Classic Eventing Nation

Weekly OTTB Wishlist Presented by Cosequin: Rested and Ready

By on Jul 17, 2019 11:00 am -

When shopping for an off-the-track Thoroughbred, you don’t necessarily have to buy one literally straight off the track that raced last week. Often, a little down time is beneficial to the body and mind of these horses before they begin a new career. When adopting a horse from a reputable racehorse rehoming organization, you’ll often be choosing from horses who’ve already had a little R&R before they’ve started their training to be a riding horse.

Our three picks this week are all from different organizations. They haven’t raced recently and are rested and ready for a new career:

Clutch Cargo. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Clutch Cargo (TAPIT – CARMANDIA, BY WILD RUSH): 2014 16.1-hand New York-bred gelding

Clutch Cargo came directly to the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) from his owners and breeders and it’s clear that we was in good hands and well-cared for his whole life. He was a pretty successful racer, earning over $150,000 in 20 career starts, his last of which was in October of last year. “Clutch” is an elegant, well-bred horse and therefore his adoption fee from MMSC is a little higher than usual. You’ll get your money’s worth, however. Clutch has a natural cadence and is well-balanced and straightforward under saddle. He settled in quickly to MMSC and enjoys working with people as thoughtful as he his.

Located in Frankfort, Illinois.

View Clutch Cargo on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center. 

Halny. Photo via Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.

Halny (ECCLESIASTIC – TELIMENA, BY EMANCIPATOR): 2013 16.0-hand Pennsylvania-bred gelding

Halny is a horse who appears to have fallen into a bad situation after making his last start in 2016. In March of this year, Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue pulled him from a bad situation. Since coming to their farm he’s been gelded, given time to recover and then restarted under saddle. He has some remaining crestiness and can still act a little bit studdish when first meeting new horses, but quickly settles down and is a sensible guy.

It’s a bit hard to see from the under saddle photo, but if you watch his video you can see that Halny has a nice uphill build and a good over-tracking walk. He has a nice natural balance under saddle and has been happy and willing to learn. He’s sound and as an added bonus he’s currently barefoot!

Located in Warwick, Maryland.

View Halny on Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.

Let’s Get Loud. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

Let’s Get Loud (MORE THAN READY – DON’T CRY FOR ME, BY STREET CRY (IRE)): 2014 15.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding

How about a horse with his own built-in theme song? This lovely little gelding known around the barn as “Lopez” was actually quite a successful racehorse. He made a total of 5 career starts and won a total of $112,654 in those races. Given that success, it seems likely that Lopez came up with injury after his last race, which was in October 2017. That said, the very reputable folks at New Vocations feel that he has no limitations for a second career and would make a great jumper or dressage prospect (so basically, an eventer!)

Lopez is the class clown around the barn and always wants to be the center of attention. Though he’s goofy and playful, he’s easy to handle. Under saddle he currently has a little more ‘whoa’ than ‘go’ but he’s proving to be a brave and quick learner.

Located in Lexington, Kentucky.

View Let’s Get Loud on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

In the Locker Room: Padraig McCarthy on Good Horses, Smart Training and Life Beyond the Barn

By on Jul 17, 2019 9:00 am -

Ireland’s Padraig McCarthy won team and individual silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Top riders are regularly interviewed about their horses, their season plan and their results — but we don’t often get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes. In this next installment of the ‘In the Locker Room’ series, I caught up with Irish team and individual WEG silver medalist Padraig McCarthy.

Padraig is a relative newcomer to the sport of eventing, but he has quickly and successfully established himself at the highest level. In just a short space of time, Padraig has represented Ireland at European, World and Olympic level. He lives in the UK with his wife Lucy, who has herself enjoyed considerable success in eventing, at 5* and European level. Padraig and Lucy have two children, and also run a busy training, sales and horse production business.    

EN: “What attributes do you look for in an event horse? What appeals most to you, and are there any things you absolutely won’t overlook?” 

Padraig: “Good horses come in all shapes and sizes! I like a horse who is intelligent, and who has an appealing face. For me, a horse needs to have a good natural canter, and be in control of the canter. I’m more forgiving on the trot, as that can be developed over time. I like a horse to have good conformation, and good feet. Really the most important thing is that a horse wants to work, and enjoys the work.”

Padraig McCarthy and Mr Chunky (IRL). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

EN: “What are your ‘can’t live without’ items of equipment for horse and for rider?”

