Eventing Competition Coverage: June 2010 Archives

Full Moon Farm 1/4 Star recap

By John on June 29, 2010 11:24 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

If you recall, last week we published a preview article by Katie Wherley about the Full Moon Farm 1/4 star three-day for novice to elementary level competitors. Margaret Rizzo was kind enough to write a recap of the event, which sounds like it was a lot of fun and very educational. Thanks for writing this Margaret and thank you for reading.

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Photo: Savannah Fulton and FMF's Manilla Bay on the Novice steeplechase course. Savannah also won the Best Turned Out award for the competition. It also looks like she's rocking a Point-Two.

From Margaret:

I finally had a chance to catch up with Karen Fulton of Full Moon Farm following their 2nd Annual 1/4 Star Three-Day Event. Immediately following the three-day the Fultons headed off to Surefire Farm for the weekend's horse trials. Needless to say, I think the Fulton family deserves a day off!

Karen shared that the event went really well, and each participant came away a better rider with increased knowledge and horsemanship skills. Since many of the competitors also competed last year, she tried to bring in new speakers so that the competitors heard from different people this time. Special thanks goes to the following professionals who donated their time throughout the week:

Dr. Julie Augustine: Checked riders in on the first day, plus stuck around to answer questions Kate Chadderton, Victory Sport Horses: How to walk your stadium course

Stephen Fulton (Karen's husband and co-owner of FMF): How to budget your time on endurance day

Jim Ligon: Came to announce on endurance day and gave the riders the feeling of competing at a big event

Peggy Pariso: How to score well on dressage day

Kristen Parris, A Deck Above Farm: How to get ready for the jogs

Dr. Liz Paternotte, Equine Performance Services: How to condition your horse for a three-day event

Katie Wherley, Rock Solid Training: How to care for your horse on endurance day

Kelley Williams, A Bit Better Farm: How to ride steeplechase

Karen's youngest daughter Grace Fulton and FMF's Griffin on the Beginner Novice steeplechase course. Note: both photos are courtesy of Mike J. McNally

For those of you in the mid-atlantic you've probably become familiar with losing 10 pounds in sweat every ride. The Full Moon crew was very aware of the heat, and adjusted the schedule as needed throughout the week. Roads & Tracks started at 7:30 am on Thursday, an hour earlier than planned. The weather gods were looking after these three-day riders, as the wind started blowing after the fourth horse. The horses were coming into the 10-minute box really well and all cooled off well.

Link: FMF 1/4 star results

I've talked with several people that were involved with the 1/4 Star, and everyone kept saying how much fun it was. And isn't that what eventing is about?? Having fun with your horse! Kudos to Full Moon Farm for putting together such an educational event!

5 short listed horses entered at Rebecca Farm

By John on June 29, 2010 3:18 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

We said top horses are flying out to Rebecca Farm this year and so they are--four US shortlisted horses and one Canadian are entered for the event later this July. Thanks to Charlene for sending us the link to the RF entries.

Buck Davidson and My Boy Bobby - CIC3*
Phillip Dutton and TruLuck - CC3*
Karen O'Connor and Mandiba - Adv
Amy Tryon and Leyland - Adv

(CAN) Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin & Juice - CIC3*

Rebecca Farm has always been one of the best facilities in the US, and this year it is going to have some big names give the course a try at critical moments in their careers. Go eventing.

Events this weekend recap

By John on June 28, 2010 9:36 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Sarah Cousins had a great weekend at Surefire, winning the intermediate A division on Kestrel Key by 19 points over the next rider. Sarah also took second in both the intermediate A and B divisions. Boyd Martin and young rider Meghan O'Donoghue posted the only double-clear of the intermediates and both won their divisions. I heard from one volunteer that the Byyny's gave margaritas to all the volunteers at the end of the day--now that's treating volunteers right.

It may be Monday, but it's still your lucky day because Buzzterbrown was at Surefire

More Surefire video from Buzzterbrown, this time with music!

Surefire links: Results, photos from 3D3W

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Rebecca Hart dominated all weekend at the WEG para-equestrian selection trials. Link: photos from Lisa Slade

Camille Fordstadt and Quinn won the Smartpak T3D3 at Invale Horse Trials. Kristi Nunnink and R-Star won the intermediate division 2. Link: Invale results, USEA T3DE recap

Germany's Michael Jung took the lead in the FEI World Cup at the CIC3* in Poland during the time Germany was dominating England in the World Cup. Germans just can't lose in Poland.

FTW-courtesy of Pegasus44

Link: more videos from Poland

Lastly, show jumper Michael Morrissey was suspended for three months by the USEF over the weekend for doing this to his horse at Wellington in February:

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Groton House (MA): Homepage

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC (CA): Scores

Fox River Valley PC (IL): Scores

Inavale Farm (OR): Scores

Abbe Ranch (CO): Scores

Surefire (VA): Scores

St. Johns (AZ): Scores

Encore (MI): Homepage

Surefire report from photographer Lindsay Berreth

By John on June 27, 2010 8:50 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

You know when you are walking (or riding) around an event and you notice the photographers standing there all day with those huge cameras? Well, as part of our ongoing interest in showcasing the many fascinating roles in the eventing community, it is my pleasure to bring you the perspective of a photographer from Surefire horse trials this weekend. Thanks Lindsay for writing this and thank you for reading. Link: Surefire results

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From Lindsay:

For those who don't know me, I event in Area II and attend most events as a rider. But I also work for GRC Photo, who shoots many events in Virginia and Maryland. I love photographing eventing, even if it's just beginner novice, because it can be so educational to see how each horse and rider handles a question. And as a rider, I know how I feel when I see that "perfect shot"; the one that captures a great cross country round or that first clear training level stadium course on a horse you've brought along yourself.

So, this weekend, I was free lancing at Surefire. And it was hot! Upper 90's with high humidity. But I guess that's what you get for eventing in June in Virginia. I was stationed at the water jump for the first level to go on Saturday, which was Intermediate. I heard through the grapevine that the course was a bit soft, but that's probably a good thing since we haven't had a good rain for awhile and the ground was a bit hard. But the Surefire crew did a great job getting it ready aerating it and adding stone dust and gravel when needed The water jump had a nice bright blue color, something I haven't seen much of at events in Virginia and Maryland, so that might have contributed to some issues, but overall, the intermediates rode the water nicely. From my vantage point, I could also see the bank, which had a huge drop to a skinny.

Novice was next for the afternoon, and I had to move from my comfortable, shady spot by the water to the middle of Surefire's beautiful rolling hills to shoot the beginning of the course. The views were breathtaking, but I was baking out there! Lucky for me I had my handy lawn chair with a roof on it that provided some relief. I got some great shots over fence three in particular, a nice coop/ramp jump which came after a nice gallop from fence two. It rode well and everyone was nice and forward over it.

By the time novice was about half-way through, the jumping phases were running over an hour late, so I heard (via announcer Brian O'Connor) that the beginner novice stadium was shortened and that a division of BN would run cross country first to make up the time. Somehow, the event only ended up running a half hour late, so kudos to everyone for making it happen!

Sunday morning, I started out shooting prelim. They had a roll-top to a drop in, to a cabin out. It rode very well and I got some pretty great photos in the morning light. Brian O'Connor announced that horses were finishing well despite the rapidly rising temperatures, and there was a cooling station on hand at the end of the course, which I'm sure was appreciated.

Luckily, I stayed at the water jump all day and had some shade. The training was interesting. They had a roll-top, down a slight hill to a bank into water, then out over a log. About 60% of the riders actually cantered through the water first, then presented to the combination, and most were successful. I'm not sure if it was the blue water or the bank, but there was a quite a bit of trouble.

Overall, I saw a lot of really good riding. We all survived the heat, and the Surefire crew was great, even offering me some food, drink and a ride on the Gator. That was much appreciated considering I wasn't an official volunteer. Eventers are such friendly people, looking out for each other even on the hottest of days.

Now I'm looking forward to taking my OTTB to school there this week. Then on to the Maryland Horse Trials to sweat some more!

Thanks,

Lindsay Berreth

Training level XC course preview

By John on June 26, 2010 8:48 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

It's Saturday night, the cross-country course has been walked, and there's not much to be done now other than run through it several more times in my head.

When I walk a course I start by standing in the box an focusing on my key thoughts for the ride. I won't walk out of the box until I'm totally focused on what I need to do to help my horse succeed. Sometimes I stand in the box for 30 seconds, sometimes several minutes; I think I stood in the box at The Fork for 10 minutes before my final walk.

The horse I am riding tomorrow is super over the fences but he is spooky and gets distracted between the fences. David worked with me this spring to make sure I am always being very clear about what I want him to do rather than just reacting to what is happening underneath me. I think it's an interesting thought in general that we as riders spend too much time reacting to something going wrong rather than preventing the problem by telling our horse to do the right thing in the first place. Now about the course.

Fence #1 is labeled "stairway to heaven," which, depending on how you look at it, is either menacing or just a way to get a great song stuck in your head for the five and a half minute course, which, incidentally is shorter than the song itself. Just don't jump #1 like a Led Zepplin.

Fence two is a table, followed by the corners at #3. And by corners I mean two corners in one element.

Wait, whaaa?

Like one big black deadly bow tie.

#4 is another table, followed by the bank complex at five and six, which is a bank up to two strides then a drop followed by a coop on a right turn. Then the water complex, then the Trakehner at #9, blah blah--enough writing more pictures!

Looking at the half coffin makes me think about how all the big events never call them 'coffins' anymore. I guess when someone gets lit up and the newspapers write "Joe Shmo was injured at the Rolex coffin" it makes non-eventers ask too many questions.

After a table at eleven, #12AB is two *coops on a one-stride

Then it's a long line of jumps at #13, #14, #15, and a slight bend to #16--as in gymnastics style except more strides and with a gully mixed in. Just trust me. Seventeen is a water filled ditch and wall, eighteen is an oxer, and then 45 seconds of cantering to #19 and the finish...

If you don't respect the last fence either Karen or Dorothy will shoot you...so always respect the last fence.

Go eventing.

Events this weekend from Ecogold

By John on June 25, 2010 11:43 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

First, and most importantly, happy take your dog to work day. Secondly, we have 8 USEA events this weekend. Most of the Rolex horses are back into work and some of them are starting to stretch their legs at horse trials this weekend.

