May 2010 Archives

In sports, success on the field depends on successful preparation off the field.  At the USET exams after Rolex where 7 of our top horses were evaluated by vets, the riders attended talks by nutritionists and personal trainers provided by the US Olympic Committee.   Eventers are just starting to understand that working hard between their rides to become better competitors will make a big difference at the competitions.  Today we address the issue of staying hydrated.

When I wake up, I start drinking water like crazy.  I drink until I am having to go to the bathroom every 15 minutes; its hard to overdo the drinking (possible, but hard).  Right before I ride, I drink a full bottle of Gatorade, and I am good to go.  I made a friend of mine do this at Rolex a couple of years ago, and while she got really tired of me bugging her to drink, she had a great ride and felt great.  This is a dramatic technique and is not for everyone, but it works for me.

Note: everyone is different, so be sure to talk to your doctor and listen to your body to find what is right for you.  Don't go from drinking nothing but coffee at events to drinking more water than your horse at the next one; figure it out gradually.

On that note, I invite you to share about your weekend of eventing and celebrating memorial day-- 

I'm back home from my friend's wedding this weekend which was a beautiful southern celebration with incredible southern hospitality.  All I'll say is that South Carolina has a lot of beauty.  I should also mention that the celebration got slightly too rambunctious and now I'm no longer allowed in the state of South Carolina, so I guess it's Ocala for me next winter.  Meanwhile, here are some notes from events this weekend:

 

As with most things, being a good groom requires extreme attention to detail.  One, you want the horse looking his best.  And two, you want to ensure horse and rider are SAFE.  Properly-fitted tack is important to achieve both those requirements.  Today we will discuss how to fit a bridle, with various bits and nosebands commonly seen in our sport.

 

Let's start off with something simple: a plain snaffle bridle and cavesson noseband.  This is the most "traditional" headwear for jogs, and also what you'll see on hunters.  The plain cavesson should be fitted about one or two fingers'-width below the cheekbone, high enough not to interfere with the bit ring.  An ordinary snaffle should create one or two wrinkles in the lips; but poke your finger in the mouth to be sure it sits in a good position.  Too high is uncomfortable, but so is too low (it can bang against the canines).

A plain cavesson (usually a padded crank) is standard for double-bridles. 

                   

Well-fitted snaffle with cavesson noseband              Double bridle with plain noseband

 

The most common bridle seen in eventing and dressage is the flash bridle.  The flash attachment helps keep the horse's mouth closed, limiting his evasion to the rider's aids.  Of course in an ideal world, the horse would always accept the bit with a smile...but there are times when the mouth yaws open in response to a "DO IT NOW!!!" rein aid (as in, steering for that skinny over --there--) and a flash can speed along the communication process.  Some people believe in starting ALL young horses in a flash, so that they never learn the habit of opening the mouth; others believe the flash is a "quick fix" to hide bad hands (there is some truth to that).  I personally prefer a flash because it also helps stabilize the bit in the mouth, limiting the risk of pulling a bit ring through.  And, in my opinion, because it flatters a lot of horses' heads. 

When fitting a flash, keep it HIGH, just under the cheekbones.  The flash should rest over the bone of the nose, not on the soft cartilage where it may interfere with breathing.  Fasten the cavesson tightly so that the flash attachment does not pull it downward over the bridge of the nose (a "broken" down noseband).  The buckle of the flash should rest above the horse's nostril; cut off any excess strap that extends down to the chin.  Some people people fasten it "upside down" with the excess tucked under the cavesson loop; this is a quick-fix if you lose your keeper, but I much prefer it pointing downward.  Use a braiding rubberband for a keeper if necessary.  Always ensure there is no excess pressure under the chin-- never buckle it below the bit.

                          

 Nicely-fitted flash, high on bridge of nose.               

 

Often on event horses and jumpers, you will see a figure-8 noseband.  The figure-8 has the same principle as the flash: an added lower strap to keep the mouth shut. The fig-8 sits higher on the bridge of the nose, giving full room to the nostrils to expand (thus you see a lot of them on xc).  On some horses, it is more effective than a flash; perhaps because of the high fit.  It also helps some horses who lock and cross the jaw.  There are two styles: fixed-ring, and sliding cheek.  The fixed-ring is much easier to use, though fitting odd-sized heads can be an issue.  The sliding fig-8 can fit a wide variety of faces, but the loose straps are easy to lose...and difficult to adjust on a horse who flings his head impatiently.  As with the flash, you ideally want the buckles to end up between cheek and jaw (upper) and between nostril and mouth (lower).  If your fixed-ring does not fit, a saddler can probably shorten it for you.

 

Personally, I don't think a figure-8 flatters most horses' heads.  Only those with long, narrow faces seem to look better in a fig-8 than a flash.  Unless the horse really goes better in it, I much prefer a flash or plain noseband.  The fixed-ring fig-8 is designed to sit HIGH on the horse's face-- the ring is just a few inches below the eye, so the upper straps cross over the cheekbone.  Sometimes this rubs the cheekbones, so pay attention to any skin irritation and adjust the bridle accordingly.  The sliding fig-8 lacks the stability to cross the cheek, so it is usually adjusted just like a flash-- directly under the cheekbones.    

Well-adjusted Fixed Figure-8

 

Other nosebands: a drop noseband is also suitable for dressage.  It is fitted low on the bridge of the nose, and fastens only below the bit.  It can be more helpful than a flash at keeping the mouth closed, but has greater risk of interfering with breathing.  (On a personal level, I think they make horses' faces look extremely long and ugly!  But if it works for you, who cares!)

 

Drop noseband

Lever or Crescent Noseband

Kineton Noseband                                                              

For jumping and xc, you may also see horses wearing a lever (or crescent) noseband; also good for keeping the horse's mouth closed, perhaps useful on those that lockjaw and pull.  Kinetons are rarely seen anymore, but they can help give some "oomph" to your half-halt if the horse responds well to nose pressure.  And then there's a whole variety of "combo-bits" with hackamores and the like.  Consult a professional for hands-on advice fitting specialty bits and nosebands.

Whatever bridle you use, remember the Pony Club rules of fitting:  Always have two holes above, and two holes below whatever buckle you use.  Accidents happen and bridles DO break, and you will need that extra buckle hole.  It also accounts for a variety of fittings-- different-sized bit rings will necessitate lengthening or shortening the cheekpiece, even on the same horse's head.  You never want to be on the LAST hole anywhere-- punch more, or have the bridle shortened if needed.  For gags, 3-rings, and elevators, you may need pony-sized cheekpieces to accomodate the upper shank of the bit-- it's often too long for the average bridle on an average horse.   

Bridles are getting increasingly fancy-- with more padding and accessories than ever before.  Padded crowns can help some horses, but the most important aspect of any bridle is that it FITS and is kept clean.  Too-tight browbands pinch the ears; crusty foam and dried grass stuck to the flash can make lips raw.  I haven't had much personal experience with bitless bridles or the new Micklem bridle, but there are many options for all sorts of horses.  Use whatever makes you and your horse most comfortable. 

 

Central Kentucky is home to some stunning horse farms, and WinStar is one of them-- you may recognize that name, as they own and bred 2010 Derby winner Super Saver.  Down scenic Pisgah Pike in Versailles, you have to be careful not to drive off the side of the road as you gawk at the magnificent splendor.  Elegant black four-board fence surrounds green lawns dotted with mares and foals.  The office entrance takes your breath away...a huge mansion beyond shimmering ponds accented with fountains.  If they were going for "WOW" factor, the designers certainly succeeded!

The stallion barn, home to outstanding sires like Distorted Humor and Tiznow, is no less fancy.  Visitors are welcomed into a grand waiting area filled with photos of the champion stallions.  Just inside the barn, is a center "stage" where the stallions are paraded for visitors' inspection.  It's difficult not to be impressed!

The actual breeding shed is a bit more workmanlike...no frills, but still no expense spared.  The main aisle and walkways are rubber.  Clean green padded mats protect the horses from walls, posts, and corners.  The breeding area itself has Polytrack for footing.  It's definitely top of the line!

The breeding handlers and assistants were very courteous and professional.  At some farms, you (farm representative) have to hold the mare for teasing and washing.  At WinStar, it's full-service...they take the mare from you at the door, and give her back when she's done.  

    

At WinStar, they outfit the mare in a twitch, padded hind boots, and a neck hood.  This protects the stallion if he gets kicked, and spares the mare's neck from his teeth.  Some farms skip the boots, and instead briefly hold up a foreleg to prevent her from kicking.  Most mares stand very well, but with million-dollar stallions you have to take every precaution!  There are about five assistants to help with the breeding, each with a specific (and not usually glorious!) job.  All are outfitted with vests and helmets for safety (and likely insurance purposes). 

During all this, the farm representative (me) stands idly by watching or chatting with bystanders (managers, other farm drivers).  Being female, in a very male-dominated field, this can be a bit of an awkward situation.  Most farms are welcoming enough, but there are times when guys avoid eye contact, or mumble something about the weather.  To spare them embarrassment and uncomfortable silence, I'll check email (or EN) on my phone and appear very busy.  At WinStar, though, the managers were quite pleasant.  I mentioned I was an eventer, and we had an interesting conversation about Rolex and event horse breeding.   

About five minutes later, the process is over and I get the mare back to take home.  Two weeks later, the vet will ultrasound her and we'll know if she's in foal for next year.  Fingers crossed!   

 

For anyone coming to Lexington for the WEG, WinStar should be on your list of farms to visit.  Trust EN to be your complete travel guide, we will give you more famous farms to check out later this summer!

 

 

Leslie is hopefully enjoying sunny weather and warm beaches on vacation right now, so I get the pleasure of providing your Saturday morning dose of videos.  Let's take a trip down memory lane and check out some of the first videos ever posted on the site.  If you were here to see these videos when I first posted them, then you are truly awesome and should give yourself a pat on the back for being one of our original readers.

