tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25450201843949485092024-02-06T21:43:38.762-08:00Professional Riders OrganizationOUR MISSION
To provide a sustainable professional support system for riders of all levels, grooms, owners and event organizers through leadership, education, mentorship to advance the sport of eventing.
OUR VISION
The vision of the Professional Riders Organization is to provide leadership to the eventing community by pro- moting sustainable world-class competitive experiences and professional development.PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-70567621787516064942012-08-28T08:41:00.000-07:002012-08-28T12:38:06.011-07:00Martin Collins CLOPF® Fiber<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1Az4nK3UB_AzdVRZLilUB5S7P0vABe-T_nbCnGiy8vVBwANTeW7tAACC0W7UEI-Mh5a3A8SkrKopWAF4YdZYnPEfFyvNlf-Pl_cdecIGLVe_Bx0el9ekpSeFF-8NVR4XV1xE3LsHkXML/s1600/Blog+-+Dr.+Alex+Rey+CLOPF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1Az4nK3UB_AzdVRZLilUB5S7P0vABe-T_nbCnGiy8vVBwANTeW7tAACC0W7UEI-Mh5a3A8SkrKopWAF4YdZYnPEfFyvNlf-Pl_cdecIGLVe_Bx0el9ekpSeFF-8NVR4XV1xE3LsHkXML/s320/Blog+-+Dr.+Alex+Rey+CLOPF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Martin Collins CLOPF® Fiber
is a cost effective performance fiber to improve existing sand surfaces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Available as a stand-alone product CLOPF® fiber
can significantly enhance sand or sand/mix footings without incurring the expense
of an all-new product.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a fiber that assists
in building a ‘root structure’ with the sand or sand/mix, thereby providing more
stability and energy return to the limbs of the horse. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Correctly maintained, the horses will work more
on top of the surface rather than “through” it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CLOPF® also has an excellent moisture retention property.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5jSK-TbBQNLqhOvpN5Sh-fkQ9rAmV0Y5dBtf3whVBPcA2t3dwGnl_UFY_wBdRq1_MElKGRPwjJn1YWhdo4XAZTJkhqpwxKZ1s-vWj7o7c8fRsO5H9v9RyD2sB4oZI9PXPqoAoqcPL9Yw/s1600/Blog+-+FHE_11_1705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5jSK-TbBQNLqhOvpN5Sh-fkQ9rAmV0Y5dBtf3whVBPcA2t3dwGnl_UFY_wBdRq1_MElKGRPwjJn1YWhdo4XAZTJkhqpwxKZ1s-vWj7o7c8fRsO5H9v9RyD2sB4oZI9PXPqoAoqcPL9Yw/s320/Blog+-+FHE_11_1705.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clopf® Fiber has been in the
worldwide market place since 2000 with significant installations in the UK, Europe
and South Africa. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clopf® achieved World
Cup Status upon being installed in Leipzig for the 2011 Finals and was first introduced
into the US market in 2005.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clients using CLOPF® fiber
in the U.S. include</span></u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">* FL – Arlene (Tuny) Page,
Rodrigo Pessoa Double H Farm, TEquestrian Farm, Dr. Alex Rey, Tim Gredley, Diamante
Farm, Mikala Gunderson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">* KY – Kathy Priest, Hampton
Farms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">* MA – The Ark</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">* MD – Toni Herbert</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">* TX – Guy Hodgson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">* VA – Stonehall Farm</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Worldwide CLOPF® clients
include</span></u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">* UK - Nick Skelton, Lucinda
and Clayton Fredericks, Laura Bechtolsheimer, (UK Olympic Dressage Team Gold, London
2012)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">* Spanish Riding School, Austria</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">* Stal Tops, Valkenswaard,
Holland</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Testimonials</span></u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Laura Bechtolsheimer:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“A good quality surface
is hugely important when you are riding and training top class dressage horses.
We train on a Martin Collins’ surface at home, and to compete at a venue on a Martin
Collins’ surface is fantastic….”</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kathy Priest:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Except for watering it
is less maintenance,” </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri;">she raves<i>.
“The horses go great over it and I have had no training injuries using this surface.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clayton Fredericks:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Having installed our
MC Ecotrack® lunge surface we have been impressed by the security and confidence
it gives our horses. We have also added the special Clopf® fibre to our arena and
have been delighted with the improvement in stability and spring. Both Cinda and
I firmly believe that the surfaces have contributed to our success!"</span></i></div>
Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07196810276100325520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-16578905814911026312012-08-06T11:41:00.002-07:002012-08-06T11:41:22.355-07:00The Millbrook Horse Trials Wrap UpBuck Davidson and Carl and Cassandra Segal's Ballynoecastle RM and Phillip Dutton with Anne Jones' Young Man came away with the Advanced Divisions A and B wins at the 2012 Millbrook Horse Trials. Buck completes a trifecta this year having won the Advanced Division with Reggie in each of the last three years, while Phillip Dutton who flew directly back from London got his first Advanced win at Millbrook.<br />
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Young rider, Caroline Martin also has a streak of her own going as she once again claimed the SSG "Go Low For The Dough" Bonus Award at Millbrook in the Intermediate Divisions for being the only young rider or amateur to jump a double clear cross-country round bang on the optimum time with Petite Flower. Laine Ashker talks with Buck, Phillip and Caroline after Saturday's cross-country round:<br />
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Saturday night featured the ever popular competitor's party at Millbrook with the addition of riders cheering on the kids during the PRO Kids Horseless Show Jumping. The kids got the pros pretty revved up with Jennie Brannigan, Tik Maynard and Andrea Leatherman getting into the action as well:<br />
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Laine Ashker talks with Phillip after his winning round aboard Ann Jones' Young Man:<br />
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<br />PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-11005147952979751412012-07-28T23:24:00.001-07:002012-07-28T23:24:31.155-07:00Olympic Fever and Other Things by Joe Meyer<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;">Kia Ora<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pc7_-vvkfnm_IA2QEMcRXiXzMaNC96X_UnZFkeqBBH1jgznetGRhRUiTHpIIWIzbY_zcLGEdWJJ-LPl2zuJCW5O5sB64U9hk0n6QCateoOn9zmGyaVsS-cZPORvMXcmCWJG2HEyc1w8D/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pc7_-vvkfnm_IA2QEMcRXiXzMaNC96X_UnZFkeqBBH1jgznetGRhRUiTHpIIWIzbY_zcLGEdWJJ-LPl2zuJCW5O5sB64U9hk0n6QCateoOn9zmGyaVsS-cZPORvMXcmCWJG2HEyc1w8D/s200/photo+copy.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topliner</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Apologies about this blog being so late. Plenty has happened since my last blog.</span>Topliner won us our first Mini Prix and we have been to Chatahoochie and Full Gallop.Chattahochie was great as ever. The grounds and stabling are quite incredible. The slow roasted Brisket was also a real highlight for someone new to the south like me! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;">Sponsor plug this month is Equilibrium <a href="http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/">www.equilibriumproducts.com</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">They make a fantastic range of Tri Zone boots as well as many other products. The all sport boots have been brilliant in Florida in the heat and the sand. </span>And another favourite sponsor ECP <a href="http://www.equinecomfort.com/">www.equinecomfort.com</a>. They make the best saddle and correction pads around. Mostly in merino wool. There is a new range of Air ride pads for GP, dressage and jumping. They dry in minutes and are a must for the heat. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUit9uCDh9YX8ha3EZUT4mOLA1FB5xUQOIbPHcgBdhf7R0FgQrjdTmQUsXTA4P_P4YV_IQyrQdGQXnNo5gT2eLEflEmcJXqcdFcn2J3DiWBjkzHkMJQY9vyNGs0nK3jJ-fe6ubL5HsTJy/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUit9uCDh9YX8ha3EZUT4mOLA1FB5xUQOIbPHcgBdhf7R0FgQrjdTmQUsXTA4P_P4YV_IQyrQdGQXnNo5gT2eLEflEmcJXqcdFcn2J3DiWBjkzHkMJQY9vyNGs0nK3jJ-fe6ubL5HsTJy/s200/photo.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Training</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;">Olympic fever is on us now. It's always an exciting build up from start to finish.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Selections as always have been controversial. The Australians have been in uproar over their team and understandably. Resident Australians want a home grown team. Their selectors have chosen some current form and experience. Hamish Cargill has written amusing articles about the fact. He maintains that they are down now to a bunch of Lorry drivers The facts are.... Australia has 15 eligible combinations for the Olympic games. This is no mean feat for a nation far from the eventing Mecca of the northern hemisphere. This depth that has been created is to be applauded. If Aus does not fire this Olympics then look out next WEG and Rio De janeiro. </span>America will have a strong team in Phillip, Boyd and Karen. I'm really pleased to see Will Coleman there and am apprehensive about Tiana. My reason for this is I know the events in Europe very well and would like to see her with more consistent form. I do however understand that the Olympics is a game of 5 players. Dressage position is key and risks must be taken. Germany and Great Britain have awesome strong teams. People talk about Micheal Jung being beatable but I will stand corrected if anyone does put one round him. New Zealand has mustered what they can and it's not to bad either. The home grown is being saved for later and the team have been working hard. Mark and Andrew are legends and the latter has a great horse. Jock Pagent on great form. Let's hope that he does not get overexcited in the show jumping like at Rolex. Caroline is a fantastic friend and fierce competitor. Jonelle Richards as determined a person you have ever met. I wish them all huge luck. Good luck also to my Brazilian best friend Ruy Fonseca. Also I can't quite believe the situation of Carlos Paro. He was called up to Greenwich only to find out his accreditation was not filed properly and was sent home. I can't even think of what he is feeling now. On a personal note I'm sad I don't have horse power and form for this Olympiad but look out Rio!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;">I have been teaching all around the Eastern United states lately. I have made some great new friends and have some fabulous new students. Thanks to all in Ohio, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Right now I'm on my way home from Maryland. On the way up last night I was sat next to a really cool big bloke called Dan from Nashville, Tennessee. He was in the music business. Believe it or not we had lots in common, him helping young music stars and me with riders. It was fascinating. Now I'm on the way back. I'm next to a lady with a cat! That's right her cat is in a little crate between her legs. At least he's well behaved . I dread to think what our adopted cats One Eye and Junior would do on a plane! Definitely soil themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWvfAZYex3VEAjZHlGUzO3yfDlENAt7DR8gZ8FIAj8P9z_J1GbLrPCWapKyVqXg2E1R9gv7Q1kikkbyIDk7KiXDG_f3131-Xvl27jnIr1ABT0FcGqvhGMBiNCUsBwXdyHPfPiwDr4lqVX/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWvfAZYex3VEAjZHlGUzO3yfDlENAt7DR8gZ8FIAj8P9z_J1GbLrPCWapKyVqXg2E1R9gv7Q1kikkbyIDk7KiXDG_f3131-Xvl27jnIr1ABT0FcGqvhGMBiNCUsBwXdyHPfPiwDr4lqVX/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding with Dad</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;">My beautiful daughters Lexi and Vivi are here in Florida right now. It's been a great summer for them so far. Disney world, Silver Springs water park, riding Snip and swimming at home. So pretty tough for me too! Thanks to Jen Carter in advance for what think will be a pony mad friendship between Lexi and Riley Carter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;">That all for now. I will blog again soon after the Games and will cohost the eventing radio show with Samantha Clark then too. I'm really looking forward to that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;">I will be glued to the Tele over the next few days. Good luck again to all my friends and may the best man/ woman win. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;">Harae ra </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #19429a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #030b09;">Joe</span></span></div>PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-51084915903544375232012-07-23T07:53:00.000-07:002012-07-23T07:53:20.606-07:00When It Rains, It Pours by Lauren Lambert<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSXeLgLmBHRAHSua0MBdOCruxGCjhaU7e1-Hjp5JVM9AgyJi4S0g5JTc2txcBmoOeMEoSvtFpcUJ9Kpyeq03dRNvFHIcF0porKI9b4kYtA_WDMmJouYDvzpNa2IbsExJxGqhsRXzDcIeK/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNSXeLgLmBHRAHSua0MBdOCruxGCjhaU7e1-Hjp5JVM9AgyJi4S0g5JTc2txcBmoOeMEoSvtFpcUJ9Kpyeq03dRNvFHIcF0porKI9b4kYtA_WDMmJouYDvzpNa2IbsExJxGqhsRXzDcIeK/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fair Hill 2009</td></tr>