Padraig: “My Butet saddles — they make such a difference! I’m not a gadget person, and I tend to stick to simple bits; I generally use either a snaffle or a gag type bit. I quite often don’t even use boots at home, unless a horse needs them.”

EN: “What sort of things do you focus on in the warm up for dressage, cross country and showjumping?” 

Padraig: “For all three phases, I tend to look for the same things. I want the horse to be ‘on the aids’ and listening to me. I like to establish a relaxed connection, and to let the horse think for itself. In training at home, I like the horse to be responsible for himself and to have the freedom to learn and develop.”

EN: “How do you get yourself in the right frame of mind for competition?” 

Padraig: “National events obviously differ from international events. I am fairly laid back generally, and I tend to treat national events as an extension of what we do every day. I take care not to overthink too much, and to keep things as close to normal as possible.”

Padraig McCarthy and Mr Chunky at the WEG. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

EN: “What is your most used jumping exercise? Why?”

Padraig: “I sometimes use a fence on a circle or work on bending lines, and I might use a ground pole set 3.5 metres behind a fence to encourage a horse to look down and focus when landing. I never jump big at home, I just work to get the feel and the way of going right.”

EN: “What music are you listening to in your lorry currently?” 

Padraig: “The CD player in the lorry is broken, so if I’m looking for a bit of mental stimulation then it’s BBC Radio 2! Otherwise, whatever music station I can find has to do us!”

EN: “What is your fitness and diet regime like during the season?” 

Padraig: “Over the winter, I tend to carry a little more weight and I eat far better than I do during the season. As Badminton approaches, I do get a lot more strict. Once the season is in full swing, I will have 10-12 horses in work and I am often too busy to stop and eat. I do use stretching to keep myself supple, but I don’t go to a gym.”

Padraig McCarth and Mr Chunky (IRL). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

EN: “Describe your perfect day off!” 

Padraig: “On a non-riding day at home, I quite like doing a bit of DIY! I catch up on fixing things, and I’m currently building a barbecue. I enjoy it because I can straight away see the result of my work. For holidays, I love Italy.”

EN: “Your most embarrassing moment in the sport?”

Padraig: “Years ago in Ireland, we were allowed to school in the show jumping arenas once the competitions were all over. One particular year at Clonmel show, the jumping arenas were side by side and I thought that both rings were finished. I jumped my horse over the dividing rope into the next door ring, and landed straight in front of a horse and rider who were approaching a combination. I just simply didn’t see them. I got into a bit of trouble that day!”

EN: “Who is your sporting hero? And why?” 

Padraig: “I’d have to say Eddie Macken. He was the leading rider of that era when I was growing up, and I will never forget him jumping clear in the Aga Kahn (Nations cup) at the Dublin Horse Show. He is an exceptional man.”

With sincere thanks to Padraig McCarthy for his generous contribution to this article.

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Jul 17, 2019 12:01 am -

Lovely Lexus. Photo via Tamie Smith’s FB page.

Mai Baum is just one of the most photogenic creatures I have ever seen and Tamie Smith gave us all a treat by sharing some lovely photos of Lexus on a summer evening in Chester County. Tamie and Lexus are hanging out at True Prospect until Pan Ams camp begins, and taking advantage of the copious greenery.

National Holiday: World Emoji Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

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

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

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

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Sometimes the grind is much more difficult than the challenge of riding itself. How many people do you know who have been grounded for a year or more because their one horse got hurt? Who battled back from injury only to incur a freak accident or a major life change or then injured themselves? Blogger Mara Santiz salutes those who grind away no matter the setback. [I See You]

If you’re investing in a visit to the AECs, know you’re in good hands. The team at the Kentucky Horse Park is making every effort to ensure that the cross-country footing doesn’t suffer from either heat or rain. With the irrigation system available from 2010, competitors can look forward to carefully managed turf no matter the challenges. [I’ve Never Ridden One Like Him]

Most people going through med school have to give up almost everything else in their life. Karley Koch refused to give up on horses though, and while she’s often short on sleep, she now balances showing her hunter mare Silvia with her job as a second year resident at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. [Koch Is Proving You Can Have It All]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

Want to know more about the most advanced footing solutions on the market today? Please call Attwood Equestrian Surfaces at 888-461-7788.

Time to Get Those Entries in for the 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships!

