threedaysthreeways

The Switcharoo

2010-03-29T05:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Team Three Days Three Ways!

We've made the switch to our very on web domain. How exciting! Make sure to update your RSS feed and note that on the new site you can subsribe by email (how fancy!).

Please join us for the site-warming party at www.threedaysthreewaysblog.com. Can't wait to see you there!

Happy Weekend!

2010-03-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

photo by Robert Dutesco

Rain or shine I'm wishing you a happy weekend as well as fancy feet in the dressage ring, fleet feet on your cross-country course, and clean feet in show jumping.

Good luck and happy spectating at Galway Downs, Pine Top, Corona del Sol, and Morven Park.

I never tire of hearing from Zara Phillips or the anyone with the word "Princess" (like her mother) in their name.

I'm over the moon for Felix Doolittle stationary, return address labels, kitchen labels, and calling cards for the little ones. Oh but there's so much more. You must go see.

I'm a sucker for hoodies. One from Cafe Press (expressing your 3-Day Eventing loyalties) is good this time of year what with the cool mornings.

The Courtney King-Dye Ebay auction is full of great items including "Courage, Power, and Freedom" bracelets (easy on the pocket-book) and an Hermes scarf (easy on the eyes). There's nothing wrong with getting something fabulous and supporting someone at the same time!

I sort of fell in love with these diving horse photos on Eventing Nation and their grainy, hazy feel. It's like something from a dream. What was that movie called with the diving horse?

Robert Dutesco's exhibit of the Wild Horses of Sable Island is on view at 13 Crosby Street in SoHo. If you're close by and not heading to a competition that's what I'd do!

Yikes, don't forget to get your Rolex tickets! Time's a runnin' short and you don't want to miss this year since the World Equestrian Games dressage and show jumping test events will be taking place. An added bonus.

Happy Weekend!

Eventing Radio Show Episode 69: Eventing Safety with Jimmy Wofford

2010-03-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Wofford talks about safety on this week’s show and we also have a report from Jennie Brannigan on Southern Pines Horse Trials. Ashley Adams is the co-host. Listen in.

Eventing Radio Episode 69 - Eventing Safety with Jimmy Wofford:

Show Hosts: Chris Stafford & Ashley Adams

Guest: Jimmy Wofford

Guest: Jennie Brannigan

News: USEF NEW DRUGS AND MEDICATION RULE PROCEDURE

News: AIKEN OLYMPIC GALA RAISES $20,000

News: RULE CHANGE ON PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

News: MAUI JIM HORSE TRIALS CANCELLED

News: FEI ANNOUNCES EVENTING SAFETY TRAINING

News: BRIAN SABO NOMINATED TO BECOME NEXT USEA PRESIDENT

News: Report from Southern Pines

Please visit our sponsors as they make this show possible:

_________________________________________

Listen Now, Download or Subscribe:

Wednesday Giveaway!

2010-03-24T03:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the second giveaway for Three Days Three Ways. Today it's a generous 3-month supply of SUCCEED which comes in at a whopping $300. I'm pretty excited about this giveaway since it's something that 1) I use to keep weight on my hard-keepers and 2) have seen used to great success (no pun intended!).

True story: When I spent the winter in Ocala with Wendy Lewis she had a horse who had to stay on SUCCEED or he would colic immediately. We tried to wean him off it once and he got to colicing and we said, "He's got to stay on this stuff". So he stayed on SUCCEED and the colic stayed away.

To enter today's giveaway leave a comment below with the function of each of the SUCCEED ingredients:

1) Oat Oil (polar lipids)

2) Oat Flour (beta glucan)

3) Glutamine

Want a hint? The answers are on the SUCCEED website! Winner will be chosen from all the correct answers. Good luck and have fun!

Congratulations to Jessica and her Thoroughbred gelding on winning the SUCCEED giveaway!

Mara Dean Out on the Town and Pride in Nicki Henley

2010-03-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

Mara Dean's interview wraps up here with her pride in Nicki Henley and winning the first leg of the FEI World Cup Tour, going out on the town, and letting go to gain control. Enjoy it!

Q. Tell me about your horses.

A. [Nicki Henley] had an injury two years ago that happened at the Pan Ams. He was never even supposed to jump again. Not only did he come back to compete but to come back and win a three star is beyond amazing. Because he had two years off he’s not qualified for [Rolex] Kentucky. But that’s what I’m aim for. The selectors suggested that I apply for special permission. If we can go we will then see about Worlds. He’s got the most personality of any of the horse. He’s more like a dog than a horse and would much rather spend time with people than horses. He only likes certain people. He had two years off and a lot as rehab so I got to spend lot time with him icing and with therapies. He really thinks he’s a person or a dog. The girl that worked for me taught him how to shake and beg. He’ll eat anything. Any snack you have he wants. He likes Gatorade and will drink it out of a bottle. He’s not spoiled or anything! He’s funny and goofy and loveable on ground but can be tough to ride. He’s very spooky and strong. He has matured a lot and came back a better horse after two years off. He’s been a challenge for me. I’ve had him since he was five and it’s taken this long, he’s now fifteen, to figure out how to ride him. I think the biggest eye opener came early on. I broke my ankle riding and to keep his qualifications David O’Connor took him to Radnor and ended up winning. However David’s comment was, “Mara this is the strongest horse I have ever ridden. If you have any hope to ride him then you better start lifting weights.” But it’s different for men and women. I took that to mean I needed to control him but what I really needed was to let go in order to gain control. The more I let go the more he settled and became easier to ride. David helped me a ton and opened my eyes to it, but couldn’t ride him like he rode him. I didn’t have the strength.

photo courtesy of Josh Walker

My other horses is High Patriot and he’s owned by Patricia Overland and her son Patrick O’Brian. When Nicki broke down I was thinking my life was over and I’d never have advanced horses again. Once I got through my life is over I got to how do I ask for sponsorship and find another horse? I’d known them for a while and as I approached them they approached me. It almost came out of ours mouths at the same time.

A girl from California came to do Jersey Fresh on High Patriot as a developing rider and she needed a place to work off the expenses. We hit it off and when I went to the Pan Ams I needed someone to run the business. I told her, “If you ever decide to sell this horse please let me know first.” Within a few weeks she needed to sell him and I was able to get these people to buy him. It was a dream come true and I was very lucky. So he was a horse who had already done three stars where most of my horses I start from an early age. It was different having someone else’s horse and someone else’s tools. He looks like a Thoroughbred but he’s an Oldenburg. It’s a different mentality, not quite as sharp, everything is a little slower. He’s one of the scopiest jumpers I’ve ever had. I took him to Fair Hill and had a silly run out which was just me not knowing him and then I got injured so the partnership had time off. I took me a while to figure him out and finally last year I took him to Bromont and we were 4^th in the 3-star and started to click. Unfortunately as I was getting ready for Blenheim he got hurt at Richland. Now he’s coming back and hopefully on the verge of success. It’s just taking a while. I also have two prelim horses, Funmaker and Chequers Macon, that I just have to say are some of the nicest horses I’ve had. They’re from Susie Pragnell and have a little bit of Dutch in them. I’m excited about them for future.

Q. I know you ride Nicki Henley in a hackamore. What are your reasons behind that?
A. I do. When I pull he doesn’t listen anyway. It’s not something I train him in since they can get a little numb to it. I think he’s softer though body without the bit and his jump ends up being a bit more rounded. If he’s tight he can drag hind end and have a rail behind.

Q. Do you ever have days where you think maybe Eventing isn’t for me?
Oh yeah. Certainly. Certainly after a bad day or if I’ve had a bad fall. More when my horses get hurt or when there’s an injury I always go, “Is this the right thing? Is this what I really want to do?” It’s a tough sport with huge risk but the good times make up for the bad times without a doubt. I joke to my husband who has an office job, I’ll say I wish I had your job! But I don’t. I don’t want to sit in an office. I want to be outside with the animals. I get up every day and do what I love. There’s no other passion I’ve had in my life like the one I’ve had for the horses.

photo courtesy of Sarah K. Andrew

Q. What’s your life like off a horse?
A. Well my husband would say I’m not off a horse enough and when I am then he needs to get me out of the barn since I’m making sure everyone is taken care of. To be able to do much with me you have to take me on vacation! Luckily he works for an insurance company in Leesburg which takes him into the city a lot. So we go into the restaurants and museums.

Q. What do you want your fans to know about you?
A. Some people think because I’m a little quiet and shy that I’m not very friendly and that’s so not the case. I’m the most approachable person and happy to talk to anybody, answer questions, or help anyone. I love it when kids come up at an event and ask questions. It’s important to support this sport and if I can help a person or group or horse I would love to.

Q. Posting a win on the FEI World Cup Leaderboard after Nickey Henley coming back from an injury at the 2007 Pan Ams. What’s that feel like?
A. It’s still sinking in. I can’t believe it happened. It’s huge! With the amount of hard work and dedication and sweat and blood and tears getting a win like that: it’s all worth it and reminds you why we do this. I have such an emotional attachment to this horse [Nicki Henley] because of all the ground time rehabbing and bringing him back. I’m proud of what I’ve done with him.

Q. What would “making it” look like for you?
A. I think that’s constantly changing. In that as soon as I accomplish one thing I want something else. It’s part of the perfectionism that helps to make us such good athletes. It doesn’t take away from what I’ve done. If we get to go to Kentucky and do well there I’d love to help the team get a medal at Worlds. But success comes in many ways. Chequers won his preliminary division at Red Hills. I picked him out and have huge success picking good horses. The judges agree how nice he is. And I just had a cross-country school with a student and solved a problem and that meant a lot as trainer and coach. Everything from a 3-star to preliminary to helping a student. Success comes in many ways.

I’ve been riding with Phillip Dutton for six years. I’ve been lucky to ride with so many people. Over the years Philip has taken my riding to next level and made me a better competitor, not just a better rider. Part of that is the work other people have put in but Phillip has brought the best out in me. It was ready to come but he brought it out. He’s not just a good trainer but also a good friend and a good horseman. I owe lot of my success to him.

Q. Anything you want to add?
A. The ony thing I can think of, and it’s been said before, to have success is not just about me. It’s about the whole program and team. One of the most fantastic girls works for me, Katie Strickland, and I couldn’t have done Red Hills without her. She keeps me going and keeps the horses going. I’m riding multiple horses and teaching and can’t check every boot. It’s important to have a good support system of vets and farriers. I’ve got a fantastic crew in the barn and then of course the owners. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them. My job is wonderful but I don’t make enough money to pay for all the horses. There needs to be some outside help and to have people that love the sport so much just support me and the horses to go as far as they can go is amazing generosity.

If you want to follow the World Cup tour that Mara Dean kicked off with her win on Nicki Henley see below. You can have a world tour of your own!

World Cup Tour Schedule

1. Tallahassee (USA), 5-7 March
2. Kihikihi (NZL), 2-4 April
3. Sydney (AUS), 7-9 May
4. Marbach (GER), 7-9 May
5. Chatsworth (GBR), 15-16 May
6. Tattersalls (IRL), 27-30 May
7. Strzegom (POL), 24-27 June
8. Minsk (BLR), 21-25 July
9. Rebecca Farm, Kalispell (USA), 22-25 July
10. Malmö (SWE), 13-15 August
11. Martinvast (FRA), TBC, 18-22 August
12. Schenefeld (GER), 26-29 August

For the Girls: The Best Jog Outfits

2010-03-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

Don't worry ladies, I haven't forgotten about you. I know that jogs on are the horizon for you as well. You'll look fabulous too! It's never to early to start planning and with Galway Downs right around the corner, The Fork nipping at her heels, and then (ahem) Rolex close behind you may need more than one look to go around. I hope these offer some inspiration.

Classic:

Allison Springer has won Best Turnout twice at Rolex. So she knows what she doing at a jog. She swears by a classic look that allows your horse to shine. This look it pretty and classic and is a hands-down winner (that said, I'd stay away from this if you're busty). But isn't the ruffle at the collar cute?! Want this look? JCrew!

If You Want to Make a Splash:

I love this dress from Ralph Lauren's 2010 Spring collection. It's sweet and reminiscent of simpler days. You'd get a nice swing at the hem during the jog but nothing your mother wouldn't approve of (or the ground judges). It also gives you a wide range of shoe options from flats to strappy sandals to something with a kitten heel (if you dare). Want it? Ralph Lauren.

Adorable:

If you think "classic" means boring and want something with a little more pizazz but don't want to scream "Look at me!" try this little number. It's sweet but with a touch of playfulness given the pleat down the center and the neat pockets (I love pockets in dresses!). The slight boat-neck collar is always flattering. Plus, you could even jog in those shoes! Want it? JCrew once again.

Chic and Practical

Let's be honest, jogging in a skirt or dress isn't always ideal. Sometimes pants are in order but don't think that means boring. These pants are super chic and comfortable. Pair them with flats instead of heels and you can jog all-day long. Sadly, lose that cute top, and go for something with a bit more coverage. You don't want to be flashing skin as you run by the judges. Something basic and black (that tucks in) will set those pants off well. Plus, they're dace and they used horses in one of their campaigns. Point for them.

Basic Black

The sister to the little black dress is, naturally, the little black suit. It's a basic and hard to get wrong. I you want something you can grab, go, and look great in, opt for this. Theory makes great clothes that have a way of looking polished and effortlessly hip all at once. Add some black flats (or sandals if it's warm enough) and, voila, a no-fail look.

Do you have any suggestions for sure-fire outfit winners at the jogs? Let us all know and comment below.

Happy Weekend!

2010-03-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

(via Olivina Atelier, photo by Jules Frazier)

This picture makes me feel like it's a good time to run away to join the circus what with the sun starting to shine a bit more. Regardless of whether or not you make for the circus or a 3-Day Event this weekend, I hope you have fun! Here are some Friday treats I thought you might enjoy:

Southern Pines II takes place this weekend and all your favorites will be there including Phillip Dutton, Mara Dean, and Boyd Martin.

I'm enjoying Eventing Nation's Bracket Battle of Event Horses. Who's your pick?

Southern Pines II is also the first in the PRO Tour Event Series and there will be some new additions like the Britches and Bling Saturday night party. A double whammy of cool.

I'm loving Dappled Grey.

Zara Phillips in a behind-the-scenes video for Musto.

SUCCEED is always doing good things. They started an ebay auction on behalf of Courtney King-Dye. Support her by buying items in the auction or donating something yourself! One of my favorites is the "I prefer flats" tote bag by Horse Shoes By Design.

The FEI's Event Rider's Association has launched a new website.

Plus, a few Three Days Three Ways interviews you may have missed in the hubub:

Robert Kellerhouse, Galway Downs organizer

Jim Wofford

Allison Springer

Happy Weekend!

Robert Kellerhouse: How the West Won

2010-03-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

Robert Kellerhouse makes things happen. It's sort of as simple as that. Galway Downs? Yeah, that's him. That Preliminary Challenge that created ripples across the 3-Day Eventing world? Him. Nominated as one of only six from the US to the FEI Eventing Committee? I think you know it's Robert. So I suggest you read more about this man who's not only defining West Coast Eventing, but is undoubtedly behind the future of our sport.