 It's finally Friday!  And time for another Lower-Level Event Rider Profile.  We've met Nation members from all over the US and the world, and today we're back to Kentucky to meet Lori.  If you wish to be featured in an upcoming profile, fill out the Questionnaire and email it to VisionaireEN@gmail.com.   Have a happy weekend!!

 

FEATURED RIDER:

 

 

Name: Lori Long

Age: 30

Location: Leitchfield, KY (basically the middle of nowhere)

Primary horse's name: River of Dreams (aka Rio) (His racing name was Clover Patch Kid...really who could do that to a 17.1h horse), Owned by Carolyn Ladd

Age, breed, pertinent info:

11, Off the Track TB.  Raced for 3 years and won $300...again who were these owners, should have realized earlier he only likes to run when there are jumps involved!  Needless to say he loves XC .  Still trying to figure out why stadium is in such a small area and why those poles fall down.  He is truly the trouble maker in his field and in his stall.  Loves to stick his head out of the stall and pull off every item of cloths he has so they are tossed all over the aisle. He also wouldn't feel accomplished at a show if he didn't rub out at least 1 braid if not a whole section.

Level currently competing: Training

 

Short term goals this spring/summer: We hope to have a couple clean stadium rounds at training and move up to Prelim

 

Year-end goals: Running Prelim Successfully, it's been a long time since I have had a horse up to this level.

 

Overall goals?

I can see this horse going at least Interm if not Advanced once he figures out his hind end (at 17.1h he is just a big lanky guy who doesn't know how to use his butt,  so sad) If I am the lucky one that gets to go with him I will be thrilled, if someone else does I will be his biggest fan in on the sidelines cheering him on every step of the way!

What's the best thing you've learned recently? 

Once you stop treating dressage like it is a necessary evil to get to XC it is fun, rewarding and the basis for everything.  I try to instill this in my students as I had a very hard time learning this lesson, and still sometimes have to remind myself ;-).

 

Favorite eventing moment/story? 

At Rio's 2nd training, had a dumb blonde moment and decided that the line I had walked to this skinny steeplechase wasn't right, so I took probably the worst line you could, in the process I thought, then said out loud: Rio I am so sorry but I think you are going to have to save us on this one.  We barely were pointing at the jump, I basically made sure I was in balance with him and I gave him the reins just to stay out of his way. He acted like what I was asking was normal and did it with ease. At that point I realized this horse was truly special. The only other horse I have thought this way about is now retired living the good life, so it was a great moment for me.

 

Link to blog or website, if applicable: www.bellavistaequestriancenter.com

 Rio  at Mid South Team Challenge Training Three Day 2009

From Eric:

 

Stand outside the warmup arena of any show.  Dressage, stadium, or cross-country,  anyone can look from the outside in, and observe complete chaos, no order, and a bunch of riders fighting for something they did not bring to the show.  I'm not talking strictly about the amateur or the novice level rider, but also the advanced professional.  The riders working with their horse in harmony are far and few between.  There are riders sweating bullets, others mumbling profanity to their equine friend while trying to get their head down, still others feeling the need to tell the whole world how wonderful their horse is (slapping them on the neck and riding a track that could not be described as a straight line or a circle), and then you have the trainer yelling "half halts" and other "coming from behind" sayings all the while dictating every move of their student, but of course the student has no resemblance to what their coach is saying.  The warm-up could not even be described as a warm-up, but a war zone of tension and insecurity.  Are we loosing touch with what we intentionally wanted to train the horse to do?

 

As soon as you throw your leg over your horse's back, ask yourself, "What is the overall goal you want from your horse."  I have been asking this question to every rider that has ridden with me in a clinic for the past 3 years.  After watching them warm up for ten minutes, I make my assessment of horse and rider pairs, and then I have the rider describe their warm-up and ask the infamous question.  Their answers have been 100% identical!  Every rider described a small portion of the overall ideal.  Common answers were, to get relaxation,  and to get their horse's attention.  Some comments focused on getting the horse in front of the rider's leg, to get the horse to submit to rein pressure.  Some answers where so creative that I don't care to mention them.  But overall the answers I received were not wrong answers;  they were just such a small portion of the overall picture.  What happens next when you have your horses attention, relaxation, or get him in front of your leg?  The ideal answer I was looking for was a "balanced horse."  Then, what is important to reveal, is what makes a horse balanced?

 

A dressage judge has a one dimensional view to a horse, and the blind judge could see a horse's head come up.  Unfortunately the rider is immediately focused on the head instead of the balanced horse that allows for the beautiful picture in the end.  If one where to give their equine partner a little more credit and treat them more like a dance partner, I think we would have many more sympathetic riders thinking about placing their horse's feet, rather than dominating the head placement.  Whether jumping or on the flat, riders associate control with the horses head being down.  Because the rider is not centered or balanced, they are relying on the reins for their handle bar to the horses mouth.  There would be a deeper understanding of accountability of balance from both parties, if one were to take the reins with the same feeling and respect you would have with your dance partner.  One would, of course, start by working with the rider.

 

If we as riders are going to domesticate a horse and ride for our own amusement, I think the least we can do is respect the horses natural way of going and train ourselves to listen to our equine partner instead of getting caught up in asking them to do something that they are not ready to do, let alone able to do.  We live in an instant gratification society today.  There is a huge market for artificial aids.  Some help in a positive way to magnify your natural aids, others make up for shear laziness on the riders part, such as putting the horse in a false frame and unnatural way of going.  One can get caught up into the fast track, goal setting, gotta get there attitude before looking back and enjoying the balanced, harmonious dance with your horse.  Nine times out of ten, you are not getting what you want because you are out of balance, which causes your horse to be out of balance.  Take a breath, respect what your horse is trying to tell you, and do your best to follow through with your horse.  Then reward your horse for their effort.

Word in the barns is that there might or might not be a video from Virginia just released by a certain well known and respected videographer that contains an interview with me as well as some great XC footage.  I'm pretty private, but I couldn't turn down Lance's request after he gave me an interview on camera.  Sigh.

How well do you know your drugs?

An unplanned excursion to the Equine Hospital earlier this week (for a severed artery) got me thinking about drugs. Well, really it was listening to the horse's owner trying to pronounce the generic names that got me thinking about drugs...I mean medication.

Meds/"vet stuff" and I go way back. I remember the good ol' days when Daddy Vet would take me on calls before school and during the drive I would get quizzed on different illnesses and effective treatments/medications. (please let me keep pretending this is normal) It was such a happy carefree time that I wanted to share a blast from the past with you....ok, really I'm sadistic and just like listening to people try to say these names out loud.

Correctly match the brand name (number) with the generic name (letter) if you're a super smarty pants match it with its classification (some are used more than once). Have fun and no cheating!

1. Bute                            A. Ketoprofen                     Urinary tract analgesic

2. Domoso                       B.Omeprazole                   Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)

3. Banamine                    C. Pentoxifylline                  Molecule "Carrier"

4. Lasix                           D. Oxytetracycline              Diuretic

5. Gentocin                      E. Ranitidine                       Antibiotic

6. Zantac                         F. Clenbuterol                     Anti-ulcer

7. LA200                          G. Imipenem                       Decreases blood viscosity

8. Gastrogard                   H. Ceftiofur                         Anti-anxiety/anti-seizure/sedative

9. Ketofen                        I. Metoclopramide               Anti-protozoal

10. Valium                       J. Gentamicin                     GI Motility Stimulant

11. Trental                       K. Dimethyl Sulfoxide Gel    Opiate Agonist

12. Naxcel                       L. Ponazuril                        Bronchodilator

13. Marquis                     M. Flunixin Meglumine

14. Regland                     N. Butorphenol

15. Primaxin                    O. Phenylbutazone

16. Torbugesic                 P. Phenazopyridine

17. Ventipulmin               Q. Furosemide

18. Pyridium                    R. Diazepam

 

Answers

1. Bute - Phenylbutazone - NSAID - Please tell me you got this one right!

2. Domoso - Dimethyle Sulfoxide Gel - Molecule "Carrier" - If you want to mess with your vet ask them to explain this one. It is best known for allowing medication to pass through the skin (it "carriers" it into the bloodstream) but it can also act as an anti-inflammatory...or a carcinogen to you. But in all honesty, we really don't completely understand DMSO (non-gel form) that well.

3. Banamine - Flunixin Meglamin - NSAID - Side note, Bute helps for skeletal or muscle issues, while Banamine is more useful for visceral pain (thanks Daddy Vet) which is why it is used for colics.

4. Lasix - Furosemide - Diuretic - mostly commonly given to racehorses that are "bleeders" or suffer from Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage, (EIPH) meaning that during intense work outs they bleed from their lungs. The diuretic lowers blood pressure either preventing hemorrhages or decreasing the severity.

5. Gentocin - Gentamicin - Antibiotic - LOOK! It matches...sort of

6. Zantac - Ranitidine - Anti-ulcer - If you take this for your own stomach problems remember to look up the dosing for humans NOT horses.

7. LA200 - Oxytetracycline - Antibiotic - This stuff is AWFUL to give in winter!!! It is super thick, so it also sucks giving it with small needles...hey Visionaire, did I every say thanks for giving it to my horse with an 18G needle? Thank you!

8. Gastrogard - Omeprazole - Anti-ulcer - IV Omeprazole is evil.

9. Ketofen - Ketoprofen - NSAID

10. Valium - Diazepam - Anti-anxiety/Anti-seizure/Sedative

11. Trental - Pentoxifylline - Decreases Blood Viscosity - It's most commonly used on horses with laminitis or navicular disease.

12. Naxcel - Ceftiofur - Antibiotic

13. Marquis - Ponazuril - Antiprotozoal - Used as a 28 day treatment for EPM.

14. Regland - Metoclopramide - GI Motility Stimulant - The "Don't Stand Behind" rule is especially applicable.

15. Primaxin - Imipenem - Antibiotic

16. Torbugesic - Butorphenol - Opiate Agonist - It makes sedatives work better. Lots of vet use it in "cocktails" to make horses go to Lala Land faster and longer.

