Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday News & Notes from Ecogold

By on May 30, 2024 12:01 am -

Whilst we’re a community united in grief, we do feel that, as a media source, it’s necessary for us to gently look forward today. But first, a reminder that there’s help and support available to anyone who needs it at this sad and difficult time.

This weekend, the FEI Nations Cup reconvenes in Ireland for what is now the second leg, following the abandonment of the Chatsworth event a couple of weeks ago. Team France are currently in pole position, securing the win in Montelibretti ahead of the home nation, Italy. Here’s a round-up of the season opener.

American interests in Ireland lie with Jennifer Caras and Sommersby*, Molly Duda and Disco Traveler, Alexa Gartenberg and Cooley Kildaire, Emily Hamel and Corvett*, Caroline Pamukcu and King’s Especiale*, and Alyssa Phillips and Oskar*. (*Denotes team combination – find out more about the US team here.)

There are nine countries represented, and with clubhouse leaders France and runners-up Italy not in the mix, there’s a chance for other nations to make their bid.

You can follow the 4*-S Nations Cup division via the free livestream on the FEI YouTube channel – links below.

US riders are also taking on the 4*-L division at Millstreet: Cosby Green rides Highly Suspicious, Rowan Laird will pilot Sceilig Concordio, and Pan-Ams gold medalist Caroline Pamukcu has a busy weekend ahead with rides in both of the 4* classes; she brings She’s The One forward for the long-format.

You can watch all of the competition from Millstreet International on ClipMyHorse.TV (subscription required).

U.S. Weekend Preview

Carriage House Farm Combined Test (Hugo, MN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (Cle Elum, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Essex H.T. (Gladstone, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (Geneseo, NY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

GMHA June H.T. (South Woodstock, VT) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

IEA Horse Trials (Edinburgh, IN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (Cockeysville, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Ocala Summer H.T. I (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Poplar Place June H.T. (Hamilton, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, WY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

European International Events

Millstreet International Horse Trials (Nations Cup) (Co. Cork, Ireland) [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Scoring] [Free Live Stream NC Dressage 1] [Free Live Stream NC Dressage 2] [Free Live Stream NC Show Jumping] [Free Live Stream NC Cross Country] [Complete Live Stream – CMH]

Outdoor Horst (Kronenberg, The Netherlands) [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Thursday News and Reading

First, a tribute to Australian dressage rider Elliot Patterson, who passed away on May 26 following a fall at home. We’ve been very aware that our eventing community isn’t alone in our grief this week. The helplines we’ve shared are open to all. Our thoughts are with Elliot’s loved ones at this incredibly sad time.

The European Equestrian Federation have formed a veterinary working group dedicated to ensuring the highest levels of welfare in equestrian sport. EEF President Theo Ploegmakers explains, “Through offering informed advice, innovative proposals, and disseminating crucial information, we aim to foster an environment where horses in sport are nurtured, protected and respected”. Find out more.

A regular slot with your farrier or going by eye – what’s best when it comes to hooves? Whilst it’s true that every horse is different, it’s also true that all horses’ hooves grow at a steady rate. So once you’ve got into the groove with your horse, veterinarian and expert farrier Brian Eitelman suggests that a regular schedule is necessary.

You’ll never be a know-it-all when it comes to horses. You’ve probably realized by now that horses are always throwing up learning opportunities – about horses and about life. So it’s totally OK not to know everything already, and a red flag if someone claims that they do.

Finally, enjoy this photo gallery of braids with a little something extra.

Sponsor Corner

Trying to find your next saddle pad sponsor? Ecogold is waiting for you! They’re currently accepting applications for their next sponsored rider. Fill out this form before June 7th to be considered.

Video Break

Re-live the cross country from the first Nations Cup leg at Montelibretti, Italy.

Woodside Spring Horse Trials Spotlight Development of Eventing’s Future Stars

By on May 29, 2024 10:00 am -

Patrons take in the Modified Match competition put on by Laughing Monk Brewery. Photo credit: Tina Fitch Photography

The Horse Park at Woodside created a five-star atmosphere for the inaugural Laughing Monk Modified Match that took place at the 2024 Woodside Spring Horse Trials. The goal of the Modified Match was to spotlight the Modified level that was introduced to competition at The Horse Park in 2023 and has made a significant impact on the progression of eventing’s rising stars since the level was introduced to the sport in 2017.

Amber Birtcil and Milagro (Good Fellow VDL x Easter) won the Modified Match Horse Challenge (31.6 finishing score) for their fourth blue ribbon in a row in the horse’s first year of eventing, and Sophie Tice and Viva La Vida (Versache x Daydream) captured the Modified Match Rider Challenge (26.0) after finishing second in The Horse Park’s inaugural Modified level held at the 2023 Woodside Summer Horse Trials. Approximately 450 spectators enjoyed Saturday night’s competitor dinner that took place in conjunction with the show jumping rounds that decided the Modified Match.

In addition, Taren Hoffos and Master Class (Cree x Night Destiny) captured the challenging Advanced level (71.0) in a victory that Hoffos said she hopes will be a stepping stone to future success at the four and five-star levels. Elsa Warble and FE Unlimited (Uriko x Viona III) followed up their success in the CCI3*-S at the Twin Rivers Spring International with a win in Woodside’s Intermediate level (35.6).

Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP (Westpoint x Wenderola P), the CCI2*-S winners at the 2023 Woodside Fall International, won the Open Preliminary division (22.5), and Whitney Tucker Billeter and NC Sky High (Afellay Z x Fandawest Titans Sky), a new partnership in 2024, won the Preliminary Rider division (24.9).
There were a total of 347 competitors across 22 divisions from Starter to Advanced, and a waitlist was needed for the first time in many years, according to organizers.