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<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">As the Olympics are rapidly approaching, a lot of people are questioning if London will get a break from the rain. Weather is a huge factor in eventing. We don't have all weather cross country surfaces. Rain and mud is part of the game. I'll never forget my first time to Bromont trying to qualify for the one star at Young Riders. It was an odd situation because I had already done Young Riders at 15, but afterward I was burned out and took a year and half break. When I came back to riding, the qualifications had expired and Bromont was my only option to qualify. So we made the 21 hour drive over night to Quebec. Then it started to rain. And it didn't stop. Many people withdrew, but I wasn't about to. Baba Creek and I set out of that barn to do battle, but I wasn't prepared. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">That year at Bromont was the year before Derek DiGrazia took over, and we had to gallop to the top of the mountain. Dad mentioned before I went out to take it slow out there and go clean, but when Miles hit the base of that mountain and wanted to run hard against the rain, I let him dig in. By the time we reached the peak, everything was a sheet of white, I could hardly see. There were only two jumps at the peak of that mountain and I had a run out both of them! We descended from the mountain without a qualifying score. As we packed up Sunday night, Will Coleman came around the corner to ask how the weekend went. I told him about how I didn't ride well in the rain, his response stuck with me- he said it wouldn't be the last time I would ride in the rain.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Fast forward three years, Fair Hill 2009. Baba Creek and I are contesting our first three star. The memory of walking out of the hotel Thursday morning seeing the rain pouring from the sky, it still makes me cringe. This wasn't like the Bromont rain, this was a bone chilling Nor'easter. Everything was a mud pit, especially the stabling and parking. 40 degrees and non stop down pour. As I made my way to warmup Saturday, Sue Burnett told me to let my horse gallop on top of the mud. As we set out, I did my best to find some turf to gallop on rather then slop. Miles went all the way around that course but was pretty exhausted by final water complex and slithered over the roll top in. That was the only time Baba Creek ever ran out of steam. He was one sore puppy Sunday morning. We passed the jog, and warming up for show jumping Jimmy told me to go in, ride forward, and my horse would forgive me... Ha! Already being a tad not careful in the show jumping, Miles and I went in there and had NINE rails! We plummeted from top ten to 25th. It was pretty mortifying, but the moral got better after a sip of wine and being awarded the highest placed first timer-AKA the only one crazy enough to run their first three star in the worst conditions possible and actually complete. I can laugh about that disastrous show jumping now, especially after hearing Buck tell about his first Rolex show jumping when he only left two jumps up. At one point, his horse jumped through an oxer and the front rail went over the horses head and landed balanced in Buck's lap! He had to toss the rail aside to continue. All kidding aside, cross country at Fair Hill that autumn left a scar. Maybe it was the fact it was my first three star, but riding in those conditions and getting around was like going to battle and walking out alive. Being out there on the front line, left with memories which only others who were there could understand. Baba Creek would never have to run in those conditions again. I probably will, but now at least I have some sold experience.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">So will the weather be kind to our Olympians? Who knows! Weather is a huge factor in our sport; you gotta get out there and ride in the worst of it. If you want to be at the top, sitting out when the going gets tough isn't going to get you far. Eventing Is tough and the weather can make it down right scrappy. Our team is made of hard working people who have trudged on in the worst of it, and come out the better for it. I am very excited to cheer team USA on. Good luck to Tiana, Karen, Boyd, Will and Phillip - hoping some good weather finds you at Greenwich Park, but if not, you guys got this anyway! Go USA!</span></span></div>PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-54250906860249935182012-07-17T07:35:00.000-07:002012-07-17T07:35:02.397-07:00Charlie Plumb Eventing Sweats It Out<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie Plumb, Lizzie Snow and Coal Creek</td></tr>
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Hi everyone! The lack of internet connection at my
apartment and trying to keep from dying of heat exhaustion has prevented any
blogging on my part, but I’m making an attempt to get back in the groove of
writing. I believe the last time the CDP Gang was published, it was March and
we were gearing up for Southern Pines. Obviously, a ton has happened since
then... so I’ll just hit the highlights! </div>
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Charlie’s top student, Lizzie Snow,
completed her first ever Advanced horse trials on her wonderful partner, Coal
Creek, at Southern Pines II, a course that gave a lot of riders a lot of headaches. Lizzie
then finished 10<sup>th</sup> in the Advanced division at the Fork Horse
Trials, and we had a lot of fun cheering her on! She heads to Young Riders next
week and we are all excited for that! Also, Ard Denzil completed his first CIC** at
Chattahoochee Hills in May and finished 3<sup>rd</sup>, which was VERY fun to
be a part of. Ardy is pointing towards Fair Hill this fall and has continued to
grow throughout the summer, now resembling the mammoths in the Mammoth and
Mastadon exhibit that I attended in Huntsville, Alabama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not entirely convinced there wasn’t a mammoth in his
bloodlines like, way back. The resemblance is unsettling. I don’t know how
mammoths jumped, though. It may be worth researching.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayley Smith and Charlie in the Vet Box</td></tr>
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Our co-barn manager, Hayley Smith, completed her first CIC*
(also at Chattahoochee) on Anne Hennessey’s old campaigner, Benwald. Chatt
Hills is one of our absolute favorite venues and we always look forward to
going there. Speaking of favorite venues, this year was my first time at The
Fork and I think my favorite part (I’m sure Hayley would agree) was getting to
be neighbors with the Michael Pollard crew and playing with their dogs. You
guys probably don’t even remember us, but you are amazing neighbors and we miss
Sophie! </div>
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<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>Since then we’ve stayed home in Southern Pines, roasted,
and complained a lot about the heat. Sportsfield Wildcat has started his career
in the USA with two Novice schooling horse trials early in the summer, and we
are excited to take him on the road this fall! Hope you all are staying cool and enjoying your summers! See
you on the road!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-45443652565344286702012-07-16T06:11:00.003-07:002012-07-16T06:11:52.319-07:00Geriann Henderson Tops Her Weekend In Grand Form at Rebecca FarmGeriann Henderson and Kingslee took home the win in the PRO Tour Series Advanced Division at the Event at Rebecca Farm. They took three rails in the round, but were given plenty of breathing room by Heather DuBois in second place who also had three rails down. Geriann capped off what she described as an "unreal" weekend with Kingslee who jumped his heart out for her. As both are fairly new to this level Geriann plans to get more experience over the course of the summer and fall.<br />
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Kristie Nunnink led from start to finish to capture the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series with her very talented Holsteiner mare R-Star. Kristie credits Bruce Davidson, with whom she has been training over the past winter, with giving her the confidence to really perform well at this level. Florence Miller and Tuscan Sun won the CCI** and Emilee Libby and Nonsensical captured the CIC**. For full results from Rebecca Farm follow the <a href="http://eventingscores.com/eventsr/rebecca/ht0712/">link</a>.PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-53770691603565058052012-07-15T06:31:00.000-07:002012-07-15T06:31:15.480-07:00Rebecca Farm Advanced - Day Two Leader Geriann HendersonIan Stark's courses always require commitment and forward riding, and most riders look forward to challenge of his courses although they usually have to deal with nerves when they first view the bold fences that they are faced with on the track. Riders who tackle the questions posed come home feeling like their horses improved all the way through the course and have grown in both confidence and maturity, and this is exactly the kind of feedback that the Scot likes to hear. Saturday the crowds came out to Rebecca Farm to watch riders tackle the cross country course. By the end of the day everyone had been given a true education on the kind of preparation and riding it takes to navigate the courses successfully.<br />
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At the end of the PRO Tour Series Advanced Divison, it was Geriann Henderson and her own Kingslee who survived the test unscathed with the only penalty free round of the day to take over first place on their dressage score of a 54.0. The Advanced Division took its toll on the rest of the field with rider falls and technical eliminations. Heather Dubois and Every Wish was the only other pair to complete the course in a division which is much smaller than usual this year. Geriann, who is an amateur from Florissant, Colorado described her round as "unreal, more than I expected"and was so excited that her horse Kingslee handled the course with such ease.<br />
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Kristie Nunnink and R-Star continued their fine form to lead the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series in the CIC***division at Rebecca Farm. Tamra Smith and Top Secret, owned by Krystie Bush, also had a penalty free round in the CIC** division to maintain their lead. For full results please click on this <a href="http://eventingscores.com/eventsr/rebecca/ht0712/">link</a>.</div>
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<br />PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-58216786183779739652012-07-14T06:43:00.004-07:002012-07-14T06:43:54.810-07:00PRO Tour Series at Rebecca Farm Day One<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise over XC at Rebecca Farm</td></tr>