Q. Tell me a little bit about the work you do in eventing.

A. To develop nice events for people to compete at for all levels is my only goal. In 1995 I started assisting running a competition with my mom and Bert Wood who had helped a local hunt run a benefit competition in the late 70’s. They said, “Let’s run a horse show.” I was busy riding and doing my job, which was in finance. They started doing things and in our area we needed a level that wasn’t offered anymore. One of the organizers stopped running the version of the one star, which you had to do in order to do a two star. We started running it that week in October 1995. We developed that into a two-day event, which was a full phase: a one-star over two days. That would qualify you for a two star in the 1990’s.

photo courtesy of Robert Kellerhouse

Long story short that’s where we started and every year since then we’ve added every level that riders needed. We ran first a CCI one-star and two-star in November 1999. In 2000 we built Advanced. In 2001 we offered a CIC in the spring. In 2003 that CIC Advanced became the first World Cup qualifier in the Western US. In 2004 I started the Woodside Horse Trials and we ran our first event in May 2005 and we run three shows a year through Advanced. We run four shows a year down at Galway up through Advanced. From 2005-2007 we kept the same schedule and in 2008 we got rid of the World Cup qualifier but kept it a three-star. We added the three-day training competition and that was hugely successful. We took the team already coming for the CCI and had them run the classes for the training three-day. That’s become very popular in '08 and '09. We had about 50 riders.

In 2009 at Woodside I added the Preliminary Challenge class with $15,000 in cash and $15,000 in prizes. We had advanced but we ran the cash prize for the preliminary group for multiple reasons. It was an opportunity to let the adult amateurs and professionals ride against each other. It allowed the professionals to ride their young horses in restricted classes. We had about 1,000 people watching the evening show jumping. This year at Galway for November we’re hosting the first CCI three-star. It’s the first one in the Western United States. We’re doing it because our riders out here need it. And because my course designer is ready and we got a piece of property that’s suited for a CCI-length course. And we have fantastic sponsors that have stepped up. And all the rider support and we get unbelievable entry support.

We have one other huge reason that we’ve been able to keep our even successful: Trainers and riders have run a fundraiser for us. The trainers donate their time and use their professional services in clinic format. We had 150 people participating with Ian Stark as the headliner. That helps us make critical changes on cross-country and keep it fresh and interesting. You’re always trying to reinvent yourself every year. That’s been the last fifteen years of my life just chipping away.

Q. Where does your inspiration come from?

A. I like eventing. I always loved this sport even when I was a little kid. We used to spray the penalty zones around each jump. That was my job. It was always fun and the eventers were always down to earth and very normal people. I enjoyed the people and competition. I still ride and there’s something to be said for the kind of person who gets involved in the sport. It is a risk sport and it requires a certain amount of courage and skill to negotiate a cross-country course. It’s not so much about you against the person next to you. It’s about you and your horse against the element in front of you. It keeps you grounded. I just like it. It’s a great sport.

photo courtesy of Robert Kellerhouse

Q. Where are you taking the competitions?

A. It’s not any particular goal other than to continue to offer what the riders need and to keep doing a good job with that from beginner novice to the highest level. Our country deserves to have good events not just on the east coast. When I was younger I saw and stream of riders that were going to big extremes in order to be competitive. They were driving all over the place; it was ridiculous. I always thought if we had a steady group of successful events people could do it easier. We could develop our talent and keep them around. When I was competing back East in 1990 everyone said you had to go to England to be successful. Several people had training barns in Great Britain. Then when we were starting out events in the west the constant themes was, oh you gotta go to the East coast to be a good event rider. I bet you the sport is evolving more and more as we go on. That was 20 years ago and now we have Rolex doing a four-star and it’s fantastic, one of the best in the world. You’ve got this great event that gets people ready for World Games and the Olympics.

You’ve got a reason to keep the riders East and hopeful you’ll be able to keep them West. The biggest example is Gina Miles who took her horse start to finish out West and would travel for four stars, that’s it. She knocked out a silver medal in the process. It’s unbelievable: us having a silver medalist from California. And two years our Area 6 Young Rider won silver and gold. It’s been a lot of fun watching these guys do their thing. And our teams won. Amy Tryon went back to Burghley and did a fantastic job on her young horse. In 2009 she spent her whole spring in California instead of North Carolina and she did well so I was happy about that. Then we’ve got Derek Di Grazia doing courses at Woodside. It’s a tricky piece of property and he knows it like the back of his hand. We have Ian Stark at Galway who is fast becoming a very popular course designer in eventing. He’s doing his first CCI three-star at Bramham, in England. It’s their big CCI three-star in England. He was named course designer of the Year by USEA, which was a lot of fun. At the time he got named that he was only designing Galway. He takes his job, as does Derek, very seriously. Which is what makes them both such good course designers. We have a fantastic crew. We fly in guys from England and Canada. They’re all helping to make our events really good. And of course our scorers, our volunteers. We have an unbelievable group of volunteers and coordinators at Galway and Woodside. You get this gigantic team together and there’s nothing more cool to do than organize and event when you have that.

photo courtesy of Robert Kellerhouse

Q. How do you come up with these ideas? What’s your process?

A. People come to me with them. The Preliminary Challenge was Chris Shaw who wanted to sponsor a class with his riding apparel company. He owned a tack shop in Northern California and he wanted to sponsor a class and appeal to the masses. The calendar at Woodside, it’s worth running Advanced for sure but it’s not the best spot for the horses that will go back to Rolex or Bromont or Jersey Fresh because it’s in May and August. The August show is a fantastic event for it but it’s run concurrent to hunter jumper show that’s Penlow’s Circus Club Charity Horse Show. By process of elimination we placed it on Memorial Day weekend that was screaming for something special. We wanted to give them something to hang their hat on. Equine Insurance, Mushroom Matrix, CWD Saddlery, Sonoma Saddle Shop, and Custom Saddlery all sponsored. All these guys stepped forward and said we’ll help you do it. We never really had anything for adult amateurs. The reality is that preliminary is their Olympics. And it should be. Anyone who does prelim and does it well is a damn good horseman. That idea came from Chris like the idea for fundraiser clinic. $150,000 towards cross-country and that idea came from the trainers. They approached me and Bert, my course builder, and said, “How can we help?” Bringing Ian Stark in was Burt’s idea. Our clinic doubled in size.

These ideas evolved from having a bunch of people who are into the sport sitting around talking about it. My job is to try and implement it and not be scared. It’s always expensive to implement. Even the fundraiser, if it was a bust, would have cost me 7,000. I don’t want to do something once that is a waste of time. To be able to repeat it is the only way to go. If I can’t sustain it I won’t do it. There’s too many variables; the last thing you need is something that can’t repeat itself. We have land use issues and threats from the sport that happen so the number one thing you have to rely on is that it will work. We’ve been fortunate in making it happen.

Q. What do you think about when implementing your ideas?

A. I think about:

1) Will the riders receive it? Will you get an entry for it?

2) Can we run it without making the rest of the classes not as good? Will we make one class great and everything else suffer? That can never happen.

3) Can I pay for it? Can it support itself? That’s huge. There’s no doubt I’ve covered some big shortfalls from some shows that are still running. You can’t pretend that everything will pay for itself all the time. Some shows are money losers but you can’t just call it a day. You have to keep moving forward. If I feel like I can pay for it and the riders are motivated then we do it.

photo courtesy of Robert Kellerhouse

Q. Are there any successes that stick out in your mind in particular?

A. Even watching my wife’s own business flourish and watching her clients enjoy going to my shows. That’s gratifying. The shows that are successful. The staff and the volunteers. I like working with all of them honestly or I wouldn’t work with them. That’s the most rewarding thing. The consistent group of great people you run into in eventing. The one thing I’m most proud of is that we’ve been able to keep it going in a positive direction for so many years. That stands out in my mind. When you look back and how many ways I’ve been doing this. I had a normal job before I started doing events. 2004 was a big year. I got married. Woodside was coming down the road. Galway was going through a bankruptcy (the property not the competition). Do I keep doing the finance thing? But that’s boring. I may have made more money but it was not as fun. 2004 was a pivotal year for me. I’ve been fortunate to be able to go all in and have it work.

Q. What kind of people do you enjoy working with?

A. People that are into the sport. That’s the biggest thing. We work with all kinds of personalities, believe me. Everyone involved has a passion for the sport. That’s the number one thing. They could be someone who’s really mellow or stressed or whatever but as long as they have passion for the sport and they follow through on the things they say they’re going to do they usually work well with the group. Following through with the things they say they’re going to do is a huge one! That separates the people who like to talk about it and the ones who do it. There are a lot of doers in our group.

Q. Anything else?

A. I look forward to seeing riders come out to events and kick some butt at the World Equestrian Games in the US!

Robert Kellerhouse’s Galway Downs is coming right up this March 26-28^th. If you’re a West Coaster I bet you’re already going. If you’re not, you should! And if you’re not riding why not go and check it out first hand? This is a competition of the highest caliber and creativity. Hey, maybe you could even lend a hand and be part of that incredible volunteer group!

Eventing Radio Show Episode 68: With Zara Phillips and Oliver Towsend

2010-03-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

This week’s show has a British flavor with reigning World Champion, Zara Phillips, Rolex Grand Slam Challenger, Oliver Townend, British Eventing Chief Executive Mike Etherington-Smith plus Karen Dixon pays tribute to he multi-medal partner Get Smart. Listen in.

Eventing Radio Episode 68 - British Eventing:

Show Hosts: Chris Stafford & Lucinda Fredericks

Guest: Karen Dixon

Guest: Mike Etherington-Smith

Guest: Zara Phillips

Guest: Oliver Townend

News: Chris Hunnable has taken over chairing British Eventing’s Sports Committee from Chief Executive, Mike Etherington-Smith. Chris ran the Towerlands Equestrian Centre and also a number of successful Horse Trials. He also served on the Sport Horse of Great Britain board for four years. The Sports Committee is responsible for Rules, Training, Performance, Safety and Fixtures. The move also allows Mike to concentrate on developing the Business Plan and direction of British Eventing as well as realigning the structures and operating procedures that were started in 2009.

News: The intrepid British based New Zealander, Andrew Nicholson, won two of the three OI sections along with an Intermediate for a great start to his season. Stephen Way took the remaining OI on Secret Picnic.

News: Oliver Townend & Piggy French dominated the big classes, with Oliver taking the AI and Intermediate, Piggy finishing 1st and 3rd in the OI and runner up in the AI.

News: Dirk Grouwels, a 48 year-old Belgian rider, who was described as "an experienced amateur", was killed in a rotational fall on the cross-country at the Zutendaal unaffiliated one-day event in Belgium on March 14th. According to Tony McPherson, the FEI Safety Officer for Belgium, Mr. Grouwels' horse refused at a simple fence — the first part of a combination — the rider urged the horse on and it somersaulted over the fence. A doctor standing by the fence was at the scene immediately, but said Mr. Grouwels was killed instantly. Our sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Please visit our sponsors as they make this show possible:

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Listen Now, Download or Subscribe:

Red Hills Winner and Olympic Veteran, Mara Dean, with Icing Tips, Two Pet Peeves, and Why Every Minute is Important

2010-03-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

You already know that Mara Dean rocked Red Hills and posted the first win on the FEI World Cup Tour scoreboard. But what you may not already know is that she returned my phone call tout suite with enthusiasm for doing the interview despite a lingering cold and opened up for Three Days Three Ways and for you. She was earnest about her support of 3-Day Eventing, humble about her accomplishments (including the 1996 Olympics and the 1997 Pan American Games), and devoted body and soul to her horses and students. But I don't need to tell you that. You can find out for yourself! I hope you enjoy Part I of this inside peek into Mara Dean's life, tips on icing legs, and two particular pet peeves.

Q. What are the most important things in life to you?

A. It comes two-fold as a rider and a trainer and coach: to do the best I can with my horses and to give my students the most help that I can give. There are two sides to my life; there’s more to life than horses, so my family is very important to me. My family and my friends for sure. I have a husband, Peter Dean, and we live in Round Hill, Virgina. My parents are divorced but both remarried so I’m lucky to have four wonderful parents and they are some of my biggest fans and supporters. My Dad has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer so it has been made more clear that every minute you can have with them is important.

photo by Emily Daily

Q. How did you come to Virginia:

A. I grew up in Vermont and when I graduated high school I took a year off to get horses out of my system. I worked with Jane Hamlin and she recommended riding with a bigger name so I went south for the winter to do horses full time for the first time in my life. I ended up with Wash Bishop and spent the winter in Ocala and loved the situation so much I followed him back to Middleburg in 1992. I went home to Vermont for a couple summers but ended up following Wash. I didn’t get horses out of my system; instead I got them more IN my system. After renting some barns here my family bought a farm to help me start a business. I’m luck to have that support. The rest is history. Or, I guess you could say, that history is still being made.

Q. Tell me about the farm:

A. I feel like [Middleburg] been so developed in the last ten or fifteen years, we were lucky to get the farm and land. We got one of the last open fox hunting areas. We have 65 acres. We originally bought 35 that had two houses on it but no paddocks, no barn, and no ring so we could do it all how we wanted it. The lot next to us came available and now we have 65 acres total with two huge fields and run-in sheds. And we’re lucky enough to have neighbors who have 100 acres they keep open for foxhunting which is all my conditioning land. I’m pretty lucky. Kelli and Rich Temple bought the land behind us and developed a beautiful facility so we can share and that works well. I’m lucky.

Q. What’s it like on the farm?

A. It changes. For a professional I never have a huge number of horses or students. I’m a very private person and I do like my space. Most of the time the stalls are filled and I have a couple students who board and are on the program; the rest ship in and out. Some days it’s full of trailers and I’m teaching lesson to lesson to lesson and riding all the horses and other days it’s just me and my horses and a wonderful girl who works for me.

Q. Is there anything that you just can’t stand?

A. I certainly have my likes and dislikes but I’m pretty easy going and pretty likeable. It takes a lot to get me angry or pissed off. Usually I’m pretty level-headed and do my best to keep everyone happy and keep everything on even, smooth keel. I don’t like it when animals are mistreated. I don’t like it when you see on the news when people have to go without food. Just human nature things.

photo by Emily Daily

Q. Do you remember the first time you thought about horses?

A. I was lucky enough that I grew up on a small farm and my mom had horses. I was surrounded by horses. There is a family photo of me at two years old and on my pony. My parents bought a racing saddle and that was my saddle. My mom and dad are holding on to each side. I was on my first pony at two, so I certainly grew up on a horse. My mom was not a competitor but always had horses so it was always normal life taking care of them. Since she rode I wanted to ride and I guess was bit by the bug more than her. As soon as I found where Huntington Farms was I wanted to be working student. I would go to the barn in the summer and stay all day.

Q. Were there other things that captured your imagination in the same way?

A. My parents were great in that they wanted me to experience things other than horses. I played basketball and growing up in Vermont skiing was huge so I got into downhill skiing. But I got to point where I wanted to spend more time with horses and backed away from the sport.

Q. Why do you 3-Day event?

A. I think because of Huntington Farm. They ran a bunch of events and being a working student I would work and help put on events so got to see it. However, it was also a big dressage facility and Jane Savoi was based out of there and was one of my first instructors. I can’t say I saw eventing and had to do it. It’s more that’s what they did so that’s what I wanted to do and the more I did it the more I wanted to do it. After I went to my first event there was no question.

photo by Emily Daily

Q. What do you do to attend to your horse’s legs after you come off cross-country?

Ice is very important. As soon as my horse has reached preliminary they’re iced after cross-country if not after a gallop too. To varying degrees if have they have sore feet they’re iced in boot or bucket, if they don’t have foot issues then they’re iced in an ice boot. They are always wrapped. I poultice after cross-country but if they have skin sensitivity I use linements. I wrap after hard work to support them but I don’t go crazy with it. I don’t wrap them every night. After hard work they need the support. My young horses, like the prelim horses, go out at night so they get iced and wrapped until it’s time to go out. It’s better to go out and get circulation.