FROM THE WINNERS

Laughing Monk Modified Match Horse winner Amber Birtcil and Milagro with, from right to left, Victoria Klein and
Steve Roon from The Horse Park at Woodside and Sam Ghadiri from Laughing Monk Brewing. Photo credit: Tina Fitch Photography

MODIFIED MATCH HORSE – Amber Birtcil about Milagro, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding:
“The Modified Match is such a fun showcase for bringing horses up the levels. As it is, the Modified has been such a fantastic addition to our sport. Being able to showcase young horses in a feature class like this really helps with their education.
“I imported Milagro from Holland last fall where he had done the 1.10-meter jumpers previously. I didn’t start eventing him until this spring where he has really thrived. This will be his fourth win in a row, as he is turning into quite the competitor. ‘Mike,’ as we call him, has really been a joy to work with. I truly love
getting to ride and develop him and am planning a move up to Prelim later this year with hopes of keeping him for a bit for myself to ride.
“Woodside does such a superb job of putting on a well-run and beautiful event. I look forward to returning this fall to hopefully add another ribbon to Mike’s winning record.”

Laughing Monk Modified Match Rider winner Sophie Tice and Viva La Vida.
Photo credit: Tina Fitch Photography

MODIFIED MATCH RIDER – Sophie Tice about Viva La Vida, a 7-year-old Oldenburg mare:
“The Modified Match at Woodside was an incredible experience for Viva La Vida and me. Having a competition that is willing to hold a division that creates this kind of atmosphere is so beneficial to both the riders and the horses competing. This division was a big test to see how my young horse would handle such a huge atmosphere and the fatigue of stadium jumping after cross country, but I felt that she rose to the occasion in every way possible. ‘Viva’ gave me a very rideable dressage test, brave cross country, and super careful stadium round. I couldn’t be happier with how she performed and the professionalism she displayed on a bigger stage.

“Helen and James Alliston helped me acquire Viva in June of 2020 from Garyn Heidemann in Washington. She was turning 3 and just broke, but Garyn described her as one of the best-minded young horses she had come across. I had never personally trained a young horse from scratch and was very anxious to see if I had the knowledge and ability to do so successfully. Prior to Viva, I had only ridden a very experienced horse at the upper levels [Mojo]. With the incredible guidance from the Allistons, Viva is now successfully competing at the Modified level. She is incredibly smart, trainable, and, as red-headed mares can be, passionate about her job. I’m so grateful to have found a young horse that has made this development process so fun and educational. When it comes to the future with Viva, I plan on taking our time, listening to her, and enjoying the journey of progressing a young horse up the levels of eventing. Maintaining her confidence and joy for the sport is the most important goal for me.”

Taren Hoffos and Master Class. Photo credit: Tina Fitch Photography

ADVANCED – Taren Hoffos about Master Class, a 15-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding:
“‘Chester’ was a true champion. I’m so proud of him. We’ve been working hard on our dressage, which he finds hard, so I was pleased with a sub-40 score to start off the show. His canter work was better than his trot work for the first time ever, which gives me a lot of hope for the future. Credit for the gentle upswing in our scores goes to my dressage coach at home, Tiffany Silverman, who has given me lots of great insight into how to ride the big, sensitive guy.

“Cross-country was truly the best thing. I walked the course and was pretty intimidated with the size and questions out there. I’ve never ridden a tougher track. Luckily, he’s as brave as they come and very honest, so I know that if I do my job, he’ll do his. I felt like I rode decisively and bravely, and he answered all the questions just as he should have. I’m still riding the high of that round!

“Show jumping was fun, another super tough track, but I feel so confident riding him. He makes the jumps feel easy. He was quite rideable but definitely a little tired; I think one rail was mine and two were his. He doesn’t have the most conventional style, so a lot of the show jumping is keeping the rideability,
which was a little hard with him feeling the task from the day before.

“Overall, I’m thrilled. This is our fourth Advanced together and certainly the hardest challenge we’ve had. I feel so confident for my future plan of running the CCI4*-S at Rebecca Farm this July, and the CCI-4*L at Galway Downs in the fall. Plan A looks like a trip to Kentucky for the CCI4*-S next April, the CCI4*L- at Rebecca Farm 2025, and then the CCI5*-L at Maryland next October. Fingers, eyes, and toes all crossed for the big guy to stay happy and healthy!”

Elsa Warble and FE Unlimited. Tina Fitch Photography

INTERMEDIATE – Elsa Warble about FE Unlimited, a 10-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding:
“Thrilling to win at our home event, one exit down the highway. I’m so proud of ‘Axel’ and all the work we’ve put in to get here. I’m so glad he got the recognition he deserves; he’s my horse of a lifetime. Of course, there are things to improve on, especially in dressage, but it was exactly what we hoped for—a confidence-building weekend and the win was the cherry on top. A big thank you to everyone who supports us, especially my coach Mickayla Howard, and my parents who make all of this possible. And also The Horse Park for putting on such a great event. We are looking forward to Aspen indditio a couple weeks, and if everything goes to plan, perhaps a trip to the East Coast in the fall!”

FROM THE ORGANIZERS

Steve Roon, Executive Director of The Horse Park at Woodside:
“The inaugural Laughing Monk Modified Match represents the growing commitment The Horse Park at Woodside has to the level we introduced last year, along with the addition of a CCI1*-S we ran for the first time at the Woodside Fall International. It represents a stepping stone between the lower and upper levels of eventing that’s approachable for a lot more members of our sport. Plus, we place a huge emphasis on the experience horses and riders can take away from our events, so our goal was to highlight the level as our signature show jumping class with a five-star presentation for horses, riders, and spectators is a way we felt we could make a positive impact for the sport. We’re so pleased with the execution and response. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Laughing Monk Brewing and the dedication of all involved.