17. Ventipulmin - Clenbuterol - Bronchodilator

18. Pyridium - Phenazopyridine - Urinary Tract analgesic - If you ever have to give this, be careful! When you crush it, it will turn EVERYTHING yellow and it NEVER EVER washes off....EVER

 

How'd you do? Leave a comment below...and make me feel like a productive member of Eventing Nation.  

 

Here we go again, it's time to shake your head in amazement at the stupidity of the human population.  And once again wonder if animal owners should be required to take a test or earn a license to obtain a living, breathing creature.  Or maybe Craigslist just needs a spellcheck function??

8YR QH GELDING BAY - $200 (RICHMOND)

 

HE I S ABOUT 14 HANDS AND HE IS A GOOD TRAIL HORSE BUT HAS BEEN A WHILE SENCE HE HAS BEEN ROAD BUT WITH LITTLE RIDING HE WILL BE A GREAT HORSE

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9 yr old guilding - $1 (livingston)

 

i have a 9 yr old guilding color is bay . i have owned several horses but he is by far the best i have ever rode. he is verry smooth not spooky at all he is great on trail or down the middle of the road. he is verry fast never break his gate. he has not been ridden in over a year i cant ride anymore. i know horses are cheap but one like him is few and far . i have nearly 2 grand in him but i will take $500 . if you want a good horse that is well kept not starved or abused this is the one. price is firm i dont want to trade i am not a horse trader. serious calls only 606-682-****

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HORSE PACIFINO/WALKIN MIX - $700 (41031)

 

6 YEAR OLD PACIFINO/WALKING HORSE MIX GELD. $700 OBO GOOD GAIT, GOOD TEMPERMAENT, TRAILERS WELL AND HAS TRAVELED EXSTINSIVLY, GOOD TRAIL HORSE, HAS BEEN SHOED, GOOD WITH KIDS AND JUST NEEDS A HOME WHERE HE CAN HAVE MORE ATTENTION ****************859-298-1356 TEXT OR CALL 9AM TO 8PM DAILY ***********************SERIOUS CALLS ONLY**************************

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PALOMINO STALLION/LEGEND BREAD - $2000 (NC)

 

MR SAN PEPPY ZANPARRBAR POCOLENA DRY DOC DOC BAR YES! THATS 5 AQHA CHAMPIONS IN THREE GENERATIONS ALL SHOWING ON PAPERS .THIS IS A 9 YR OLD PALOMINO STALLION/ VERY WELL MANURED AND RIDES 15 H 1150 TO 1200 LBS BREAD STRAIGHT OF THE KING RANCH SERIOUS ONLY PLEASE HE IS NOT FREE TO GOOD HOME THIS IS NOT A RESCUE HORSE HE IS FOR SALE OR TRADE I UPGRADED MY PAINT HORSE APHA BLOODLINE WITH THIS STALLION PASTURE OR HAND BREEDING NO PROBLEMS LAID BACK AND A BEAUTIFU L RICH GOLD COLOR WHEN SHEDS THROWS PALOMINO BUCKSKIN COLTS THIS BOY IS A BREEDERS DREAM COLOR AND BLOOD CANT GO WRONG /OWNER MOTIVATED THANKS FOR LOOKING PS. STANDING IN NC TILL SOLD OR TRADED .TRANSPORT AVAILABLE 864 205 **** OR 864 205 ****

I only have one question... is this horse related to the world famous Wonder Bread??  Does he have spots??

I put up the Eventing Nation bat signal to our writers last night, which essentially means I'll be traveling and need some posts for the site tomorrow. Carrie Meehan, our guest blogger targeting the Bromont CCI*, was kind enough to answer the call. In this post Carrie talks about her ride at VHT and looks forward to Bromont. Thanks for writing this Carrie and thank you for reading.

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From Carrie:

So this will most likely be my last post before I write about my adventures at Bromont in two weeks (ahh!!).  Duke is feeling better than he's ever felt, though I should hope so with all the riding I've been doing!  We've done 2 horse trials since my last post, and both ended very successfully.  Our dressage hasn't been up to par lately, so these next two weeks we're going to crack down on our flat work so we can be more prepared to have a great test at Bromont.

      Duke and I seem to be keeping a pretty rigorous training schedule, doing no less than an hour ½ of riding every day which includes at least 45 minutes to an hour of walking/trotting out in the hills.  Some days Duke protests more than others to the long work, but it's something we have to take seriously because he's such a big horse, and it takes a lot to get him fit.  A lot of the work we do every day is for building up his strength, because when he's strong things come so much more easily and he doesn't make me work so hard!  Jeff, being the wonderful vet he is, has been keeping close tabs on Duke making sure he's as comfortable as he can be leading up to our last two events, and even more so now that we're two weeks away from Canada!

      I have felt such a positive change in our partnership over the last few months. The preliminary cross-country courses that used to make me feel a bit queasy, now ride like we're running around a training level course.  Though I suppose that's how it should feel heading into a CCI*!  I've gained so much more confidence in my riding, and I'm feeling totally ready to take on this next challenge.  Show jumping has always been my weakest link, but the last two events at Fair Hill and Virginia felt so awesome and spot on which gives me a ton of confidence going into the bigger show jumping at Bromont.  Our stadium round at Virginia H.T this past weekend was hands down our best one to date: everything felt smooth and Duke was as relaxed and happy as he could be.

      Emily says these next two weeks are crucial in coming to the event with a fit and happy horse.  We are planning it just right so the last week we are 'winding down' a bit so Duke stays fresh for the event.  This works out well for me as well because then I can focus more on making sure I have everything ready to go.  Not to mention, giving me time to make last minute checks that I've filled out and turned in every one of the many, many forms needed to compete in this event. And of course, I'm making the highly anticipated trip to the mall in the next week to pick out my first jog outfits!  I'm not really the shopping type, but all of my friends seem to be more excited than I am to come along and help me choose something awesome.  I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed with everything that needs to get done before we leave in 10 days, but hey, it will all work out and it's going to be over and gone before I know it.  So, until next time, keep your fingers crossed that all goes well and that we have a safe and successful event!

      Thanks guys,

      Carrie and Duke

British eventer and Eventing Nation contributor 'lec' has kindly sent us a report from England. Thanks for writing this lec, and thank you for reading.

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From Lucy:

This week I have no plans to write about anything specific so this could be interesting!!  

So at the moment in the UK it is hot, hot, and hot (well for us!!). In the UK we normally have showjumping after the dressage and before cross country. We have to wear the same outfits that we have for dressage in the showjumping arena as in stocks/ties and jackets. In the Uk last year it was 32 degrees and I was at Stonar doing Prelim on the laziest warmblood known to man. I had a short sleeved shirt and tie on to do my dressage and then it came to the show jumping. I was told by the steward that I had to have long sleeves on for showjumping. So in 32 degree heat I had to put on my wool tweed jacket. I was roasting hot and fairly fed up. I did my round and came out and thought I was going to faint as I was so hot. I then get changed into my polo shirt with body protector for xc which has short sleeves and that was fine! This is how pedantic eventing can sometimes be in the UK!  

In the UK we are anal about the ground. At the moment the going is hard. Lots of people are withdrawing or competitions have to make a large effort with a special machine called an aggravator. These put holes into the ground to soften the concussion the horse might have when galloping. At a local event to me they have special tracks cut to make them all weather, all weather takes offs and landings and they also water the ground all to make it as good as possible. I have to say there is nothing more disappointing than going to an event to see they have made no effort with the going. In event schedules a lot of organisers talk about what they do about the ground and events which normally get lots of entries are because they know the going will be perfect whatever the weather. At the recent CIC3* at Belton there was a lot of complaints about the ground as it just was not up to scratch. At anything which is CIC2* and above competitors expect to see an effort has been made to the best of the organisers ability. 

Talking about organisers! This year I have been working on a project with Eventing Worldwide to try and get recognition for lower level events. It drives me crazy that these lower level events can put huge amounts of effort into running a beautiful event and yet they get no recognition by British Eventing. There is an event of the year but every year a massive International competition walks away with the title like Barbury or Burghley. Lower level events will see sometimes 600 people from all walks of life over a weekend get no recognition. This year I organised a poll for riders to vote on and then followed this up by talking to the winning organisers. The organisers were so thrilled that their event had been chosen by riders and when you talk to them you realise the huge amounts of time and effort put in. I always try and say thank you to the organiser or send an email after a great event (even if it has not been great for me!) and if I have been a pain in the arse like asking for different times or to move classes then I always reward with a bottle of wine. After all just imagine the time and effort it takes to deal with all these small requests especially if 20 people have them! Its small gestures like this that take 5 minutes of our time yet mean a lot to organisers. 

Upcoming are two big events -  Bramham 3* and Luhmuhlen 4*. In particular I just want to look at Luhmuhlen briefly. For many of the British entries this is a final shot at proving themselves to get to WEG. Lucy Weigersma recently came 2^nd in the CIC3*W at Chatsworth and will be hoping to put her disappointing Badminton behind her. Likewise for Piggy French and Oliver Townend. A lot rides on doing well. I think it will be interesting to see how the US riders get on against the Europeans as it will be a good bench mark to compare as these are some of the best US combinations going. I have heard that one incredibly well placed British combination at Badminton will not be going to WEG because they have been told the horse is too old. This combination has been on fire and are a proven combination so it seems a shame that this decision has been made so early on.  

Finally I want to end with some words of wisdom from Yogi Breisner (British Team Manager). I am not sure where I have got them from as I have just found them on word document on my computer! But they are small snippets and the type of thing I love of just common sense that can sometimes be forgotten or overlooked. 

Develop skills through good basic training using one method in the first instance then once established move into specific training, using different trainers/methods if necessary  
 
· Have a mentor and a trainer (don't need to be the same person) 
 
· Practice makes permanent - stupidity is doing what you've always done and expecting different results. If it's not working change it. 
 