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The glorious Montana open skies welcome all competitors to the unparalleled venue of Rebecca Farm once again this year. Montana Equestrian Events and the Broussard family always put on an outstanding competition, and although the field is smaller this year due to the large numbers of riders based in the United Kingdom preparing for the Olympics in London, it is sure to be another exiting year at Rebecca Farm with new course changes by Ian Stark.<br />
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Yves Sauvignon and Ruth Bley's Sanssouci put in a very steady dressage test to score a 38.7 giving them the overnight lead in the Advanced Division, part of the 2012 PRO Tour Series. Yves was doubly rewarded by also winning $3,500 in the SSG "Go Low For The Dough" promotion. The contingency bonus award had increased substantially when there were no winners at the Bromont Three Day Event in June. The SSG bonus award was not won in the CIC** division, where it is restricted to amateurs, juniors and young riders, which increased the SSG contingency bonus award to $3,000 in the cross country phase for that division.<br />
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Kristie Nunnink leads the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Division on a 50.6 with her own R-Star. The hombred 11 year old Holsteiner mare has been a longtime partner for Nunnink and their partnership continues to get stronger and more refined each time they come out. Tamra Smith currently holds the lead in the CCI** with Top Secret owned by Krystie Bush and Jordan Linstedt holds the lead in the CIC** with her own Revitavet Capato.<br />
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Rebecca Farm full results and live scoring - <a href="http://eventingscores.com/eventsr/rebecca/ht0712/">link</a><br />
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Photo - Courtesy of Rebecca FarmPROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-629631342474258002012-06-20T12:46:00.000-07:002012-06-20T12:46:05.004-07:00Royal Windsor Horse Show & Pageant (brought to you by Martin Collins Equine Surfaces)<br />
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<i>Special thanks to PRO's Official Footing Sponsor <a href="http://www.martincollinsusa.com/">Martin Collins Equine Surfaces</a> for this special report from the Royal Windsor Horse Show! Be sure to check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Martin-Collins-USA-LLC/134548589943721">Facebook Fan Page</a> and <a href="http://www.martincollinsusa.com/blog">Blog</a> after reading this post.</i></div>
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Every year since 1943, for 1 week in May the Queen opens the private grounds at Windsor Castle for the Royal Windsor Horse Show which features jumping, dressage and carriage driving, at international level with “grass roots” classes and showing, etc. It is a fabulous event that attracts equestrian competitors and spectators in droves. In the UK each year there are several "must see" sporting events: Wimbledon, Badminton and The Royal Windsor Horse Show!</div>
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Alongside Land Rover, Alltech and Horse & Hound (among others), Martin Collins is proud to be a sponsor of the Royal Windsor Horse Show and has been the "Official Footing Supplier" of this celebrated event since 2005!</div>
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Royal Windsor marks the kick-off to the equestrian showing season featuring 117 showing classes and 20 championships. Similar to the Devon Horse Show here in the US, several thousand horses compete at this event and it is quite prestigious.</div>
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An excerpt from the <a href="http://www.rwhs.co.uk/competition/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">event website</a> reports:</div>
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" The Royal Windsor Horse Show offers visitors a fantastic mix of Jumping, Showing and Carriage Driving competitions. These take place in four different arenas – The Castle Arena is the main arena and hosts the main jumping, displays and championship classes. The Frogmore Arena houses jumping as well as the AmTrust Equine RWHS British Riding Clubs Championships competitions, and some showing competitions. The Copper Horse Arena mainly houses showing competitions and the Driving Arena is host to the dressage and obstacle phase of the International Driving competitions."</div>
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This year was an exceptional year for the horse show, as it marked the celebration of her 60 year reign. In the evening, they usually have a Military Tattoo, however for this Jubilee year, they held a pageant each night (Thurs – Sun), with the Queen in attendance on Sunday to celebrate her 60 year reign.</div>
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The theme was “around the world in 60 years”, with participants from Canada (Mounties), America (cowboys and Native Americans, both from California), Mexico, Cook Islands, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, Africa (with performance from The Lion King stage show), India, Italy, Russia, Ireland, Scotland and England. Each nation focused around the Queen’s love of horses. Over 800 participants and nearly as many horses were in attendance!</div>
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Featured photographs show the 3 rings that Martin Collins maintains, including the warm up which is connected to the Castle Main and the Frogmore Arena. <a href="http://www.rwhs.co.uk/programme/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">This link </a>details the programme of events by Ring.</div>
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UK celebrities entertained during the evening (2 each night), and singing sensations included The Tenors from Canada, Joss Stone and Susan Boyle! Various Royals took the salute each night, with the Queen on Sunday. The Sunday night performance was filmed and will be shown on ITV (commercial TV) on 3<sup>rd</sup> June to coincide with the main celebrations.</div>
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It was truly spectacular, and so wonderful to see traditional dress and activities in our own “back garden” so-to-speak. For those seeking to read more history on this fantastic event.....please visit the <a href="http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalHousehold/RoyalAnimals/Equestriansports/TheRoyalWindsorHorseShow.aspx" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">official website </a>of the British monarch or the official <a href="http://www.rwhs.co.uk/competition/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">event website</a>!</div>Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07196810276100325520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-91879928465063741862012-06-18T10:11:00.003-07:002012-06-18T10:11:50.197-07:00Bromont Video Re-Cap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brought to you by <a href="http://www.martincollinsusa.com/">Martin Collins Equine Surfaces</a> (Official PRO Footing Sponsor).</div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><h1 id="watch-headline-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1.8333em; font-weight: bold; height: 1.1363em; line-height: 1.1363em; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-height: 1.1363em; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="PRO Tour Series: Bromont CCI3* Final Day">PRO Tour Series: Bromont CCI3* Final Day</span></h1>
</span>Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07196810276100325520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-212252120394974732012-06-15T06:49:00.001-07:002012-06-15T06:49:38.984-07:00Big Fish, Little Fish Ups & Downs by Danielle Dichting<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famed Bromont sign</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes you just end up being the little fish in the big pond. Other times you throw yourself in there and you have no one to blame but yourself. After twenty hours in the car I could blame my fellow car driver for convincing me that this trip was a good idea, but I do think at the end of the day it is still very much my own fault.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With that being said- I was born as the small fish (being 5’1 and having the look of a ‘yes I am 22 but I look 12’ young girl…I mean woman) so I’ve gotten used to this small fish thing and I’m happy to say so far it hasn’t been too hard on me. The trip to Bromont was long but worth it! When you pull into the park (in my case even around 4:30am it still looks beautiful) you can’t help but try to wipe the droll off your chin from the beautiful terrain and killer mountain view. Georgia’s red clay just does not stand a chance. After the horses were settled, the jogs were upon us before we really had a chance to catch up on some rest. I would like to say they were uneventful but a better response would be that they <i>seemed</i> uneventful. If you would have wandered away from the main jog lane and looked over towards were the waiting ‘joggers’ were clustered, you might have had a good laugh or a heart attack. Needless to say, the horses that are not acclimated to the cold weather really were feeling good. We caught a glimpse of more than a few flying feet in the air as horses pranced and danced, all full of energy and frisk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">Dressage seemed to be a lot less eventful but all the same still entertaining. After all, we are talking about event horses. Dressage always seems to be quite a challenge. My guardian angel must have been sitting at A the last couple of days because my horses came down centerline ready to halt at I, L and X with a purpose. They both put in some really quality tests and kept their wits about them, something we all can be proud of at the end of the day. The night draws on and I think I have looked over this course map enough times to admit to my vision going blurry. I wish everyone the best of luck and I hope that my guardian angel doesn’t mind going on a good gallop tomorrow!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The thing about horses is they can bring you to your highest highs and your lowest lows. Today was one of those days for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all woke up to a beautiful day and a beautiful cross country course. Derek Di Grazia designed a course that asked great questions for all divisions to tackle. Looking back at the score board at the end of the day, the courses got the better of a pretty equal amount of competitors in each division.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The CCI** started off the cool morning and, minus a short hold, ran smoothly. I was sitting in a good position after dressage and was anxious to get on course. My mount, The Graduate, is a newer ride for me and we are still trying to figure each other out. Since my spring events leading up to our trip were a little inconsistent, I decided to wait to just ride the horse underneath me on the day and not make up my mind as to whether or not to take the slow, confidence building round, or go for time, until I was out on course. After the first few fences and the first combination my mind was made up. Now or never. I kicked on and the rest of the course rode like a dream. We finished the course with just a few time penalties to secure a good placing going into the last day of competition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmFZ1BzFbsg55gy2uXc1tu995eL5Ukw88dPx7eDF14BLFDUfN_thlhBBuAnZ60DZ7_qWs9YYiIxMR32iF-hM1Wulwzhu3gQnYF9Xi1gu8_K8X8KPt0-Vj5ur13Z31EXDhN0HKrWjYBn0Q/s1600/DSC_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmFZ1BzFbsg55gy2uXc1tu995eL5Ukw88dPx7eDF14BLFDUfN_thlhBBuAnZ60DZ7_qWs9YYiIxMR32iF-hM1Wulwzhu3gQnYF9Xi1gu8_K8X8KPt0-Vj5ur13Z31EXDhN0HKrWjYBn0Q/s200/DSC_0130.