Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday Afternoon at Badminton: Tom McEwen Minds the Gap

By on May 2, 2019 1:25 pm -

Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser show improved consistency in the first phase. Photo by Nico Morgan.

After a gruelling, Gladiator-style showdown in the dressage arena this afternoon, this morning’s leaders Oliver Townend and Cillnabradden Evo have been shunted all the way down to 10th place, and … yeah, sorry, that’s not a thing that happened. Of course no one was going to dip below 19.7, but in this afternoon’s session of dressage at the 2019 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, several key combinations made big steps in the right direction. For a recap of all this morning’s action, click here.

For all we teased Tom McEwen for serving up some train conductor realness yesterday, today he gave us absolutely nothing to giggle about. His test with Toledo de Kerser earned him a 24.7, which is the rider’s best-ever dressage score at the CCI5*-L level. It’s also very nearly an all-time, all-level PB for the horse – only his Blenheim CCI4*-S result in 2016 eclipses it on 24.4.

“I’m delighted with him, he was awesome in there,” he beamed. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more, I just tried not to mess anything up!”

Tom rated the extensive walk sections as one of his highlights of the test. “It sounds a bit stupid to say the walk, but it was brilliant, and much more productive than it has been. We know he’s got a good canter, and we know he’s got a very good trot, but today it was all there. The consistency is a highlight, too – we’d maybe been lacking that for the higher marks before.”

From one five-star to the next: Piggy French struts her stuff with Vanir Kamira. Photo by Nico Morgn.

Vanir Kamira scored a 25 here last year, so her sterling 26 today wasn’t wholly unexpected – but despite that, “we don’t see the mid-twenties very often!” laughed Piggy. Like leader Oliver Townend, Piggy is freshly back on terra firma after a successful trip to Kentucky, where she finished fourth with her WEG mount Quarrycrest Echo. In the meantime, her sister Nini, herself an eventer, has been keeping Vanir Kamira in peak condition – not, as it turns out, an easy prospect.

“She’s done an amazing job of keeping her going in every way. She’s not easy – she’s a hot, blood little mare, and there’s always a fine line with her,” explained Piggy. That touch of mercurial mareishness is what pushes her ahead of the competition but, as Piggy tells us, it can also be her downfall.

Piggy French and Vanir Kamira. Photo by Nico Morgan.

“She’s quite an insecure horse and she always feels quite hot and a bit distracted here, even just walking from the stables. But then she goes in on her own and lets me ride her – her ears stand pricked and she kept that presence in that character, which we all know isn’t always easy to do!”

For Piggy, this is the perfect starting point as she looks ahead to this weekend’s challenge, which will, as she puts it, ‘get the cogs whirring’. “If someone said I could have another go at today I’d smile and say no thank you!”

Vendredi Biats overcomes a nerve-wracking start to produce the goods with Kitty King. Photo by Nico Morgan.

It seems like a flagrant falsehood to say that Kitty King hasn’t competed at Badminton in nine years, but somehow, it’s not – she last appeared here in 2010 riding Boondoggle. Although she had to withdraw one of her two intended entries the other, Vendredi Biats, started in fine style today, putting a 27.2 on the board for overnight fourth. The striking grey ten-year-old can be a tricky ride in this phase, flitting between bargain-basement, section-leading sub-30s and also-ran marks when spookiness sets in. Today, it looked as though it might veer to the latter – ‘Froggy’ shied violently at one of the ring-side cameras, and a battle of wills ensued as Kitty tried to get him back in hand. But it worked: their test was flowing and full of just the right kind of joie de vivre, and as Kitty rode back out of the ring, we were gifted with our third recreational weeper of the day.

“That was a relief!” she laughed. “I’m delighted with him – it’s his first time here, he’s only ten years old, and it’s the first time he’s got all his changes in a test … to do it at Badminton is really something. When he spooked at the camera I thought ‘oh god – I’m going to get bucked off!’ He’s not the easiest, and he can get a bit cold-backed, so every time he went past the camera he went tight. He likes to whip round in a test, and he has done before, but he’s been going so well in training tests that it was nice for him to come out and stay that consistent.”

Millie Dumas makes bold moves with Artistiek. Photo by Nico Morgan.

We saw a Badminton debutante make a decisive first step in her Badminton quest today, too: Millie Dumas finds herself in fifth place overnight with the fourteen-year-old Artistiek after a quality 27.3 test. Interestingly, we saw a 9% difference between the judges at M and C, with the M judge awarding her fewer good marks for her test, precluding a higher overnight placing.