Karen O'Connor and Mandiba are entered in the OI at Surfire. Kristi Nunnink and R-Star are entered at the Invale HT in Oregon, and reportedly Amy and Leyland were entered in the Oregon event but they have since scratched. Amy and Leyland are a very important part of the USA's hopes at the WEGs, and it will be important that they find some consistency at competitions soon.

Groton House (MA): Homepage, Start Times

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC (CA): Homepage, Times/Scores, Beautiful Weather

Fox River Valley PC (IL): Homepage, Live Scores

Inavale Farm (OR): Homepage, Times/Scores

Abbe Ranch (CO): Homepage, Times/Scores

Surefire (VA): Surefire Website, Live Scores

St. Johns (AZ): Competition Page, Times/Scores

Encore (MI): Homepage, Ride Times

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We are also entering summer camp season in eventing, with most notably the Dutton and OCET camps in the next couple of weeks. This video pretty much captures summer camps perfectly.

"Good job Charlie"

Go eventing.

Full Moon Farm 1/4 Star Three-Day

By John on June 23, 2010 9:36 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

One of the things I love about Eventing Nation is that we can spend a weekend writing about one of the biggest events in the world at Luhmuhlen, and then turn around a few days later and cover the smallest three-day event in the world--literally.

Full Moon Farms, in Finksburg, Maryland, is hosting an educational "1/4 Star Three-Day Event" this weekend. There are no title sponsors from European sports car companies, no huge VIP tents with roast beef buffets, just eventers getting together and having a great time with their horses.

At the 1/4 Star, competitors can compete at the Elementary (18"), Baby Beginner Novice (2'), Beginner Novice (2'6"), Novice (2'11") and Training (3'3"). The lower levels don't have actual steeplechase fences, but instead practice riding at speed over a marked course. Competitors checked in on Monday afternoon ready for a week full of education and friendly competition. Dressage begins on Wednesday, with Endurance and Show Jumping following on Thursday and Friday.

Katie Wherley, who spoke at several of the educational sessions at the event, was kind enough to send us a report from the 1/4 star. Katie, a graduate 'A' pony clubber, has trained and competed horses through the Advanced level of eventing, and has significant experience in the jumpers, hunters and dressage. A top professional, Katie operates Rock Solid Training out of her lovely Middletown, Maryland facility. Thanks for writing this Katie and thank you for reading. I'd also like to thank Margaret Rizzo for putting the right people in touch with the right people.

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Katie and "Jeffery" at the Morven long-format

From Katie:

Earlier this summer I was asked by Full Moon Farm to speak at their 2nd annual 1/4 Star Three-Day Event at their Finksburg, Maryland facility. Modeled after the educational training-level three-day event at nearby Waredaca, this competition is more about the education than anything else. For many amateurs, competing at a three-day event is a pie-in-the-sky type goal. And this 1/4 Star makes it reachable for everyone from the Elementary-level on up.

Besides myself, several other area professionals were asked to take on one aspect of a three-day event and run with it. I was asked to cover the care of your horse on endurance day. I started off with the 10-minute box and continued with after-cross-country care. The room was filled with mostly young riders eager to learn how to better care for their ponies. Questions ranged from how to get your horse cooled down to a very simple, "What are electrolytes?".

One thing I could tell from my short time with these competitors is that this 1/4 Star Three-Day Event is a great idea for amateurs and young riders. It gives them something a little different to do, which in the end will build their confidence. I think in the end the 1/4 Star is best served solely as an educational activity. It gets everyone really excited about the long-format and gives them insight to the history of the sport.

I had a great time at Full Moon and can't wait to hear from the riders after endurance day.

Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town win Luhmuhlen

By John on June 20, 2010 9:28 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

(1) 32 year old Sharon Hunt of Great Britain came from behind to beat Ingrid Klimke of Germany by just 0.2 points to win the Luhmuhlen CCI4*. Both Ingrid and Sharon pulled one rail, but Ingrid had four seconds of time penalties to give the win to Sharon and Tankers Town. In this exciting finish, the Luhmuhlen win came down to one second on the clock, illustrating how important efficiency is in the show jumping as well as the XC.

1. Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town (GBR) +4 = 47.0

2. Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas (GER) +8 = 47.2

3. Andreas Dibowski and FRH Fantasia (GER) +4 = 48.2

4. Andrew Nicholson and Mr. Cruise Control (NZL) +0 = 49.0

5. Oliver Townend and Ashdale Cruise Master (GBR) +8 = 51.6

6. Lucy Wiegersma and Woodfalls Inigo Jones (GBR) +8 = 52.8

7. Mary King and Apache Sauce (GBR) +8 = 52.6

8. Andreas Ostholt and Franco Jeans (GER) +8 = 61.3

9. Lucy Wiegersma and Granntevka Prince (GBR) 48.2 +13 = 64.0

10. Andrew Nicholson and Armada (NZL) +6 = 64.5

Link: CCI4* Final Results

(2) The show jumping was influential throughout the CCI4* leader board. There were only two double-clear show jumping rounds and only 9 of 32 show jumpers made the 90 second time limit.

(3) Sharon's victory evens the Luhmuhlen win total between Germany and Great Britain at three per country. Only Great Britain and Germany have won the Luhmuhlen CCI4*. The Luhmuhlen top 10 was only comprised of Germany, Great Britain, and New Zealand riders.

(4) After Arthur's withdraw before the jog (see below) Jennifer Wooten-DaFoe and The Good Witch were the only US pair to finish Luhmuhlen. They added only two time penalties with the fourth cleanest show jumping ride of the day to move up four places and finish in 14th.

(5) Both Lucy Wiegersma (GBR) and Andrew Nicholson (NZL) finished two horses in the top 10. Lucy has had a difficult spring thus far, but her 6th on Woodfalls Inigo Jones and 9th on Granntevka Prince mean that her program is once again moving in the right direction. Andrew Nicholson has a long string of 4* horses right now, but the 4th on Mr. Cruise Control is the best finish among his horses at a 4* this year. Mr. Cruise Control was also only one of two double clears on the day.

(6) Oliver Townend and Ashdale Cruise Master had one rail and four time penalties to drop two places to finish Luhmuhlen in 5th.

(7) Regis Prud'hon of France competed in his first CCI4* at Luhmuhlen and placed 12th.

(8) A couple of commenters asked why Michael Pollard withdrew Wonderful Will. From what I hear, Wonderfull Will abscessed before the XC. Which reminds me, I have to go soak my horse for the second time today.

Link: FEI Press Release

Go eventing.

Arthur withdraws from Luhmuhlen

By John on June 19, 2010 11:36 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

From Allison's blog:

"[After XC] we noticed that he had a hematoma above his right knee on the inside of his forearm which we got ice on right away. He walked comfortably back to the barn. The hematoma got bigger and began to move down the leg and become very painful for him. I had to make the incredibly tough decision to withdraw him from the competition. There was a small hope that this would all resolve by sunday for showjumping, but the very best thing I could do for the horse was to give him anti-inflamatories and manage his pain. My horse's wellfare always comes first. We have been incredibly aggressive about ice and pressure. It's currently 3:45 in the morning here and I have just checked him again. He seems happy enough but I hate him not feeling his normal self. Hopefully a lot will change for the better in the next day."

Thanks to a commenter for giving us the heads up on this one, and as they said, props to Allison for making a tough call. Only Jennifer Wooten and The Good Witch are still in the competition for the US.

Saturday afternoon Luhmuhlen notes

By John on June 19, 2010 6:17 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

So, one of my horses got an abscess today. I'm away from my home barn right now so I had to call a local vet out, and I knew it was going to be a long day when my horse was barely bearing weight on the right front and the first thing she did was break out the stethoscope. To make a long story short, I ended up having to pull the shoe myself, we found the abscess (hopefully all of it) and things should be fine in a few days. I mostly tell the story to give a big shout out to all of our farriers who have a really tough job--spend 15 minutes pulling a shoe and you will know what I mean. Without further ado, here are a few thoughts on the Luhmuhlen show jumping:

(1) In my Luhmuhlen preview, I mentioned that in the five previous Luhmuhlen CCI4*'s, the Germans have won Luhmuhlen three times and Brits twice. The trend looks likely to continue as Germany and Great Britain have 8 of the top 10 riders going into the show jumping.

The top 10 is rounded out with two New Zealanders: Joe Meyer (6th) and Andrew Nicholson (7th). Caroline Powel and the XC machine Lenamore finished Badminton within the top 10 for New Zealand, and as we start to make a list of teams to look out for at the WEGs, New Zealand is at least in the mix for that 4th to 6th best team ranking.

(2) Leaders going into the show jumping have won both CCI4*'s this year. Only Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town is within a rail of the Luhmuhlen leader Ingrid Klimke. Sharon and Tankers Town have 12 penalties total in five show jumping rounds this year.

(3) Allison and Arthur had three rails at Rolex, but at least one of those was partially related to a loud camera affixed to a jump. A quality show jumping ride with a rail or less will be important for Arthur's bid to compete in Kentucky.

Links: Leaderboard, faults by fences

Luhmuhlen XC results

By John on June 19, 2010 10:18 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

(1) Overnight leaders Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas held onto their lead by posting a double clear. Ingrid has only been back riding for two and a half months, which is apparently Will Coleman's model for success. There were 8 double-clears around Mark's kindler, gentler XC course.

(2) Allison Springer and Arthur had 20 penalties--20 time penalties that is. The time penalties dropped them from 2nd to 15th. Arthur had the third most time penalties of any horse without a stop.

1. Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas (GER) +0 = 39.2
2. Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town (GBR) +0 = 43.0
3. Oliver Townend and Ashdale Cruise Master (GBR) +0.8 = 43.6
4. Andreas Dibowski and FRH Fantasia (GER) +0 = 44.2
5. Lucy Wiegersma and Woodfalls Inigo Jones (GBR) +0 = 44.8
6 Joe Meyer and Clifton Lush (NZL) +0 = 49.0
7 Andrew Nicholson and Mr Cruise Control (NZL) +0.8 = 49.0
8 Lucy Wiegersma and Granntevka Prince (GBR) +2.8 = 51.0
9 Mary King and Apache Sauce (GBR) +1.6 = 52.6
10 Andreas Ostholt and Franco Jeans (GER) +0 = 53.3

Link: Luhmuhlen leaderboard

(3) Oliver Townend moved up to third on Ashdale Cruise Master by adding just 0.8 time penalties. Those two seconds might prove costly because they took him outside of a rail within the lead.