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tops</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next division was the CCI*** and my heartbreaking round. Tops and I have been together for six years and in every event he has ever run, beginner novice to advanced, I have been in the saddle. This is now our second year at the level and the season has been going great. With top three placings at our last two events, I was confident to come ready to compete. Today proved to me that no matter how prepared you are for the course in front of you, you can never foresee the unexpected. We had gotten through the first third of the course and we were feeling up to the challenge until a strap on my breastplate snapped leaving what remained to <span> </span>flap and dangle somewhere around his knees. I was oblivious to this and continued several fences along the course to a hanging log set downhill. As he tried to leave the ground, the dangling leather restricted his shoulder causing him to twist pretty fiercely and dive me to the ground. Fortunately he did not fall and seemed to be just fine to continue the course and take himself down to the next set of fences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">At the end of the day, it is easy to look back and ask yourself what may have happened if you had made a different decision or ridden a little differently. This sport is so humbling in every way. We do not choose to event because it is easy. We choose it for the love of the sport and the love of our horses. Congratulations to everyone today and good luck tomorrow.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As the sun rose over the horse park Sunday morning, there was the usual hustle of the last day of competition of a 3 day. Horses were being bathed, ridden, braided and iced in preparation for the final horse inspection starting at 8:00. The only positive to my grey horse not being involved in these preparations, due to our misfortune on cross country, was that the time I would have otherwise spent giving him a full bath to remove the manure stains he is so talented in attaining overnight was spent preparing myself for the day ahead (and maybe an extra 15 minutes sleep).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWx_C-gsGInpipgynuIb7zzlQWi7l0Yrrl6mdNVOscA5i0TVCZ0TB9NAkqKg9Iszt-ywO-hCaHwpDyuW-xYNcWd1jY-S2SD_ueJS4o9dsZFIb_j8IuRVJAlXeUwxJ-XJIm5jxlu4iR9Bg/s1600/DSC_0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWx_C-gsGInpipgynuIb7zzlQWi7l0Yrrl6mdNVOscA5i0TVCZ0TB9NAkqKg9Iszt-ywO-hCaHwpDyuW-xYNcWd1jY-S2SD_ueJS4o9dsZFIb_j8IuRVJAlXeUwxJ-XJIm5jxlu4iR9Bg/s200/DSC_0113.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Graduate</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although there was not the same dancing atmosphere as the Wednesday inspection, all the horses were turned out beautifully and looked ready for show jumping. The jog was uneventful for me so there was a long day of waiting ahead. The CCI* was the first to jump, so my division didn’t start until around 12:00. I walked the course a couple times, probably over thinking how to ride each fence and turn and recounting each distance. When the division started, I was able to watch the first few rounds before going to get on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Show jumping used to scare the life out of me. Not because I was actually scared of the fences, it was more that I had never been very good at it. Give me a cross country course any day of the week over a show jumping round! While gearing up for the start of the season the last two years, I have spent several weeks in Wellington, FL, with some of the best show jumpers in the world, learning all the tools I need to gain confidence in the ring. I was very grateful for all those tools as I circled outside waiting to jump. The bell rang, I took a deep breath, and I cantered to fence one. After crossing the finish flags, I probably could not have had a bigger smile on my face. We had jumped a clean round and put some pressure on the top two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CjD3NKiNaVDftrKGjpZhkSEdV012KxFP1XP3UJnr0rUH-262Zcn0ucXRWaxTQdR-qk8p4_K75r_OTJ2W4iNGU-vfC9PoVhYzJXxFrB42ec1siFsaJAHtprLaE-9ZSKSAHTVhkN4tdzNM/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CjD3NKiNaVDftrKGjpZhkSEdV012KxFP1XP3UJnr0rUH-262Zcn0ucXRWaxTQdR-qk8p4_K75r_OTJ2W4iNGU-vfC9PoVhYzJXxFrB42ec1siFsaJAHtprLaE-9ZSKSAHTVhkN4tdzNM/s320/DSC_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumping to a 2nd place finish with The Graduate</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Standing in the ring among the best riders of our sport was a surreal feeling. As I received the second place ribbon, this whole journey flashed quickly through my mind. Everyone in the sport works so hard day in and day out, travels hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles to compete in events like this one. The struggles that this horse and I have overcome in the last nine months only make the victory a little sweeter. I could name one hundred people who have made this dream possible for me and I cannot thank any of them enough for the support they have given. This trip was an amazing opportunity for me and I hope to be back next year.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">Photo credit: The Professional Riders Organization</span></div>
</span>PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-61182644111391316712012-06-14T08:59:00.001-07:002012-06-14T08:59:33.549-07:00A Successful Start to Summer Season by Lauren Lambert<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honour Mission at May Daze- finishing 2nd</td></tr>
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As the temperature and humidity begin to rise here in <st1:place style="right: auto;" w:st="on"><st1:city style="right: auto;" w:st="on">Louisville</st1:city></st1:place>, the season has picked up as well.<span> </span>While we have been going at it all year in the <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state> circuit, many of our clients have just begun.<span> </span>There is a group here at Lands End Farm which remind me this is one of the greatest careers in the world.<span> </span>These people went to college to get a good paying job, then work all day in an office or hospital so they can support their ‘horse habit’; they work hard and our farm is their sanctuary.<span> </span>Coming out after work is their therapy.<span> </span>They are the roots of the amazing eventing community and they inspire me to never take a day around horses for granted. It is really a blessing to have a job helping people do something they love.<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></div>
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The season has started off well in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kentucky</st1:place></st1:state>.<span> </span>Our first outing was May Daze at the<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Kentucky</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Horse</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span> </span>Honour <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mission</st1:place></st1:city> skipped around our first preliminary, he put in 110% effort and felt like a true eventer.<span> </span>This horse has been a challenge, but we really bonded over that weekend and our partnership is flourishing.<span> </span>He finished the weekend on his dressage score, good enough for second place.<span> </span>It was a great weekend for this horse and his owner.<span> </span>Sally is my first real ‘owner’ and I couldn’t ask for a better one. I am so thrilled she is giving me the oportunity to take this horse along, her support means the world.<span style="right: auto;"> </span>Lil’ Birnie did his first novice and was very full of run on his big novice xc debut.<span> </span>He finished with some speeding faults for 5<sup>th</sup> place.<span> </span>I am very much a purest and do not like to put on more than a snaffle at this level, but we will be doing some bit experimenting to get his racetrack training days re-trained, then hopefully he can go back to a snaffle once he understands and can relax into an easy gallop.<span> </span>Hickory Smoke is a horse I trained up and competed at May Daze for Callie Linden.<span> </span>Callie had a very rocky training level season last year not getting him around xc clean, so it was a real education for both her and her horse to learn how to get through the stopping issue.<span> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hickory</st1:place></st1:city>stormed around the xc like a professional and finished 4<sup>th</sup> on his dressage score.<span> </span>Callie took back over the ride for Spring Run Horse Trials two weeks later, and not only dominated a course she didn’t get around last year, but she won!<span> </span>She is riding with confidence and poise and I couldn’t be more proud.<span> </span>My Aunt Margie took back the reins on Fine With Me after a very successful season with me in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state> at the Preliminary level.<span> </span>She ran training at May Daze and won her division from start to finish- I always expect this pair to finish on their dressage score, but a winning dressage score is a big accomplishment for Margie, who is a little bit rough and ready.<span> </span>She will be tackling her first prelim the end of this month at the age of 53.<span> </span>Last but not least, big congratulations to Dieke, who has been working very hard all spring to prepare for the Training level three day in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Indiana</st1:state></st1:place>, where she won!</div>
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My little barn at Greenhill Farm is bustling with horses as Ghost has returned home from his stay in Lexington and a new horse, Rock, came along for some adventures as a eventing hopeful!<span> </span>Rock is a big and beautiful TB and eventing will be his third career after some time as a racehorse, then steeplechaser.<span> </span>Big thanks are in order to some great people- Alex Gerding, Ann Banks, Sally Abell, Drew, Mom and Dad, and the great team of riders and horses at Lands End who make my job so amazing.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Photo credit: XPRESS FOTO</span>PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-86981628557095303642012-06-04T06:03:00.000-07:002012-06-04T06:03:40.290-07:00Jacqueline Larouche: PRO JYR Scholarship Award Winner's Week With Jan Byyny<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times;">Saturday, May 19, 2012</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This morning, Allen, my horse, and I arrived at Surefire at ten. I unloaded a few things, including saddles, a bridle and feed for Allen, and Allen himself, and started working right after. Kendyl, Jan's working student who's from my USEA Area and was on the NAJYRC team for my area last year, helped show me how Jan likes things done. It's all considerably different than where I worked last summer. Basically all of the tack is shared, they just change the bits and use clean pads and boots. Generally, most things are communal, which seems to be necessary considering the number of horses that need to be ridden in fairly limited time periods. Here, if the horse gets sweaty from being ridden, Adolfo, who is from Guatemala and works for Jan, gives them a bath as opposed to just rinsing them off. It makes all the horses really soft. The first thing Jan asked me to do was to drive her car to Middleburg for some veggie oil, dish detergent and needles, with a hundred dollar bill and her credit card. Talk about trusting someone that you met 5 minutes ago…I then tacked up a few horses before my jump lesson. I've had one lesson with Jan Byyny before, in CO for a Young Riders camp last May, and I don't remember much except for being extremely confused and overwhelmed, mostly because of moving back from North Carolina to Colorado and training with so many different people in a short period of time. But this lesson was very clear and successful. Mostly, we worked on establishing and maintaining a good canter around the course. We started with two skinny walls 6 strides apart, cantering them in first six, then five, then seven strides to work on adjustability without losing impulsion or balance. It was really hard for me to stay relaxed in my arms when we did the 7, and I just tense up and hold. The five was easier, but we got flat, so I needed to remember to really make it come from my legs. We then moved on to two slightly larger brick walls, which we cantered first in one stride, then as a bounce. Again, the bounce was fairly easy, but I really had to concentrate on not taking and holding and becoming tense when I wanted the one. I also had to think about not adding a stride that wasn't there if it came up long, but rather just staying soft and using the fact that the horse lands closer to the fence on the other side when they jump long to my advantage. Still, it was all about balance, and you had to maintain enough impulsion and softness in order to be successful. We did a few courses, next, both starting and ending with that same combination in one stride. The first course wasn't that successful because I tried to maintain the canter that I had for the boxes over the duration of the course, but it wasn't enough. We did it again though, and I added a little more pace, but kept the same balance, and the course improved a lot. It was really helpful and interesting to have the super short one at the beginning and end of the course because it got me in a good balance to start, and forced me to regain that balance, if I Lost it at all, at the end. We finished up on a larger course where I practiced establishing and maintaining the appropriate canter. It was a fabulous lesson and I feel more confident going into the cci* than I have in a while. Even just working on that helped so much. I'm excited for the rest of the week.