Nevertheless: “I’m over the moon with that! He’s been wild this week, so I was a bit worried. But he’s an older boy now,” said 27-year-old Millie. “It’s quite intense in there – it’s very quiet when you go in and everyone’s eyes are on you, but I just tried to treat it like any other test.”

Fortunately, any nerves Millie might have felt as a debutante were mitigated by the fact that her horse requires all her concentration. “He’s really cheeky and extremely spooky – he doesn’t give you a huge amount of confidence at home, but in the ring he doesn’t look as much at things. He’s a little rubber bouncy ball – he’s small, only about 16hh, and he’s short-coupled, with a hell of a lot of power.”

Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere. Yes, we were distracted too. Photo by Nico Morgan.

The final new addition to the top ten was Italy’s Pietro Sandei, who scored 30.6 with Rubis de Prere. Pietro, who’s a policeman, made his Badminton debut in 2017, but this is a debut for the horse.

“The first impression was so good – I love this place, this arena,” he said. “For the first time in his life he had a bit of tension, but I hope that Saturday will be the same – a little bit of extra excitement. We’ll do our best and hope it ends well.”

And that’s that for day one of dressage at Badminton – we’ll be back first thing tomorrow with lots more action. Here are our picks to keep an eye on in the first session tomorrow:

  • 10.o2 a.m. BST/5.02 a.m. EST: Mark Todd and NZB Campino
  • 10.10 a.m. BST/5.10 a.m. EST: Andrew Nicholson and Swallow Springs
  • 10.18 a.m. BST/5.18 a.m. EST: Sarah Bullimore and Reve du Rouet
  • 11.10 a.m. BST/6.10 a.m. EST: Alex Bragg and Zagreb
  • 11.18 a.m. BST/6.18 a.m. EST: Kazuma Tomoto and Tacoma d’Horset
  • 11.42 a.m. BST/6.42 a.m. EST: Laura Collett and Mr Bass

Keep an eye out, too, for our first US rider – Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude will head down the centreline at 10.34 a.m. BST/5.34 a.m. EST. Catch you on the flip side, gang.

The top of the leaderboard at the end of the first day of dressage.

#MMBHT: Website, Entries, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Course Preview, EN’s Form Guide, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

The 2019 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is brought to you in partnership with the team at Voltaire Design United Kingdom. Going to Badminton? Head to Voltaire Design on Stand 253 on Somerset Way and meet the team of Sports Saddle Specialists, arrange a free, totally no-obligation fitting for you and your horse, or indulge in the Deal of the Day. Put a deposit on a new saddle during the event, and you’ll receive a matching girth, stirrup leathers, and saddlepad – free! Looking for a bargain? Head to Voltaire Design’s sister stand, EquiTack, to check out their premium pre-loved saddles at rock-bottom prices.

Thursday Morning at Badminton: A Broken Record, a Budweiser Clydesdale, and a Bundle of Emotions

By on May 2, 2019 9:15 am -

Winning the moment: a jubilant Oliver Townend celebrates a record-breaking dressage test with the tricky but talented Cillnabradden Evo. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

When the entry list for Badminton came out so many moons ago, there was a surprise on it: Oliver Townend had put forward four of his horses, and one of them was the rogue contender Cillnabradden Evo. Gary, as he’s known at home, is a horse whose career peaks and troughs, if diagrammed, would probably closely resemble his rider’s heart rate when he runs him across the country. On his day, Sally-Anne Egginton’s thirteen-year-old gelding (S. Creevagh Ferro x Willow Garden) is just about unbeatable. He’s earned himself a remarkable record in CCI4*-S (formerly CIC3*) competitions, partly because he’s so capable of delivering an eye-wateringly good dressage test. Then, he can back it up – usually – across the country, and he’s an out-and-out showjumper at short format. But in long format competitions, or at the five-star level? He’s a bit of an unknown quantity. His first long-format competition since 2016 came last season, when he made his five-star debut at Pau – after taking an easy lead in the first phase, he stormed around three quarters of the course before leaving a leg and, ultimately, leaving Oliver on the ground.

So was it a surprise that Oliver brought him here? Sure – no one, after all, would have questioned Oliver’s judgment if he’d decided to keep the horse as a CCI4*-S specialist. But just as Cillnabradden Evo is an all-or-nothing horse, Oliver Townend is an all-or-nothing rider. He doesn’t come to play – he comes to win. This week, he’s willing to take his chances and rely on both his undeniable experience and the valuable information he picked up at Pau to make it happen.

What happens next is much less of a surprise. In this sport, we often talk about Thursday morning as being a bit of a tough slot – yes, it’s a bit quieter in the ring, which can be a bonus for an inexperienced or tense horse, but many consider the scoring in the first session to be a bit stuffier and a bit less generous than in the prime-time Friday afternoon slot. To lead here, you have to fire on all cylinders. And that’s just what Oliver Townend and Cillnabradden Evo did.