· Top eventers can be made out of average horses (unlike dressage and SJ where exceptional horses are needed) - it's all about consistent, effective training methods 
 
· When training the horse - repetition of correctness not repetition until you get it correct - don't stop when you do get it correct as a reward (except with youngsters) practice the correct way otherwise you have practiced 5 wrong ways and 1 correct with the same emphasis. 
 
· Practice dressage tests - inc the full test, if the horse anticipates they are not correctly on the aids. Also ride sections of the test. This has really helped the British Team improve marks. 
 
· Training the horse stages -  
o FUNdamental - young horse, learn to go forward and have fun, hacking, hunting, etc 
o train to train - the horse needs to learn how to settle into consistent training sessions  
o train to compete - more specific work for the intended role 
o train to win - the finishing touches 

Friends, as you know, I am always thinking about how to improve this ridiculous experiment known as Eventing Nation.  In the beginning, I was the only writer *shudder* and I struggled to produce even one post a day--which was usually just a montage of news, video, and failed attempts at jokes.  We have come a long way since those days, and the time has come to discuss taking Eventing Nation to the next level.

Contests and giveaways: we will be able to increase the number and ridiculousness of our contests.  If Eventing Nation is fun now, wait till we start giving stuff away.

EN swag: I get more emails about EN hats, bumper stickers, and shirts than anything else.  With a bit of revenue, we will be able to invest in producing EN gear.  We have already been contacted by graphic designers who have some really cool ideas.

Securing our future: right now, Eventing Nation is still an experiment--nothing more than the dedication of me and our writers keeps the site going.  Theoretically, Eventing Nation could stop anytime.  Adding advertisers secures Eventing Nation's future, ensuring that Eventing Nation will be a regular part of your day for years to come.

(6) In a recent interview, Luhmuhlen course designer Mark Phillips said: 

"The course runs a very similar route to last year but I've tried to create more flow for the horses and riders. Also the fences are more inviting and user friendly than last year."

As part of reader appreciation month, Visionaire asked our readers to break news in the comments of our posts.  Today, Tate did just that in our Monday N&N post by letting us know that Luhmuhlen had posted its entry list.  Thanks Tate!

Link: Virginia Horse Trials and 3DE Results, COTH VA Recap

Life has become extremely busy in the Visionaire World of Grooming and Thoroughbreds, mostly due to the panic mad rush of mares to the breeding shed before the spring season ends.  This has left little time for planning, photography, and detailed writing of Jog Up Tips.  Thankfully, my dear readers have come through for me (read: saved my a$$) by responding to my request for feedback.  This week, I empty the mailbag and turn Jog Up over to you!

This is in response to the request for feedback from the Groom tips.

 

I have always been impressed with the  polished looks of braided manes at events, but have always failed at a comparable outcome. Oh I tried valiantly for many years to make those perfect button braids, but alas it was never to be. I would spend hours looking up different 'How To' videos & tutorials, taking notes & running out to the barn to try my hand at this new technique or what not. I have to admit my horse is probably ashamed at the way she has had to travel to shows with some interesting (that's a nice way to put it) braid jobs. It wasn't until the Eventing Nation article that I was finally, FINALLY, able to get it! The step by step directions with video were exactly what I needed. I was so impressed with the practice braid job, preformed using your method, that I started grabbing up all the lesson kids & showing it off! Yes I got quite a few stares of the "Lady it's only braiding" but I was so happy to have finally been able to achieve a beautiful button braid. Thank you so much for the excellent tutorial, my horse & I really appreciate all the work you put into it.

 

Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me that day so I didn't get any pictures, but I will definitely have some in the future.

 

Thank you again,

KT

You're VERY welcome, KT!  I am so thrilled that I could alleviate your horse's shame and stress of a poor braid job...I bet she feels like a million bucks now!  Good job, and good luck at your events this summer!  We'd love to see your pics!

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OMG! I need you to meet up with Rugby and tell him I got it all wrong, it's supposed to be done RIGHT and I'm not doing it right! I'll take pictures and show you -- he has so much hair I have been pulling as per directions since CHRISTMAS and no results, it doesn't look REMOTELY like your tails. It is growing MORE hair! Help HElp HELP. He has not kicked me yet but thinking about it. I have not picked up the clippers yet but thinking about it.

OK Retread, everything will be OK.  Put down the clippers and back slowly away...that's it...one step at a time...now unplug the power cord...deep breath...we can do this...!  Despite the "ease" at which it appears in the photos of Taming the Tail, pulling takes a good bit of practice, effort, and yes, faith.  You must See your desired tail through the unpulled frizz, and let it Guide you to the land of the Perfect Tail.  Sometimes you don't always get there on the first go-round.  That's ok, don't give up!  So long as you leave the clippers in the tack room, you won't be wasting your time.

And Retread, if I ever meet up with you at an event, I'll help get Rugby's tail on the right track!


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I stumbled across the EN site a couple of months ago and now I'm hooked!  Thanks for the Sunday Jog Up info.  I routinely pass it on to the 4H kids that hang around our barn.  The mane pulling section has been very helpful though I think I'm going to need to ace my mare so I don't end up hanging from the rafters in the barn! J

 

Any chance EN could put together a new-comers to eventing section?  I rode in pony club (in Australia) over 20 years ago and am getting back into riding.  As a re-rider I'd love to be able to find helpful stuff like Eventing For Dummies info.  I'll never be an international eventing star but I'd love to get into local/regional horse trials & 3DE's for fun but finding anything on how to get started is just about impossible here in Central California.

 

Please pass my thanks on to the EN crew for inspiring and entertaining your readers.

- IndiRandol

Indi, we're so glad you happened to stumble on through!  You'd be surprised, that's how most of us end up on here...stumbling and fumbling, and then completely addicted.  I know, I was once one of you...and now look at me! 

What say you, readers?  Would you also like to see an Intro-To-Eventing segment added to the site?  Keep sending us your ideas!

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Sarah, your original "knot" braids look quite nice!  Thanks for giving button braids a chance, I promise they do look better with practice!  The horses in your photos look lovely, you clearly put a lot of effort into your turnout.  As for static tails, sometimes plain Showsheen will help; or try HealthyHairCare spray in conditioner (the concentrated pink stuff; dilute mix in a spray bottle).  When all else fails, sometimes a can of StaticGuard spray is your only chance!   Your horse's tail is looking great in the Spring Bay picture.  Have faith and keep going!  Or, if you think the mini-length suits him, stick with that.  Not every tail must be pulled halfway down the dock!  The most important aspect is that YOU love the way your horse looks when he's turned out his best. 

And by the way, "Go eventing now, study later" is an AWESOME tagline.  I'm sure most of our student-readers would very much agree!!



Thanks so much to KT, Retread, Indi, and Sarah for their feedback.  I always love hearing others' grooming stories and sharing ideas...please keep them coming!  VisionaireEN@gmail.com

Today I decided to try a few quick interviews with some of Eventing Nation's friends at the Virginia horse trials and three-day.  As with everything on EN, I'm learning as I go, and I want to really thank David, Holly, Doug, Nate, and Lance for putting up with me.  I enjoyed the interviews and hopefully they had a little fun as well. 

(1)  The weather at Virginia started the day overcast, progressed to scattered showers, and ended the afternoon in a downpour.  The footing held up well everywhere except for a couple of takeoffs and landings, and the riders seemed to be studding up enough to handle the conditions.

Yesterday we posted photos of an Eventer riding sidesaddle.  I watched this pair during the AECs several years ago and it was definitely one of the most impressive things I've seen.  They looked so elegant in dressage and yet there was something hardcore about running across country in a skirt.

A reader recently commented that she bought tickets to the WEG for herself and her daughter, and in exchange for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, her daughter will miss a day of school.  We all know how time consuming horses are; we willingly choose to sacrifice school days, work holidays, parties and community events, etc. for the chance to spend time with horses.  

I admit I missed a lot of school for horse shows.  I was even known to sneak away and school cross-country while my classmates suffered through mid-week morning classes.  Fortunately, I didn't have trouble keeping up with grades, and thus the only challenge was getting class absences "excused."  The first time Mum and I tried to be honest about my whereabouts one Friday in junior high school, I was told by the principal that next time I would not be excused because it was not a school sponsored sport or church (yes, church) activity.

Throughout the rest of grade school until I reached college and no one cared whether I showed up to class or not, let's just say I was, uh, "sick" an awful lot.  My teachers weren't stupid, they knew what I was doing.  We just relaxed into the rhythm of "Hey Mr/Mrs Whatever, I'm gonna be sick this weekend.  Any important school work I should be aware of before Monday?  K, bye!"

I've encountered young riders that handle this conflict in various ways.  Some attend schools for athletes and their riding counts as credit.  Others are home-schooled, so they make their own schedules.  Many of them are just "sick" all the time like me.

It has been several years since I've danced around attendance requirements.  I had my way and it worked.  How does it work now?  Are you a Young Rider facing strict attendance policies?  Or maybe as an adult you have to find clever ways to get days off work for your horses.  Tell us your stories in the comments!

I never cease to be amazed by the incredible stuff we get sent in from readers via email.  Beth sent us this is a photo of Black Diamond with Amy Jo Magee competing sidesaddle on the Training Level cross-country course at Olney Farm Horse Trials, north of Baltimore in August 2005.  I don't know about you, but I would rather ride intermediate in a normal saddle than training in a sidesaddle.  

Photo from Leslie

Several events have struggled to find enough volunteers recently.  It's a beautiful time of the year across the United States and what better way to spend a Saturday than enjoying the spring weather and helping to build our great sport?  

For more info on volunteering, check out one of Leslie's first posts ever for Eventing Nation: EN Says Thanks to Volunteers.  Volunteers are the backbone of eventing and we can't say thank you enough for volunteering.  Be sure to tell us about your volunteer experience on Monday.

Virginia Classic & HT: Homepage, Ride Times, Weather

Notes: This is a big event in Area II and includes a classic P3D, and a CCI*.  The classic is offering $1,000 in prize money.  We've said it before and we will say it again: all of eventing owes Brian and Penny Ross a debt of gratitude for all they do organizing a great horse trials and preserving the classic three-day.  Thank you to all of the organizers and volunteers in the many other events this weekend.