(4) Carousel Quest was eliminated after Oliver fell at the boat in the third water. Oliver got himself dried off in time to ride Ashdale Cruise Master around clear.

(5) Jennifer Wooten-DaFoe and The Good Witch jumped around clean with 14 time penalties. They stayed in the exact same placing and go into the show jumping in 25th. I got an email from Jennifer this morning and she explained: "We had a few scrappy moments on course but keep going and was determined to finish. She keeps me on my toes teaching me new skills with every outing."

(6) Michael Pollard and Wonderful Will withdrew before the XC.

(7) Andrew Nicholson and Armada were the biggest movers up, jumping from 32nd to 14th on a double-clear. Andrew is in 7th on Mr. Cruise Control.

(8) Of 41 cross-country starters, only 9 had issues around the course, and only four were eliminated. The faults that did occur seemed to be pretty evenly distributed throughout the course, which I think is a good thing for the course designer. There was only one horse fall when Francis Whittington's Sir Percival fell at a big hedge at 24--both horse and rider were fine. When 9 horses have issues and there are 8 double-clears, you know a course is riding pretty well.

Links: CCI4* dressage photos, FEI XC press release

Arthur is excited for Friday afternoon Luhmuhlen notes

By John on June 18, 2010 1:55 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Night is falling in Germany and the horses and riders will be doing their best to get some nervous rest before the big day tomorrow. Arthur should sleep well after proving on Friday US eventing can compete on the flat against the best in Europe. Allison posted the following description of her ride today on her blog:

"I think I was feeling very confident & relaxed with the superb preparation given to me by Bettina Hoy--- love her! It was considerably colder and windy today, so Arthur felt very up!!! He also felt very on the job... I love how he is maturing. Two out of three of the judges had me winning, one was 4% different which left me in second."

Links: FEI dressage press release, CIC3* dressage footage

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Cross-Country:

Looking ahead to Saturday, we are getting some mixed messages about the cross-country course. Course designer Mark Phillips has said publicly that he has tried to make the course easier than last year, but the quotes from the riders are cautious. Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe told me that the course looks big and challenging but "oh so much fun!" Best of luck to Jennifer and to all the other horses and riders.

XC times (Saturday):

Michael Pollard and Wonderful Will: 5:18AM ET

Allison Springer and Arthur: 6:26AM ET

Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe and The Good Witch: 9:22AM ET

Links: Ride times, XC course pictures, live scores (starting at 4:40AM ET)

The FEI will likely have pay-per-view XC content at the FEI TV Luhmuhlen webpage.

Your thoughts on the course?

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US Events this weekend: Eventing is starting to slow down in the US for the summer siesta, but there are still 6 sanctioned events across the USA this weekend. Go eventing.

Golden Spike HT (UT): Homepage

Texas Rose HT: Homepage, Scores

Lost Hounds HT (PA): Homepage, Times/Scores

Sunny View Plantation YEH and FEH (VA): Homepage

FEH at Moon Rising Farm (MD): Homepage

Bucks County HT (PA): Homepage, Times/Scores

Great Vista HT (NY): Homepage

Allison Springer and Arthur 2nd after Luhmuhlen dressage

By John on June 18, 2010 10:11 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Allison and Arthur continued their impressive dressage in Germany today by posting a 40.0 to sit in second going into the XC. While in Germany, Allison has been working with eventer and dressage specialist Bettina Hoy and that work seems to have paid off in a big way. Earlier this spring, Arthur was tied for second on a 43.5 after the dressage at Rolex, and he has proven today that he can consistently beat international fields at dressage.

1. Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas (GER) - 39.2

2. Allison Springer and Arthur (USA) - 40.0

3. Susanna Bordone and Carrera (ITA) - 41.0

4. Oliver Townend and Ashdale Cruise Master (GBR) - 42.8

5. Sharon Hunt and Tankers Town (GBR) - 43.0

6. Oliver Townend and Carousel Quest (GBR) - 43.5

The Luhmuhlen leader is Ingrid Klimke, who is making her four-star debut after the birth of her second child. Ingrid and "Braxxi" won team gold at the Beijing Olympics for Germany. As a local favorite, Ingrid will surely have the fans supporting her all the way around the course tomorrow.

Oliver Townend sits in prime position, within a rail of the lead on Ashdale Cruise Master and just 4.3 back on Carousel Quest.

Also riding for the USA, Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe and The Good Witch are 25th on a 55.2, and Michael Pollard and Wonderful Will are in 34th with a 60.2.

Links: dressage results, about Ingrid Klimke's horse

Luhmuhlen live scores

By John on June 18, 2010 2:27 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

43 horses are set to ride in the CCI4* Luhmuhlen dressage on Friday, which runs from 3:00AM to 10:30AM ET. For a few hours on Thursday I had the time conversion mixed up and the Earth was spinning in the opposite direction. Some cars have breathalyzers attached to the starting mechanism to stop people from driving drunk; my computer needs something to stop me from blogging tired.

Michael Pollard and Wonderful Will: 3:48AM ET
Allison Springer and Arthur: 7:09AM ET
Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe and The Good Witch: 9:33AM ET

Link: Luhmuhlen leaderboard, competition page

Go eventing.

Luhmuhlen Preview

By John on June 17, 2010 1:42 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Luhmuhlen links: Scores, Homepage, First jog photos, CIC3* dressage results, Timetable, Entry list

Timezone: Luhmuhlen is ET +6 hours, meaning that 1PM in Virginia is 7PM in Germany.

Schedule:

Thursday: CIC3* dressage -- 2AM-10:30AM ET

Friday: CCI4* dressage -- 2AM-10:30AM ET
Saturday: Cross-Country -- 4AM-7:30AM ET
Sunday: Show Jumping - 6:15AM ET

US dressage times (Friday):

Michael Pollard and Wonderful Will: 3:48AM ET
Allison Springer and Arthur: 7:09AM ET
Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe and The Good Witch: 9:33AM ET

Location: Map of Luhmuhlen, Germany

Weather: The forecast for Luhmuhlen predicts cool weather (highs in the 60's) and sunny skies until Saturday, when light rain is expected in the afternoon. A few showers are predicted for Snuday as well.

The environment: I spoke with Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe, and she said that the environment is a bit laid back. She explained that Luhmuhlen is beautiful and the countryside around it seems to support the competition.

The XC course: Allison wrote about the Luhmuhlen cross-country course in her latest blog post: "I have had a chance to walk the course twice now. I have also talked to many riders about the course. The consensus is that it is really tough. It is definitely much harder than any Kentucky I have ever ridden and definitely harder than the course at Pau last year. It is not as difficult as Burghley..."

Background: Luhmuhlen, of course, is one of six CCI4* competitions in the world (Badminton, Burghley, Rolex, Pau, and Adelaide). The CCI4* was first held in 2005, and it was the first four-star held on continenal Europe. The past winners are Betting Hoy on Ringwood Cockatoo '05, Farnk Ostholt and Air Jordan '06, Ruth Edge and Two Thyme '07, William with Macchiato '08, and Michael Jung on La Boisthetique-Sam '09. Germans have won the event three times and Brits twice.

Horses and Riders:

Oliver Towend and Carousel Quest: This is a tough pair to figure out and we are all wondering if we will see the unstoppable Carousel Quest that won Burghley '09 or the Carousel Quest that pulled 7 rails to give away a big lead at Pau. When Oliver was preparing to chase the Rolex Grand Slam in Kentucky, he at first said publicly that he would save Carousel Quest from making the trip to the US, then he entered Carousel Quest at Rolex, and then he withdrew the horse a few days before the flight over. Since Pau last year, Carousel Quest has entered 3 events, withdrawn from two of those and finished 3rd at the Burnham Market CIC3*.

Oliver Townend and Ashdale Cruise Master: Perhaps even more question marks surround Oliver's other ride--Ashdale Cruise Master. Oliver, of course, had that extraordinary fall with Ashdale Cruise Master at Rolex, but they came back together just 35 days later to win the CIC3* at Tattersalls. After the fall at Rolex, Oliver consistently reiterated his faith in Ashdale Cruise Master, and so far that faith has seemed well deserved.

Other International Riders: Notably, William Fox-Pitt does not have any horses entered at Luhmuhlen. Mary King is entered on Apache Sauce and Kings Temptress. Lucy Wiegersma has had a tough 2010 so far, but has a chance to change all that with good finishes on Woodfalls Inigo Jones and Granntevka Prince. Great Britain has by far the most CCI4* riders entered with 15, most of whom are overflows from Badminton.

Andrew Nicholson has Armada and Mr. Cruise Control entered, and 5 other Kiwi horses are entered, making New Zealand a force to watch going into the autumn. Another emerging eventing force is Ireland, with five CCI4* horses at Luhmuhlen.

US Horses: Arthur, The Good Witch, and Wonderful Will all had issues with the Rolex XC course, and they have made the trip to Germany for redemption and a shot to compete in Kentucky this autumn. Simply put, a top 10 finish at Luhmuhlen for any of the three US riders puts them on a list of less that 10 people with a good shot of going to the WEGs.

Allison Springer and Arthur: Arthur had a great spring leading up to Kentucky and was looking like one of the top US horses with a 2nd place finish at the Fork CIC3*. After a stop at the Rolex coffin, Allison and Arthur were left off the short list but they have the skills and the experience to make Luhmuhlen look easy.

Michael Pollard and Wonderful Will: Michael and Wonderful Will took a spill at the first Rolex water, but Michael is an excellent rider and I expect this pair to have a lot more upside than we have seen. Show jumping has been a question mark for them all year, but this weekend is about the cross-country.

Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe and The Good Witch: Despite a tough weekend at Rolex, this pair has a lot of quality international experience. I really like The Good Witch, and I expect a good finish from this pair at Luhmuhlen.

Best of luck to all the Luhmuhlen competitors this weekend. Go eventing.

Luhmuhlen jog: so far so good

By John on June 16, 2010 3:31 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

I just received an email from Allison that Arthur, Wonderfull Will, and The Good Witch all passed the first inspection at the Luhmuhlen CCI4* in Germany, meaning that all three US pairs at Luhmuhlen move on to the dressage. Allison told me that Arthur was very professional in the jog which can only be bad news for all the other competitors. For all the latest on Arthur at Luhmulen, be sure to check out Allison's blog. Allison mentions in her blog that she has been training with Bettina Hoy, who is one of the best dressage riders in eventing, over the last couple of days to polish up Arthurs dressage.