By on Jul 16, 2019 4:00 pm -

2018 AEC Jr. Beginner Novice champions Ella Robinson and Fernhill Fearless des Terdrix. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Opening date for the 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships  is today! Are you qualified but still hemming and hawing about whether to enter the event, to be held Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at the Kentucky Horse Park? I’ve attended the AEC at its past five locations (Illinois, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Colorado) in various capacities (rider, friend, coach, press), and I can’t recommend the experience highly enough.

No matter what corner of the Eventing Nation you call home, AEC is a true destination event. You better believe I’m heading to the 16th annual edition, and I don’t want you guys to miss out!

Here are six reasons to just put that entry in already:

  1. You earned it. You worked hard, you qualified (see AEC qualified riders and horses), and now it’s time to go enjoy the victory lap of your successful season. Don’t miss the opportunity to test yourself against horses and riders from around the country for the chance to earn the ultimate title of National Champion.
  2. It’s the feel-good event of the year. The USEA goes above and beyond to make sure competitors and their peeps have a fun, celebratory and memorable experience. Cash and prizes + swag galore + parties every evening = why would you miss this, seriously?
  3. The venue is legend. It’s the Kentucky Horse Park! It’s hallowed ground. For those of us who aren’t four-star riders (*cough* most of us), this is our chance for a moment of glory in Rolex Stadium.Visit the Kentucky Horse Park website here.
  4. Bring the whole family. Lexington is known for its horses, of course, but there’s plenty of draw for your un-horsey kin as well. Send the husband off on a journey down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and promise the kids a trip to the Park’s playground or one of its museums after your ride. Lexington is one of the South’s friendliest, cleanest and most colorful cities, with a vibrant downtown as well as outdoorsy activities galore. You can even set up a home-away-from-home in the Horse Park campground — hot tip: There’s a swimming pool! With a little creativity you can convince that fam that this isn’t just an event, it’s a vacation.
  5. It really is more than JUST an event. The AEC is a panoramic view of eventing as it exists here in the U.S. — the pyramid-shaped representation of Beginner Novice to Advanced level riders, the connective tissue that exists between amateurs and pros, the sport’s sweeping geographic scope, and the heroic roles performed by organizers, volunteers and supporters.
  6. It’s an opportunity to give back. Speaking of volunteers, the AEC is in need of some. Can you lend a helping hand? Volunteering is a great way to show your support for the sport you love, and the USEA always treats its volunteers like the superstars that they are. Sign up through the Eventing Volunteers portal to make your hours credible with the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP). Teamwork makes the dream work!

For more information, visit the AEC website. Ready to enter? Excellent choice. Check out the Omnibus listing here and enter via Xentry here.

Tuesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Braiding for Dummies

By on Jul 16, 2019 3:00 pm -

First time eventers (and those of us who could use a little help in the braiding department): bookmark this page!

Braiding is not easy, despite my years of practice mine never seem to turn out totally right, and I’m left attempting to emulate the top grooms of the world. Olivia Towers takes us through the mechanics of plaiting.

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Three-time Gold for Germany, Britain takes YR Team Title at European Junior/YR Championships

By on Jul 16, 2019 1:00 pm -

On the Young Riders Individual podium at the 2019 FEI European Eventing Championships for Juniors and Young Riders at Maarsbergen (NED). L to R: Great Britain’s Isabelle Upton (Silver), Germany’s Emma Brüssau (Gold) and Great Britain’s Heidi Coy (Bronze). Photo by FEI/Victor Krijt.

Germany dominated the 2019 FEI Eventing European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders at Maarsbergen in The Netherlands (July 10-14), taking Junior Team and Individual Gold along with the Young Riders Individual title. A total of 22 countries were represented, and Great Britain reigned supreme in the Young Riders team event.

Young Riders

Germany’s Jerome Robine and Guccimo R OLD led the Young Riders leaderboard after dressage with a super score of 22.1 ahead of Morgane Euriat and Baccarat d’Argonne who posted 23.4 for France. But it would be Robine’s teammate, 20-year-old Emma Brüssau, who would rise from third spot after the first phase to the top step of the medal podium when adding nothing to her mark of 25.3 at the end of the tough contest.