I am happily back home after a brief vacation and I will try to make it out to the VHT on Saturday to round up the usual suspects, waste some air vest canisters, and make more worst videos ever.

Eventing Nation's regular British contributor lec has sent us her next post, this time about how British Eventing funds its riders.  Thanks for writing this lec and thank you for reading.

I was in Chattahoochee this past weekend when the latest edition of LLRP was published.  As usual, I received several more Rider Profile emails in response.  I usually store them, and try to post them in the general order they are received.  But I made an exception for this one, and bumped it straight to the top.  I think you will enjoy it, and appreciate the perspective.  Kate, thanks for reminding us that there are things more important than eventing competition.  We at Eventing Nation would like to thank all the men and women who devote themselves to serving our country.  Kick on!!

FEATURED RIDER:

  

Name: Kate Rhine

Age: 24

Location: Franklin, VA (although serving in Iraq right now)

Primary horse's name: Pepperbox.  And an unnamed foal by Cicera's Icewater

Age, breed, pertinent info:

Pepperbox- an 11 year old 17.1 hand thoroughbred gelding who I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to own, he has evented through Prelim without ever having a stop. He was injured two years ago and also had some behavioral problems that often involved his rider meeting the ground so his owner was looking for a new home for him, somebody who would give him a second chance. I did, and now he has remembered his manners, is fully recovered from his injury and is ready to start eventing again! I also have a foal who is due to be born any day! He is out of a lovely oldenburg mare and by the stallion Cicera's Icewater.

Level currently competing:

Currently taking a year off, I'm serving in Iraq with the 229th Military Police Company, we are due to head home in July. I have competed sucessfully though Prelim.

 

Short term goals this spring/summer:

To get Pepperbox eventing fit again and hopefully finish the year w/ a few events at a level he is comfortable with.

Year-end goals:

I'm hoping to finish the year at training level if he is ok with it and take the winter to prepare him for the 2011 seaason.

 

Overall goals?

The same as it has been since I was about 12, to ride succesfully at Advanced. :) In the meantime to just continue learning and growing in my riding and passing on things I have learned to my students. I enjoy helping my students reach their goals, watching them improve and most importantly have a passion for their horses and loving this sport.

What's the best thing you've learned recently?

To appreciate everything you have, to enjoy your horse and the journey. Being in Iraq has taught me to enjoy the little things, when I was younger I was more focused on competing and getting to the next level. Now I'm just looking forward to learning, improving my riding and just enjoying my horses!

Favorite eventing moment/story?  (can be anything, something you did, felt, witnessed, realized...?)

The day I completed my first Prelim at Waredaca on a young (just turned 6) brilliant mare that I had brought along from a total greenie, she ROCKED on the cross country course and we just had a blast. I remember thinking "wow, this is what its all about, all the hard work, the money and the time, its just me and my horse eating up this course! What a rush!" she was amazing at that event and at the others we completed.

 

Website:  www.rhineequestrian.com

The committee: 

As promised, this week is Quiz Rally. Quiz, as the name would indicate, is a knowledge competition for the nerdy really smart kids. Quiz is divided into 4 sections: Written Test, Classroom, Stations, and Mega-Room. You get a score for each phase and the highest score wins! (Not like golf) I don't know why we pay money to go take tests, but I guess its a pony club thing. I think they get us hooked when we are young with the promise of really BIG ribbons. In PC's defense, they have always fulfilled this promise..but then you're stuck with a huge ribbon with Quiz Rally written all over it. To this day I am still too ashamed to hang my "Quizard" ribbon with the rest of my meager collection. 

While hiking around cross-country at the Chattahoochee Hills Area III Championships, I spent some time introducing myself to the video feature on my DSLR. Photography is my forte, friends. I don't claim to have a clue what I'm doing when it comes to capturing video. A close video guru friend kindly pointed out that I "didn't have the exposure lock on" and somehow, somewhere, I unintentionally "dropped the frame rate," which is why the footage looks a little jumpy. And I'm not even gonna talk about how awful it is working in Windows Movie Maker. So without further excuses, I present to you the absolute worst worst videos ever.  Cross-Country Day 2: Featuring Novice and Beginner Novice.  I like how the last rider gives her pony a well-deserved pat on his neck.  The crowd that day was small - please go out and support the lower levels! They are big fun to watch and learn from! 

Welcome to the second edition of the weekly post where we ask readers to share about their weekend.  Last week we got some great responses from Ohio to Washington to a starter horse trials in Maryland.  

No, I'm not talking about "studs" of the breeding variety.  I'm talking about those little scraps of metal that you twist into the heel of a horse's shoe to provide added traction on a variety of surfaces. 

When to use studs?
Whenever you feel like there is a possibility your horse might slip, you should use studs.  This "possibility" is affected by footing, level of jumping, and the individual horse.  Ground conditions range from hard and slick to deep and boggy.  Different studs are used for different footings. 

At lower levels (BN, N) studs often aren't necessary.  The slower speed, lower height, and lack of technicality (few sharp turns) mean that there is more room for error, and a horse doesn't need maximum power to complete the question safely.  Studs allow the horse to transfer more of his jumping effort into "UP" over the fence, instead of sliding his feet in the opposite direction...this becomes increasingly important at preliminary level and above.

Use of studs is also dependent on the individual horse.  Some quick, catty horses are more surefooted than half-draft plodders (NO OFFENSE to drafties, I love them!).  But some quick, catty horses turn too fast for their own good and "spin their wheels," so studs can help.  Horses with excellent feet, happily barefoot at Novice level, should probably stay that way.  Bare feet provide better traction than plain flat shoes... but shoes with studs are better than bare feet.

I generally start using studs at Training level, but it is always dependent on the horse, and what area you live in.  Lovely sandy footing like Ocala and Aiken does not require studs like those in clay-based locales.

What studs to use?
This is a very complex question.  You really must KNOW the ground, and KNOW your horse to answer it...and it is highly individual.  There is no true "right" answer, no mathematical formula that will produce the perfect result.  It is a "feel" you will develop over time, riding many courses and knowing your horse.  It is good, though, to take a peek at what others are using.  Saturday morning, you will frequently find less-experienced riders scampering amongst the barn area, carrying stud kits, or a handful of studs, getting ideas or confirmation from neighbors about "What are you using??  What do you think about This One??"  Working for an upper level rider, I fielded such questions frequently: brought them into the stall, picked up a studded foot and explained what and why.


General rules
There are a few general principles to follow, tailor them as you may to suit your needs.

-- Use the smallest studs possible to get the job done.  By increasing traction, studs also increase the torque placed on the horse's limbs.  Bigger studs = more torque.  More torque leads to greater strain on the leg, and risk of injury.  When a horse lands off a big jump, the front feet slide just a little...this is desirable.  When the horse doesn't slide, but jams into the ground like a lawn dart, that's when things go "pop."  Think of an NFL running back making a cut with the ball, avoiding a defender.  He needs to push off with one foot; that foot must not slip too much or he'll fall down.  But if the foot excessively "plants" in the turf, he can blow out a knee. 

-- Smaller studs in front; bigger studs in back.  The horse's jumping power comes from the rear, like a drag racing car.  Dragsters have HUGE rear tires to maximize traction, but smaller front wheels for direction only.  Same idea applies... use smaller studs in front to limit torque to limbs, but keep larger ones behind to maximize power.

--Bigger studs on outside, smaller studs on inside.  This rule can be optional; there are many who believe in equal studding on the same foot.  However, I was taught to use the taller, spikier stud on the outside branch, and a shorter/duller stud on the inside branch.  The idea is that if a horse steps on himself, or strikes the opposing leg, it won't get ripped to shreds by a big honkin' pointy stud.  "But, but, but, it's UNEVEN!!" people always say when they see my horse standing on a hard, flat surface.  Yes, but my horse isn't competing on pavement-- on turf, both studs will sink into the ground, allowing her foot to land level and balanced.  The outer stud is the more important one anyway-- that's your "rudder" stud to help the horse turn.  If you're in a massive hurry to tack up, and the ground is decent, you can get away with just throwing in one grass tip stud on the outside branch of each foot.  You'll survive a lower level course, jump lesson, or show jumping round just fine without the inner studs.  In some instances, as with duller studs on yielding ground, I will use the same stud "straight across" the shoe (both branches) or "all-around" (meaning all 4 feet straight across). 


Stud Taxonomy and Nomenclature

As with most other studly principles, naming and identification of studs is highly variable and subject to local/individual habits.  What matters is that you, and whomever else is responsible for your stud system, has a reliable, consistent method for classifying your studs.  There are several different types, suited to different ground conditions; each type will come in varying sizes, to meet the degree of difficulty presented by the footing.

Categories:



Four everyday grass tips, and two extra tall pointy ones for very hard ground

Grass tips: also known as "points," these are sharp spikes meant to dig into hard ground.  They are used on the outside branch of the shoe, to avoid shredding the horse's opposite leg.  The harder the ground, the thinner and taller the spike.  The base of the spike will have a small square "nut" portion.  Match this "nut" size with a road stud of the same height for the inside branch of the shoe.  Average "good" conditions will use a grass stud about 0.5" to 0.75" in height (not counting the screw end). 




Various small road studs

Road studs: Small, flat-topped squares or hexagons meant for hard surfaces, like roads (hence the name).  Won't dig into ground, so much as provide a contact point for increased friction.  Often used on the inside branch of a shoe, to match up with a grass stud (base).  Or use a plain pair of road studs all around on good, level footing, like some sandy soils.  Small grass tips and roads are my #1 most-often used combination.




Roads and square tips;  grass tips and roads

Square tips: This is just a name I made up for them, I'm not sure what anyone else calls these, but they are my #2 stud behind grass tips/roads.  They are about the same size as your everyday grass tip, but with a square base tapering to a mild point.  Excellent for soft, but not muddy footing.  It won't slice right through like a grass tip, but it won't "grab" as much as a bullet.  Usually matches well with an ordinary road stud on the inside.