“In addition, we appreciate the turnout across all levels for a capacity show. It’s the first time in years that we’ve had a waitlist at one of our shows or seen a waitlist for a show in Area VI. We also appreciate that the USEA sent Margaret Marcus so that we could test their ShowConnect event management system at our event and provide feedback that will be helpful in enhancing the platform developed by the sport’s governing body. As a facility, The Horse Park at Woodside could not operate without Fernando Ramirez and his marvelous crew. They once again showed their dedication and commitment during this very busy weekend.”
Victoria Klein, Board of Governors of The Horse Park at Woodside:

“Eventing at The Horse Park at Woodside wouldn’t be possible without the local eventing community, and we pride ourselves on the fact that the events we host are truly community events. Because of the community support, we’ve been able to build new show jumps and cross-country fences. We’re committed to presenting them in the most effective way for the growth of our horses and riders thanks to expertise of cross-country designers Derek di Grazia and Bert Wood, along with their team of builders, and show jump designer William Robertson. Plus, Christina Gray and her team from Gray Area Events are essential to our success with all they do to run our horse trials that continue to get bigger and bigger. We’re grateful to play a significant role in how important the West Coast is to the sport of eventing as a whole in the United States.”

Amber Birtcil and Milagro. Tina Fitch Photography

THE MODIFIED LEVEL

After approval of what would become eventing’s seventh recognized level by the USEA Board of Governors in 2016, the first Modified competitions with jumps at the height of 3 feet, 5 inches were held in 2017, attracting a total of 28 starters. According to a study by the publication Eventing Nation, the number of Modified starters increased tenfold to 321 in 2018 and was 1,555 in 2022 when the level celebrated its five-year anniversary.

Four eventing venues in California now offer Modified, with The Horse Park at Woodside introducing the level at the 2023 Woodside Summer Horse Trials. Nadia Vogt and Castle Larchfield Purdy (Karistos x Hallo Purdy) won, a stepping stone for a new partnership at the time made up of a 17-year-old rider that had previously competed up to Training and a 21-year-old horse that had represented Puerto Rico at two Olympics with Lauren Billys Shady

LOOKING AHEAD

The Horse Park will next host the Woodside Summer Horse Trials from August 9-11. In addition to national levels offered from Starter through Advanced-Intermediate, there will be team challenges for adult, intercollegiate, and interscholastic eventers.

Then, the Woodside Fall International will take place from October 4-6 with short-format FEI levels offered from one-star through four-star, along with national levels from Starter through Intermediate. The CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S will be part of the 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge, matching Team Bobby, led by U.S. Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Bobby Costello, against Team Leslie, led by U.S. Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law. The goal of the USEF Futures Team Challenge is to provide riders with an experience through education and competition that will prepare them to represent America on senior national teams.

Woodside Spring H.T. (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Results]

The full list of winners from the 2024 Woodside Spring Horse Trials:

Laughing Monk Modified Match Horse: Amber Birtcil and Milagro (31.6)
Laughing Monk Modified Match Rider: Sophie Tice and Viva La Vida (26.0)
Advanced: Taren Hoffos and Master Class (71.0)
Open Intermediate: Elsa Warble and FE Unlimited (35.6)
Open Preliminary: Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP (22.5)
Preliminary Rider: Whitney Tucker Billeter and NC Sky High (24.9)
Open Modified: Lauren Burnell and Freedom Hill (28.3)
Open Training: Megan McIver and Patito (27.8)
Training Rider: Paige Beauchamp Crandon and Fyfin Ramiro (28.6)
Training Amateur: Ruth Bley and Claas (23.6)
Open Novice: Elsa Warble and FE Kyoto (22.8)
Jr. Novice Rider: Sophie McCanna and Fernhill Vanguard (25.8)
Sr. Novice Rider: Karen Horn and My Mitch (26.9)
Novice Amateur: Nicci Guzzetta and Little Richard (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Tommy Greengard and Optimistic Sol (22.8)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Emma De Vos Benavente and Cat Ballou (25.6)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Lauren Kingel and When Starz Align (26.7)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Keri Simpson and Rocket Man (30.6)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Richene Havrilla and Razzmatazz (28.7)
Open Starter A: Sophia Kuzma and Valentine (20.3)
Open Starter B: Chloe Kischuk and Take That (21.7)
Open Starter C: Charlisse Weintraub and Tango Kitten (30.0)

Wednesday News & Notes

By on May 29, 2024 12:01 am -

As we continue to reflect, grieve and feel for everyone affected by the tragedies that have rocked both the eventing and dressage communities this week, here’s a reminder that help is available to anyone who needs it. Riders Minds is available 24 hours a day, wherever you are in the world, at ridersminds.org.

Tilly also rounded up a comprehensive list of resources yesterday – here it is.

Within the devastation that such loss brings is a reminder to love your loved ones hard – family, friends, horses and pets, but also every other being we share this planet with, you never know who’s hurting. That’s where I’ll leave things for today, with love.