Cillnabradden Evo: forever inching his way towards a sub-10 dressage. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Their score of 19.7 isn’t just a five-star personal best for the horse. It isn’t just a five-star personal best for the rider. It is, in fact, the best dressage score ever recorded at Badminton, nearly a full mark ahead of the 20.5 delivered by Andrew Hoy and Darien Powers in 2000.

“We’ve had him a while, and so I know him inside-out,” said a typically stoic Oliver after the remarkable test. “Everyone has a lot to say about him, but so far, so good! I went to bed thinking 19 last night; it’s a lot of shit and hard work to get there, but now we just hope that he stays on his feet in the next bit.”

Despite having been out of the country for a week to win a certain competition in Kentucky, Oliver has quiet confidence in the way the horse has been managed and prepared for the biggest competition of his life. Ironically, he tells us with a laugh, “there’s been no prep at all – we’ve just been to the gallops a few times. He does it all himself.”

Time and time again, we’ve seen Oliver display his knack for creating champions out of the most unlikely of horses – in Gary he has, perhaps, the most stark duality between freakish ability and sporadic heartbreak. But if Badminton comes down to trying to win each moment, then he’s off to a flying start.

Reliable performers – Chris Burton and Graf Liberty lay claim to second place. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

No one quite entered the same stratosphere as Oliver this morning, but we saw some very good performances across the leaderboard. Sitting in second place currently is Australia’s Chris Burton, who put a 27.7 on the board with his first ride Graf Liberty. This horse, too, has made waves in previous years at this event – he posted a 21.9 here in 2017, which was the best score we’d seen in a decade and a half. A slightly muddled flying change pushed their score down slightly today.

“It wasn’t quite the fireworks of two years ago, but I wasn’t disappointed with him,” said Chris. “I thought I was punching for between 25 and 30, but to be honest, he never finds the flying changes easy, and the only time I ever sit on his back is when we’re in the ring. I’m in a light seat all the time otherwise.”

Graf Liberty joins Cillnabradden Evo in being a less-than-straightforward sort: “he’s a nightmare, he makes my life hell!” Chris laughed. “The only time he seems to behave is in the ring – but he’s a character, and we love him.”

Small sparks to ignite big fires: Little Fire delivers a 29.2 with William Fox-Pitt in the irons. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

William Fox-Pitt currently sits in third place with the ten-year-old Little Fire who, like Cillnabradden Evo, made a late mistake in an otherwise impressive five-star debut at Pau last season. Today, he bettered the 30.5 he scored there by serving up a pleasant test with some green wobbles for 29.2, setting a high bar for stablemate Oratorio II.

“I was actually very pleased with him; he’s a smart horse and can do a much better mark,” said William, who is the last British rider to win here. “He coped really well with the atmosphere. I think the course is fair for him, and he’s ready for it. Because it’s the whole Badminton deal, isn’t it – yes, it’s a big course, but there’s also the crowds; there’s all the razzmatazz.”

The dawning of a new day: Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope set the tone early on. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

It was a vintage morning for eventing fans, who started their day with the special treat of watching our first-ever Grand Slam winner take to the centreline. Pippa Funnell is a formidable first-phase competitor in her own right, but her trailblazer horse, Majas Hope, historically finds dressage tricky. Today, however, he performed under pressure, earning a 31 – and an emotional Pippa was quick to praise his efforts.

“I said to the owner that this is the first time we can guarantee the horse goes into the lead,” she laughed. “Of course I’m emotional – it’s only once you’re out that you realise how much it means. It’s not only about winning; I get just as much of a buzz from producing them. You put years into them. Dressage, to him, is like academics was to me at school – he doesn’t like it, but he’s had to learn to tolerate it.”

Izzy Taylor and Call Me Maggie May join the top five. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

In equal fourth with Pippa is fellow Brit Izzy Taylor, who brought forward Call Me Maggie May. The twelve-year-old mare made her five-star debut at Pau last year, where she finished eleventh, but today’s score shaved over six marks off her Pau score and showed another level of consistency and maturity.

“It was a very good test for Maggie and where she is – it’s probably the best she could be, and that’s all you can hope for,” said Izzy.

Emily King and Dargun posted a 31.6 to hold sixth provisionally in Emily’s second appearance at the venue. Behind them is Sweden’s Louise Romeike, a Badminton debutante and the daughter-in-law of German gold medallist Heinrich Romeike. She and Wieloch’s Utah Sun put a 32.1 on the board for seventh. An emotional Simon Grieve overcame Drumbilla Metro‘s difficulties in this phase for a 34 and eighth: “everyone goes on about doing a clear round in the dressage, and I did, I think – or he did!”