Ollie and Carousel Quest were held but passed on reinspection, and quite a few horses were asked to re-jog, which was the case at the first inspection at Bromont. Wednesday jogs are about the Ground Jury getting to know what each horse looks like before the exertion of XC. Christian Landolt was on the Bromont Ground Jury and is also a member of the Ground Jury at Luhmuhlen.

Go eventing.

Ecogold's Bromont Recap

By John on June 14, 2010 4:54 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

My last few moments in Canada on Sunday

Well friends, after a long night of driving I'm fighting the good fight to stay awake all day so I can fall asleep early tonight. As a random aside, I was driving on I-78 at around 2:30am last night and I passed a tan Ford pickup pulling a two horse bumper-pull. The pickup and trailer were decked out in USEA and Rolex bumber stickers and I thought to myself that is the Eventing Nation. Now, here are a few final notes from Bromont.

(1) On Monday morning, US Team vets looked at Tipperary Liadhnan, Nevada Bay, Special Blend (Casey McKissock), and JB's Star (Jennifer Simmons). Like the post-Jersey exams, these inspections are used to look at developing horses as well as potential Team horses for this year.

(2) As we reported on Saturday, CCI3* rider Martha McDowell was transported to the hospital after falling at fence 8B, a skinny out of the first coffin. Thankfully, Martha was released from the hospital Saturday afternoon and she was seen out and about the event on Sunday. I spoke with an event official who explained that the horse over-jumped the hanging log on a mound at #7, got too deep to the ditch at #8A, the horse hollowed, didn't see #8B, and fell over that jump. Martha was wearing all of her safety gear, including a Point-Two vest, which deployed during the fall. Martha walked away from the nasty incident with just a couple of black eyes. As an aside, the Point-Two vests were out in force at Bromont, and I would guess that 80% of the CCI3* competitors were riding in them. It's great to see that Martha was fine, and a lot of credit needs to go to everyone involved with the event for a safe weekend.

(3) Rebecca Howard and Jessica Phoenix added themselves to the Canadian WEG discussion with 2nd and 3rd place finishes at Bromont. Comparing 3* to 4* performances is a tricky business, but Canada finished 5 horses (Port Authority, Colombo, Gin & Juice, Amistad, and Madison Park) in the top 13 at Rolex. With inevitable challenges leading up to a 4*, Rebecca and Jessica are part of the selection mix. If you put a gun to my head right now, I would say what I said a couple of weeks ago: I think one Canadian horse from Bromont will compete in Kentucky. We will have much more on the Canadian WEG situation later this week.

(4) Speaking of great Canadian riders, Juliet Graham was kind enough to speak with me Sunday afternoon. Juliet rode Sumatra in the 1976 Olympics at the Bromont equestrian center (pictured below), and they helped team Canada win the World Championships in Lexington in 1978. Back then eventing was more important than golf.

The wind interrupts the audio a bit, just turn up the volume to hear Juliet

(5) The two 2* horses that tied up in the vet box after XC on Saturday show jumped on Sunday. This is less than ideal from a veterinary perspective but seemed to work for them.

(6) In an interview with the COTH, Will Coleman addressed Nevada Bay's WEG status:

"I didn't really ever consider applying [for the WEG team], and I still think he has some development to do. But if, for whatever reason, it came down to it, and he looked ready, maybe it would be something we would consider."

Bonjour Canada!

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Finally, I'd like to introduce Ecogold as Eventing Nation's latest sponsor. I met Patricia and her father, John, at Bromont this weekend. They completely sold me on their company's products. If you don't know, Ecogold makes saddle pads and boots (see the handy-dandy banner) that are based on the latest and greatest technology. The most impressive thing for me was feeling the unique foam in the saddle pads--it was very cushiony yet very strong. Top riders such as Phillip, Karen, Boyd, Buck, and Oli, (riders who can ride in whatever saddle pads and boots they want), ride in Ecogold. They have a video of taking an axe to one of their XC boots which we will put up on EN sometime, when we don't have 17 million other videos up.

Will Coleman and Nevada Bay win Bromont CCI3*

By John on June 13, 2010 4:15 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Will Coleman and Nevada Bay jumping for the win

(1) Will Coleman and Nevada Bay jumped a double-clear to win the Bromont CCI3*. Will was placed third going into the show jumping, but Jessica Phoenix and Kim Severson both had rails. Jessica pulled one rail by getting a little deep in a combination. Kim pulled three rails, in what was a much improved round from two months ago at Rolex, where they had a stop.

1. Will Coleman and Nevada Bay +0 = 59.0

2. Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master +0 = 59.4

3. Jessica Phoenix and Exponential +4= 61.6

4. Kim Severson and Tipperay Liadhnan +12 = 61.8

5. Buck and Mar de Amor +4 = 71.0

6. Jil Walton and My Sedona +0 = 73.8

7. Ashley Kehoe and Mazetto +9 = 75.2

8. John Williams and Sweepea Dean +12 = 75.8

9. Jennifer Simmons and JB's Star +8 = 79.6

10. Mikki Kuchta and Balmoral Tim Tram +16 = 80.2

Link: Final Bromont CCI3* results

Monday update: the reason that all the link results are all photos (.jpeg) is that scores were not posted online until late Sunday. The best I could do was taking a picture of the results page and uploading it. Pretty simple, but it worked.

Full official results are now available in Excel format at the Bromont website

(2) Since Bromont was Nevada Bay's first CCI3*, Will took his time around the XC, but he made up for the difference with superior dressage and show jumping phases. Will and Nevada Bay had the best combined test score (46.6) by over 8 points (Paddy: 55.4).

(3) With Canadians Rebecca Howard and Jessica Phoenix finishing second and third respectively, Canadian eventing defended it's home turf well this weekend. Canada only started 5 competitors in the CCI3* and two of them finished in the top 3. With fantastic Rolex performances from multiple riders, Canadian selectors have the luxury of needing to make some tough choices this fall.

(4) Will Coleman has has a tough spring up until Brmont by breaking his collar bone and then having to withdraw Twizzel from Luhmuhlen. The Bromont win shows that Will has developed a good string of horses that is deep enough to weather the inevitable setbacks of eventing.

(5) There were only 3 double-clears in the CCI3* show jumping--Nevada Bay, Rebecca Howard with Riddle Master, and Jil Walton and My Sedona.

(6) Jessica Phoenix and Exponential had the lowest 3* weekend jumping total, adding just the one rail to their dressage score. Rebecca Howard and Riddle master added 4.8 during the weekend.

(7) The US started the weekend with 4 WEG applicants at Bromont. Only Sweepea Dean and Tipperary Liadhnan finished the weekend, and both had three rails today. Tomorrow morning the US team vets will likely look at Paddy, Sweepea Dean, and several developing horses.

(8) Sweepea Dean won the best conditioned horse award.

(9) Thank you to all the volunteers, organizers, and everyone else in Canada who made our time at Bromont a lovely experience! You can add me to the list of US eventers returning from Bromont who can't wait to come back next year.

We will be driving back home through the night aboard Bromont One. I don't think I will blog during this drive, but we will have more from Bromont and a new week of ridiculousness on Eventing Nation starting bright and early tomorrow.

Now, more than ever, go eventing.

Kelli Temple and Axel Rose win Bromont CCI2*

By John on June 13, 2010 2:34 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Kelli and Axel Rose leaving the arena after their winning ride.

Kelli and Axel Rose pulled two rails, but they had accumulated enough of a lead with great dressage and XC performances that they still won the Bromont CCI2*. Axel Rose is one of several superb horses that Kelli has developed, and I expect them to be winning competitions for a while. Will and Andromaque, 2nd placed after the XC, did their best to put pressure on Kelli by jumping a beautiful clear round. Nate Chambers and Rolling Stone II also jumped a clean round and finished in third.

1. Kelli Temple and Axel Rose +8 = 53.0

2. Will Faudree and Andromaque +0 = 54.6

3. Nate Chambers and Rolling Stone II +0 = 56.1

4. Shandiss Wewiora and Fionn McCuhal +4 = 59.4

5. Cara Kozumplik and Manolo Blahnik +4 = 60.3

Link: Full CCI2* final results

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Suzanne Stevensen and Central Park jumped a double clear to win the OT Saturday morning.

Link: Full Bromont Open Training Results

Boyd and Minotaure du Passoir win Bromont CCI*

By John on June 13, 2010 1:09 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Minotaure du Passoir getting congrats from his owner and Boyd

The top four CCI* riders were all separated by less than a rail after the XC. Young rider Nina Ligon and Tokay (3rd after the XC) put pressure on the top two by jumping a clean round. Buck had a tough ride with Catalina, but then Boyd jumped a double clear on "Min" for the win. Min is a very kind horse who Boyd has been competing at prelim for a long time, and Min's owner was Boyd's first owner in the US. Nina finished in second place and her coach, Kim, rides for the CCI3* win in just a few hours.

1. Boyd Martin and Min +0 = 47.5

2. Nina Ligon and Tokay +0 = 49.7

3. Boyd Martin and Charla +0 = 53.1

4. Sara Kozumplik and Delta Ditto +0 = 53.6

Link: full CCI* results

Boyd FTW!

Sunday morning jog notes

By John on June 13, 2010 9:50 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

CCI3*: Two horses have dropped out of the CCI3* field as Sarah Cousins did not present either The Robber Baron or Tsunami. All of the other CCI3* horses passed with no holds.

Nat VC wins Eventing Nation's world famous Best Dressed Groom award from the Bromont Sunday morning jog. Nat (in the green) is pictured here with her rider, Nina Ligon, and her horse, Tokay. Unfortunately Tokay was not terribly interested in posing for the camera, but he was impeccably turned out.

CCI* and CCI**: There was a tense moment in the CCI* when overnight leaders Boyd Martin and Min were held, but they were passed upon reinspection. One other horse was held in the CCI* but later passed, and Laura Vello did not present C'est La Vie. Kim Crawford and Chocco de Pomme were spun from the CCI2*.

Nat helping Kim with her scarf

Kelli Temple win's our best dressed award with Axel Rose. Callie Judy was a close runner up, in a great looking sundress.

Jog photos are up on our fanpage, here is the link for non Facebook users.

The weather is beautiful today, and so far we have really lucked out this weekend. The CCI* starts around 11:20 the CCI3* around 2:30 ET. Go eventing.