I’ve rounded up some other news below, but if you’re not feeling it, then take your leave here and know that you’re not alone.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Carriage House Farm Combined Test (Hugo, MN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (Cle Elum, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Essex H.T. (Gladstone, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (Geneseo, NY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

GMHA June H.T. (South Woodstock, VT) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

IEA Horse Trials (Edinburgh, IN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (Cockeysville, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Ocala Summer H.T. I (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Poplar Place June H.T. (Hamilton, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

The Spring Event at Archer (Cheyenne, WY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

European International Events

Millstreet International Horse Trials (Nations Cup) (Co. Cork, Ireland) [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Scoring] [Free Live Stream NC Dressage 1] [Free Live Stream NC Dressage 2] [Free Live Stream NC Show Jumping] [Free Live Stream NC Cross Country]

Outdoor Horst (Kronenberg, The Netherlands) [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Wednesday News and Reading

William Fox-Pitt brings eventing to the mainstream. This article from The Telegraph is behind a paywall (although there is the option of a free trial) but we all know that this legend’s words of wisdom are worth it.

Paris edges closer. Preparations for the Paris Olympics have obviously been underway for quite some time, but with nominated entries announcements popping up, and now a call for dressage contenders to submit their freestyle music for rights clearance, things feel just that little bit closer.

The National Pony Express is saddling up ready to deliver mail old style. Each year, this historic run is recreated and you can send a letter via the original trail. Find out more about the event here, and keep track of the riders here. The ride begins June 17.

And here’s a deep dive by Western Horseman into the Pony Express. Facts, myths, and mystery, it’s all here.

The one thing that brings us all together, regardless of discipline or level, is the love of the horse. I’ve tried out a bunch of different lanes over the years, from show jumping and eventing as a teenager to being a happy hacker when I thought I’d grown out of all that to, more recently, cowboying up and going Western. Each foray into the world of horses has brought me new pleasures, experiences and learning. It’s OK to dip a toe in and then switch, or spend a significant amount of time doing one thing, but take the opportunity to change when it presents itself, as the Assistant Editor of Horse&Rider acknowledges in this piece about her journey with horses.

Video Break

Something a bit different for today’s Video Break. Here’s the stunning scenery of Iceland, complete with horses:

U.S. Equestrian Announces Defender U.S. Eventing Team for 2024 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Ireland CCIO4*-NC-S

By on May 28, 2024 7:08 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations who will represent the Defender U.S. Eventing Team at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Ireland CCIO4*-NC-S at the Millstreet International Horse Trials in County Cork, Ireland, May 29-June 2. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law.

The following combinations have been named to the Defender U.S. Eventing Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

• Jenny Caras (Buckhead, Ga.) and Sommersby (Sergeant Pepper x D’Mademoiselle), a 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Jenny Caras and Jerry Hollis

• Groom: Max Corcoran
• Emily Hamel (Aiken, S.C.) and Corvett (Corrido x Tina XII), a 2007 Holsteiner gelding owned by Black Flag Option

• Groom: Jenna Epping
• Caroline Pamukcu (Springtown, Pa.) and King’s Especiale (Connect x Cha Cha Cha Special), a 2015 KWPN gelding owned by Redfield King’s HX Group

• Groom: Chloe Teahan
• Alyssa Phillips (Fort Worth, Texas) and Oskar (Coriando x Nicole), a 2009 Holsteiner gelding owned by Julie and Alyssa Phillips

• Groom: Meigs Rutherford
Individual: Molly Duda (Menlo Park, Calif.) and Disco Traveler (Donatelli x Cadence), her own 2010 Oldenburg gelding

Competition Information

Competition in the Nations Cup will begin with the dressage phase on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31. Jumping will take place on Saturday, June 1, and the competition will conclude with cross-country on Sunday, June 2.

Event website | Entries

Tune in live on ClipMyHorse.TV/FEI.TV with a ClipMyHorse.TV Premium Membership. USEF Subscribers, Competing Members, and Fans receive a 10% discount on ClipMyHorse.TV Premium Memberships. Find out more information here.

Top Riders to Contest MARS Bromont CCI4*

By on May 28, 2024 1:23 pm -

World number three ranked eventing rider, USA’s Boyd Martin on course with Chiraz at the 2023 MARS Bromont CCI.
Martin will bring horses for the CCI2*, 3* and 4*-L next week. © Cealy Tetley Photo

With just a few hours until entries close, Bromont Horse Trials is excited to announce just a few of the top local and international riders entered to compete at the MARS Bromont CCI4* taking place June 6-9, 2024 at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park.

Widely considered one of the most prestigious and longest-running three-day events in North America, athletes will compete for $25,000 in prize money and awards offered by the generous sponsors of the MARS Bromont Three Day Event.

Local Olympian Colleen Loach (Dunham, QC) has been a Canadian team member since 2015. She participated in the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Tryon (2018) as well as winning bronze at two Pan-American Games (Toronto and Lima.) Loach has entered FE Golden Eye in the CCI4*-S.

“Bromont is one of my favourite competitions and not just because it’s so close to home!” says Loach. “Bromont’s charm is its low-key, top class atmosphere in a beautiful setting. The rolling terrain makes for excellent cross-country, designed by one of the best in the world, Derek Di Grazia.”

Canadian Olympic rider Colleen Loach of Dunham, QC, on course with FE Golden Eye
at the 2023 MARS Bromont CCI. © Michelle Dunn Photo

Fellow Canadian teammates Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON (5-time Pan-Am medalist and Canadian Olympian) and Lindsay Traisnel of Windsor, ON (team gold and individual bronze at the 2023 Pan-American Games) join Loach on the current list of entries. Phoenix has three of her top horses entered in the CCI4*-S: Fluorescent Adolescent, Freedom GS and Watson GS. Traisnel is bringing her long-time partner Bacyrouge — or “Dreamy” as he’s known at home.

World number three ranked eventing rider and three-time Olympian, Boyd Martin (Cochranville, PA), will be one of the busiest riders next week, with horses entered in the CCI2*, 3* and 4*-L. Martin recently finished in second and fourth at the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S and will be looking to go one better here in Bromont.