Tom Crisp and Coolys Luxury. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Ninth place is held by Tom Crisp and the first of his two rides this week, the seventeen-year-old Coolys Luxury, with whom he won the Laurence Rook trophy last year. Despite his experience, Cooly was one of several horses to tighten slightly in response to the incredible atmosphere in the arena, though he still produced an accurate, pleasant test for 34.2.

“They really do go in there and seem to tighten up, but I did my best to manage it positively,” said Tom. “I wasn’t able to really push for the big marks, and I do think that sometimes, when they’ve been here before, they know what it’s all about. Enthusiasm takes over and they seem to say, ‘okay, just leave me to it!'”

Tenth place is currently held by Nicola Wilson‘s Bulana, who scored a 34.3 after two expensive breaks in the canter work.

“She’s normally very feisty, so I’ve been working her hard this week to keep her quiet in her brain – but she ended up being quite hard work the other way in there!” laughed Nicola. “All week we’ve been struggling with the canter to trot transitions, so I’ve been practicing them a lot, and we ended up with a few too many in there. But there were some quality bits.”

He may not feature in the top ten, but Ben Hobday was one of the crowd favourites this morning, drawing in a throng of supporters along the fence line of the mixed zone. He returns this year not on his ‘V8 Super Cob’ Mulrys Error, but on a horse cut from similar cloth – his ride, Harelaw Wizard, is also part Clydesdale.

“People think I’m sponsored by Budweiser, riding all these Clydesdales,” he joked – and that was the last we saw of him as he was pulled into the throng. If anyone’s in there with him, do let us know if he needs us to send help.

We’ll be back this afternoon with a full report of the second session of dressage – in the meantime, Go Eventing!

The top of the leaderboard at the halfway point of day one.

#MMBHT: Website, Entries, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Course Preview, EN’s Form Guide, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

The 2019 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is brought to you in partnership with the team at Voltaire Design United Kingdom. Going to Badminton? Head to Voltaire Design on Stand 253 on Somerset Way and meet the team of Sports Saddle Specialists, arrange a free, totally no-obligation fitting for you and your horse, or indulge in the Deal of the Day. Put a deposit on a new saddle during the event, and you’ll receive a matching girth, stirrup leathers, and saddlepad – free! Looking for a bargain? Head to Voltaire Design’s sister stand, EquiTack, to check out their premium pre-loved saddles at rock-bottom prices.

Bad(minton) to the Bone: EN’s Team Picks for Badminton 2019

By on May 2, 2019 9:00 am -

Badminton 2018: Jonelle Price and Classic Moet finish their winning showjumping round – a first international clear in four years – to a tumult of celebration. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Badminton field this year is a veritable chocolate box of equine talent, brimming with five-star winners, gold medallists, and record-breakers. And then you get to the dark horses – the up-and-comers, the horses who have gone through revelatory training experiences over the winter, and the tricky talents, who could just turn around and win the whole thing for a bit of a laugh. With 81 in it as we get the dressage ball rolling, there’s no harder question than the obvious one: who wins it? So, of course, that’s the question we decided to try to answer – and then some. Keep reading for the EN team’s picks for the big win, the best mare, the dark horse, the best of the Brits, and the top first-timer. Let us know your own picks in the comments!

 

TILLY BERENDT

Big Winner: Padraig McCarthy and Mr Chunky come to their second Badminton as the reserve World Champions, having claimed double silver for Ireland in Tryon last year. They made their Badminton debut last year and finished eighth, and although Padraig admits that Chunky only really has one gear across the country, it’s proven to be a damn good one. This horse has been my poster boy for a few years now, and I would love to see him and his ludicrously talented rider take top honours here.

Best Mare: Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a sucker for a game, feisty, quirky mare – the Classic Moets of the world just really tick my boxes. But my mare of the week isn’t actually Classic Moet and nor, sadly, could it be – instead, it’s my favourite under-the-radar superstar-to-be. I’ve written a fair bit about Tom Crisp’s Liberty and Glory before, and rightly so – she reminds me of all the daydreaming I did as a kid, when the best of my fun was had trudging to the local riding school and then heading home to read well-thumbed books about legends of the sport like Murphy Himself. To me, this sport isn’t about perfect stamps – instead, it’s about slightly imperfect horses with bucketloads of gumption, and riders who understand that gumption and love it. Liberty and Glory just is that horse for me – she might not be a first-phase leader, but you’ll never see a horse enjoy cross-country more (despite her formative years spent lying down in start boxes in protest). She climbed 45 places to finish 6th at Pau last year, and she could do much the same again – she’s the sort of horse the Glentrool trophy was made for, and the sort of opinion-on-legs that dreams are made of.