War-zone, happy travels, and show jumping preview

By John on June 12, 2010 11:20 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Paintball: Bromont was turned into a war-zone Saturday evening as several riders and event personnel (around 12 in all) went paintballing in the back fields. Ian and Waylon do it right and were decked out in gear that would make a soldier proud. Count me in next year guys.

Happy travels: Amidst all of the craziness of our Bromont coverage, I want to quickly mention that the US Luhmuhlen horses are scheduled to fly to Europe Saturday night. I spoke with Allison Springer and she explained that Arthur and Michael Pollard's Wonderful Will are scheduled to leave JFK Airport in NY at 10PM Saturday night and arrive in Amsterdam Sunday morning. Arthur and Will will meet up with Jennifer Wooten's ride, The Good Witch, who has already arrived in Amsterdam. All three horses will ship the 4.5 hour drive to Luhmuhlen together on Monday

Arthur and Wonderful Will are sharing a pallet, which is like a section of a head-to-head horse trailer and secures the horses for the flight. The horses are loaded onto the pallets and then the pallet is loaded onto the plane using a forklift. I spoke with Allison's groom, Sarah, who said that the entire plane is climate controlled. One of the complications that Sarah mentioned is picking the right blanketing balance for the potentially long wait on the tarmac but then the long flight in the cool airplane.

Allison told me that competing in Europe leads to some interesting challenges such as the fact that it is difficult to buy ice in Europe and all the electrical plugs have different voltages than US plugs. Apparently Haygain provided Allison with a special European converter so she could steam her hay at Luhmhlen. Happy travels to the US horses and we look forward to a successful competition at Luhmuhlen.

Show jumping preview: Every single one of the top four CCI3* riders has something to prove tomorrow, and each will make a great story if they win it. Rebecca Howard rebounding from her fall, Will recovering from the broken collar bone, Jessica coming back after having a child, and Kim finding redemption after Rolex--all are made for TV story lines. I like each of these riders quite well, and I want them all to do well tomorrow. Will might have a little extra EN Karma right now because he gave me some food from the camp Coleman barn aisle dinner party Saturday night.

I know, I know we have to talk about Kim's show jumping. The first stage to recovery is acknowledgement that there is a problem, and Kim has publicly and privately owned her challenges with confidence that far too few other riders posses. I am 100% certain that Kim will return to her excellent show jumping sometime soon, but the question is--will that be Sunday at Bromont? I really really hope it is.

I picked Jessica and Exponential to win Bromont two weeks ago, and I guess I have to stand by that now. You're probably getting sick of me telling you what a great jumper Exponential is, but if they win you will get to see them here on EN, and I know that either way Ecogold will have their show jumping video uploaded.

As for the other divisions, I have to think that Kelli Temple will win the CCI2*. Axel Rose is a beautiful jumper and Kelli has a 9.6 point lead over Will Faudree and Andromaque. The show jumping is much tighter in the CCI*, with three horses within one rail of Boyd and Min. I expect Boyd to win it because Min has so much experience at this level, but all of the top 4 have a good chance.

Programming notes: We will have results and video of all the show jumping as it happens on Sunday. We will let everyone know when the show jumping starts as soon as we get a schedule in the morning. Video Saturday and Sunday Morning Groom tips are on a break until at least Monday and perhaps next weekend, depending on how things work out.

Everything I didn't have time to write about today: I loved the moment in the CCI3* video where David was chasing after Rebecca with the dirt bike. David does this, and trust me, as a rider you know where David is at all times. I remember one year I was jumping the intermediate at Red Hills and David was in the middle of a crowd of maybe 200 people watching, but somehow I noticed his face out of all the others as I was galloping by.

Food is expensive in Canada. A bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich costs $7US and $8CA, and I ate at an Italian restaurant (where they spoke French) a couple of days ago and the entrees started around $15. You can pay anywhere with US currency, but you always get back Canadian change. So I have about $17 Canadian to burn tomorrow--which should buy lunch with a Gatorade.

Thanks for all the kind words about our Bromont coverage. I know that sometimes people want scores or something that we don't have up, but please understand that these days are pretty hectic for me from the time I wake up to bed time. At Bromont the RV with my computer in it was 10 minutes from the XC course so I was running back between divisions to get as much posted as I could and then running back out to get video and watch the next division. By running I mean literally running. It's a lot of fun, but I just don't want people to think I am ignoring something if I don't have it up immediately. As always, thanks for joining us for Bromont.

Go eventing.

Kim Severson and Paddy lead Bromont CCI3* by 7.8 after XC

By John on June 12, 2010 2:33 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Photo courtesy of Emily Beshear

1. Kim Severson and Tipperary Liadhnan +6.4 = 49.8

2. Jessica Phoenix and Exponential +0 = 57.6

3. Will Coleman and Nevada Bay +12.4 = 59.0

4. Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master +4.8 = 59.4

5. Ashley Leith and Jet +2.8 = 62.0

6. John Williams and Sweepea Dean +9.6 = 63.8

7. Mikki Kuchta and Balmoral Tim Tram +11.2 = 64.2

8. Sarah Cousins and Tsunami +4.4 = 65.6

9. Ashley Kehoe and Mazetto +9.6 = 66.2

10. Buck Davidson and Mar de Amor +7.2 = 67.0

Link: Full Bromont CCI3* scores after XC

Updated--now with rider captions!

(1) Kim Severson and Tipperary Liadhand jumped around clean and fast enough to keep their lead from the dressage. It's absolutely no surpise that Kim and Paddy got around, right now, they are one of the few US pairs that we can count on for a clean XC ride.

(2) 9 of the 29 CCI3* starters had problems on the course. By far, the jump that caused the most issues was #5B, a corner after a table. The line walked in 4, but it came up early on the course and just after the first water.

Fence 5A and B:

(3) Martha McDowell fell from Gaelic Marriage at fence #8B, a skinny out of the first coffin. Initial reports over the radio were scary but Martha soon got to her feet. Martha was transported to a local hospital. I spoke with the EMT who tended to Martha and he told me that she would likely be fine, but she might have an orbital fracture, which is a fracture to one of the bones around the eye. Gaelic Marriage walked back to the barn. Overall, it seems like today was a success from a safety standpoint.

(4) Jessica Phoenix and Exponential jumped from 12th to 2nd on the only double-clear in the CCI3*. Exponential was a touch strong, but as I wrote yesterday, the horse is a jumping machine and made most of the course look easy. No one else made the time but Jessica was 31 seconds under it. Jessica also had the second fastest ride of the day, collecting just 0.8 time penalties with Exploring, but that ride included a stop, dropping Exlporing to 14th place.

(5) Canada also got a strong performance from Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master, who jumped from 9th to 4th on 4.8 time penalties. Rebecca had one of the smoothest and overall best looking rides of the day. Exponential and Riddle Master should be in the running for the 'best conditioned horse' award because they finished full of running.

(6) Canada started the event with 5 riders in the CCI3* and two of them are in the top four after XC. Halfway through 2010, the emergence of Canada as an eventing force is one of this year's big stories.

(7) Will Coleman had one of the best rides of the day on Nevada Bay. He gave Nevada Bay a very educational ride around the horse's first CCI3* and Nevada Bay officially goes on the EN "horses of the future" list.

(8) Only two of the US WEG applicants at Bromont finished the day. Heidi White and Northern Spy were eliminated. Geoff (the announcer) explained that they had a refusal at #17B, and that they jumped #17A again but not #17B. In my XC preview post I mentioned that the #17B option was on #17A and vice versa, so my guess is that they jumped the A option on #17B and then carried on. Buck retired Cruise Lion at the troublesome corner at #5B.

(9) The weather: I'd like to extend a personal thank you to Mother Nature for keeping us dry on Saturday.

(10) The course: Derek di Grazia deserves a lot of credit for the courses here at Bromont. The challenge for course designers these days is to make the XC relevant (challenging) but safe. With 30% of CCI3* riders having issues, the Bromont course was just that today. Derek is becoming one of the names in course design.

(11) All three of the three-star riders we did video interviews with yesterday (Kim, Ashley Kehoe, Rebecca Howard) had clean rides today, and all of them are in the top 10. EN Karma is hard at work!

The barns are busy with walking, icing, and grazing. Depending on how I feel after dinner, we may have evening post from Bromont later, which will undoubtedly be packed with much ridiculousness.

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Training XC Results:

1. Suzanne Stevenson and Central Park - 45.9

2. Jordan McDonald and Apple Cider - 47.1

3. Mathieu Mardon and Will'e Way - 47.8

4. Nidel Charfi and Rosario - 48.2

5. Babette Lenna and Little Oliver - 51.2

Link: Full training XC results page 1, page 2

Go eventing.

Kelli Temple and Axel Rose take a huge lead in the CCI2*

By John on June 12, 2010 12:07 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Courtney Cooper and Havasu Canyon

Updated: The scoreboard confirms our initial report that Kelli made the time and leads the CCI2*. The five riders behind Kelli all had issues, giving her and Axel Rose a 9.6 point lead going into the show jumping. There were 10 double clears in the CCI2* and the top 8 placings after XC all had double clears. Valerie Vizcarrondo and Clifton Jade moved up from 19th to 11th on a strong XC ride and one of the 10 double clears.

One horse tied up in the vet box and rode back to the barns in the horse ambulance, and apparently another horse did as well, but both are fine now.

1. Kelli Temple and Axel Rose - 45.0

2. Will Faudree and Andromaque - 54.6

3. Laura VanderVliet and Mighty Mangaroo - 55.2

4. Shandiss Wewiora and Fionn McCuhal - 55.4

5. Nate Chambers and Rolling Stone II - 56.1

Link: Full CCI2* scores after XC

Video link: CCI2* XC video montage

Boyd and Minotaure du Passoir lead the CCI* after XC

By John on June 12, 2010 11:03 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Boyd and his other 1* ride, Charla

Boyd Martin went clean and fast on Minotaure de Passoir to maintain his lead from the dressage. The rest of the CCI* rides looked pretty solid and I only heard about two people walking off of the course and both are reportedly fine.