2023 MARS Bromont CCI4*-L winners Phillip Dutton (USA) and Azure. © Michelle Dunn Photo

America’s Phillip Dutton (West Grove, PA) has competed in every Olympic Games since 1996, winning team gold with Australia in 1996 and 2000, and as a member of the U.S. team in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, winning individual bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He has competed in seven FEI World Equestrian Games, representing the U.S. for the first time in 2006. Dutton also won the CCI4*-L at Bromont in 2023 riding Azure.

This year he’s bringing an up-and-coming young horse, Kassiopea Preziosa to contest the CCI2*-L. Joining her father will be young rider Olivia Dutton, who is taking part in the MARS Bromont Rising educational program with Sea of Clouds. Following their recent top-20 finish in the CCI4*-S in Kentucky, they will be attempting their first CCI4*-L, the penultimate level of international competition.

Making it truly international is Lucienne Bellissimo (GBR) competing in the CCI4*-L with Dyri.

Lucienne Belissimo will represent Great Britain in Bromont with Dyri, shown here
at the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S in Kentucky. © Allison Pezzack for Michelle Dunn Photo

New this year is the addition of fun, family-friendly canine activities starting at 3:00pm Saturday, June 8. The Monteregie Agility Club will be performing demos including agility, frisbee and freestyle; there will be a dog parade; and special guests Canada’s international Cani-Cross medalists Sandra Lallier and Daniel Lusignan will also be part of the action. Best of all, your own dog is welcome (on a leash) to come be part of the fun.

Also new this year are the introduction of special awards in memory of Mary Anne and Guy Laframboise, whose Farm of the Mountain training centre served eventers and equestrian sport in Canada for nearly 50 years. The Laframboise Family Legacy Awards will be given out to the highest placed U25 rider from any division at the MARS Bromont CCI, and to the highest placed U18 Canadian rider at Petit/Little Bromont the following weekend. There will also be an individual award of excellence presented annually at the MARS Bromont CCI to someone who has made a significant life commitment to enriching the sport of eventing.

Everyone will love the addition of fun canine activities including agility, a dog parade
and Cani-Cross demonstrations, beginning at 3:00pm Saturday, June 8. © Tom von Kapherr Photo

If you are not able to be here in Bromont, all the action will be broadcast free on the new official YouTube channel www.YouTube.com/@BromontEventing starting with the first horse inspection at 3:00pm EST Wednesday, June 5. The livestream will also be simulcast on the RNS Video Media channel as well as for free on Horse & Country TV.

The opening phase, dressage, will be held over Thursday/Friday (June 6/7), the exciting and spectator-friendly cross-country will take place Saturday, June 8, and the event will conclude Sunday, June 9 with the show jumping phase, to determine the overall winners. Daily general admission and parking are completely free each day.

Renowned course designer Derek DiGrazia (USA), course designer for the Tokyo Olympics and some of the biggest three-day events in the world will be back at Bromont for 2024, to design the courses set amid the challenging terrain, with the help of Canada’s Jay Hambly.

A Statement from the Team at EN

By on May 28, 2024 11:04 am -

A beautiful sunset in Area VII. Photo by Erin Tomson.

As we look ahead to a week in which, once again, we are left to our thoughts in the wake of the loss of one of our own eventing compatriots, we’ve struggled with how to move forward.

Eventing Nation is a news site, and the news cycle, cruel as ever, continues to march on. While we know there are events, announcements, and other news pieces happening, we’d be lying if we said we felt we could dive right back in to “business as usual”.

This sport is our home. Losing one of our community hits hard. We want to honor the legacy of Georgie, and of every other individual we’ve lost over the years.

So, we’ve decided to cease our operations on social media for the next week. We don’t want to perpetuate the quick-moving news cycle and leave her memory in its wake. We want to give our community time to process what happened, and to find the resources they need to look forward.

We have some obligations to publish timely pieces, and those will continue to be posted on EventingNation.com, but we respectfully ask for your patience as we will not be promoting these articles on our social media. You can keep up with the latest news stories on our website.

In the meantime, please stick together. Reach out for help. Do something kind for your family and friends. Hug your horses. Tilly Berendt has kindly collected several resources that can be useful for assistance here.

We will be back. But we wanted to respect Georgie and her family, and we don’t want to forget what happened by burying it in news.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on May 28, 2024 9:27 am -

 

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Today, out of necessity, I want to approach our News & Notes round-up a little bit differently, and I hope, in some very small way, that it can be useful for all of us.

First of all, I want to lead with a beautiful, and much-shared, post from our friends at Eventing Times, who found the words when I know that I, for one, absolutely could not. When you’re at an event and facing the worst of all possible news — and feeling the eventing family at large tighten into a huddle that serves to keep everyone, but especially those right at the core of the outward ripple of grief, upright — it’s impossible to do more than share the official statement, because the words are no longer there, and everything becomes about putting one foot in front of the other and holding onto one another, both literally and physically. But Georgie was so much more than a statement, as ET rightly points out; she was more than any words on any page. Their tribute, though, is poignant and kind and right, and it’s something that I hope can give some comfort to those who need it most: she was so loved. She was so good.