Dark Horse: This might seem like a bit of a cop-out where dark horse choices are concerned – after all, he’s been a close second in a five-star, so he’s certainly not unproven. But Reve du Rouet, ridden by Sarah Bullimore, isn’t an obvious champion – he’s tricky and temperamental, and can boil over in the first phase. On the other side of the coin, he can behave beautifully – and then he’s very nearly unbeatable. A Jekyll and Hyde horse for sure, but if the good version comes out to play, this could be their year.

Best of the Brits: It’s a toss-up for me between Oliver Townend and Laura Collett, both of whom are on absolute fire at the moment. Ballaghmor Class and Cillnabradden Evo were both astonishing when breaking records at Burnham Market on their final prep run, while Laura has produced her impressive string of horses to the point where she can just open them up and let them sparkle now. Mr Bass was a decisive second in his five-star debut last year, and we’ve waited a long time to be able to watch him make his mark on the level on home turf. After missing out on WEG last year, both these riders will be prepared to give everything they’ve got, and their fellow competitors should be very, very scared.

Top First-Timer: Emily Philp has got to be one of Britain’s most talented riders not yet to have achieved superstar status. With her longtime mount Camembert, she’s clocked up the most astonishing showjumping record – they’ve NEVER pulled a rail in an international. That’s 22 consecutive clear rounds, people. No other horse on the entry list can boast that kind of record, and it’s not just a fluke (nor is it partnered with a dodgy cross-country record). Emily balances educated riding with instinctive riding, which means that she’s able to produce her horses to be bold, classic jumpers who can figure problems out for themselves. Camembert’s brilliant record is a testament to his rider’s hard work – and it’s about time they were recognised on the main stage.

 

JENNI AUTRY

Big Winner: With his late draw, it’s possible Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class will get enough breathing room in dressage to have a rail down on Sunday and still win. After coming so close to taking the Rolex Grand Slam last year, Oliver will be a man on a mission to restart the quest, and this horse has plenty of five-star experience now. That puts them just ahead of Laura Collett and Badminton debutant Mr. Bass in my mind.

Best Mare: European bronze medalist Bulana makes her Badminton debut following a lackluster 2018 season that saw her retire at Luhümhlen due to runouts when she was essentially unrideable for Nicola Wilson. That’s the type of fight she’ll need to take on this Eric Winter track. Piggy French’s Badminton form has historically been up and down, but she sat in the top 10 after dressage with Vanir Kamira last year before an unlucky tip up on cross country. It’s a toss-up for me.

Dark Horse: Billy The Red with Tina Cook. I watched him meltdown in dressage twice last year at Luhmühlen and Aachen before going on to deliver a beautiful test at the World Equestrian Games. If he can get through the first phase with a competitive score, he will be one to watch as a spoiler alert to challenge the top of the leaderboard.

Best of the Brits: Take your pick between Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class, Laura Collett and Mr. Bass, and Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser — all of them are coming in with a strong shout. (Those are my podium picks in order.)

Top First-Timer: Emily Philp has one of the best show jumping records in the field with Camembert. Look for them to seal the deal on a fairytale weekend come Sunday.

 

SHELBY ALLEN

Big Winner: Laura Collett and Mr Bass. This freaky FOD machine was second at his first five-star at Luhmühlen with a sub-30 finishing score, so he’s got the stuff to do it. Plus, I’m a huge fan-girl for Laura, so I’m pulling for the a top finish for this pair.

Best Mare: Izzy Taylor and Call Me Maggie May. I was smitten with this mare after watching her win the CCI3* at Tattersalls last summer, so the choice is easy for me!

Dark Horse: Tina Cook and Billy the Red

Best of the Brits: Laura Collett and Mr Bass.

Top First-Timer: Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. With both of our U.S. representatives making their debut appearance at Badminton, I’d be remiss not to nab one of them as the best first-timer. Jingles for a strong finish for these two.

 

ABBY POWELL

Big Winner: Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class or Laura Collett and Mr Bass

Best Mare: Piggy French and Vanir Kamira

Dark Horse: Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser

Best of the Brits: OT or LC ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Top First-Timer: Toshiyuki Tanaka and Kelecyn Pirate

 

 

LESLIE WYLIE

As per tradition I’m abstaining from picks and predictions, sending out instead a sincere wish on behalf of EN and eventing fans everywhere that every last horse and rider enjoys a safe, happy 2019 Badminton Horse Trials. Let’s do this thing. Go Eventing!