1. Boyd and "Min" - 47.5

2. Buck and Catalina - 49.1

3. Nina Ligon and Tokay - 49.7

4. Clark Montgomery and Universe - 50.6

Link: XC CCI* scores page 1, page 2

Video Link: One-star XC montage

Bromont CCI3* cross-country preview

By John on June 12, 2010 8:00 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

The CCI3* Derek di Grazia course here at Bromont challenges the horses in a lot of interesting ways while keeping safety at a premium. We will see how it rides on Saturday, but the course is getting a lot of praise back in the barns. The course is big and very technical at times, but it has a nice flow.

The riders come out of the start box and have three single fences to get their horses tuned up. The third fence is a table with a downhill landing. Quite a few of the jumps on this course have a lower landing than the takeoff, and fence #3 is a good time for riders to practice releasing on takeoff to give the horse freedom to jump, but staying back with a strong upper body and lower leg to keep the horse balanced on landing.

The real fun starts at fence #4, the first water. Riders will jump the A element, which is a hanging log on top of a mound, and then ride downhill into the water, up and over another mound, and then jump out over #4B, which reminds me of the last element on the Rolex coffin--except with the option on the left. This is a lot to look at early on the course and most riders will hopefully take their time preparing for 4A.

After the first water, riders have a chance to gallop away, but it's quickly back to work for a table and a normal 5 strides right turning over a corner at #5AB. After a ditch and rail followed by another gallop, riders negotiate the first coffin at #7ABC, which is a hanging rail downhill over a ditch and then a long one stride out over a narrow at C. These first three technical combination come very close to each other and the horses need to be really on the aids early to get the job done.

Fence #11ABC is the second water, which goes through the same pond as the first water. #11A is a vertical brush with a downhill landing in the water. Then a right turn to a duck at B, and another slight turn uphill over the brush table at C.

After a long gallop, riders prepare for, in my opinion, the hardest question on the course.

The pictures don't do #13AB justice. #13A is a huge narrow oxer with a noticeably downhill landing. The ground continues downhill for the left handed turn to B, which is a very large brush corner. The ground fades away to the right in front of the right handed corner. Riders do have some options with the turn and striding, but if they pick the wrong option B will not forgive them. The key is to be correct at A...and then just don't be wrong at B.

After a table at #14, fence #15A is a serious drop (nearly 6') and then three or four strides to a brush narrow at B. I'm guessing most riders will take a hold and get the four.

The riders enter the arena for a left handed loop over #16 and #17AB. The horses will know they are close to home here and while that shouldn't matter much to 3* horses, it's just an extra reason to take another half halt after jumping 16. The left handed turn to #17AB is critical to getting a good line through the double corners, which are separated by two strides. The corners are big and have very large ground lines. In an interesting twist the option for #17A is on the fast-route's #17B and vice versa.

Ok, we're done, right? Not even close.

#18 and #19 give the horses a chance to catch their breath before the third and final water at #20AB. The final water is interesting because #20B is at a 90 degree angle to #20A, requiring a precise turn. Riders will also have to keep their horse's focus away from multiple prelim and intermediate jumps in the water complex.

Fence #21 is a log pile with wheels, and #22 is a ditch and rail with water in the ditch. Just don't let this be the jump that makes you wet. The combination at #23AB is the most forgiving on course and is just two brush tables on a slight right turn. After a table at #24, it's onward to the second coffin, which has a brush vertical at #25A followed by and angled ditch and angled C...

Riders can feel the finish line just a few fences away, but they know they need to take this last combination seriously. After the coffin, #26 is a beautiful wooden bench. Fence #27 is a massive table with a set of obnoxiously large hay feeders on either side. #28 is a horseshoe jump and then the most beautiful feeling in the world...

Weather: Rain is expected for Saturday and Sunday. As always, whatever happens with the weather there's nothing we can do about it but make the best of the situation. I remember reading in one of Jimmy's books that he liked to wake up on Saturday and see it raining because he knew his competitors would be worried about it.

Footing: The ground is perfect as of Friday night. It's wonderfully cushiony but firm enough to hold up under galloping and jumping. The word is that the sand/clay mix can get deep and sticky if it takes enough water so we would love to see the rain hold off as much as possible.

Brush: 14 of the elements on the CCI3* course utilize brush on top of the jumps. Course designers are using brush more and more to give the horses a margin of error over the fences. The question is how does that set the horse up for the next solid fence?

The training course is no slouch either--this is the biggest training corner I have ever seen.

Terrain: The hills at Bromont are not terribly steep, but the ground is always changing elevation. One insider I spoke with tonight said that smart riders plan for one star of fitness higher when they come to Bromont. So a CCI* competitor should think two-star fitness for Bromont.

Game-Plan: The only thing good riders are thinking about right now is what they can do to give their horse the best possible opportunity to do well on cross-country. Anything else is all just a bunch of distracting BS.

A photo gallery of all the CCI3* is available on our Facebook fanpage. Use this link for non-Facebook users.

Eventing Nation wishes everyone the best of luck on cross-country. Go eventing.

Kim and Tipperary Liadhnan rule dressage at Bromont

By John on June 11, 2010 3:27 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

The top 4 of the morning leaders at the CCI3* maintained their top position after the 11 afternoon rides, meaning that Kim Severson and Tipperary Liadhnan lead Gina Fiore and Feral Errol by just under a point going into the XC. In the afternoon, first time CCI3* pair Molly Rosin and Havara's Charly jumped into the 5th spot. Jessica Phoenix and Rebecca Howard of Canada both had great rides and are sitting in the top 10.

Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master are 9th after the dressage

1. Kim Severson and Tipperary Liadhnan - 43.4

2. Gina Fiore and Feral Errol - 44.2

3. Will Colemand and Nevada Bay - 46.6

4. Heidi White and Northern Spy - 48.0

5. Molly Rosin and Havarah's Charly - 51.6

6. Mikki Kuchta and Balmoral Tim Tram - 53.0

7. John Williams and Sweepea Dean - 54.2

8. Jessica Phoenix and Exploring - 54.4

9. Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master - 54.6

10. Bruce Davidson and Cruise Lion - 55.4

Link: Full CCI3* dressage leaderboard, or try this link

Link: Video of Jessica Pheonix's dressage with Exploring

(1) Bromont is a story of redemption for several of the top-10 placed riders. If you have been following Eventing Nation, you already know what we mean. This is Will Coleman's first three-day after recovering from the broken collar bone at The Fork. Nevada Bay definitely raised some eyebrows with three great gaits.

Rebecca Howard delivered a great ride with Riddle Master, and it's great to see her back at a three-day after healing from the fall at Pine Top. David helped keep Rebecca's horses in work while she recovered and so we need to give some credit for Riddle Master's beautiful test to the Canadian coach.

Jessica Phoenix was on vacation for more joyous reasons--she gave birth to a baby boy earlier this spring. It's super to see these three great riders back at the top of their game. Jessica and Rebecca have extra pressure this weekend as they ride for a spot on the Canadian team.

As an aside, Ronald Zabala-Goetschel (23rd in the CCI3* on Che Kairo) is also returning after a fall at The Fork. Expect to see Ronald in Kentucky riding for Ecuador.

(2) Kim Severson's weekend got off to a great start with a very accurate test. After trotting away from the first halt, "Paddy" broke to the canter due to a strange guest in the judge's box, but the rest of the test was extremely accurate. It's no surprise to see Kim in the lead tonight, and, as one of the toughest competitors in the field, it's going to be a challenge for anyone to take the lead from her and Paddy.

(3) I asked young Nicholas for his opinion on the dressage today and he said "Booyah!" This appears to be the word of the day because as I was videoing Jessica's first ride (on Exponential), Nicholas was playing on his Nintendo DS next to me. Right when Jessica made her final salute Nicholas won his game and yelled "Booyah!" The timing was perfect. Exponential (sitting 12th) may have lost to Exploring in the dressage, but Exponential is an absolutely amazing jumper. The horse has nearly perfect form in the air and he has absolute rocket boosters in his legs.

(4) The main difference between the good scoring tests and the great scoring tests today was accuracy. The top 5 riders did most of the little things correctly and those little things added up to a big advantage in the final score. It's more fun to work on the gaits at home rather than spending time in the arena practicing movements, but now more than ever one accurate transition can be the difference between being the winner or the first loser.

----

Training Level Results:

1. Heidi White and Valentine - 43.9
2. Suzanne Stevenson and Central Park - 45.9
2. Pascale Tremblay-Wagner and Edward - 45.9
4. Jordan McDonald and Apple Cider - 47.1
5. Mathieu Mardon and Will'o Way - 47.8
6. Nidel Charfi and Rosario - 48.2
7. Philippa Hambly and Mastermind - 48.6
8. Ian Roberts and Viper - 49.9
9. Stephanie Hodge and Pen Pal - 50.4
10. Daria Ivandaeva and Authorytet - 50.8

Training level scores 1st-20th, 21st-37th

Kim and Tipperay Liadhnan lead at lunchtime with a 43.4

By John on June 11, 2010 12:31 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

CCI3* scores at lunchtime:

1. Kim Severson and Tipperary Liadhnan - 43.4

2. Gina Fiore and Feral Errol - 44.2

3. Will Colemand and Nevada Bay - 46.6

4. Heidi White and Northern Spy - 48.0

5. Mikki Kuchta and Balmoral Tim Tram - 53.0

Link: Full lunchtime CCI3* scores, or click here

A few super fast notes from the CCI3*:

(1) There were some solid rides this morning, but not any spectacular ones. Call on Me impressed me with a very nice quality trot, and so did Nevada Bay. Kim's test was very accurate as always after an uncharacteristic bobble early. Heidi White and Northern Spy also had a nice test but they still seem to be looking for their amazing flash from a few years ago.

(2) Several riders had errors in the CCI3*. A couple of the problems were at the walk diagonal from M to S. A couple riders walked to E and were whistled. I feel comfortable saying Will Coleman was one of them because his test was so lovely that he ended up with a 46 despite the error. If there are more errors among the three-star riders than the training riders I think the CCI3* riders should have to buy all the training riders dinner.

(3) The announcer has been playing music during the dressage. I guess it's a show jumping thing, and I don't mind it, but I was wondering what everyone else thinks. Perhaps that will be our "thumbs up or thumbs down" this week.

(4) Sarah Cousins was the only CCI3* rider to wear her helmet this morning, so we have already had one more rider wear their helmet at Bromont than at Rolex.

(5) I want to make sure we show some love to the Training level competitors here this weekend. While scores are not available for the training division yet, I went over to the training arena to cheer for a couple of friends and I saw some nice rides.