This week, I will work on finding words, too, because she deserves it, and so, too, do the people who were closest to her. Today, I can’t engage with the wider equestrian news cycle – if I’m honest,  I don’t care, right at this moment, where the Olympic torch has made it to, or the colour scheme picked for the Paris podiums, or who has been picked to represent their nations at this week’s Millstreet Nations Cup. Perhaps that’s unprofessional of me, and perhaps it’s also incredibly selfish of me to be writing this at all, but something I do know is that everybody needs to process what has happened, and for right now, nothing in the world feels more important than what has been lost. And so I will rally, and I will return to EN with new stories and coverage, and all of us will take our forward steps, one at a time – but for right now, and out of respect for Jesse, the Strang and Campbell families, their team, and their friends, I’m going to hold fire on going about it all as normal. It’s not normal. It’s not okay. And it’s not the time to pretend otherwise. While we’ll all continue to move forward, and we absolutely should do, not least because we all need to be present to lean on one another, it’s also going to be a transition that should be navigated carefully.

So today’s N&N, instead, will focus on resources that we can all use. All of us are thinking above all else about Georgie’s nearest and dearest, and how desperately we wish we could do something to ease their passage through the backroads of grief, but I also want to ensure that anyone else caught by the ripple effect of Sunday afternoon’s tragedy is able to get the support that they need. Whether you were a fence judge, photographer, volunteer, organiser, or spectator who witnessed the accident; whether you were on site and experienced the swell of terror and sadness that encapsulated the extended aftermath; whether you were home and following the livestream and saw the fall and are struggling to cope – whoever you are, and whatever your connection is, even if you feel that you’re so far on the outskirts of it that it would be selfish to own how it’s affected you, please let me make one thing clear: how you feel is wholly and completely valid, and you are deserving of support. Please scroll down to find some really wonderful, compassionate sources that you can use to access it, and please, please be gentle with yourself.

The eventing world is by no means perfect, and it’s not, always, a gentle place to be. But in the last couple of days, our extended family has tightened its grip on everyone within it. Together, we can move slowly towards peace. Love one another, and look after one another.

Resources:

  • In conjunction with Sporting Minds, British Eventing and the British Eventing Support Trust has opened a round-the-clock hotline that’s available for anyone to use as they seek guidance and support through this incredibly tough time. You may think of hotlines as a resource that’s reserved for people with suicidal thoughts; you may also think of BEST as a resource that’s reserved for competitors within British Eventing. But they can do much more than that, and BE and BEST have emphasised that anyone can use the hotline and be put through to someone who can help them to navigate their complex feelings and their grief. You can ring them anytime on 07780 008877 and get connected to a counsellor. Once again, I have to emphasise how especially important this is for anyone who witnessed the fall – please do make use of this line.
  • Another great hotline comes through Riders Minds, which also offers the option of a text line if you don’t feel comfortable calling in. Their free call line is available on 0800 088 2073, or you can text the support line on 07480 488 103 to be connected with a trained professional who can give you empathetic, kind support.
  • The NHS has several useful resources available for those suffering with grief, including their own free-to-use helpline, mental health audio guides, tips to help with sleep if you’re struggling with fatigue in the aftermath, and access to support groups, too. You can find all these resources collated here.
  • If you’d prefer an ongoing support system, and to speak to the same person in continuity, Sue Ryder offers up to six free Zoom sessions with a grief counsellor, which can be an extraordinary help. This is available for over-18s and will require you to fill out a short eligibility questionnaire, and you can do so here to get started. 
  • Similarly, Cruse Bereavement Support has a helpline as well as over 80 branches across the UK that can offer you a helping hand from specialists. They also have free resources available that’ll help you to navigate your own private journey through grief. Find them here.
  • Mental health organisation Mind is also a fantastic source for help. Here, you’ll find their collation of a variety of support lines, many of which have specific functions for different groups of people and levels of connection, so if you find you’re holding yourself back from reaching out because you don’t believe your proximity to Georgie is deserving of support, this could be a great help to you.
  • Knowing what to say and how to support someone who’s been affected by this tragedy can be colossally hard. This is a valuable primer to being a solid support system.
  • I can’t stress enough how important it is that witnesses reach out for help. It’s estimated that about a quarter of people who witness a fatality will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of it. Here’s some salient info on traumatic grief therapy and how it can help you.
  • Edited to add: Thank you to an EN reader for also suggesting the collected resources put together by the team at the Climbing Grief Fund. While it’s been created for participants within a different sport, it includes a number of invaluable resources and a short documentary that are designed specifically to aid in grief following a sporting accident, and is well worth looking at.

Rest in peace, Georgie. You are so missed.

Events Opening Today: One & Done Horse Trials, The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm

Events Closing Today: Full Gallop Farm June H.T., Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T., Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I, Silverwood Farm Spring H.T., Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. I, Aspen Farm H.T

With thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of EN, and this collection of resources. Please continue reading for more information on how their products can help your horse.

It’s that time of year… hoof abscess season. The constant fluctuation between wet and dry ground creates the perfect environment for abscesses. Luckily, you can prevent an abscess from derailing your spring season. Read up on these five tips from Kentucky Performance Products to prevent hoof abscesses in your horse.

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on May 27, 2024 12:01 am -

It’s a very somber Monday morning and we’d be remiss not to take a moment to honor the life of Georgie Campbell, who suffered a fatal accident at Bicton International Horse Trials yesterday, before moving on with business as usual.

Georgie, who was 36 years old, was a show jumper turned eventer and was no stranger to competing at the highest level of this sport. She completed Badminton, Burghley, and Pau, was named to multiple Nations Cup teams representing Great Britain, and her FEI record runs deep throughout the European eventing scene.

I was not fortunate enough to know Georgie personally, but I can speak as someone who has lost a friend to a rotational fall a few years ago. Honestly, there are really no words that can explain what an unspeakable tragedy and accident it is nor are there words adequate enough to comfort those who knew and loved her, especially her husband and family, or those whose lives the ripple-effect of her loss touches. Life, particularly as an equestrian, can be the most beautiful and joyous thing. It can also be cruel beyond belief. Treasure every moment you have with your loved ones, your horses, and everyone in your equestrian sphere.