#MMBHT: Website, Entries, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Course Preview, EN’s Form Guide, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

By on May 2, 2019 12:03 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Everyone thinks that the most exciting part of the three-day event is the cross country phase, and it certainly gives me more heart palpitations than the most recent episode of Game of Thrones, but I also really enjoy the jogs. More ridiculous things can happen at the jogs than you think, and the first one is always the most exciting with very fit and spooky horses. Normal people would look at our five-star horses spooking at the flowers and leaping and rearing and wonder how they ever get through all three phases, but we just recognize it’s normal. Anyway, please enjoy Tim Price’s impersonation of a starfish.

National Holiday: National (Horse) Life Insurance Day

Major Weekend Events:

#MMBHT: Website, Drawn Order, Schedule, Dressage Timetable, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Course Preview, EN’s Form Guide, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

U.S. Weekend Preview:

The Event at Skyline H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

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

News From Around the Globe:

Speaking of jogs…You’ve seen EN’s Unofficial Jog Awards, but have you seen the ones from H&H? Can you tell I’m obsessed with jog photos? [Horse & Hound Badminton First Jog Photos]

Many riders in the US have been outspoken in their distaste for the new FEI flag rule, and now William Fox-Pitt is adding his voice. On Monday, he wrote to the FEI eventing committee to say he understands its position regarding the clarifications of the rule.“As I have repeatedly stated I do not feel that this deals with the central issue at stake and my additions, which are the result of extensive consultation with riders from around the world, have not been incorporated,” he said. “Regrettably, as the rider representative I am unable to support the statement regarding the clarification.” Unfortunately, a full change to an FEI rule is impossible mid-way through a season, but it remains a point of contention. [WFP versus FEI Flag Rule]

Would you bet against Oliver Townend at Badminton? Because Equiratings wouldn’t. According to their new predictive program, Ollie and Cillnabradden Evo have a 10% chance of winning, an 15% chance of landing in the top three, and a 22% chance of being in the top 10. Using the latest SAP predictive analytics technology, the EquiRatings team has designed a statistical model that calculates the likely outcomes of major events before and during every competition. After each phase, it simulates every combination’s score at that event 10,000 times, exploring every plausible outcome. MATH!! [Equiratings Predicts Badminton Results]

Unfortunately, Whidbey Island Horse Trials is cancelled for this year. While the organization of this event does lease 50 acres to run the event, they also use adjacent farmland for the stabling and cross country courses, but were not able to secure it for this year. They have plans to run an unrecognized on the same weekend, and hope to secure more permanent facilities for 2020. [Whidbey Island HT Cancelled]

What better way to celebrate National (Horse) Life Insurance Day than protecting your horse with THIS? Ok, so I made up the bit about horses, but honestly you were all thinking it anyway. In fact, I’m pretty sure our horses get more insurance than we do, so it seems right. You can get life insurance plus other custom additions to your policy through Taylor Harris Insurance Services, and best of all, you can request a quote while you sip on your morning coffee right now and watch Badminton dressage. [Request a Quote from THIS]

 

The Badminton First Horse Inspection: Unofficial Awards and Gallery

By on May 1, 2019 8:23 pm -

Horse inspections are great and all, but sometimes they just need a bit of extra … competition. We aim to deliver here at EN, so without further ado, welcome to the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials edition of Eventing Nation’s Unofficial Jog Awards. Congratulations to all our worthy prize-winners – your hard work is noted, appreciated and, frankly, clamoured for.

The Dressed by EN Award: Tom Crisp, by default, because no one else is mad enough to let us dress them

Tom Crisp and Coolys Luxury. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The “Okay Byeeeee” Award –  Horse Edition: Springpower

 The “Okay Byeeeee” Award –  Hat Edition: Emily King’s Hat

Emily King and Dargun. Photos by Tilly Berendt.

The Rider Most Likely to Enforce a £200 Penalty for Travelling Without a Ticket: Tom McEwen

Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Regulation Hottie Horse Award

Emily Philps’ Camembert. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Most Convincing Equine Kite: Balladeer Miller Man

Louise Harwood and Balladeer Miller Man. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Romantic Moment of the Year: Pippa Funnell’s look of love

Pippa Funnell. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Runner-up Romantic Moment of the Year: Joseph Murphy’s Romance Novel Cover

Stallions At Play, book one. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Sun’s Out, Tongue’s Out Award: Ciaran Glynn

Ciaran Glynn. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Saddest Man in Eventing Award: Sad Burto

Chris Burton. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Most Committed Sprint: David Britnell

David Britnell and Continuity. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Most Likely to Kill a White Walker: Jim Newsam