Robine disappeared from the reckoning on cross country day when Guccimo fell at fence 15, and when Anais Neumann also took a tumble from Pumeckel E at the same fence German team chances were dashed. In total 56 of the 66 starters ran into problems around the track, with 21 eliminations and two retirements on course. The combination water fence at seven proved particularly influential, and only four horse-and-rider partnerships made it home inside the time.

Euriat picked up just 0.4 time faults so was out in front on the final day, but 12 jumping penalties saw her drop to sixth in the final standings. Lying second overnight after a foot-perfect and on-time cross country run, Brüssau stood firm once again to finish on her dressage mark and claim the coveted Individual title.

“I’m a bit shocked and can’t believe it!, said the psychology student afterwards. However success is nothing new to Brüssau, who has an impressive CV that includes Team Gold and individual fourth at the Junior European Championships at Montelibretti (ITA) in 2016, Junior European Team Gold and Individual Bronze at Millstreet (IRL) in 2017 and Individual Silver in the European Young Riders Championship at Fontainebleau (FRA) last summer — on that occasion also with her 10-year-old Hannoverian mare Dark Desire GS.

Britain’s Isabelle Upton and the 11-year-old gelding Cola claimed the silver. Lying fourth on 25.9 after dressage they completed one of those rare cross county clears to move into third going into the final day, and a foot-perfect run over the colored poles saw them settle into silver medal spot, just 0.6 penalty points behind Brüssau’s gold-medal-winning score. This was a big boost to British team chances, and together with Felicity Collins on RSH Contend OR, Phoebe Locke on Union Fortunus, and Richard Coney on Kananaskis, Upton stood on the top step of the team podium.

Britain also claimed Individual Bronze thanks to an extraordinary performance from Heidi Coy and the nine-year-old Royal Fury who rocketed up from 26th after dressage to fifth with a superb cross country round, and then added nothing more on the final day to complete on a score of 32.6.

The British team score of 111.0 left them just over three penalty points ahead of France in Silver, while The Netherlands claimed Team Bronze on a final tally of 171.1.

Juniors

It was a runaway win for Germany’s Anna Lena Schaaf and the aptly-named mare, Fairytale, in the Junior Individual Championship. The 17-year-old rider threw down the gauntlet with the leading dressage score of 24.1 and stood firm to add nothing more.

And backed up by an Individual Bronze-medal-winning performance from Ann-Catrin Bierlein with Auf Feht’s Fraeulein Hummel, a ninth-place finish for Calvin Bockmann and Altair de la Cense and 11th spot for Joelle Celina Selenkowitsch with Akeby’s Zum Glueck, Schaaf helped Germany to grasp the golden double in this division. The final German team tally was just 87.0, while Great Britain took Team Silver on a score of 97.2 and France claimed Team Bronze with 99.7.

It was British team member Saffron Osborne who was Schaaf’s closest rival after the first phase having posted a mark of 24.8 with her nine-year-old gelding Lakantus. However a stop at fence seven proved costly, and the addition of 5.6 in the jumping phase saw them eventually line up in 28th place.

Of the 75 starters on cross country day there were 15 eliminations and one retirement, and three more were eliminated in the final jumping phase. A total of 54 completed and once again fence seven was highly influential.

Britain’s Leilia Paske moved up from sixth after dressage to fifth after cross country, and when third-placed French rider Jeanne Cauvel with Iggy Pop was eliminated in the jumping arena and fourth-placed Irish contender Lilly Keogh with Master Tredstep withdrew, then Paske’s clear round with Billy McFee took the silver.

Like her Young Riders Gold-medal-winning compatriot, Schaaf is also an experienced athlete having taken Team and Individual Gold at the European Pony Championships in Aarhus (DEN) in 2016 and Team Bronze at Junior level in Fontainebleau last year. She was delighted with the performance of her home-bred Rheinlander mare who never put a foot wrong all week.

“She was so clever, and she did everything for me!” said the new Junior champion.

View full results here.

This report has been edited from a press release. 

Re-watch the Young Rider competition in full:

Who Jumped It Best? Huntington Farm H.T. Open Training Edition

By on Jul 16, 2019 11:00 am -

Time for another edition of “Who Jumped It Best?” This week we head to Huntington Farm H.T. in South Strafford, Vermont, where 26 horse/rider combinations contested two divisions of Open Training. Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto was the event photographer and kindly shared these snapshots from the division.

You know what to do, EN! Take a look at the photos and vote in the poll at the bottom of the post for which horse and rider you think present the best overall picture over the jump. View complete results from the event here. Entries for the Huntington Farm August H.T. (August 18) are open through July 30 so get those entries in today!

