iHola Eventing Nation!
In case you were unaware, Eventing Nation is pretty awesome. We’ve got amazing sponsors and (3) clever and knowledgeable writers. To start things off, Jean Detert won EN’s Devoucoux Bromont contest! Congratulations! Samantha also held a contest where McKenna, Lynsey, time2fly, and Tracey all took top honors! Congratulations to all the winners! Didn’t win this time around? You’re in luck! Another awesome EN sponsor, World Equestrian Brands is hosting a contest with an Equilibrium Massage Pad as the prize! See below or click here. Good luck!
A Russian wins the second leg of the eventing World Cup series! I’m part Russian and I minored in the language in college, so I love hearing this news. Maksim Vakin rode Harley Davidson to the lead from wire to wire at Minsk in Belarus. It was a tough weekend as last year’s winner, Alena Tseliapushkina, came in second and third this year, but she doesn’t earn any points for the series as the rounds didn’t qualify. The same goes for another Russian eventer, Boris Vasilev, who placed fifth and sixth on Naftenat and Osoka, respectively, but won’t earn any series points. [Go Russians]
The always-nice-to-look-at Will Coleman was interviewed by The Daily Progress about his journey across the pond. He’s thrilled to be named to the list, but is trying to treat this like any other event. Last year, he and Twizzel took 7th in the CIC3* at Barbury Castle and Coleman feels this is an advantage. He does acknowledge that there’s a tremendous amount of talent in both the horses and riders named to the list and this will make final team selection difficult for the selectors. He also noted that placing well at Barbury isn’t necessarily the goal as the selectors are looking for something different in each of the pairs. Interesting. Go Will and Twizzel. [Daily Progress]
In more London News, the dressage version, Heather Blitz and Paragon have been named reserve for the US Team. I met Heather and Paragon in Wellington earlier this year, and they are super! Heather is as down to earth as can be and is quite the horsewoman to boot. Paragon is ginormous! Just a stunning horse especially up close and personal in his stall. Being named as an alternate is quite an honor for this pair especially since this is Paragon’s first season at Grand Prix. Look for big things from them in the future! [USDF London blog]
Heather Blitz got the spot as the reserve rider because Todd Flettrich and Otto withdrew. Flettrich has based his decision on the fact that none of the reserve riders for the dressage team have ridden in the Olympics and he didn’t want to go to England and hang out. The goal was to ride in the Olympics, and since it didn’t look too promising, the owners have decided to retire Otto in his prime. He’s going as well as he ever has and is very sound. [Happy retirement Otto!]
And even more dressage news (who made this so popular this summer?! HA!) Chris Stafford interviews Jan Ebeling about making his Olympic debut. Jan says that despite any and all attention, he always tries to make every show no matter the caliber “like any other show”. He tried to have a normal ride like at home, and it paid off! He calls his partnership with Rafalca like an old married couple. He knows where he “can and cannot go” with her, and she doesn’t quit. Jan is headed to his home in California before heading to London. [Chris Stafford Radio]
Because all is fair in love and war, I’m throwing in the US Show Jumping Nomination List. It’s a ranked list and Flexible’s on top from his stellar rounds at Spruce Meadows. Beezie Madden’s next on the list and then Reed Kessler with Cylana. I’m definitely cheering for this pair! Reed also has Mika in the 7th position on the list. All the usuals are there, McClain Ward, Beezie’s other horses, Laura Kraut, Christine McCrea, Charlie Jayne, etc, etc. [Go US Show Jumping!]
Horsetalk has compiled a list of GB’s Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping Nomination Lists for London. I’m not a familiar with the British dressage and show jumping riders as I am with the eventers, but I’m sure they’re going to “bring it” just as hard as their eventing team will. What I’ve noticed not only on the GB lists, but almost every list, is that many riders in all disciplines have qualified several horses and not only qualified them, but have done well enough to get them nominated as well. [Go good riding]
The Alltech National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park at the end of October has added a $50,000 puissance class. Several riders had suggested the idea of adding the class, but the organizers are more excited because of the appeal it has for spectators. I mean, who doesn’t love a good puissance?! This makes the prize money for the Open Jumper division over $400,000. Not too shabby! [Horsetalk]
In the blogosphere:
Boyd’s groom-extroidonaire Lindsey Taylor has been blogging! The horses have arrived in England after 33 hours of travel. They were most appreciative to get to roll around in their fluffy stalls! After a three hour detainment in customs, the grooms that flew ahead were able to set up. They’re already team-bonding an working “like a well-oiled machine”. [Lovely!]
Young Rider Lexi Scovil has moved back to the midwest! Amid the busy summer schedule and her new job at Hunter Oaks Equestrian Center, she’s trying to get her life sorted out. (I feel you girl!) She’s got a new import from Mike and Emma Winter, and her other horse is qualified for the CCI2* at Young Riders. [LSEventing]
Kristin Schmolze has been blogging! She had a fabulous weekend at Buck’s County taking home two blues on two horses, finishing both on their dressage scores under 30 no less! She’s riding these horses to give their owners a jump start on a successful season when they return in the irons. She was also the Rider Rep, and said it was a pleasure walking the courses with the TD and helping bridge the communication gap between riders and officials. [KSEventing-Buck’s County]
Kristin also recapped her Bromont trip with Rox. It was his first CCI3* and Kristin was a little worse for the wear heading in to the show as she had fallen on pavement a few days prior off of a young horse. She had cracked ribs and lots of bruising and scrapes, but put in three solid rides for what was what she felt their softest xc round yet. They also jumped double clear in the show jumping. So even though her form was a bit off due to her injuries, she was clearly riding really well! [Go Kristin and Rox!]
Smartpak’s Webinar’s are full of information and they’re in real-time. So, if you’ve got a question, you can ask immediately and join the conversation. Can’t make the real time feed? Smartpak’s got you covered. In their latest webinar, Smartpak’s Veterinarian and Supplement Director talk about caring for the older horse and what changes on the outside as well as the inside with age. [Smartpak’s blog]
I leave you with Julia Krajewski and London Return’s xc round in the CIC3* at Luhmuhlen last weekend:
Go eventing.
