Classic Eventing Nation

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

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on May 1, 2019 12:01 am -

Planking an oxer at KY is a great way to workout. Photo courtesy of Lara Miller.

One of the great traditions of Kentucky is that the course opens up at the end of the cross-country day to allow the thousands of spectators to walk the course, climb up on the fences and indeed, plank the oxers. Social media is filled with people lying on giant tables, clambering over the wooden ducks, and generally having fun on a course that was pristine only hours earlier.

National Holiday: May 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]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

One of the posts I most look forward to after a big event like Kentucky is the photographers gallery afterwards. I love seeing the quiet moments between horse and rider amidst the atmosphere, the look of pure joy or grit or focus on a rider’s face and the look of eagles the horses have. [Scenes from Land Rover Kentucky]

The 5* at KY wasn’t the only event turning heads. The Kentucky Invitation Grand Prix, held in the evening on Saturday after a long day of cross-country, in the rain and during dinner-time, was an absolute rousing success, with a sold-out stadium and spectators lining the rails. The crowd was responsive and eager to watch the horses jump fences larger than themselves. [What Show Jumping Could Be]

David Britnell is determined not to forget a single thing as he heads to his first Badminton with Continuity. He has a long laundry list of items he needs to pick up in the trade fair, a plan for who is handling the horses at home, and a bunch of young horses who are getting drilled in the parts of the test that they can do. [Badminton First Timers’ Blog]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week: 

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

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: A Tribute to Thomas

By on Apr 30, 2019 4:00 pm -

2019 USEF CCI5* National Champions – Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg

“He’s probably not the fanciest horse here but he’s an absolute gutsy little trier and that counts for a lot.” – Boyd Martin#LRK3DE is also the US Equestrian CCI5* National Championship. Your 2019 US Champions are Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. #BestWeekendAllYear #BestRidersAllYear

Posted by Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event on Tuesday, April 30, 2019

I won’t lie, when Boyd Martin and Christine Turner’s Tsetserleg, or Thomas as he’s known to his friends, jumped a clear show jumping round this weekend, there were tears. Practical Horseman Managing Editor Emily Daily and I were squeezing each other within an inch of our lives as he made his way around Richard Jeffery’s course — it was like we were out there jumping every fence with him. The elation of watching the two go through the finish was my favorite moment of the weekend.

Boyd admits that “Thomas” might not be the flashiest horse in the world, but he tries his heart out every single time. If anyone deserves to win the USEF CCI5* National Championship, it’s these two.

You can read more about Thomas’ backstory at this link.

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The End of an Era: Belton House Will No Longer Host Horse Trials

By on Apr 30, 2019 1:28 pm -

Tom Crisp’s Liberty and Glory competing at Belton. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It was announced today that after nearly 40 years, Belton House will no longer host horse trials. The National Trust, who owns the property, has backed out from hosting the event in an effort to conserve the Lincolnshire estate.

“The growth in scale of the event is unfortunately now at odds with the conservation management of the Grade 1 listed parkland we care for; preventing risks to the historic earthworks and buried archaeology through compaction and erosion, to the parkland wildlife, and to veteran trees and their root systems,” The National Trust said in a statement.

“We recognise the significance of the Horse Trials and their place in Belton’s recent history, and have therefore not come to the decision lightly,” Ian Cooper, General Manger for the National Trust Belton House continued. “The core purpose of the National Trust is to protect this historic place for future generations, and we must honour that commitment.”

Event management are “devastated” at the announcement, and BEDE Events, who has put on the competition for the last 15 years, had no prior knowledge of the cancellation.

“This decision was announced to us yesterday and came as a shock to the whole team. We were unaware that the future of the horse trials was in jeopardy,” BEDE Events said in a statement. “Belton has been a key fixture for many riders in the lead up to Badminton and hosts one of the best 4* international classes in the country. BEDE Events have run the event for the past 15 years and seen the event grow to become the major Spring event.”

Horse trials have been hosted at Belton House for four decades, and their March fixture was one of the most popular events on the spring calendar with over 100 entries alone in this year’s CCI4*-S class.