Rest in peace, Georgie.

U.S. Weekend Results

Flora Lea Spring H.T. (Medford, NJ) [Website]

Spring Coconino Horse Trials (Flagstaff, AZ)[Website] [Results]

USEA MDHT YEH/NEH Qualifier (Adamstown, MD) [Website] [Results]

Virginia Horse Center Eventing (Lexington, VA) [Website] [Results]

Willow Draw Charity Show (Weatherford, TX) [Website] [Results]

Woodside Spring H.T. (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Results]

UK International Events

Bicton Arena International (1) (Devon) [Website] [Results]

European Events

Equestrian Festival Baborówko (Poland) [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

In an Olympic year it’s always fun to look back on some history. Today, read about Mexico’s incredible trip to the 1948 Olympic Games in London when Humberto Mariles secured double gold in show jumping AND individual bronze in eventing. Mexico has not won another Olympic Equestrian gold since.

Get to know upper-level eventer Caitlin Silliman a little better in this article which originally appeared in Sidelines Magazine. A native of Pennsylvania, Caitlin now runs her business out of Erin Kanara’s barn in her homes state. She’s sure experienced the highs and lows of the sport, including the True Prospect barn fire and loss of her best friend Annie Goodwin. Here’s her story.

And finally, something that made us smile yesterday: Tim Bourke trotting up a client’s horse in a birthday tiara.

Morning Viewing: Enjoy this adorable pair, Gelane Barr & KCS Rebel Rockateer, rock around the starter division at the Texas Rose Horse Trials.

Recapping the Final Day of VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square

By on May 26, 2024 6:51 pm -

Competition wrapped up Sunday to cap off a highly successful VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square. All remaining divisions completed their competition weekend, with some finishing on show jumping and others concluding with cross country. The FEI Long-format division champions were also crowned, as well as a slew of other award winners for their efforts over the weekend.

Ashton Benefiel and Libris Charlotte. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Benefiel Rises to the Occasion in CCI2*-L

There was a two-way tie for the lead following cross country in the CCI2*-L division, with young riders Tate Northrop and Ashton Benefiel left to duke it out for the eventual win today on matching scores of 32.7.

Olympic show jumping rider-turned-course designer Michel Vaillancourt set a challenging show jumping track across all divisions, including the National levels. The courses required thinking and education on the part of both horse and rider, and caught more than a few pairs out in today’s FEI divisions.

So the pressure was on for our two leaders. Benefiel was the first to ride, bringing forward her 9-year-old British Sport Horse Libris Charlotte (Cevin Z – Witches Broom, by Fraam) and boasting a clear FEI show jumping record with their two previous CCI2*-S and CCI1*-S competitions.

Ashton Benefiel and Libris Charlotte. Photo by Sally Spickard.

They delivered, securing one of four double clear rounds to keep the pressure on Northrop. Northrop rode her 9-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred gelding, Harrison (Pasolongo – Sybrite), who is owned by her mother, Megan Northrop. Their dreams of taking home the win were dashed when fence 3 rattled and fell, assessing four penalty points and one eventual time penalty to drop down into fifth overall.

For her part, Benefiel says she was surprised to have taken the win. “I certainly did not expect to win,” she smiled. “I really wanted to come into the weekend and just have a confidence building round in cross country and show jumping. Thankfully we were able to do that and come home with the win.”

Benefiel trains with CCI5* and World Championships rider Ariel Grald, both when Grald is in Florida for the winter as well as periodically through the summer in Southern Pines, NC. She also rides with Florida-based CCI4* rider Alexander O’Neal when Grald is away. “Ariel had some great advice and [the course today] ended up riding really well,” she said. “I was feeling really good [this morning]. Charlie is a really careful show jumper, and I knew that if I could do my job that she was going to do hers. She gets a little nervous about other horses in the warm-up, so I was hoping that I would have enough time to get her relaxed and soft in her body before we went out there, and we were able to do that.”

Free Union, VA-based Gabby Dickerson cleaned up the second and third spots on the leaderboard, riding Kristin Caskey’s Afrojack Z to second place on a score of 32.8 and her own Gortglas Lupin to third on a 33.9.

Kelley Claims CCI1*-L Victory

Lindsay Kelley and Fashionable Man. Photo by Sally Spickard.

It was a wire-to-wire win for Lindsay Kelley, who’s in some ways catch-riding this weekend for owner Paige Ramsey with the 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Fashionable Man (Charitable Man – So Francie). This pair finished their weekend clear on their dressage score of 27.8.

The CCI1*-L course also rode challenging, with just two pairs including Kelley jumping double clear. Second-placed John Michael Durr and Cindy Deporter’s Ana D produced the other double clear, also finishing on their dressage score of 29.6.

“I noticed that the course designer really did design a pretty tight track,” Kelley reflected. “It’s a tight ring, it’s a small ring, and on top of that he put in some tough combinations where there was really only one shot in that would work. So you had to get a close distance in [to the combinations] to be able to get out clear. And so I warmed this horse up in a very relaxed way. He is a Thoroughbred, so I find that Thoroughbreds get some confidence by going forward if the track allows it. This track did not – they wanted you to properly show jump this course, so I warmed him up in a very relaxed way, did not let him leave any strides out, tried to get him close in the warm-up to every fence in the warm-up so that’s what we could emulate in the ring. And he did just that – he was absolutely awesome, so rideable.”