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times;">Sunday, May 20, 2012<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="" name="1959882765413891618"></a><span style="font-family: Times;">I had to be at the barn at 5:45 this morning for feeding. It was hard getting out of bed that early. Jan and Kendyl had a dressage show that they had to leave early for, so we had to feed before that. Tomorrow Jan is taking JR (Inmidair) and Wyatt (Why Not) over to Phillip Dutton's farm to school cross country, so I have to be up even earlier. When they left Adolfo and I had chores, such as walk hacking horses and taking down and then resetting a new show jump course, then I did tons of laundry, and dead-headed flowers, which Jan has a lot of. This took us to about noon, when Kendyl and Jan returned, and I cleaned the trailer and bathed the horses. Later in the afternoon I had a flat lesson. It wasn't as productive as the jump lesson, but Allen was being unusually heavy on the forehand. Jan had undo some short mediums in the trot, to tight circles in order to force him to rebalance himself without laying on my hand. We also did lots of shortening and lengthening of the canter stride on a twenty meter circle to get his hind legs more underneath him and quick. I did some halts and leg yields, and we finished up by running through the one star A test that I ride this weekend. It was ok, and definitely an improvement from where we started today, but we certainly have a better test in us.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times;">Monday, May 21, 2012<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="" name="5785460446255829326"></a><span style="font-family: Times;">Well, it was yet another LONG day today as I had to be at the barn and ready to work at 5:30 this morning. Jan went with Wyatt and JR (Why Not and Inmidair) to school cross country at Phillip Dutton’s, and had to be pulling out with the horses loaded at 6:15. They got back around 3:15 this afternoon, and in the meantime I walk hacked a few more horses and did much of the same chores as yesterday...only in the rain. I guess it started raining at some time last night, and hasn't totally quit since. It varies between pouring and sprinkling, but it hasn't been dry for even a few minutes today, and this is supposed to continue the rest of the week. Muddy! Even walking the short distance from the barn to paddocks to bring horses in got me soaking wet. I think the horses and I all resembled drowned rats at multiple points of the day. Allen must have had fun in the rain at night because he was filthy when I brought him in this morning, so he got his first of three soapy baths of the day. At home I would never bathe more than once in a week, and usually just once every month before a show, but here the horses get at least one bath every day, with soap and everything. Jan likes to make sure the sweat gets washed off really well, and if they come in form pasture dirty they get a bath also. When Jan got back I studded Allen and we had a second amazing jump lesson. The arena had about three inches of water in it at some places, and at others only 1/2 of an inch, but that just made for really sandy boots, girth, my legs and horse. We worked again on the quality and impulsion of the canter around relatively short courses, set at height. Jan likes setting both short and long distances rather than those adjusted correctly to the horses stride length, so that was very good for balance and control. Again, she had me keep in mind using a shorter rein, starting the course with ten percent more canter than I think then settling a bit, and looking at the front rail of the fences for my distances. It was really hard to keep my canter the same when I saw something really long or short rather than moving up to it, but it makes him too flat and can get us into trouble because then we lose the quality of the canter. We finished up over a course of 5 cross country obstacles in a section of the Surefire cross country course, which is great to get back into the hang of jumping out of stride and carrying a fast pace. It was very valuable prep for my CCI* this weekend! Shortly after my lesson Dr. Johns came out to watch a few of Jan's horses jog before this weekend, and she took a look at Allen as well to make sure we are sound enough for this weekend and there isn't a huge soundness issue that well have to combat before NAJYRCs this summer. He jogged well, and even flexed well up front, which is impressive considering he was positive flexing during our pre-vet almost two years ago. As expected, his back was pretty sore, so we did a shockwave treatment, and hopefully that will allow him to use his back better on the flat and be more comfortable in general. I didn't finish turning out horses until eight tonight, so it was a LONG day. Thankfully I get to sleep in until 6:15 tomorrow morning!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sunday, May 27, 2012</span></h2>
<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">It
has been soooooo busy the last few days that I haven't had any time to write
about them. On Thursday we left for the horse show, then between riding and
grooming, and packing and unpacking, I was working six to midnight and too exhausted
at that point to do anything other than shower and sleep. Jan didn't drive with
us on because she had a few more lessons, so Meghan drove both JR and Wyatt
down, and I took Allen. We left at around eleven, after doing morning chores
and hacking a few horses for Jan at Surefire. Thanks to a well taken care of
truck, I made the journey to Lexington without hitch, though the trailer Meghan
was using broke down about an hour into it. They transferred the horses into
the trailer of someone else that works with Jan and was a few minutes behind
us, and after taking the truck to a ford dealer, finished the drive. In barn
inspections that afternoon went well, and I braided in preparation for 7:30
jogs Friday morning. 15 put of 19 horses passed the initial formal inspection,
thankfully including Allen without being held. Dressage was ok, as he was very
stiff to the left, and over bent to the right. It got a little better after Jan
telling me to think about not having any bend, because while he still had it,
it was less severe. I also had to remember to keep my reins short. Though it
was not our best test by far, we got a 51.2, which landed us in fourth out of
fifteen. Our comments were mostly stiff to the left, which I definitely felt.
On the other hand, we had great halts, and even scored some eights. Before
Dressage, Jan walked the cross country course with me and two other CCI*
students. Similar to my trainer in Colorado, she walked very direct lines
between fences that were really spread out, so sometimes you were only straight
for a stride or two before the fence. This cut off about two hundred meters
cumulatively, which is significant. I was definitely worried about the c
element of the coffin, which was a chevron with steps, and the first step was
the side of the wooden number. But Jan reminded us to keep out eye on the back
rail since the front didn't have any height, and that made it more visually
approachable. Other than that, most of the other fences were to be jumped out
of stride, and the combinations in a forward show jumping canter with quick
hind legs and his poll up. Allen and I ran clean clear, as did the two other
students. The drop complex, which was a log going downhill to a fairly large
drop with a log on top, again on a slight downhill was my favorite question.
Because of the terrain, the drops felt much bigger, but I really liked that.
And though I had to really ride the skinnies and corner, Allen was very honest
even when it wasn't perfect striding. Today we had second inspections, and they
held Allen out of concern that his back or hind end was sore, though. It's just
how he moves. So the vet checked him out and we passed upon representing. Since
Jan left Saturday, I walked the show jump course with one of her one star
students, Victoria Jessop, who obviously is experienced and has competed above
one star, and she was super helpful. The course was similar to the course for
the regular horse trials, and causing some major carnage. There were a number
of eliminations at prelim, and even more rails and refusals, and between both
one star divisions of around fifteen people, three more clean and clear rounds.
Considering Allen's usual nonchalance about knocking rails, I was expecting a
number of faults, however I really got to see all the work that we put in with
Jan pay off as we only had one rail. It was by far the most confident and
comfortable I have felt in the show jumping arena, and the one rail we did have
was going into the triple because I didn't have his pole up enough, so I can
fix that pretty easily next time. I am beyond amazed at how far Allen's and my
show jumping has come in just one week training with Jan. It's unbelievable.</span></h2>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Wednesday, May 23, 2012<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="" name="1635793256354982202"></a><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Today I had my final jump lesson before leaving for
Virginia tomorrow. Again, we improved soooooo much, just in the one lesson. A
lot of it was the same stuff that we've been working on--the quality of the
canter, balance, short reins, impulsion, not running at a long spot--but to put
those points in practice is harder than it seems, so it was great to have
another lesson to practice. We had a few bad jumps, mostly because I would see
a spot and slow him down, so we would lose the quality of the canter and he
couldn't really jump it, or I would run him at a long spot, but then he just
got flat, but by our course at the end we were much, much better. I need to
remember to balance as soon as I land from every jump, rather than continuing
for a few strides, because then it becomes really challenging. I also need to
remember that the quality of the canter is the most important thing, then the
distances, because he can jump it from anywhere as long as he has a good
canter, but if he doesn't have a good canter, then he can't jump it from
anywhere well. Unfortunately Jan said she won't be there on Sunday to school
me, but she'll either get Will Coleman or someone else to help. Work seemed
extra hard today, but I think I was just extra tired. We had to do stalls
because Adolfo had a day off, and I have a really hard time cleaning stalls,
but I just generally felt like I was treading through muddy water. And it was
another 13.5 hour day, which didn't help much. There weren't many extra chores,
though there wasn't really any time for them either. We loaded straw and hay,
and tack trucks onto the trailer, along with everything else Jan needs for this
weekend, because she'll be going to VAHT also. While we were doing that,
because it was later when we were working on it, the power cut off from some
thunderstorms or something, so we don't have any running water or lights. It's
amazing how much you can take power for granted and realize it when it's gone.