Q. Turnout is a big deal at competitions (and at home!). What is always a must for you?

A. I think it’s changed a little bit as I’ve gotten busier and have more horses. Wash [Bishop] was meticulous and there was hoof polish every time they left the stall and tail wraps on as we were grooming so they always looked perfect. I would love do to that however there’s not enough time or hands. I certainly like them to be clean and dirt-free. It drives me crazy when their manes don’t lay over. To fix that depends on the horse. For some it’s easy to braid and they lay over. I have some Irish ponies where braids don’t work. A wet towel laying over their mane while grooming is helpful. Hoods are also helpful; slinkies I call them. I put those on after they get braided and that helps everything lie flat. So manes and also keepers falling off the bridles. I hate to get on a horse and have keepers flapping. All the people who work for me learn that quickly!

Just want to throw a shout out to Emily Daily at the USEA for these wonderful photographs. Did you notice that they were ALL hers? She's a dynamic photographer, engaging writer, and wonderful person and we are lucky that she's at the USEA. Thanks Emily! Check back for Part II of Mara Dean's interview and the inside info on her horses (including Nicki Henley, letting go to gain control, and life off the back of a horse. If you're gunning for more on Mara this very instant check out her interview with our friends at The Eventing Radio Show.

For the Boys: The Best Jog Outfits

2010-03-17T04:11:00.000-07:00

Is it Spring already? It may not feel like it where you are but we are well into March with the big 3-Day Events of the season just ahead. Galway Downs will close March and hot on her heels will be The Fork, and then Rolex. And 3-Day events means jogs and jogs mean "What will I wear?". You can't be too prepared for all those jogs so I hope these looks offer a little inspiration.

Classic:

No one does classic better than Ralph Lauren. This look is sharp and confident. If you can't quite stomach the yellow vest (though I love it) try just losing it or swapping it for a gray one. Vests on men are in, but they're also a staple of the classic look (think Milan).

If You Want to Make a Splash:

Maybe you've done classic over and over again and want to so something a bit more brave. This look pairs classic with fun. You'd stand out at the jogs but, if you play your cards right, will come off as even more casually cool than the rest. As a side note: I'd lose the shades but keep the handkerchief. Stylish is cool but cocky is not. Want it? Ralph Lauren, if you hadn't already guessed.

Hip:

I love this look for the way that it downplays itself with the monochromatic khaki pant and tie but is, in reality, incredibly hip. The narrow pant leg, the skinny tie and crisp, white shirt all scream "I'm so cool I don't even have to try". Which is what you're going for at a jog. Want it? Thank you, Calvin Klein. (You can also get some great chino's at Stel's, one of my favorites)

One More Thing

I have loved these duffels and totes from Wm. J. Mills & Co. Sailmakers for years. They're so Nantucket-in-the-summer yet entirely practical for all the gear 3-Day Eventers lug around. Plus you can order them in your colors. Pretty perfect, I'd say.

If you have a tried and true jog look I'd love to hear about it. Tips and retail sources are welcome too!

Advanced Eventer Allison Springer's Tips on How to Bring Out Your Best and Invites You to Get Involved

2010-03-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

Allison Springer keeps it real, I tell you what. Part II of her interview includes down-to-earth reminders about balance in life, her rules on whining (don't), and remembering why we're out there tearing up cross-country in the first place (because you love your horse). She's like Oprah, only on a big chestnut named Arthur, and super cool. Plus, she dishes on the upcoming PRO Tour (starting this weekend March 19-21 at Southern Pines) and the new Pro/Am Tour. How cool is that?!

Q. Your world has not been limited to horses. Diving, physics, alpine skiing, student government, and college have all featured in your life. Why did you decide to pursue so many fields?

A. I think it’s just about balance in life. I am a happy person because I have balance. I have a group of good core friends. I have such a range of friends; a lot of them don’t even know anything about horses. And it’s important to me intellectually to have been curios about different things. I’ve been pretty curious about the world and have been an athletic person and enjoy doing things. Skiing has always been part of my family and growing up I can’t remember learning how to ski I was so little. Like I said, I enjoy athletics and trying new things. I’ve been skeet shooting a couple times and totally enjoyed it. I go golfing with my mom and dad. Not that I’m good at that, but I enjoy it! It’s about keeping a balance in life. I feel like I can tell the horse people that don’t actually have balance.

photo by Emily Daily

To be really good at this sport isn’t just about being a good rider or trainer but also having relationships with sponsors and clients. I’m on the board of governors at the USEA and am a founding member PRO [Professional Riders Organization]. I want to do for my sport. It’s not just about me winning a medal.

There’s a real misconception, and sports psychologists talk about this, that you think if you’re not toiling and miserable then you won’t get better. But that doesn’t actually bring the best out in you. You have to be healthy in your mind and healthy in your body. It’s about balance in your life. For me, I know I train the best and compete the best when I feel relaxed and happy. I can focus when I feel balanced and good in life. Period.

Q. How have you been involved with PRO?

A. I guess everything sort of begins at some point with a little bit of whining or questioning. Like, ugh, we could do this so much better. Or, these warm up areas are so dangerous. You keep noticing all these things. A trigger was Red Hills a couple years ago. There was just craziness on the Chronicle [of the Horse] chat room and negative stuff. I know it’s a great place for communication but people were talking about stuff that was untrue and because it was written down the rest of the world was taking it as truth. I got to the point where I thought nothing is going to change unless I do something about it. It always seems to be certain instances of a small group of noisy people saying stuff. If it’s true, great. But if it’s not it ends up becoming the truth. I felt like I needed to do something instead of complaining. I don’t have time for whining. If you’re whining, do something about it. We have one of the coolest sports in the world and I know how much my horses enjoy it and how everyone involved enjoys this sport. So I wanted to make it the best it could be. What can we do to improve things? It seemed to be a lot of riders talking and having conversations. Where would we like to see the sport going? What changes would we like to see? It’s not just about a pro tour or prize money. We want to build a better experience for everyone: riders, spectators, organizers, everyone. That’s how PRO became. It’s certainly one of the things I’m most proud of being involved in.

Q. How can eventing fans be involved?

A. Definitely join! There’s a membership level for everyone. We are having a Pro tour that will start at Southern Pines. We’re also doing a Pro/Am which is gonna be really fun. It will be a team competition so one pro and three amateurs will ride together. It’s a team competition so the amateurs get coaching during the event. It should be fun.

photo by Emily Daily

We want to improve sense of community in US. We’re starting a lecture series similar to what they do in Europe. It’s educational but also entertaining. Pippa Funnell does one, a bunch of riders do them. It’s really fun to go and watch, it’s not like auditing a clinic. There are some really cool things going on right now.

I felt like with USEA they were going down bit of bizarre path. We can’t sit back and complain about it if we’re not representing ourselves. The Pro Horseman’s Council started maybe three years ago, now. That’s really improved the balance in the USEA and how decisions are made. There’s a better blend. With PRO we’re filling a huge void between what the USEF has to offer and what the USEA has to do. We’re not working against them. There was some concern that we were trying to go against the USEA and that’s not the case at all. Everybody wants the same thing but if your voice isn’t out there then it’s not going to be considered. So that’s why being in the USEA was important.

It’s not just for pros, it’s for everyone. Everyone should join! Memberships start at $35.

Q. Do have anything else you want to add?

A. One thing, as far as wanting to be the best in any sport whether it’s the sport of eventing or whatever, it’s important to remember why you got into it the first place. It’s important for the Pros too. For the last couple [training session] gallops with Arthur we got to go to this secret spot that’s absolutely gorgeous. And I’m riding this horse who I love in the county. Everyone has to remember why they love this sport. The horses and their wellness are the most important part. Just enjoy your horse.

photo courtesy of Allison Springer

Arthur's-Eye View in England.

Watching Julia Mancuso in the winter Olympics was so cool. She wasn’t supposed to get a silver medal but in the start box she had a big smile and was happy and relaxed and did much better than expected. Do you think she would have been the same if she was stressed out and nervous? I mean, enjoy it.

Thanks for reading, as always. If you want to learn more about Allison check out her website at www.allisonspringer.com or look into PRO and become a member. Tell the rest of Team Three Days Three Ways why it is that you started riding or eventing in the first place by commenting below. I love hearing from you!

Happy Weekend!

2010-03-12T08:24:00.001-08:00

(image via Dappled Grey)

Happy Weekend Team Three Days Three Ways! A few tidbits to launch you into your Friday and the upcoming weekend. Good luck if you're competing, and see you round!

I love the Tom's shoes leading this post that are polo inspired (okay, and I have a thing for red shoes). Plus the short telenovela that comes along with it!

Jackie at Regarding Horses is vying for the World Equestrian Games Blogospondent and I say we rally around her. Visit her blog to find out more about it and give your creative input. Go Jackie! Plus, she posted a super cute picture of us which is a bonus.

The competition season has swung into action. Check out the USEA for a schedule.

If you're like me and think it's cool whenever horses are on TV then you'll want to tune in to HRTV this Monday, March 15th at 10:30pm est for highlights of the USET holiday gala fundraiser presented by SUCCEED & Wellington Classic Dressage. The event featured a whole slew of top-notch equestrians including Gina Miles, Hawley Bennett, and Cathy Wieschhoff with Karen O'Connor officiating. Who wants to miss that?

Did you read Allison Springer's interview? She talks about the training session with Katie Prudent this weekend at Three Runs Plantation in Aiken, SC and says, "She actually teaches the auditors as well. You can’t help but learn when you’re around her. Katie really talks to the crowd.Everyone should come and watch." I agree! Contact Sara Ike at sara.ike@usef.org if you want to go this weekend.

Happy Weekend!

Eventing Radio Show Episode 67 with Red Hills winner Mara Dean

2010-03-12T08:20:00.001-08:00

Mara Dean, winner of the Red Hills World Cup Qualifier tells us about her bonanza weekend, Jennie Brannigan reports on Sporting Days Horse Trials, and Lynne Bevan pays tribute to Horton Point. Listen in...

Eventing Radio Episode 67 - Mara Dean & Lynne Bevan:

Show Hosts: Chris Stafford & Max Corcoran

Photo Credit: Mara Dean by Emily Daily of USEventing.com

Guest: Mara Dean

Guest: Lynne Bevan

News: Red Hills Results

News: The HSBC FEI World Cup Eventing officials have adopted a new format for 2010.

News:Check out the band (The Fried Turkeys) that Max mentioned that played at the Red Hills Competitors Party.

News: Horton Point, the Bevan family's horse who carried Mark Todd to victory at Badminton Horse Trials as a catch ride in 1994, (at the age of 16 he was the oldest horse to win Badminton) has been put down, aged 32.

Please visit our sponsors as they make this show possible:

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Farrier Sean Crocker: Part of the 3-Day Eventing Team

2010-03-11T05:33:00.000-08:00

Our interview with Sean Crocker, farrier to the three-day eventing stars, continues! Keep reading for a key job often overlooked by horse owners, the most challenging foot to shoe, and why he’s still a fan of the 3-Day.

photo courtesy of Sean and Shannon Crocker

Left to Right: Shannon, Brodie, and Sean Crocker. A 3-Day Eventing Family!

Q. What don’t people think about when they think of your work? What would surprise people?

A. One thing that’s kind of interesting is it’s not always a good thing to have to teach the horse ground manners on top of shoeing the horse. That's something horse owners could pay attention to. It’s hard enough to shoe the horse, let alone worrying about the ground manners not being so great. It makes our job more difficult. Think about what we’re doing to their feet and the skill and the accuracy that you need when you’re driving in a nail. Fortunately you do enough of those types of horses that you get really good at it. You gain experience from it. It's another thing horse owners could probably help their farrier in.

Q. What’s the most challenging foot to shoe?

A. Traditionally your ex-racehorses, your thoroughbreds off-the-track, have the poorest quality of foot. It's difficult for nailing shoes on the thinner wall since there's more likelihood of quicking the horse. But nowadays you have technology for horses off-the-track and horses with poor quality hooves: you can put them in glue-ons. That buys enough time for the hoof wall thickness to come back. It's significantly different than foxhunters or draft horses who have good quality hooves.

Q. What’s your take on horses?

A. I’ve been so involved with horses for so long-there’s nothing more humbling on the planet than horses.

photo courtesy of Sean and Shannon Crocker

Sean jumping Waylon in the heart of horse country: Middleburg, VA

Q. What’s it like to be so closely involved with the upper-level eventing?

A. It’s nice to shoe for upper level event riders. I get to live vicariously through them. I can really appreciate and understand their triumph and heart breaks more than most farriers. There are parts of it I miss. I miss the competing part. I don’t miss the 7-day week /24-hour day part of it. I’m still such a fan. Going to 3-Days at some of these major competitions is really exhilarating. We try to make it rewarding too. When you’re at these major three-day events and you see the support that’s being given to riders and horses by vets and farriers at all hours it’s nice to see it come to a good result at the end of it. You feel like you’re part of the team.

Thanks for reading Three Days Thee Ways! Friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter too. Please do leave thoughts, questions, or comments below for me, your fellow readers, or for Sean. Thanks!

If You Build It, They Will Come: 2010 Radio Show 81

2010-03-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Chatting with the course builders of the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games Cross Country and Driving Marathon Courses, and a report from the US Jumper selection trials in Wellington...

2010 Radio Show Episode 81 - If You Build It, They Will Come:

Hosts: Samantha Clark and Glenn the Geek

Guest: Spotlight Show-jumper Angel Karolyi

Guest: Mick Costello and Aaron Rust

News: The first round of the US Show jumping selection trials for this year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are complete, and we have a long list of 15 horses that will spend the summer jumping in Europe, before the team is finalized in September.

News: Former 2010 radio show guest and National Champion Driver Chester Weber got his year off to a good start last weekend. Driving the team that he hopes to field at the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games later this year, Weber competed against an international field at the Sunshine State FEI Combined Driving Event at the Florida Horse Park, and finished the three phase competition 24 points ahead of second placed Jamie Fairclough. This is Chester's second WEG qualifying win, and he now heads to the Live Oak International in Ocala on March 24 -28th to defend his National Title.

News: Sadly, the reigning individual World Champion of Eventing, Zara Philips, will not be coming to the Kentucky Horse Park to defend her title on her fantastic horse Toytown this September.

News: There have also been some changes announced to the Reining Qualifications procedures for the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games.

News: The USEF Selection Procedure and Application for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Endurance Team are now available online at the USEF website, and the application to request a Wild Card invitation is also available.

News: Tickets went on sale last Friday for the Celebrity Chef series of dinners to be held each night during the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games at the Farmhouse, the charming and conveniently located restaurant within the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park.

News: The Purina Live from Lexington Contest is an opportunity for horse lovers everywhere to showcase their blogging skills for a chance to attend, and report live from, the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games, here at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

News: The Spotlight Lexington Festival, which will entertain locals and visitors downtown during the Alltech FEI 2010 World Equestrian Games, has announced Coca-Cola as it's newest sponsor.

Please support our sponsors because we would not be here without them:

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Wednesday Giveaway!

2010-03-10T04:32:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the first Three Days Three Ways Giveaway! I'm grateful to our first giveaway sponsor: Devoucoux. True story: I started riding in Devoucoux saddles when I was riding with Adrienne Iorio at Apple Knoll Farm outside of Boston. I fell in love with them right away because not only are they comfortable, they're beautiful. Riders like Sharon White and Phillip Dutton ride in Devoucoux saddles and use their products. Like these amazing hind cross-country boots that match the quality and artisanship of all Devoucoux products! They're leather with the prettiest buckles and a very functional rubber lining (think ease of cleaning!). I wanted to start things off with a bang so these are just the right note.

