vallette and his long-time partner Qing du Briot ENE HN delivered.

The home-nation hero rode the eye-catching and enormously experienced gelding with whom he took the team gold medal at 2016’s Rio Olympics, and delivered a score of 23.2, equalling their own career personal best — incidentally, a score produced at the same venue in 2017.

Thibaut Vallette and Qing du Briot ENE HN sail into the lead in a hot ERM field. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

“He’s a very good horse for this test,” says Thibaut, who has contested two European Championships and the World Equestrian Games with his fifteen-year-old Olympic mount, too. “He has really good paces and he’s very quiet to ride – it’s very good. It’s very nice to be here – I was here two years ago, and I hope this will be our last round before the European Championships this summer.”

Formerly an officer in the Alpine Troops, Lt. Col. Vallette joined the legendary Cadre Noir at Saumur in 2009, where he teamed up with the cavalry-owned Qing du Briot. The Cadre Noir, which is France’s prestigious and centuries-old seat of the cavalry, is known for its commitment to classical training – not unlike the Spanish Riding School, it specialises in teaching the high school of dressage. In a sport like eventing, with its origins firmly rooted in cavalry training, it’s a poignant throwback of sorts to see the enormously competitive Cadre Noir riders contesting the uppermost levels. And when they do? Well, they’re quite often unbeatable, as we saw today.

Though Thibaut’s score of 23.2 put him well in the lead, the assembled ground jury of Eric Lieby, Christina Klingspor, and Les Smith were happy to reward work done well across the board. This meant that many combinations scored several marks better than predicted, putting extra pressure on the consistent first-phase performers to deliver their best work.

Gemma Tattersall praises Quicklook V for another top-notch performance. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

One of those combinations expected to top the leaderboard was Gemma Tattersalland Quicklook V, who began the day as EquiRatings’ predicted winner. Quicklook – known at home as Princess Pebbles – rose to the occasion, putting a score of 25.1 on the board. Although it wasn’t quite enough to edge the lead, the polished performance between the boards belied a rather more excitable warm-up.

“She came into the warm-up and she was pulling my arms out — I was like, ‘excuse me, let’s not do that!'” laughs Gemma. “She thought she’d be sassy and feisty, but we managed to have a few little conversations – we understand each other really well, so I could get her back in the box and then release her in the ring.”

‘Pebbles’ is at her best in the sunshine and on sand, and once in the arena, Gemma was able to put her faith in her Olympic partner’s ability. Just one small error in one of the flying changes saw their mark fall.

“She’s such a show-off, and she knows her job really well. She did a fantastic performance — that flying change was all my fault,” says Gemma.

Bill Levett and Shannondale Titan lay down their second-best test at any international level. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

Australia’s Bill Levett and his stalwart partner Shannondale Titan are among the ERM’s most regular competitors, and they’re inarguably one of the most consistent pairs in this phase, too. Today, they delivered a personal best in an ERM leg, scoring a competitive 25.3 to sit in third place overnight.

“He’s very solid now,” says Bill, whose fourteen-year-old son Josh makes his international debut at Jardy this weekend, too. “It’s nice to go in there, and I’ve got the set-up right as I know [the horse] so well. He doesn’t need more than ten minutes, and he’s such a genuine horse. It’s nice to be in the mix — we’re right up there with the leaders!”

Felix Etzel is best of the Germans after the first phase. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

Germany’s Felix Etzel and Bandit 436 struck a fine balance in the arena, with the up-and-coming rider allowing his horse to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the main arena without letting him bubble over. The result was a nearly foot-perfect test that earned the pair a score of 25.4, putting them in fourth place overnight and making them the best of formidable German entry.

“He did a couple of good tests this year and this is another one,” says Felix of his eleven-year-old Hanoverian. “In the warm-up he was tense and hot, and in the beginning he was quite nervous, but I got him calm enough for the test, and he did his best. As you saw after the last halt, he’s really fresh and wants to go forward, so he’s motivated for tomorrow!”

Felix Vogg makes an impression in his ERM debut with Colero. Photo courtesy of Event Rider Masters.

Swiss superstar – and ERM debutante – Felix Vogg rounds out a truly international top five. His impressive test with Colero earned the duo a mark of 25.8, which saw them lead for much of the afternoon. Now, he sits just a tenth of a penalty ahead of sixth-placed Emily King and Brookleigh.

“I didn’t expect that – it was a bit difficult in the beginning, and he spooked a bit at the camera,” says Felix. “But he did his best and I’m really pleased with him. He can do a really good test – he’s shown that a few times. But my feeling is still that there’s a lot more that he can do. Even his scores now, where he’s doing well – I think there’s a good future for him in this phase.”

Leg 4 continues tomorrow with a tough showjumping track in the morning, followed by the twisty, technical cross-country test, designed by Rio Olympics course designer Pierre Michelet, in the afternoon. Just one pole separates the top seven competitors, and two separate the top twenty, so there’ll be no room for error as our intrepid challengers chase down those crucial series points.

Tomorrow’s competition will be broadcast live from 9.00 a.m. CEST/8.00 a.m. BST/3.00 a.m. EST, with cross-country to follow from 13.00 p.m. CEST/12.00 p.m. BST/7.00 a.m. EST. For a full list of showjumping start times, click here, and to preview the cross-country course, click here.

Want to take a deeper dive into the world of ERM? Make sure you download EquiRatings Stacks, the high-stakes prediction game that can win you an iPad. Want to get ahead of the competition? Head over to the Prediction Centre to see how your favourites stack up against the competition. Then, jump into the SAP Spectator Judging app to see how you fare against our experienced panel of judges and to gain valuable Fan League points.

The top ten after a red-hot day of dressage in Jardy’s leg of the Event Rider Masters.

Haras de Jardy: ERM Website, Event Website, Start Times, Live Scores, Live Stream

This report was edited from a press release. 

British Eventing Confirms Rider Fatality at Solihull Riding Club One-Day Event

By on Jul 13, 2019 5:04 pm -

It is with sadness that we share news of a rider fatality following an incident at an unaffiliated British one-day event at Solihull Riding Club in West Midlands today. British Eventing confirmed the death this afternoon.

British Riding Clubs released the following press statement on its website:

“It is with the deepest regret that we announce that a rider died, following a fatal incident, whilst competing at the Solihull Riding Club one day event today. The next of kin have been informed. Solihull Riding Club and BRC extend their deepest sympathy to the family of the rider at this tragic time.

“Access to the grounds at SRC will be closed until further notice.

“No further information will be released at this time.”

Our deepest condolences to the rider’s family and connections. We will update this post when more information becomes available.

[Solihull Riding Club Fatality]