After a hard thirteen-hour day, with hay and dirt and sweat because it got
really hot, I can't take a shower. Yuck. Hopefully it'll come back in the
morning. I think that's about it. A number of us, well, Jan and her working
student/groom Meghan, Jess (who is short listed for the Olympics on the
Canadian team) and I, plan on leaving for the horse park at around
eleven-tomorrow morning. I'll work up until that point, and I bet they'll want
me to work some when we get there, though I also have my own horse to compete
and groom for a CCI, so I won't have too much extra time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>Jacqueline Larouche, is one of the winners of the PRO Junior Young Rider Training Level Scholarship Award in 2011. Jan Byyny hosted Jacqueline and her horse, Allen, at Surefire Farm for a week of training and exposure to the routine of a high performance training program. 2012 scholarship winners will be hosted by Marica Kulak and Will Faudree on the east coast and Shannon Lilley and Tamra Smith on the west coast.</i></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-1348028548032226312012-05-22T06:39:00.000-07:002012-05-22T06:39:02.344-07:00Kia Ora from the Ultimate Frequent Flier Joe Meyer<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Hi All,</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#eventingsunnyfl....not!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I'm on the plane again. We are two hours late departing, but I have managed to snag four seats and due to the delay the drinks are free!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I'm returning from a fantastic week in sunny Barcelona with my girls Lexi and Vivi. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Lexi was out of school so we managed beach, Zoo, dolphin show and plenty of park time. Was just fantastic! The other week was spent in cold, grey, raining and miserable England. It has been the wettest April on record for 100 years and May does not look much better. Not only Badminton was cancelled but many other events as the ground is just sodden. As I left Aston le Walls was canceling days and there is a question mark over Chatsworth CIC which consequently was cancelled as well. After a week teaching it is with huge relief I head back to #eventingsunnyfl I feel sorry for organizers, riders, owners and sponsors but you can't change the weather but I can change the country!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking with Claire Lomas</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Since my last blog we have been to the Ocala Horse park. Classic imp placed 8th in the CCI 1star and Lough Rynn was 4th prelim and little barefoot supermare Violet Rain won the prelim. She was the only horse to finish on her dressage score. What a fabulous mare and thanks to her new owner Sarah for giving me the ride. She is now off to her new home in Ohio and I may be able to sneak her back for the AECs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Karen Bells Boots and Archie (by Arch), he really needs a name, were great in the 4 year old class although Archie (and I'm really going to name him soon) was a touch on the green side.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Topliner, our jumper, placed 5th in the welcome at RMI at the hits show ground. We left out the Grand Prix on Sunday as it was pissing down and the footing as slippery as a greased pig. Nora Macdonald Yaney has been a fantastic owner giving me the ride on Toppy. To repay her my Blue Heeler Minnie trotted over to her place and ate two of the new born ducklings. Looks like a trip to Sparr building supply for some new ones when I get home! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">While in England I was lucky enough to get up to London to walk with Claire Lomas. Claire an eventer had a riding accident 5 years ago and was paralyzed from the chest down. With the aid of a revolutionary robotic suit she has just completed the London marathon. It has taken her 16 days averaging 2 Miles per day. She is truly remarkable. Through the rain, weather, people and media pressure she just kept going and smiling. Her walk #claireswalk has raised over £150,000 for spinal research and still counting. If you would like to donate to her very worthwhile cause go to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.get-Claire-walking.co.uk/">www.get-Claire-walking.co.uk</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I have read a few blogs and one of my favorites lately is from Brian Murphy at Rolex. Not just because I ride Lough Rynn for him and Sara Kozumplik but for the pure satisfaction of his insight, hilarity and a touch of naivety ( he won't mind me saying). its so refreshing to to have an almost outside perspective on top level eventing. We have a very tough sport. There are massive highs and lows from whatever level you are looking from. I always feel desperately sorry for horses and people with injuries. With all the best training and preparations and things still can go horribly wrong leaving yourself thinking that your hard work is all for nothing. Will you be competitive in the same position next year? The year after? Or at all?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Rolex winner Mr Fox Pitt gave us another lesson on why he is world number one on a horse that actually looked still slightly green in places, if that is possible for a horse that has won two 4 stars!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Other combinations have really stepped up to the plate and thrown the cat amongst the pigeons for team selections. It should be an interesting few weeks coming for selectors of teams worldwide. I am feeling a bit sorry for myself in not having a sound team contender for NZ this year but will be looking forward to cheering my teammates and fellow riders from other countries from the telly by my pool. Just wanted to throw in however, with all the NZ team contenders still struggling for qualifications at last minute that Snip is still fully qualified and still full of run and jump!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I'll leave this long overdue blog on that note. Next months report from Chatt Hills.....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Haere Ra</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Joe</span>PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-56812124922892904632012-05-15T07:25:00.000-07:002012-05-15T07:25:43.311-07:00You Can't Steal Second and Keep Your Foot On First by Lauren Lambert<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barn at Greenhill Farm</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Like a plot to any great story, there's an exciting stage of rising action that leads to a climatic event. But after the climax, things begin to get back to normal and life goes on. Florida was an epic adventure, and the climax was followed by a huge falling action. In fact, it felt like running full speed into a brick wall upon returning home. I wasn't sure what my plan was, or really even my purpose- the dream situation didn't pan out, and plan B hadn't been thought through. It drove me to actually take a few days off, a type of mental health leave. A day or two after being home, I called up Mom and expressed my feelings- and just like any good Mom, she knew what I was going on when I couldn't begin to explain. "Post-travel Depression" she explained in only a way Martha could, yet she was uncharacteristically sympathetic, and brought a smile to my face. "Just wait until you complete your first 4*, or worse, have a baby!". It was a relieving conversation, and I got a grasp on myself and began to make something happen. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Slowly, it seems, over the past month things have started to fall into place- I have rented my own barn just next door to my mother's operation in Goshen, Kentucky to provide some space for growth of a seedling business, L.M. Lambert Equestrian, LLC. Welcome to sleepless nights filled with conflicts of the mind firing ideas, concerns, questioning every little thing, and did I mention financial worries? But as Frederick B. Wilcox said, "Progress always involves risks. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">So I've taken a whopping $1,500 (from a timely insurance claim check) and thrown it whole-heartedly into my own business. I believe I can make it, and the good news, there are some really special people around me who want to see me succeed. Without the guidance and support of a very close group of people like my mother and father, Sally Abell, Ann Banks, Alex Gerding and the best boyfriend, Drew, all of this would not be possible. And to a great group of sponsors Hallway Feeds, Equithrive, D.A. Stubbs Woodcrafting- I am very thankful for your support.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">While the business side of things are rolling, there is something very interesting that is going on on the riding side; After working for show jumper Derek Braun for a year and spending some quality time in David O'Connor's arena this winter, a rider has been brought out in me that actually surprises me at times! It's great to feel confident on any shape, size and sensitivity level, and to get on and jump anything and feel confident, ride accurately, and be sure about my riding is a very amazing feeling. I'm certainly not perfect by any means! But it feels so good to be on the right track. Years of learning and dedication... and many years of learning and experience yet to come. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">We will begin the summer show season in Kentucky with Maze Daze at the Kentucky Horse Park the end of this month. It has been a month since our last competition (which was necessary to allow some regrouping time!) but I am chomping at the bit, and looking forward to taking Sally Abell's Honour Mission up to Preliminary. This horse has been a tough egg to crack, but things really clicked by our last outing at Chatt Hills and a bond has formed. Lil' Birnie will be prepping for his novice debut, and I am excited to be helping a friend, Callie Linden, keep her horse, Hickory Smoke, going while she finishes up med. school at the University of Louisville. My favorite little Opera Ghost sustained an injury in Florida. He is recovering nicely and I cannot wait to have his mischievous little butt back in my barn! The action is beginning to rise here as the summer creeps in... Here's to a great last chapter, and high hopes that the next one's even better!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-62965495558237596992012-04-12T05:47:00.001-07:002012-04-12T05:47:31.140-07:00My Old Kentucky Home by Lauren Lambert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Back to the Bluegrass and home again. I broke up the trip home from Florida with a stop at Chattahoochee Hills. With all the buzz happening at The Fork, it did feel mildly disappointing not being in North Carolina... Until I pulled into that heavenly property in Georgia. It turned out to be a great weekend, but a big whoulda coulda shoulda. Fine With Me ran his third preliminary and won the dressage, then went out on XC feeling great. I crossed the finish line with a big smile until it was announced I sadly left out jump # 13, a jump on top of the hill before the water. This horse has been amazing all winter, with a 1st, 2nd and now a TE at his first three attempts at prelim. I brought him out Sunday and he jumped around the show jumping like a dream. Marc Donovan set up a really fun track which started with a triple bar to get the horses going and a course that encouraged forward riding. It was definitely the funnest track I have ridden in a while, and I think the horses enjoyed it too. It has been an honor and joy competing 'Frank' this winter, but his owner and my Aunt Margie will be taking back the reins now with goals to begin competing him in her first season at the preliminary level. </span><br />
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Honour Mission also went to Chatt Hills, competing at training level. This was his best outing to date, and less a rail at the very last jump, he would have returned home with a win... And that's how this sport always leaves us wanting more! Honour's future isn't clear yet, as his owner has yet to decide if she wants to continue riding or let me continue campaigning him. Either way, this winter is now history, and I feel great about the job I have done with all the horses. I put my heart into each one of them, and I must give praise to the great feeding program Hallway Feeds has provided the horses. </div>
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<br />Now that I am home, I will admit I am feeling very unsure about how the rest of the year will go (I need to remind myself as I write this I have not even been home for 24 hours!). Loosing the ride on Frank is tough. I am in turmoil considering relieving Baba Creek from his duties at upper level eventing. This horse has been an amazing XC horse and has given me so much confidence in that phase, but I don't know if I can continue to ask so much of him. After riding these other horses this winter that have so much jump, I am in complete awe of what Miles has done for me considering the lack of scope he has. Thoroughbreds have so much heart. </div>
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At this point, I am looking for somewhere to rent so I can accommodate more horses because my mother simply doesn't have any free stalls. With a very promising farm falling through, I feel very down, but the universe works in strange ways and I have faith everything will work itself out. I hope to find a place where I can establish myself and begin to set a foundation from which I can build a business and take in some sale horses and horses in training for clients. In the mean time, I feel lucky to be back in Kentucky where some of the greatest horse sporting events in the world are hosted each and every spring! Hope everyone can make it to Kentucky to get the full experience!<br /><br /><br />Photo cred- xpress foto<br />Margie Darling's Fine With Me @ Rocking Horse</div>
</div>PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-48594213839101136052012-04-09T13:04:00.001-07:002012-04-09T13:04:16.253-07:00Dutton Makes It A Double With Two CIC3* Wins In A MonthPhillip Dutton and Mystery Whisper continued their magical spring run by winning the PRO Tour Series CIC3* at The Fork with a clear show jumping round that left little doubt that this horse should make the U.S. selectors very excited about the summer ahead. Arden Wildasin's lovely dark bay gelding has the movement, scope and jump to make him very competitive in London. Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master capped off a fantastic weekend with a clear jumping round, which saw them move into second place when Marilyn Little-Meredith and RF Demeter dropped a rail to finish third.<br />
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Allison Springer and Arthur put in a very solid show jumping round to take the Adequan Gold Cup Series title in the Advanced-B Division, which should make them very pleased as they head to Kentucky in just a few weeks time. Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville continued their fine form to finish second. Michael Pollard also continued his winning ways, this time with Schoensgreen Hanni in the Advanced-A Division and Danille Dichting and Tops showed fine form to move up into second place.<br />
Karen O'Connor never left any doubt that Mandiba and RF Amber Eyes deserved their first and second overnight placings and the leader board remained unchanged with Marilyn Little-Meredith also jumping a clear round on RF Smoke On The Water.<br />