Shannon Wallman-Hatch and Glidawn Master. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Paige Vezina and Irish Sea. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Jillian Middaugh and Miss Behaved. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Anna Loschiavo and Fernhill Holeshot. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

James Foley and The Black Watch. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Barbara Fitch and Donte. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Madlen Fields and Ballynoe Bruce. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Audrey Bean Bailey and Lycius Lydia. Photo by Joan Davis/Flatlandsfoto.

Honoring the Life of Ashley Stout (2006-2019)

By on Jul 16, 2019 7:30 am -

Young riders at Ashley’s barn got back on their horses to take this photo in Ashley’s memory. Photo by Amy Crownover.

The eventing community continues to grieve the loss — and celebrate the life — of Ashley Stout, who died in a cross country schooling accident on Thursday.

“A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered,” the family shared. “Ashley’s passion for riding and for her beloved horse, Grady, drove her young life.”

A number of memorial gestures have been set into motion, each a reflection of the young rider’s own vibrant spirit both in and out of the tack.

Visitation was held on Monday and a funeral service will be held today, Tuesday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (867 Grays Woods Boulevard, State College, Pa.). In honor of Ashley, all fellow riders are encouraged to wear formal competition attire, sans helmet, to the service. In the lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Area 2 Young Riders Program in Ashley’s name. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com. Ashley’s full obituary can be viewed here.

The USEA Area II Young Rider program is promoting the use of the hashtag #ride4Ashley, and thousands of photos have been shared on social media in Ashley’s memory. Riders at the upcoming North American Youth Championships at The Event at Rebecca Farm will be wearing lapel ribbons imprinted with #ride4Ashley, and she will be remembered during the Welcome Ceremony.

On behalf of the eventing community, we continue to hold Ashley’s family, friends and connections in our hearts. #ride4Ashley

Image via the Area II Young Riders Facebook page.

 

 

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jul 16, 2019 12:01 am -

To all the people who moved up a division this weekend… All the time, sweat and tears poured into your prep, all the countless conversations with your trainer and with yourself about being the best you can be, and all the thought you put into your partnership with your horse — we hope it paid off! Congratulations to everyone who achieved a “first” around Eventing Nation.

National Holiday: National Corn Fritters Day

Events Opening This Week: Chattahoochee Hills H.T., Silverwood Farm Fall H.T., Woodland Stallion Station H.T., USEA AEC, $60,000 Adequan Advanced Final, and ATC Finals

Events Closing This Week: Millbrook H.T., Olney Farm H.T., River Glen Summer H.T., Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trial, Cobblestone Farms H.T.

Tuesday News: 

The USEA traveled to picturesque Flagstaff, Arizona this weekend to cover long format divisions at Coconino. After all saw said and done, Jennifer Miller, Leslie Villela, and Eileen Morgenthaler, were the big winners. Congratulations! [Miller, Villela, and Morgenthaler Victorious on Final Day of Coconino Hylofit USEA Classic Series Three-Day]

Mules may be officially banned from FEI competition starting next year. While we’re unaware of any mules who have competed Internationally, the Italian national federation is pulling for a tighter definition of “horses” throughout the rules to prevent that would prevent mules from entering an event. [What’s in a name: mules could be out as FEI re-defines ‘horses’]

See cool horse shows. Eat good food. That’s a motto worth living your life by. [Eat Your Way ‘Round Europe’s Major Horse Trials]

Hot on Horse Nation: 7 Reasons Horses Are the Worst

Tuesday Video: 

Monday Video from Total Saddle Fit: Sneak Peak at Pam Ams 2035

By on Jul 15, 2019 5:00 pm -

Nox, baby Leo, and Silva Martin. Photo via Silva Martin on Facebook.

While there’s some pretty serious business to be done at the Pan American Games this year (little things like, you know, Olympic qualification) the team is still taking some time out to train the next generation. Or maybe it’s the next, next, next generation. Pan Ams 2035: watch out for Nox Martin.

Three-year-old Nox is definitely his father’s son and maybe a bit of an adrenaline junkie in the making (it’s a little hard to catch what he’s saying in the video, but your can definitely make out “RUN!”) Take a look at the most adorable Windurra training session ever:

Posted by Silva Martin on Sunday, July 14, 2019