Bullets straight across on a hind foot

Bullets: Chunky, bullet-nosed studs with gentle rounded tips.  Usually 0.75" in size, often used in wet (but not sloppy) conditions.  I may use them straight across, especially on hinds, as the bullet is relatively mild in an overstrike.

Big blocks: Road studs on steriods.  Large, square chunks of metal about the same size as your bullets.  May be matched with bullets, or used straight across.  Good for mud, as their flat surface areas increase friction.

Big bullets: Bullet-nosed with a much longer base.  Meant to dig into deep mud.  Use on outside only, (match up with a big block) and usually behind.  If you're using them in front, it's a REALLY bad day!  (See Fair Hill 2009)

Olympic studs: The freakin-huge monsters that still glisten with metal coating, because you rarely use them unless the ground is awfully bad (See Fair Hill 2009).  Use them on the outside behind, and with the biggest block (or perhaps a medium bullet) you can find to match.






Depending exactly on where you live and the conditions you face most often, your basic starter stud kit should include:
6 everyday grass tips (you will lose one occasionally and use them OFTEN)
8 everyday square road studs (in case you want to go all around)
4 square tips (optional, but I use them a fair bit)
4 small-to-medium bullets
4 big blocks (matching your bullets) 


The studs above should take you through most horse trials with normal conditions-- ideal, hard, soft, wet, slick, or muddy.  If you face a situation in which you need the big honkers...ask yourself it it's REALLY worth running-- at a 3-day, probably so.  In which case you rush on down to the tack shop trailer late at night, with your own stud kit for comparison, sit on the floor surrounded by studs, carefully measure everything out, and buy the biggest ones you can stand to use.  You likely won't ever use them again, but they're there anyway.


Other stud kit essentials:
  
   


So you have your studs all sorted.  How do you manage them?  I prefer to keep everything in a plastic tool box or tackle box.  Such boxes come with handy compartments and trays to keep everything separated neatly.  Some prefer to keep their studs also in tiny plastic lidded containers (think lunch snacks); this also works, but the plastic becomes cloudy and difficult to see, so keep your containers labeled appropriately for easy ID.  Separate your studs according to type and size, and arrange them logically so you can find them quickly.  (You're often in a panic before xc anyway, especially when the ground is bad!)



Stud plugs:  when not in use, your stud holes should be filled with material to keep dirt, sand, and other foreign matter out.  It makes cleaning the hole much easier, and prevents grit from irritating the foot beneath the stud/shoe.  I like the white foam plugs; just push them in, and use a pointy tool (a horseshoe nail works well) to pick them back out.  To get more bang for your buck, cut up the foam stencils to make more plugs when the pre-punched ones run out.  Cotton also works, but falls out easily; same with rubber plugs.  Screw-in metal blanks are a pain, as if you must use an allen wrench, and if you don't turn them frequently they will rust inside the hole and you are (literally) screwed when you can't get it out!




Hoof pick, tap, wrench, and WD-40


T-tap:  T-taps are used to clean dirt and crud out of the stud hole after you remove the plug.  Originally named because most taps were in a "T" shape, but now I won't use anything but my "Safety Spin" t-tap from Bit of Britain.  Horses occasionally put their foot down when you are tapping a stud hole, and the cross-bar of an original T-tap would break, leaving the hole plugged with tap.  NOT A GOOD THING!  The flat rubber handle of the safety tap will not break off, so if the horse accidentally steps down you are still ok! 

Use a 6" adjustable wrench to apply/remove your studs (labeled with electrical tape, of course).  Heck, keep two wrenches...people often borrow them or they wander off!  Also handy for multiple horses. 

WD-40 is great for squirting in stud holes before stud-application, and for cleaning studs after use.  Spray the stud, scrub with a toothbrush (or brush-end of hoofpick) and wipe clean with a dry rag.

A magnetic dish will come in VERY handy when you drop a stud in a stall full of shavings.  You can buy the expensive dish (with powerful magnet!) from BoB, or pick up a cheaper ($1) version at a craft store in the sewing/needle department.  This magnet is not nearly as strong-- it won't find your stud buried in four feet of bedding/manure-- but it still works.
 
I also keep a few other miscellaneous items in the stud kit, just as a handy place to have them: hoof pick, electrical tape, permanent marker, duct tape, extra shoes, and a hammer.


How to "stud" a horse:

1.  Put boots on first.  ESPECIALLY pull-on bell boots!!  It is difficult to stretch them over studs, often leading to cuts, bruises, scrapes, and foul language.  Putting boots on first ensures that your horse's legs are protected in case he does something silly while standing tied, and steps on himself. 

2.  Start with a front foot.  Squat down and rest the horse's leg on your lap, holding it gently with your "inside" arm.  (Anti-Pony Club way: If horse is calm and cooperative, you may sit on your stud box or low bucket and rest the foot on your lap comfortably.)  Use a horseshoe nail, mini-screwdriver, or other sharp pointy pokey tool to remove the stud plugs and clean the threads. 

3.  Spray the holes with WD-40.  Insert the T-tap until it just reaches the sole of the foot, then remove it.  Repeat for both holes.

4.  Start to screw in each stud with your fingers.  Remember: big on the outside, little on the inside!  It may help to separate your studs beforehand into compartments for front/hind, inside/outside.

5.  Tighten each stud with the wrench, AS TIGHT AS YOU CAN.  Be sure that the length of the stud's threads are not taller than the depth of your horse shoe, or else it will dig into the sole creating a painful bruise.  Have a mechanic (or resourceful farrier) cut down the threads to an appropriate size if necessary.


If your horse is cooperative, with a little practice you should be able to do both feet from the same side.  Pick up the opposite foot, bring it gently under the horse, and proceed through steps 1-5 again.  Otherwise, pick up your "seat" and move to the other side of the horse to do that foot.

For hind feet, you may be able to rest the horse's toe on the ground-- this is much easier than holding it up!  And usually more comfortable for the horse. However, some will try to stand on it at the worst moment, so you may end up holding it anyway.  Use whatever method works best for you.

It takes some practice to be comfortable with your studs and tools, but try to work quickly and efficiently.  Some horses get bored holding their feet up, or simply get the feeling they MUST MOVE, and yank their foot away with little patience.  You should work on training this behavior, but at a stressful show is usually not the time nor place.  Strive to be quick, so that you can get the studs in or out before the horse has a chance to nail your toes to the floor, or cause you to drop the precious Most Favorite stud deep in a pile of shavings.


Will.groom.4.food was kind enough to help me with the photos, and we shot some video as well.  I'm having a difficulty editing and uploading the video at the moment, but if anyone needs extra help let me know and I'll get the video up soon.  Hopefully you can figure it out!

As always, any extra tips or comments are welcome!  BTW, send me your stories!  I want to know how Jog Up tips are working (or not) for you and your horse!  Before/after pics are encouraged!  Send them to VisionaireEN@gmail.com, and they may make it into an upcoming column!

lec, a regular EN contributor and UK resident has kindly sent in some thoughts on eventing trends in the UK.  I had no idea what a couple of these things were so I included some pictures and links.

----

From lec: A frivolous light-hearted look at the eventing fashions! 

Quantum Saddles - If you were watched Badminton and looked at James Robinson's saddle and thought it looked a little odd that is because it's a Quantum a saddle designed for the horse and rider. Top technology and the saddle looked at in a new modern way. Link: www.quantumsaddle.com

Neck straps - If it's good enough for WFP at 4* it's good enough for us!

Kan Body Protectors - Using motor bike technology they use special moulded foam which makes it more comfortable for the rider. The foam is a special smart foam which hardens on impact and unlike other body protectors which only have a shelf life of 5 years this foam does not deteriorate or need replacing after a fall. Link: www.kanteq.com

Brown Riding Boots - These are making a come back at Prelim and below. They look super smart with tweed and are the discerning riders choice of boot on a young or novice horse.

TBs - Showing that you do not need some fancy foreign blood when it comes to clearing up the top events! Inonothing, Miners Frolic and Cool Mountain show that top TB blood is still the way forwards in eventing. 

 ----  

Open Fronted boots - Seen more and more on the cross country. Cheap air cooling or encouraging the horse to respect fences more I am not sure but many pros seem to be using them more on the cross country at all levels.

Websites - It seems that every eventer even if you are falling off at the first fence of a beginner novice is no-one without a website. A good way to attract sponsorship, gain more rides or just show off to your friends a website or blog is a must have in these modern times. 

----

Devoucoux  5 Point Breastplates - Last years must have item to have has slipped down the rankings. So many copies around and some riders have discovered that actually one size does not fit all. The final death knell was sounded as they are now everywhere at pony club and unaffiliated. Pretentious Moi?

French Blinkers- Last years must have item for eventers is sadly relegated due to being banned by the FEI. The FEI has declared that anything which effects the horse's vision cannot be used but *cough* its perfectly fine to wear a sheepskin noseband because of course that does not effect a horses vision! Good old FEI clear as mud in its decisions.

Notes: Greater Dayton gets to be at the top of the list because Ohio eventing fans were loud and proud on last week's 'events this weekend' post.  Greater Dayton is held at the same farm as Gemwood, which is the only event in Ohio I have ever attended.  It was a long time ago, but I remember a flat piece of property and a nice event.

Chattahoochee Hills (GA): Homepage, Schedule, Live Scores, Ride Times, Weather

Chattahoochee doesn't have a 5-star this weekend, but they do have the Area III championships, a CIC1*, CIC2* and an advanced horse trials.  Will Coleman returns from his collar bone injury, riding in the advanced on both Nevada Bay and Twizzel, who is aiming for Luhmuhlen.  Jessica Pheonix returns from maternity leave and has two of Canada's best horses (Exploring and Exponential) entered in the advanced. Mercifully, I will be at home this weekend, but Visionaire and Leslie are both planning to be at Chattahoochee.  

Fair Hill (MD): Website, Live Scores, Ride Times, Weather

Buck Davidson rides Cruise Lion and Karen rides the latest major addition to the O'Connor arsenal, Quintus 54.  Both horses are in the OI.