To win: Leave a comment below and visit their site www.devoucoux.com

Update: I wish I could give Devoucoux boots to everyone who left comments, there were so many worthy recipients! The name that came out of my hat, however, was Maggie. Please email threedaysthreewaysblog@gmail.com and we'll arrange to get you your beautiful boots. Congratulations to you and your OTTB. You will look divine at your first event this summer! Thanks to Devoucoux for such exquisite products and for being so generous in this giveaway.

Allison Springer's How To: Win Best Turnout at Rolex and/or Make it to the Top

2010-03-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful photo by Josh Walker

Arthur at Rolex 3-Day Event; jogs 2009

Allison's Mom says she's tenacious. And, you know, she is. We talked first on the tail end of her cold and a lost voice. We made it through about a quarter of the interview of Allison gamely pressing on before we agreed perhaps it was best for her to rest her voice and talk again later. So we did that and I got to finish the interview perched on the wooden steps of my barn after a lesson with Allison in Aiken, SC resting between Team Training Sessions. She talked enthusiastically about everything from her childhood, to her involvement in the Professional Rider's Organization, to how happiness happens works for her. So she was more than tenacious. She was an inspiration.

Q. What happens at training sessions? Can you walk me through one?

A. The training sessions begin the year before they put out the high performance list and developing rider list. The people that are on those lists will receive training. It used to be that developing riders got to do one or two days of lessons. It seems to me that they’re really trying to make our developing rider program a little better now and they’re getting more training. Last year [Captain] Mark [Phillips] started training them as well. It’s great they’re doing something more.

I do have mixed feelings about having him teach the developing riders. I’ve felt he should spend more time with riders on the high performance list getting them ready. I’ve liked what I’ve heard about what they do in England where you go to each of the riders’ farms and spend a day with them and ride a lot of their horses including their young horses. It’s funny, here they pick who’s hot on what horse and you get lessons. For the long terms and building a team and understanding individual rider’s needs. Not every rider is the same. Some need pressure, a kick in the pants. Some need training. This year they’ve been trying to get some more specialized help. In the past we’ve used Laura Kraut and Lauren Huff; they’re both really good showjump riders. This year we’re using Katie Prudent who’s my showjump instructor and one of the best horse people I’ve met. She’s amazing. We’re also using a grad prix dressage rider and we’re really taking all the horses to a whole new level of engagement.

photo courtesy of Allison Springer

Allison and Arthur dancing their way through the World Cup Finals, France

When the high performance list comes out there’s a conference call and we decide on what dates work and set a calendar. Generally that changes a couple times! They’ll schedule lessons. I feel like we’ve done something every week in February. It’s been a hard month. I’m excited Arthur isn’t competing this weekend and gets a few easy days.

It’s set up like a clinic where we have our ride times and come and take out lessons. It is open to auditors and it’s free for people to come and watch. Especially when Katie Prudent comes back in March. She actually teaches the auditors as well. You can’t help but learn when you’re around her. Katie really talks to the crowd. Everyone should come and watch. I think it’s March 16^th and 17^th

Q. You grew up in a place called Barrington Hills. What was it like?

A. It was amazing. It’s kind of why I’m doing what I’m dong today. I was blessed to grow up in that area. I owe so much of my riding to that place. Barrington is a North West suburb of Chicago. It’s a really neat place with a forest reserve and a park district with a riding center with indoor and riding arena. No one boarded but you could trailer in. They had such a dedicated riding community that Barrington Hills Riding Club kept an extensive riding system and from anybody’s place you could take a trail and get over to the forest reserve. I Pony Clubbed and fox hunted too. My playtime was with my friends cruising around on our ponies. I had a wonderful childhood because of that.

photo courtesy of Allison Springer

Allison Springer with some Barrington Hills fans

Q. Your mom uses the word “tenacious” in describing you. How would you describe yourself?

A. I think I’m very hard working. I’m very hard working! I’m very honest. Even if I have plans to go to dinner and I didn’t want to go I wouldn’t make up an excuse. I am honest. I think that I’m a happy person. I think that happiness is something you can choose to be and I choose to have a happy life. Everyone has problems. Everyone knows someone who has been sick or had tragedies and I’ve had them as well. Even with those things I choose to be a positive person and I choose to see the positive side. Even when something is tough or doesn’t go well like at a competition I choose to see the positive. That’s kind of me. I’m pretty positive and choose to be that way.

Q. A lot of eventers go to Aiken, SC or Ocala, FL. You go to both Wellington and Aiken. How did you make that decision?

A. My time in Wellington is all about me. I don’t take students down there and I might have some horses in training but it’s really the time I take to get the lessons I need and work a lot with Katie Prudent. I used to be not great in dressage and the winter I went to Wellington I started working with JJ Tate. I had been doing well at Advanced but I felt like I’d gotten to a spot where I ‘d been doing well, but how do you make it to the top? That’s a foundation thing. It’s the basics that make you the best. I went down to Wellington the first winter and I went thinking I know nothing and I want to learn all over again. I want to produce horses correctly and do it right. I learned so, so much. For two years I went for the entire winter. There was a chunk in my career where I didn’t have Advanced horses so that was a good time to do that. You can stay down there when you’re doing Intermediate but not Advanced. You can’t get the conditioning and it’s too far to travel to competitions. Aiken has so many more choices for competitions and so many more of them and the footing is great. So Aiken is the place to be in February and March.

photo by Josh Walker

Wellington is a totally different world. One of my best friends has a farm there so I can be a little out of the circus. It’s wonderful to spend time with her and it becomes a little more affordable. It’s done so much for my riding.

Q. Tell me about your horses

A. Arthur is competing right now and will go to Rolex [Kentucky 3-Day] this spring and trying to get on the WEG [World Equestrian Games] team this year. I’ve had him since he was five and he’s sort of a momma’s boy. He’s sweet and kind and a little spooky and tricky to ride, but honest. Some are spooky and nappy and naughty but he’s genuine and a superb athlete. He’s eleven this year and he’s a very sound horse and we just keep him happy with his ulcers and stuff like that. I have Burger-Destination Known-my gray horse. He’s a totally ham. He puts a smile on your face every day. Burger is more of the frat boy of the bunch. He’s hopefully doing some rehab work and then a trot program then flatting next month. He won’t make it to [Rolex] Kentucky, which is disappointing. We’ll go to Bromont and we’d love to go to Germany for the four stars but I own him so if I do that I’ll have to syndicate him. You know it’s not cheap to go into that sort of thing! He’s very ready to do a four star. We just sold Tiamo this week to a little girl who will adore him in Memphis, TN. We bought him to be a big horse for me or Katie who owns him but there was a question if he would really be a 4 star horse and if he’ll have the scope. He’s like my son I cry so hard when I sell a horse. Anything I sell is something I’ve had for a while and supposed to, maybe, be for me. But if they’re not going to be an upper-level horse I do what’s best for them. I just get so attached to them.

photo by Emily Daily

Allison Springer on Arthur

Q. You’ve won the Best Turnout award at Rolex. Any tips for the rest of us?

A. I don’t know. You’re going to have to ask Arthur about it! We call it 'The Most Handsomest Horse Award'. He’s this gorgeous liver chestnut but he has a harder time in Florida than in Aiken and gets that skin irritation in the winter. He’ll have hair growing in different colors through January and February. Last year he looked like someone threw bleach on him. But there’s something about Rolex: come time for the jog he’s just blooming dapples. He always dapples in Kentucky, I think he enjoys being there. I don’t know what he does, but come Sunday, we’re like--he looks good! We were surprised he got it the second year last year. They give you your cooler right after showjumping for the awards ceremony and we were like-- we won it again?

As far as turnout my style at the jog is more of a classic. I wear outfits that compliment my horse. I think a lot of people go to the jog and just get attention drawn to them. Some people look down right trashy. I think a classic, clean look that compliments your horse. We are athletes as riders but our horses are what we’re showcasing especially in the jog. It’s important to have that classic look. It is a ground jury who picks that award which is a real honor to win.

Want to go to a training session? You can! Call Sara Ike at the USEF at 908-326-1164 or email her at sara.ike@usef.org. Check back in for more from Allison Springer including creating balance and happiness in your life and why no whining is allowed! See ya soon.

Best of the Horsey Web: That's Us!

2010-03-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Helena Bakun and Glenn the Geek of The Stable Scoop Radio Show have really honored all of us (that includes you!) at Three Days Three Ways by including us in their most recent show: "The Best of The Horsey Web".

Are you not swelling with pride?! I know I am. Added bonus? You can get to know more about me, the person behind all this interviewing business, and just how horse crazy I really am! Tell me what you think of the show, the history of Three Days Three Ways, and where it could go from here by leaving a comment below. Thanks as always!

Happy Weekend!

2010-03-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

(image via Simply Marvelous)

Is spring around the corner? Will we be seeing scenes like this one soon? I'm hopeful for t-shirts, cold water fresh from a garden hose and long grass. While we wait I thought this might be of interest:

How neat is it that a whole heap of Three Days Three Ways riders topped the leader boards last weekend at Pine Top?

Leslie Law on Fleeceworks Mystere du Val (1st Advanced A)

Boyd Martin on Remington XXV (3rd in Advanced B)

Sharon White on Russian Roulette II (1st Open Preliminary 2)

Phillip Dutton on Vidalia (Open Preliminary 1)

Also,

Buck Davidson, writing for The Chronicle of the Horse, on what happened in Florida and a clever new safety vest.

The Aiken Standard puts the word out for an Olympic Gala to support the Olympic High Perfoirmace programs. Held at Phillip Dutton's farm: Red Oak Farm at the Bridle Creek Equestrian Development. Phillip and Captain Mark Phillips will both be speaking. This Tuesday at 7:30pm.

3-Day Eventing meets Nike with Frankie Thieriot

Keep up with Jan Byyny's progress through Sinead's blog. Team Three Days Three Ways sends love and positive thoughts.

Happy Weekend!

The Eventing Radio Show a la Three Days Three Ways

2010-03-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks! Three Days Three Ways has partnered with The Eventing Radio Show to bring you their amazing interviews. A perfect fit for us here! This first installment includes 3-Day Eventer Leslie Law, a Three Days Three Ways interviewee. Did you catch that one? If not, read it! Either way, tune in to hear him...

Former Olympic Champion, Leslie Law, is our guest this week fresh from his win at Pine Top and with a view to Rolex, Kentucky Three Day Event with 2009 Horse of the Year, Mystere du Val. Plus, why co-host Ashley Adams says, 'Don't Be Afraid to Ask!' Listen in...

Eventing Radio Episode 66 - Former Olympic Champion Leslie Law:

Show Hosts: Chris Stafford & Ashley Adams

Guest: Lesley Law

News: Twin Rivers Winter HT

News: Pine Top Spring Advanced HT

Please visit our sponsors as they make this show possible:

_________________________________________

Listen Now, Download or Subscribe:

Josh Walker's Method Behind the Magic

2010-03-03T05:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks for coming back for the second part of photographer Josh Walker's interview here on Three Days Three Ways. I know I'm not his only fan so I'm happy to have the opportunity to showcase his moving work and give you a chance to revel in it!

Q. What’s it really like behind the scenes at an event?

A. It varies from event to event but, I’ll take Rolex as an example. This will be my fourth or fifth year. Every year it gets better and better because you start to know everyone. You see Buck Davidson and Karen O’Connor and they say hi and know who you are. Not to sound star struck but it’s nice to go as a part of the sport that they are the top of. You’re helping progress the sport that they are reining over-so to speak. That’s one of the exciting parts of being behind the scenes at an event.

photo courtesy of Josh Walker

Then you interview people like Buck who’s been winning nonstop. You start to build a repore. It’s nice to have a conversation that turns into an interview and you get to share that with people. I was in Ocala filming for the Young Event Horse stuff and Karen O’Connor was there; she’s a legend, but she’s so nice. I was watching the dressage and she just walked up and sat down next to me and started talking. It’s cool. There are so few sports in the world where that would happen. It’s a very unique community. As far as the atmosphere for Rolex: exciting. For AEC [American Eventing Championships] I would say: so busy. You’re going in twenty different directions at one time. So many horses and riders and things that need to be done. Being a part of the staff you’re a part of everything. You’re not just taking pictures. If you need to unpack or organize merchandize you do it. Everyone is a master of many trades and you do what needs to be done and have your specialty that you’re really good at.

photo courtesy of Josh Walker

Q. What are you thinking about when you take pictures?

A. Gosh, it all kind of comes second nature now. I guess mood. It’s really one of the biggest things I try to focus on: to capture the mood. Taking into consideration the lighting, what’s the background, the angle it will capture. There are good angles but there are angles that are unflattering to a horse and rider. I like it when they’re looking in my direction. When they’re looking away I feel like viewers will lose the connection. It has a whole different dimension when you can see their eyes and the emotion and the horse really doing it’s job. When you find your angle you have to look at the sky and make sure you’re not shooting directly into a low sun. Sometimes it works but mostly you get a muddy backlit photograph. Usually it’s not as appealing as side light. I really like sidelight because it reveals texture-you can see all the muscles and veins in the horse. If it’s behind my back it’s flatly lit; I like to give it a little more dimension.

photo courtesy of Josh Walker

Once I’ve got my angle and light I have to look at the background and make sure it’s mostly neutral and not distracting. Second, that it’s far enough away to get that separation and keep horse and rider nice and sharp but the background blurred out to give it that nice soft quality that is unique to a photograph. After that it’s having the horse come through and getting the timing right. That just comes with practice. Another thing is how many jumps can you get, you know? It’s really hard to get more than one jump with trees. Or if it’s winding you can get only one or two fences. Where at Rolex you can get six or seven efforts in one short distance and you have a variety of pictures. One of the main differences between the way I shoot and a photographer that’s selling to the riders is that I try to get as many different angles and as many different jumps on the course since I’m trying to give an overall feel of the whole venue. It’s second nature after a while and the main thing is finding a rhythm. When I’m out there the first few horses I’m still trying to find a rhythm and where I’m supposed to be and capture this horse coming through. Once I’m in a good spot—it’s kind of like listening to a good album. When the horses come through you’re listening to the song. The horse goes by and it’s the break before the next song. Okay now here it comes again. That rhythm goes through wherever I am. You have to find that complex’s rhythm and stick with it.

photo courtesy of Josh Walker

Q. What photographers do you look up to?

A. Richard Avedon was my biggest influence. He did a lot of portraits of regular people on a stark white background. I did a project to mimic that. I had people hold their dogs up in front of a white background. There’s nothing to focus on so you really start looking at the subject. In the horse world I worked with Shannon Brinkman all last year in 2008. As far as capturing the mood and the beauty and the power and everything that makes eventing what it is-she was the person that revealed how to do that. She’s been doing that for 25 years and is one of the best in my opinion. Amy Dragoo, also. I love her work. She’s up in the Pennsylvania area. Also Amy McCool—on the West Coast and very artistic the way she captures it. Charlie Mann does different horse sports and sports in general.

from 'Dogs and Their People' series. That's love.

photo courtesy of Josh Walker

Q. Where do you want this to go?

A. This is where I want to be. I watch football on tv and other mainstream sports and I always admire the guys on the sideline but at the same time, I feel like there aren’t any other sports that are as unique or have that special mood and feel that eventing and horse sports do. There’s no other sport like it. I feel like it’s a pretty special niche to be in. I like where I am now. The only other sport I would go back to would be surfing. But it’s so hard to get into that. I’m lucky to get into this industry the way I did. I’ll stick around for a while.