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As is often the case at The Fork Horse Trials, Captain Mark Phillip's course proved to be a real test of preparation and fitness for rider's aiming horses at Rolex and Jersey Fresh. The PRO Tour Series CIC3* saw a fair number of changes in the standings after cross country as three areas proved very influential. The main water complex saw many horses jumping boldly into the water making it difficult for some to make the related distance to the corner. Riders opted to take the long route at the corner when left with little time to reorganize and make the distance. Trouble also awaited at the sunken road, especially for horses that jumped in bold, and more than a few pairs had glance-offs at the double corners alongside the water complex on the way home.<br />
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After the leaderboard shake up, Phillip Dutton and Mystery Whisper continued their phenomenal showing this spring and maintained their lead going into Sunday's show jumping. Marilyn Little-Meredith and RF Demeter showed their determination to get things just right and moved into second place, followed by Rebecca Howard and Riddle Master who continued to show their strength with a lovely, fast round. As the rider with one of only five double clear rounds in the CIC3*, Rebecca took home the SSG "Go Low With The Dough" contingency bonus award money of $500 today. No Winner of the award in the CIC2* allows for a roll over in tomorrow's show jumping valued at $2,000 for the lucky young rider, or adult amateur wearing SSG Digital or Eventer gloves.<br />
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In Saturday's Adequan USEA Gold Cup Advanced-B Division, Allison Springer gave Arthur a fast and positive ride to maintain the lead over Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville who simply ate up the course. Becky Holder and Courageous Comet lie in third, and Becky looks to be riding at the top of her game with Comet who is always a crowd favorite. In the Advanced-A Division Michael Pollard and his beautiful mare, Schoengreen Hanni showed their grace and class as they navigated the course with ease. Kate Sameuls and Nyls Du Terroir and Danielle Dichting and Tops lie second and third respectively in that division. The CIC2* was the first division to go in the early morning sunshine and Karen O'Connor didn't let go of her first and second placings with Mandiba and RF Amber Eyes. Marilyn Little-Meredith and RF Smoke On The Water also maintained third place going into the final phase.PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-45568679609036898732012-04-06T16:01:00.000-07:002012-04-06T16:01:02.874-07:00Dutton and Faudree Tied For Lead In PRO Tour Series CIC3* At The ForkWill Faudree and Phillip Dutton laid down the gauntlett and tied for the lead with Pawlow and Mystery Whisper on a 39.6 in the PRO Tour Series CIC3* at The Fork Horse Trials wrapping up two days of dressage. Michael Pollard and Jude's Law, overnight leaders, drop to third in the division before what is expected to be a stiff cross country test for all pairs Saturday.<br />
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U.S. Team selectors are out in full force this week and The Fork Horse Trials is providing much to see with the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Competition in the Advanced-B Division, led by Allison Springer and Arthur. In the Advanced-A Division which was scheduled today, Will Coleman is in the lead on a 25.9 with Ideal Contini followed Michael Pollard on Nathalie Pollard's grey mare Schoensgreen Hanni and Jon Holling and Downtown Harrison in third.<br />
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U. S. Captain Mark Phillips and Canadian Team Captain David O'Connor both have hands full with all riders on deck and cross country course walks scheduled this afternoon. Spectators have weathered the inconsistent climate changes today, but have been very enthusiastic about the fantastic pairs of horses and riders competing and at least the birds have given up dive bombing the dressage arenas in the cool and windy conditions. Perfect conditions are forecast for tomorrow's cross country with cool weather and sun.<br />
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Phillip Dutton is sure to have a smile on his face this afternoon as he has won $2,000 in SSG "Go Low For The Dough" Contingency Bonus Award Money in the PRO Tour CIC3* Division, wearing his much used pair of white SSG Digital gloves. The bonus is sure to be a help in a year when funds needs to be raised for Olympic hopes and international competition. Unfortunately for Will Faudree, who is tied for the lead, he was not wearing the designated gloves.PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-71371316500212458122012-04-05T19:04:00.001-07:002012-04-05T19:04:19.018-07:00PRO Tour Series: The Fork CIC3* Day OneThe PRO Tour Series CIC3* at The Fork Horse Trials got underway today with half the field having ridden, Michael Pollard and Jude's Law Lead the CIC3* on a 41.3 followed by Karen O'Connor and Veronica in second and Marilyn Little-Meredith in third. The theme of the day has been nothing less then perfection. Riders were shockingly disapointed with scores in the low 20's.This mindset proves the American obession with excellence. With the Olympic Games on the forefront of not only the riders' minds but the selectors, sponsors and educated onlookers, the horses might be picking up on the heightened excitement. This underlying pressure could be the reason for the normally cool cats literally rising to the occasion.Today's competiton easily opens the door for Friday's competitors to fight for the title of PRO Tour Series CIC3* champion and Advanced-A Division leader. This enthusiasm should provide for an exciting cross country day and will keep USA honest in the team they send to LONDON.<div>
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The USEA Adequan Gold Cup Series is running with the Advanced-B Division and Allison Springer and Arthur not suprisingly sit in the top spot with a 22.7 followed by Becky Holder and Courageous Comet with Sinead Halpin and Manoir De Carneville lying in third. The "Shooting With The Stars" Team Clay Competition, with twenty three teams this year, provides a unique blend of sporting prowess and excitement with rider scores from both advanced divisons throughout the weekend being added to the overall clay shooting scores for a sidebar competition that adds additional prize money to the competition and integrates both outdoor sports enthusiasts.</div>
</div>PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-38123633532334247602012-04-03T16:12:00.000-07:002012-04-03T16:12:02.293-07:00Kia Ora From The Globe Trotting Kiwi Joe Meyer<br />
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<br />I'm in the airport again. Close my eyes and sounds like I'm in Barcelona. Open my eyes and I'm actually in Miami. I'm on my way to a clinic in Pennsylvania. I have a two hour layover here in Miami. Airport food normally makes me puke but I have found a nice little place for breakfast and my spanglish is coming in handy s<span>kinny guy ( me ) manages to snag three seats on the plan next to three fat ladies all in together looking envious. Have done my best spreading out act, well practiced on Transatlantic flights to stop anybody moving in. Starting to like this airline.....</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Red hills was quite the occasion. A great event and fantastic hospitality. One little whinge on the first day was the dusty arenas. The bloke on the drag was wearing a mask. Good thinking! I choked my way through the first day. The rest of the event they were really good. I can't quite understand the pro rata pay parking system. $200 for premium with no water or hook up seems foreign to me. Perhaps Red Hills could do something about this for next year. </span><br /><span>Slagging off aside. Red Hills was a fabulous event. The going as first class and we even ran Violet Rain around barefoot! </span></div>
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<br /><span>Classic Imp placed second. He is ever consistent with a prize every time out and why nobody has bought this horse yet is beyond me. Violet Rain had her first preliminary for third prize barefoot and all. She has now been sold. Sarah Masachie snapped her up. I still get to compete her from time to time which will be fun. As they say you can't beat a good mare and she definitely is one of those, even going on to win her first class at a hunter show two weeks later with her new owner. Lough Rynn also had his first prelim and Alexander his second. They were both very good but just out of the money. Many thanks to the sponsors and organizers. We look forward to Red Hills next year with some upper level horses and sporting our fancy new Maui Jim sunglasses.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>My Clinic at Groveland Farm the following weekend went well. Only one person cried (not my fault) and no air jackets blew up. Strange how this can be the measure of a good clinic! I have now some great new friends and students. I have another XC and SJ clinic there on Memorial Day weekend. Check my website for info. Many thanks to Jill Lukens and her family </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>My foray into American Grand Prix jumping has had some mild success. Although I'm still pretty wet behind the ears when it comes to the rules here. Not knowing I had to stay in the ring to jump off was a new experience at GP level. We must have looked a bit Mickey Mouse learning the course at the ingate! Anyway Nora Macdonald Yaney's Topliner jumped an awesome double clear for firth place in our first effort at HITS. We will now move up to the $25.000 level around here and maybe take him with us if we travel north for events this summer. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I was disappointed to hear and read the criticism of the Karen O'Connor top hat drama at Red Hills. I strongly advise wearing a protective helmet at any level of riding. Until the FEI rules change it is still up to the competitors own choice as to whether they wear a top hat or helmet. Some may call the critical comments a pro active way to get helmets on heads, and others would call it peer pressure and bullying. It's still a choice and freedom of choice is a quality that I very much admire about the U.S. Let's not let the U.S. turn into a nanny state like many other countries have become. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>This months sponsor plug goes to ECP and MacWet gloves </span><span>Equine Comfort Product ECP. Do a massive range of Saddle and half pads in merino wool. They have just released a synthetic cross country pad called the 'air ride pad' It's similar to the competition E.. G... ( any guesses?) I tried one last weekend and it as great. Give it a go you will be converted. </span><span>MacWet are my long time glove sponsors. I used to just strap them on for XC but now I use them everyday. They are just brilliant for the hot and humid conditions here in Florida and the U.S. and they truly are non slip. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Rocking Horse came and went last weekend with another prize for Classic Imp. He will now take his chances against the dressage queens in the CCI1 star at Ocala. Lough Rynn got a gold star for his XC effort and seems to be quite a natural and also came home with a rosette. Tulip who is the niece of Snip is still wild and unruly and if she takes as long as Snip to develop I can expect a good dressage test in about three years! </span><span>It was a little more quiet this weekend without Texans there. They have gone back to their own country, Texas, to be world famous in... Texas. I do really like it when everyone is down in FL so see you again next year. </span></div>
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For all you people who think that us professionals don't fall off much well you are very wrong. Bruce Davidson and Kyle and Jen Carter kindly let us use their XC facilities. A galloping horse and me walking sheepishly behind has become a more regular site. I hope everyone got a few laughs and only my pride was hurt.<br /><span></span><br /><span>It's warm down here in FL now but life goes on and we are off to show horses in an hour. I think I will have a quick swim first though. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Until next time. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Hare Ra </span><br /><span></span><br />Joe's website is <a href="http://www.joemeyereventing.com/">www.joemeyereventing.com</a></div>
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You can also follow him on Face book and Twitter<br /><span></span><br /><span>Joe Meyer</span><br /><span><a href="http://www.joemeyereventing.com/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors="true">www.joemeyereventing.com</a> </span><br /><span></span><br /><span><a href="tel:+44%20(0)7768477974" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" x-apple-data-detectors="true">+44 (0)7768477974</a> UK</span><br /><span></span><br /><a href="tel:+1%20(352)%206155907" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4" x-apple-data-detectors="true">+1 (352) </a>6155907 USA </div>PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-48799003800851611852012-03-27T12:02:00.001-07:002012-03-27T12:02:53.604-07:00Miles, and Miles Before We Sleep & Olympic Tidbits by Kadi Eykamp<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I’m writing this from the quiet of my apartment in uptown
Dallas,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>now back from Ocala and
back to the long roads that eventing in Texas is all about. I’m barely over the
long drive out of Red Hills and next week head back up to a fabulous event, The Fork. What made the drive
from Red Hills more strenuous was flooding rains that also caused an accident
that held us for an hour in stopped traffic then having a major highway cut
making us go via Houston. That really hurt, days of little sleep and having to
drive further really sucked. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dillon on the treadmill</td></tr>
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This last weekend was spent at a dressage show coaching my
dressage students that couldn’t make the Ocala pilgrimage. I worried they felt
a bit stranded without tuition while I had been eventing in Ocala. So I left
Dillon under the care of my husband Mark who happily took Dillon to the
underwater treadmill facility, Selway, and he also did a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trot set the following day! The dressage
show was at the venue where the AEC’s will be next year- the Texas Rose Horse
Park. It’s a wonderful facility that is used to host eventing, dressage, jumper
shows and Western.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a moment
to chat to the owner Kim, who is quietly excited with this fantastic
opportunity on behalf of Texas to host this massive event. The venue is a super
choice with terrain and footing that are simply fabulous even before any work
goes in. Kim is a wonderfully modest lady who I can tell is going to work her
resources to make this already great facility perfect for everyone.</div>
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With a month till Rolex Dillon had a couple of days off
after Red Hills. I was happy with is jumping, having no faults and reading all
the jumps well. I was able to train x/c with the master, Bruce Davidson a
couple of times in Ocala and took a course drive, (not walk!) around the Red
Hills course under his direction. My biggest moment with his help was the talk
he had with me after, when he came back to the stalls and found me to say how
he drove around after me while I was on course and was pleased with everything!