Mill Creek PC HT (MO): Homepage, Times/Live Scores

2010 Rolex competitors Andrea Baxter and Estrella are entered in the OI.

James C. Wofford, or as many of us know him, Jimmy, has represented the US at the Olympics three times, winning two team silver and one individual silver medal.  He is a member of the Hall-of-Fame for both the USEA and the Culver Military Academy.  Jimmy is widely sought after as a clinician, and his skills as an instructor are well known.  According to his bio at the USEA Hall-of-Fame, "at least one rider on every US Olympic, World Championship, and Pan American team since 1978 has been a graduate of Jim's program."  Jim not only is an accomplished Eventer, but he was also an active Foxhunter, Steeplechaser, and Hunter.  Don't forget he has also written numerous books, including the hard-to-find "Training the Three-Day Event Horse and Rider."

When I first approached Jimmy about an interview, he told me "It's Jim, not Mr. Wofford."  Jim is full of insight and experience, and I was completely tickled to talk to one of my personal idols and bring you the wise words of one of the biggest heros in our sport.  Thanks Mr. Wofford, l mean Jim, for being a part of Eventing Nation. 

1. What is your preferred breed of horse and why?

The Thoroughbred for several reasons:  they have been bred for athleticism, heart, and speed.  In the short format, there are moments when riders jump much faster than they ever did in the Classic format.  Horses with partial TB breeding can find themselves at the end of their capabilities close to the end of a course, while the TB is still galloping within himself.  However, there are downsides to the Thoroughbred, such as temperament and finding a good mover.

2. What are the three most important qualities in Event horses today?

Intelligence, athleticism, durability

3. What is missing from modern Event rider's training programs?

Broad exposure to activities that rider and horse can engage in.  Riders today do not Foxhunt, go to horse shows and show Green Hunters, or exercise racehorses.  They have a program and stick to it, and that's all they do all the time.

4. What is one thing you find yourself always saying to people at clinics?

Keep the rhythm.  Dressage, showjumping, cross-country: keep the rhythm.

5. What is your vision for the future of Eventing?

This should be a two-part question.  For the upper levels, more of the same without rotational falls.  At the lower levels, there is a growing interest in the Classic format.  Upper-level competition has been so professionalized, amateurs know it is beyond their wildest dreams to ride at Rolex.  There will not be many amateurs with one great horse getting to Rolex.  There will be some, but fewer as the sport is professionalized.  The preparation necessary for a three-day makes the Classic format desirable for amateurs.  Two separate career paths are emerging in the sport.

6. What made your bond with Carawich so successful?

We suited each other.  I purchased him untried.  He arrived late December 1977.  I gave him a couple days off and when I got on it was like putting on a glove.  Throughout his career I never did not understand why he did something.  He was a delight and a pleasure to ride all the time.  He would not be successful these days though, because his dressage was good, but not great, and his showjumping was good, but he would not be as successful at the showjumping heights today. He would have laughed at our cross-country courses these days, because he was so intelligent.

7. How would you sum up your life with horses in just a few words?

Living a charmed life

8. What is your pick for the U.S. WEG Event team?

I haven't seen the long list yet. Like that line from Casablanca, the USET selectors are going to go out and "round up the usual suspects."  In addition, I hope they will consider some new names for the team...Buck has Pan-Am experience; this is his time, so I hope his horses stay sound.  Every time Boyd Martin comes out, his riding is a little less crude.  He has a very modern attitude towards his lessons and training, meaning that he understands the interrelationship between technique and performance. He is one I've got my eye on.  I am crazy about his riding, but Will Coleman definitely set his chances back with his unfortunate fall at the Fork.  Now he will have to try again at Luhmuhlen.  Jan may not recover from her fall earlier this spring; that is unfortunate, as I thought this was her year.  Will Faudree did himself a world of good with his weekend at Rolex, and the selectors will probably give him a serious look. Kim is our best rider, but Paddy could let us down badly on Sunday. Mara Dean and Alison Springer didn't get it done at Rolex, and I don't know what their plans are next.  Then of course you have the usual suspects- Phillip, Karen, Becky and Amy- to contend with.

9. Any countries that stand out as serious competition?

Oh, you can believe the Germans and British will wind up at the end, beating each other's brains out.  The French are not good at producing consistent results. Occasionally they put the right four riders together at the right time; you won't feel them coming, and then they beat you like a baby seal.  I'm not as familiar with the newer prospects for Australia and New Zealand, but any team with Andrew Nicholson or Mark Todd as team captain is dangerous.

10. Who was your equestrian idol growing up?

Bill Steinkraus.  Individual gold medal in Showjumping at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico.  He was a rider who combined classical training and riding techniques with competitive drive and desire.  No one wanted to win as much as Bill, but he did it with good training and good riding.

It's Reader Appreciation month, so we're here to bring you more LL Rider Profiles!  These have been a big hit, and I love meeting our EN audience.  I'm still sorting through many of them, but if you would like to be included please fill out the Questionnaire and email it to VisionaireEN@gmail.com.  
 

 

FEATURED RIDER: 

Name: Manny Diemer

Age: 53

Location: Raeford, North Carolina

Primary horse's name: The Big Easy, Keystone Silhouette

Age, breed, pertinent info:

The Big Easy (Duncan) is a 12 year old Canadian Commercial/Tb cross now destroying fence lines in Alabama with a formerly good friend of ours.  Keystone Silhouette  (Stella) is a 4 year old Australian Stock Horse mare currently learning the basics. 

Level currently competing: Beginner Novice

 

Short term goals this spring/summer:  Learn to post on the correct diagonal!

 

Year-end goals:

Help my new horse in her training so she can start her eventing career.  Start taking lessons with our good friend Holly Hudspeth and try not to drive her totally nuts. 

 

Overall goals? Some day a training three day with Stella. 

 

What's the best thing you've learned recently? 

I also play polocrosse, an obscure Aussie sport involving a racquet, ball, total insanity on the playing pitch and just about the most fun you can have on a horse.  It is helping me learn to use my aids independently. 

 

Favorite eventing moment/story? 

Watching my son complete his first long format CCI* with a thrid place finish, and remembering the days of the little yellow pony. 

Photo(s)

 

Unfortunately, there are no pictures of what is not permitted.  Instead, the press release explains:

"Any head and neck position obtained through the use of aggressive force is not acceptable. Movements which involve having the horse's head and neck carriage in a sustained or fixed position should only be performed for periods not exceeding approximately 10 minutes without change.  Deliberate extreme flexions of the neck involving either high, low or lateral head carriages, should only be performed for very short periods."

The stewards manual explains that the steward will intervene should he observe:

(1) Facebook fan: click *here, and then click 'like' at the top of our fanpage--we created a new fanpage a couple of weeks ago, which is different from the EN Facebook 'friend' page that already has 1050 friends.

(2) Facebook friend: click *here and then click 'add as friend'--if you haven't already, it will never be easier than right now.  You can be extra cool by suggesting your friends become our fans or our friends.

(3) Twitter: go to *www.twitter.com/eventingnation and then click 'follow'--Eventing Nation is new to Twitter, but like anything we do, we are learning fast and you don't want to miss the ride.

If every one of our readers today takes one minute total to click those buttons, Eventing Nation's social network will double today.  Let's Go Eventing Nation!!

Well folks, Chelan Kozak has sent me another email, and against my better judgement with pleasure I'm going to post it.  Somebody go find JER.  But I have learned!  This week I made a couple of quick edits to make it safe reading for all ages.  And whatever you do, don't go to Chelan's blog today.

Courtesy of HC

First off, I want to say a huge "YOU'RE WELCOME!!" to all the thank-you's we have received after the Rolex/Derby/Badminton bonanza.  Your kind words really keep us going, and it's nice to know our hard-working (and sometimes futile) efforts are appreciated. 

That said, I want to encourage everyone to keep communicating with us!  Let us know what you like (Rolex videos) and don't like (headline scrolling Twitter feed) and we'll do our best to adjust the site's content as we can.  We do this crazy site for YOU, as much as us, so speak up if you have an idea!  We'd love to hear it!  Send an email to John (eventingnation@gmail.com), Leslie (Leslie.ENation@gmail.com) or me (visionaireEN@gmail.com), or leave a note in the comment section.  We read every comment posted here, and try to respond when we can.

Speaking of the comment section-- y'all commenters have been on fire lately!  And we love it!  Believe it or not, John does grow tired of hearing himself talk (lord knows I get tired of it) and it's wonderful to read insights and thoughts from the rest of Eventing Nation (that being YOU).  Please continue to share breaking news, story updates, or just your general thoughts on life and horses.  We want this site to be about YOU, and not just our drivel we dribble on the screen.  Get to know each other, share advice, sympathy, or congratulations, debate and discuss hot topics (air vests?!) and have fun with it.  I *know* you support each other-- read any of the comments from a Rider Profile!  We'd really like to keep building more community-type environment here, if that's ok with you.

One thing, though.  Some of the comment conversation gets a little muddy when readers don't bother to label themselves...it's hard to identify which "Anonymous" poster you're responding to.  I ask that you please make up a name-- use your initials, your home state, your dog's name, get creative with something clever-- I don't care what you call yourself (make me laugh!) but it would be nice un-anonymize the comment section a little bit.  We do NOT require you to register, or even provide an email...but a name would be nice!


Other site features:  I'm sure most of you have been here long enough (and wasted enough company time) to play around with the site format.  We try to make articles easy to find, with a comprehensive category listing, and quick-reference tabs on the upper menu bar.  There's always the search tool, too!  If you're having trouble locating something, let us know-- we'll find it for you, and try to improve the site's searchability. 

For those of you who created a user account, you may also make use of the "favorite" icon next to the comment bubble of each post.  Ever wondered what that little star was?  If you've logged in to your account, you can click on the star and it registers that you "liked" that post.  Pretty much NO ONE does this, but it is there if you would like to use it.  Enough "likes" would tell the author to write more of it!  A little note in the comment section works just as well.  (John's investigated an easier "like/dislike" function, but no luck yet.)