Kelley said she was able to block out any pressure she might have felt as the last to go and the defending leader. “I really do try and block all of that out as far as my headspace goes and stay riding my own horse and staying with my own plan, trying not to get distracted,” she explained. “It’s easy to get distracted, knowing that you don’t have a rail in hand, but I tried to just focus on what I could do, which was give my horse a good ride.”

Sharon White accepts the Hyperion Stud Young Horse Award alongside VHC CEO Stephen Shank. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Hyperion Stud Honors Young Horse Development and Breeding Efforts

Hyperion Stud presented an award to the top-placed 6- or 7-year-old horse competing in the CCI*-Short divisions. This award was won by Anita Antenucci’s Arden Augustus (Jaguar Mail – Juneau, by Cevin Z), who is campaigned by Sharon White. This pair won the CCI2*-S division yesterday.

“I’m such a believer in breeding. I have tried it myself – it is not easy!” White said on accepting the award. “And to have a partnership with Anita, who is a very good friend – she’s probably the one person in the world who loves horses more than I do, which is saying something. She’s so passionate about it, and as a breeder you have to be passionate. It’s a labor of love, just like everything involved in the sport of eventing. Hyperion Stud – theirs is a labor of love, and they’ve had some huge success and I’m hoping Gus can follow in Chin Tonics’s footsteps! It’s just so satisfying to support U.S. breeding, breeding as a whole. It’s, again, it’s something you have to have a real passion about. It’s really nice that Gus has come along and it’s possible he could be a top level horse, and that’s a beautiful thing. I’m so appreciative of Anita, it’s a really fun thing to do together, and I’m so appreciative of Hyperion Stud.”

National Divisions Crown Champions

Alice Johnson and Cooley Romance, winners of the Starter division as well as the lowest finishing score of the weekend. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The remaining National divisions wrapped up on Sunday, crowning several new champions, Thoroughbred Incentive Program winners, Adult Team Challenge winners, and more.

Berkley Gardner held on to an overnight lead in the Modified Rider, taking the blue ribbon with Jenni Bickerstaff’s In Vogue on a score of 27.8.

Sharon White collected a second wire-to-wire win (she won the CCI2*-S in similar fashion yesterday with Arden Augustus) aboard her own Quizas in the Open Modified, adding no penalties to her dressage score of 23.5.

Madeline DeMeirsman moved up from fifth place after show jumping with her own Digby, collecting 2.8 time penalties but doing enough to finish in first place on a score of 38.7 in the Junior Training Rider.

Hayley Norfleet and Laura Considine’s Wall Street jumped a lovely show jumping round to finish off a start-to-finish win in their Open Training Division on a penalty mark of 29.2, adding no time or jumping penalties to their card.

Tiffany McDermott was another come from behind winner, moving up from third after cross country with a double clear show jumping effort aboard her own Makin’ Waves, ending the weekend on a score of 35.0.

Rachael Livermore held on to her lead in the Senior Training Rider A division, piloting Abigail Akres Accuraat Z to the victory on a score of 27.2, finishing on her dressage score.

Similarly, Penny Goddard rode Michelle Chisholm’s Fernhill On The Rocks to the Senior Training Rider B division win after winning the dressage, adding no further penalties to end on a score of 25.1.

Tim Bourke and Hedgerow Farm’s Ballyburn Blazer jumped a clear cross country inside the optimum time of 5 minutes, 20 seconds to secure a move up to win the Training Horse division on a score of 28.1.

Emerson Padgett retained the early lead earned after dressage with her own MSH Giant JacKa, adding no further penalties after taking a score of 24.2. She’d go on to win the Junior Novice Rider division.

Kendal Fansler and Hedgerow Farm’s Delilah’s Boy secured a start to finish victory in the Novice Horse division on a final score of 26.7.

Mia Farley and one of her newest exciting prospects, Pina Colada 28, moved up to the lead after show jumping on Saturday and held on to secure the win in the Open Novice division on a score of 27.8 thanks to a double clear cross country effort.

Phyllis Hardgrove and her own Cooley Castle also held on to a lead secured after show jumping, winning their Senior Novice division after cross country on a score of 30.3.

The Beginner Novice Horse division as won by Madeline Binder and her own Carrafarm Be Mine, ending their weekend with no penalties added to their dressage score of 31.5.

Maura O’Connor and Terry Morrow’s Will You Be Mine secured a wire-to-wire win in their Junior Beginner Novice division, ending the weekend on a score of 24.7.

Clare Brady and Kelly Follain’s Rhythm and Blues locked down the Open Beginner Novice division win on their dressage score of 29.1, adding no penalty marks to their dressage score throughout the weekend.

Kristyl Callison and her own After Eight finished also on their dressage score of 25.6, securing the start to finish win in the Senior Beginner Novice Rider A division.

Gina Keller and her own Snack Attach took home the blue in their Senior Beginner Novice Rider B division, ending their weekend on a score of 22.7.

Last but certainly not least, Alice Johnson and her own Cooley Romance took home the win and the lowest finishing score of the weekend, a 20.3, in the Starter division.

VHC Eventing (Lexington, VA) [Website] [Scores]

Statement from Bicton International Horse Trials

By on May 26, 2024 1:13 pm -

The following is a statement released by Bicton International Horse Trials.

“It is with deepest regret that we announce that Georgie Campbell (GBR) suffered a fatal accident whilst competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon, England on Sunday 26 May 2024. Medical professionals attended immediately following her fall at fence 5b however, unfortunately, she could not be saved.

The horse, Global Quest, was assessed by the on-site vets and walked back to the stable and is uninjured.

To respect the family’s privacy at this extremely difficult and sad time, no further details will be shared.”