Babette Lenna and Little Oliver had a lovely test

Go eventing.

Goodmorning from Bromont

By John on June 11, 2010 9:31 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Mia, Cedric, and Finley keeping an eye on things outside of camp Davidson

The CCI* and CCI** riders get to relax today and focus on walking their cross-country courses. As a rider, I always like to be able to focus on one phase at a time so I love having the day between dressage and cross-country. Friday is go-time for the training and CCI3* riders.

The CCI3* competition features some excellent pairs. Last week I picked Jessica Phoenix and Exponential to win Bromont and I will stand by that. Will and Nevada Bay, Buck on Cruise Lion, Rebecca Howard aboard Riddle Master, and Kim with Paddy are a few other names to look out for. Ashley Kehoe and the very experienced Mazetto are a younger pair that could surprise a few people with a strong XC ride.

Link: Dressage ride times

As a random aside, I had a chance to meet Mar de Amor, one of Buck's two CCI3* rides, for the first time yesterday. The horse is extremely chill to say the least, but has a very good natured personality. I'll be rooting for him this weekend.

Nate Chambers says "rock on Eventing Nation"

One of the bit checkers is going the extra mile to save the environment this weekend by turning her latex glove inside out after one horse and reusing it for another. At first I was amazed, but it's just slobber and I figure events do go through a ton of gloves switching out for every horse (so as not to spread germs).

I should give a shout-out to NMK for making a great comment in our dressage recap from Thursday that the top 20 CCI* horses are within 10 points of the lead. That competition will be exciting to watch. Great point NMK--10 points for you.

Now is a good chance to extend a special Eventing Nation thank you to all the Bromont volunteers for making this a wonderful weekend. Without you, we would all just be a bunch of crazy horse people standing around in a field.

Of course, we will have scores, video, and ridiculous commentary throughout the weekend. I won't worry as much about still pictures because the amazing Kat from the Chronicle has arrived. I imagine she will be posting her photos from the event, to which we will link. On Sunday we will continue an EN tradition and live blog the CCI3* show jumping. Thanks for joining Eventing Nation for a fun-filled weekend at Bromont.

------

Even though we are focused on Bromont this weekend, I don't want to forget the seven events back in the States. Good luck to all the competitors and remember to have fun.

Colorado Horse Park CCI*, CCI** and HT: Homepage, three-day live scores, HT live scores

Coppers Meadows HT (CA): Homepage, Times/Live Scores

Aspen Farms HT (WA): Homepage, Times/Scores

Seneca Valley Pony Club HT (MD): Homepage

Valinor Farm HT (MA): Homepage, Times/Scores

Spring Run (KY): Event Website

Derbyshire (MI): Homepage

A few weeks ago we had a discussion about the most embarrassing ways we had been eliminated. One of my worst eliminations was at Derbyshire when I was 9 or 10 at novice. After winning the dressage, I finished the XC within the time and was walking back to the barns when a friend informed me that I had cantered right by one of my jumps. Some people remember exactly where they were standing when they heard President Kennedy was assassinated; I remember exactly where I was standing when I heard that I had been eliminated. From that day forward, I have walked every single one of my courses at least twice--usually three times--and I focus hard on every walk. I was also eliminated once that year for taking a whip into the dressage arena which was heartbreaking as well.

Queeny Park HT (MO): Homepage, Times/Scores

Lastly, I'd feel bad if I didn't mention that the World Cup starts today. So there, I mentioned it.

Good luck and go eventing.

Kelli Temple and Axel Rose lead Bromont CCI2*

By John on June 10, 2010 5:24 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

(1) There were only 9 CCI2* rides in the afternoon session, but they claimed all of the top 4 spots going into the XC. Kelli Temple and Axel Rose combined great movement with technical precision to take the lead in the CCI2* on a 45.0. Kelly is an excellent rider and her horses are always amazing, so her good score was no surprise today. Clark Montgomery also had a great ride with Loughna Glen, who probably had the best trot of the CCI2* horses.

1. Kelli Temple and Axel Rose - 45.0
2. Clark Montgomery and Loughna Glen - 45.7
3. Courtney Cooper and Havasu Canyon - 47.0
4. Colleen Rutledge and Dillon - 48.0
5. Courtney Cooper and Who's A Star - 52.6
6. Boyd Martin and Haifa Bay - 53.1

Link: Bromont CCI2* final dressage scores page 1, page 2

Note: I know the score sheet photos don't look very good, but as of of the time I am writing this the scores have not been posted anywhere else online.

Courtney Cooper is 3rd with Havasu Canyon in the CCI2*

(2) Helmets at Bromont: Courtney Cooper wore her helmet in the CCI2* dressage today and so did a couple of CCI* riders, including Liza Igochine and Krystoff Carvonis. Allison Springer's Rolex ride seems to be inspiring other riders to choose safety over tradition.

Nina and Tokay are 3rd in the CCI*

(3) In the CCI*, Boyd Martin and Minotaure du Passoir scored a 47.5 to lead by 1.6 points over Buck Davidson and Catalina. Boyd has been riding "Min" at prelim for a long time now and they are due for a win. Nina Ligon had a beautiful ride with Tokay. Nina has a top-notch team here with Kim as her coach and Nat as Tokay's groom.

Link: CCI1* final dressage scores page 1, page 2

(4) The clouds let loose with several hours of rain this afternoon and the XC course is quite soggy right now. The sandy loam here at Bromont has absorbed a lot of the moisture. The footing is soft/spongy right now and it might get deep in some of the heavy traffic areas.

(5) Once again, I have posted more photos from today on our Facebook fanpage. I am an awful photographer but I do the best I can and at the very least hopefully you can get a feel for the Bromont setting. More from Bromont later.

Go eventing.

Thursday Lunch Break at Bromont

By John on June 10, 2010 12:02 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Rain has started to fall here at Bromont during the lunch break, but The Beatles are playing over the speakers and life is good. There were a lot of quality rides this morning in both the one-star and two-star.

CCI2* morning dressage leaders:

1. Courtney Cooper and Who's A Star - 52.6

2. Boyd Martin and Haifa Bay On The 1st of November - 53.1

3. Will Faudree and Andromaque - 54.6

4. Laura VanderVliet and Mighty Mangaroo - 55.2

5. Nate Chambers and Rolling Stone II - 56.1

Link: Full CCI2* morning results

(1) Courtney Cooper had a great looking test with Whose A Star, and she wore her helmet in the arena. Maybe half of the riders are wearing their helmets in their practice rides and there have been a couple wearing helmets in the competition arena.

(2) Boyd put in a good test on Haifa Bay, who he is riding for Buck because Buck has the maximum number of horses allowed. Why are Buck and Boyd so good? Practice, practice, practice.

(3) Will had a quality performance on his mare Andromaque. "Missie" is a great looking young horse for Will, and people "in the know" really like her. Like Pawlow, she fits Will's style quite well and I expect a good performance from them here this weekend. Don't forget this horse's name.

(4) Only the first 10 scores are currently posted for the CCI*, but in the early going Boyd Martin and Minotaure du Passoir are leading on a 47.5, just ahead of Buck and EN's best tail winner Catalina. I spoke with someone once whose horse has a bad tail and the rider said that they thought using a fake tail made their scores 5 points better. Little things make a big difference.

Of course we will have full CCI* and CCI** scores as soon as they are posted this afternoon. Go eventing.

Thursday morning Bromont reader

By John on June 10, 2010 9:40 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Competition at Bromont is getting started today with the CCI1* and CCI2* competition. Bromont is beautifully situated situated within the green Canadian mountains, and I have been throughly impressed with the event so far. Event officials were working hard Wednesday afternoon to complete some improvements for the competition, such as the installation of new footing in a couple of arenas, but everything is coming together beautifully.

Thursday: CCI* and CCI2* dressage
Friday: CCI3* and OT dressage

Link: Dressage ride times

The weather today is overcast with a slight chance of showers expected throughout the afternoon. The footing on the XC course is a little soggy from some rain overnight, but the soil is a wonderful sand and dirt mix that should drain well and hold up superbly for the XC. Some rain is expected for the weekend.

In the riders meeting on Wednesday, the officials emphasized safety of the horse and rider. They encouraged the riders to ask a lot of questions, especially about the new FEI doping regulations. The issue of pulling unsafe riders off the course came up and the officials said that they didn't want to have to pull anyone from the course but that the riders needed to be especially aware of how the many hills on the course would affect their horses.

I can see why Bromont is so well liked by the riders. All of the important things for the horses, such as the footing, courses, and warm up areas are fantastic. The event staff is extremely helpful and responds quickly to issues (like broken RV electrical hookups). The officials seem well in control of everything. Sure, the facilities are undergoing some improvements, and the barns leave a bit to be desired, but I'll gladly drive the extra few hours to assure my horses good footing and a great course.

One thing to keep an eye on is that the application of the new doping regulations seem to be different at different competitions so far this year. Rolex was extremely strict (stewards counted needles), but other events this year have been looser and didn't require stewards to watch every application of medication. I get the sense that we are moving in a positive direction, and certainly everyone is thinking more about the doping issue these days, but there are still a lot of question marks with the doping rules.

Finally, keep in mind that Sweepea Dean, Northern Spy, Tipperary Liadhnan, and Cruise Lion have all applied for the US WEG team. All four of these horses still need qualifying scores to achieve their certificate of capability. Right now there are only 7 riders on the short list and, with the way things go with horse soundness, if you have applied and are qualified anything can happen.

It's a privilege to be here in Canada and to be able to tell so many wonderful readers about Bromont. Here's to a fun, safe, and confidence building event for all the competitors! Much more from Bromont throughout the day.

Go eventing.

Boyd is excited for Wednesday jog notes

By John on June 9, 2010 5:21 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Boyd and Min

(1) The Ground Jury held 8 out of around 100 horses that were presented today, but only spun one (Here N Now in the CCI*). Probably around 20 riders were asked to re-jog their horses. The vibe I got was that the Ground Jury wanted to make sure they had a feel for each and every horse which is what Wednesday is all about.

(2) In the CCI3*, Wild T'Mater, Northern Spy, and Sweepea Dean were all sent to the holding area but later passed. This led to some tense moments because all three of these horses are big names with varying chances of competing in Kentucky this autumn. In a rare moment, Sweepea Dean was accepted after visiting the holding area but without having to jog a second time.