I love the Brady Bunch look!

photo courtesy of Josh Walker

Q. What about when you’re not behind a camera?

I sit around and putter with my guitar and piano and record stuff on my computer. As far as type of music I like-lots. I tend to listen to things that you don’t often hear on the radio. I like to scan internet radio to hear independent artists, alternative rock, and movie soundtracks—scores. Those inspire me, I like that they’re so powerful. If you think about it if you watch a movie without the music it’s not as powerful without the music. If you took the music out it wouldn’t work. When you put the music behind it, it works. Long story short, I like the emotion in the music. I’ll seek out some of my favorite Hollywood composers—Hans Zimmer, James Horner, John Newton Howard.

Q. Anything else?

A. Literally and figuratively I wouldn’t be here without Emily. I got into the horse world with hard work. But she has been the number one inspiration to me in advancing so quickly as I feel I have.

photo courtesy of Josh Walker

That concludes the Josh Walker interview. I hope you enjoyed it. If you've fallen in love with Josh Walker's photography the way I did you can see more of it on his website: www.theredhorse.net. See you next time!

Amy Tryon on Poggio's True Character and Getting Ready for Rolex

2010-03-02T06:31:00.000-08:00

We continue Amy Tryon's interview with a bunch of stories about her experiences at the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event. Which is timely since it's coming right up! Plus she talks about Poggio's willingness to always try his hardest despite not being a natural to 3-Day eventing. It's hard to believe given their impressive career together!

Q. You retired Poggio last year at Rolex. How would you describe him?

A. He’s quite a charcter. I got him when he was five and he’s been a very interesting horse to train and have. Contrary to popular belief he was easy to train. He always tried his hardest. He was not natural at this sport and he’s incredibly long. He did it because of attitude instead of aptitude. He’s wonderful in the barn and wonderful to travel. He was had his own idea about doing things on cross-country and I had to get used to that. But he never thought of running out or stopping or not doing what was asked of him. He’s still at the house. I was so worried he would get kicked so we decided to buy him a donkey. He’s a very generous horse.

Above: Amy Tryon at the Athens Olympics

photo courtesy Dean Rutz/ The Seattle Times

Q. Did he like any kind of treat in particular?

A. He likes his ears scratched, the inside of the ears. He’ll like anything you feed him.

Q. What preparations do you make for Rolex?

A. You know when you’re on the way there! I have two young horses, Cold Creek and Leyland. Leyland did two 4-stars including Burghley. Cold Creek had most of the season off with a leg injury. They both had a little time off in the fall and started back working and did their first event at Galway [Downs]. They cantered quietly around intermediate to get their feet wet for first of season. I try to be up on fitness levels when I travel since I don’t know if the facilities will room to gallop. I did a lot of work at home before we left. Now they’ll do a couple horse trials not with the idea of going quickly or trying to win just trying to prepare for [Rolex] Kentucky.

Amy Tryon with Poggio and the girls

photo courtesy of Samantha Bergin

Q. Do you have any favorite parts of the Rolex course from the past years?

A. It has a great atmosphere to it. Jeanie Atkinson does an excellent job. For us it sets the tone so we always like to do well; it decides if you will qualify for a championship or not so it’s a little stressful. The crowds and great.

Q. What was it like the first time you competed at Rolex?

A. It was interesting. It was my first season I went and so this is when they still had the three-star. It was something I felt very prepared to do and the horse that I was riding was a very generous horse called My Beau. I knew if I rode him he would go well. It was great to do that and think how I could do better next year.

Poggio and his buddy, Jethro, all bundled up

photo courtesy of Samantha Bergin

Q. Anything you would like to add?

A. Thank you to all my owners and sponsors who support me and who enable me to do this sport because it’s not something we could do by ourselves. I’m very lucky to have a great group of supporters.

Thanks for reading Three Days Three Ways. Feel free to leave a comment and remember our Wednesday giveaways start next week!

Josh Walker: An Inside Peek at His Photography

2010-03-01T05:33:00.000-08:00

When I started writing this blog I spent a lot of time trolling eventing photography and I fell in love with several images. Then, about two months ago, I realized they all belonged to one photographer. Who, you might be wanting to know? Well, that would be Josh Walker. And you know what's even cooler? He works for the USEA so chances are he's snapped your photo as you've barreled across a trakehner or galloped across a field. So I figured he'd be a perfect interview: A brilliant photographer with the heart of an eventer and the eye of an artist. Plus (true story) he's engaged to Emily Daily who also works at the USEA. So sweet! Read on for more on the love of his life, one very focused Jack Russel and how he fell in love with photographing horses.

Above: This image comes from Josh's minimalism series. Somehow the stark background conveys even more of the emotion and power of cross-country. Copyright Josh Walker.

Q. Where do you live?

A. Well, I just recently moved to Kearneysville, West Virginia on the border of West Virginia and Northern Virginia. It’s nice; it’s about ten minutes away from where Sharon White lives and we have four acres and four ponies on those four acres. It’s a little farmette and the previous owners had it ready made for us. It was turn key, we’re just doing one thing at a time to make improvements: footing in the ring, extend the pastures. I’ve moved around a lot in the past few years and I’ve finally found a place I want to be for an extended amount of time.

Q. Are you in a relationship?

A. Emily Daily is my fiancé. I met her at the Chronicle of the Horse, I worked there about two years. In the Fall of 2006 she was the intern there. We worked together, she was on my editorial staff, we hung out outside of work as well and started to get to know each and we just kind of clicked. Horses are always something I’ve wanted to do and it’s something she’s always done her whole life. What she knows is such an attraction to me. She’s also very creative and is a great writer with a great sense of humor. It all came together and one thing led to another and we decided, hey, let’s do this for the long haul. There’s very few people that I can spend 24/7 with and not get sick of. We live together, work together, ride together. And I have yet to want to strangle her or anything.

Above: Remember how I said I fell in love with several images? This was one of them. It makes me want to gallop across a wide-open field and hear nothing but wind and my horse's breath. Copyright Josh Walker.

Q. Who are your pets?

A. We have two dogs. A Jack Russel and a Corgi. The jack is called Samson and the Corgi is Bailey. They’re interesting. Samson is a very focused dog, let’s just put it that way. If you have a ball or stick, nothing else matters. You can hold it in your hand and he’ll stare at it until you throw it. He’s a ball of energy. Bailey, you could say the same thing about him but with food. True story: he has eaten an entire leather belt. His main goal in life is to eat more. He spends most of his day lounging around until it’s time to eat again. But they’re good boys. They have been my photo subject a number of times. We have a cat, an ancient cat. Emily had her years ago before I even knew her. Her name is Wookie and she’s is a Himalayan without teeth or claws and she’s senile. But we love her anyway.

Above: Samson and his unyielding focus. Copyright Josh Walker.

Q. When did you start taking photographs?

A. To be honest I didn’t really pick up a camera until late in high school. I’ve always been into visuals and arts. I’d flip through a magazine to look at the advertisements. I always wanted to communicate visually. I grew up in Carlsbad, San Diego and at the end of high school I grabbed my parent’s camera. My friends were like let’s go surf so I took the camera and after surfing I started taking pictures and thought how cool it was to freeze that moment in time forever. It hit me then.

Above: A classic surfing shot. Copyright Josh Walker

After high school I knew I wanted to do something with visuals and photography. In college I found a neat program for photography and graphic design at California State University, San Marcos. So while I was there I met a lot of people who rode. Hunter Jumpers and eventers and I started becoming a part of that crowd. I hadn’t ridden up until this point. Every time I’d go out to ride I’d bring my camera and take pictures and go to shows and take pictures. When I did that I got the same feeling I got when I took pictures surfing—freezing time. I spent a year in Australia studying abroad. That’s where I studied photojournalism and how the whole industry works. I came back to California after that and had one more semester and graduated and found an internship at the Chronicle which is a funny story in itself since I had only been riding two or three years. Getting in there-some of the editors are A pony clubbers and had been on horses their whole lives-I don’t know how I made it through the interview process. I promised I would learn as fast as I could. I sent them pictures and a writing sample and they said we’ll give you a shot.

Q. Where all do you travel for work? What is your schedule like?

A. Last year I went to 15 or 16 different events which is a fair amount. That’s about two events a month and that ranges from local things in Area II all the way out to California and Galway Downs. It’s busy. It’s crazy. But it’s fun. I definitely enjoy it. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it. I do cherish my home time and my solitude but when I go out there I remember why I do it. It’s such a unique sport and capturing the unique feel, the power, the beauty is something I’ve always loved to do and now having an outlet to share that makes it all worthwhile.

Above: Of my initial favorites this was the very first. Love at first Connemara. I think it almost looks like an oil painting. Copyright Josh Walker.

Q. What’s your schedule like when you’re at a competition?

A. I’ll give you an example. The AEC [American Eventing Championships] is probably one of the busiest events that we do. A typical morning will start by getting out of bed at 5:30 or 6:00am and get enough coffee in us. I’ll hit the ring or the field at the first horse and pretty much be out there until the last horse goes. That’s half the day. Then I’ll go back to the hotel or stick around for the competitor’s party and take more pictures there. Talk to people, get quotes, take everything back to the hotel and plug in the computer and order room service or pizza. Then I’m up until 2:00am editing video and putting it on the website and doing interviews. You finally get to bed at 3:00am and get up at 5:30am to do it all over again. It’s an intense weekend. One thing that keeps me doing it is being out there and doing those interviews and capturing these pictures of people who are so happy to be there and loving their horses. It makes it all worth it to me. Not all events are like that. At some smaller events you get out there at 8am and last horse at 3pm you go back to the hotel get the pictures processed and done with work at 6:00 or 7:00pm and you get a regular bedtime. I appreciate those too!

I invite you to browse Josh Walker's photography and get lost like I did. Or check back here for part II of Josh Walker and some more of his unique work.

Amy Tryon Balances Olympic Medals, Losing Le Samurai, and Paradise in the North West.

2010-02-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

Amy Tryon was the littlest bit quiet when we first started our conversation, but then I noticed her infectious laugh that, sometimes, was practically a giggle. And she laughed a lot. She was enthusiastic when she spoke of her horses, the incredible support from her husband, Greg Tryon, and growing up in Seattle, Washington. There can be no doubt how much she loves the area, her horses, and her husband. She has a staggering list of laurels that includes a Team Bronze medal from the 2004 Olympics and a Team Gold from the 2002 World Equestrian Games. Then there's the seemingly endless firsts at major competitions, the acclaim of highest placed American rider at the 2002 Badminton CCI ****, and winning Jersey Fresh in 2008. I loved learning more about her and hope you do too!

Q. What do you like about eventing on the West Coast?

A. The best part is the fact that I feel like you can develop a young horse at a pace that suits the horse. I can take a five or six or seven year old and do the events they need. I can see them progressing and developing.

Above: Amy on Poggio

photo courtesy of Samantha Bergin

Q. Once ready what do you do?

A. I come out East once a year in Spring time and usually take the young horses as well as older horses so I have something to do every day. I work them into the appropriate division and try to go with what best suits their level. They get exposed to some of the bigger competitions.

Q. Why do you love eventing?

A. The biggest thing I love is the relationship you build with the horses. I’ve been lucky to have long careers with the horses and I usually get them off the racetrack. They don’t all get to be 4 star horses but just getting the satisfaction of seeing them go on to be good hunter or whatever-- it’s just fun!

Q. What’s important about you that you want your fans to know?

A. I think the hard thing is we all get so busy at events it appears we go from one horse to the next and there isn’t a lot of emotion; it’s hard to stop and chat. People derive a certain expectation that they see of your personality. I love it when people come up to me and I like to be approachable. People can come up to me and ask to walk a course--I love to help them do it.

Above: Poggio and a wild Jethro The Miniature Donkey

photo courtesy of Samantha Bergin

Q. What do you most value in others?

A. Definitely honesty. That’s the number one thing. Dealing with folks in business and trying to be honest with the owners--I think a lot of people have had a bad experience in equestrian sports where things haven’t been represented in an honest way. That’s a huge part of what we need to change about our sport.

Q. What has been the hardest moment you’ve ever had in eventing?

A. By far the hardest thing was losing Le Samurai at Kentucky. We actually don’t know what happened other than he took a bad step at the last fence. He ruptured the suspensory in the left front. We made the decision to put him down. He was a horse that was never happy in his stall; he never would have enjoyed life a year in the stall. The owner, Becky Broussard was fantastic and willing to do whatever we needed to do. She said whatever is best for the horse—we’ll do it.

Q. Your husband is Greg Tryon. How would you describe him?

A. He’s very good at helping me. He’s not a horse person but he is an amazing amount of support. I travel a ton and he never once put his foot down and said he can’t do it anymore. I’m gone 3-4 months a year and he stays at home, pays the bills, goes to work every day, runs the barn. We’ve gone on team trips and if anyone needs anything you just ask Greg to do it. He’s been a pillar to me in good and bad times.

Above: Team Tryon (Greg Tryon second from Left)

photo courtesy of Samantha Bergin

Q. Do you guys live on the farm?

A. We run my business, Maple Leaf/Amy Tryon Eventing and we live at the farm. We’ve been there about seven and a half years. Dee, the owner, rides and I help her with her horses. She’s very busy so we take over the management.

Q. What’s it like around your barn? Busy? Peaceful? Neat?

A. It’s a fabulous facility. We designed it from the ground up; it was a neat process. we’ve been in lots of barns all over the world. We have twenty stalls. About ten are my business and ten are boarders. I have three girls that help me in the barn with everything including cleaning stalls. We all do it all. It’s great, we’ve got a lot of turn-out pastures; they all spend at least 12 hours outdoors. I’m lucky to take care of my horses how I want to.

Q. Do you have any pets?

A. We do. Two terriers: Razzle and Jasmine. Razzle is a Border Terrier that we got in Pennsylvania when she was a puppy. She had a rendezvous with one of Karen O’Connor's dogs, unplanned, and so we got four puppies. They’ve gone to two of my students and my mom has one and we have one. She is Border Terrier and half Black and Tan.

photo courtesy of Samantha Bergin

Q. What was your childhood like?

A. It was fantastic. I grew up in Seattle. My mom wanted horses and never could have one. She got a pony for me and my sister when I was one and she was three. We grew up on a farm and did 4H and Pony Club, Western, English, and bare back. I started eventing when I was eight and went from there.

Q. What about what you do with your time out of the saddle?

A. Greg and I love to go to the movies. We just enjoy our time at home together. Everyone asks me where I want to go on vacation and I always say I want to be at home for two weeks! Just hanging out together.

Q. What about the weather in the North West?

A. It’s actually pretty nice because it doesn’t get too hot or too cold. We do get a fair amount of rain in the winter. It’s a great area to have horses and to keep them fit and healthy and live outside if they need to.

Q. Any favorite musicians or authors?

A. One of my favorite movies is Good Will Hunting and I only read non-fiction; I’m a weirdo. I just finished reading Mary King’s autobiography. I enjoy history. My husband was in the military growing up so I enjoy military history; I enjoy reading things that are true.

Q. You are on the road a lot traveling. What do you always bring with you?

A. I always have my dogs with me. It’s funny, every trip we do is different, it’s kind of goofy. I pretty much live in my trailer whenever I’m on the road and that’s great. I usually take one person with me to help with the horses. For the most part it’s a little bit of a break in the routine but nevertheless it’s a seven day a week thing. It’s hard, Greg comes and visits now and then.

Part II with Amy Tryon will post soon. In the mean time don't hesitate to leave your thoughts below or visit us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up with the eventing scoop. Don't you love Jethro-the-miniature donkey? Do any of your horses have little buddies?

Holly Hudspeth: Hard-Headed, Passionate, and Dedicated

2010-02-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

Part II of Holly Hudspeth starts now! More on Holly's riding philosophy, babies, and how romance translates in the world of 3-Day Eventing.