We have a lot of really awesome stuff coming up in the next few weeks (including the "Fruit Salad" referred to in the post-Rolex Live Blog).  May has officially become "Reader Appreciation Month" and we want YOU to make the site your own! 

• I would LOVE to hear your success stories (or failures) of attempting the grooming tips you have learned on this site.  Before and after pictures would be lovely, if you have any to share!  Hopefully these first-hand accounts will be featured in an upcoming Jog-Up column.  I know many of you have been practicing your braiding-- let's see what you've got!

• Do you have any good Rolex photos?  Send us your best ones, especially of fans and the crowd... who knows, it may become our new headline photo!  (Contest details coming soon.)      

Once again, thank you for reading, and for all your support.  We have the BEST fans in the world, you prove that to us every day.  (But we aren't surprised...eventers are truly the most awesome people on earth!)  You make us proud to be a part of this sport, and we'll continue to do our best to serve the Nation. 

Go Eventing!

Perspective is not what I was looking for when I went into the start box at Jersey Fresh on Saturday. I was shooting for the clear round. I was determined to reach my goal and my final qualification to get me to Bromont 3-star, but perspective is what I found. I had another bitting "situation" that resulted in a run-out at the skinny toothbrush out of the water because Nike would throw his head when I tried to steer or hold him to a line, resulting in him not seeing or locking onto the fence. Luckily, Nike understands and enjoys his job so the rest of the combinations I could keep a loose contact and he drew to the skinnys and corners. 

We have known this for a while, but the USEF just put out a press release that the mandatory outing will be held in conjunction with the AEC's at Chattahoochee, September 9-12.

"All Short Listed horse/rider combinations must enter in the Advanced division at AEC and demonstrate their continued preparation, soundess and ability to compete."

Chattahoochee is hosting an advanced horse trials this weekend.  Go eventing.

Visionaire and I were recently discussing funny Pony Club stories and the oddball rules that usually caused them when she decided that this would make a great blog, and so Are You Smarter Than A Pony Clubber was born! Come test your wits, see if you can outsmart the USPC system! Don't feel bad if you aren't, and if you are, well....congratulations! You have the knowledge of an average 10-year-old Pony Clubber.

This Week: Stupid Obscure Rally Rules

1. Spurs - When presenting for formal inspection (a very thorough check on cleanliness of horse, rider and tack) with spurs, the Pony Clubber must:
A.  present with both spurs on correctly.
B.  present with one spur on correctly and the other in hand.
C.  present with both spurs in hand.


2. Helmets - Helmets must be worn:
A.  at all times during rally.
B.  only when riding.
C.  whenever working around a horse.


3. Medical Armbands - Armbands must be worn:
A.  at all times during rally.
B.  when riding, even on the flat.
C.  only for show jumping and xc.


4. Boots - True or False: At formal inspection Horse Management (HM) may judge the cleanliness of the bottom of riding boots.


5. Braids - When braiding at rally:
I.   Braids may not be completed the night before.
II.  Braids must be taken out within one hour of last ride.
III. Braiding is not allowed for Pony Club competitions.
IV. The tail, along with the mane, must be braided.

A. III only          B. I & II          C. I & IV          D. I, II, & IV

Answers
1. Spurs - B. present with one spur on and the other in hand. Officials made this rule thinking that if pony clubbers wore two spurs we'd trip ourselves. I have only witnessed this once in my entire history of rallies. It also involved my teammate attempting to moonwalk. Chances of this happening in a "normal" situation...slim at best.


2. Helmets - C. Whenever working around a horse. D's and younger kids "have" to wear helmets when grooming and whatnot, but it really depends on who you get as Chief Horse Management Official as to whether or not this gets enforced. However, it will always be enforced for riding, longing, and ...jogs! That's right, jogs! Of course we know several of our Rolex riders are Pony Club graduates so lets see them at their most fashionable....
                                 
3. Armbands - A. At all times. I was present at the Quiz rally that solidified this "amendment" into Pony Club Law. A couple of younger D's were horsing around waiting for their turn in Classroom when one of them fell off her chair. She winded herself and was pretty scared, it probably didn't help that she had 200+ volunteers, parents, chaperons, and EMTs standing over her checking for a head injury. It was this moment that Pony Club discovered that they really liked knowing your name and medical history with just a tug (ok, battle) of that helpful paper...and medical release...and name of chaperon. (Seriously, don't forget the medical release.) Recently PC has even started giving out neon orange armbands as prizes. PC loves them because they can be spotted from miles away. They may be tacky, but you'll never get shot at during hunting season.
                                        

4.  Boots - True. Up until a few years ago kids would wear surgical booties or plastic bags while walking up to formals. Thankfully most HMs have banned this practice since more chaos was generally produced from the noise than what was gained in HM scores. Now most kids wear the rubber footies on the outside of their boots until formals...or their team carries them up there while the stable manager leads the horse.

                   

5. Braiding - B. I & II. Braiding can't be done the night before even if you have a 7am formal and barns don't open until 6am. Good luck! Remember that all the horses need to be fed, bathed, and walked before you can start braiding....oh yeah, and all the stalls need to be mucked too. This was the case for most of the Prelim kids at championships last year. Luckily the HMs let us braid down the night before, but not pull the braids up...not very helpful if you were taught to braid by Visionaire. Keep in mind PC doesn't let you braid while standing on buckets. A step stool or milk crate is mandatory, but BEWARE the milk crate!!! They will break and try to eat you. And everyone will make fun of you for getting a milk crate stuck on your foot. And so will the HMs when they have to come over to cut it off you. Braids also must be removed within 1 hour of your last ride even if dressage rings are 20 minutes away and your horse and tack must be re-cleaned within that same hour for turn-back inspections. Have FUN!
                                

So, are you smarter than a pony clubber? Could you handle the time crunch? Next time you see a pony clubber, pat them on the back and say good job, it really is harder than it looks.

Read next week to see if you could survive Quiz Rally.

If you are interested in Pony Club or would like more information click on the link to take you to the United States Pony Club website -- http://www.ponyclub.org   

(1) With only two rider falls and no major injuries, the Jersey courses all rode safely.  To learn from this success, the question to ask is why was this weekend so safe?  Here are a few possibilities.

Good course design: we are so quick to blame the course designers when things go wrong that it seems only fair that they get the credit when things go right.  The John WIlliams course worked this weekend.

Good riding: one interesting point that John Williams made is that riders were quick to pull up at Jersey and retired after one or two stops.  The idea is that the horses who were having bad rounds got off the course before they could have an accident.  There was one elimination and seven retires on the XC.  Some of this trend to retire earlier comes from the growing tendency to just go to another three-day in the same season if the first one goes poorly.

Good horses: in my opinion, there is at least one moment during every advanced ride where the horse can decide to help its rider out or not.  The horses were looking out for their riders this weekend.

Luck: sometimes the tense moments work out, sometimes they don't--this weekend they did.

(2) Doug Payne used a helmet cam on the CCI2* course aboard Happy Valley:

WIth back-to-back-to-back weekends of Rolex, Badminton, and Jersey, we have had a chance to experience some of the biggest events of the year.  Yet, much of Eventing Nation was competing this weekend at other events across the US and the world.  One again, we turn Eventing Nation over to our readers, this time to give us your event reports.

Please tell us how your event went this weekend--extra credit for funny stories

Jersey Fresh: Results

NWEC Mothers Day Classic (WA): Results

King Oak Farm HT (MA): Homepage

Plantation Field HT (PA): Results

Winona HT (OH): Homepage

Jubilee Spring HT (AR): Homepage

Sydney World Cup (AUS): Results

-Doug Payne did his best to put pressure on Jennie by jumping a very nice double-clear on Happy Valley.  Jennie had a rail in hand but didn't need it--she did just the same as doug to finish the weekend on her dressage score.  That wraps up a great weekend for Jennie, especially considering that Nina Gardner just bought Cambalda for Jennie to ride. 

My mom has been standing beside me from my very fist lesson, to my first fall, to my first three-day, and every positive aspect of my life has happened because of her support--as an eventer and as a person.  Mother's Day is an opportunity to appreciate our moms, reflect on their dedication, and hopefully learn how to share their unconditional love with others.  As part of that reflection, we asked a few riders to tell us about what their moms have meant to them.  

Well at the moment I feel as if I'm ahead of the game, being that I gave the Happy M-Day call last weekend. Better early than late :) But in all seriousness I do owe nearly all of what I have today to my mother's influence. Hopefully as time passes I to can approach life with such fair and just view of it all. Funny being that I thought growing up I'd continue to ride for a lifetime, but I didn't think their was even the slightest chance it'd be in a professional capacity. We were never forced to ride or to take lessons etc, it was just what you did...my sister and I. My mom was always teaching and I'm sure 95% of what we learned was by watching and replicating. With her guidance my career has progressed...with a long way still to go she's still an integral part. I was just at her place riding my ** test the Tuesday before jersey. When in doubt she's always the one I'd call...I'm sure that won't soon change and I'm lucky that she's always at the other end of the line.

It is a fact that I would not be where I am today without my mother.  Her and I have spent thousands of hours together on the road to lessons and horse shows all over the US and Canada.  She is not a horse person.  Or, I guess she wasn't one 17 years ago when she caved and put her 5 year old daughter in riding lessons.  Since then she has been the woman in charge in the barn at all my FEI competitions and through the many many years of whatever level it is at which that kids event their 13 hand ponies.  Her motherly love has made her take on so many different challenges so that I had a better opportunity to get what I wanted.  I am grateful every day that my mom has taken on the sport and lifestyle I chose with determination and enthusiasm of a true eventer.  Love you mom.

What gives my life purpose is crossing the finish line knowing my mom is there bursting with excitement and pride no matter the result. Even the most miniscule achievement can hold colassal weight when Valerie D. Ashker is in my corner, or standing outside the startbox...I love you mom!