What a great confidence boost!</div>
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All my horses back at <a href="http://www.kadieykamp.com/">Normandy Farms</a> that I have to event
this year and are a bit fresher than fit but are getting back into routine,
they are aiming to start in May at Feather Creek. Otherwise my time has also
been spent in finalizing the requirements for the Australian Olympic lists. We are
required to get both Medical and Physical Therapy screenings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fitting in the PT this last week was a
fun experience. Jeff Rau, the PT was such a nice person and really interested
in helping complete my forms in time for the April deadline. I found I wasn’t
as supple as I was leading up to Athens but apparently I’m still fully capable
of my job! So now I know! At the doctor screening I had an ECG that showed I
have an abnormal heart. The doctor re assured that my heart beat is slower than
average<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>due to being fit, and this
caused the machine to flag me as out of the normal range!!! Nice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Jo Bailey did my screening, the owner of Normandy Farms,
where I have my horses and I owe her a big Thank You.</div>
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Have a great month with your horses!</div>
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Kadi</div>
<!--EndFragment-->PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-81010849926324649792012-03-25T14:37:00.002-07:002012-03-25T14:37:54.882-07:00PRO TOUR SERIES - FINAL DAY AT SOUTHERN PINES<br />
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Not withstanding the toll of the advanced cross country on Saturday, both Michael Pollard and Clark Montgomery managed to lead from start to finish winning the Advanced divisions at Southern Pines II Horse Trials.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Pollard & Jude's Law</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark Montgomery & Loughan Glen<br /></td></tr>
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With weather looming both riders had clear show jumping rounds in their respective divisions over a tight show jumping course built by Marc Donovon. Both Jude's Law and Loughan Glen looked full of class and well recovered after Saturday's beefy cross country test. Clark and Michael are both looking forward to their spring plans with Jude's Law slated to prep at The Fork and possibly Jersey Fresh and Loughan Glen aimed at The Fork and the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event. Becky Holder and Can't Fire Me and Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken finished 2nd and third respectively after Michael in the Advanced-A division. Will Faudree and Pawlow placed second behind Clark in the Advanced-B division followed once again by Becky Holder this time with Courageous Comet.PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-16949033710926863192012-03-25T03:49:00.000-07:002012-03-25T03:49:53.403-07:002012 PRO Tour Series - Southern Pines Day 2Tremaine Cooper's cross country courses definitely took a bite out of competitiors in the early going of the Intermediate and Advanced divisions at Southern Pines with both water complexes proving tricky. After a slew of falls at the Duck Pond, fence 11, on the Intermediate course the fence was removed but not before both Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin got a chance for an early morning swim along with several other riders.<br />
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The third element, the bank to the skinny out of the large water complex on the advanced course for a time seemed confusing to horses who just seemed unable to read the question well. But riders soon figured out that a really forward aggressive ride was absolutely necessary to negotiate the questions involved. In Advanced-A Michael Pollard had a super ride all the way around on Jude's Law and remains as the overnight leader with Holly Payne and Madeline moving into second after the little mare took on the robust course and didn't let it bother her in the slightest. Sadly, she studded herself and will not be able to continue on for show jumping. Advanced-B leader Clark Montgomery continued a marvelous run with Loughan Glen that seemed almost effortless at times. This pair really is a combination for the future. Will Faudree has a rough morning on his early rides but gave Pawlow a very positive ride to negotiate all aspects of the course well and stands in second place going into the final phase.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arden and Il Vici</td></tr>
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Young Rider Arden Wildasin, won $1,000 in bonus contingency money the SSG " Go Low For The Dough" promotion on her horse IL Vici in the intemediate division wearing her SSG Eventer gloves. She was super excited to win and thought her horse was just amazing today. With no riders inside the time in the Advanced division the SSG bonus contigency money will rollover and increase to $1,500 for Sunday's final Advanced show jumoing round.<br />
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Southern Pines also welcomed a large crew of Operation Homefront families from nearby Fort Bragg. The added to the atmosphere, cheering on horse and riders cross country and later came to meet riders and horses in stabling. Thanks to Boyd Martin, Clark Montgomery and Sinead Halpin and super groom Lindsey Taylor for being part of the fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpXCROKioXuV_-ahfDyN-k5yWPpmRew9fUsSwFl_YiulXNG93LB6yMgf_ZX8pW_4LDUwAx_OkwAIKQ4uSjoSDqP2X9rlKGwO_JbxIW8sLKmoLmJs2jdKsg94Ki1ocPkptXhMw2zeuHbYk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpXCROKioXuV_-ahfDyN-k5yWPpmRew9fUsSwFl_YiulXNG93LB6yMgf_ZX8pW_4LDUwAx_OkwAIKQ4uSjoSDqP2X9rlKGwO_JbxIW8sLKmoLmJs2jdKsg94Ki1ocPkptXhMw2zeuHbYk/s200/photo.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey with Remmington and Friends!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s0wSO9et9Rorm0jrBZ3EDUQgnl143PM7LjitcACcg3R4tZ-SY6YvRrjb9u3hJCzLlpct-wbEAYc3SToL_Iecu5VNxk_NmzCuC8s2FzcqOv1Gm_N-As1I62JcTlfDJ-Ctlx00auFIcSWF/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s0wSO9et9Rorm0jrBZ3EDUQgnl143PM7LjitcACcg3R4tZ-SY6YvRrjb9u3hJCzLlpct-wbEAYc3SToL_Iecu5VNxk_NmzCuC8s2FzcqOv1Gm_N-As1I62JcTlfDJ-Ctlx00auFIcSWF/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riders with some of the Fort Bragg Crowd<br /></td></tr>
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Sunday's schedule includes the Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced show jumping rounds with the additional entertainment of a parade of local hounds and the PRO Race & Ride Relay featuring riders racing on stick horses and relaying off to juniors who will jump a course. The teams were autioned off last night at the Britches & Bling Party and $2,000 was raised in support of Operation Homefront North Carolina!PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-55324561105683436542012-03-23T18:51:00.000-07:002012-03-23T18:52:18.832-07:002012 PRO Tour: Southern Pines II - Day OneSouthern Pines II kicks off the 2012 PRO Tour Series and both the weather and the dressage rides were hot today with many top pairs in both Advanced divisions of dressage. Michael Pollard and Jude's Law put in a beautiful test to take the early lead on a 25.30 in Advanced-A. He leads Boyd Martin and Otis Barbotiere by only a slim margin going into Saturday's cross country phase. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen showed their class, scoring a 24.70 in Advanced-B with Allison Springer and Arthur close behing on a score of 25.90.<br />
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Tremaine Cooper's Advanced cross country course looks big and bold and should prove influential to the standings. Announcer, Ed Holloway, interviews the leaders after day one of dressage with a preview of what is to come on cross country tomorrow.<br />
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<br />PROhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02746957483868445000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545020184394948509.post-21082629867250927702012-03-22T06:04:00.002-07:002012-03-22T06:04:42.821-07:00I Am A Travelin' Girl, Part II By Cat Hill<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Last time I checked in I was
heading down to the Pine Top Advanced. Now, here I am a month later getting
ready to head out to Southern Pines. Time sure does fly! I’ve certainly been
busy in the interim, logging a few thousand more miles on the old Subaru and
spending a few more hours singing to the hound dog. (Don’t judge, after 13 hours
in a car you might be a little nutty too!) </div>
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The Pine Top weekend was certainly
a full one. I ate at Tako Sushi with my favorite Alabamian who showed up on
that rainy Friday with much needed coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked on one of my favorite event horses out there, a
red-head named Houston who is simply the sweetest advanced Eventer I’ve ever
met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got him looking a little extra
special for his first trip down to Red Hills, and trust me, there is not
another horse on this planet that I would stand behind while he’s loose in his
paddock and pull tail hairs! It’s a little tricky trying to find the rhythm
when I only appear for the shows, but the Surefire team runs quite smoothly so
it’s really easy to walk in and get to work. It helps too that Jan has just
lovely horses. I like every one of my charges in that barn but I must confess
to having a little crush on that Syd Kent. Watching Bettina Hoy work with Jan
and Syd was probably the highlight of the weekend, I love watching master class
lessons. It lights a fire for my own riding and teaching and I tend to go home
pretty charged up! Friday at Pine Top had me wondering if Eby’s float and did
anyone have paddles? Saturday was bittersweet. Pirate was the Surefire teams’
first horse on course and Megan totally rocked it! Syd was next up and left the
box looking like a superstar but got held shortly thereafter. It is always
nerve wracking to have a hold with your horse and rider on course, we all want
to see those ears come between those flags sooner rather than later. My heart
went out to Megan Moore and her team for not getting that moment, and seeing
Wyatt, Syd and Pirate on the trailer looking forward to another day made me
want to give them as many cookies as they could eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
bid farewell to SC again and trekked homewards. The hound was totally exhausted
and snored the entire way to Virginia Beach where we spent some quality time
with old friends for the night and then home on Monday to get on my horse and
remind myself that I needed to hack him for a few days, not get on and try to
channel Bettina right away! I skipped Red Hills since Jan was not going, and my
other main client is recovering from surgery. Shannon Lilley and her
“Ballingowan Pizzaz” or Mango, is another of my teams and although sidelined
for a little while that woman is made entirely of iron held together by drive
and I’m certain we will be travelling together again soon! So I spent Red Hills
weekend prepping my young Event Team for their first outing of the season. Last
weekend we loaded up and took 6 teenage girls and went to a schooling combined
test. It’s quite an adjustment going from Kentucky prep to first ever combined
test. It really reminds you of the roots of the sport. At some point every one
of those Advanced riders rose their first dressage test in an open field. Our
kids really did a great job and I was proud to be there with each and every one
of them. A couple learned that staying in the dressage ring might be the
hardest part of a Beginner Novice test, and that on certain horses you can’t
take any jump for granted, but I think (hope?!) that every one of them left
with a desire to do it again. </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
next few weeks should be quite exciting, starting with Southern Pines, and then
packing up the “Galloping Vet” Dr. Keane to move North. The next weekend is the
first cross-country school with the Foxmoor Event Team and then heading
straight to The Fork. Until then!</div>
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<i>Cat Hill, is a free lance professional groom and rider. She most recently groomed for Shannon Lilley at the Pan Am Games.</i></div>
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