(3) A lot of the horses were bouncing around during the jog and a few gave big bucks. This might have been due to high energy, but there were also some flies around the jog and I wonder if there might have been a bee hive or something because the horses seemed to be blowing up in the same area right in the middle of the jog.

(4) Catilina, one of Buck Davidson's CCI* rides, wins the EN award for best tail. This picture doesn't do the tail justice--it was truly magnificent. Stay tuned on Sunday for our world famous Eventing Nation's Best Dressed Groom Award at the Sunday jog.

(5) Best dressed Ground Jury member is a tenured position for Christian Landolt, but he was surprisingly tame today in a grey wool suit--if you can call that tame.

(6) I'm not sure who was better turned out, Will or Nevada Bay, but props to both of their grooms.

(7) Rebecca Howard is levitating. And she has her game-face on. Try and send me to the hold Christian--I dare you. In other news, I didn't know Canada had mobsters.

(8) Sadly, someone has to win the worst dressed award, but this rider really earned it today.

Biker boots + white jeans + biker top + cowboy hat = turning heads for all the wrong reasons.

What is the horse saying? -- I'm not with her.

Note: I posted a full album of jog photos on our Facebook fanpage.

Go eventing.

3 US pairs heading to Luhmuhlen

By John on June 8, 2010 9:31 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Will Coleman and Twizzel have been removed from the Luhmuhlen entries list, leaving Jennifer Wooten and The Good Witch, Allison and Arthur, and Michael Pollard and Wonderful Will as the three US pairs scheduled to go to Germany. Will's Luhmuhlen plans ended over 10 days ago, but I wanted to wait until it became official on the Luhmuhlen entries list.

Injuries to horses right before big events are the hardest thing to deal with in eventing. Fortunately for Will, he is an amazing rider and has a quality string of horses so he won't miss a beat in the long run. In the short term however, it is awful news for the US Team. Will and Twizzel have been having a great spring and I felt they were a lock to make the WEG team with a good performance in Germany. Will is going to be back, no doubt about that, but the question for now is which of the 7 riders on the short list are going to make the team, and who will step up at Luhmuhlen to make the team?

12 US events this weekend

By John on June 4, 2010 10:49 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

Until further notice Eventing Nation will stop covering eventing and we will only play video footage of oil rushing out of a pipe. As an aside, if any of our readers knows how to stop lots of oil from pouring out of a pipe that is 5 miles under water, please let us know. Further notice.

In other news, there are 12 events in the US this weekend, which must be close to a record number. The Arizona high for the weekend is expected to be 108 degrees, so a big shout out to riders at the Coconino horse trials in Arizona. I don't buy that "dry heat" stuff for a moment--108 is hot no matter what anyone tells me.

Indiana Classic T3D and HT: Homepage, Weather

Feather Creek Farm (OK): Homepage, Ride Times, Times/Scores

Spring Coconino HT (AZ): Homepage, Times/Scores

Silverwood Farm (WI): Homepage

Round Top HT in Colorado

Rubicon Farm (VA): Homepage, Live Scores

Lumber River (NC): Horse Trials Page, Live Scores

Plantation Field (PA): Homepage, Live Scores

GMHA June HT (VT): Homepage, Times/Scores

Poplar Place (GA): Horse Trials Page, Live Scores, Ride Times

Carriage House Farm CT (MN): Homepage

Genesee Valley (NY): Homepage, Times/Scores

Good luck to all the competitors--stay safe and go eventing.

Mark Todd leads Bramham CIC3*

By John on June 3, 2010 3:41 PM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

After the first day of dressage, Mark and NZB Regent Lad are leading the CIC3* at Bramham. Bramham would be the New Zealander's first 3* win since returning to eventing in 2008. Why do we report on the CIC3* before the CCI3*? Because Mark Todd is awesome. Jean-Lou Bigot (FRA) leads the CCI3* on Lotus De Gobaude, with William sitting in 4th.

A Mother's observation of a wonderful weekend at the KHP

By John on June 3, 2010 5:39 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

From time to time we get event reports from our readers and sometimes we publish them, sometimes we don't. We almost never publish any reports that we get after Monday, but today we have an exception. Thanks to Cheryl from the Davis Creek Pony Club for sending in this fun report from May-Daze, and a shout out to FEIPony who requested May-Daze coverage.

----

From Cheryl:

Greetings from Kentucky Horse Park! The May-Daze at the Park Horse Trials held over Memorial Day weekend gave us an opportunity to see the changes made at KHP for WEG in the month since Rolex! It appears that all arenas (warm ups and competition) are now sporting the OTTO sport footing - wow! The horses obviously just love it and float on that surface. I saw many a Mom kick off their sandals or shoes to accompany a daughters' SJ course walk in their bare feet! It feels that good!

Rachelle and "Willie" float across the OTTO surface entering Stadium Jumping.

I don't know if they'll get enough time between events and WEG to be able to re-paint and replace some of the boards in all of the stabling at KHP, but that would sure make it look nicer!

While the horses don't care what the walls look like and actually like peeking at their neighbors thru the gaps in the boards, photos this weekend show how rough some of these older stalls now look. They run so many events at KHP that it probably is hard to block off stabling to do these repairs. Memorial Day weekend hosted the May-Daze horse trials, a large Dressage Show and a High School Rodeo. The HT stadium warm up was near the rodeo warm up with swinging lassos and all! We saw one cowboy rope another cowboy's leg as he tried to run away. Did it twice! We were impressed! Bet that kind of stuff gets you into a lot of trouble at school!

We took the time to sit in the seats we'd reserved in the Main Arena for WEG - and are now feeling pretty good about the money we've spent to get them! We looked inside the new barn stabling next to the new indoor arena and were surprised to find the stalls were more like temporary stabling - but were nice, new 10 x 10 stalls with sliding doors and big wide aisles. Even in the 90 degree weather this weekend, those barns with their nice high ceilings were nice and cool.

All stabling has asphalt floors at KHP and this time, we took the advice of another pony club Mom and invested in some lightweight interlocking mats as a base for the bedding on top of the asphalt. They were so worth it. You know how it is, no matter how many bags of shavings are dumped in, they'll paw it all off in the middle and roll and sometimes take all of the skin off their withers! Ugh! Not to mention the fatigue of standing on asphalt.

While I've drooled over those MightyLite portable stall kits for a 10x10 stall with their 5 yr warranty and all, I just couldn't justify the $400 per stall to make that happen. Another PC Mom in TN found 2x2 interlocking mats at Big Lots and then I found the same mats at a Lowe's in WV (Lowe's also had them online). They're intended for human exercise areas or kids playgrounds, and of course don't have a 5-yr warranty but for a few events/year with asphalt stabling, we got 4 pkgs of 4-2'x 2' mats to make an 8'x8' area under the shavings (left about a 1' edge on all sides in the 10x10 stall) for a total of only $68 + tax. After the weekend was over, we just pulled those mats up and stuffed them into one contractor garbage bag (yes, they smelled!) then we power washed them after we returned home. So while it took a little more time to snap together 2'x2' mats, I couldn't have gotten the larger mats in a garbage bag! We did have one little tear in one mat, but at that price I can easily replace a mat or two. They could be soaked and washed in a plastic kiddie wading pool too to remove that smell! We didn't use as many bags of shavings on top of the mats and did not worry about their knees as they dropped to the floor to rest. No price tag on that peace of mind!

This was the last Horse Trial to run XC at KHP before WEG, and May-Daze at the Park hosted 467 competitors from BN thru Prelim. The XC courses avoided sections of roped off tracks that are preserving the footing for the WEG track (and have been doing so since last year). Course designers for May-Daze created courses that utilized three sections of the park and gave even the BN horses and riders a nice gallop between fences (and Mom's and Dad's a LOT of exercise trying to keep up with that video/digital camera!).

Kisses and pats to a special horse that ran a safe and fun XC round with her daughter at May-Daze!

Although it appears that the XC colors in this picture at May-Daze were specifically created for the Memorial Day event, they're actually worn just like this no matter what time of year it is! It's funny how much more something is worth when it comes in your XC colors! It's like an omen to buy it, be it a car, a shirt, a new dog collar, a saddle pad because simply it's in my XC colors!

White Woof boots look great XC, but how do you get them bright and white again?! Use that pressure washer! All the dirt and hair, poof, gone! And admit it, playing with a pressure washer is fun.

Thank you Maggie for hosting such a nice event!

24 CCI3* entries at Bromont

By John on June 1, 2010 12:49 AM, Filed Under Eventing Competition Coverage

The entry list has been released for the Bromont three-day in Canada (June 10-13), which is the last major North American three-day before the autumn. There are 24 CCI3* entries, and 71 accepted entries for the CCI1*, CCI2*, and CCI3* combined.

(1) 18 of the Bromont CCI3* entrants ride for the US, and 5 for Canada, meaning that in a strange twist of fate, Rolex had more North American entries than Jersey and Bromont combined.

(2) The US has some big names entered in the CCI3*, including Kim Severson on Tipperary Liadhnan, Heidi White and Northern Spy, and John Williams with Sweepea Dean.

(3) Buck is riding his father's Cruise Lion while Bruce is on the mend from back surgery. Cruise Lion is one of my favorite event horses anywhere--he has great and well rounded talent and of course a tremendously solid training foundation.

(4) The US doesn't have any big WEG contending pairs at Bromont but Canada does. Jessica Phoenix continues her return to eventing from maternity leave and rides Exponential and Exploring (both excellent horses) in the CCI3*. Another rider who has had a good comeback so far is Rebecca Howard, who is set to run Riddle Master. Diana Burnett and Jessica Ruppel round out the 3* Canadian contingent.

(5) We know the WEG track is going to be very large, and it will be interesting to see how the Canadian selectors compare Bromont performances to Rolex, where multiple Canadian riders had great performances. My guess is that one Canadian pair from Bromont goes to Kentucky. Canada will release it's WEG training list after Bromont.

(6) My pick to win Bromont CCI3* is Jessica and Exponential after their strong win at Chattahoochee over several other Bromont pairs. I also expect a strong performance from Will Coleman and Nevada Bay, and I'm unabashedly rooting for Kim to have a great weekend.

(7) Looking at other countries being represented at Bromont--a shout out to Mardon Mathieu (2 horses in the OT) of France for representing the land of wine, cheese, surrendering, and art I don't understand. Escipion Mendivil is eventing for Mexico on Azteca in the CCI3*.

Go eventing, eh?

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