BEDE Events is currently looking for a new host venue.

Badminton 2019: The Worldwide Watching Guide

By on Apr 30, 2019 8:54 am -

Watching dressage at Badminton!

There’s nothing in the world that’s better – in my humble opinion – than being at Badminton, with its relentless pulse of energy and its pervasive sense of stopped time. But if you can’t make it this year, then fear not – you’ll be able to follow along with all the action as it happens, no matter where in the world you are.

HOW TO WATCH:

Every phase of the event – including both horse inspections – will be live-streamed directly through Badminton’s website. This is accessible for viewers worldwide, and you can tune into Radio Badminton for additional colour commentary and plenty of expert guests, too. (If you’re on site, we recommend picking up a headset and tuning into this excellent audio service, too – it’s just £10 and will provide an enormous amount of extra insight and entertainment.)

If you’re a UK viewer, there are two major exceptions to your access of the Badminton live-stream. Both the cross-country phase and the final showjumping section will be broadcast on the BBC’s Red Button service. Otherwise, you’re free to live-stream your life away.

Chinch wearing his Radio Badminton headset — ready for cross-country day!

“Alexa, who’s in the lead?”

If you’re the owner of an Amazon Echo, you can enable the Badminton skill, which will allow you to ask for live updates, tune into flash interviews, find out about tickets, stay up-to-date on local travel information, and much, much more.

Badminton has provided a list of some example questions, including…

  • What was Izzy Taylor’s dressage score?
  • When is Michael Jung’s dressage test?
  • Did Star Witness pass the trot up?
  • How did Chris Burton do today?

No word, yet, on whether Alexa can help us figure out the new flag rule.

SCHEDULE:

Wednesday, 1 May:

  • First horse inspection: 16.30 – 18.00 p.m. BST/11.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. EST. Available worldwide via the Badminton live-stream.

Thursday, 2 May:

  • Dressage: 9.00 a.m. – 17.00 p.m. BST/4.oo a.m. – 12.00 p.m. EST. Available worldwide via the Badminton live-stream, with French commentary for French and Belgian residents via Equideo, and with German commentary for German and Austrian residents via Horse&Country TV.

Friday, 3 May:

  • Dressage: 9.00 a.m. – 17.00 p.m. BST/4.oo a.m. – 12.00 p.m. EST. Available worldwide via the Badminton live-stream, with French commentary for French and Belgian residents via Equideo, and with German commentary for German and Austrian residents via Horse&Country TV.

Saturday, 4 May:

  • Cross-country: 11.30 a.m. – 17.00 p.m. BST/ 6.30 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. EST. Available via the BBC for UK viewers, with French commentary for French and Belgian residents via Equideo, with German commentary for German and Austrian residents via Horse&Country TV, and to the rest of the world via the Badminton live-stream.

Sunday, 5 May:

  • Final horse inspection: 8.30 a.m. BST/3.30 a.m. EST. Available worldwide via the Badminton live-stream.
  • First jumping session: 11.30 a.m. BST/6.30 a.m. EST. Available worldwide via the Badminton live-stream, with French commentary for French and Belgian residents via Equideo, and with German commentary for German and Austrian residents via Horse&Country TV.
  • Final jumping session: 14.00 p.m. BST/9.00 a.m. EST. Available via the BBC for UK viewers, with French commentary for French and Belgian residents via Equideo, with German commentary for German and Austrian residents via Horse&Country TV, and to the rest of the world via the Badminton live-stream.

Chinch: the only winner of #JodhpurWatch.

PREVIEWS AND REVIEWS

Want to build up the hype? Check out Horse&Country TV’s hour-long preview show, available now. They’ll also be running an hour-long highlights programme, which will air on their TV channel (UK only) and on their website on 21.00 p.m. BST/4.00 p.m. EST on Sunday, 12 May.

For UK viewers only, BBC2 will run a cross-country highlights show from 12.30 – 14.00 p.m. BST on Sunday, 5 May, prior to airing the final jumping session.

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