Q. Do you think being married makes life as an upper-level rider easier or harder?

A. I would say it’s almost easier because he’s very supportive of everything I do. He tries to come to every single horse show. It’s comforting to know there’s someone on your side. I had him listed as an owner on Stewie’s passport as soon as we married and that was important to him.

Holly and Chuck. I love Holly is practically glowing!

photo courtesy of Sandals

Q. What’s the most romantic thing he’s done?

A. He’s very romantic. When we got engaged it was on the beach and he had roses and strawberries and champagne delivered to the room. He’s a very thoughtful person. He was the one that found the trailer with the living quarters. He tries very hard to give me things and do things that are thoughtful.

Q. How would he describe you?

A. He always says I’m hardheaded. I think he would describe me as hardheaded but also dedicated and passionate about what I do.

Q. How does he feel about the horses?

A. Oh he’s very excited about it. Even though he’s never been a horse person. He knows now when I’m too slow on cross country. He's like if you’d done xyz you would have won-he knows enough to give me a little advice. It’s great to have him there and he truly enjoys watching us compete.

I love this picture because I think it shows Holly's spirit and pluck. Cute.

photo courtesy of Sandals

Q. What’s your philosophy on teaching? Riding?

A. The biggest thing is not skipping any steps. If there’s a hole somewhere you got to go back and fill it in. If you skip a step you will get caught out at some point. You have to be as well rounded as possible. If there’s a hole you’ve got to go back and fill it in. You gotta have your big picture.

Q. Is your barn organized or messy?

A. I’m a complete neat freak by heart. I’m very funny about my tack. The bits come off the bridles everyday to get clean. We wash the saddle pads everyday and the horses need to be groomed every day. That’s when you miss nicks and bumps when you don’t do that. I run a tight ship when it comes to maintenance on my trailer. I don’t do anything half ass to tell you the truth.

Q. Do you have any pets?

A. Chuck and I have two yellow labs. One is named Tug and the other Lance.

Above: Lance looking sporty

Q. Where do you want to go with Stewie?

A. Chuck and I want to have a family in 2010. So I’m going to get through Rolex and then we’d like to do that. After that I’d love for him to be my next Olympic horse.

Q. Anything else you want to add?

A. I love to cook and I love to be on the water. At the end of the day I don’t do horses 24-7 even though I’m competitive as I am. I like to do normal people things and that’s why Chuck is a huge benefit to me. He’d non-horsey and when you work so hard it’s nice to have a little reality.

If you want to get to know Holly even more check out her website, PRO (she's a board member), or go to Eventing Nation for some more coverage. And feel free to post comments, ideas, reactions, and thoughts below. The more the merrier!

2010-02-24T08:28:00.001-08:00

This guy is on the streets of New York but rocking a Barbour jacket. Country meets city. I like that. I have an adorable Barbour hat I got in Ocala last year but this picture makes me want to get a jacket to go with it. Then watch Rolex in the pouring rain. Do you wear Barbour?

(via The Sartorialist)

Sean Crocker: Eventer and Farrier "To the Stars"

2010-02-23T05:35:00.001-08:00

I had the luck to sit down with Sean Crocker (as some have said, Farrier to the Equestrian Stars) in the kitchen of his and his wife’s “Just Enough” Farm in Middleburg, VA right after he’d flown back from Wellington, FL. Our conversation began amidst a toddler (that would be cute Brodie, see adorable picture later) clamoring over a snoring Doberman and surrounded by your not-so-average pictures, like the one of Sean show jumping with Blenheim Palace in the background. But these, to Sean and Shannon Crocker, are standard fare given their history as top Young Riders and Advanced 3-Day eventers training with the likes of Karen O’Connor and Jim Wofford. Sean has a way of making you feel right at home and that’s why, for two hours, we talked about eventing and shoeing and horses.

Above: Sean Crocker rocks it at Blenheim.

Note: This picture hangs in the Crocker's kitchen. How many people can claim a family picture like that?!

Photo courtesy of Sean.

Q. Where did you grow up?

A. Massachusetts. We moved to the Cape when I was seven. My parents built a house on the Cape and my Dad was into horses. He was on mounted police. We had an eight-stall barn and four acres. A lot of land for Cape Cod. The lady across street had horses and I would sneak off across the street to ride them. I was nagging her everyday. I started in show hunters and with summer camps then started going to unrecognized events and got totally hooked after doing cross-country. When you did jumping you got judged for clearing jump, not how pretty you looked. In show hunters if your horse touched a rail you got penalty; you have to look really pretty and have good equitation, which I never really had. My first major three-day event trainer was Mike Plumb; he was in Dover, MA. Then after that I worked with Jimmy Wofford and that’s when I moved here. From Jimmy’s I went to Southern California and worked for a wonderful family out there. They had a farm in the middle of suburban Los Angeles. The father was a landscape designer and architect. They got a lot of horses off the track and were into racing for some time. They were a big influence on my life as far as getting me exposure in eventing and experience riding and training a lot of young, green horses; or trying to train them!

I got to a certain age and I thought it’s hard to make a decent level trying to be an upper level event rider. At that time I was living in Pennsylvania, which is probably the most competitive event trainer area. Phillip Dutton and Bruce Davidson are both there. A great vet friend of mine put me in touch with a guy (who’s actually Phillip’s farrier) to apprentice with him. I did that for three years and then moved down here. I met Shannon before I started my apprenticeship in the winter of ’03. She was wintering in Florida with the O’Connors, which I think she had done two or three times. I apprenticed in Pennsylvania with a guy named Dave Kumpf. It’s very similar to this area with lots of sport and performance horses. A lot of really good farriers. too. There’s a world reknowned farrier school at the University of Pennsylvania at the New Bolton Center that started in the mid to late 60’s or early 70’s. A lot of really good farriers came out of that program and Dave was one of them.

I apprenticed with Dave up in Pennsylvania and when I moved here I apprenticed with two local farriers. The more you work with the more you learn. It’s kind of like riding and being a competitor: The more people you clinic with the better rider you’ll become. There are plenty of ways to skin a cat, so to speak.

Q. What do you learn when you apprentice?

A. It depends on what farrier you apprentice with. I was fortunate enough to apprentice with mostly event horse farriers. It gave me knowledge on how they should be shod. There is definitely a difference between disciplines on how you shoe them. You have to fit eventers that are constantly going over all kinds of terrain differently than, say, a dressage horse, who will be ridden in a dressage ring. With event horses you want to keep the toes a little shorter, keep the break-over further back since they’re traveling at higher rates of speed. At the same time leaving plenty of heel support because of going through mud and sometimes rocky terrain. It varies so much. You can actually get away with shoeing a horse of a professional a little differently than the horse of someone with a little less experience. You know, the professional is riding the horse always in balance and well put together. Being in balance allows you to fit the horses a little bit fuller, which means putting them in a little bit bigger shoe. You’re always striving to get the feet bigger and want to allow for expansion of the hoof capsule, which helps them with soundness and movement.

Q. What’s a journeyman?

A. Journeymen is a certification program through the American Farrier’s Association (AFA). It’s an examination with a pretty detailed written and forging part where you have to make certain types of shoes and traction devices. It’s not an easy examination. I’d like to do it at some point. They have also a plain certification where you shoe a horse up front or behind and they judge you on trimming foot, the balance of the foot, shoe shape, shoe fit, and you have to do it within certain amount of time. Journeymen have to shoe a horse all the way around and make all four shoes from straight steel. The shaping is actually really good practice and experience because you’re not surprised very often because there’s thousands of different shaped feet and sizes.

Q. What do clients need to know?

A. What sticks out, and it’s one of the simplest things on the planet and I was brought up with, is I’m amazed at how many people don’t pick out their horses feet. It does help tremendously. All that mud gets caked up in their foot; it can dry out the hoof capsules. It’s such a simple thing that people seem to have forgotten. Pick out their feet when they come in from field. I always joke around: The horse’s feet get picked out once a month-- when I come!

The Crocker Family from left to right: Shannon, Brodie, Sean

Also, a lot of people tend to bathe excessively. I know it’s hard not to do especially not in Northern Virginia in the summertime. One of most important things for feet is controlling moisture--as far as having too much moisture in the feet in the summertime. Combine the hard ground with humidity and their feet will practically disintegrate, and that makes it hard for shoes to stay on. Also making sure that there’s enough moisture in their feet in

the wintertime when everything gets so dry. I remind people that it’s like taking care of your hands-moisturize in the winter. I tell people to use Cornucrescine. It’s like a paste that you rub or brush on at the coronary band. That seems to help keeping their feet moist in the wintertime. In the summer I discourage people from doing that. When their feet get really soft it’s the difference between driving a nail into an oak board versus corkboard, or balsa wood. That’s pretty difficult to deal with as a farrier. It goes back to the shoeing and making sure the fit is pretty precise. When their feet are that moist if they’re going to pull a shoe off they’ll take ton of foot with it. I think this is by far the hardest area to shoe horses mostly because of the climate. Virginia is unique. There’s even a huge difference between Virginia and Pennsylvania. There the soil is more loam-based: a sandier soil. The feet will hold up better in an area only three hours north. Red clay becomes pretty much concrete.

How much do clients need to know? What resources are useful?

The American Farrier’s Journal is a pretty good resource. It’s hard, you want them to be educated but you don’t want them to recite articles off the internet about what needs to be done with their horses feet. There’s a time when they need to know what’s going on but then step back and realize that you’re the professional and need to do your job. To allow me to do what I need to do to help the horse.

I'd love to know your thoughts, ideas, whims, and whimsies so feel free to comment below. Also, this interview first appeared in The Chronicle of the Horse so check them out too!

Holly Hudspeth on an Eventer's Valentine's Day, The Grease Soudtrack, and Never Doing Anything Half-Ass.

2010-02-17T05:24:00.000-08:00

Q. Why eventing?

A. I think mostly for the thrill of the cross-country. The whole all-around dynamic of doing a triathlon and how difficult that was inspired me. Having the all-around athlete: I liked that more than focusing on one discipline.

photo by Josh Walker

Q. What characteristics do you most value in others?

A. I would say, especially for my friends and people I work with, trust and honesty. That’s hands down the biggest thing that I admire by far.

Q. What about in yourself?

A. To be dedicated and passionate about the things that I love whether it’s Chuck [her husband] or my horse or my teaching. I like to have a drive and I’m a very driven person. That would be the biggest.

Q. What do you think is the most important characteristic for an event horse to have?

A. Resilience is a big one. And I would say not just brave. When I think about Stewie, he's not a flamboyant mover but he’s so athletic and he’s so intelligent, and he's come so far with his movement. You’ve got to have a horse that can make decisions if you make a mistake. Having a horse that, come hell or high water, will look between the flags is number one. You can always work on the dressage and show jumping. They’ve got to have that heart and the desire.

Q. What is international travel with horses like?

A. It’s exhausting. That’s the word that comes to mind. We flew out of Canada one time and New York another time. You fly the horses over and you get through quarantine, and get a rental car. Germany was fine but England--you’re on the wrong side of the road! It’s seems fun and glamorous--and it is very fun to compete in other countries against people like William fox –Pitt. You’re completely out of your comfort zone and it’s good to experience that if you have the desire to go to something like Worlds. You have to experience it off your home turf. I don’t regret it even though it was exhausting.

Q. Do the horses take it well?

A. They handle it very very well. When they come home they get some time off. The fly surprisingly well.

Q. Any tricks to make the time go past or to make the trip better? (music, books on tape, etc). What items do you always travel with in your truck to competitions?

A. I love my Grease CD. That’s what I listen to when I’m ready to fall asleep. Bare Naked Ladies or AC D. I love country; I listen to it all day. Toby Keith is my favorite. I love Toby, and I love Sugarland. Those are my two favorites.

Q. What pieces of tack or equipment are critical for you?

A. My favorite thing is a breastplate, it’s what I always use, all the time. Whether it’s dressage or anything, I don’t know what it is. I have to have one. My other favorite piece of tack is my Stackhouse dressage saddle. Everyone loves it. But I have a gazillion products I have to bring on the road—apple cider vinegar for washing the horses at the end of the day and 2-in-1 Head and Shoulders. My horse has to be super clean. Whenever they get a bubble bath that’s what I use. The vinegar is a wash when I’m done. It gets rid of soap scum and sweat that you miss when bathing them. Fill a wash bucket with water and half a cup of vinegar. It makes their coat nice and shiny.

Q. How was this Valentine’s Day special for you?

A. I was at a horse show and Chuck was with me. My present is him being there. I’m thinking about getting him a wallet. He needs a new wallet.

Q. Fill in the blank: “You know you’re an eventer when….”

A. You know you're an eventer when….you get new tires for your dualie for Valentine’s Day.

Boyd Martin’s Top Secret Tips for Valentine’s Day Success

2010-02-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone. We have a special edition today straight from the horse's mouth (hah!). "Boyd Martin’s Top Secret Tips for Valentine’s Day Success" as dictated by the charming, the debonair, the suave (who else?): Boyd Martin.

The Gift.

For any male event rider it’s important that when you start the yearly Valentine’s Day present-buying scheme that you start low. You want to start with your bar low. My advice is to spend a maximum of $12.00 on the first Valentine’s Day gift. Some might find this a bit cheap. But there’s a science behind my theory. For example, the first gift I got Silva [Martin] was a CD rack from Walmart for $12.00. This does two things, guys:

1) If the girl hangs around you know she likes you for sure. Because you’ve given her every reason to love you and leave you.

2) The second is that if you start out with a CD rack for $12.00 the following year, twelve months later, if it’s the same woman, you need to upgrade your present to more like $15.00 for something a little more classy. Maybe some CD’s. No matter what she’s gonna be impressed since it’s such a huge step from the year before. If you start on year one with the diamond ring, or the Rolex, or a diamond bracelet, no matter what happens you can’t outdo yourself. Even a beautiful bunch of roses and she’ll be disappointed.

So start low and start a little cheap. And this will indicate if she likes you. If you do this and upgrade your present year to year eventually down the road you can ease your way into the more expensive jewelry presents. If you start with the fancy jewelry from day one you’ve given yourself nothing but an uphill battle to try and impress your lady.

Boyd winning again on BaileyWick.

Photo by Josh Walker.

The Dinner.

It’s the same technique with the dinner. The first year try and start pretty basic. Your Hungry Jack’s or Wendy’s. You might get an odd look or a stand-off feeling from your lady on your first Valentine’s Day but that’s okay. Next year you can go to Applebee’s, after that, a slightly classy bistro. After 10 or 15 years in your quest to impress this lady you’ll end with a classy restaurant. If you start with the classy restaurant you’ve locked yourself into a life sentence of hundreds of dollars.

Final Tip.

Lastly, my advice to young event rider guys coming up: If you ever receive a Valentine’s Day gift from other parties it’s my recommendation that there’s no crime in recycling the present to other rider’s in the industry.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Stay Warm with Hermes

2010-02-10T08:06:00.001-08:00

photography by Camilla Akrans (via Dustjacket Attic)

Don't they look cozy despite the snow? It makes me want to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate next to my sweet mare. Stay warm in this weather!

Susie Hutchison Puts Her Best Foot Forward. You Can Too.

2010-02-04T15:51:00.000-08:00

We wrap things up with Susie Huchison here with an impossibly cute puppy, what's really going on on the inside, and some really, really cool pictures.

Q. Are you in a relationship?

A. I’ve had a boyfriend for twelve years. He doesn’t have much to do with horses. I guess he’s kind of the calming one to come home to when all else is crazy. He has that calm easy way about himself. I hold a lot inside. I think I appear to be calm on the outside. A lot of people don’t realize there’s a lot more emotion going on inside than I tend to display. I just had a dog die on Thanksgiving. It had cancer but I thought we’d get through Thanksgiving. He died in my arms. It makes you appreciate every day and appreciate the people who are around and be happy and healthy and do what you want to do. If you’ve got your health you’ve got everything.