Jim Newsam and Magennis. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Most Likely to Make Us Kind of Want to Get Arrested: Pietro Sandei

Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Most Likely to Overhaul the Matrix: Will Furlong

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

Most Likely to be Spotted in Peaky Blinders: Alex Bragg

Alex Bragg and Zagreb. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Most Likely to (Apparently) Spontaneously Grow Wings: Mr Bass 

Laura Collett and Mr Bass. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

#MMBHT: Website, Entries, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Course Preview, EN’s Form Guide, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

#MMBHT: Website, Entries, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Course Preview, EN’s Form Guide, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Patrick the Mini Horse Takes on Kentucky XC

By on May 1, 2019 5:28 pm -

GTR Patricks Vindicator, or “Patrick” as he’s known by his friends, may only be 33 inches tall, but he’s got the heart and soul of a Grand Prix show jumper. He’s been showing off his knees-to-nose skills in demos at the Kentucky Three-Day Event since 2015 with growing popularity (He’s got nearly 30k followers on instagram!).

This year, his owner Sarah Schaaf decided to test his merit on Derek di Grazia’s formidable cross country course, and … it didn’t exactly go to plan — for Sarah that is.

Patrick: approved for cross country Sarah: needs conditioning. 😂😂😂💙😂

Posted by Patrick The miniature horse on Sunday, April 28, 2019

We’re laughing with you, not at you, Sarah! I promise. Fortunately, she was no worse for the wear, and found the bank up a lot easier.

Going up the ditch was a little easier than going down (for Sarah) 😂😂😂😂

Posted by Patrick The miniature horse on Tuesday, April 30, 2019

EN met Patrick and Sarah in 2016, and you can find that story at this link.

Go Patrick. Go eventing. 

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Badminton: 81 Horses Pass, Two Withdrawn from Hold Box at First Horse Inspection

By on May 1, 2019 4:50 pm -

William Fox-Pitt brings forward Little Fire for a second attempt at the five-star level. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The first day of the 2019 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials brought with it a fistful of the essentials: an ominous watery horizon, outfit mishaps, and a lashing or two of drama.

83 horses were presented by 74 riders to a ground jury made up of Nick Burton (GBR), Jane Hamlin (USA), and Christian Steiner (AUT) in a packed-out inspection in front of the main house. With the hint of a chill in the air and an electric atmosphere from the gathered spectators, the stage was set for some excitement from these inexorably fit horses, and they didn’t disappoint. Izzy Taylor‘s second ride Springpower provided a show early on, breaking free and galloping back towards the stables before being stopped in a rather heroic (and, okay, slightly ridiculous-looking) effort by fellow competitor Tim Price.

Tim Price: the horse whisperer (???). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Nicky Hill looked as though she might be entirely at the whims of MGH Bingo Boy, while the petite Louise Harwood flew a horse-shaped kite in the form of Balladeer Miller Man. But despite these minor blips in the radar – and some badly-behaved hats – much of the afternoon went off without a hitch, and we’ll see 81 of the original 83 horses proceed to dressage.

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Fortitude. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Two horses were sent to the holding box during the afternoon’s proceedings and both, unfortunately, were then withdrawn. The first of these was Hanna Berg‘s Quite Survivor, representing Sweden. Hanna has been based at Austin O’Connor’s Attington Stud in Oxfordshire in the lead-up to Badminton. The other withdrawal, however, has had to travel rather further. Sadly, we saw Tamie Smith withdraw Wembley from the holding box.

“The vet and farrier came to check out Wembley, and he has an abscess getting ready to come out,” Tamie said. “I have seen a lot, but never have I seen a horse develop lameness headed to their trot up. That’s life, and Wembley will have to wait to gallop around Badminton next year.”

Oliver Townend and his Burghley winner Ballaghmor Class, fifth here last year. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There’s been much speculation about which two of their horses Pippa Funnell and Oliver Townend would opt to ride, and this morning, we were finally provided with an answer – Pippa brings forward Majas Hope and Billy Walk On, while Oliver will ride his 2017 Burghley winner Ballaghmor Class and Cillnabradden Evo.

Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack make their Badminton debut. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Two prizes were awarded for the riders deemed to be the best dressed by an assembled judging panel, led by eventing legend Lucinda Green. James Sommerville took the gents’ prize, while Louisa Milne Home won the ladies’.