Susie's adorable, new puppy

photo courtesy of Susie Hutchison

Q. Do you find it hard to balance a professional showjumping career with relationship/ life/ etc?

A. Well, it depends on the person. My boyfriend puts up with it! It’s really different now than it was. It was much better then. It was eleven shows a year to try to get medals. The shows would be two weeks: Del Mar, Santa Barbara, etc. There would be all the different disciplines. It made it so much more special. The Oaks, when it first started, had three days of three classes a day, and grad prix at the end. Now they’re cookie-cutter horse shows with the same classes at the same venues. I’m tired of it all really. But I take that back--if you have a top grand prix horse. The amount of money you can win is incredible: $1,000,000 at Spruce Meadows. For that aspect it’s fabulous and makes having a top horse worthwhile.

1978 All Women's Nations Cup Team

Left to Right: Dianne Grod, Linda Allen, Anne Kurzinski, Susan Hutchison

photo courtesy of Susie Hutchison

Q. Do eventers carry similar patterns in their showjumping or is it really person by person?

A. It’s person to person. You ride cross-country the way you ride showjumping: there’s a gallop between fences, there’s a balance the horses need to maintain, and you ride the distance to the fences. The top riders do that. I’ve helped quite a few of the top event riders-they ride to a distance and the horse has to be balanced and that has to carry through.

Q. Do you feel like the mental focus is as important as the physical skill?

A. For me it is. I can’t say that for everyone. Everyone finds a different way of getting themselves organized and directed. I definitely spend a lot of time focusing. I watch a certain amount of horses and then I ride the course over and over again in my head until I feel I’ve ridden it perfectly.

Susie on Bionic Woman jumping 6'9", 1984

photo courtesy of Susie Hutchison

Q. So there are eventers and showjumpers out there who want to be as great as you are. What should they do?

A. Today it’s harder than ever before. But never give up. Get on like Jennie’s done and ride anything and everything and put your best foot forward in front of everyone you can is the way to go about it.

photo courtesy of Susie Hutchison

For the Love of Horses and of Style

2010-02-03T07:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's not an interview. But it's beautiful. A little something to nurture our inner fashionista and our love of horses. All at one time. Lovely photography by Andre Paul Pinces for dace.

(via Black *Eiffel)

Susie Hutchison with a Bridle-Less Horse and the Trust of Eventers.

2010-01-30T09:35:00.000-08:00

I'm huddled under a blanket wearing a down vest and my cat is curled in his basket complete with heating pad. We're cold. But on the other end of the phone line Susie Hutchsison is bright, perhaps reflective of her sunny, Temecula, California surroundings. Despite the chill I'm excited to be talking with this legendary showjumper who is the friend to so many eventers. Her accomplishments as a rider are too many to list but include winning over 30 grand prix showjumping competitions, competing in a multitude of World Cup Finals, winning the 1989 Mercedes Challenge Series (Mercedes included) and in 1992 winning a Cadillac as the American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year. To see the full list of her accolades and accomplishments visit her website at www.susiehutchisonstables.com. Or keep reading to get the inside scoop from the first showjumper on Three Days Three Ways as well as how she got where she is today and her tight connection with eventers.

Q. You started riding when you were five. What piqued your interest?

A. My older sister and I went to summer camp in California. The school horses from Flintridge would spend the winter at the riding club and the summer at camp. We followed the horses. We lucked out; we were pointed in the right direction and had the right instruction. Jimmy Williams was the main trainer and mentor of mine and produced numerous trainers on West and East coast: Mary Marsha Poe, Anne Kursinski, Robert Ridland, Franny Starmavol. He was the man to be with and we were lucky enough to have the experience of being trained by him.

photo courtesy of Susie Hutshison

Q. You were clearly driven--becoming a professional at 18 with wins under your belt like winning the Junior Hunter division at the National Horse Show at 12. Where did that come from?

A. I pretty much knew this was the direction I would go at 16. I lived on the riding club property for 18 years and trained with Jimmy and stayed with him at the riding club past his passing away. It’s the combination a having the right trainer, having the right horses, and having the right parental support. I was also lucky enough to have the talent. I was the kind of kid that rode every horse that came through the gate. I’d teach at 6:00am until 7:00pm with the addition of riding a ton of horses. We’d have 11 top shows we’d do- we weren’t on the road week in week out like we are today. Jimmy was so open and he himself was exposed to different disciplines: dressage, saddle horses, you name it. He influenced us to be open mined. When I was a kid those different disciplines were at the horse shows together. I’ve done some reining and cutting: minimal but love it.

Center: Susie Hutchison; right: Jennie Brannigan

photo courtesy of Jennie Brannigan

Q. What about the event world?

A. The event world is fascinating. They all tell me it’s scary to ride to the showjumping jumps, but there’s no way I’d go riding to those solid jumps. That’s more scary! We help each other. I ask them what keeps them from feeling confident showjumping and give them more confidence. The lack of knowledge causes fear. If you have knowledge of what you’re doing and can pursue it and execute it then you’re no longer fearful. Without the right horse no matter how good you are you’ll never be at the top. It takes the two. You are only as good as you are mounted. The good event horses sometimes aren’t the most careful showjumpers. It’s a wonderful sport. But it’s a very difficult one in that you need to be the best at all three disciplines. That’s what’s so good about it. Going back to Jennie, she worked for me for a year-such a talent and so much energy. She was like a sponge. But she also had a lot of natural talent, she observed a lot and rode anything and everything in that barn. If you want it badly enough…I’ve watched enough kids and junior riders that I never thought would be professional but got there. You can have a horse with a lot of heart and rise. I would take that horse over one with a lot of talent but not enough will to put out that extra drive. To me it’s more about the heart and the try.

Q. You’ve won a lot of Grand Prix on a lot of horses including Red Baron, Bugs Bunny, and Cantano. Do any stand out to you?

A. Samsung Woodstock, he belonged to the Korean company Samsung. He’s buried in my backyard. I rode him at the World Equestrian Games in the Haugue. We went to four World Cup finals, he won me four automobiles, and we were 4^th in Sweden at the World Cup. He was a fantastic horse. He came from Paul Shockumeiler, one of the biggest horse dealers in Germany.

Susie with Samsung Woodstock, the 'bridle-less horse'

at the World Equestrian Games

photo courtesy of Susie Hutshison

He’s got a lot of character. When we got him he didn’t want you in the stall, he tried to kick, he bucked after the jumps. He was kinds of a brat. We got him well schooled and he went in a bridle without headstall, just a ring around mouth. He showed all over world. People called him the bridle-less horse. We could ride him without a bridle. People were amazed. Had been sold at auction in England. A lot of the top British riders hated him and we bought him for Samsung and he turned out to be a horse that took me all over the world. There wasn’t a course that I walked that I didn’t think we could jump successfully. I think people are lucky to ever have one horse like that in a lifetime. I was lucky enough to have quite a lot of nice horses. America 1; Bugs Bunny was great but didn’t stay sound; Cantato is coming along. He’s green but hasn’t been able to prove what he’ll be. We started the world cup qualifiers and he should be in his prime in the next two years.

photo courtesy of Susie Hutchison

Q. Obviously the world sees you as one of the top showjumpers in the world. How do you see yourself?

A. I see myself as having been a really lucky person to have been exposed to the people I’ve had the luck of being around trainer-wise and the horses in my life that I’ve had.

Part II of Susie's interview is coming soon. Check back for part II!

Phillip Dutton Part II: Reflecting on a decade and the secret to his success

2010-01-24T07:03:00.000-08:00

Here we go with Part II of Phillip Dutton's interview. He walks us through the great moments of the last decade, how eventing has changed, and what's in store for us in the decade ahead. As well as the secret to his success! Sweet.

Q. What were your favorite moments of the last decade for you or the sport?

A. Well, that’s a tough one. I guess the last decade started in 2000 on the gold medal-winning team in Australia. Being part of that is one of those things in life you can’t replicate: winning gold in your home city. Being involved with sport and seeing it grow and change; to become US citizen was a tough moment, and a big moment, to go through with it and be a part of US Eventing Team. Those were the highlights for this decade.

Photo by Sarah K. Andrews

Q. Safety was a big issue over this last decade. After so many years of eventing—why now?

A. I think it’s the way we are today. Obviously you watch the NFL and concussions are a much more discussed part of commentary now. Especially with the numbers of the people coming into it and the coverage with the internet and with things more public. I went to the USEA Hall of Fame dinner and they had footage of the sports in the early days. It was horrendous, some of the stuff that happened. It’s a sport where you gallop over fixed obstacles; it started out as training for military. It was not some easy sport. We’ve come such a long way in terms of safety. The sport does need to get safer, there’s no question. So we need to make some hard decisions.

Q. What kind of changes do you expect to see in eventing in the coming decade?

A. Well, I think that eventually we’ll have to go to collapseable cross-country jumps. At the moment Craig Thompson, the president of PRO [Professional Rider's Organization], is working on that and I agree with him. The two main ways horses are killed is through heart conditions or accidents on cross-country. We need to do as much work as we can on both of those. If the jumps collapse that would take away a lot of those accidents, especially the rotational fall. The technology isn’t quite there, but almost. You can still make an imposing jump with collapsible technology, but if you make a miscalculation it wouldn’t be a situation where the horse comes to dead stop and it’s catastrophic. It’s just the same in NASCAR with accidents–there are big changes to make it much safer. I like to think that a great rider and great horse will still win. The ones who make an error, we hope, will not pay the ultimate price.

Photo by Emily Daily

Q. What are your plans in the next decade for your own riding career?

A. Well, ten years, it’s hard to say. I can’t keep going on forever. I’ll always be riding and competing at some level. I’ll have to look at what opportunities come up and see. I want to keep competing at the highest level forever but there’ll be a day when I have to scale back. I feel like I’m riding well and have great owners, so can keep going for foreseeable future.

Q. What riders do you have your eye on as making their move in 2010?

A. The thing is, with a riding career you can’t just charge ahead in one year–you’re trying to build your career so you’re not just a one year person—build it so you’re a force in years to come. A lot of riders out there are coming up that way. It is exciting there are some up-and-coming riders and talent. The one thing that riders need to look at is developing the horses themselves. There lies a little worry about that. I question the horses getting off the track don’t have enough talent for today’s sport. A lot of times if you get a horse they’re being sold for a reason. If we can bring along horses a lot better and produce horses a little more like people do in England and Ireland. Unfortunately this sport is not set up ideally for it. It’s expensive. There aren’t little events that are cheap. There is pressure to push the horses, so horses are pushed a bit too much, too early on and you don’t see the benefit. Also, as riders, effort and energy can be put into the wrong kind of horse that doesn’t have the talent to be a force.

Photo by Emily Daily

Q. You were the number one rider eleven times including 2009. So what’s the big secret?

A. Well, I guess, you gotta be consistent. To have the fortune to ride a lot of horses and a lot of people behind me. I came to this country with one horse and slowly but surely built that up. Consistency is the name of the game. Having the ability to have people support you and make sure that they’re enjoying that and staying behind you and being a part of the sport. It’s not just being a good rider, but having someone who supports you and wants to spend money on you year after year. You gotta look at each person and see what they want to achieve. Some people want to know the horse and be a part of it and maybe they enjoy watching you train. Everyone is different. Some people like to go to the big events. A simple thing is, when they come to the event, make sure they enjoy it and are a part of it. Letting your owners enjoy the day out and when they come away they’re enjoying going to the next event.

For more information on Phillip Dutton check out his website at www.phillipdutton.com. And be sure to visit Three Days Three Ways on facebook and twitter!

Phillip Dutton: Ends 2009 on top, wins Coach of the Year, and the horse who changed his life

2010-01-22T07:03:00.000-08:00

I talked with Phillip Dutton at 9:00am while he and the rest of his True Prospect Farm in West Grove, PA were packing up for Aiken, South Carolina. I'd been told by more than one rider that he was a man of few words, but of words that mattered. And they were right. He was also kind, thoughtful, down-to-earth, and (thanks to his home country) had a great Australian accent. Phillip topped the USEA scoreboard eleven times over the years, including 2009. The USEF named him one of two 2009 Coaches of the Year (alongside George Morris). He was on Australia's gold-medal winning team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and has represented his home country in three Olympics and four World Championships. And in 2007 he represented the gold-medal winning United States team in Rio de Janiero at the World Games, taking home an individual silver to boot. There's more, but I'm running out of space and you're eager to get on with it. So let's. For more just go to Phillip's web site at www.phillipdutton.com.

photo copyright Nancy Jaffer

Q. What characteristics do you most value in others?

A. Well, I guess, reliability and honesty. A sense of humor is nice to have.

Q. In yourself?

A. It’s important for me to be a good dad, be the best at the sport, and then be as successful as I can be; to be a good sportsman and help out some others that are coming along; and to keep an eye on the people who have helped me along the way like coaches and owners and vets.

Q. How did you first get into horses?

A. I come from a farming family in Australia so we had sheep and cattle and horses. My grandfather had racehorses and I did okay with them so horses were always part of my life. One thing led to another.

Q. What do you like to do with your time when not in the saddle?

A. Well, you know, we have three young girls so most of it is family oriented. Most of our time after horses revolves around school or sporting events for the girls or activities they want to do. At the moment they ice skate and our eldest is into track.

Q. How did you meet your wife?

A. She came for a lesson. When I first moved over here she was one of the first people I started helping.

photo by Sarah K. Andrews

Q. How would your wife, Evie, describe you?

A. Over all that I’m a good partner for her and we’ve gone through a lot together and raised a family and she’d be proud of what we’ve done.

Q. After a long day on the road what kind of dinner would you wish could be sitting on the table waiting for you?

A. Coming from Australia I grew up with meat and potatoes. So lamb and steak comes to mind first. As I’m getting older I’m getting more health conscious. I try to hold off on those so they’re not that regular. There’s pretty much not any food I don’t like if you get to know me.

Photo by Emily Daily

Q. Who are your top horses?

A. At the moment we have Woodburn, who just did a horse trials with but who has done Kentucky and Burghley. Tru Luck who was 4^th at Bughley. Kheops Du Quesnay is going to Kentucky for the first time this year. Foreman is coming back from injury, he was very successful before. My elder statesmen, Connaught, who went to Olympics and has won a lot.

Q. What are they like in their personalities?

A. Woodburn is probably not the friendliest horse you’ve ever seen, he’s a bit on edge. Tru Luck is a real happy go lucky kind of guy, he enjoys life. Kheops Du Quesnay is changing: he’s mellowing out and enjoying the training, he’s pleasant around the barn. Foreman is meek and a little shy but once you’re on he’s pretty forward. Connaught is a pretty strange character and pretty opinionated about what he wants to do and what worries him, but he means well.

Below: Phillip on Tru Luck, a "happy-go-lucky guy"

Photo by Emily Daily

Q. What do you look for in a horse? Is there anything that would put you off a horse?

A. I’m not real keen on lame horses, that would put me off. Obviously I’m looking for an athletic horse who’s a good mover and good jumper with good self carriage who carries himself easily without having to work hard at it. The mind is so important so you can work with the horse. Soundness, obviously. Most horses, if they’ve got talent, they can make it as long as they can stand up to it.

Q. Is there one horse who really captured your heart? Why?

A. Well, True Blue Girdwood was my first horse that I brought to this country. He basically set up my career. I’ve heard people talk about things in your life that, if you didn’t have them, your life would be changed. For a lot of people it’s college. For me, my life was changed by that horse. For what he did for me and set me up and got me started here. There’s been so many horses over the years. Heckle Hannigan was a horse that had incredible talent and an incredible personality–he was like a person. Unfortunately he passed away a year ago.

photo by Emily Daily

Q. Do you have any pet peeves about the way a horse gets turned out for competition?

A. I think, like anything, you need to have pride in what you do and how you look. But, like anything, you can take it too far. A balance has to be there. There can be an emphasis on turnout and appearence but also the way your horse goes.

Part II of Phillip's interview will post on Sunday with a look at the past decade---and the one ahead. If you want to read more on Phillip or his horses check out his website at www.phillipdutton.com.

Watch Your Back: Max McManamy Part II

2010-01-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

It's part II of 'Watch Your Back' with the USEF's 2009 Youth Rider of the Year, Max McManamy. Read on for advice on gaining a foothold in the competitive world of young riders, how her family has stood behind her dreams, and one of the cutest puppies you ever could imagine. Congrats, again, Max. Way to make us eventers proud!

Q. What riders do you look up to?

A. I look up to all of them. I think they’re all amazing in their own ways. I look up to Jennie Brannigan, of course. She has done so much in such a short time with Cooper and Cambalda. Of the upper level professionals: Phillip Dutton always has so many four-star horses. Oliver Townsen, he’s on fire right now. Lucinda Frederick, I love that little mare she rides. I think she’s full of fire and she’s so cute. She’s an amazing little horse. I love little horses. Devon is 15.2. I have always had a thing for little horses and when I see them out there doing well it just makes me happy.

Below: Lucinda Frederick on her little mare, Headley Brittanica

photo by Josh Walker

Q. What qualities do you see in them that you want to replicate?

A. All of those riders are so driven and so talented at bringing up horses to the four-star level. They love what they do and their horses love it. They’re masters. It’s a pleasure to watch them ride.

Below: Gina Miles and McKinleigh

photo by Shannon Brinkman

Q. Who are the famous event horses you love?

A. Headley Brittanica, McKinleigh (Gina Mile's horse, see left). I’ve ridden him and he’s an amazing horse. Theodore O’Conner. Little horses! I love Cooper, of course. I liked Custom Made-he reminds me of my horse a little bit, Beacon Hill-the classic event horse who loved the job and what he did.

Q. What qualities do you have that make you a successful competitor?

A. I think the support that I’ve had has really helped. My mom has been behind me 110%. She’s been my biggest supporter. My step dad, who passed away in 2007, was a big supporter too. He sold his motorcycle to help buy Beacon Hill. He really wanted me to start my eventing career and get me off my pony and onto a real horse. They’re support: I think that’s what really keeps me going.

Q. What would you say to other young riders out there trying to get a foothold?

A. I would say taking it slow. So many people are pushing themselves these days. It’s just as cool to win young riders at 17 as it is at 21. Don’t rush yourself, take it slow, be ready and prepared. That would be my biggest advice for anyone at any level.

Q. What about going forward? Will you keep riding? Go to college? Go abroad?

A. That’s kind of the daunting decision right now. I’m definitely going to go to school. We’re just trying to figure out how and when and where. I might stay here for another year and finish out a couple more classes at community college and transfer to Stanford or EC Davis or something around here. Or I might immediately go into a 4-year school back East. Or there’s a great school I’m looking into called Hartpury College. It’s an amazing school in England with a riding program. They hold 3-stars at the school. I don’t know how that would work out. I don’t know if I would take both or sell them or take one. I have to think about leaving my mom and all that stuff.

Max on Beacon Hill

photo by Brant Gamma

Jump-off round

Q. Dogs or cats?

A. Dogs.

Max's puppy adorable puppy, Sailor

Q. Pink or blue?

A. Blue.

Q. Ford or Dodge?

A. Ford.

Q. Paint or bay?

A. That’s hard because I have one Paint and one Bay. It has to be a tie. No, I’ll say Bay because I’m picky about my Paints.

Q. Comfort food or salad?

A. Salad and veggies.

Q. Showjumping or cross country?

A. Cross-country!

Q. Rolex or Burghley?

A. Rolex.

Q. Ocala or Aiken?

A. I’ve never been to Aiken so I’m gonna have to say Ocala.

Below: Max posing with Project Runway

Q. Mare or gelding?

A. Gelding

Q. Anything else you want to add?

A. No, just thank you. I usually get nervous but you made it really fun.

If you want to know more about Max McManamy, her horses, or her amazing eventing career check back here at Three Days Three Ways where we'll be posting the video interview she did with the USEF for her big award. Coming soon!

Watch Your Back: Max McManamy, 2009 Youth Equestrian of the Year

2010-01-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

'Watch Your Back' is a new Three Days Three Ways series focusing on the hot young riders today. First out of the starting gates is Max McManamy. She's is so sweet and thoughtful you might be lured into thinking she's the kind of rider who cheers her friends on and then settles for whatever comes her way. But, in fact, she's the kind of rider who cheers her friends on and then promptly wins the blue ribbon. And you can't help but love her for it. Most recently she won gold at the 2009 Young Rider Championships on her intermediate horse Beacon Hill followed by winning the 2009 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year. Seriously? Yes. All I have to say is watch your back, this one is hot on the heels of the best riders today!

Max on her youngster Project Runway

photo by Josh Walker

Q. How old are you?

A. I am 17, I’ll be 18 this January 22nd

Q. Where are you from?

A. I grew up in a small town called Ojai, CA, where Tiana Coudray is from. It’s south of Santa Barbara. I live in Templeton, CA now, just south of the eventing facility Twin Rivers Ranch.

Q. Is your family supportive of your riding?

A. I live with my mom and when she was younger she was a horse crazy girl. She didn’t show much, she just rode. I was the first one

to event big time. I had seen videos and International Velvet. Once I saw cross-country then I really wanted to do it. My mom gets worried and nervous but she really trusts both of my horses. She used to get nervous when she would watch-- I had a horse that would buck me off almost every single warmup about the first year I had him. We finally got it all figured all.

Q. You said you have two horses. What are they like?

A. I have two very different horses. My current 2-star horse is thirteen this year. He’s a 17h dark bay gelding off the track named Beacon Hill. I did my first Training event on him when I was fourteen. He’s been the one to show me all the ropes, he’s been such a great teacher for me. He has a heart of gold and is a cross country machine. I recently won Young Riders on him. My up-and-coming young horse-- he’ll be six this year. He’s a Trekhaner gelding named Project Runway. His barn name is ‘Devon’ and he’s out of Darren’s stallion Windfall. He was Reserve Champion at the Young Event Horse competition in the four and five year olds. He did his first preliminary at Galway Downs this past November and won the dressage. By rider error I pulled a rail and so we finished 3^rd. He is a total puppy dog. If he could, he would come home with me and sleep at the foot of my bed.

photo by Josh Walker

Max and Project Runway

Q. What about school?

A. I was homeschooled since 3^rd grade and once I went into highschool I’ve been doing independent study. My close friends ride with me. I take classes at community college to get high school and college credit. I started riding pretty much before I could walk. The first time I fell off I think I was two. I got bucked off. I decided there I wanted to ride.

Q. What’s your schedule like?

A. Riding takes up all my time during the day. I have classes in the morning and then rush home and ride my horses and some others then rush back to class till 9:30pm. Then I do homework and go to bed and start the whole process all over again the next day.

Below: Max and Beacon Hill

photo by Emily Daily

Q. Who do you train with?

A. I was training with Gina Miles for about three and a half years but I recently started training with the Di Grazia’s. They are two and a half hours away. This last summer I would stay home monday through friday and on weekends I would stay with them and take both horses. It’s hard work but I love them. They’re great, they have been my young rider team coaches since 2007. They’re fantastic trainers and coaches and people. It’s like a big family.

Max with good friend, Jennie Brannigan

Q. What was the vibe like at the Young Rider’s Championships?

A. I thought it would be really competitive and tense but it was so fun. Everyone was there to do their best. It’s a team competition so it was great getting to know my teammates. I’ve made some really great friends and they’ve stuck with me since then—like Jennie Brannigan. I didn’t know her at all until 2007. In 2008, that’s when we really started becoming closer. She’ s a really great person. I really respect her. She’s a great rider and a great friend.

Q. Is conditioning a horse for a 3-Day very different than for a Horse Trials?

A. Well it kind of depends on the horse. For Beacon Hill, I pretty much do the same thing because he’s a thoroughbred and he’s natuarally so fit. One gallop for him equals three for another horse. He doesn’t need to be too fit or he’s a little too wild. My young horse is just now getting into the conditioning part of his career. Because he’s a Warmblood he’ll do more-he’s much littler. It also matters where you’re competing. In California it’s all flat. If you go back East it’s all hills and rainy and wet and grass and slippery and hot and humid. Here the weather is pretty much the same.

There's more to come with Max. Check back soon for her favorite horses (think mighty mouse!) and how to catch a foothold in the competitive world of young riders. See you soon!

Jo and Kevin Part III: Type A's Jumping Over Fixed Obstacles. Raise Your Hand!

2009-12-30T06:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to Part III of the USEA interview with Kevin Baumgarder and Jo Whitehouse. They wrap things up here with an analysis of what really happened to the long format and what will happen in the future--and what you can do about it!

Q. What do you love so much about eventing?

A. Jo Whitehouse

Well I come from England! When I was growing up in Pony Club we did cross-country, hunter trials, and fox hunting. Galloping cross-country was the only thing that anyone ever wanted to do. I fox hunted in England and we did lots of twenty meter circles but it was that cross-country! I had a childhood to die for. Then I was able to enjoy my daughter’s childhood. People say did you make her do this because you loved it? You don’t understand, nobody could make my daughter do anything. My late husband was a glider pilot and he was keen for her to do that. She went up with him several times but the horses always pulled. She’s not riding now, she’s finished grad school and earning a living now but I’m sure the horses will drag her back.

Q. What happened to the long format?

A. Jo Whitehouse

Below: Sydney Olympic mascots

It was a combination of things. It started after Sydney. We’d been going through this prior with some changes in the ‘90’s. You couldn’t give two medals for one performance. We had to have two types of competition. Barcelona was the last competition that had the rider that won the individual and one for the team that won the gold. At Atlanta we had the first individual and team. Prior you rode as team and an individual and could win gold for yourself and the team with one performance. The sport was competing against lots of sports for place in Olympics. The US has fielded a team for the Olympics every time since 1912. Suddenly there were these rumblings about if it was a sport so they came up with the two types of competitions. One was individual and one was team; they were there in Atlanta and

there in Sydney. That’s why David was so lucky to have two amazing horses in Custom Made and Giltedge (see right: David on Giltedge ponying Custom Made; photo copyright by Nancy Jaffer). Two wonderful horses got an opportunity they wouldn’t have had before. We went to Sydney and there were rumblings about too expensive and too much land and we’ve got to change it. Jimmy [Wofford] and Denny [Emerson] will tell you it was a European push to have the Euro Warmblood breeds be dominant. But mostly I think it was the sheer cost of putting on the full three-day event. A mixture of that and a sport that was more suitable for specialized breeds. No longer could you get the thoroughbred off the track. Those amazing feats of bringing horse from way down in dressage and getting a medal couldn’t happen anymore. You needed the horse that could break into a 30 in dressage and jump clean in the showjumping. It started to be a different breed of horse that was excelling.

Jack LeGoff had developed a format for World Cup. The IOC [International Olympic Committee] and FEI started making manouvers to make sure the sport stayed in the Olympic Games and that’s when they took the CIC type of competition and developed that into something that could be an Olympic sport. And the speed with which it fell was, whoa! We found out that suddenly Athens was running into trouble with space. They had committed to doing a long format, as had Beijing, they were running into problems and if they turned it into short format they could save huge amounts of money. Athens applied to go short, then the next thing we knew Badminton and Burghley were short format. Before we knew it US was only place you could have long format.

Q. What's the benefit to the long format?

A. Jo Whitehouse

It’s two fold: they’re educational and teach the riders horsemanship. For those who want to learn that they are just amazing. The lower level people want that opportunity to develop those skills that the upper level riders have. The wonderful thing that has always been the case with eventing is that it’s given a lot of horses off the track a second career. The event rider tends to have the skills to work with a pretty highly strung horse. The long format allows them a place to shine. They don’t have to be the best mover that will get the 18 in dressage or jump a highly technical or high jumping course so this is the competition for them. That is an important thing: that the horses will have a place to participate as long as that is out here. And it makes it more affordable! It creates a playing field and a job for the off the track horse that’s more affordable and allows more people to enjoy the sport without pricing them out of the market.

Q. The long format no longer takes place at our upper level competitions. Should it?

A. Kevin Baumgardner

Back in 2004, I believe, I was the chair of a task force to deal with the issues that were FEI-driven pushing to get rid of the long format. We pushed back pretty hard back then. The place where we got traction was at the Training level and at the one-star level where the format has stayed in the US only. The FEI, in its wisdom, decided to eliminate from its rule book phases A, B, and C for the one-star which leaves us with no FEI long format events. It’s quite confusing.

There’s some question as to whether or not you can run those phases anyway. There are a significant number of members who want to continue the long format experience. It’s also some of the people who are officials and course designers who are concerned about losing the education in riding forward. We support eventing at all levels but what we want to get is an option for those who want to do the long format and get the education that comes along with it. It’s a great education in horsemanship. You learn so much in getting your horse ready and competing on the day. It’s a pinnacle destination. I’d put it more in that framework than should we have it at Intermediate or Advanced. Jim Wofford would like to see a parallel sport developed. We have a Preliminary long format USEA/ USEF and Training three day competitions which are doing well. Definitely what we’re trying to do at the USEA is help the organizers put on the event and promote the sports. T3D and P3D.

If you could reverse the clock, had I been in the position I’m in now, I’d be kicking and screaming.

Above: Kevin showing his stuff

photo courtesy of Kevin Baumgardner

I go to Rolex and it’s a 4 Star, short format, and it’s pretty exciting to watch. I’m not saying that there aren’t great short format events and that they can’t exist side by side. But I have my preferences and others do too. We are kind of a disputatious group. It’s a bunch of type A’s who like to jump over fixed obstacles. It’s good for the sport and sometimes it’s hard on us but we agree to disagree and more forward.

Robert Kellerhouse is a perfect example: the Fall Galway Downs has a **CCI and a *CCI short and Prelim * classic format 3-day and also has a Training 3-day classic format. This is the same guy who is thinking out of the box with the Prelim challenge. What he would tell you is there’s a lot of room to offer different hings to different people in our sport. That’s what we’re trying to do.

Q. How can the rest of us be involved in bringing the long format back?

A. Jo Whitehouse

Well, a number of things. Obviously participate. If you’ve got young horses put one on your agenda. Volunteer. The organizers, Penny and Brian Ross (amazing people), Becky Broussard and her daughter Sara, Robert Kellerhouse, they believe if they have customers that want them they will offer them as long as they can afford them. So they need entires, volunteers, and sponsors. Get involved ith your local long-format organizer. Call around to your local tack shop to give a prize to the long format competition. If you want this it will take an association and family of members to make it happen. If the members want them: enter them, support them. For us we’re promoting them, we can given them as much attention as the Gold Cup. We’ve got video, website, and photo coverage. We would also like to hear from members who would like to cover them for us. It would save us money if they can write them up and take pictures and help build their portfolios.

Q. Anything else to add or wish I’d asked?
A. Kevin Baumgardner
One of the things I think people need to do be aware of is we need to make sure land is kept open for eventing and horses. Get involved in land conservation. This sport is dependant on large open areas. The young people need to be aware of that! The future is positive for this sport; it is a great sport with great horses and great people. I'm honored to be apart of it.