Dressage begins tomorrow at 9 a.m. BST/4.00 a.m. EST with Pippa Funnell heading into the arena as trailblazer with Majas Hope. Live-streaming the action, but have to dip in and out? Here’s our pick of the three tests in each half of the morning’s session that you shouldn’t miss…

  • 9.54 a.m. BST/4.54 a.m. EST: Oliver Townend and Cillnabradden Evo
  • 10.02 a.m. BST/5.02 a.m. EST: Gemma Tattersall and Arctic Soul
  • 10.42 a.m. BST/5.42 a.m. EST: Chris Burton and Graf Liberty
  • 11.26 a.m. BST/6.26 a.m. EST: Nicola Wilson and Bulana
  • 11.34 a.m. BST/6.34 a.m. EST: Emily King and Dargun
  • 12.22 p.m. BST/7.22 a.m. EST: Harry Meade and Away Cruising

Stay tuned for a gallery of images from this afternoon’s trot-up. Go eventing!

#MMBHT: Website, Drawn Order, Schedule, Dressage Timetable, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Course Preview, EN’s Form Guide, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

The 2019 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is brought to you in partnership with the team at Voltaire Design United Kingdom. Going to Badminton? Head to Voltaire Design on Stand 253 on Somerset Way and meet the team of Sports Saddle Specialists, arrange a free, totally no-obligation fitting for you and your horse, or indulge in the Deal of the Day. Take advantage of the special show offer: put a deposit on a new saddle and receive a girth, stirrup leathers, and branded saddlepad, free! Looking for a bargain? Head to Voltaire Design’s sister stand, EquiTack, to check out their premium pre-loved saddles at rock-bottom prices.

Ros Canter Tops FEI World Rankings, Lauren Kieffer Leads Way for USA

By on May 1, 2019 10:23 am -

Ros Canter and Allstar B. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Ros Canter has overtaken the top spot on the latest FEI World Eventing Rankings with 564 points, making her the first woman since Mary King in 2012 to hold the title.

Following her individual gold victory with Allstar B at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, Ros is taking time away from competing and is expecting her first child in July.

Tim Price moved up one spot to second with 550 points following his third-place result with Xavier Faer at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Oliver Townend slipped from FEI World No. 1 down to third place with 529 points, as his additional points from finishing a second horse in the top 10 at Kentucky in 2018 have now rolled off the tally.

Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Great Britain holds five of the top six slots in the rankings, with Piggy French moving up two places to fourth on 435 points after placing fourth with Quarrycrest Echo at Kentucky. Tom McEwen slipped one spot to fifth with 398 points. Gemma Tattersall also dropped one place to sixth on 391 points.

Sam Watson moved up four places to seventh with 385 points after winning the Ballindenisk CCI4*-L with Imperial Sky last month. He became the first Irish rider in history to sit inside the top 10 of the world rankings last year after winning team silver at WEG.

Jonelle Price slipped one place to eighth with 384 points and will lose more valuable points following Badminton, as she unfortunately withdrew Classic Moet on Monday and will be unable to defend her title.

Lauren Kieffer and Paramount Importance. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Lauren Kieffer is the highest placed U.S. rider, moving up to ninth on 378 points after finishing in the top 10 with both Paramount Importance and Vermiculus at Kentucky.

Boyd Martin moved back into the top 10 with 367 points thanks to finishing second and clinching the U.S. National CCI5*-L Championship with Tsetserleg at Kentucky.

Looking to other U.S. riders in the top 50, Phillip Dutton sits 14th with 33 points, Caroline Martin sits 21st with 317 points, Liz Halliday-Sharp sits 28th with 295 points, Doug Payne sits 43rd with 253 points, and Tamie Smith rounds out the top 50 with 236 points.

Jessica Phoenix is the highest ranked Canadian rider, moving up to 88th on 182 points after finishing 15th at Kentucky with Bogue Sound.

Click here to view the full world rankings. Go Eventing.

Badminton 2019 At-A-Glance: Meet the Horses

By on May 1, 2019 8:15 am -

The first horse inspection is creeping ever closer and with it, the long-awaited start of this year’s Badminton Horse Trials. Earlier, we gave you the 30-second run-down of a cross-section of the competition’s riders – this time, we’re going to take a look at the wide variety of horses in the field.

Now that the multiple entries have been whittled down, we’ve got 83 horses running this week. Here’s how they stack up.

 

#MMBHT: Website, Entries, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Course Preview, EN’s Form Guide, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter

Badminton 2019 At-A-Glance: Meet the Riders

By on May 1, 2019 4:26 am -

Welcome to 2019’s edition of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, where the stakes are high and the hopes are higher. We’ve got a (very nearly) full house of 84 horses taking part this week, spread across 74 riders. As we tiptoe ever closer to the start of the competition, let’s get to know this year’s competitors…

#MMBHT: Website, Entries, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Course Preview, EN’s Form Guide, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter